A lot of DIY home improvement projects should never happen while you're in a hurry and without a proper plan. Something as seemingly small and straightforward as forgetting to turn off the water main, using the wrong tools for the project or even just attempting to DIY repair a dishwasher or garbage disposal can result in massive flooding and water damage to your floors, walls, cabinets, and ceilings. Not to mention, the results of water mixing with electricity can be deadly.

Here are five home remodeling projects that should always be left in the hands of a general contractor:

1. Structural Changes or Home Additions - knocking down walls may look like a relatively simple project, but unless you’re fully confident you know what’s behind them, this project should be left to a professional. From electric wiring to plumbing or gas lines, what lies behind the interior and exterior walls of a home can vary dependent on someof factors - including the year the house was built or previous structural changes - and can spell trouble for a DIYer.
2. Installing Siding - appropriately and professionally installed siding is capable of lasting for many years, but siding that is not properly secured leaves room for leaks, water damage and mold or other issues that cause significant structural damage. 
3. Outdoor Kitchens - with all of the factors involved in building an outdoor kitchen, the results of outdoor kitchen DIY work can be disastrous. If you want it to bring you many years of enjoyment and less headache, leave this project to the professionals.
4. “Lipstick on a pig” - as general contractors, we find that it’s common for people to put money into expensive, upgraded cabinets for a house with a failing foundation, or to invest in a high-efficiency furnace for a house with insufficient insulation. Listen to the professionals who come to look at your project. Be open to their suggestions.
5. Work within a design - Some projects require the skill of an architect, some the skill of an interior designer, and often a talented builder will understand your aesthetic and help you design a good plan. Whatever you do, do not begin a remodel without a detailed floor plan. A lot of elements interact within a space — put them all down on paper and problems are caught before they are built. You may be able to attempt to create a functional space without a proper plan, but if you want both a functional and beautiful space, hire a contractor.