There are some minor household projects that can be tackled by someone who’s handy – painting, installing shelves or hanging pictures. But then there are those home improvement projects when hiring a professional is a must. You can read all the do-it-yourself books and magazines and watch countless DIY videos, but with these home improvement projects, you’ll never do as good a job as a professional. Here are the ten jobs that Mike Holmes, contractor and TV host, recommends you hire a professional for:
1. Plumbing
Could you imagine what our lives would be like without indoor plumbing? Plumbers literally make the difference between living in the first world versus living in the third world – think about that the next time you’re considering doing some DIY plumbing. Your home’s plumbing is complex and tackling a plumbing job yourself can make a mess of your lines or cause flooding in your home. Licensed plumbers have years of training and on-the-job experience, so Mike Holmes recommends you leave any plumbing jobs to the professionals.
2. Electrical
Electrical safety is something you always want to keep on the top of your mind. Mike Holmes doesn’t like hearing that homeowners are taking on their own electrical projects. If you don’t know what you’re doing, someone could get seriously hurt – or worse. For your safety and for the safety of your family, Mike Holmes recommends you bring in a licensed electrician to do the work, no matter how small you think the job might be. It’s some of the smartest money you can spend on your home.
3. HVAC
Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the lungs of your home, Holmes says in his article. It can help regulate the air in your home by replacing the bad air with the good, while proper ventilation helps to prevent mildew growth.
“You wouldn’t want anyone other than a licensed doctor working on YOUR lungs, so why would you have anyone other than a licensed professional working on your home’s lungs? For your family’s health and the health of your home don’t do any DIY on your HVAC system. Hire a professional to make it right”, Mike Holmes.
4. Tile Work
When done properly, tile can enhance the look of any room; there’s hardly a room in the house where tile won’t work. But a tiling project gone wrong will cost you time and money. Nothing beats the knowledge and experience of a pro, so Holmes says don’t make the mistake of attempting the tile work yourself.
5. Carpet/Hardwood
When it comes to flooring, what the finish looks like is only half the battle; what lies beneath the floor is just as important. A poor subfloor can cause sloping, squeaking, or even a bounce when someone walks across it. A good contractor knows to look at the structure of the floor and subfloor before laying new tile, carpet or hardwood. Think about it – why would you spend thousands of dollars on new flooring and not spend the money on hiring a professional to install it properly? Doing a DIY job on your flooring is asking to be disappointed.
6. Kitchen Cabinet Install
If you’re looking at a kitchen makeover on a budget and thinking of a DIY kitchen cabinetry installation, think again. Never mind the weight of the cabinets themselves, but think of what goes into them – plates, cups, glasses – all added weight. And if the cabinets aren’t installed properly, they’re most likely to come crashing down. Whatever’s in them will break, and if someone is standing by, they could get seriously hurt.
7. Asbestos Removal
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials up until the late 1970s, so there are many homes that may contain it. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it’s disturbed or when the asbestos-containing material starts to deteriorate. If this is the case, hiring a professional asbestos abatement company is the only way to remove and dispose of the material safely and properly. Mike Holmes says asbestos removal is not a DIY job.
8. Mould Remediation
Mould will grow wherever the spores have the right conditions – air, moisture, and a source of food. If mould is discovered in your home and exceeds an area of 10 square feet, you’ll need to call in a mould remediation company. They’ll contain the affected area to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the spores from becoming airborne and entering your HVAC system. They’ll also dispose of mould-ridden objects safely. If inhaled, mould spores can cause respiratory issues and if they come in contact with skin, they can cause rashes or eczema. It’s not worth the risk to your health to tackle the removal yourself.
9. Roof
It’s important to know the signs that you may have issues with your roof – curling or missing shingles, a leak in your bedroom ceiling. But unless you REALLY know what you’re doing, you should leave your roof repairs to the pros. Fixing it yourself will just be a “band-aid” solution and will lead to bigger issues down the road, warns Mike Holmes. And don’t forget – standing on your roof isn’t exactly a safe place to be. Call a professional roofer to identify problem spots and to do repairs properly and safely.
10. Structural Changes
An open floor plan is a great way to create space, especially in older homes that have smaller, divided rooms. But rather than picking up that sledgehammer and swinging, please contact a professional contractor instead. Making structural changes to your home is not an easy job, but they sure do make it look easy on TV! Firstly, making structural changes requires a permit. And secondly, you need to know how the weight of your home is supported by the foundation. Cutting into a load-bearing wall can cause the ceiling to collapse, and now you have a bigger and more expensive problem to fix. So put the sledgehammer down and hire a professional contractor to do any structural changes to your home.
“You might think you’re saving money by doing home improvement work yourself, but trust me – some jobs are better left to the pros,”- Mike Holmes
About Mike Holmes:
Mike Holmes is a renowned Canadian home renovation expert, contractor, and TV personality, best known for his commitment to quality craftsmanship and improving homes. With over 30 years of experience, he has built a reputation for fixing shoddy workmanship and promoting reliable, long-lasting construction practices. Holmes’ popular TV shows, including Holmes on Homes and Holmes and Holmes, have made him a household name. Passionate about educating homeowners, he advocates for safety, proper building codes, and ethical construction. Mike Holmes is dedicated to ensuring that every home renovation is done right the first time.
