The first thing any savvy DIYers (do-it-yourselfer) should take into account when considering a new project is that it will probably take twice as much time and three times as much money as you thought.

Or maybe it’s three times as long and twice as much money.

Either way, there’s a good reason why it’s true: DIYers make mistakes.

Home-improvement experts around the country were asked for the most common mistakes home DIYers might make — and how to avoid them.

  1. Not taking out the required permits.
  2. Starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies.
  3. Using the wrong tools.
  4. Inadequate preparation of the job site.
  5. Skimping on materials.
  6. Using the wrong paint.
  7. Improper preparation of walls for painting.
  8. Unsafe job conditions.
  9. Inaccuracy.
  10. Working beyond your limits.
  11. Failure to get a clue.

You can learn a lot from these mistakes. Most DIYers think they know enough to do the job but “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Often you are trying to save money, but these mistakes will cost you more by the time you are done.

If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right. Hiring a professional handyman can be a prudent investment.