50 Before And After Pics Of Impressive Renovations That Completely Transformed The Space

Renovation is a tricky art. Whether you’re relying on professionals to bring your dream to life or tackling it yourself (major props if you do!), it demands money, patience, and often comes with a few bumps along the way. Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever completed a DIY project without making a mistake I had to redo. Maybe I’m just not that good at it.

But many people truly enjoy using their hands and creativity to transform their spaces. In the US, for example, a 2024 survey by Frontdoor found that every homeowner has completed at least one DIY project, and 74% plan to start another in 2025. Any Pandas here working on something DIY right now?

Interestingly, the same survey found that nearly half of those who turned to DIY did so because hiring professionals was out of budget.

However, DIY isn’t exactly cheap either—participants reported spending an average of $1,674 per year on DIY, with $804 going toward their most recent project.

And unfortunately, despite their efforts, around 42% of DIYers end up regretting a project. Reasons include projects not turning out correctly (32%), taking too long (27%), costing too much (17%), or simply looking ugly (14%). Welp.

But don’t let those numbers discourage you. There are ways to get better at DIY, and they involve more than just practice and learning from mistakes.

The first step, counterintuitively, is knowing your limits. You can’t do everything yourself, no matter how determined you are.

Jo Behari, a DIY expert and author, points out that in England, for example, it’s illegal to do gas and certain electrical work without proper qualifications. “People can die if it goes wrong,” he told The Guardian.

Don’t worry—there’s still plenty you can do yourself, like painting, decorating, tiling, or installing new taps, as long as you have the right tools, knowledge, and resist the temptation to rush.

Next, set yourself up with the right toolkit. It might feel like a hassle to buy things you don’t already have, but the basics are essentials for a reason.

Experts recommend a measuring tape, screwdrivers, hex keys (also known as Allen keys), a spirit level, a claw hammer, a scraper t**l, and safety gear like goggles (if your budget is tight, sunglasses can work for less risky jobs like sanding).

Behari also suggests using rubberized gloves: “They will improve your grip and make it easier to use tools.”

Another key tip is knowing when to save and when to spend. Buying the cheapest materials often leads to cheap-looking results.

“Cheap paint is going to involve lots and lots of coats, so you have to buy more, and then it takes more time because you’re painting for a lot longer,” Behari says.

“The very expensive brands are not necessarily worth the investment, and you can colour-match really easily to get the same shades in less pricey paints. But make sure you use a good, reputable brand.”

Research is also crucial, no matter how simple a task may seem, says Charlie White, who runs a DIY YouTube channel. Skipping this step often results in unnecessary expenses and disappointment.

Sometimes people assume that if something looks easy, it is. Don’t overestimate yourself.

Even a task that appears straightforward, like hanging a picture, can go wrong if you aren’t prepared, you could end up buying the wrong items, wasting money, and damaging the wall or the picture.

Also, older homes often hide their biggest issues behind the walls, and water quality is one homeowners rarely think to check during a renovation. If your property relies on a private well, Well Water Advisor's sizing calculator is a quick way to see what might need addressing before you close things back up.