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As Homes Editor, I find great joy in refreshing my living and outdoor spaces, especially for the warmer months — often scouring social media for the latest DIY trends and expert-led renovation tips.But while there are plenty of home reno jobs you can do yourself (and save a grand fortune), there are some jobs best left to the skilled professionals.If not done properly (and safely), you could easily end up causing more damage to your home or, worse, injure yourself and others. What’s more, you’ll be wasting money on materials and costly repairs — when you need to call in a professional to fix your mistakes.I’ve called on an expert to determine which home renovation tasks are safe for a DIY enthusiast and which ones require the specialized skills of an expert. So before you start your summer renovation project, read this first.Knocking down a wall
demolished wall in bathroom (Image credit: Shutterstock)As an avid viewer of home improvement shows, I’ve often seen homeowners knock through interior walls to open up their living areas. And while it might seem tempting to do it yourself, experts warn against this idea.“Knocking down an internal wall is also something homeowners are urged to think twice about,” states Danielle Croce, director at Intasite. “While it can be tempting to open up space, there are several important factors to consider before picking up a hammer.Some walls are load-bearing, meaning they support the structure of the property, and removing them without proper assessment could cause serious structural damage. In certain cases, permission from your local council may also be required.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.So while it may look simple to do on television, it’s always safer to call in the qualified professionals to tackle this job. Not only will they have the expertise, but the specialist equipment needed to reduce the risk of any further structural damage.Electrical rewiring
