10 Complex DIY Projects You Should Always Leave to the Pros Instead

Electrical Work

There’s a reason why electricians need to be licensed. “Working with electricity can be incredibly dangerous if you’re not properly trained,” says construction and design expert Grace Mase. “One small mistake can result in severe injury or even death.”

Mase explains many electrical projects can involve complex wiring systems and when done incorrectly, it could lead to anything from fires to electrocution or severely damaging the electrical infrastructure of your home. “Professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to safely manage these risks and ensure your electrical system is up to code,” she says.

Window Replacement

“Window and operable glass door installations and replacements are complex tasks best left to professional installers,” says NanaWall marketing manager Matt Thomas. “Working with a professional allows for a faster and more accurate process, ensuring the installation is done correctly.”

He explains that factory-certified installers “perform pre-site visits prior to installation to take precise measurements, review the site opening, and develop an installation plan with the contractors.” Thomas adds that glass doors and windows are designed specifically for weather resistance and working with a professional ensures you get the most out of your product. “Improper installation is not only unsafe for a DIYer, but it can also negate these benefits, leading to wasted money and potential future issues—costly mistakes that can be avoided.”

Renovating a Room

Mase states several types of renovations should be left to the professionals. Plumbing systems are intricate and according to Mase “a simple mistake can result in severe water damage, costly repairs, and even structural issues.” Roofing is another job that should not be done if you don’t have the right experience as this work is physically demanding and dangerous, explains Mase. “Falls from roofs account for a significant number of home improvement injuries,” she says.

And while a deck or patio can transform your outdoor space and increase property value, Mase argues it “requires a solid understanding of construction principles and ensuring the structure is level, stable, and up to code can be challenging without professional experience.” She suggests homeowners always hire a professional to build a deck or patio for a “safe, structurally sound, code-compliant, and beautifully crafted outdoor space.”

Laying Flooring

“Laying flooring should be left to professionals because there are many technical steps involved before and during installation,” says Anthony Scott, Global Product Director at Havwoods. “Each type of wood flooring, whether engineered or solid wood, has specific recommendations to ensure longevity,” Scott explains it all starts with properly storing the materials and adjusting the wood to the room before even laying the floor.

“A professional can also ensure that the installation—whether screwed, nailed, glued, or floating—has the proper subfloor preparation,” he says. “If underfloor heating is a priority, a professional can provide the best installation method to prevent any future damage or the need to redo the flooring and recommend a top coat to help reduce future damage.”

Removing old floors and putting in new ones can also be dangerous (and quite work-intensive) according to licensed contractor Kat Christie. “I don’t recommend doing your own floors, as the cleaning, stripping, scrubbing, and scraping can be dangerous and includes a lot of different stains and chemicals.”

Re-Tiling

“Tiling a bathroom or kitchen is never as quick and seamless as it appears on social media,” says interior design expert Marisa Bettencourt. “It takes a highly skilled expert to remove the existing tiles, resurface the floor, and measure out the placement of the new tiles.”

However, Bettencourt says there is a way to go about re-tiling on your own if you choose that route. “For those who love to DIY but don’t want to risk any major slip-ups, opt for some peel-and-stick tiles like Smart Tiles instead,” she says. “These are especially great for renters on a budget—and so chic!”

Projects That Require Harsh Chemicals

While many DIYs are relatively safe, those requiring a lot of chemicals can very dangerous. “For example, if you are using mineral spirits, paint thinner, bleach, many adhesives, denatured alcohol, to name a few, you absolutely need to have safety measures in place,” Christie says. “You need to be wearing goggles, gloves, wearing a respirator, and have proper ventilation. It may not seem like you are being exposed for a long time during these projects, but every bit counts, and we’re talking about your health and safety here.”

Anything Requiring a Ladder

Whether it’s hand-panting crown molding or fixing a leaky roof, this type of DIY can be deadly. According to Injury Facts, 46,630 people died in falls at home and at work in 2022. A home project is never worth risking your life for.

Stripping Paint

You might think stripping paint is no different than removing nail polish, but Christie says this is far from the case. “It may be fun to think about stripping paint from a mirror you bought at a flea market, but you are also bringing chemicals into your home, so they should be treated with seriousness. You need to be aware that there may be lead paint underneath the paint or old adhesives, so you would want an expert to handle that.”

Plumbing

Just because you can plunge a toilet or snake a drain doesn’t mean you can install a wet bar in your living room. Lund says, “While you may be able to switch out your faucet or garbage disposal, we always suggest having a professional check it out. Everything under the sink ties in together and I’ve seen the mess it can make when things get crossed between each other.”

Keep in mind that if your DIY work results in a flood, your homeowners’ insurance may not cover the damage.

Wall Demolition

We’ve seen it on HGTV. All you need to open up that kitchen wall is a new pair of overalls and a freshly-sharpened axe. But it’s far different in real life. Unless you built your home, what’s behind that wall is a mystery. It could be plumbing, electrical wiring, or in older homes, a hazardous material such as asbestos. There is also a risk of physically injuring yourself.