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REALTOR®
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Articles and Advice

When It's Time to Call in the Professionals

Identify which home projects you can DIY and which need the pros.

Remodels and renovations can transform your home in powerful ways. Whether you're preparing to list your house or if you've recently moved into a space that needs a facelift, a home improvement project will make any room feel refreshed. There are plenty of home improvement projects that you can accomplish with a few supplies and a little hard work, however, homeowners should acknowledge that some tasks are best left to professionals. Let's take a look at the most common home improvement projects and identify which ones require the help of licensed, trained, and certified specialists.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® Magazine, here are eight of the most common home improvement projects:

  1. Kitchen Remodels
    A renovated kitchen can increase a home's value and make it feel like the heart of a home. There are a number of tasks you can complete yourself like painting, replacing the backsplash, and refinishing cabinetry. However, any rewiring of electrical sockets or installation of smart tech that involves electrical work should be left to a professional electrician.
  2. Bathroom Remodels
    Aside from the kitchen, a renovated bathroom is one of the top DIY projects homeowners tackle. Thousands of homeowners quickly and efficiently replace their flooring, tubs, toilets, and vanities without assistance. When it comes to any serious plumbing work, however, a licensed and certified plumber should be called.
  3. Repairing Property Damage
    Property damage comes in all shapes and sizes which is beneficial for homeowners who want to replace a property fence or repave a driveway without hiring a third party company. Unfortunately, many serious property damages — especially those which require an insurance claim — will likely require professional repairs.
  4. Roofing Repairs/Replacements
    As a vital element of the home, roof damage should not be taken lightly. Leaks, missing shingles, and other forms of trauma to the roof could turn into serious issues that impact the integrity of your house. Not only is it dangerous to attempt to complete repairs or replacements alone, but your homeowner's insurance may require the work to be completed by a professional to ensure the structure is safely preserved.
  5. Garage Repairs/Replacements
    All homeowners should know that the garage door is actually one of the most dangerous aspects of your home to try to repair or replace. We recommend that all homeowners allow only licensed and trained garage door specialists to complete all garage door work.
  6. Basement Finishing
    A finished basement is a huge perk for those who desire more functional space throughout the home. This is one area where you can DIY nearly everything. From new flooring to installing cabinetry, most improvements in the basement can be completed with a little patience and skill. Keep in mind that any electrical or plumbing work in this room must only be handled by a professional.
  7. Structural Changes
    Depending on your local laws, you may need permits before undertaking major renovations or remodels such as adding additional rooms or building outdoor structures like sheds or decks. Many of these projects may require inspections as well which is why we suggest that homeowners perform thorough research and consult professionals before attempting large-scale projects.
  8. Windows/Door Replacements
    Similarly, permits are often required for the replacement of windows or exterior doors. Some state laws will allow homeowners to act as their own contractors for these replacements, however, we encourage homeowners to investigate further before starting the project.

Home improvement projects can transform a house into your dream home — but many of these remodels and renovations require the expertise of a professional. Before attempting any home improvement project, be sure to conduct thorough research to determine if you legally need the assistance of a licensed professional.

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Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/03/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/03/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Bright MLS (last updated Tue 03/03/2026 12:37:29 AM EST) or (last updated Tue 03/03/2026 6:06:49 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Delta Agent Sites may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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