Ricky Sharma, managing director at Engineering Real Results, said there are certain jobs too risky for DIY novices to attempt.

He said: “I know the saying goes if you want something done right, do it yourself, but some jobs should only be done by those with professional know-how.

“Skilled tradies are often in demand, which means non-emergencies might not be dealt with straight away. You have to pay for their time which can add up depending on the scale of the problem.

“But your DIY mistakes could put you at risk and end up costing more to fix than the initial job.”

1. Don’t touch the gas

Gas engineers go through professional qualifications and must be on the Gas-Safe register, and for good reason.

So much can go wrong with gas appliances, sometimes with “deadly consequences” if not altered correctly.

2. Electrical jobs

The expert explained: “You might find guides online for replacing a fuse box or installing a new circuit, but these are examples of jobs you might have a local authority representative coming to inspect. 

“Registered electricians can sign off the work themselves. 

“There’s a risk of giving yourself a shock or full electrocution if you are not competent with electricals. Most electricians keep their skills, tools and materials up-to-date. 

“They have relevant know-how to make sure the job is up to modern industry standards, as opposed to your make-do tools and the three-year-old YouTube tutorial you’re following.”

3. Working at height

It may seem silly to hire a tradesperson to clean drains or windows but working at height involves a ladder which means there are risks of falling.

It may be a simple job, but adding height, especially outside can change this into a “dangerous task”.

The pro noted: “There are plenty of handymen that would be happy to help out with  even the most simple jobs, so homeowners should consider the risk before climbing up ladders themselves.”

4. Plumbing works

The expert warned people can often underestimate how much damage can be caused by mishandled pipes.

Water can cause a lot of damage and incur serious costs to resolve, and of course, this mixed with electrical can carry an even greater risk.

The pro continued: “I’d recommend homeowners don’t underestimate the task at hand. To keep safe, and protect your home, err on the side of caution and seek professional tradespeople to carry out work.”