If you are in the market for buying a home, you might be dreaming up all of the exciting do-it-yourself projects that you can enjoy as a new homeowner. From painting the walls to adding a backsplash and everything in between, the idea of doing home improvements yourself has become a cultural phenomenon. However, not all home improvement projects can be done by amateurs. Read on to learn which home updates are best left to the pros.
Anything Electrical
Switching out light fixtures is one thing, but rewiring those fixtures is another. Aside from the dangers of doing electrical work on your own, you also run the risk of long-term damage to your home and danger for you and your loved ones. A professional electrician knows exactly what they are doing and can property install and wire all of your electrical needs. When you do it yourself, you run the risk of injury during the project, but also risk fires and other electrical problems down the road that could result from improper wiring. And if improper wiring were to cause a fire, your insurance may not cover the damage. To be safe, call in a professional electrician to handle your electrical work.
Plumbing Problems
When you are looking at a new home, you might be thinking about replacing the sinks in the bathrooms, or even adding a garbage disposal to the kitchen. If you’re looking for a project to DIY to save a buck, don’t pick this one. Although pipes may seem straightforward, plumbing is an intricate process, and one wrong move can easily damage your home and lead to significant water damage. If your plumbing problems involve much more than using Liquid Plumber in a clogged sink, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Demolition
DIY shows on television might have you thinking that the most fun part of home updates is the demolition that takes place. While swinging a sledgehammer through a wall might look fun on TV, doing so in real life can be dangerous. Aside from the risk of injury, you can also risk costly damage to your home. A professional will know to look for plumbing pipes and electrical wiring in the areas to be demolished, and will be able to tell if taking that wall out to make an open floor plan will cause structural issues with the home. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, demolition is another job that should be left to the pros.
Asbestos Removal
Here is one that even seasoned renovation professionals won’t touch. Asbestos, which is common in homes built in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, can cause dangerous illnesses when it is disturbed. Even though removing asbestos might look easy, the danger just isn’t worth it. That’s why professional contractors call in asbestos abatement professionals to handle the heavy lifting and ensure that everyone involved is safe.
If you think that the only home you can afford is one with a lot of projects attached, you might be surprised by what you can afford with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™. Offered by the NC Housing Finance Agency, this mortgage product offers down payment assistance and participating lenders statewide. Learn more about the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ and the other ways that the NC Housing Finance Agency makes home ownership affordable for North Carolinians at www.nchfa.com/home-buyers.
