The 10 Most Regretted Home Improvement Projects

People often DIY to save money, yet 40% of DIYers went over budget when they attempted to add or expand a room on their own. "Mistakes can add up quickly on a project of this size," Kelly says. "And if homeowners don't have the expertise to prevent or troubleshoot errors before they happen, it's likely they'll wish they hired a pro to help."

Refinishing kitchen or bathroom cabinetry may sound like an easy weekend project, yet it actually takes quite a bit of time, according to Kelly. "From removing hardware to sanding uneven or chipped surface areas to waiting for the paint to dry before installation, this DIY project can be challenging to those who aren't fully prepared for the time commitment," she adds.

"Refinishing a space that's often used for storage or was not previously heated, can be difficult, especially when tackling all on your own," says Kelly. "These spaces are also less likely to have basic installation and can be hot beds for water damage or mold, which opens a whole other can of worms DIYers may not be equipped to handle."

Replacing carpet can be a good DIY project if you know your way around a toolbox. If you don't, Kelly suggests calling in a pro. "You have to make sure the carpet is cut to the right size, seaming isn't obvious and ends are tacked properly before you can lay out your furniture."

This project can be costly and time consuming if you don't pay special attention to the thickness, type of wood and appropriate installation required, according to Kelly. "Doors and baseboards may need to be removed or undercut to make a seamless installation work, which is likely why so many DIYers wished they had hired help from a pro," she says.

"From using different screws and drills, to some heavy lifting, this project can be difficult to those who are just starting to experiment in the home renovation space," says Kelly.

"DIYers often don't realize what type of tile they are working with, what grout is needed, and if there is a sealant that should be applied, which can lead to costly mistakes and lots of trips to the hardware store," Kelly notes. "Another frustration for DIYers can occur when trying to get grout lines straight and tile level."

"Replacing a backsplash can be challenging to DIYers if they do not completely remove old tile and grouting to prepare a smooth even surface prior to installing. This can result in the finished product looking uneven or sloppy," Kelly says.

Safety and support is everything when building a deck. While a smaller or simpler deck might be a weekend project for some, for those DIYers attempting to tackle larger, more complex decks, Kelly recommends seeking out the help of a pro.

"Some countertops have awkward sizes and edges that should be fabricated precisely by a professional due to appliance and sink cutouts," according to Kelly. "Countertops can be such a statement in a home that if done incorrectly as a DIY, homeowners will see the errors every day."