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Leave These 14 Home Projects to the Professionals

Home improvement has a draw that few homeowners can resist. It’s natural to want to make your home the best it can be after all the money you’ve spent buying or building it.

Nevertheless, you must be careful about the types of renovations you take on yourself. Believe it or not, some home improvement projects are subject to strict regulations put in place for your safety and to protect the value of your house.

To avoid hefty fines, safety hazards, and costly repairs, don’t attempt these 14 home improvement projects on your own.

Electrical Upgrades

Man rewiring an electrical outlet, electrician
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Any electrical work can cause hazards ranging from damage to property to fire. As such, every state has electric codes that regulate the kind of work and upgrades you can do. The best way to stay on the right side of the law is to leave upgrades to a licensed electrician.

Yet, in certain states, you have no choice but to leave the work to someone else because you’re not allowed to do any electrical work.

Major Plumbing Projects

Plumber installing fixtures running water. Plumber man fix repair service wraps fluoroplastic sealing material tape around faucet hose. Concept install plumbing in bathroom.
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Many things can go wrong if you tackle plumbing projects without the required know-how. You can cause floods, leaks, mold, and even structural damage. That’s why major DIY plumbing projects like replacing a hot water tank are illegal in the US.

Even if you think of yourself as the best handyman out there, get a licensed plumber to legally deal with complex plumbing projects like changing the gas line of your cooktop. Better safe than sorry!

HVAC Repairs or Installations

Man fixing furnace, HVAC Repair
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Your furnace may be driving you mad, and you may want to fix it without going through hoops and involving anyone else. Don’t do it, or you may face unpleasant legal consequences.

You’ll realize that botched repairs may cause explosions or fires if you think about it. Besides the obvious risk to you and your loved ones, you’ll also be held liable for the damage to your property and likely void the warranty from the manufacturer.

Roofing Projects

Roofer, repair
Image Credit: Patsy Lynch – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

If you want to replace your rook, you may need a permit. Not all states are strict about roofing projects, but many require it for major projects like a complete shingle replacement.

When you make structural changes to your roof, regulatory bodies want to ensure that your new roof will align with local safety standards and building codes. Since each state defines what’s needed for this work differently, your safest bet is to contact your local authorities before you start work.

Structural Changes

home remodeling, home renovation,
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Structural changes are tricky because they can cause damage to the entire property. Tearing down walls willy-nilly can severely damage your home’s structural integrity and shouldn’t be a DIY project.

In most US jurisdictions, structural changes require the participation of a licensed structural engineer. They will ensure your major changes, like removing a wall, are safe. Ignore their expertise at your peril.

Gas Line Installation

Gas line pipe and wrench
Image Credit: CHUYKO SERGEY/Shutterstock.

Messing with gas lines is about as dangerous as interfering with electrical lines. You can end up with a gas leak that can cause a fire or, worse, carbon monoxide poisoning.

That’s why most states don’t allow homeowners to do any gas line work. To install your gas line, you’ll need a licensed professional to ensure your installation is legal and, more importantly, safe.

Tree Removal and Major Pruning

Tree removal service, cutting down tree
Image Credit: Win Henderson – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

You may think anything on your property is fair game for removal, but that’s not true when it comes to trees. Depending on where you are, you’ll have to figure out the regulations that govern your tree removal.

Some cities and states have strict regulations for environmental reasons or landscaping purposes. You’re better off hiring a professional who understands all the rules and regulations than running afoul of the law.

Septic System Installation

Septic system installation
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If you want to install a septic system, you can get away with it in some states. In others, however, you’ll have to leave the work for a registered contractor or a state-licensed plumber.

Unless you know your property is exempt, look for your state’s registry of licensed professionals before installing your septic system. They’ll keep your project on the up and up.

Deck Building

Caucasian Worker Building Wooden Deck For His Backyard Garden, carpenter
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Most homeowners don’t expect to have to apply for a permit to build their decks. However, in most cases, they need one. The reason is simple: if a deck is built poorly, it is a safety issue for the property owner — you and your family.

Most contractors won’t build your deck without a permit because they could lose their license. Between causing trouble for your contractor and facing hefty fines, isn’t it better to respect the law?

Pool Installation

Pool installation, tile, construction
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Believe it or not, you’re not allowed to install a pool on your property in most U.S. jurisdictions. While their requirements vary, the consensus is that licensed professionals should install and repair your pool.

While minor maintenance tasks may not be included in these regulations, you should always check with your local authorities before undergoing any work on your pool.

Large Fence Projects

Man building a fence
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Good fences make good neighbors, they say. But how about installing them yourself? In most states, that’s only legal if you meet specific requirements.

Unless your fence is under six feet tall and doesn’t involve complex structural elements, you’ll need a permit to install it in most jurisdictions to ensure your new fence will comply with zoning laws and safety rules.

Fireplace and Wood Stove Installation

Man using tools to install a fireplace
Image Credit: Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock.

While you may be able to install a prefabricated wood stove without a permit or external help, any complex installation or modifications like venting will need approval.

You may think that paying a fine for your unauthorized fireplace installation is not a big deal, but the potential safety hazards to your family aren’t worth it. Check with your fire marshal before attempting the installation to be sure.

Backflow Preventer Installation

Backflow Preventer Installation
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A backflow preventer is very useful, and seemingly easy to install, so you may wonder why it’s on this list. That’s because most areas in the US require a permit for this installation to prevent cross-contamination of your water supply.

You’ll also likely need to secure the services of a licensed plumber for this job. Since a faulty installation puts your family’s health at risk, it’s worth abiding by the regulations.

Well Installation

Well Installation
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Depending on where you live, you may be able to install a well on your property without any legal headaches. Nevertheless, some jurisdictions require you to get licensed well drillers to do the work for you.

Installing a well goes beyond drilling a hole in the ground. So, even without the legal requirement, falling back on the knowledge and expertise of a professional is a good idea.

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