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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