8 Household Projects You Should Never DIY, According to the Pros

There are lots of ways you can flex your DIY muscles around your home. But while painting furniture, building a kitchen backsplash, or grouting tile can be tackled on your own, there are some home projects that are better left to the professionals due to their complexity—and because of safety concerns.

Here are some of the top projects you should never DIY, according to the professionals.

Though you might be itching to knock down that wall to create a more open floor plan, don’t take a sledgehammer to it on your own. Making any major structural changes, like knocking down a wall or adding a door—must be done by a licensed structural engineer, says Mariya Snisar, head of interior design at Renowell.

“There’s no room for error here,” Snisar says. “I do not recommend trying to DIY this; you can easily end up with a disaster on your hands.”

Though nothing is at risk of collapsing on you, DIYing any sort of electrical work is just as dangerous, if not more so, than attempting structural changes. 

“Electrical projects pose significant safety risks if they’re not done properly,” says Tatyana Dimitrova, PR specialist for Fantastic Handyman. “Wiring, circuit installations, panel upgrades, and other electrical tasks require in-depth knowledge of local building codes and electrical systems.” 

Always exercise caution and hire a licensed electrician. This will eliminate the risk of hazards and make sure your home is up to code. 

Installing a new window might not come with the inherent dangers of dealing with electrical wiring or structural integrity. But improper installation can cause a big headache, says Julee Ireland, interior design architect and founder of Home Renovation School. 

Poorly installed windows can be drafty