Don’t let your DIY dreams turn into a nightmare. Learn about 10 home improvement projects that pose serious risks and how to stay safe.

DIY home improvement projects can be incredibly satisfying and save you money, but some projects aren’t worth the risk. Saving a few bucks by doing something yourself isn’t worth a trip to the hospital…or worse.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 180,000 DIY-related injuries were serious enough to require emergency room treatment in 2020.

It’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers when you take on certain kinds of projects. This article outlines 10 DIY projects that can have very serious or fatal consequences if not approached with due caution and expertise.

Prioritizing safety is always the smartest choice. If you don’t have the proper skills, knowledge, tools, and experience, consult a qualified professional.

10 DIY Projects That Can Turn Deadly:

Major Electrical Work

electrical wiring
Major electrical wiring work is among the most dangerous DIY projects for novices. Dreamstime

Danger: Electrical work tops the list of DIY hazards. Whether it’s fiddling inside an electrical panel, rewiring a room, or installing a new fixture, mistakes can lead to severe shocks, burns, or electrocution.

Safety Advice: Always turn off the main power at the breaker box before touching any electrical components. Test wires with a voltage tester to ensure they’re de-energized. If you’re unsure about anything, call a licensed electrician.

Working at Heights: Roofs, Ladders, & Scaffolding

cleaning rain gutters
If you must work from a ladder, be sure it is a sturdy one placed on solid ground. Vlue / Shutterstock.com

Danger: Falls from roofs, ladders, or scaffolding are a leading cause of serious injuries and deaths in DIY projects.

Safety Advice: Use sturdy, well-maintained equipment. Wear a safety harness when working on roofs, and ensure ladders are placed on stable ground and at the correct angle. If the job involves significant height or complexity, consider hiring a roofing, siding, or gutters professional. See Ladders: The Ultimate Guide to Choice and Safe Use.

Removing Asbestos

room sealed for asbestos removal
Asbestos removal requires procedures that must be handled by a professional asbestos abatement contractor. Shutterstock
  • Danger: Asbestos fibers, once disturbed, can become airborne and inhaled. This can lead to serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, years later.
  • Safety Advice: Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. It’s essential to hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional who has the proper equipment and training to handle this hazardous material safely.

Demolition Projects

sheetrock wall being demolished
Demolition can be dangerous because of the many unknowns during the process. Shutterstock
  • Danger: Demolition can be unpredictable. Risks include falling debris, structural collapse, and exposure to hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos.
  • Safety Advice: Wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator. Start small and be aware of potential hazards like load-bearing walls or hidden plumbing/wiring. If the project is extensive, consider hiring a professional demolition crew.

Major Tree Work or Removal

major tree work can be dangerous
Climbing a tree and trimming it with a chainsaw should always be left to professional tree services. Don Vandervort | HomeTips
  • Danger: Falling trees and branches can be deadly, as can climbing a tree without the proper safety gear. Improper chainsaw use adds another layer of risk.
  • Safety Advice: Large trees, especially those near structures or power lines, should only be handled by professional tree services. For smaller trees, follow proper felling techniques, wear protective gear, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Gas Line Repairs and Appliance Installations

gas meter at house
Working on a home’s gas lines can be dangerous both because of toxic gasses and because of fire or explosive danger. Shutterstock
  • Danger: Gas leaks can lead to explosions, fires, or toxic gasses, all of which can be fatal.
  • Safety Tip: Unless you have the necessary knowledge and tools, don’t do your own gas line repairs or appliance installations. Always hire a licensed gas-piping professional to handle gas-related work.

Working with Combustion Appliances

HVAC person repairing a furnace
Furnace repair is a job for an HVAC pro. Shutterstock
  • Danger: Furnaces, water heaters, and other combustion appliances can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
  • Safety Advice: Ensure proper ventilation and have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home. Have these appliances inspected and serviced annually by a qualified HVAC technician.

Lead Paint Removal

old paint may contain lead
Before removing old paint, be sure to test if for lead. Shutterstock
  • Danger: Lead dust from sanding or disturbing old paint can cause serious health problems, particularly in children.
  • Safety Advice: If your home was built before 1978, it’s likely to have lead paint. Have it tested and hire a lead-safe certified contractor for any removal or renovation work.

Improper Power Tool Use

cutting panel with tablesaw
If you’ve ever used major power equipment like a table saw, you know its potential danger. Wearing proper safety gear and using safe procedures is critical when using large equipment. Dreamstime
  • Danger: Power tools like table saws, circular saws, and nail guns can cause severe injuries, including lacerations, amputations, or even death, if misused.
  • Safety Tip: Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never operate power tools when tired or distracted.

Neglecting Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance

Smoke detector emits an ear-piercing alarm at the first sign of smoke. Be sure to test it periodically by pressing the test button. Bertold Werkmann / Shutterstock.com

• Danger: While not a DIY project in itself, neglecting the simple task of changing batteries or replacing outdated detectors can have devastating consequences. Non-functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors cannot alert your family to the risk of injury or death in a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

• Safety Tip: Make a habit of replacing batteries at least twice a year (daylight saving time changes are a good reminder). Test your detectors monthly and replace them entirely every 10 years. It’s a small investment of time for a potentially life-saving benefit.

More: See How to Choose Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Conclusion

Before starting any DIY project, thoroughly research the task, understand the risks involved, and gather the necessary tools and safety equipment. Don’t overestimate your abilities. Tackling projects beyond your skill level can lead to mistakes with disastrous consequences. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified professional.

Take your time and avoid shortcuts. Rushing can lead to accidents.

By taking the necessary precautions and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the rewards of DIY while minimizing the risks.

Author Image
About Don Vandervort
Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years as a remodeler and builder, Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTV’s “The Fix,” served as MSN’s home expert for several years, and is featured as Yelp's home improvement expert. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. Read more about Don Vandervort