03/11/2025
How to Avoid Common DIY Home Remodel Mistakes
Let’s face it: remodeling your home is a big investment. In the United States, the average cost to remodel a home is around $20,000 but can be as much as $100,000. While it’s exciting to update or customize your home, that’s a big expense. So, it would make sense to try some DIY to help keep costs down.
However, there are some DIY projects that will only make your remodel more difficult, and no one needs that. Here are some common DIY home remodel mistakes to avoid so your remodel goes smoothly.
1. Forgetting Permit or Building Codes
When you’re working on your home remodel, planning mistakes can happen. Many home renovation projects, especially those involving structural changes or exterior changes, require permits from your local municipality or housing authority. So you must verify if your project requires a permit before you start work, saving you from future potential legal issues.
The permit process can be confusing. For example, roofing materials must often meet specific state or local standards. Consulting with your contractor and local building officials is important to make sure your project follows all regulations and that you purchase the correct materials for the job.
2. Setting Unrealistic Budgets
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen in DIY home remodels is underestimating how easy the project is, which can affect your budget. Some projects can seem easy but they can spiral out of control quickly if you’re not careful. When you’re creating your budget, be realistic and even overestimate some costs, like buying extra materials in case mess ups happen.
This cushion will give you some room for unexpected expenses and help keep your stress levels down. Also, when you’re finished, this extra money can either go back into your bank account or be used for another project.
For example, if you’re building a deck, you need to look at several factors, including materials, price, and size, when creating a budget. Buy some extra materials in case you make an incorrect cut or a piece is too short. If you’re pouring concrete footings, make sure you buy some extra concrete in case it doesn’t set properly. You don’t want to start your project and get in over your head. Avoiding budget overruns in home remodeling helps you enjoy the finished product.
Something to keep in mind is that material costs can fluctuate due to several factors like the local market, resource scarcity, and regional cost of living. Researching your local market when you’re creating your budget will help you be accurate and avoid surprises.
3. Taking Inaccurate Measurements
The adage “measure twice, cut once” is particularly true during home renovations. Accurate measurements are essential to avoid expensive mistakes or delays. It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing siding, roofing, or decking—having the correct measurements is a must to help save your budget and mental health.
Keep a list of your measurements with you when you’re shopping for materials. Ordering too much can potentially lead to non-returnable surplus and wasted money. On the other hand, ordering too little creates its own set of problems.
It can lead to delays due to shipping times, backorders, or the product could be discontinued. You might have to choose a different option, which could affect your budget. Having accurate measurements helps avoid budget overruns in home remodeling.
4. Buying Cheap Materials
While it can be tempting to use cheaper materials in your project, resist that thought. Compromising on material quality can lead to higher maintenance costs in the long run and defeat the purpose. Before you make any decisions, research different options, compare prices, and look for materials that strike a balance between affordability and quality.
Instead of sacrificing quality, look for other areas where you can trim costs. For example, it could be tempting to save money on lower-quality windows, but poorly made windows can lead to higher energy costs, and they might need to be replaced sooner than better-quality windows.
If you’re looking for which materials would work for your project, check out our Best Materials Series for advice on different materials and how to avoid DIY remodel errors.
5. Not Going Green
When most people think of going green when remodeling, they think it’s expensive because a decade ago, going green was more expensive. However, eco-friendly products have become more mainstream and are available at many different price points, making sustainable choices more accessible. They’re a great way to minimize your eco-footprint but also reduce the costs of running your home.
For example, using a water collection system can reduce your water usage and water bill. Solar energy can minimize your electricity usage and, in some cases, generate income. Another green option is to use eco-friendly insulation to keep your house cooler or warmer, depending on your climate.
It’s important to do your research and read all reviews before buying any green products to check their quality and see if they’ll work for your home. For more tips on being green when you’re remodeling your home, check out our blog.
6. Not Hiring a Contractor or Hiring the Wrong One
While some renovations can be DIY, others should be left to the professionals. If you have no building experience and you plan to add a new roof, reside a whole house, or build a large deck, it’s best to hire a contractor and avoid home remodel planning mistakes. Trying these projects yourself can lead to safety hazards, code violations, and even expensive re-dos so it’s good to know when to hire a contractor.
Thorough research is necessary when looking for a reputable contractor, don’t base your decision on price alone. Instead, compare quotes, check references, and ensure you feel comfortable communicating and collaborating with the contractor. Ask all the questions you need, so you feel confident with your choice.
Attempting DIY projects and then needing to hire someone to fix any mistakes can be significantly more expensive than hiring a professional from the beginning. We understand that finding the right contractor can feel overwhelming, so we can also connect you with our network of trusted contractors, making sure you find the right professional for your project.
Avoiding Common DIY Home Remodel Mistakes with J&L’s Help
As we mentioned earlier, home renovations are an investment, both mentally and financially. You need to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines and know your limitations. If you take on a project above your skill set, you could wind up paying a contract to fix mistakes AND do the project. Working with the right partner can help avoid common DIY home remodel mistakes.
At J&L Building Materials, we’re committed to offering our customers the answers they need when it comes to home projects, whether that’s having the right product in stock or helping you find the best contractor from our network.
With 8 locations across Southeastern PA and Delaware, there’s a J&L showroom nearby that is ready to advise you on how to avoid DIY remodel errors.