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Projects For The Pros
Everyone likes to save a few bucks, but when it comes to home repair and renovation, it doesn't always pay to take the do it yourself approach. Below are five projects best left to the professionals.
- Roofing. The risk of injury is reason enough to leave roofing projects to the experts, but in addition, mistakes here can quickly lead to more serious and expensive problems, like water damage, mold, and foundation issues.
- Electrical work. Safety is a concern here too: one misstep could result in electrical shocks and fires. Even if your handiwork poses no physical threat, power outages and shorts could arise, and your house might not be up to local code, posing problems should you decide to sell it.
- Plumbing. A plumbing project gone wrong might not be as big a safety issue, but it can certainly wreak a lot of damage. A botched plumbing job can lead to leaks, which can in turn lead to problems ranging from rot and mold, to a more expensive water bill, to foundation issues.
- Window installation. Improper installation could result in air leaks, as well as making your house a less comfortable and more expensive place to live.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). Inefficient HVAC systems can result in poor indoor air quality, unstable temperatures, and more expensive bills. Safety is also a concern, as electrical and chemical components are involved in HVAC repair, which may require permits and meeting certain building codes.
Remember, doing a big home maintenance job yourself isn't always as easy, or as economical, as it may appear.
