Going the do-it-yourself route for home renovation projects is a great way to save money while gaining valuable experience and giving your space your personal touch. But whether you’re an experienced DIY-er or just starting to flex your handyperson skills, some jobs are best left to a trained professional.

Here are a few projects you can tackle yourself, and others you should save for an expert.

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC: Pro

Some home makeovers are about aesthetics and the worst thing that can happen is something doesn’t look very nice. But when you’re working with electrical, plumbing, or an HVAC system, the top concern becomes safety — both during the project and long term, when it’s being used by you and your family.

So, play it safe and hire a licensed contractor for any work that needs to be done in these areas. Depending on where you live, it could even be legally required. You can of course be involved in selecting lighting fixtures, appliances, and where they’ll go, but the technical installation work should be left to the pros. When hiring someone, check in with the relevant trades organization to make sure they’re properly licensed.

Cabinet refacing: DIY

Kitchens and bathrooms can get a major facelift that’s super affordable by refacing the cabinetry. While it’ll take a bit of elbow grease, this is definitely a project you can do yourself in a weekend. You’ll need to sand the cabinets to remove paint flakes and prep them for a new coat or stain. You’ll then need to carefully use painter’s tape and other materials to protect your backsplash, appliances, and countertops from any accidents.

Add a final touch of personality by changing the hardware. It’s easy to do and can help convey the style you’re craving for the room. For example, sleek black pulls with clean lines can highlight a contemporary look, while rustic knobs would be perfect for a country farmhouse kitchen.

Luxury installations: Pro

Many projects can be do-it-yourself jobs or pro work, depending on the complexity. Often, you’ll need to use your judgment on where that line is. For example, a simple flooring replacement is something you can probably handle, but if you’re trying to create a complex tile pattern it might be best to hire someone with experience. Similarly, building a basic deck in your outdoor living space is realistic if you watch some video tutorials and follow instructions. But a luxury deck with lots of levels or a wraparound feature is a big investment you’ll want to have an expert create.

Exterior finishing: DIY

Upgrading your exterior siding with stone veneer is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value, while giving you something gorgeous to look at every time you pull in the driveway.

Although not all stone veneer products can be installed by DIYers, the patented Fusion Stone mechanically fastened stone veneer system makes it easy for even those with modest skills to install like a pro. With just a few basic tools and the easy-to-follow instructions, you’re good to go. It’s a simple and budget-friendly way to transform your home.

Learn more about how easy it is to install Fusion Stone by checking out our installation guide.