October 16, 2025

Don't DIY These Home Projects (Trust Me!)

I’m all for a good DIY project. Painting a bedroom wall, building a shelf, even laying peel-and-stick flooring can be rewarding and fun. But over the years, I've learned there are some home improvement projects that are better left to the pros. Sometimes it's about safety, other times it's about cost or long-term damage. Either way, there are a few things I'll never attempt on my own again.

Let's start with electrical work. Changing a light fixture or replacing a switch plate is one thing, but rewiring outlets or installing new circuits is another story. I once thought I could handle adding a new outlet in my garage. Ten minutes in, I realized I had no idea what I was doing and nearly shocked myself. Electricity is no joke, and one small mistake can cause fires or injuries. Now, I call a licensed electrician every time.

Next is plumbing. I once tried to fix a leaky pipe under my sink. I watched a few videos, bought some tools, and thought I was ready. Instead, I turned a small drip into a mini flood. Plumbing might seem simple, but pipes, pressure, and seals all have to work perfectly together. One loose connection and you’re dealing with water damage that costs way more to repair than the original issue.


Then there's roofing. I don't care how good you are with a ladder; walking on a roof is risky business. I tried patching a small leak once and realized halfway up that I had no idea how steep my roof actually was. Not only is it dangerous, but if you don't seal things correctly, you can cause major water intrusion and ruin insulation or drywall. Professional roofers have the right equipment and know how to spot issues you might miss.

Another one I stay far away from is gas line work. Anything involving natural gas or propane should never be DIY. Leaks can be deadly, and even tightening the wrong fitting can cause a slow leak that builds up over time. I learned that lesson when I smelled gas after trying to install a new stove. Thankfully, I shut off the valve and called for help. Now I don’t even think about touching gas lines.

Finally, structural changes like knocking down walls or cutting into beams can be catastrophic if done wrong. I once watched a friend take out what he thought was a “non-load-bearing” wall. Let’s just say, the ceiling had other plans. You need a contractor or engineer to confirm what’s safe to remove before you swing that hammer.

In the end, DIY is fun when it's cosmetic or low-risk, but when it involves electricity, water, gas, or the bones of your house, it’s best to hire someone who knows exactly what they're doing. Trust me, sometimes the smartest thing you can do as a homeowner is admit when it's time to put down the tools and pick up the phone.