If a home improvement project tops your list of New Year’s resolutions, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start. While plenty of homeowners have the skills and experience needed to repair or improve their homes, a recent study by ImproveNet, a site that provides home improvement cost guides and links homeowners with contractors, found that 1 in 3 people called a professional after their DIY project failed.
Among those with failed home improvements, 63 percent regretted doing at least one project themselves. The main reasons people cited for their regret were:
• The project took longer than expected (55 percent).
• It was physically harder than anticipated (50 percent).
• It was technically harder than anticipated (48 percent).
• It cost more than expected (17 percent).
• They damaged their home (8 percent).
• They injured themselves (6 percent).
Fifty-six percent of respondents said they decided to DIY a project to save money — and the average amount they hoped to save was 60 percent compared with hiring a professional.
The top five projects that respondents regretted doing include:
1. Installing floor tiles.
2. Replacing the ceiling.
3. Refinishing hardwood flooring.
4. Installing carpet.
5. Finishing the basement.
More than half of people (55 percent) said the main reason they were disappointed with a DIY is that it doesn’t look good.
For the full study, click here.