Tackling a DIY project can feel exciting.
You might imagine saving money or flexing your creative skills. But, as 1,000 homeowners shared with us in a recent survey, unexpected costs, delays, and stress can quickly turn those DIY dreams into frustrations.
Whether you’re drawn to the challenge or just trying to save a few bucks, taking on a project without considering its full impact can end up costing you more in the long run. Before you grab that toolkit, here's what you need to know from real DIYers about the hidden costs, home renovation stress, and hurdles they faced.
Key Takeaways
48% of homeowners said their DIY project cost more than expected. Unexpected expenses like tools or materials can quickly blow your budget.
78% said their DIY project took longer than planned. Delays often eat into personal time, with 14% of homeowners sacrificing family time to finish a project.
22% argued with their partner over budgets or timelines. DIY projects can strain relationships, disrupt family routines, and add pressure to shared spaces.
35% had to hire a professional to complete or correct their DIY work. Taking on projects without the right skills could result in costly mistakes.
Hidden Costs of DIY Dreams
There are plenty of pros and cons of DIY home renovation. One of the biggest pros most people think of is affordability: In our survey, more than 64% said they chose DIY because they wanted to save on costs. That’s no surprise when the cost of homeownership is at an all-time high, from increasing insurance rates to high-priced materials for repairs.
It's not just homeownership that’s expensive. With increasing costs across the board, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. But there’s a catch: While DIY can seem budget-friendly at first, costs often spiral. Almost half of homeowners said their project cost more than expected. Of those, 70% said their project went up to $500 over budget. Why?
Most DIYers need to buy tools and equipment to complete their project. Homeowners might also have to pay to fix mistakes — including paying for more of those high-priced materials or even hiring a professional to finish the job. Going over budget left nearly 20% of our respondents dissatisfied with their project.
Our tip: If you’re on a tight renovation budget, consider how surprises like these could affect your plans. Include a buffer of about 15 to 20% of your costs for unexpected expenses.
78% of DIYers Say Their Project Took More Time Than Planned
Do you feel like there’s not enough time in the day? Many of us juggle demanding work schedules, family obligations, and social commitments, leaving little time for personal projects. Even if you think you have the time, DIY timelines often stretch far longer than planned.
Over 78% of homeowners said their project required more time than they anticipated — and about one in three of those said it took 20 or more hours longer than planned. That’s because DIY often involves a steep learning curve, extra trips to the store, and late nights. For many, what starts as a weekend project stretches into weeks or even months of unfinished work.
Plus, DIYers often underestimate the amount of time a project might take to begin with. Even a project like replacing windows can be more complicated than you’d think, between measuring correctly and understanding terms like plumb, level, and square. By the time you finish, you might wish you’d just hired a pro. Our respondents agree, with nearly 30% saying their projects took too much of their personal time.
The result? Missed family time, disrupted routines, and projects left incomplete.
Our tip: If your schedule is already packed, think about whether DIY fits into your life — or if hiring a professional could save you time.
Conquering the Learning Curve
According to our survey, 37% of homeowners had no prior DIY experience, while 45% had to learn specific skills for their projects. DIY can be especially tempting with YouTube and Google at your fingertips. Our survey respondents also turned to social media (21%) and asked friends and family for help (53%). But even if you’re resourceful, most DIY projects require skills you might not have.
From cutting materials to installing hardware, learning on the fly can be both stressful and time-consuming. Even something that seems simple, like a door replacement, can turn complex as you learn how detail-oriented it really is. And while YouTube is convenient, tutorials may oversimplify steps, leaving you confused. This stress is reflected in the 31% of DIYers who said learning new skills during their project was overwhelming.
It’s easy to assume we can learn anything online. But without proper training, mistakes happen, leading to costly DIY disasters.
Our tip: Before diving into DIY, consider whether your project is complex enough that roadblocks might outweigh the benefits of doing it yourself. For many, hiring a professional eliminates guesswork and guarantees better results.
Personal Tolls of DIY
At first, a DIY project can feel like an exciting opportunity to roll up your sleeves and create something you’ll be proud of. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that DIY projects often take more than just time and money — home renovation stress can also take a toll on your well-being.
Our survey revealed that 40% of DIYers felt anxiety about making decisions or worrying about mistakes. Imagine spending weeks planning your dream bathroom renovation, only to question every choice you make: Did I choose the right tile? Is this the right grout for my floor? If you think that sounds exhausting, you’re right.
