DIY.

It is a craze that has swept America as popularity surges for home improvement shows designed to captivate viewers with remarkable home improvement projects.

After hours of watching Rehab Addict and Fixer Upper, it is easy to get inspired, pumped up even, to the point you feel you could single-handedly replace the entire kitchen vinyl flooring in just one afternoon.

And, of course, there is always the added motivation that comes from the knowledge that you stand to make significant cost savings which could be channeled elsewhere – probably get that leather recliner you’ve been drooling over, or maybe use the savings to supplement the annual family holiday kitty.

In truth, though, while most homeowners are tempted to channel their inner Nicole Curtis, most end up abandoning their home project midway while others wish they hadn’t even started.

Why?

Simply because some home improvement projects are not just WORK, but also because they require special tools, skills and expertise.

Here is a list of four repairs you may be wise to leave to the professionals, even if DIY is your life motto.

Doors

The importance of a home’s front door is often downplayed. While many just think of it in terms of security, a new entryway also transforms the exterior of a house while also allowing you to put a personal mark on your home.

Other potential benefits include an enhanced curb appeal, increased functionality and livability, as well as energy efficiency, believe it or not.

 

This obviously means this is a sensitive area of the house best left to a professional, despite how straightforward of a DIY project it may seem. A door that is not installed correctly can affect the unit’s beauty and performance, as well as leave gaps where air and heat can escape, and even void it of the manufacturer’s warranty in some instances.

It is also worth noting that in case the foundation or walls of your house are not level, which is not unheard of, chances are the door won’t be level also and will require an experienced hand to line it up.

Some doors may be simple to DIY but could become complicated depending on your particular situation, budget, and even the statement you wish to make. All in all, it is worth every effort to do it right, considering this is the face of your home.

Windows

Few areas of the house result to instant enhancement and boost curb appeal as much as new windows do. Today, we are privileged to have an array of different windows in terms of shape, size, material and color, options which allow us to give our homes a unique look and feel.

As with doors, new windows are also potentially cost-saving when it comes to utility bills. And that’s because about 40% to 50% of a home’s cooling and heating is lost through these two areas.

It comes as no surprise then to know windows are one of the design features prospective buyers are basing their purchase decision on these days, or more specifically, ENERGY STAR windows, if a survey by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) is anything to go by.

The study established that over 80% of respondents out of a sample involving 4,326 people considered the said windows desirable or essential.

In short, to fully harness the high energy cost savings, windows have to be precisely measured and correctly installed.

In addition to exposing your walls to water damage and possibly mold, any air leakage in or around the window or weak seals will lead to high energy bills at the end of the month, and this can really add up over time.

This is why, unlike a simple paintjob, window installation is best left to folks who eat, sleep and breathe this stuff.

Siding

The siding is another facet of a home that, if replaced, dramatically improves the look of the property and contributes to significant energy savings, not to mention increasing its resale value.

This, however, is not a part of the house that requires replacement every few years as many types of siding have the ability to last several decades. But there reaches a point where the siding becomes incapable of effectively protecting against the elements it is designed to – wind, rain, snow and hail.

Lack of proper maintenance on old siding can result to issues on both the inside and outside of your house, including moisture and mold, dry rot, and damage to insulation; termites even.

As with the other aforementioned home improvement projects, replacing a home’s siding may sound like a cinch. But it can prove a hard task for the average DIY-er what with all the work involved – removing and disposing of the old siding, acquiring the right materials and permits, and even the labor itself.

And that’s before you consider there might be secondary problems which could come to the fore when the old siding is removed, therefore compounding on the DIY headache. For instance, electrical issues or framing damaged by termites.

Roofing

Lastly, we have the roofing, one of the most critical areas of any property.

The benefits that come with upgrading your old roofing are obvious, most notably, improving a home’s curb appeal, and consequently, its value.

The roof also has the potential to help save on utility costs. Additionally, certain roofs, including asphalt shingles, which is the most popular roofing material, come with a lengthier warranty compared to previous years, and are capable of providing good service for up to 50 years.

But what’s great about a new roof is that its return on investment is nothing short of impressive.

A report by the National Association of Realtors (PDF) a while back noted that roughly 45% of realtors suggested that a seller replace their old roof before placing their house on the market. 32% of them admitted that THIS home improvement project ultimately resulted in a closed sale.

The thing is, though, roofing systems are not projects you may want to undertake yourself. They are a complex system comprising several components, each of which calls for expert installation if the overall structure is to effectively and efficiently fulfil its purpose.

Working on roofs is also potentially dangerous and contributes to thousands of deaths across America each year, with many falling from ladders or the roof itself while cleaning or making fixes.

Last Word

No matter how many home renovation shows we watch, it is wise to acknowledge that some home repairs are best left to the professionals.

The projects we have outlined here may seem a bit straightforward to warrant a DIY, but they are all decisions which could end up costing you.

So, next time you feel the urge to satisfy that DIY craving, we are sure there are plenty of other repairs around the home to keep you occupied.