Homes Plus
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(StatePoint) — One in five DIY-ers tackling home reno- vations ends up in the hos- pital each year due to acci- dents, according to the Home Safety Council. Don't become a statistic. Here are the seven most dangerous DIY home reno- vations you should leave to the experts: ■ Tree trimming and removal Trees don't always fall in a predictable manner, creat- ing a hazard for yourself and your property. It's best to consult a certified arborist, no matter how handy you are with power tools. If a tree falls during a storm, a DIY mishap or a careless neighbor's land- scaping project, take photos and contact your claims adjuster as soon as possible, said Joe Vahey, Erie Insur- ance vice president and product manager. "Your adjuster can help evaluate the damage and explain how your homeowners insurance can help.‚" ■ Asbestos removal Many homes built before 1980 contain asbestos. Before renovating, it's a smart idea to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materi- als by accredited profes- sionals. Leave clean-up to experts, and limit your exposure to the area. Inhal- ing airborne fibers may cause harmful respiratory problems. ■ Roof repair When faced with severe storm damage, homeown- ers often look for a quick fix for roof damage. Rather than running the risk of falling or injuring yourself, have your homeowners insurance claims adjuster verify damage and schedule repair work with an experi- enced company. In the long run, this will save you time, money and help you avoid injuries. ■ Electrical repairs While it may be easy to change a light switch or install a ceiling fan (make sure your power is turned off before you start), replac- ing circuits and other larg- er projects should be done by professionals. This will prevent shocks, injuries and potential fires, while ensuring your home is up to building codes if you even- tually plan to sell. ■ Gas appliance repairs Properly cutting off or hooking up gas lines can be tricky, so leave gas appli- ance repairs to the profes- sionals to protect against potential gas leaks and car- bon monoxide poisoning. ■ Knocking down walls If you're looking for an open floor plan, think before tearing down walls yourself. Do you know which walls are load-bear- ing and where plumbing or electrical lines are located? Professionals will know how to best navigate the project from start to finish so you stay safe, and your home stays intact. ■ Pest control Not all pest-control prod- ucts should be handled by the average consumer. Keep your family safe by hiring a pest control company to handle toxic substances properly. More renovations safety tips and information on homeowners insurance can be found at www.ErieInsur- ance.com. JULY 2015 HOMES PLUS 9 Design, Sales and Service Landscape Irrigation Systems for Residential and Commercial Since 1974 www.milwaukeelawnsprinkler.com N60 W16180 Kohler Lane Menomonee Falls, WI phone 262.252.3880 fax 262.252.5379 Expert Installers of: Residential Commercial Sports/Turf Green Roofs/Gardens Drip Systems Rainwater Harvesting 242860005 "Yes, we installed the irrigation system at Miller Park!" Free estimates • Bonded/Insured • Open Weekends! Foggy Windows a Problem? No need to replace the entire window, replace only the glass... at a fraction of the cost! Glass Pro Inc. –– the glass replacement professional –– www.GlassProInc.net 262-679-4990 [West] • 414-525-1599 [South] • 414-453-1060 [North] 243900055 Specializing in: Thermo-pane and Plate Glass Replacement, Mirrors and Tabletops, Auto Glass and Windshield Repair, Glass Block, Custom Shower Doors, Vinyl Replacement Windows The 7 most dangerous DIY projects StatePoint Tree trimming and removal ranks at the top of danger- ous do-it-yourself home projects. Trees don't always fall the way you expect them to. Turning to the experts can prevent accidents in something as simple as turning off the gas