Whether you’re looking to boost your property value or simply want to make your living space feel more modern and comfortable, renovations are a great way to refresh your home. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, undertaking certain renovations yourself can help you cut back on costs. That being said, some home upgrades are more complex than others, and attempting them yourself can be risky, unsafe or outright illegal.  

While a DIY approach will work for some renovations, others are best left to the professionals. If any of the following renovations are on your list, call an expert. They’ll ensure the job is done safely and successfully.  

Looking for local contractors? As experts in all things housing, we can connect you with top industry professionals for your project. Explore our preferred suppliers and vendors. 

Major Changes to Plumbing 

While minor problems such as a leaky faucet can be an easy fix, significant upgrades to your plumbing should always be performed by a professional plumber. Any mistakes or miscalculations could lead to seriously damaging leaks or floods. Not to mention, changes to plumbing often involve working near electrical wiring, which can pose a serious risk of electric shock. 

Looking for more ways to upgrade your home? Check out these resources from our blog. 

• Working From Home in the Bay of Quinte With Style
• Everything You Need to Know About Equity-building Renovations in 2022

Replacing an Electrical Panel

Any renovations involving your home’s electricity or power should be taken very seriously. Your home’s electrical panel is complex, and any changes you wish to make to it are best suited for an expert. Not only could attempting to replace it yourself cause serious shock, but rewriting efforts can also lead to electrical fires. Beyond safety concerns, repairs to your electrical panel could also cause code violations. 

Adding Skylights or Windows 

While a skylight can be a great addition to any room, the installation process can have some serious complications if not performed perfectly. Like windows, any missteps in a skylight installation will leave your home susceptible to damage from the elements. This could lead to structural damage, pests, rot or even electrical complications. 

Repairing or Installing an A/C Unit

While many homeowners rely on portable air conditioning devices to stay cool in the summer, permanent A/C fixtures are a great solution for more encompassing temperature control. However, installing or making changes to a permanent unit is much more complicated than its portable counterpart. As these systems often use chemical coolants, any mistakes could expose you and your family to toxic pollutants. Along with these dangers, HVAC renovations also pose the same basic risks as most other DIY upgrades, such as electrocution and structural damage. 

Interested in building a custom home? Check out these resources on our blog. 

• Should You Use a Realtor When Buying a Pre-Construction Home?
• Is a Custom Home Right For You?
• Home Buying Calculator

Replacing Shingles 

Like installing an A/C unit, replacing fallen or damaged roof shingles is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Although hammering a new shingle in place may seem straightforward, mistakes during installation could lead to significant property damage. Not to mention the added risks that come with working on the roof of your home. Any slips or falls could lead to serious injury or worse. Shingles are best handled by professionals, just like the other items on this list. 

Removing Insulation

Removing insulation is particularly dangerous in older homes as it could contain asbestos – a known carcinogen. Although the removal process may seem simple on the surface, the potential risks of contaminated insulation make this task best suited for a contractor. 

Renovating Your Home for the Market

If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, you may have considered taking on a few renovations before you list. While certain upgrades can help your home sell faster and for a great price, some projects may not be worth it in the long run. If you’re renovating with the goal of achieving a strong return on your investment, talk to a real estate agent. 

Like contractors, agents are experts when it comes to homes. They can evaluate your property and determine which projects will help you get the most out of your sale. A great agent can also help you plan for the other steps that come with selling your home, such as staging. 

Looking for guidance with your home improvement project? We can help! Get in touch with us.