10 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never Do

Eric Brennan

What's more important than saving as much money as possible when you're renovating or repairing your home? You can really maximize your savings potential when you do it yourself. While many DIYer's out there really know their stuff, these ten projects just shouldn't be performed by the average homeowner.

1. Second Floor Roofing- This project is self-explanatory. Getting on a second story or high elevation roof, you'll need the right training and safety gear to successfully navigate the terrain. It only takes one accident to be fatal.

2. Electrical Wiring- If you know a thing or two about electricity, you might not know all of the codes. Even if you were an electrician years ago, the National Electrical Code has significantly changed in the last few years.

3. Plumbing- Plumbing is an art form all unto itself. Without the right knowledge, skills and tools, your plumbing job just isn't going to be up to professional standards.

4. Sprinkler Irrigation- Stay away from doing your own sprinkler systems. These complicated waterways can easily malfunction if they are improperly assembled.

5. Framing- Framers need plenty of tools-and experience. Even if you've had prior framing experience, unless you have extensive knowledge of the local building codes, then chances are you're going to have a difficult experience with this don't-do home improvement project.

6. Soffit/Fascia- While hanging your own soffit and fascia isn't really a difficult job, many aluminum supply companies use their own installers. This allows installers to hang soffit/fascia below cost, making your savings obsolete.

7. Sod- Sod installers can really help save you money by hiring their employees to place the sod. Although this job may seem like a piece of cake, without a small army of workers, it could cost you a small fortune if you DIY.

8. Concrete- Although pouring smaller sidewalks and slabs isn't too big of a job for the average homeowner, pouring a larger slab, driveway or sidewalk can easily allow you to get in way over your head.

9. Air Conditioning/Heating- Air conditioning units and furnaces alike are complicated pieces of equipment that takes years of training to understand. Call in the pros for this project.

10. Appliance Repair- Let the experts handle this job. Appliances have delicate electronics that can easily be damaged by an untrained hand.

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Published by Eric Brennan - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Since 2005 Eric has written 2000+ articles and counting on everything home improvement, green and travel. He has written for such companies as DIY network, Huffington Post, DeWalt, AT&T, Tide, Small Home Des...  View profile

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