How to Prevent a DIY Disaster
3 pros!
Home improvement shows can make DIY projects look really simple and easy to complete, but there are several things you may want to consider before tackling a DIY project, otherwise it may lead to disaster!
At Angie’s List, we were curious about just how many homeowners chose to DIY their home projects, what projects they were most likely to DIY versus hire a pro and why. After surveying homeowners* about their DIY habits, we found out some illuminating information.
It turns out that 85 percent of homeowners surveyed have completed at least one DIY project. The number one reason for completing a project themselves versus hiring a pro was that they believed it would be less expensive to complete the project themselves, followed by the fact that they had the skills to complete the project DIY.
83 percent of homeowners who have done a DIY project reported completing minor improvements such as painting or refacing cabinets while 70 percent completed emergency repairs or seasonal maintenance projects.
And, one third of homeowners who have completed a DIY project reported having experienced a DIY disaster, such as burst pipe, spilled paint or structural damage.
While many homeowners complete a DIY project as a means to save money on home improvement, it could end up being disastrous – and more expensive – if you’re not really equipped to do the job.
Homeowners considering completing any type of DIY project should ask themselves the following questions before getting started.
1. Do I have the tools?
While a lot of projects can be done with a hammer and nails or other easy-to-find tools, some projects call for specialized tools and equipment. These are the projects that you will want to leave to the pros. One key incentive homeowners have to DIY a project is the opportunity to save money and specialized tools and equipment can be costly. At the end of the day, the cost to purchase or rent the tools or equipment may cost the same – or even more – than it would to hire a pro, in which case the you would be better off bringing in a professional.
2. Do I know how to use them?
Professionals are well versed in the safest methods and environments for projects to be completed correctly. If you are unfamiliar with how to use any of the tools needed, it is best to call in a pro. Home projects often have multiple layers to them and it can be hard to anticipate all of the safety risks unless you know the project and the tools well. It’s always important to use tools correctly and not doing so can easily lead to injury. A professional will know how to conduct the project in the safest environment possible.
3. Do I have the time?
Even if homeowners have the skills and the tools necessary, it’s important to keep in mind the time commitment the project will take. The last thing you want to do is cut corners on a project because of time-restrictions. Before beginning a DIY project try to understand exactly how much time it is going to take. If it appears to be too big of a commitment, it’s a good time to call in a pro.
*Data included in this article is based on an online survey conducted by Angie’s List’s internal research team. The survey was conducted nationwide among 803 homeowners from May 2 - 14, 2018