Why Shouldn't I DIY?
DIY is great in small amounts and within smaller jobs, but with larger-scale jobs that we aren’t trained to do, why risk it? I know we all love the feeling of accomplishing something you have done yourself, as it’s taken you so long to achieve, but realistically we don’t all that that luxury of time, patience and money, so getting the job done the first time correctly by your local contractors is sometimes the best choice.Â
DIY can go wrong and result in you paying out large bills for the work to be fixed or even paying some pretty big fines if you don’t go through all the right procedures. So, here are home improvement projects WE RECOMMEND YOU NEVER DIY!
Removing a wall?
Getting rid of walls really gives you more space and a great open planned look. However, you can just go around knocking down walls that you don’t like you need to have an expert assess the wall or walls beforehand.
It’s really dangerous to just start knowing down walls, as they might be load-bearing walls and that will put your home at risk of its structural integrity. You can get a structural engineer for a consultation or if you already have an architect, they will be able to assess your existing home designs and advise on this matter.
Roof Repairs? - Removing chimney?
You may be tempted to take the risk by getting on your roof to fix a leak or broken tile, but why even attempt fixing it yourself if you have never done it before and are scared of heights! So if your rood or chimney does need repairs you will need a contractor to come and assess your home.
Roofs are a lot more complicated than they seem, as you may not think about the wind resistance, waterproofing, insulation and the legal standards set out in UK building regulations.
Maybe whilst you are up to there you might want to remove your chimney altogether with your roof repairs? As you never use the thing in today’s modern world. But just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it should go, most people love the structural character it brings to a home. But if you do decide to remove it it’s highly recommended you get a structural engineer to assess the chimney and structural surroundings of your home. They will be able to assess it by theses area able to assess your project in six key areas:
- The structural strength of the buildingÂ
- Fire safety
- Sound insulation
- Maintenance of neighbour’s chimney if you are semi-detached or terracedÂ
- Damp prevention
- Ventilation to rooms
Demolition?
As you remodel your home you might want to demolish either a part of your home or an old outbuilding. You might find this is an easy process of just knocking down some walls. However, demolishing any large structure is complicated, as everything is connected and can damage the rest of the structure, that’s why you best leave it to the professionals.
Altering a party wall?
A party wall is a wall, boundary, or outbuilding that you share with another household, such as a semi-detached, terraced house and can affect detached properties if you share a garden wall or invisible boundary line.
For alterations, you need to gain written permission from the affected third parties so you can do the work, as it can affect them. Most of the time people are nice and let you get on with the work, but if they refuse, a party wall surveyor will need to be brought on board, if you don’t have one already, to put together a legal agreement together and better explain the situation to your neighbours.Â
Need new lights?
It should make sense that you shouldn’t touch any electrical work unless you have experience in that area. Of course, you can do little tasks like changing your own light bulbs but never tamper with your mains. It causes so many risks like messing up your fuses and worst of all getting an electrical shock!
It’s estimated that almost half of all electrical shocks in the UK are caused by DIY attempts. WOW!
Plumbing work?
If you want to install your own wet room or a new dishwasher? The rules are pretty much the same as our electrical rules, which are – DON’T DO IT YOURSELF!
You may think, well what’s the harm? I’m not going to injure myself? Well that’s right you may not harm yourself BUT, you will cause a lot of damage to your property if things go wrong. And that can really hurt your bank account! You need to have an expert with the correct knowledge about pipes, as they can burst and if your waterproofing isn’t done correctly, you will be in a very soggy situation.
Removing Wildlife?
Do you have:
- Bats in your loft?
- Foxes hiding under your garage?
- Rats in your kitchen?
- Wasps, bees and hornets?
- Birds?
If you’ve got yourself some unexpected visitors like these or other smaller friends you’ll need to stop yourself from showing them the door. Why? Because some species in the UK are protected and if you remove them from your property yourself, you could land yourself with some pretty big fines.Â
Contact Wildlife Management and Licensing at Natural England for advice on dealing with birds and animals on your land.
For other smaller animals like ants and rats etc, you need to get the experts in.
Our Conclusion:
If you are thinking to yourself?
- Where do I even start with this?
- How much will this cost me?
- That seems easy enoughÂ
- I have watched some tutorials it should be fine
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Please stop and think is it really with it? Do I have the money? Will I have time? And do I have the patience for this?
Then DIY is NOT THE ANSWER! You should keep these in mind, DON’D DIY if they involve:
- Structural alterations
- Electrics
- Plumbing
- Heights
- Wildlife
- Legal regulation
Not sure if your home improvement project is affected by these issues? Then that’s not a problem, you can Call Us for free advice and guidance towards any of your projects! Contact Us Today!
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