Taking on do-it-yourself home improvement projects or rehabilitating a fixer-upper can be a worthwhile investment for your clients.  It can also be a huge financial risk if they do not have the skills to do it properly.  The key for do-it-yourselfers is to learn from the mistakes of others so they do not repeat those same mistakes themselves.  To that end, we have consolidated the seven biggest mistakes made by do-it-yourselfers and put together the list below.

The 7 BIGGEST Mistakes Do-It-Yourselfers Make: 

Mistake #1. Not Obtaining The Proper Permits — When it comes to homes and home building, there are codes for nearly everything.  No matter what type of work your clients are planning to do, make sure they look into getting a permit — certain things are unlawful to build without one. 

Mistake #2. Not Outlining A Work Plan — More often than not, a DIY home improvement project will take longer than your clients anticipate.  The best way for them to manage the amount of time necessary to complete a job is to prepare a day-by-day calendar – and leave some wiggle room to compensate for any unexpected delays. 

Mistake #3. Not Budgeting Properly — Home improvement projects can quickly add up.  We recommend do-it-yourselfers itemize every bit of material, all the way down to studs, nails, staples and joint compound.  They should always work with hard figures instead of guesswork. 

Mistake #4. Not Getting Additional Help — If a project requires more than one person, do-it-yourselfers need to get help.  Toughing it on their own will not impress anyone, nor will it do much good on the jobsite.  There are some tasks that cannot be completed without a second pair of hands, such as hanging drywall on a ceiling. 

Mistake #5. Not Consulting A Professional — Certain aspects of home repair demand assistance from a professional.  If a serious issue exists, such as previous fire or water damage, the repairs may be too complex.  Even experienced do-it-yourselfers should defer to the expertise of a professional.  Plus, their insurance policy may cover some or all of the repair costs too.

Mistake #6. Not Using The Right Tools — Anyone striving for professional quality work needs to be equipped with professional quality gear and tools.  Based on experience, it does not pay to buy low-end tools. 

Mistake #7. Not Getting Quality Materials — It is best for your clients to avoid any temptation to skimp just to save a few dollars — especially when it comes to materials.  On average, you get what you paid for.  If your clients want to turn out quality work, they need to be working with quality materials.

Summary: Do-it-yourself home improvement projects can be a rewarding experience and a great investment, but there is a lot for your clients to consider before getting started.  Breathing new life into a fixer-upper can be tricky, so encourage your clients to heed the advice listed above and take time to observe and learn from the mistakes of others to ensure that their DIY ventures go smoothly.

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