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The Top 10 DIY Jobs Homeowners Should Avoid

Doing it yourself is a great way to save money. Home improvements and repairs can be costly, and any contractor you hire to do the job will mark-up prices on materials and labor. Some will also charge for an estimate, although that is rare these days.

So, with that in mind, and with the Internet being such a vast resource of free information, it's very easy to be tempted to do a lot of these expensive jobs yourself. However, you can soon find yourself out of your depth and spending even more money than the initial job would have cost to correct your own mistakes. (See also: 5 Household Fixes You Should Stop Paying Others For)

I talked to several professionals over the last few weeks, some of whom I have hired to work on my own home. They outlined a list of jobs that you should think twice about attempting. Of course, if you're a skilled handyman or handywoman, or have experience doing particular repairs, go ahead and do your thing. But if in doubt, get a professional out.

1. Roof Repair

We recently had to replace the whole roof due to hail damage. Insurance picked up the $12,000 tab, but there's a reason it costs a lot of money to repair or replace a roof. It's time-consuming, it's labor-intensive, it takes a lot of people, it's dangerous, and it can mess up your whole house if you do it wrong. If it's replacing one or two shingles, and you are confident you can do the job well, that's one thing. But any major repairs you should leave to the pros. A roof should last 20 years or more; it's worth the investment.

2. Tree Removal

Big, bad tree taking up too much of your yard? Well, think twice before pulling that sucker out.

If it's a large tree, you need to know exactly how to make it fall in the right direction. One false move and you have a tree in your bedroom. If you do manage to plan it correctly, and it falls just where you want, you now have a stump to remove. A huge, heavy stump with a root system that could spread 20 to 40 feet. After all that heaving and pulling, probably with a truck, you now have a very heavy stump to haul away, plus the rest of the tree. Is it worth it? Nope. Hire a tree service; they do this daily and they're reasonably priced.

3. Structural Improvements

Most people know about load bearing walls. They may not know exactly how to handle them though, and if you don't do it right, your whole house is at risk. But even if you avoid the load bearing walls, you still have other walls to deal with that contain water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, and ductwork for the HVAC system. If you're planning on taking out a wall or two, plan to bring in the professionals.

4. Major Plumbing or Electrical Work

If you have a blocked toilet or a leaky faucet, don't pay big money on a contractor when you can do the job in a few minutes. Similarly, installing a new ceiling fan or light is no big deal either. But when it comes to anything that involves rerouting pipe work or significant rewiring, don't save a buck and do it yourself. This requires the work of professionals, and when you consider the house could burn down or be flooded by your actions (not to mention you could kill yourself in the process) it's not worth the risk.

5. Installing New Windows

My wife wants a new window in our bathroom. Well, she wants a window in our bathroom period. There isn't one in there right now. I'm tempted to do it myself; it would be so much cheaper. You may feel the same way, too. But when you consider you are literally cutting a huge hole in the side of your house and have to make sure it is safe and watertight, is it worth saving the money? What if you don't get it quite right, and the window falls out? It could kill someone. Even a small mistake could result in serious damage to your home and the contents. Hire a contractor.

6. Attic Insulation

What? Just throwing a bit of insulation in the attic? No worries. Well, think again. If you don't know which type of insulation to use, how much to use, and where to put it, you can actually create new problems. These include improper ventilation, home overheating, and even wood rot from moisture buildup. And if you don't watch your step, you could come right through the ceiling. If you feel confident and have done your research, you could give it a try. But I would recommend a professional service.

7. Replacing Exterior Siding

A little piece here or there, well, that's something you could attempt to do if you consider yourself handy. But the whole house? If the siding on your abode is looking past its prime, it will take a serious amount of time and knowledge to replace it. This is what is considered a major DIY task, and one most homeowners know better than to take on. Remember, this is not just making your home look good; it is protecting it from the elements. Mess this one up and you can severely impact the value of your home and its ability to stand up to the elements.

8. Gutter Repair or Replacement

At first glance, it seems easy enough. A few screws here and there and you're done. Easy. But consider this — the guttering system is directly linked to the roof, and it is virtually impossible to repair it without impacting that roof. It's also tricky work, done on a long ladder with limited stability. It should certainly not be attempted alone. But save yourself the headache and the risk of injury to yourself and damage to the roof. Call the pros.

9. Basement Finishing

If you have an unfinished basement, you have probably already thought about the option of getting it transformed into a livable space. No doubt you have even looked into the costs and cried a little. It is expensive. And there's a reason for that. It takes time, planning, and a lot of experience.

I have a friend who just finished his basement remodel. He started it five years ago. He said he's probably spent twice what it would have cost to get it done by a professional firm, taking into account his own time, the amount of mess-ups he had to replace, and the "money" he spent learning on the job. This is a massive undertaking. Some call it an adventure, others, a potential nightmare. And if you do it wrong, you may have to pay someone to rip it out and redo it. Unless you have some major DIY chops, a stockpile of equipment, and a lot of friends who can help, give this one a very wide berth.

