Knowing your limits: what never to DIY

Being handy is a great life skill. Knowing when to stop is a better one. Some jobs are dangerous, illegal for non-professionals in many countries, or the landlord's responsibility anyway.

Gas: never

• In the UK, landlords must have gas appliances and flues checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer and give you a copy of the record within 28 days of the check (HSE; GOV.UK).
• HSE says it is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance they suspect is unsafe. If in doubt, turn it off and leave it until a registered engineer checks it.
• HSE says temporarily moving a bayonet-fitted freestanding cooker to clean behind it is not gas work; any other installation must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• In the UK, if you smell gas, HSE advises opening doors and windows, turning off the supply at the meter if you know how, and calling the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999. For UAE steps, see Running a Home: fire, smoke alarms and gas.

Electrics beyond plugs and bulbs

• Consumer NZ says you can do only limited electrical work yourself, and everything else needs a licensed electrician. Rules differ by country, but the principle is the same everywhere.
• Changing a bulb and resetting a tripped switch are fine (see Running a Home, basic fixes). New sockets, light fittings, moving switches and any wiring are not.
• In England, the landlord must keep the electrical system safe, including sockets and light fittings (GOV.UK). In the UAE, use building maintenance or a licensed contractor.
• Never touch anything electrical with wet hands, and never open up a consumer unit (fuse box).

Plumbing, water and heights

• Unblocking a sink with a plunger is a fine DIY job. Consumer NZ notes that in New Zealand, plumbing beyond minor tasks such as changing washers and taps must be done by a registered plumber.
• Call for help straight away if water is leaking near electrics, a ceiling is bulging or stained, or you cannot stop a leak.
• Anything requiring you to work from a tall ladder, a roof, a balcony edge or outside a window is a job for a professional with the right equipment.

Hidden hazards and chemicals

• Older buildings may contain asbestos in ceilings, boards or floor tiles. Consumer NZ advises that asbestos should only be removed or handled by an experienced contractor, so never sand, drill or break old materials you cannot identify.
• Consumer NZ also warns that older paint may contain lead, which is mainly dangerous once it flakes or is sanded into dust; if it is in good condition, painting over it is better than trying to remove it.
• Fumigation and strong pesticides are professional jobs. In the UAE, never buy or use unlabelled pesticides (see the pests lesson).
• Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially anything with bleach (see Running a Home, cleaning routines).

A quick decision checklist

• Ask yourself: does it involve gas, wiring, water near electricity, the building structure, heights or strong chemicals? If yes, stop and call a professional or your landlord.
• Is it the landlord's job anyway? In England, GOV.UK says tenants cannot be forced to do landlord repairs, and Shelter notes you are responsible for damage you cause, including through a failed DIY attempt.
• Do I have the right tool, the instructions and someone to ask? If not, wait.
• If you hire someone yourself, check their registration or licence (for example the Gas Safe ID card in the UK), get a written quote, and never let anyone in without checking ID.