Porch recently conducted a survey that revealed that DIY projects could lead to disagreements between couples. Some of these arguments can get very heated. Fights between couples can occur during DIY projects, regardless of whether DIYers are married or at another stage in their relationship. Sometimes they argue over who made a mistake. They may also disagree about the direction, cost, and final results.
It’s important that couples don’t eat too much – as a rule of thumb, Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice president of Installations at Power Home Remodeling in Chester, PA, says.
He suggests that older homes be broken down into smaller projects and think about how much work can be done in three, six, or twelve months. Prioritize all time-sensitive projects, big and small, first before you buy a fixer-upper.
Here are the most likely DIY projects to cause disputes and the percentage of respondents who said they had fought before, during or after the project. Freshome also asked experts to comment on the potential for complications and even arguments.
Rewiring or electrical wiring: 43.6%
Experts agree that serious mistakes can be costly and that money saved is not worth the risk. I always advise people to avoid DIY electrical work. The consequences of a badly done job can be as simple and as severe as a light not turning on or a hidden fire source.
Although it may seem like an easy project, Mark Scott, President and CEO of MarkIV Builders, a company that builds luxury homes in Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, and Bethesda, MD, warns you about the potential dangers of taking on an electrical project. It is dangerous and could lead to more damage than the cost of fixing it yourself.
It’s not surprising that this project would cause a lot of conflict between couples. DiMartino states, “I always advise my customers to save energy and sweat equity for projects where the consequences of an incomplete or incorrect job don’t have any potential to be dire.”
Drywall hanging and patching: 41.7%
It’s not a difficult project, so it shouldn’t lead to many disputes. Outlaw warns that it can be hard to get a high-quality result if you don’t have enough practice. Hanging drywall can be a tedious task for DIYers. Even a well-designed patch may need several coats of drywall with some sanding. Outlaw says it is not difficult to hang drywall, but it can be tedious and dusty work.
Michael McDermott is the Owner/Production Manager of CRD Design Build in Seattle. He doesn’t find any reason to doubt that this project could cause conflict between him and his family. General contractors rarely have their crew hang the drywall. McDermott suggests that you leave them hanging, taping and mudding to professionals.
Ceiling fan installation: 38.2%
Scott believes that this project is not electrically related, but any couple can do it. “If you don’t have the experience to install this type of project, we recommend ceiling fans that are ‘easy to install’. These ceiling fans come in 90% assembled and require only the homeowner to place the blades and bowl. However, you must ensure that the ceiling box can support the fan’s weight. Scott warns that this mistake can cause serious damage, proving costly and potentially dangerous.
Exterior paint 32.7%
Although it sounds easy, this project can be quite complex. Proper preparation is key to proper painting. Outlaw says that many DIYers fail to apply the proper primer or paint for exterior applications. This can cause flaking, mildew problems, and a less professional look.
If you want the job done right, there are many other things to consider. Scott suggests that you ensure someone is there to help you hold the ladder when working on the roof or side of your house. This will make it easier for you to complete the job safely. You could also run into problems if you don’t know the correct temperature range for exterior paint.
Flooring installation: 30.0%
Although flooring installation is easy to do yourself, our experts have some tips. Proper flooring installation is also dependent on the preparation. Outlaw says that the subfloor or concrete slab might need to be leveled or repaired. Use measuring tapes to measure the space and lay the tile.
Scott is adamant that DIYers can do it and stresses the importance of measuring. This is the one area of remodeling where it is not acceptable to make a mistake. It is important to measure accurately, especially around obstructions such as islands or fireplaces, to make the project a success. Scott suggests consulting a professional remodeling company or a local hardware store if you have questions.