Everyone always looks forward to that DIY home improvement project that will ultimately transform their house, and there’s nothing wrong with this. If anything, it’s always a great idea to be as handy as you can.
However, there are certain projects that you can’t do without getting into legal issues. It’s widely known among home improvement companies, but homeowners may not know that these are actually illegal to DIY.
Today, I’ll show you what these projects are and why you should never attempt them.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." – Charles R. Swindoll
Messing with Old Insulation
For many years, insulation used in old homes contained asbestos - a toxic material. While modern homes don’t use this type anymore, if your house has a decade’s old insulation, then you best leave it to home improvement services.
Many states have laws regulating the removal of asbestos-related insulation. This is because when the material is disturbed, it releases toxic particles that may cause several health issues. Any removal of old insulation is supposed to follow certain protocols, and it cannot be done by a DIYer.
Replacing Hot Water Tanks
Although it may seem like an easy job to replace a hot water tank, the task is way riskier than you think, since most water heaters are powered by over 240V of electricity.
Besides, sometimes you will have water heating systems combining both electrical power and gas lines. Any mishap here could lead to a massive gas explosion, risking your family's lives and causing devastating and catastrophic effects.
As a matter of fact, a good rule is to always make sure that such high-risk projects are done by experienced people who are specifically trained for this.
Wildlife Removal
Let’s say, for example, a rodent has taken residence somewhere in your attic or any other part of your home. The first thought that comes to mind is to get in there and simply remove the animal from your house.
Well, you can’t.
In fact, there are special teams in your local governments that are especially tasked with handling these kinds of situations. This is because of a number of reasons, such as:
- Wildlife is very erratic and may pose a lot of danger to humans. For example, let’s say instead of a rodent you’re actually dealing with a snake or any other animal that can cause real harm to you and your family.
- Wild animals are known carriers of pathogens. Interacting with them may lead to disease or infections.
- Finally, there are rules on the humane treatment of animals. In most cases, any unwanted visitors into your home will be removed safely and released back into the wild to roam in their natural environments without harming them.
Removing Lead-Based Paint
Just like with asbestos insulation materials, lead-based paints also produce toxic fumes that may cause a number of health issues. Even if you only suspect that your home may have such paint, you cannot just wake up one day and decide to remove it.
There are protocols in many cities and states designed to safely deal with hazardous materials and lead-based paint is one of them.
In case you’re facing this kind of problem, consult with your local authorities about the appropriate ordinances needed to remove it. Be sure to also work with a professional or company specialized in the removal of lead paint.
Cutting Down Large Trees
There’s nothing more dangerous than cutting down a large tree, since the project not only can harm you and your family, but it can also fall into a house, a car, or people in the street as well. In some cases, falling trees may interrupt power lines nearby, something that may lead to electric shocks and fires.
Because of the risky nature of this job, you cannot cut a large tree on your own. Even if somehow you have the expertise and the tools to do so, you will still need a permit from your local government.
Termite Removal
Termite removal is more or less related to pest control. While termites are often harmless, they can wreak havoc on any wooden structures. If the issue has actually persisted for long without your knowledge, you may find it hard to remove the infestation without risking the structural integrity of your home.
This is why you will need the best home improvements experts to assess how damaged the wood is and devise ways to remove the termites without knocking down the entire structure.
Doing DIY projects is great but it depends on where you live and the risk associated with certain projects. The ones above are of course a no-go zone for any DIYer but make sure you’ve researched local ordinances before undertaking any project.
Need some help with a risky home maintenance project at home? Contact a local specialist and request a free quote!
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