5 Common DIY Home Project Mistakes
Doing a DIY home project can be a rewarding experience. However, it is also a process that is ripe for accidents, missteps, and other issues. And these can often end up costing way more than hiring a professional.
How do you avoid making costly, and sometimes dangerous, mistakes with a DIY project? Knowing what could potentially go wrong ahead of time is a great start.
We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of five common DIY home project mistakes and how to avoid them. Read on to learn more!
Underestimating the Cost
There are always unforeseen things that happen during any project. Maybe you need more paint coverage than you originally planned. Or you break into a wall and find out it’s got structural issues.
Whenever you’re going to start a new project, overestimate your budget. On a smaller project such as painting a wall, overshoot by about ten percent. On a bigger project, consider giving yourself up to thirty percent of wiggle room.
This way even if something unplanned pops up, you have the cash to cover it. And if you end up not needing it, then that’s bonus money to put towards another project (or maybe have a really nice meal to celebrate).
Underestimating the Amount of Time Needed
Another common pitfall of a DIY home remodel is thinking you will get it done a lot faster than it actually takes. Professional contractors have a lot of experience in this area, and even they can get behind schedule.
However, for DIY-ers, this lack of experience often means rushed projects, or projects that take massive amounts of time due to schedule issues and burnout.
Just like with a budget, you need to overestimate the amount of time that will be needed. And if you find your project still slowing to a crawl, stay patient to avoid making costly errors out of frustration.
Overestimating Your Skill Level
Inexperienced DIY warriors often fall into this trap. You do a cursory internet search, watch a tutorial video (by an expert), and think “that doesn’t look so bad!”
However, there are many home projects that are often best left to professionals. There’s a reason that plumbers joke “we repair what your husband fixed.” Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects fall into this category.
For other projects that are just outside of your skill level, consider starting small and practicing first. Learn more here. And don’t be afraid to call in professional help if you get over your head.
Cheaping Out On Materials
While this does not happen with every DIY home project, it is something you should generally avoid. After all, you are likely already saving money on labor. Don’t cheap out on the materials too.
Cheap materials don’t last and don’t give as satisfying of a result. Be proud of your finished work, and shell out for the good stuff.
Safety Mistakes
Safety mistakes are unfortunately very common. Professional construction workers are trained to avoid these mistakes, but you may not be aware.
If you can, work in a team. Have one person designated to identify any potential hazards, such as lack of ventilation while painting or working too close to electrical lines.
Your DIY Home Project Made Easy
Doing a DIY home project can be very satisfying, but can also turn into a nightmare very quickly. By taking your time and not overestimating your own skills and knowledge, you can pull off a successful and beautiful home project!
For more articles about DIY projects, check out our “Home Improvement” section on our blog. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions or comments!
