If you're a fan of home renovation shows and love checking out #DIYInspo projects on social media, you may have considered making a few changes around your place. But when it comes to home renovations, knowing when to hire a professional is essential.

While it may be tempting to take on home renovation and home improvement projects that don't appear to present any risks on the surface, there are several instances where the expertise of a professional should be employed to ensure mistakes are avoided.

From electrical work and plumbing changes to structural changes and work requiring specialized equipment, we're going to take a look at some of the reasons why you should leave these types of projects to the professionals.

Electrical work

The rise of online resources can help you gain the confidence to try tasks that would normally be left up to the professionals. However, just because you've seen how to do something doesn't mean you should attempt it unless you're a trained professional. This is especially relevant when it comes to electrical work.

Electricity can be dangerous. Regardless of whether the job is major or minor, unless you're a certified professional, attempting electrical work yourself runs a much higher risk of injury or even death, as well as significant damage to your home. Although it may seem thrifty to do the work yourself, the best course of action is to reach out to a trained and certified professional who adheres to the latest electrical standards.

This will also give you peace of mind when it comes time to sell your home because you'll know that all of the work has been done up to par and will pass a home inspection.

Plumbing work

When you hire a reliable, licensed plumber, you have a professional with the knowledge and experience to assess the full extent of your plumbing issues and react quickly to resolve anything unexpected in an effective and efficient manner.

Skip a permit here, skip the architect or contractor there, but the simple truth is that it's going to cost you much more in the long run if you cut corners when it comes to your plumbing system. Hiring a reliable, licensed plumber gives you access to tools, parts, and plumbing materials that most DIYers don't have on hand.

Structural changes

If you're thinking about renovating a room, it can be tempting to tear down the walls yourself and create an open-concept floor plan. However, you don't know what could be lurking behind those walls or what those walls could be supporting, so hire a contractor.

If there's a renovation that will impact the structure of your home, the only option should be to hire a professional—structural changes require a permit, and for good reason. Though it may sound dramatic to suggest a catastrophe could take place if structural modifications aren't carried out by a trained professional, the truth is it's a very realistic outcome.

Remember, when you cut out the experts, there's a good chance you cut out the expert work. If you’re looking for a trusted referral, let me know and I’ll connect you.