10. HVAC Systems

HVAC, if you don't already know, stands for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning. This is complicated stuff. Your air conditioner, your furnace, your boiler, the ductwork, the electrics, the pipe work — it goes on and on and on. You may know a few things about HVAC, but certainly not enough to rival the professionals who do this for a living. This is what makes your home livable. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, and if it's done wrong, it can seriously mess up your home's value. This is not something you want to tackle, even if you consider yourself fairly handy.

That's my top 10 DIY jobs homeowners should avoid. Did I miss anything? Is something on this list that you believe is easier than I've made it sound? Let us know in comments!

5 Ways to Save Money on Braces

The average cost of standard orthodontic treatment is approximately $5,000. This could be a little less or more depending on where you live and the severity of the case. Whether it's for your child or yourself, this is no small investment. That's why it's important to make sure that you get quality care and understand ways to keep extra costs to a minimum. My mother has worked as an orthodontic assistant for over 30 years, and during that time, she's seen a lot of patients who had to pay more than necessary due to neglecting some simple preventive maintenance and care. (See also: How to Examine Your Healthcare Plan and Save)

While there's no way to reduce the overall estimated cost without sacrificing quality, there are plenty of ways to ensure that you aren't paying more than you need to on braces for yourself or your child. Educating yourself as a patient or educating your child about how to properly care for your braces is only part of maintaining the cost-effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.

1. Go for Early Treatment

Even if you think your child may be too young for that first trip to the orthodontist, there may be issues that can be detected and prevented with early care. With a comprehensive plan and early diagnosis, an early visit could help prevent future issues that may be more difficult to treat. As soon as your child starts losing baby teeth, ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontist in the area.

2. Visit a Board Certified Orthodontist

It may be tempting to let a dentist put braces on you or your child because dentists who claim to be certified to do so will typically charge less than orthodontists. However, dentists are not fully trained to provide orthodontic treatment. Make sure you see a board-certified orthodontist. If you get braces put on by an unqualified professional, you may be paying a lot more in the end for more treatment. This also means potentially having to go through round two of braces, which is something most people would not look forward to.

For those reasons, it's also important to see a reputable orthodontist. Ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers for recommendations, or go to an online review site, such as Angie's List or Yelp. Read as much as you can about what other people write about orthodontists in your area. It doesn't hurt to visit a few different offices for consultations. Most orthodontists will offer free consultations. It may come down to going with someone who has the best personality or a larger staff, which indicates that they are probably a trusted service provider due to having to serve a larger patient base. A well-staffed office also means you will have more flexibility in scheduling appointments.

3. Ask About Payment Plan Details

Once you've chosen an orthodontist you like, be sure to ask for the details about their payment plans and make sure you understand them. Many orthodontists will offer a no interest plan with a down payment. For instance, if you put down one-fourth of the overall cost, you may get 24 months without interest. Just like with any credit card, there will be larger payments along with interest without a down payment.

If your orthodontist doesn't offer a payment plan, there are credit companies that offer financing specifically for orthodontics. Springstone is one of the major companies, but you can easily find one by searching the web. Also, ask your orthodontist to recommend a credit company that provides financing for braces. Most likely, they probably have a credit company that they work with already.

4. Encourage Brushing and Proper Care

Whether you or your child is the patient, poor brushing habits can lead to cavities and permanent markings. This will cost you more money for dental work and restorations in the end. Be sure to ask your orthodontist for tips on how to properly brush your teeth with the challenge of having braces. Also, only eat what is recommended to help prevent damage. This could end up costing a lot of extra money, and not just in labor costs.

Some orthodontists will charge for loose or broken brackets and bands, which can be costly if the problem recurs. Don't pay more money in frequent trips to the orthodontist to get something fixed. Avoid eating things like popcorn, ice, and sticky and hard candy, and also avoid chewing on pens and pencils. Also make sure you read your contract carefully and understand all the policies about wearing rubber bands, brushing, keeping your appointment, etc.

Keep in mind that broken appliances will cost you a lot more than regular treatment. Most orthodontic treatment will include the first retainer in the overall cost, but it can be $175 or more to replace one that was lost or damaged by misuse. Lost retainers are common. Kids tend to accidentally throw them away in the cafeteria at lunch because they put them in a napkin. Keep the case around to avoid losing a removable retainer.

5. Orthodontics Are Not Just Cosmetic

If you think you are spending a lot of money on a cosmetic treatment, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment is part of prevention for a number of medical concerns, such as jaw joint and muscle disorders (TMJ and TMD). Even tooth decay can be caused by teeth that are too close together and do not allow for proper flossing. Another tip during your search for an orthodontist is to ask about ongoing care. Is it included in the overall cost? Do they use permanent retainers as well as removable ones to keep the teeth in place?

