Being a homeowner comes with the challenges of upkeep of your home. Recent data shows that 80% of homeowners in the UK are saving for some kind of home improvement project. One of the most popular rooms to renovate is the kitchen, as 27% of homeowners say they renovated their kitchens in 2022.
This couple finally saved up for a new kitchen and asked their brother-in-law and his company to do the job. Yet, they soon found out that family and renovations don't go that well together, as the BIL ditched the renovations and went on a holiday.
Having to live in a house that was half destroyed, the husband chose to serve the BIL some petty revenge.
A couple asked their BIL's company to carry out their kitchen renovation
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They soon regretted it when he suddenly disappeared mid-renovation
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Image credits: Samuel Cruz / unsplash (not the actual photo)
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Many homeowners DIY their home improvement projects or ask family members for help to save money
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It's not unusual to ask family members for help with renovations. According to a survey by Frontdoor, 40% of DIYers call a family member when a project goes south. And many younger people choose to do their renovations themselves, as 64% of homeowners aged 18-34 say they do so to save on labor costs.
However, a huge portion of people also don't shy away from hiring professionals. According to a 2024 poll by Statista, 40% of homeowners hired a contractor to carry out their renovations. Specialty service providers, such as electricians, were the most popular (49%), as most folks probably don't want to risk messing that up.
But general contractors (29%) got hired often as well. 22% of the respondents also said they chose to hire a design-related specialist, such as an interior, landscape, kitchen/bath, or lighting designer.
Yet, it makes sense that people would want to save on home improvement as much as they can. Last year, 45% of homeowners spent more than $5,000 on renovations, and 36% spent $10,000 or even more. A whopping 63% said they had to take on debt to cover the costs of their home improvement projects.
Asking family members to do home renovations may result in hurt feelings, disrespect, and a poorly done job
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While getting family members involved in your home renovations can be easier on your wallet, it may cost you a lot of nerves. There are several things that may go south when a brother-in-law, dad, or other relative does your home improvements.
Although the wife initially pushed to hire her brother, she later regretted it, too
"[Don't] use family for these sort of jobs," people in the comments advised
Many had similar stories of being in "contractor hell" and shared them in the comments
