Today's housing market can be easily compared to an overwhelming labyrinth, especially for young individuals yearning to secure their first home.
It often feels like an uphill battle, laden with obstacles that seem unconquerable and always growing/adding/changing, etc. etc.…
It’s a never-ending game that often is only won by people who know people or who have starter money from family members. Which leaves normal people with no head start an immediate disadvantage in a housing market that increasingly favors the wealthy or well-connected.
Without access to significant financial backing or insider knowledge, many are left scrambling for limited opportunities. For example, among homeowners under 30, 78% received financial help for their down payment.
It's a tough cycle that leaves many questioning whether homeownership is even an achievable goal.
The truth is, it IS unfair that aspiring homeowners are struggling so much just to find affordable housing. Their dreams of owning a place to call their own are clouded by the harsh realities of a daunting market, making the journey feel unjust and disheartening.
Too many people are affected by the lack of affordable housing opportunities. In today's market, where prices have reached unprecedented levels and mortgage rates remain high, the financial strain has led more couples to consider DIY home renovations, either on an older home they’ve just purchased or their current home, as an alternative to buying a newly built one.
Renovating an existing home or buying an older home that needs repairs or vanity makeovers is sometimes the only way a couple can happily live in a space that meets their needs.
While the idea of saving money by working on home improvement projects together may seem practical and even have a certain romantic charm, it can present significant challenges that may strain the relationship.
Couples often encounter feelings of being unheard or undervalued, financial anxiety can build over time, and minor disagreements can quickly escalate into major arguments.
Unfortunately, many couples find DIY renovations as the only way to afford a house that works for them with the current housing market climate and interest rates.
Understandably, so many are taking on this daunting task; the desire for a place to call their own can be overwhelming, given the limited options and what it takes to make it happen.
Home prices continue to go up, and so do the number of couples/families who have to come up with creative options when it comes to affordable housing.
Many couples are realizing that selling their current home to buy a larger or more modern property is no longer a practical option.
For example, I recently attended the Minnesota Parade of Homes and was shocked by the high prices of new homes, often built with cheap materials and noticeable cost-cutting measures.
They market their homes as the type of home that is the American Dream, many would disagree.
So, even if you can afford a new home, one that is new and customer made, is it truly a good investment with high interest rates, subpar construction quality, and the potential for a housing market downturn that could shift it into a buyer’s market?
What a pickle to be in. Yay.
So, it’s easy to see why, instead of embarking on this daunting financial journey of trying to find a property that is move-in ready, many are opting for renovations aimed at better accommodating their wallet.
Interested in luxury homes? Our monthly updated list on the most expensive home in every state on Zillow is a great way to stay informed on luxury home trends.
It's a simple trade-in: DIY projects are a way to have the home of your dreams. With the mentality of saving thousands of dollars compared to hiring professional contractors, or buying a new home, home improvements seem more affordable and accessible.
However, while cost-saving DIY alternatives may initially seem beneficial, home improvement projects often end up being much more complicated and expensive than imagined.
You and your partner can avoid a lot of mental turmoil and unexpected expenses by staying informed when going through the entire DIY process:
Our Take on DIY Renovations: Address Scoop supports and encourages DIY projects. We believe a dream home is possible for anyone with hard work and dedication ( and when projects are approached with careful planning and realistic expectations).
Without proper preparation, however, DIY renovations can lead to unnecessary stress, financial strain, and unfinished projects that cause more frustration than fulfillment.
By following the steps outlined above, you can make informed decisions, set yourself up for success, and ensure your DIY journey is both enjoyable and achievable.
Outside of finances, there are creative differences that can stem from home renovations.
Working on home renovations together can be a great way to bond, but it also has an annoying way of exposing differences in communication, work styles, and expectations.
A seemingly straightforward kitchen remodel, for example, can transform into an argument on color choices, financial limits, and even time spent.
Life Example: My friend, Sarah, decided to paint her kitchen a bold mustard yellow, even though it wasn’t a great choice in her partner Matt’s eyes. She was really excited, thought it was “trendy” and was sure it would bring warmth, but once the walls were done, she hated it.
