6 DIY Home Projects Prohibited by Law That Could Cost You
When it comes to home improvement projects, doing it yourself can save money and give you a sense of satisfaction, but there are certain tasks that legally require a licensed professional due to safety concerns and building codes. Tackling these without the proper knowledge or credentials can result in not only fines, but pose serious safety risks
Before you strap on your tool belt, read the wise words home improvement pros and others have shared about the dangers of DIY.
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1. Replacing an Electrical Panel
The cost of replacing an electrical panel depends on the amperage and whether new wiring is required, but typically costs over $1,000.
“Some of the worst (and illegal) things I have seen homeowners and unlicensed contractors attempt to do is replace their main electrical panel,” said Christopher Haas, the owner of Haas & Sons Electric in Pasadena, Maryland. “This poses many dangers from injuring themselves, the home and the occupants […] I have seen people unknowingly hook up the ground and power wire backward -- reverse of what they should have done -- which can cause injury or death to any unsuspecting person or animal that touches the now electrified ground.”
2. Taking Out a Wall
“You’d love to have an open floor plan. Before you take a sledgehammer to that wall, you need to talk with an expert,” said Emily Perez, head of design and digital PR at Kitchen Infinity. “Some walls in your home are cosmetic, and others are supporting your roof. Knockdown a supporting wall, and you’ve compromised the integrity of your home.”
The cost to remove a wall varies widely, and can run anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on whether it’s cosmetic or load-bearing, its size, and whether it’s on the first or second floor.
3. Repairing or Replacing HVAC Systems
If there’s a problem with your heating and air conditioning, it’s always best to call a professional, Perez said.
“There are possible gas leakages that can cause dizziness, asphyxia and other respiratory problems,” she said. “It is because of these health risks that it is illegal to fix or replace your HVAC system by yourself. If a manufacturer finds out about your efforts to fix the system yourself, they may even cancel out your warranty.”
It’s always a good practice to have your HVAC system serviced regularly, which typically costs around $200 to $600, according to HomeAdvisor.
4. Installing a Water Heater
“You’re either dealing with 220 volts of electricity or a live gas line with the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning looming in the air,” said Ralph Severson, owner of Flooring Masters and Professional Remodelers. “It is very dangerous for a DIY-inclined homeowner to do this replacement themselves, but there is no shortage of people with a lot more confidence than skill.
“I once got a call from a friend to go look at a new water heater that wasn’t working," Severson continued. "The person who installed it for my friend did it for free. They ran a 110-volt line to the heater instead of 220. Needless to say, I didn’t touch it and told them to call both a plumber and electrician immediately.”
According to HomeAdvisor, installing a water heater replacement can cost between $880 and nearly $2,000.
5. Building a Deck
“The biggest DIY safety issue is, without a doubt, self-built decks,” said Welmoed Sisson, a licensed home inspector in Maryland. “Just about every jurisdiction requires permits for deck construction, but we still see decks that were built by a homeowner with a hammer in one hand and a copy of ‘Family Handyman’ in the other. Not knowing the fundamentals of safe deck construction can lead to disaster.”
An average deck often costs several thousand dollars.
6. Adding On (Home Additions)
Many do-it-yourself home additions fail to align properly with the existing structure. The add-on may sit at an uneven height or have an awkward roof line in relation to the original home. This can create an unsightly patchwork appearance.
Additionally, homeowners often prioritize speed and cost savings over securing the proper legal permits for add-ons. While expedient in the short term, this oversight causes problems over time.
Legally, unpermitted add-ons provide no added property value and cannot be factored into assessments. Without oversight from building inspectors, these additions may also fail to meet safety and structural codes. It is in every homeowner’s best interest to go through proper legal channels with home improvement projects, even when it requires more time and money upfront. The long-term benefits of increased safety, compliance and property value make the extra effort worthwhile.
Laura Beck and Sam DiSalvo contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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