Which DIY Home Improvement Jobs Are Best Left To Experts?

As Easter approaches, the long weekend might be tempting you to think about getting around to some DIY jobs around the house. In fact, the NHS reports that there is normally a rise in hospital admissions around this time of year, as people meet unfortunate accidents through the incorrect use of tools and ladders. 

There’s no doubt that some basic DIY skills can come in handy and save some money by avoiding the extra labour costs. Sourcing a reliable professional to carry out work in our homes is also time consuming and can be fraught with pitfalls, so no wonder many of us prefer to undertake home improvement projects ourselves. 

However, there may be some jobs that are really best left to the professionals. That’s according to DIY expert Jo Behari, who told the Metro recently that a bodged DIY project could actually affect the value of your home. 

Jo advises that bathrooms and kitchens are usually safe to tackle yourself, except for plumbing work, which should be done by a suitably qualified tradesperson. 

Jo told the publication: ‘These are typically the most expensive areas for buyers to update, so do what you can to make them look clean and modern. It can be as simple as cleaning any mould and resealing round sinks and baths. You could even upgrade your taps for relatively small cost.’

The other DIY projects that are straightforward to tackle ourselves include sprucing up the paintwork around entrance areas to make the house feel bright and inviting. This is especially relevant if you are thinking about putting your house on the market, as first impressions really do matter. 

Jo advises toning down strong colours and patterns if you are looking to attract buyers. She says: ‘If you have lots of bold colours around your home, consider switching it up to a more neutral scheme that offers buyers a blank canvas. You don’t have to paint the woodwork (unless it’s neon pink), just give it a good clean and paint the walls.’

Which jobs are really best left to the professionals? 

Unless you have training and experience in electricals and gas installation, Jo strongly advises against tackling this type of work yourself. Any incorrect repairs or installations can be an extreme safety risk, putting both your home and lives at risk. 

Another point to bear in mind is that there are rules and regulations that govern how domestic electrical work is carried out. Part P of the Building Regulations applies to all homes in England and Wales, and it states that only a certified Part P electrician can carry out certain jobs.

These include house rewiring, fuse box replacement, and work carried out in a special location, usually where water is present such as kitchens and bathrooms. If these rules are ignored, you could invalidate your home insurance and potentially face criminal charges. 

Furthermore, damp proofing and plastering are highly skilled jobs that can significantly impact on the value of your home, so it’s worth sourcing a reputable professional to deal with this type of work.