The DIY home improvement market is growing exponentially. The Internet is the primary driver of this sector thanks to an explosion of guides, how-to articles, and YouTube videos.
However, we can also credit our need to create, as well as the urgent desire to save money.
According to data, the DIY home improvement sector has a compound annual growth rate of 3% from 2015 to 2024. North America remains the largest market.
There are simple DIY projects that you should do on your own. For instance, you can make this creative candle holder that will spice up any bedroom or bathroom. You can also enhance curb appeal with these fantastic garden ideas that will transform your backyard into a magical place.
However, there are also things around the house you should never touch. Some of the examples are your roof, plumbing, electrical, and the walls. When you encounter problems with them, you should contact a professional right away.
Of course, if you know that your contractor deliberately cheated you, you need to seek legal advice immediately. Legal firms like Mcquarrie can give you the help in regards to real estate and land development cases.
Here are some of the typical DIY fails in home improvement:
1. Painting
The cost of a professional paint job is about $3 per square foot. But homeowners hesitate paying a painter because it seems so easy. A study by Porch revealed that a blunder in DIY exterior paint would add about $500 to your budget.
2. Floors
Installing tiles and floorboards is one of the more expensive home improvement expenses. It is why homeowners are tempted to take on the project themselves. However, it is also the most costly to repair if you happen to mess up the job.
The number of work hours doubles from taking the tiles out to install them again. On average, you add more than $800 to repair your mistake.
3. Electrical
From outlets to wires to replacing an electric fan, you should never tinker with anything electrical in your house. For one, you run the risks of causing a short-circuit, which is one of the most common causes of house fires.
For another, it would be a costly mistake as you will spend between $255 to $445 for the professional to fix your error.
4. Plumbing
Professional plumbers need to secure a permit from the city or the state before they can practice their craft. To do so, they have to pass an exam and a practical assessment.
As you can see, replacing your plumbing is not as easy as the DIY videos make it look. On average, it will add another $200 to the cost to repair your DIY plumbing fail.
The Porch study also looks at other aspects of the DIY projects that you do not always consider. For instance, it can put a strain on your relationship.
As the research reveals, more than 4 in 10 of partners fought over the mistake on the DIY project. About 22% of couples could not even avoid arguing on projects that went smoothly.
The common denominator in DIY projects is savings. People think they can save money when they take on the repair themselves.
And for the most part, they are right. But then again, you need to be smart about your limitations. If you overextend yourself, it may cost you hundreds and even thousands to repair your blunder.
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