DIY projects can feel like smart money savers—but when done wrong, they can cost you twice as much in the long run.
In this episode of Return On Design, host Rachel Niederhofer breaks down the real cost of "Do It Yourself" renovations and why cutting corners on skilled labor can quietly sabotage your property's value.
From crooked tile jobs and uneven patio extensions to bad plumbing and unpermitted electrical work, Rachel and Justin share real-world examples of DIY projects that ended up decreasing property value instead of adding it. They reveal how a $10,000 "savings" can quickly become a $20,000 loss—and what to do instead.
You'll learn:
- Which projects are safe for DIY—and which should always be left to the pros.
- How poor workmanship can drop your home's resale value and scare off buyers.
- Why hiring qualified tradespeople actually protects your profit.
- The difference between personal customization and over-personalization that hurts ROI.
- How to think strategically about time, cost, and skill before you ever pick up a tool.
Whether you're designing your dream home or renovating for resale, this episode will help you decide when doing it yourself is smart—and when it's just too expensive to risk.
👉 Follow Return On Design for more real-world renovation insights, and remember: the best design decision is one that pays off.
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