Home Improvement News
Expert Reveals DIY Jobs You Should Avoid Or Risk Expensive Repairs
Summer has arrived, and for some, that’s a time for bringing out the toolbox and getting some much-needed DIY jobs completed around the home. Simple tasks like putting up shelves are low risk and can be done by pretty much anyone, but others come with certain dangers.
Certain areas should be avoided in your property when it comes to DIY, this is because without experience it can cause serious damage. It will leave you with a hefty bill, as well as being dangerous for you and those inside and around your home.
So below, Joshua Houston, DIY Expert at Household Quotes has revealed the seven jobs you should avoid doing as it could cost you money, or injury.
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1. Tree Removal
On the face of it, tree removal sounds like a fairly simple task. However, doing this without the correct knowledge or safety equipment can be extremely dangerous. There’s the risk of falling from height, falling debris and injury from sharp equipment. This is a significant risk to not only yourself but also the people, homes and vehicles surrounding you. It could leave you with a hefty bill if you were to cause any damage. Calling a professional tree surgeon is the best way to go about this, as they’ll have the experience to remove the tree safely.
2. Removing Wildlife
Occasionally wildlife can enter your property, and make it their home. This can be a nightmare for the occupier as the invader can steal food and bring nasty bacteria into the house. Not only this, but wildlife is known to cause damage by eating through walls and floorboards which can become expensive for the homeowner to repair. However you should think twice before removing any animal, some are protected and by law require a professional. Failing to adhere to this could potentially result in a fine, contact Wildlife Management and Licensing at Natural England for advice.
3. Removing Asbestos
Asbestos is common in buildings that pre-date 2000 and is used to insulate different parts of your home. If ingested, it can be really dangerous for your health, it is a known cause of cancer and pulmonary diseases. These illnesses can occur decades after you are first exposed, so for your health, it is better to leave for the professionals.
4. Fixing a Gas Leak
Anything to do with gas is an absolute no-no when it comes to DIY, it’s recommended that you are on the Gas Safe Register if you are to attempt to carry out gas work in your home. This is because if gas work isn’t done correctly then this can be a real danger for yourself and those around you. It could result in a gas leak which when met with a spark, causes a big explosive reaction. Breathing in gas causes several health problems such as; dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea and chest pains.
5. Electrical Work
Your home's electrical system is a crucial yet sensitive part of your property, if incorrectly installed it could lead to a house fire. Not only this, if someone with little experience attempts to do electrical work, they are putting themselves and their family at risk of electrocution. A qualified electrician will be able to do the job and give you peace of mind that you have a safe electrical system in your house. Seriously damaging the system can be expensive, as well as leaving you without power for a considerable amount of time. Which is 2024 will make you feel quite isolated.
6. Demolition
When looking to do some home improvements, there may come a time when a demolition job is required. This might be a wall, chimney or outer building that is no longer in use. You might think the right way to approach the job is to simply pick up a hammer and start smashing things to bits, but it is much more complicated. Walls play an important role in maintaining a structure, by removing that wall you could cause the house to collapse. Risking yours and anyone else in the property's life, as well as destroying all of your personal belongings. Instead, contact an expert with structural knowledge who can inform you of the best and safest way to get the job done.
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7. Fixing Leaks
A leak can be a real nuisance, not only can it flood your home, destroying your furniture and other belongings, but it can also bring more long-term negative effects. Bath and shower leaks specifically are common reasons for dampness and mould to grow on the walls and ceiling of a home. They can appear if a leak is neglected or isn’t fixed properly at the first attempt. Mould and dampness can cause serious health problems, and are particularly dangerous to those with breathing conditions like asthma. It’s always best to call out a professional to sort the leak, or to check that the job that you’ve done is a good one and has stopped the leak.
Joshua Houston, DIY Expert at Household Quotes:
‘’When something is broken in or around our homes, our urge is to get it fixed as soon as possible. For a lot of people, that means they want to do it themselves. This can be a great way to save money, as labour costs for a professional are often extortionate.
However, certain jobs require that extra professional eye, as without it, it can cause severe damage to your property and be dangerous to yourself and those around you.
Don’t try to save money on potentially dangerous parts of your home, gas and electricity specifically can easily kill someone who is not properly trained. It will also cost you more money in the long run if something does go wrong.’’
Joshua Houston, DIY Expert
