66 Times People Tried Home Improvement And Ended Up With Big Regrets Instead

In a matter of decades, or perhaps even sooner, 2020 will be known as the year that changed the world in a monumental way. And we’re not just talking about what the pandemic took away from us, but also what it added to our lives, especially when it comes to activities at home. Statistics show that after 2020, more than 70% of homeowners tried to take on at least one major DIY project at home.

This makes perfect sense, as people were forced to spend so much time inside their homes. For a while, many weren’t working, had exhausted all kinds of entertainment, and eventually turned to fixing up whatever was within their four walls. Apparently, these projects usually involved plumbing, electrical work, and, of course, fixing tiles and drywall.

And you can tell some of these were major fails for the homeowners, which was a sure kick to the ego. But egos weren’t the only thing hurt during major DIY projects and home renovations. Surveys actually show that over 40% of couples report that major DIY home renovation projects cause relationship stress, strain, and arguments.

This is because what starts as an exciting new project can quickly turn into disagreements for various reasons. Finance experts say the debt that often comes with these projects tends to take center stage in discussions, but other factors also come into play, like living in chaos. In a chaotic, potentially messy renovation environment, tensions can run high, and everyday life can start to feel just as disorganized.

And speaking of debt, it’s not just the cost of fixing things yourself that can be a problem. It’s also the cost of hiring a professional to fix what you messed up. Research shows that, on average, a failed DIY project costs much more to fix than hiring a professional in the first place.

This is because demolition, repairing hidden damage, and even potential trips to the emergency room can all add to the final cost of what was supposed to be a budget-friendly project. After all, there’s a reason why professionals exist in the first place

But it’s not just cost that drives people to start a home project. Researchers Michael I. Norton, Daniel Mochon, and Dan Ariely actually coined the term “IKEA effect,” which explains why building something ourselves can matter so much.

They found that when you put effort into a physical project, your brain almost instinctively rationalizes that effort by convincing you that the end result is far more special or higher quality than it actually is. It’s almost as if your brain is trying to protect you from, well... your own ambitious self.