House Flipper Says This Is the One Renovation Project She Won’t Touch (Exclusive)

### The Renovation Realities: Why One DIY Expert Draws the Line on Plumbing

In the world of home improvement, many enthusiasts relish the challenge of tackling DIY projects. Theresa Vanderstar, a dedicated house flipper, exemplifies this spirit. However, despite her extensive experience in various renovation ventures, there’s one area she firmly refuses to touch: plumbing.

Vanderstar, who has successfully renovated everything from kitchens to entire living spaces, made this decision following a significant mishap during a past project. What began as a straightforward renovation spiralled into a chaotic ordeal when she encountered a plumbing flood that required extensive repairs. The incident left her shaken, highlighting the potential pitfalls of taking on certain tasks without professional help.

Reflecting on her experience, Vanderstar expressed her hesitation to engage in plumbing work again. “I’m like, no, no, thank you. I’m not gonna risk it,” she told PEOPLE. The considerable risks associated with plumbing, she believes, far outweigh those found in her more frequently attempted projects. The chaos of her prior renovation has significantly influenced her strategy towards risk management in home improvement.

While Vanderstar is willing to try her hand at many aspects of renovation, her experience has taught her valuable lessons about what constitutes a manageable task. Over time, she has built her confidence by embracing increasingly complex projects, often learning through trial and error. Her hands-on approach is a defining feature of her renovation journey, which she finds immensely enjoyable.

“I just find it really fun. I love it,” she says. Vanderstar enjoys the creative freedom her projects provide, and she often prefers to handle tasks herself rather than hiring outside help. “For me to think about hiring someone, I don’t know, I just think I’d be hovering over them the whole time,” she added, illustrating her desire to stay intimately involved in her projects.

Throughout her renovation adventures, Vanderstar has taken on an array of tasks, ranging from custom cabinetry to comprehensive room transformations. Each project has been an opportunity to enhance her skill set and develop a clear understanding of her limits. However, she recognises that not every renovation task should be a DIY endeavour.

“I do electrical, just like, you know, minor electrical changing outlets and light fixtures and things like that,” she explains. Such smaller, less critical electrical tasks seem manageable to her, as they pose a lower risk of extensive damage or costly repercussions. On the contrary, the risks associated with plumbing remain a concern that she cannot ignore.

Vanderstar’s philosophy on home renovation centres around a blend of curiosity and caution. Despite her firm boundaries regarding plumbing, she continues to greet other challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn. “I really, truly feel like if you want to do it, you can figure it out too,” she asserts, encapsulating her belief that most renovation hurdles can be navigated with determination.

However, the flood she experienced serves as a stark reminder that not every project is suitable for a DIY approach. Understanding when to draw the line is a crucial aspect of her renovation journey. The incidents in the past have cultivated a cautious mentality when it comes to high-risk tasks, especially plumbing.

In an era where home improvement shows romanticise the idea of DIY projects, Vanderstar’s insights serve as a potent reminder of the importance of knowing one’s limitations. While the allure of tackling every renovation project may be tempting, it’s crucial to evaluate the potential risks involved thoroughly. For Vanderstar, plumbing remains an area best left to the professionals, but this decision does not diminish her enthusiasm for transformation and creativity within her home.

As she forges ahead with new projects, Vanderstar’s experience underscores a broader lesson in the world of DIY renovations: it’s essential to balance creativity with prudence. With her firm boundaries established, she can wholly embrace the merits of home improvement while avoiding the traps that lie in high-stakes repairs. Ultimately, she exemplifies the notion that knowledge and experience are vital tools for any aspiring renovator, fostering a more reflective and responsible approach to DIY home enhancements.