We know, we know: it can be really tempting to DIY tasks around your house. Whether you want to save money, try your hand at something new, or feel passionately about putting in the sweat equity on a home you love, there are a ton of reasons to DIY certain projects. 

However, there are certain home maintenance or repair tasks that really do require the expertise of a professional. These are projects where the risks of something going wrong outweigh the potential cost savings of doing it yourself. Others require expensive equipment that you probably don’t just have lying around. Then there are some that are just downright dangerous. 

Before you DIY a home project, ask yourself: could I hurt myself doing this project? How much would it cost to fix if I make a mistake? Do I need a special permit? How much will the tools and supplies cost? Your answers to these questions will likely let you know if you should proceed or call in a professional handyman. 

Here are some examples of projects you just don’t want to DIY: 

• Fixing pipes & plumbing projects. As soon as you start messing with pipes and plumbing, you can quickly enter expensive-mistake territory. The risks of mismanaging a plumbing or pipe project is water leakage and subsequent mold growth, which is not only pricey and time-consuming to fix but can also be hazardous to your health. 
• “Blowing out” a wall. Removing a wall is one of the more common upgrades seen on popular home improvement shows. Swinging a sledgehammer can also be a great stress reliever! But blowing out a wall is no minor project. The biggest potential mistake you can make here is trying to remove a wall that is load-bearing. Doing so could result in roof collapse, sagging beams, and serious injury. While you may feel confident in your ability to judge if a wall is load-bearing or not, we HIGHLY suggest calling in a pro. The risks are just too high. 
• Wiring & electric (beyond the very basics). If you feel confident and comfortable installing a light fixture or a dimmer switch, go for it. Any electrical projects beyond that, though, we highly recommend playing it safe and calling in a pro. Many electrical projects require special permits, can be pricey to fix if done incorrectly, and can be seriously dangerous. 
• Sanding floors. This is another one of those projects that might seem simple, but can be easily screwed up. Inexpertly sanded floors are very noticeable and can reduce the value of your home when you try to sell. Even if you never put your home on the market, you want your floors to look their best. Call in a pro for this one. 
• Installing & finishing drywall. Sheetrock projects are not dangerous, per se, but are easy to make a mess of and relatively inexpensive to hire out. If this is a skill you’d like to build, try your hand at a small-scale sheetrock project that is not as visible to get the hang of it. Or just avoid the hassle and hire this one out. 
• Extensive tiling projects. Installing a backsplash or a small amount of decorative tile can be a fun DIY project, but things can quickly go wrong when tiling on a larger scale. Particularly in the bathroom where moisture is present it is critical to bring in a pro to do your tiling. Not doing so puts you at risk for water leakage, mold, and mildew issues down the road which are pricey to fix and potentially hazardous to your health. 
• Heavy lifts. Save yourself (and your back) some serious trouble and leave projects that require heavy lifting to the pros. Think granite counters, tubs, concrete anything, windows, and large light fixtures. We have the tools and experience to handle these projects safely. 

Feel like getting your hands dirty? Here are some fun (and cheap) home projects you can feel good about tackling on your own (though err on the side of caution when it comes to what you feel you can safely accomplish):

• Painting and staining. 
• Hanging wall art, mirrors, or curtains. 
• Adding molding or trim. 
• Updating hardware (drawer pulls, etc.)
• Installing a tile backsplash.
• Replacing small light fixtures.
• Planting flowers or adding flower boxes to windows.

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No matter what the home project, you need a handyman you can trust. Here at Best Handyman of Milwaukee, we have decades of experience serving the Milwaukee area with expert handyman services. Give us a call with questions or to get started on your next project today.