Top DIY Mistakes Everyone Makes

At first glance, DIY home improvement seems like an inexpensive way to upgrade your home, but if you make a mistake, those home improvements can end up costing you much more than you anticipated. But you can avoid costly errors by avoiding these five common home improvement mistakes.

1. Rushing Through a Project
Many people rush through a project because of the initial enthusiasm of starting something new and wanting to see the final result. But this can lead to costly errors in measurement and judgment.

Try to avoid rushing through a home improvement project. Instead, enjoy the process. While the finished project is the ultimate goal, enjoying the experience and developing your skills leads to an enormous sense of satisfaction upon completion.

Many DIYers also rush through certain steps, either because they are tedious or too difficult. This can also lead to costly errors and ultimately failure of the project. The bottom line? Take your time! It’s not a race.

2. Insisting on Perfection When it comes to measurements, perfection is a necessity. But when creating your project, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be Instagram perfect.

It’s also important not to compare yourself to others when designing and working on your home improvement project. By comparing yourself to that perfect Instagram DIY photo, you belittle your own efforts and potentially paralyze your creativity.

3. Not Checking Permits
If your DIY home improvement project requires demolition, additions, plumbing or electrical work, you’ll most likely need a permit or certification. Make sure you take the time to check to see what your local council`s building department requires before starting your project.

There’s nothing worse than starting that backyard deck and finding out later that you needed a permit. You end up having to pay a fine and pay for a permit (or multiple permits depending on the project). A quick phone call to the local council can help you avoid this costly mistake.

4. Not Calling a Professional Some projects require a professional, especially things like plumbin\g and electric. If you don’t have any experience with something like electric (which can be deadly), it’s best to hire a professional to do the work for you. They will be able to get the job done right the first time and may even be able to save you some extra time and money. When in doubt, call a professional.

5. Not Making a Supplies List
Surprisingly, a supplies list can be very helpful in cutting costs and saving time. Not only will it help you plan your project, but it can also prevent unnecessary trips to the home improvement store and excess inventory.

6. Ensure You Cost Your DIY Project
Before beginning your work make sure you have an estimate of the cost of the project and ensure you have money in place to complete the task, a great many DIY projects do not get completed because of lack of funds.

DIY home improvement can be a fun way to update your home and change your décor. But it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to call for help. It can save you time and money in the long run. It may even lead to an Instagram-worthy project photo!

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