From Ambition to Admission: Why I Don’t DIY Anymore

I was full of ambition, armed with a video playlist of DIY tutorials and fresh off a career switch into construction when I purchased a fixer upper home mid-2022. I figured I had the tools, the drive, and the know-how to tackle anything from installing new flooring to ripping out and renovating a kitchen. But after a few years in the field and a handful of hard-earned lessons, I’ve come to a humbling realization. DIY isn’t always the best idea and those lifestyle renovation shows are all smoke and mirrors.

Here’s why I now leave most home improvement projects to the pros—and why you might want to consider doing the same.

Contractors Get Better Deals on Materials

One of the first surprises I encountered was the cost of materials. While I thought buying supplies myself would save money, I quickly learned that contractors often have access to wholesale pricing and supplier discounts that aren’t available to the average homeowner. These savings can significantly reduce the overall cost of a project, making professional services more affordable than expected. Contractors purchase materials at wholesale rates and yes, contractors do add a markup on most items but most of the time it still comes in lower than the retail price seen in-store.

DIY Projects Are Rarely as Simple as They Seem

Online tutorials often make home improvement tasks look straightforward, but reality tells a different story. For instance, LVP Flooring installation. Within the first week of owning my home, my husband and I tore out all the old carpeting and decided to install Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. We had seen how to videos and went into the project thinking it would be a breeze. It was not. The subfloor was in terrible condition. It had visible water damage, serious leveling issues and a lot of it needed to be ripped out. I made it 1/3 of the way through the DIY before calling a pro to help me get the subfloor repaired and the planks installed evenly without bowing or popping up.

Unforeseen Issues Can Derail DIY Efforts

During a DIY project, it's common to uncover hidden problems—like outdated wiring or water damage—that require specialized skills to address. Without the proper expertise, these issues can escalate, leading to more significant problems and expenses down the line. Installing your own instant hot water heater seems pretty easy until you start smelling burning, trust me I know! The wiring in my home wasn’t able to handle the unit. I hired a professional after trying it myself and if I had done so from the beginning, I would have saved a lot of money and time.

Safety Risks and Insurance Complications

Attempting complex tasks without proper training can pose serious safety hazards. Mistakes like drilling into pipes (or in my case accidentally kicking a corroded pipe during a kitchen renovation and flooding my entire first floor) can lead to expensive repairs and pure chaos.

Time Management Challenges

DIY projects often take longer than anticipated, especially when balancing them with work and family commitments. What starts as a weekend project can stretch into weeks, causing prolonged disruption to your daily life. Sacrificing every minute of your “free time” to finish a project leaves you feeling completely burnt out.

Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

Many homeowners overlook the necessity of obtaining proper permits for renovations. Failing to comply with local building codes can result in fines, legal issues, and even the need to undo completed work. Knowing what needs to be permitted and what doesn’t is a perk of the job. I don’t have any personal experience skipping permits, but I do receive many calls from homeowners who started a project only to be stopped by their local building department for not applying for a permit. Not only did they have to stop work but were hit with hefty fines before choosing to use a pro.

Hidden Costs Add Up

I can’t tell you how many measuring tapes I own now. I would put it down in between tasks and it would vanish! I think the average homeowner completely underestimates the level of organization and detail that goes into coordinating a project. Using a professional contractor seems pricey at face value. All measuring tape jokes aside, even after completing a renovation, unexpected expenses can arise. The post-renovation costs, including cleaning, furniture repair or replacement, and minor repairs I hadn't initially budgeted for like scrapes on walls and floors really tipped the scales.

Codes, Quality and Longevity Concerns

Professionals bring experience and precision to their work, ensuring that renovations are not only aesthetically pleasing but built and installed to code. DIY efforts, while well-intentioned, may lack the knowledge and finesse required for long-lasting results. You might intend on renovating the bathroom and you might even be able to do it well. That choice might not come back to haunt you for years. If you choose to sell your home at any point down the line, a home inspection may reveal items that weren’t installed to code. You may end up spending more money to hire a professional to remedy the problem or you may loose money to a contingency with a perspective buyer.

What it All Comes Down To

If I had it all to do over again, I wouldn’t. Embracing the DIY spirit is admirable, and for minor tasks, it can be both cost-effective and rewarding. However, for more complex projects, hiring professionals can save time, money, and stress in the long run. As someone who has experienced both sides, I now appreciate the value that skilled contractors bring to the table. Sometimes, the smartest DIY decision is knowing when not to do it yourself. Professionals can come with a full team, lay out protection on walls and floors, demolish and carry away refuse and complete the work more efficiently. What would have taken a professional 4-5 weeks to complete, took me and my husband nearly two years of disorganized chaos.

So if you’re not sure what your project really involves or you just miss having free time, skip the stress, drop the tutorials—and call Calyx. We’ll get it done right the first time so you can go back to enjoying your weekends. Email us at Inquire@CalyxBuilds.com or 401-334-9110 to schedule your complimentary site visit!