Completing a home improvement project yourself is a fun way to enhance your DIY skills while minimizing project costs and upgrading your home. However, there are some home projects that our real estate agents know are best left to a professional. Here are a few home improvement projects that you shouldn't DIY. 

• Electrical Projects That Involve Wiring
  If you want to upgrade your home's electrical system by adding a new connection or outlet, you need to call in a licensed electrician to confirm that the job is done safely and up to code. Electrical work that isn't done correctly can start a fire, putting your home and family at risk. 

• Projects Involving Plumbing
  While you may be able to replace a faucet or showerhead, more intensive projects need the assistance of a plumber. A lot of specialized tools are required to replace or repair pipes; the average homeowner doesn't have these tools or the knowledge and experience to properly use these tools. You may see DIY plumbing kits in stores that promise the ability to complete a project without special plumbing tools. These kits usually offer a quick fix and aren't intended as a long-term option. Trying to use them for long-term repairs or upgrades can lead to water leakage and costly water damage. 

• Roofing Projects
  There are a few risks associated with DIYing a roofing project. You run the risk of falling off your roof, resulting in injury or even death. If you replace your roof on your own and don't complete the work correctly, this can cause water to leak into your home. It only takes one small leak to cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. This also includes gutter replacements. You need several people to handle the materials and tools; it's usually more efficient and safer to let a pro handle the job. 

• HVAC Replacements
  When an HVAC unit isn't properly installed, chemicals can leak into your home, creating a dangerous environment for your family. Projects involving HVAC systems also have a high risk of electrical shock. This is why these projects are best left to a professional.

• Adding an Addition to Your Home
  Expanding your home's square footage with an addition is a long, labor-intensive project that likely requires several different professionals to properly complete and to be completed up to code and in the state of Oregon, requires pulling permits with the building department in your area. Depending on the addition, you'll likely need, at minimum, a plumber, electrician, drywall expert, and roofer. Most homeowners don't have the equipment, knowledge, or experience to even think of DIYing a home addition. An addition handled by experts is more likely to be completed in a timely manner and boast higher-quality work. 

While some home improvements and renovations make excellent DIY projects, there are a few tasks that you need to hire an Albany or Corvallis expert to complete. Many of these projects have safety concerns, require expensive tools, or are just more efficient to outsource. Ready to list your home? Contact us to get started!