Pandemic DIY projects’ aftermath

Around this time last year, most of us were still pretty much isolated from the outside world and confined to our homes. During our isolation, many of us decided to take on home renovation or remodeling projects to make our spaces more inviting and to give us a change of scenery.

From the rather simple tasks of repainting to gardening improvements to the more extreme examples of replacing a shower stall or bathroom vanity, many of us of gave it our best shot. Sometimes we were pleased with results and sometimes we quickly realized we were in too deep and should have hired a professional. 

As is often the case with home projects, unless one lives alone, there are others in the home whom we must at the very least attempt to please with our handiwork – therein often lies the problem. What we may think looks incredibly nice and adds value to our dwelling, someone else in the home – a spouse, significant other or roommate – may look at and have a completely different assessment of our skills and the results.

A recently released survey by Window World, the nation’s s largest window replacement and remodeling company, found that one-third of those surveyed about DIY home projects said they regretted ever starting the projects and 18 percent said they would never again attempt similar home projects on their own.

Additionally, almost half of the survey respondents – 47 percent – said their home projects ended in disagreements. More than half of those who said their projects ended in disagreements said the projects caused fight and injuries. Ten percent of this group said there had been discussions of separating or moving out because of the stress of home repair and renovation projects.

With longer days and millions still working from home, those who may not have had such disastrous results may be looking for their next home project. Those who are not brave enough to take on another such project may want to hire a professional to do the job.
For those looking for others to do their project, Window World suggests:

Get contractor recommendations from friends and family or consult the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a list of contractors in your area.

Interview potential contractors by phone and then in person. Ask for references from previous clients and from suppliers and how long they have been doing the sort of work needed.

Call former clients and visit job sites. Call your state’s consumer protection agency and your local Better Business Bureau to investigate complaints.

Get multiple bids to compare costs for labor, material, profit margins and expenses.

If a payment plan is needed, work out a payment schedule in advance. 

Don’t base your contractor choice solely on price: Beyond technical skill, the single most important factor when choosing a contractor is communication and if you’re comfortable with the person.

Put every aspect of the project in writing including a start and projected completion date, specific materials and products used, and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers.

If you decide to do more projects on your own, make sure those who share your space have the same ideas in mind and consider their input as well. It may make a big difference in the outcome.