Here’s what you shouldn’t do

Climbing around on your roof can be dangerous – professionals wear protective harnesses and are trained to work on the roof.

Replacing a load bearing wall requires permitting and a construction engineer to ensure adequate replacement posts.

Are you ready to get your weekend warrior on and tackle some home improvement projects? That’s great! But before you order materials and secure your tool belt, we strongly caution against projects that should never be attempted as a DIY. Leave these projects to a licensed professional:

Roofing

If you are not acrophobic (afraid of heights), you can certainly inspect your roof. However, replacing tiles or shingles should be left to the professionals.

The most important reason not to work on your roof is safety. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year, 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries, and approximately 300 of these incidents prove to be fatal. If you manage to get on the roof, you can easily slip off. Need more reasons?

Replacing a roof or repairing damage requires skill and experience. A skilled professional knows how to install tiles and shingles properly. An improperly installed roof is not only an eyesore but potentially decreases its value and resale potential. And it may leak!

Replacing the HVAC Unit

Installing a window unit can be a DIY project but not installing a full-size unit. Safety is key here as well.

Trying to install a full-size unit could lead to being crushed by the unit, electrocution, inhalation of fumes, release of freon into the atmosphere, improperly installed ductwork or plenum or even a roof collapse.

HVAC installation is a highly technical and complex process. Installers must be skilled in electrical, plumbing, and brazing. They also require experience in handling toxic gases and understanding the principles of pressure, temperature, airflow, and the use of specialized equipment.

An experienced HVAC contractor will ensure you get a unit that is the right size for your home. Properly installed, it will provide you with maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Matching the ductwork to the new unit is a technical task that requires a professional with HVAC knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, installation involves properly balancing and pairing an AC unit with an appropriate thermostat to maximize its energy efficiency. This job is too big, too complicated, and too crucial to the life of your home and your comfort to do yourself.

Modifying A Load-Bearing Wall

This job earns a hard ‘NO’ for DIY’ers.

The safety of the home’s occupants and the structural integrity of the building are at stake. It takes an engineer to assess whether the wall is load bearing or not. Because a load-bearing wall provides structural support for weight loads above the wall, it cannot be removed without a new structure taking its place.

Therefore, removing a load-bearing wall is a project that requires the services of an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. A professional remodeling contractor will know what to look for, how to do it, and how to correctly remedy problems that arise.

Working with Hazardous Materials

Any project that requires you to engage with asbestos, lead paint, or mold is something you should leave to the professionals.

The personal protection equipment alone requires training just to put it on. Protective suits, eye protection, breathing apparatus, and procedures for handling contaminated protection gear and items are all specialized processes.

Removal of the hazardous material typically requires a negative air pressure in the space containing the material. That also requires specialized equipment and training. When attempting to remove contamination, you may inadvertently cause more damage. The safety of yourself and others is not worth the risk.

Gas Line Repairs

A gas leak of any kind can turn deadly in seconds. Don’t even think about stopping the leak yourself. Call your gas company! The best thing you can do is leave the house, leaving the door open. If you know where the shut-off valve to your home is, turn it off. Gas leaks can quickly escalate into an explosive and deadly situation.

Repairing Products and Systems Under Warranty

Products and systems under warranty require repair by a certified repairman or contractor. By repairing items under warranty yourself, you will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty on the product. Even if there is a defect with the product, you may not be entitled to a refund if it has been tampered with.

Is It Worth It?

Even if you purchase the right supplies and research how to complete a project, some tasks are best left to the professionals. It can be easy to make a mistake that can turn into a disaster. By that point, you will have to hire a professional to fix it. Now, you are paying for the DIY and the professional expenses.

While you may save a few dollars initially, it could cost you far more down the line than if you had hired a professional for installation or repair in the first place.