The Home Projects You Should Never DIY, According to Homeowners
Whether you’re looking to save money or prove to yourself that you’re just as competent as that popular YouTuber who does all their own home improvements, there are some times you should avoid the DIY route altogether.
Aside from the embarrassment of a disastrous attempt at fixing stuff around the house, performing your own fixes could very well wind up costing your more money than you’d planned on spending. Even worse, it could create bigger issues that an overly ambitious yet well-meaning DIYer never saw coming (look no further than this cringeworthy DiWHY Reddit thread for examples).
To save your inner do-it-yourselfer from a wounded ego, ruined home projects and a busted wallet, consider this compilation of info from 1,015 homeowners surveyed by Clovered. In addition to your run-of-the-mill advice about why some home renovations should never be attempted by a DIYer, this survey digs a little deeper.
The results include home improvement habits of millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers separated into categories like knowledge about home improvement projects, likelihood of tackling home improvement projects independently and money spent fixing DIY home improvement mistakes. There’s also an extremely helpful chart that compares home improvement project costs that includes DIY prices along with the lowest and highest potential prices.
But regardless of demographics, here are few projects that are better left to the pros.
1. Installing a screen door
Replacing a door sounds like NBD, right? That may be the case, but according to Clovered, the cost of tackling the task yourself is basically the same as hiring a professional. So if you’re looking to save money, it may not be worth the hassle of replacing the door yourself (unless you’re extremely passionate about installing your own doors).
2. Installing a kitchen sink
So, we totally have a guide on removing and installing kitchen sinks, but homeowners suggest that you leave all that talk about undermounts and drop-ins to the pros. Apparently, it’s far more expensive to go the DIY route. As Clovered notes, “Installing one yourself can run around $200, while the lowest potential price for a professional installation is only $99.”
3. Electrical repairs and projects involving gas appliances
Sure, your favorite reality TV renovator swapped out those gas appliances with ease, but homeowners and experts alike regard electrical projects and attempting to repair/replace gas appliances as some of the more dangerous tasks to attempt on your own. In these situations, you’re more likely to spend extra money for a professional to come in and do the work but having the upgrades done safely will certainly be worth it in the long run.
Overall, if you plan to DIY, make sure to use the appropriate safety gear, stay within your skill level, have a plan and purchase the appropriate tools and materials for the project.