Survey: DIY projects have a 40% regret rate

A new survey from Zillow Digs exposes a high incidence of regret among homeowners that choose to go it alone in home improvement.

According to the survey, three quarters of homeowners completed a DIY project in the past three years, but nearly 40% of them wish they hadn't.

Generating the most regrets was room additions (such as adding a bathroom or bedroom to the house). More than half of respondents (53%) were unhappy with the project in some way.

Minor projects, like replacing light fixtures or cabinet hardware, were the least regrettable (with less than 20% regretting these projects).

Aside from difficulty, a quarter of DIYers said their projects ended up going over budget.

"With seemingly endless DIY tips and how-to videos available today, home improvement projects appear easier and more accessible than ever before," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow Digs home design expert. "While some DIY projects can save you money, involving a professional for larger-scale projects, especially those that require specialized skills, can help eliminate headaches and costly mistakes."