A new study shows that while three quarters of homeowners completed a DIY project, including hardwood flooring, in the past three years, almost half of them regretted it.
The study from Zillow Digs found that homeowners who refinished or installed hardwood floors by themselves regretted the project 42 percent of the time. It was the fifth most regretted home improvement project. Twenty-two percent of the homeowners who worked on their floors went over budget.
Adding a room or expanding or altering an existing one was the chief regret among DIY homeowners, with 53 percent of them wishing they had left it alone or hired professional help. Budgeting was also tough for room-expansion DIYers—42 percent went over budget.
"With seemingly endless DIY tips and how-to videos available today, home improvement projects appear easier and more accessible than ever before," said Kerrie Kelly, Zillow Digs home design expert, in a statement. "While some DIY projects can save you money, involving a professional for larger-scale projects, especially those that require specialized skills, can help eliminate headaches and costly mistakes."
Among the least-regretted DIY home improvement projects were replacing lighting fixtures or cabinets, painting one or more rooms and installing new kitchen appliances.
