12 Ways You’re Overpaying for DIY Projects

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There’s nothing like the feeling that comes with finishing a DIY project. It’s something so rewarding to look at a new bookshelf, or a freshly painted wall, and say, “I made that.” It’s a thrill when you do a job well, but sometimes that thrill is overshadowed by the fact that your DIY effort ended up far more expensive than you thought it would be. Flashing tools, extra materials you didn’t really need, and missteps along the way can make your proud project a money pit faster than you can say “weekend warrior.”

Even seasoned DIYers may overlook supply costs, or choose the priciest brands, and spend more than they need to. If you have a little knowledge, you can avoid these common financial traps and save yourself some serious cash. Let’s take a look at the most common ways people overspend on DIY projects and what you can do to avoid them.

Skipping Research

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It’s like setting sail without a map, when you dive into a project without doing your homework. Excitement can get the better of you, but without research, you tend to overspend. Prices can be vastly different between different stores and there are differences in quality and cost of materials. Sometimes, you’ll buy something on a whim that isn’t the right thing for the job, and then you’ll have to buy another version later. It can save you a lot of money if you take some time to compare prices, read some product reviews, and consider budget friendly alternatives.

Overbuying Materials

Most likely if you’re eyeballing measurements you will purchase more than you need. Buying ‘just in case’ materials, sounds wise but can be wasteful. You often have that extra paint, extra bag of screws, or roll of wallpaper and it never gets used. Double check your calculations and buy from places that accept returns if you can, you’ll take a few extra minutes and it will save you money in the future.

Buying Top of the Line Tools

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It’s easy to feel like you need the best of the best to do a good job, and when you see all those high end power tools, you might think, ‘I need this to make it work.’ In many cases, however, you only need a mid range tool to get the job done well, if it is a one time project. If you’re not planning on using these high end tools often, the extra expense isn’t worth it. Sometimes, it is better to rent or borrow tools.

Ignoring Sales and Coupons

Timing is everything. If you’re rushing to get supplies without checking for sales, seasonal discounts or coupons, you’re leaving free money on the table. There are many deals from hardware stores and online retailers, and especially around big holidays. There are apps to track discounts and you can sign up for store emails. There is a lot of cash that you can save by being a little patient.

Paying for Unnecessary Extras

DIY projects tend to have a lot of add ons and accessories that aren’t really necessary. Take, for example, buying fancy paintbrushes or branded tape that quietly add to your bill when generic versions would do just as well. Always look at the extra bells and whistles and ask yourself if they really help what you’re doing.

Neglecting Tool Rentals

Why buy a power saw or tile cutter which you’ll never use again, and that’ll just sit in the corner gathering dust? Tool rental is available at many hardware stores, and can be a fraction of the purchase cost. Renting is a way to use high quality equipment without the commitment. Plus, you can also get advice on how to use the tool right, which can save you from making costly mistakes.

Return of Leftovers Not Allowed

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Wrapping up a project, you may have unopened cans of paint, packs of nails, or rolls of tape. Don’t store them in the garage, just return any unused, unopened items. Returns are allowed at most stores, and those small refunds really do add up, especially over a number of projects.

Skipping Online Marketplaces

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You don’t have to go to big box stores for materials. Long before your ears start ringing from Black Friday deals, online marketplaces are treasure troves for gently used or excess supplies at a fraction of retail prices. Someone might be selling excess wood, paint, or even pavers they don’t need, and you might find a local listing. But you should double check that first of all quality and condition, yes.

Dependence on Poor Quality Materials

Saving money upfront, it’s easy to go for the cheapest option, but low quality materials can end up costing you a lot more. Think cheap paint that needs extra coats or flimsy lumber that will warp in time. Investing a little more in good quality supplies often means you don’t have to spend a lot of money later on repairs or replacements.

Preparation Costs Underestimated

Prep work is where the hidden costs are in many DIY projects. Say you’re painting: you’ll need primer, sandpaper, tape, drop cloths, and maybe even a ladder. If you skip these prep materials, your result will be less polished and it will take you longer and cost more in the long run. Proper prep saves you from having to redo work or fix mistakes, and that can eat up both your time and your wallet.

Budgeting for Mistakes

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Let’s face it: DIY doesn’t always turn out as you’d expect. According to a Hippo Insurance survey, approximately 58% of participants overspend on their budgets for DIY due to errors. Of course, mistakes are part of the process, but if you don’t factor them into your budget, you will find yourself overspending. Perhaps you cut a board too short and measured wrong or a piece snapped unexpectedly. Having a small buffer in your budget for mishaps will help you not feel the sting when something doesn’t go your way.

Overestimating Your Skills

With intricate DIY projects, biting off more than you can chew can cost you big errors. When you’re new to it, you shouldn’t try something too advanced, it will hurt your material or cost you a fortune making repairs. And when it comes to the more complex projects, you may as well look up tutorials, take a workshop or hire a pro for the tricky bits…

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.