These are important questions to ask before you sign anything. If there's no ongoing care, then you may end up paying more in the long run to go to another orthodontist for further treatment. Overall, make sure you know what you are getting into and that you are clear on the cost of treatment and what extra costs can be incurred throughout the treatment.

How have you saved money on orthodontic care?

Best Money Tips: Budget Travel Tips You Haven’t Heard

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on budget travel tips you haven't heard, how to stop living paycheck to paycheck, and how today's grads can beat the odds.

Top 5 Articles

5 Budget Travel Tips You Haven't Heard Before — When trying to travel on a budget, ask about repositioning flights or cruises. [US News & World Report]

Are You Living Paycheck to Paycheck? Here's How to Get Out — If you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck, put your credit cards away for good. [Young and Thrifty]

How Today's College Graduates Can Beat the Odds — To beat the odds, today's college graduates can have an emergency fund to help them if they lose their job. [Consumerism Commentary]

Disadvantages of Taking College Classes Over The Summer — One of the big problems with taking college classes over the summer is you lose out on money you'd make working a summer job. [20's Finances]

Eight Smart Alternatives to Payday Loans — Instead of getting a payday loan, ask your boss for overtime or sell what you don't use. [Len Penzo dot Com]

Other Essential Reading

10 Smart Tips to Curb Your Bad Interrupting Habit — Practicing impulse control can help you curb your bad interrupting habit. [PopSugar Smart Living]

5 Things YOU Should Be an Expert At — Make it a point to be an expert at learning from mistakes. [Marc and Angel Hack Life]

10 Easy Ways to Make the Farmer's Market Fun for Kids — If you want to make visiting the farmer's market fun for your kids, give them a little money to spend. [Parenting Squad]

6 Ways to Improve Relationships by Tackling Self-Consciousness — Recognizing where your flaws are helpful can help you improve your relationships. [Dumb Little Man]

7 Mistakes You're Making by Overthinking Your Productivity — Overthinking your productivity can cause you to overplan or create too complex of a system to get things done. [Time Management Ninja]

The 5 Best Dryers

After looking at the list of best available washers, it’s only natural to dig into possible dryers to accompany your new washing machine. Buying a dryer is generally a simpler process than purchasing a new washer. The main differences to look for are how the machine heats the air and how they determine when your clothes are dry.

What Is a Dryer?

A dryer is a cleaning appliance used to remove moisture from clothing that has just been washed. Dryers work by having heated air circulated through a rotating tumbler. Dryers can heat the air in one of two ways — by gas or electricity. Gas dryers are typically a bit more expensive than electric ones; however, long-term fuel savings usually make up for the additional cost. The other factor to consider when purchasing a new dryer is how the machine determines when your clothes are dry. Traditionally, dry time has been determined through the use of a thermostat, but newer dryers come equipped with a moisture sensor that is more accurate, thus saving energy as well as being easier on fabrics.

Best 5 Dryers

Samsung DV456GWHDWR

Considered a Best Buy from Consumer Reports, the Samsung DV456GWHDWR comes equipped with a moisture sensor and a large capacity tumbler, and it is relatively quiet. Other special features include custom programs that give you further drying options and a drum light to help you find missing clothing. Currently $1,069.49 on Amazon Marketplace.

Samsung DV520AEP

Recommended by both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the Samsung DV520AEP also excels at drying both medium and large loads quickly and evenly. Aside from the usual high-class dyer features such as a moisture sensor, electronic controls and quiet operation, this Samsung model also has a capable steam cycle that works well to de-wrinkle clothing. Currently $1,433.00 on Amazon.

Maytag Centennial MGDC300XW

Considered an excellent budget dryer, this Maytag Centennial doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of some of the other models featured here, but it does contain the most important one: a moisture sensor. Aside from that, it features traditional dial controls and an interior light. Users praise its drying performance, carrying capacity, and value. Currently $699.00 at Home Depot.

Whirlpool WED4900XW

Another well-reviewed budget dryer, the Whirlpool WED4900XW also comes equipped with a motion sensor, which many agree is its most important feature. This dryer also comes with wrinkle prevention, drum light, and 13 cycle settings. Although it doesn’t perform as well in terms of noise level, its overall drying performance has been well-reviewed. Currently $574.99 on Amazon Marketplace.

Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG

Another Best Buy from Consumer Reports, the performance of the Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG is comparable to the other top models featured in this article. The moisture sensor, excellent drying performance, and quiet operation have been tested through consumer research experts. Currently $969.99 on Amazon Marketplace.

And there you have our recommendations for the best five dryers. Be sure to check out the Wise Bread Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!