Another common source of stress is budget management. About 31% of our survey respondents said they felt stressed about spending too much on their project. When unexpected costs pile up, so does the pressure to cut corners.
How DIY Affects Our Relationships
Home renovations are exciting, but not always in the right ways. Imagine this: You’ve started a kitchen remodel, and what should be the heart of your home becomes a construction zone. Dust covers the countertops, the fridge is unplugged, and your family ends up eating takeout for weeks. For many DIYers, scenarios like these create tension with partners and families.
In our survey, 22% of homeowners said they argued with their partner over DIY budgets or timelines, and 15% said their project disrupted daily routines. Beyond arguments, DIY also takes time away from loved ones: About 14% of respondents said they sacrificed family time to focus on their projects. When it comes to maintaining harmony at home, sometimes hiring help is the better option.
How DIY Affects Our Work
DIY projects might also complicate your work-life balance. What seems like a simple weekend project could drag into the workweek, causing distractions, slipped deadlines, and home renovation stress: 12% of surveyed homeowners said they struggled to focus on work because of their DIY projects.
For some, the pressure to finish a project even spills into paid time off: About 8% of respondents said they used vacation or sick days to complete their projects. If your project threatens to impact your professional life, it might be worth rethinking your approach.
When DIY Goes Wrong: Calling for Backup
We’ve all seen stunning “before and after” photos online, where a DIYer transforms a plain space into something magazine-worthy. It’s enough to inspire confidence in anyone. In fact, 71% of homeowners said they felt at least somewhat confident in their ability to succeed before starting their project.
Once the work begins, unexpected challenges like uneven surfaces, material shortages, or skill gaps can derail even the most optimistic plans. DIY disasters can even cause major issues, for example, a shower replacement gone wrong that results in thousands of dollars’ worth of water damage.
That could be why about one in five homeowners said the results of their project were worse than expected. And while 55% said results were about what they expected, 19% also admitted they lied or overpromised on their skills to begin with — meaning expectations might have been pretty low from the start.
46% of DIYers Say Social Media Makes It Look Easier
Social media often makes DIY projects look effortless, but it rarely shows the full reality. Nearly 46% of homeowners said platforms like Instagram or Pinterest made DIY seem easier than it is, while 21% admitted that social media influenced their confidence to try a project.
Take a popular video of a “weekend bathroom makeover” that skips over the expensive tools and skills needed because the influencer already has them.
Our tip: Researching your projects thoroughly and knowing your limits can help you avoid false inspiration that turns into frustration.
35% of DIYers Had to Hire Pros for Their Last Project
No one plans to hire a pro after starting a DIY project, but it happens more often than you’d think. About 35% of homeowners said they needed a professional to finish their project, with 39% of those admitting they took on more than they could handle.
One common issue is correcting mistakes and subpar work. For example, a DIY patio door installation can leave gaps that let in water and cause costly problems over time. To avoid incorrect installations, assess your skills up front and consider if professional help might save money and stress in the long run.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Next Project
DIY projects can be rewarding, but they’re not without challenges. Unexpected costs, time delays, and home renovation stress all add up. While DIY is appealing, a professional could probably handle the job more efficiently and with less hassle.
Whether you’re considering window replacement or a full bathroom remodel, West Shore Home offers expert service designed to save you time and stress. Contact an expert today for a free, no-obligation consultation and start your project off on the right foot.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 adults in the U.S. who completed DIY projects in the last 12 months and expressed any level of dissatisfaction with their results. The survey ran from Nov. 18-20, 2024.
FAQs
How much do you save with DIY?
DIY can save money if you already have tools, materials, and experience. In other cases, hidden costs often creep in. For example, many homeowners report spending $500 more than planned on tools, repairs, or fixing mistakes.
What are the best resources for learning DIY skills?
YouTube and Google remain top resources for step-by-step guides, with many homeowners also turning to friends or family for advice. However, these sources may not cover everything. For advanced projects, professional guidance — either through courses or hiring experts — can give you peace of mind and prevent mistakes.
Why are home renovations stressful?
Renovations disrupt your home routine, strain budgets, and require juggling time, skills, and materials. The pressure to get everything right adds to home renovation stress, especially when delays or mistakes occur. Hiring professionals can reduce stress by ensuring smoother workflows and faster results.
Should I hire a professional or DIY?
It depends on the project. For small, low-risk tasks, DIY may work well. But for complex jobs that involve plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes, hiring a professional prevents costly errors and saves time. Even a seemingly simple job like painting might not be worth the time investment for some homeowners. Think about your schedule, budget, and skills before deciding.
