DIY Can Cost More than Just Money
By Angie’s List
Angie’s List finds some DIYers spend more money and may end up hurt

As homeowners deal with economic pressure, many are trying to save money by doing jobs around the house themselves. Often, they end up with disastrous – and more expensive – results.

An Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com) member poll conducted late last week, found 83 percent of respondents go the do-it-yourself route because they want to save money. However, one in five who attempted a DIY project themselves still had to call in a pro to finish the job, and in many cases, undo the damage they had done.

“One of our members installed his own deck, but the problem came later, when he realized he installed the planks upside down,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. “Hence, the wood began to warp and has become a tripping hazard. Needless to say, that member is now calling in a professional to redo the job.”

More than a few DIYers ended up in the ER, including one member who nearly cut his fingers off with a table saw. In a turn of events worthy of a prime time sitcom, he ran to the bathroom, tripped and hit his head on the deck he was trying to build, ending up with a twisted ankle, three cut fingers and a concussion.

More than 60 percent of Angie’s List members are planning a home improvement project this year, and nearly a third of them are planning to do the work themselves.

“Frankly, I’m a little worried,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Members are telling us they’ve staple-gunned themselves to their siding, fallen off ladders and cut themselves with chainsaws. DIY can be dangerous.”

A 2007 Center for Injury Research and Policy study show that 136,000 Americans will end up in the emergency room due to ladder-related injuries this year. Nail guns sent 35,000 Americans to the E. R. last year, according to Duke University.

“There are many, many projects that virtually anyone can safely handle,” Hicks said. “The trick is to know what you personally, can handle in terms of your health, your ability and your tool box. Sometimes, you’re just better off calling in a well-regarded pro who has all the tools he needs and plenty of experience to boot.”

According to the Angie’s List member poll, nearly one in 10 respondents confess that they’ve injured themselves while attempting a DIY. Some examples, verbatim, from the poll:
  • “I just nearly blinded myself on Saturday -- moved a 12 foot ladder w/ a 10 pound hammer on top of it -- the hammer fell and bounced off my shoulder and then off my face. I look pretty.”
  • “Don't go up on ladders or in the attic when jetlagged. It cost my husband 27 stitches in the head.”
  • “While I held the tree limb my father-in-law used a chain saw to cut it. The saw cut through so fast and my arm was in the way and it got nicked (not off). Off to the ER with only a very close call.”
  • “An extension ladder slipped backward underneath me causing a 10-12 foot fall. Treated at emergency room. Out of work for a week.”
  • “My husband always ends up with various bruises and cuts after working on home improvement projects; not to mention the frequent bruised ego when things don't work out.”


“Even a project that seems simple can result in extra costs – from fixing the repair you started to make but actually made worse – to the costs of having an ER doc remove that nail or staple you shot into your arm, or treating broken bones from falls,” Hicks said.

3 questions to ask before tackling any project yourself:
  1. What experience (if any) do I have? Just because you’re not afraid to take on a project – doesn’t mean you should. Be realistic about your skills. Not having the expertise could lead to additional costs and work. Also, you might find it difficult to find a contractor who will fix your snafu.
  2. Do I have the time? Many home improvement projects take weeks rather than days. Measure the inconvenience against the cost of hiring a professional.
  3. Do I have the right tools? Consider what special tools you’ll need for your project. If you have to go out and buy a power saw, but don’t plan to use it again in the future, it probably won’t be a very good investment.


When it comes time to choose a contractor, start with these 3 tips:
  • Call at least three contractors: Check references and/or business standing on Angie’s List or similar services before hiring anyone. Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service.
  • Communicate your ideas: Explain what updates/repairs you want done to your home. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of what your expectations are and what you are hoping to accomplish.
  • Get estimates: Once you’ve described your project, take the time to get at least a few different estimates for your job. And get it in writing – documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.
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