One in Three Regret DIY Home Improvement Project

SEATTLE - Though 75 percent of homeowners completed a do-it-yourself project in the past three years, nearly 40 percent of them wish they had never done it.

Zillow Digs, a home design site, found in a survey that attempting to add or expand a room to a home - such as a bathroom or bedroom - was the biggest DIY regret among homeowners, with 53 percent  unhappy with some aspect of the project.

Involving a professional for larger-scale projects, especially those that require specialized skills, can help eliminate headaches and costly mistakes.

Simpler fixes, like replacing cabinet hardware or light fixtures, developed the least-regrets: less than 20 percent of homeowners felt bad about taking on those projects.  

Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said their DIY project went over budget - despite the attraction of saving money as the motive for manyt do-it-yourself projects. This was especially true for larger-scale renovations, like building a new deck or refinishing a basement.DIYers were more likely to stay within budget on smaller projects.

Zillow Digs surveyed homeowners from around the country to find which popular DIY home improvement projects people regretted the most and least. The survey also identified which projects homeowners were most likely to go over budget, with and without professional help.

"With seemingly endless DIY tips and how-to videos available today, home improvement projects appear easier and more accessible than ever before," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow Digs home design expert. "While some DIY projects can save you money, involving a professional for larger-scale projects, especially those that require specialized skills, can help eliminate headaches and costly mistakes."

Another study polled some 2,038 British  homeowners aged 21 and over who had owned their property for at least one year found 67 percent said that they’d had a DIY accident that resulted in damage and extra financial cost; 58 percent revealed costly DIY failures on more than one occasion in the past twelve months.

Top 10 most regretted home improvement projects:

Home Improvement Project

% of Homeowners with DIY Regrets

% of Homeowners Who Went Over Budget When DIYing

% of Homeowners Who Went Over Budget With a Professional

Add a room or expand/alter an existing one

53%

42%

32%

Reface or refinish cabinetry (kitchen or bath)

49%

20%

18%

Refinish basement or attic

48%

23%

23%

Replace or reinstall new carpeting (any room)

43%

23%

13%

Refinish or reinstall new hardwood floors (any room)

42%

22%

14%

Reinstall new cabinets (kitchen or bath)

41%

15%

22%

Retile a floor or shower

37%

13%

19%

Add or replace backsplash (kitchen  or bath)

37%

16%

7%

Build or install a deck

35%

22%

23%

Reinstall new countertops (kitchen or bath)

33%

12%

18%

 

 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.