Homeowners

DIY Home Projects: What to Do Yourself, and When to Call the Pros

Fixing a leaky faucet or installing a new light fixture yourself can feel amazing and even save you some cash. But beware: Not all Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects are as disaster-proof as they seem.

Homeowners spent a whopping $463 billion on home renovations and repairs during the first quarter of 2024, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. That spending is expected to rise to $467 billion in the second quarter.

However, almost 80% of DIY homeowners admit they made mistakes, according to a 2022 survey from Angi, a home improvement resource. Even more alarming, 52% of the respondents said they caused pricey damage, 44% started a fire, and 41% were electrocuted.

While tackling a home improvement project yourself is a way to save money, a poorly done job can result in much higher expenses than anticipated. DIY mistakes, on average, cost homeowners an extra $310 to have the professionals fix, according to a survey from Porch's DIY data, a platform dedicated to home improvement and repair services.

These numbers scream a clear message: Know when to put down the hammer and call in the pros. Botched repairs or renovations can lead to more damage, serious safety risks, and voided warranties or insurance policies. So, while DIY may look relatively risk-free on HGTV or YouTube, sometimes it may be smarter (and safer) to leave it to the experts.

"Evaluate your skills honestly," said Marco Picano of Picano Landscaping in Reading, Massachusetts. "Professionals have the proper tools, training, and technique to handle hazardous conditions."

What projects should you DIY?

Simple tasks like painting a room, changing a faucet, or installing a new light fixture can be great starter projects. Homeowners also may want to add simple carpentry and basic landscaping to their to-do lists.

"It's important when it comes to DIY jobs to tackle some simple projects first before moving on to larger ones," said Andre Kazimierski, CEO of painting service Improovy. "This can be a good way to build your skills along with your tools, both physical and skill-wise so that you can work up to larger repair jobs around the home."

David Silva, a home designer for HomRem LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada, advises that DIY enthusiasts should fix what they can see. This rule of thumb applies to minor, visible issues like leaky faucets, replacing light fixtures, and fixing small holes or scratches. Supplies for these repairs can be easily found at major retailers.

However, for problems where the cause is not clear, involves electrical or plumbing systems, HVAC systems, foundation issues, or requires tearing down a wall, homeowners may be better off calling in a professional.

"I've seen the worst cautionary tales from people that thought they knew more than they did," said Silva. "One homeowner electrocuted himself because he turned off the wrong fuse (he survived and is okay now)."

Renovations: Smart ways to use home equity

Many people are staying in their current homes and choosing to renovate instead of moving. That's because home prices are high and they may not want to give up the low mortgage rate they locked in during the pandemic.

"There will likely be a demand for remodeling moving forward as people stay in their homes," said Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for the National Association of Realtors. "Homeowners may use housing equity or savings to reimagine how their home is used from the original intent when they purchased."

If money is tight and you're deciding between DIY and professional help, some homeowners are using their home equity to pay for the work.

"There are excellent options available for homeowners looking to tap into their home equity for renovations," said Gretchen Tillman, a loan officer for New American Funding. "Whether it's a home equity loan or a line of credit, these financial tools can help you fund your remodeling projects without compromising your savings or safety."

Avoid DIY disasters—tap into your home equity with New American Funding and let the pros handle the heavy lifting.

^{Gretchen Tillman NMLS # 137356}