DIY Projects That Are Illegal in Some U. S. States

There's lots of fun to be had when mapping out DIY tasks at home. It's a surprisingly exciting process. But here's something to keep in mind, folks — a few DIY jobs might actually be illegal in your state. No joke! Try not to panic, though. We're going to guide you through a list of those troublesome projects right here.

Are you planning to build a new shed in your backyard? Well, before you grab any tools, check the building codes for your local area. You might need a permit to complete the job. Zoning laws and size limits can be incredibly strict in certain states. Violating them could cost you more than the shed! Fines can creep up into the thousands.

If a troublesome tree is on your property, why can't you cut it down? After all, it's yours...right? Wrong! Lots of states have "protected tree" ordinances put in place to stop you. They shield specific types of trees. By taking a chainsaw to one of them, you could face a massive fine. Should you need any advice here, get in touch with the nearby forestry department.

Can you DIY an electrical wiring installation at home? It seems like a doable job! But don't be too hasty here. Before you do anything, make sure that it's actually legal. You need a permit to complete those tasks in most states. Meanwhile, in other parts of America, only a licensed electrician is allowed to tinker with that stuff.

How's this for a shock? In some parts of the country, you can't replace the windows in your house without calling a certified contractor first. New Jersey is one such state. The thought process is that a botched DIY job might potentially lead to a breach in state energy mandates. It could also affect your homeowner's insurance agreement.

Thinking about digging a fire pit in the yard? Well, hold off for now. Call your local fire department first to see if you need a permit. States such as California can be very strict here, given the wildfire threats. In fact, depending on the time of year, fire pits could be outright banned for safety reasons.

Fixing a busted roof is a major job. For that reason, DIYing it isn't advised. If you still fancy giving it a try, though, you might need a permit by state law. Pressing ahead without one is a very bad idea — especially if someone catches you. The fines can be eye-watering!

By law, there are several states where you can't install solar panels on your own. Instead, you need a certified professional to hook everything up. There's no way around this, folks. Even if you decide to go rogue, the system still has to be looked over by an inspector before you can use it. Why take the risk?

If you were planning to install a new shower or toilet in your bathroom, this might come as a surprise. Yep, you need permits for those DIY jobs in certain states. Going ahead without them could break local sanitation and health laws!

Building a fence on a whim isn't the best idea. Some states require you to get a land survey first so you'll know where the property lines are. On top of that, the size of the fence and the materials you intend to use can be scrutinized by zoning laws, too.