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A sluggish real estate market is prompting many homeowners to get creative to make their spaces more appealing. During times of uncertainty, home improvement projects can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. But it pays to consider the best alternatives.

To save money, many people will opt to take on home projects. While I’m a big believer it do-it-yourself projects, some are just not worth the effort, since they often cost more to fix if not done properly.

Here are some jobs that are usually best left to the pros.

Faux finishes

I love the look and satin smooth feel of a Venetian plaster finish or the artful depth of a rich wall glaze, but these finishes can go terribly wrong if not executed by a trained faux finisher. Though such gorgeous finishes may appear easy to achieve, applying them actually takes a great deal of skill. Some finishes require up to 10 layers of carefully applied specialty materials. Incorrectly applied faux finishes can leave cheap-looking results with obvious imperfections.

Dabbling in metallic paint also can be risky. The higher the gloss or iridescent qualities in paint, the more the brush or roller marks will show. Metallic finishes, much like most faux finishes, need to be subtle, otherwise roller lines will be visible — not the elegant and stylish look that you were trying to achieve.

Wallpaper

Style and taste is subjective. If the mini bouquets of violets floating along your walls are a constant reminder of the previous owners’ love of 1980s style, it’s time for a change.

Stripping wallpaper is tedious, monotonous and messy. Frequently, the Sheetrock is damaged. The most difficult part of the entire process is ensuring that the wall is repaired after the stripping is complete, which requires patience and skill.

If you have not been properly trained in Sheetrock repair and taping, I highly recommend hiring a professional. Visible tapelines are typical of an amateur, an important consideration if you expect to replace the wallpaper with paint.

Drapery panels

Window treatments are the perfect finishing touch to a bare window. The easiest way to blow your design statement is to hang poorly fabricated and skimpy drapery panels.

Unlike a fabric cornice board that requires wood and a staple gun, drapery panels are more difficult to make. Unless you are a gifted seamstress, don’t attempt to sew floor-length drapes. Drapery panels should be lined, the hems straight and the pinch pleats even and crisp. You took your time choosing your window treatment fabric and style, so make sure that you allocate part of your budget for having your window treatments properly fabricated.

Moldings

Unless you own a miter and coping saw, the molding you put up will not look professional. With forced heat and air, wood moldings tend to expand and contract, making mistakes more pronounced.

Tile

Tile can add character to a bathroom or kitchen. Creative tile patterns and tile accent inserts make your space unique. Getting creative involves planning. Specialty tools and materials are needed and using a wet saw can be challenging.

It is easy to lay 4-by-4-inch tiles in a perfectly linear space, but most bathrooms aren’t constructed in this fashion. Some tiles require specialty adhesives and grouts. A skilled tile expert knows the tricks of the trade that can only be learned through experience. Ripping out a leaky shower is far more expensive than paying for a skilled tile professional up front.

Plan ahead

There are additional do-it-yourself jobs that require careful consideration, such as heavy-duty plumbing and electrical projects. I have seen many well-intended projects that end up being quite costly to fix.

When in doubt, save yourself from the stress of unexpected expenses and find a reputable contractor to tackle your home improvement project. If you’d like to unload your own home repair horrors and amusing do-it-yourself dilemmas, I’d love to hear them.

Special event

Stop by the Home Design Emporium at New Garden Village from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, when I can help you select the perfect paint color to match your décor. Don’t forget to bring your fabrics, floor plans and pictures of your space.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.