"It's like living inside a highlighter," she told me on the phone. She saw it work for other kitchens, but for hers, it just didn’t feel right.
Matt, whom I consider to be a fair person (but I only have limited knowledge of him so I can’t be 100% sure) didn’t help the situation either.
Sarah said he did the whole “I told you so”, stared at the wall and then the next day came home with a more pale-yellow color, which looked ok. Neither partner was happy with how the kitchen turned out, just accepted that it didn’t look “bad”.
In this situation, one partner may want another color or floor choice but always caves into the other partner’s top picks, and ends up resentful because they are avoidant.
Outside of communication and cost mistakes, there are other things to consider. One partner may hold a vision of perfection in terms of design and execution, while the other may prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness.
Several scenarios of many. We’ve all heard plenty of home renovation fights, some even resulting in relationship status changes.
Point You Should Take: If these differences aren’t handled the right way, they can create bigger issues that affect the whole relationship.
Here a few common stressors couples run into during DIY renovations:
Tackling home projects as a couple can be a great way to save money, but knowing when to call in the pros can save you from major headaches and tons of stress. There are some projects that are easier to tackle like painting walls (if you can agree on the color), swapping out light fixtures, and sprucing up the yard. But when it comes to plumbing, electrical work, or anything that messes with the structure of your home, that’s where things can get dicey.
You have to really know what you can do together, what you need help with, and then hopefully come up with a budget that you can afford.
Bringing in professionals isn’t just about convenience. Skipping the pros can sometimes cost more in the long run if mistakes need fixing. Keeping things up to code and avoiding a DIY disaster is worth it.
Time to be honest about what’s doable, what’s easy to learn, and what’s better left to the experts.
What’s easy for one couple might be a total nightmare for another. These ratings are just a rough guide for beginners who need a starting point. At the end of the day, you’ll want to adjust based on what actually works for you.
You and your partner know your skills (and patience levels) better than anyone. Be real with yourselves before diving in.
Easiest DIY Projects
Hardest DIY Projects
Although it may sound cliché, good communication is often the linchpin that can determine the outcome of DIY renovations.
Actually, listening to each other (we call that active listening) and making an effort to understand where the other person is coming from can help avoid a lot of unnecessary arguments.
Being aware of your own limits, setting realistic expectations, and being willing to compromise will make the whole renovation process way easier.
Here are some additional strategies that can help couples manage their projects more effectively:
Home prices keep climbing, and more couples are getting desperate and turning to DIY renovations. It may seem simple at first to fix things as a couple, and even a fun little adventure. And sure, making a house a home can be a great way to bond.
But DIY can also turn into a nightmare. But, if there's a will, there is usually a way.
To try to avoid as many catastrophes as possible, it’s good to plan and remain realistic. It’s also crucial to keep communication open, be fair, and know when to call in the pros. The goal is to improve your home, not end up arguing over a crooked backsplash at midnight.
If you’re not careful, it can take a toll on your relationship too. But when handled right, it can bring you closer, give you a space you love, and maybe even teach you a thing or two about teamwork.
Sometimes the only thing keeping you sane during a DIY project is a good laugh. Let’s end this blog post and hopefully your DIY renovations lightly!
Here are a few renovation-related jokes to help you keep your sense of humor intact:
Q: Why did the couple start renovating their kitchen? A: Because they wanted to “spice” things up!
Q: What’s the hardest part of a home renovation? A: Agreeing on the paint color… and not murdering each other in the process.
Q: I asked my partner if they thought I could handle the plumbing project. A: They said, “I think you’ll sink…”
Q: Why did the couple bring a ladder to the kitchen renovation? A: Because they were ready to take their relationship to the next level!
Q: How do you know when it’s time to call in the professionals? A: When your “small” home improvement project turns into a “how to fix a flooded basement” tutorial.
Q: How do you know it’s a DIY project and not a reality TV show? A: When there’s no dramatic music playing, but plenty of crying in the bathroom.