Confession time: I fancy myself a bit of a DIY enthusiast, but truth be told, I’m not exactly a pro at it. In fact, some of my projects have actually ended up costing me more money than if I had just bought the item in the first place. The irony, right? This happens for a few reasons: sometimes my projects fall apart and need replacing, other times I start a project but never finish it, and occasionally the materials end up being just as expensive as the finished product.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m a big fan of the whole DIY concept. It’s a fantastic way to create custom items that you can’t find in stores, or to save money on home renovations by doing the work yourself. But let’s be real: DIY isn’t always a guaranteed money-saver. Sure, there’s the satisfaction of completing a project, learning new skills, and personalizing your space. But things don’t always go as planned. The internet may make it seem like we can do it all, but the truth is, we can’t.
That being said, there are some things I’m pretty good at. I can sew, craft, paint walls and furniture, install lights, and handle a drill. Do I dream of building bookcases and garden beds with a table saw? Absolutely. Will I regret not just buying them or hiring a professional three seconds into those projects? Absolutely.
My DIY Successes: A Short List
Let’s focus on what I’ve done well, and then we can dive into my failures.
For example, when I revealed my bedroom a few years back, I made a lumbar pillow because I couldn’t find one I liked. Sewing easy items like pillows, napkins, curtains, and bedskirts is worth it to me. A similar pillow from a workroom could have cost me at least $100. Another DIY success was the picture frame above my sofa, which was simple yet durable. And while I didn’t make the window bench itself, I did make the cushion, although I struggled with the corners.
Other sewing projects like chair pillows and cafe curtains have also turned out well, despite some imperfections. But now, let’s talk about my failures.
When I revamped my rental kitchen in 2023, I was thrilled with the results. I saved money by buying second-hand appliances, making Roman shades, installing a peel-and-stick backsplash, and creating a light fixture. However, not everything stood the test of time.
I was hoping that the wallpaper in my kitchen would just stay up forever and ever, but alas, it began peeling at the seams. I tried to stick it back up with wallpaper glue, but it just wouldn’t hold. So, now I have these unsightly peeling edges that I have to deal with.
As for the wonky cabinet hardware, I have to admit that I didn’t install it perfectly straight. Some of the handles are a little crooked, and it bothers me more than I care to admit. I could probably fix it, but it’s one of those things that I just haven’t gotten around to yet.
Overall, these DIY fails in my kitchen have been a learning experience. I’ve realized that sometimes it’s worth it to spend a little extra money to get things done right the first time. And, even if things don’t turn out exactly as planned, there’s always room for improvement and growth. I may not be the best at DIY projects, but that doesn’t mean DIY is a waste of money. In my own experience, I overlooked important details like wall texture affecting wallpaper adhesion and using cheap hardware with slightly off measurements. I ignored bubbles and drooping corners in my wallpaper and didn’t bother to get proper screws for the hardware, leading to constant readjustments. But just because I struggled with these projects doesn’t mean DIY is inherently bad.
To gain a professional perspective, I spoke with DIY content creator Fariha Nasir of Pennies for a Fortune. She shared her own experiences of DIY projects gone wrong, like a crooked cabinet she had to nail shut for a photo and a tile disaster that required professional help. Fariha emphasized the importance of knowing your limits and when it’s more cost-effective to hire a professional. In her case, hiring out certain projects saved time and money compared to attempting them herself.
In the end, it’s all about understanding your skills and when it’s better to leave certain tasks to the experts. So, while I may not excel at DIY, I can still appreciate the value it offers when done right. How can you tell in advance if something will be a waste of time or not?
Fariha suggests getting a quote from a professional before starting a project to determine the cost and feasibility. Sometimes DIY projects can end up being more expensive or time-consuming than expected, so knowing your limits and skills is important. The building process can be rewarding, even if it requires redoing things multiple times. Hiring a skilled handyman for smaller tasks can be helpful, as they can work from pictures or rough sketches. While there are many DIY tutorials online, not all of them are reliable, so it’s important to be cautious and realistic about your abilities. Overall, DIY projects can be worth it if you have the necessary skills and patience, but it’s essential to know your limits and be prepared for challenges along the way.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez | Styling by Emily Edith Bowser | Photos by Veronica Crawford | From: Arlyn’s Rental Kitchen Reveal Just Might Have You Wishing You Had Brown—Or Even Cherry— Cabinets (Yes, Really)
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