4 Things Not to DIY In Your Outdoor Space

Jul 14 2017

4 Things Not to DIY In Your Outdoor Space

Summer is the perfect time to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re having backyard barbecues or cookouts by the pool, it’s hard to beat a summer weekend spent in the sun, especially if you don’t have to leave your house to enjoy it.

When it comes to improving your outdoor spaces, there are things you can do yourself, but other tasks require a professional. If you’re looking to give your yard a makeover this summer, here are a few aspects of renovating you should avoid DIY-ing and hire a professional.

Gas Installation

Outdoor kitchens are a huge asset for external spaces. From gas barbecues, to fireplaces and more, having the ability to heat and cook in your outdoor space gives you a lot more versatility. Installing gas plumbing, however, can be tricky and should be done by a professional in most cases. It is always best to have gas plumbing inspected and permitted.  This requires a pressure test prior to connection.  Gas installation also requires specific parts and connections as the plumbing must be air-tight. While some expert DIY-ers might be able to get the job done, if done incorrectly gas leaks in or outside of the home can have dangerous consequences for you and your family. Getting help from a professional can ensure everything is in order and your gas systems will not have hazardous leaks and other problems.

Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring is another tricky process in outdoor spaces. While it’s crucial to have good lighting on your patio or deck, it can be tricky to bring electricity to outdoor spaces, especially if they are far enough away from your home’s meter and breaker box. While doing your own electrical wiring may seem like a money-saving solution, it can lead to big problems down the road. Getting most electrical work inspected and permitted is also advisable.  Common hazards include:

  • Getting wires crossed, which can cause them to overheat and cause fires
  • Wrongly equipped voltage, which can also lead to fires
  • Shock hazards
  • Inspection failure

Plumbing

If you are looking to add a sink to your outdoor kitchen or have any other needs for plumbing outdoors, this is another area to avoid DIY-ing. Poorly configured plumbing systems can cause leaks and spills, and have a huge negative impact on your water bill. Additionally, some plumbing updates call for permits, which should be left in the hands of professionals. Any sink or pool that people enter (no matter how small) must be tied to sewer, which is a much bigger project.  Consult a professional prior to undertaking this type of work.

Landscaping

Landscaping can add to your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces when done correctly. Having flat areas (often created by retaining walls), level patio spaces and flourishing gardens can add to the beauty of your home, increase its value, and even give you some fresh ingredients to use in the kitchen. While basic gardening and yard maintenance can easily be done by the homeowner, larger-scale projects should be done by a professional.

Landscaping that can be done yourself includes:

  • Adding to flowers and plants to your garden
  • Routine pruning and mowing
  • Weeding
  • Mulch and general maintenance

 

If you have larger scale landscaping needs, professional help may be necessary. This can include:

  • Lawn installation and irrigation systems attached to your main line
  • Patio and retaining wall installation
  • Large scale native and ornamental planting
  • Any large scale work that requires permitting

A solid, well thought out design is key to a successful project, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces. Making updates to your home’s exterior is a great way to give you more space to enjoy, add to your home’s curb appeal, and increase the value of your home in the long run. While DIY solutions are great in some cases, they can also lead to problems down the line if done incorrectly. If you’re looking for a professional to help you update your outdoor space, we’re here to help. To learn more about Urban Oasis or to view our portfolio, visit our website today!

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