If you do a quick internet search for “DIY projects gone wrong,” you’ll probably be flabbergasted by some of the results and feel fortunate that you haven’t ever had to deal with the aftermath of such a disaster. But, for those of you currently looking for a new home, it’s important to keep in mind that there can be serious problems within a property that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. 

According to a recent article from the Seattle Post Intelligencer, many homeowners have opted to go the do-it-yourself route over the past few years to save money during these tough economic times. Ultimately, however, it can end up costing them – or the people who purchase their property – a significant amount of money in repairs. 

Here are some home improvement projects for which it’s a good idea to turn to a professional:

Roof repair – Climbing up onto a roof is dangerous, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can lead to serious injuries. Additionally, those who aren’t skilled at roof repair shouldn’t be installing and replacing shingles, as this can damage the home’s structure. 

Plumbing repair – Not only can doing this yourself become messy really fast, but if they aren’t fixed properly in the first place, pipes, toilets and drains can continue to wreak havoc for years to come. 

Window repair – Chances are, you probably don’t have the right tools required to install or repair windows. This means they most likely won’t be well-insulated and secure, which can lead to added energy costs. 

When you purchase a home, you really don’t know what you’re getting until you have a professional take a look at it. Thankfully, there are home inspection contractors who know what to keep an eye out for and can help you determine if a property is really worth the price or if there are hidden problems that could wind up costing a small fortune to fix.