Is DIY Worth It for Homeowners?

Nearly 90% of homeowners admit making a mistake when completing a DIY home improvement project.

And these mistakes can be costly. The median amount of cash spent to fix home improvement mistakes is $137.50, according to a recent survey from Clovered. What are the most common mistakes people are making? Starting a project without all of the supplies or tools. Frequent trips to home improvement stores can add up quickly. Another common error among homeowners is incorrect measurements, which can lead to having to repurchase supplies. Still, more than one-quarter of respondents confessed that ultimately, they were just working outside of their skill level.

Why are people turning to DIY home projects as opposed to hiring a professional? More than 85% of respondents said they opted to DIY in hopes of saving money, while 79% said they just wanted to improve their home. More than half said they were hoping to challenge themselves, while 38% said DIY projects are “fun.”

Throughout the home, DIY projects can be significantly cheaper than hiring a pro. In the bedroom, installing a hardwood floor can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $8,000, while doing it yourself costs around $900. Similarly, in the bathroom, tiling a shower by a pro can be costly, setting back homeowners anywhere from $1,580 to $3,900, compared to a $300 DIY price tag.

Meanwhile, the most expensive living room project is generally installing drywall, which costs about $150 to DIY, but $300 to $10,000 when working with a professional. In the kitchen, backsplash by a pro generally runs from $300 to $1,350, but only costs about $150 to DIY.

While DIY can sometimes save a few bucks, about 25% of homeowners reported experiencing injury while attempting to complete a home improvement project. Nearly three-quarters reported cutting themselves with a sharp tool, while 58.4% said they hit themselves with a hammer or other tool and nearly half have tripped over material.

Ultimately, homeowners who have tried DIY said the best piece of advice they have to give is to only work within your actual skill level.