Home Reno: To DIY or not to DIY?

If you’re wondering whether now is the time to put to use all those skills you’ve learned from watching home improvement shows, you’re in good company: According to the recent “The State of Remodeling in the U.S.” report from House Method, an online resource for home improvement and maintenance, 60% of homeowners have become DIYers.

It’s apparently a good decision for most, as 57% of homeowners saw their home’s appraisal value increase by over $7,500.

While 93% of homeowners reported a better quality of life after their home projects were completed, it turns out staying within a budget is the hardest task of all. The report noted that 9% of homeowners exceeded their renovation budget by $1,000 while 38% of homeowners went over by $5,000, Alarmingly, 19% overshot it by more than $10,000. Yikes.

Experts say that if you’re concerned about spending money right now, you don’t have to necessarily postpone a project. The good thing about home improvements is that there are usually “good, better and best” options for finishes, appliances and other renovation elements. Choosing a “better” instead of the “best” option, for example, is a way to scale back.


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