These days my DIY projects turn out really well. I’m picky, and I still love the end-results. But it took a lot to get to this point, and unfortunately I’ve learned some things the hard way. The DIY mistake I’m going to outline below is the simplest and easiest one to avoid – and you can read below to find out why people do it, and why it’s a terrible idea.
A poor choice I see people making not infrequently when it comes to doing anything around their house themselves, is that they’ll skimp on the products. You’re already saving so much by doing it yourself, and frankly, if you’re a DIYer, you’re a lot of great titles: industrious, self-motivated, capable – but one of them is not ‘expert’. You’re already not working with contractor-grade tools, nor do you have contractor-grade knowledge. But what you also don’t have, is contractor pricing.
So use some of those savings (and they can be A LOT), and invest in the best rated products. Get the mortar that everyone swears by. Buy the good finishes- like the handles in the exact color you want that won’t flake off in 5-10 years. Get the stuff that’s easiest to use and stands the test of time. And make sure it’s exactly what you want, because there’s no point in doing this unless the end product is going to make you happy.
There’s a limit to how many corners you can cut when you’re undertaking something as big as working on your home. The point is not to get it done for free. If that’s really your mindset on this, it may be better to sit this one out altogether.
Doing any sized renovation yourself is going to be harder than hiring a trained professional. Do you really want to be dealing with wallpaper that’s tearing all over the place because it came from the discount bin of some big box retailer? I’m not saying there aren’t great finds in there. I’m saying it’s not likely yours is one of them. Leave that wallpaper where you found it. Let it be someone else’s DIY mistake.
And you know what really makes a project take longer? Having to do parts of it twice. Because if you do mess up, you’re going to want to redo it. That, or throw in the towel and call the contractor you were trying to avoid in the first place. So save yourself and the time (and probably the money) of this DIY mistake, and just buy the right stuff from the get-go.
An investment in your home is an investment in your daily life. When the dust has settled, whether that’s days, weeks or even months from now, you should love what you’re left with. Ideally, it should also raise the value of your home altogether, and eventually pay you back for your efforts. So buy the Moen faucets, the Rejuvenation handles, and Rifle’s wallpaper.
It’s worth it. You’re welcome.
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