Even if you are handy around the house, there are still quite a few repairs and upgrades that you should never tackle alone. Carrying out certain projects without professional training could potentially result in expensive damage that your home insurance policy won’t cover. An experienced contractor is going to have all the proper permits and policies to insure their work and protect you from future financial problems. Here is a look at three common home improvement projects that you might want to leave to the professionals.

Installing Appliances That Use Water

Plugging in a new microwave or toaster isn’t the same as installing a dishwasher or washing machine. Even a minor mistake during the installation could result in a leak, and a few drops an hour will waste hundreds of gallons of water every year. If you are uncomfortable installing those types of appliances, then you should speak with the company that sold you the device. Many home improvement stores offer discounts on their installation services or free installations if you buy certain brands or products.

Replacing or Repairing a Roof

Patching a roof is more complicated than most homeowners realize, and it is one of the most dangerous projects that you can carry out on your own. Experienced roofing contractors, like the professionals at Stevens Roofing Corporation, utilize a variety of different tools and gear to keep themselves safe while working that far above the ground. Homeowners who want to avoid expensive damage down the road should check their roofs for leaks and cracks once every few months. You might also need to replace the roof entirely if it is more than 15 years old.

Upgrading the Lighting

Installing new bulbs is a great way to cut back on your electric bills, but you might not want to change the fixtures on your own. Not only is there the possibility of getting shocked, but a damaged or exposed wire could result in an electrical fire. Even if you install everything correctly, the new fixture could still overload the system and cause the breaker to constantly pop. Other than plugging in appliances and changing out old bulbs, you need to leave all electrical work to a licensed electrician.

Before working with any contractor on a new project, you must make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and properly insured. Hiring an unlicensed contractor could lead to huge fines, and it might even put your family in danger if the repairs aren’t carried out correctly. Most residential projects that involve changes to the primary structure or mechanical systems of a home must be approved by a local governing body. Some contractors and homeowners use permit service companies to expedite the approval process.