Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can help many homeowners save money, learn a new skill, and boost their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. However, they can also turn out to be more challenging and expensive than expected and result in small or even large mistakes. Some of the most common DIY project mistakes include improper planning, economizing, unsafe working conditions, not acquiring building permits, and taking on too many tasks.
Meticulous research and planning underlie successful DIY projects. Many homeowners, however, skip this essential step. Often, they miss adequately allocating their time and financial resources, which results in a seemingly never-ending project with continuously rising costs. Setbacks are common during home renovations and may significantly prolong the completion of projects. Thus, it is advisable to set a flexible project timeline.
The same applies to DIY project budgets. Most homeowners consider materials their only investment and fail to factor in various indirect expenses. For example, a prolonged kitchen renovation may translate into spending more money on eating out or ordering takeout. When allocating their budget, homeowners should account for both the project’s cost and any potential mistakes, repairs, or indirect consequences. The general recommendation is to add about 20 percent more to the set budget limit to cover any unforeseen factors.
Economizing on preparation and materials can be equally detrimental. Often, DIYers try to complete their projects as cheaply and quickly as possible. As a result, they buy poor quality materials and hurry through new flooring, drywall, and appliance installation. Often, homeowners fail to properly prepare the relevant surfaces. And while washing walls or sanding wood can be tedious, performing these tasks is vital for achieving high-quality results.
As for materials, buying cheap ones can work with some smaller projects, such as repairing a small hole in a wall or refinishing a dresser. Larger projects that involve appliances, tiles, and paint, however, mandate dedicating time to research the most suitable products.
Ensuring safe working conditions is also crucial. Minor mistakes like spilling paint can be easily corrected but breaking valuable items, starting a fire, or falling from a ladder can cause serious injury or major damage to the home. While not wearing protective equipment when hammering a couple of nails or quickly sawing a small wood piece can be tempting, rushing to the hospital can be just a moment of carelessness or a splinter in the eye away. Thus, regardless of the complexity of the work performed, wearing all recommended safety gear such as goggles, work gloves, masks, and suitable work shoes is mandatory. As to protecting furnishings a combination of sheets, tarps, and furniture covers can provide the necessary protection.
Building permits is another area that DIYers commonly neglect. Home makeover projects are often subject to a range of regulations and requirements. The latter vary contingent upon location, but usually any project involving changes to the house’s structure or mechanical and plumbing systems requires obtaining a building permit. Failing to do so can seriously delay the project’s completion, and may lead to fines. Therefore, before performing any home remodeling, homeowners should become familiar with local building codes and ordinances and ensure their compliance.
Finally, many homeowners take on more tasks than their time, budget, and skills allow. The result is frustration, disappointment, and wasted time and money. Before starting any DIY project, they should be clear about why they want to complete it and the desired outcome. If saving money is their only goal, it might be better to turn to a professional from the start. Lacking time, tools, and skills to execute the project adequately and safely may cause costly mistakes in the long run.
Meticulous research and planning underlie successful DIY projects. Many homeowners, however, skip this essential step. Often, they miss adequately allocating their time and financial resources, which results in a seemingly never-ending project with continuously rising costs. Setbacks are common during home renovations and may significantly prolong the completion of projects. Thus, it is advisable to set a flexible project timeline.
The same applies to DIY project budgets. Most homeowners consider materials their only investment and fail to factor in various indirect expenses. For example, a prolonged kitchen renovation may translate into spending more money on eating out or ordering takeout. When allocating their budget, homeowners should account for both the project’s cost and any potential mistakes, repairs, or indirect consequences. The general recommendation is to add about 20 percent more to the set budget limit to cover any unforeseen factors.
Economizing on preparation and materials can be equally detrimental. Often, DIYers try to complete their projects as cheaply and quickly as possible. As a result, they buy poor quality materials and hurry through new flooring, drywall, and appliance installation. Often, homeowners fail to properly prepare the relevant surfaces. And while washing walls or sanding wood can be tedious, performing these tasks is vital for achieving high-quality results.
As for materials, buying cheap ones can work with some smaller projects, such as repairing a small hole in a wall or refinishing a dresser. Larger projects that involve appliances, tiles, and paint, however, mandate dedicating time to research the most suitable products.
Ensuring safe working conditions is also crucial. Minor mistakes like spilling paint can be easily corrected but breaking valuable items, starting a fire, or falling from a ladder can cause serious injury or major damage to the home. While not wearing protective equipment when hammering a couple of nails or quickly sawing a small wood piece can be tempting, rushing to the hospital can be just a moment of carelessness or a splinter in the eye away. Thus, regardless of the complexity of the work performed, wearing all recommended safety gear such as goggles, work gloves, masks, and suitable work shoes is mandatory. As to protecting furnishings a combination of sheets, tarps, and furniture covers can provide the necessary protection.
Building permits is another area that DIYers commonly neglect. Home makeover projects are often subject to a range of regulations and requirements. The latter vary contingent upon location, but usually any project involving changes to the house’s structure or mechanical and plumbing systems requires obtaining a building permit. Failing to do so can seriously delay the project’s completion, and may lead to fines. Therefore, before performing any home remodeling, homeowners should become familiar with local building codes and ordinances and ensure their compliance.
Finally, many homeowners take on more tasks than their time, budget, and skills allow. The result is frustration, disappointment, and wasted time and money. Before starting any DIY project, they should be clear about why they want to complete it and the desired outcome. If saving money is their only goal, it might be better to turn to a professional from the start. Lacking time, tools, and skills to execute the project adequately and safely may cause costly mistakes in the long run.
