13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to DIY

Bob Vila

September 15, 2015 at 5:14 p.m.

13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to DIY

13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to DIY

Are you thinking of switching from an electric range to a gas stove and installing the appliance yourself? Think again. This is a project for not just one, but two professionals that have to meet codes and inspect the finished product. A gas stove requires both electricity and gas to function properly, so hire a plumber to install the gas line and an electrician to modify the electrical circuit. Otherwise, this fairly easy conversion could have explosive consequences.

Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Some jobs call for a licensed professional, especially jobs that involve plumbing, electric, and HVAC installations and repairs. Improperly performed home improvements may cause injury, void warranties, compromise insurance claims, and complicate resales—and some are just outright illegal to do yourself. Here are 13 home improvement projects where calling a pro is a better alternative than risking it DIY-style. | By Jill Lawrence-O’Hara, BobVila.com

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13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to DIY

13 Home Improvements That Are Illegal to DIY

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