Most homeowners enjoy the sense of accomplishment they get from DIY projects. You can cut costs, fill free time, and flex your creative and handy side.

However, you need to be careful not to overdo it and try to turn every single task around your home into a do-it-yourself challenge. Some big-ticket items are not worth the risk. 

So how do you know which kind of projects you can confidently undertake and which ones require a professional? Adam Long, President of HomeTeam Inspection Service, gave insight into the five DIY projects that are commonly flagged during home inspections when it’s time to buy or sell a home.

“The top DIY trends that end up being unsafe are those that deal with electricity (electrocution or electrical fires), plumbing (leaks and flooding) and roofs (injuries from falls),” Long said. “The following projects and renovations are ones that we see most commonly causing issues during home inspections which is not the time you want to find out there’s a problem.”

1. Wall Demolition: If you want to create an open floor plan or take a wall down, that’s a job you should leave to a professional. Plumbing pipes and electrical wiring may be behind the wall. Also, the wall could be load-bearing, so if it’s removed, the foundation may become compromised. Make sure to hire an experienced contractor to show you how to identify load-bearing walls and mark studs to remove drywall without damaging whatever is behind it.
2. Repairing Gas Lines: Fixing a gas leak isn’t a DIY project because of the hazards and dangers involved. What you can do on your own is: investigate the leak and perform the “bubble test”, putting a soapy water mixture to gas line connectors and then turning the gas on. If bubbles begin to form, you have a leak and need to call in an expert plumber to handle it. 
3. Electrical Work: Handling power sources can be extremely dangerous. Stay away from electrical work, and if you ever have any problems with the electricity at your property, call in a trained professional. Do not tamper with electrical systems, outlets, or a circuit box by yourself, as there is an inherent risk of electrocution or an electrical fire.
4. Roof Repairs: Roof damage is actually incredibly common, and something that most homeowners deal with a few times in their home’s life. If you live somewhere with turbulent weather patterns or extreme temperature shifts, your rooftop can take a decent beating each year. This may make it tempting to fix things yourself, but that is not recommended. Not doing it correctly (due to lack of professional training) can lead to costly leaks, and getting up on a roof can be dangerous for amateurs. Call out a professional roofing company instead. 
5. Removing Asbestos, Mold, & Lead Paint: You may be familiar with the risks posed by lead-based paint, construction materials made of asbestos, or mold outbreaks that are growing. Some people think that because they understand the dangers, they can protect themselves; but that’s a risky gamble. Remediation of lead, asbestos, or mold can lead to miniature particles filling the air, which you and your loved ones could inhale. Professional technicians can remove these irritants in a complete and efficient manner.

Property owners should be cognizant not to overlook the potential safety hazards before attempting DIY projects and to know the limitations of their construction knowledge. Trade professionals require a license in their respective industries and there’s quite a bit of education and hands-on training that goes into that process. 

For more information about HomeTeam Inspection Service, visit http://www.hometeam.com.