What starts as a weekend renovation often ends up stretching into weeks—or even months. That’s one of several findings from a recent West Shore Home survey that looked at the real-life experiences of 1,000 homeowners who tried tackling home projects on their own.
As costs continue to rise for materials and professional labor, DIY has become a go-to option for budget-conscious homeowners. But the survey suggests those savings might come at a different cost—especially when time, skill, and stress levels are factored in.
Budget Goals vs. the Final Receipt
Saving money was the main motivation for most DIYers in the study, with more than 60% saying they chose to handle their home updates themselves to avoid contractor fees. But nearly half said the project cost more than they’d planned.
Some underestimated the tools they’d need, while others had to rebuy materials after making mistakes. Even relatively simple updates—like a bathroom refresh—can quickly snowball into hundreds of dollars in unplanned expenses.
The takeaway? What looks affordable on paper can grow quickly when you’re learning as you go.
Time: The Underestimated Expense
Time was another challenge that caught homeowners off guard. Over 78% of those surveyed said their project took longer than expected. That includes delays from running back and forth to the hardware store, waiting on deliveries, or just hitting unexpected roadblocks.
One common theme? Homeowners dramatically underestimated the time needed. A weekend plan often stretched into weeks, sometimes longer—especially when surprise tasks or learning curves popped up mid-project.
The extra hours add up fast, especially for people juggling jobs, kids, and other responsibilities. About 30% said they gave up family time or weekends to keep the work moving.
Learning Curve or Learning Cliff?
DIY is often marketed as something anyone can do—and sure, with enough time, many people can figure things out. But the process isn’t always smooth.
According to the survey, 45% had to learn new skills, like how to install fixtures, use a tile saw, or work around tricky corners. And 31% found that learning process overwhelming. Some turned to YouTube or advice from friends. Others likely found themselves in over their heads early on, especially when facing unfamiliar tools or unexpected installation issues.
A few even said the stress from figuring things out mid-project led them to scrap their plans entirely.
Social Media Creates a False Finish Line
While it’s easy to be inspired by home transformations on Instagram and TikTok, it’s just as easy to be misled by them. The West Shore Home survey found nearly half of respondents believed social media made DIY home projects look easier than they really were.
A polished 60-second reel doesn’t show the hours spent on prep, the second (or third) attempt, or the redo after something wasn’t level. And when people try to replicate that without the right tools or background, things tend to fall apart.
Many homeowners went into their projects thinking they would be relatively straightforward—especially if they’d seen similar transformations online. But once the work began, the unexpected complexity quickly set in.
Knowing When to Hit Pause
Some homeowners in the survey still felt satisfied with their results—but not without caveats. Many said they wished they’d gone in with a clearer picture of what they were taking on. A significant chunk—35%—ended up hiring professionals to either finish or correct the work.
For homeowners with limited time or little prior experience, it’s worth asking whether doing it yourself is the best route. Sometimes the smarter move is calling in backup early on.
DIY home projects don’t have to turn into cautionary tales. But they also aren’t as straightforward as they’re often made out to be.
Want the full picture before diving in? The West Shore Home survey offers plenty of lessons from homeowners who’ve already been there.