Angie's Blog > Some home improvement projects are best left to the pros.

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Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie’s List – where consumers go to find the best local service in more than 400 service categories.

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Posted: 8/21/2009 10:38:50 AM By Angie | 7 comments


With the current state of the economy, I know a lot of homeowners have been tempted to tackle home improvement projects on their own. And why not? All those TV shows make it look so easy!

The hard truth, however, is that a lot of DIY projects can end in disaster. It's easy to get in over your head, even with the simplest of projects. (Take it from someone who recently undertook wallpaper removal!)

This morning I was featured on Good Morning America talking about home improvement projects that should always be left to the pros.

We frequently hear stories from Angie's List members who've attempted home improvements on their own and ended up spending quite a bit more money than they would have if they'd turned to a pro the first time around. People aren't just ending up with a less-than-ideal end product, they're ending up in the Emergency Room, or worse! Any project can turn into a disaster if you don't have the time, experience or tools necessary to complete the job.

Check out the video below, and remind your friends and family members to exercise caution before they decide to DIY.

Check out the Angie's List tips: To DIY or not to DIY




Comments
Cheryl from Angie's List
Sorry, Emily. Angie’s List is a company that offers reviews on services. We don’t offer product reviews. You could check the List and ask one of our highly rated professionals, though.
1/12/2010 11:21:46 AM

Emily
Waiting
1/11/2010 2:58:43 PM

Emily
Am interestedin a commercial type dehumifier system and would like to know if SANI DRY system is a good one and if it is overpriced.
1/11/2010 2:58:04 PM

Pete Walker
being in the design business and having renovated kitchens for over 30 years as the majority of my work, I recently renovated my own home...and I figure I could have saved over $40,000 and three months if I had hired my favorite General Contractor, someone I do business with almost daily, working with clients.

To quote Steve Martin when he was funny...

But NOOOOOOOOOO, I had to do it myself, to save money...

Even the pros need professional help (and sometimes, adult supervision).

I generally try to tell my clients when they can save money, and when they should pay for the professional services.

It's tempting to try to save money. I feel the better strategy is to know what you need, what you want, and then to develop a clear understanding of what the cost is going to be, and what is expected.

If the contractor understands the expectation, and the client understands the cost, and both parties hold their end up, things usually go well.

Clients who think they own the people they hire, and contractors who take their position for granted usually pay a heavy price.
12/29/2009 1:26:48 AM

Mark Stevens
Very interesting article. I work in this industry and am very supportive of people doing their own work to save money, however people need to know before they go. Keep up the good work guys.
12/9/2009 3:23:14 PM

chris tucker
Great article!
We see people trying to clean roofs in Tampa get hurt often.
11/4/2009 12:45:19 PM

angela zagoski
my husband tried doing our laminate flooring himself, he even took a class at home depot and still managed to screw it all up at the end. finally we called a flooring co. they were excellent! they did a flawless job and did it fast. made it look so easy too. im glad we used them! never again will i talk my husband into doing something like this himself just to save a couple hundred bucks!
10/23/2009 5:47:42 PM

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