Saturday 6 June 2015

10 Most Dangerous Home Renovations to Do Yourself

10 Most Dangerous Home Renovations to Do Yourself                      




SpacesBy Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes
70% of home projects are now do-it-yourself (DIY) with some help from family or friends, according to a recent survey undertaken by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. And why not? You save money, have bragging rights and know you used quality materials.

(Credit: PrinceOfLove/Shutterstock)
(Credit: PrinceOfLove/Shutterstock)
However, thousands of those people represented in that 70% number wind up in emergency rooms across the country because they tackled a project that should only be done by a professional. Not only can you injure yourself, but if the resulting renovation is faulty, like an insecure deck rail, you risk others getting hurt, too.
Avoid injuring yourself by calling a professional to undertake any of the following home repairs:

1. Electrical Wiring

When done incorrectly, you risk electrical shock, a fire, not having your home up to code and worse, electrocution. Electricians exist for a reason. They’ve undergone extensive training on how to install and repair wiring. You’ll need to schedule an in-person estimate to get a reliable cost range for your wiring repair needs.

(Credit: antos777/Shutterstock)
(Credit: antos777/Shutterstock)

2. Gas Repairs

Properly turning gas on or off can be tricky and much can go wrong. When you make a mistake, you chance carbon monoxide poisoning which you can’t see, feel or smell and can be deadly. Gas is also highly flammable. For these types of repairs, call your local gas company.

(Credit: RCL/Shutterstock)
(Credit: RCL/Shutterstock)

3. Roof Fixes

Unless you’re an aerial acrobat, working from a second or third story increases the likelihood of a fall. Experienced roofers have the right skills and the correct tools and can do the job much faster, preventing any injuries to you and saving you money in the long run.

(Credit: mehmet dinler/Shutterstock)
(Credit: mehmet dinler/Shutterstock)

4. Asbestos Removal

Some older homes still contain insulation and ceilings made of asbestos. Exposure to its toxicity can result in serious respiratory issues. Do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, call a trained asbestos removal professional.

(Credit: KPG_Payless/Shutterstock)
(Credit: KPG_Payless/Shutterstock)

5. Pest Elimination

When rodents, raccoons, cockroaches and other critters take up residence in your home, sometimes poison is the only way to get rid of them. In the wrong hands, this solution can adversely affect your children, pets and even you. Call an accredited exterminator instead.

(Credit: Pan Xunbin/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Pan Xunbin/Shutterstock)

6. Mold Removal

Unnecessary amounts of mildew and mold can make you very sick. It can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, runny eyes or a skin irritation. Hire a specialist who deals with mold remediation.

(Credit: Singkham/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Singkham/Shutterstock)

7. Garage Door Renovations

Garage doors, operated by high-tension springs, has some powerful poundage behind it. You don’t want it falling on you or injuring you in any other way. Experts have the right tools and knowledge to make repairs or install new garage doors.

(Credit: EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics/Shutterstock)
(Credit: EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics/Shutterstock)

8. Plumbing Issues

Pipes break, leaks develop and you want whatever the problem is fixed right away. Often a propane torch has to be used to complete the repair. Novices using this tool can burn themselves or even part of their home.
Other potential injuries include slips, trips, flying particles in the eyes and exposure to toxic substances. Plumbers go to school for four years or more. They know what they’re doing.

(Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

9. Wall Demolition

Should you remove a load-bearing wall, you risk compromising the structural integrity of your home, which puts your family in grave danger. Don’t get your aggressions out using a sledgehammer. Hire a professional building expert instead.

(Credit: KAMONRAT/Shutterstock)
(Credit: KAMONRAT/Shutterstock)

10. Window Replacement

What happens when you remove the old window and aren’t able to install the new one? If the weather runs cold, you risk hypothermia or the added expense of needing to stay in a hotel. You could also experience a fall and severe cuts from broken glass. Check into a window replacement company for professional service.

(Credit: Steve Mann/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Steve Mann/Shutterstock)
 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.


No comments:

Post a Comment

5 most desirable areas to buy a home within a one-hour drive of Toronto

 Affordable homes can be found in Mississauga, Halton Hills, Pickering, Milton, and Aurora, all near Toronto. These cities offer amenities a...