Do-it-yourself projects have become quite popular when it comes to things that need to be done around the home. It doesn't matter if it is a big or small project, you want it done and it doesn't matter if you have to be the one to do it.  Do-it-yourselfers handle projects for a number of reasons - to save money, to get things done quickly, or just for the satisfaction of completing a project yourself.   If you're putting together a desk, installing a modem or even painting a room, often these can be done on your own without having to hire anyone to do them for you. But when it comes to some of the larger things in life, you might be better off hiring a professional.  Unless you've got the skill, certain things are best left to the pros.  Here are some areas you should rely on a a professional for.

Electrical or Plumbing:  Both of these jobs have to be done by a professional, since you're risking a lot if you choose to do them yourself.  Building permits, inspection, and licensing are involved with electrical and plumbing work.  When you mess with electrical, there is always a chance that you can get seriously injured or cause a fire. With plumbing, you might make your home an underwater novelty.  And then there's the building code issue.  If you're not code-compliant, this could present a problem when it comes time to sell or refinance your home.  Other than minor things such as replacing a faucet or a light switch cover, both electrical and plumbing projects are best left to the pros. Any Legal Matters:  Yes, lawyers can be expensive.  But trying to handle things yourself can cost you much more in the long run.  If you take these matters into your own hand and walk in without anyone representing you, you might find that you know nothing about what you should and should not do while in court.   While there are minor small claims court matters many individuals can do themselves, most legal issues are something you should hire a lawyer to handle.  Don't be tempted to use those fill-in-the-blank forms floating around the internet; the consequences of not knowing the implications can be considerable. Any Potentially Dangerous Home Improvements:  Most home improvement projects require skill in order to be done correctly, and some can be down right hazardous. Roofing is one of the most dangerous if you do not know what you're doing.  There are safety issues with working on a roof.  Professional roofers exercise extreme caution - they know they have a 10 times greater chance of injuries than other types of workers. You might want to consider this before you head up that ladder to do any roof work yourself.  Tree removal is also one of those things that is a good idea to hire someone for, instead of risking your life or an injury when you try to cut the tree down yourself.  A misplaced cut could send that tree crashing through your house. Cutting Your Hair:  Some people are able to cut their own hair, whether it is something that they do on a daily basis or perhaps it is just a simple trim around the head. However, for those who haven't done it before – you might want to leave your head of hair to a professional that knows how too. If you want an advanced cut, hacking away at your hair is not the way to go. It might be expensive to go to a salon, but it can be worth it.  After all, once that hair is cut off, it's going to take quite awhile for it to grow back.

There are probably other areas that a pro would be a better idea than a DIY project, but these are the most common ones.  As you're about to embark on a project, it's a good idea to stop and ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen.  And then next question is, can I undo what I did?  If the answer is no, you probably should hire a professional. (If you're still not convinced, just Google 'home improvement fails.')

For exterior remodeling needs, speak with us here at Quarve when you're ready for roofing or other exterior home improvements. We are a licensed St. Paul and Minneapolis MN contractor that knows how to get the job done and get it done right. Check out our Pinterest page for some roofing that we've done in the past.