4 Remodels Not To Do Yourself

Attic Weatherproofing and Sealing
Most attic insulation and air sealing jobs are better left to the professionals. If your house has frequent ice or condensation buildup at the top of the house you should contact a contractor to design a system to insulate the main floors and vent the attic. Homes with recessed lighting may need the assistance of a professional to insulate without creating a fire hazard.

Bring More Sunlight Into Your Home
Installing skylights and newfangled light pipes can instantly bring natural light to your home and save money on your electric bill. Unskilled homeowners should not attempt the difficult roofing and structural issues involved in installing these fixtures. Contractors typically charge from $1,000 per skylight, and many guarantee their work against leaks and air gaps.

Change Your Water Heater
Heating household water accounts for more than 15 percent of the energy costs for a typical family. You can lower your utility bills by as much as half by choosing tankless on-demand units and heaters that work on propane or natural gas. Unfortunately, switching to a whole new water heating system requires a professional.

Seal Your Ducts
For homeowners with forced air heating and cooling systems, there are a few options for sealing up leaky ducts. One of the most effective ways to fix leaky ducts is a unique service called Aeroseal, which sprays an adhesive coating on the interior of all your ducts. According to Aeroseal, it makes areas 90 percent airtight. Aeroseal contractors are nationwide and costs for a typical house range from $500 to $900.