The Secret to Avoiding Overwhelm During a DIY Home Project Is Prepping Like a Pro

You’ve heard of FOMO, but what about FOMU? Researchers of our 2024 DIY Trend Report coined the term “fear of messing up,” which encapsulates one of the main reasons homeowners say they avoid starting DIY projects in the first place. In fact, most respondents said they avoid projects all together so there’s no risk of failure. 

The key to bolstering your confidence and not letting this fear stop you from getting your dream home: plan ahead to avoid feeling overwhelmed during your project. In this article, experts give advice on how to make sure you’re fully prepared when you choose to do it yourself, so you don’t ever feel in over your head.

“You’ll want to start your DIY project with a ‘pro’ mind,” says Diana Hathaway, an interior designer and color expert at Gorgeous Color. “Before any taking action on your upcoming project, follow what the pros do when planning for a successful outcome. As design and construction professionals, they plan for Mid-Project Regret Syndrome, too.”

How FOMU Gets in the Way of DIY Home Projects

Our survey shows 70% of respondents would rather hire a professional than do a project themselves to avoid messing it up.  What are they worried about exactly? Many say they’re mostly afraid of projects that require advanced skills and could cause safety hazards, like electrical rewiring, replacing windows, and tiling a bathroom.

When it comes to these intimidating renovations, 25% said they don’t trust themselves to do it correctly and 23% said they’re afraid of making costly mistakes if they do it themselves. Twenty-two percent worry about the potentially dangerous consequences of messing up, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems. 

Of course, a common theme here is that many homeowners fear what they don’t know—which is where learning new skills and doing efficient planning can help. 

“The key is it’s not just about physical effort, it’s about knowledge too,” Ala says.

Steps for Planning a Successful Project

You wouldn’t plan to take a road trip without a map, so you shouldn’t start a remodeling job without a firm idea of your timeline, budget, necessary skills, and money. Having all of this in mind is not only smart, but it serves as a confidence boost for those experiencing FOMU or still contemplating hiring a pro. 

“Knowing what could go wrong will help you make a more informed decision on if your skills are up to the work,” Ala says. 

Here are the main points you should hit as you engineer the perfect road map for your DIY project.

1. Acquire the Right Skills

As with any kind of project, knowledge is power—so arming yourself with best practices and lining up help ensures you start off on the right foot. Just don’t turn to the TV home makeover shows for inspiration: Ala recommends consulting family and friends if they’ve undertaken a similar project so you can learn from their experience.

“There is a huge staff of pros that you don’t see on TV, as well as much longer timelines than will fit on a one-hour show,” Hathaway says. “This is important because often people have an unrealistic expectation about the process.” 

Turgut, founder and creative director at Otto Tiles & Design, suggests talking to your local home improvement merchant or supplier for advice. She also recommends using apps and online software to visualize the project and plan renovation stages using beginner guides.

“Check out the internet for advice from reputable sources, but steer away from random Youtube sites that may provide bad advice or skip steps,” Ala says. “A great place for general advice is at a home improvement store. Their staff are trained in the basics with many having hands-on experience themselves. They can advise you on the best tools for each task and correct use.”

While you’re at it, Hathaway suggests coming up with a concrete list for the tools and materials you’ll need. Materials like tile usually come in a specific color or design “lot,” and you may end up with odd-colored results if you buy them mid-project—invoking some serious MPRS.

“Starting your DIY project with a ‘guess’ about what you’ll need, or trying to save money by buying exactly as much tile as you need, is a mistake,” she says.

2. Come Up with a (Reasonable) Timeline

“A thorough understanding of the scope and complexity is essential,” Ala says. “Even basic DIY projects like painting can be a disaster if you don’t know the fine points. Missing a simple step like not stirring the paint can make a paint job look patchy, for example, so understanding what could go wrong is a big part of your research.”

In order to get things done correctly and efficiently, come up with an intentional and thought-out timeline and a list of tasks you need to accomplish. Turgut says effective time management is critical here.

“Try to estimate how much time each task will take, when they need to be done, and in what order. It’s important to be strategic here: Be realistic here and also be flexible,” she says. “It’s a good idea to build in a littler buffer as a contingency—especially if you’re working full time, have family responsibilities, have vacation planned, and in general just for unforeseen circumstances.”

Ala also suggests setting aside time for purchasing materials and having them delivered, along with steps like allowing paint to dry and mortar to set.

3. Work Efficiently and Safely

Don’t underestimate the importance of stay a clean and orderly workspace. Ala suggests focusing on organization and cleaning up as you go to make sure you stay on track. If you’re dealing with a lot of equipment or phases of a project, only get out the tools that you need for that particular step. 

“Look at every task or step as a new job,” Ala says. “So, you’ll clear away and prepare your tools and materials ready to start afresh. Having multiple tool boxes and belts for each phase makes the project run smoother.”

You should also know your home inside and out: where every power supply is located so you can easily turn off water and electric to areas when necessary. Keep your construction zone free from hazards and other family members and pets.

And don’t forget your creature comforts like snacks, water, and a little entertainment. “Keep a radio nearby with your favorite station dialed in to keep you upbeat,” Turgut says. “DIY projects are often about mindset, so it’s important to try and stay enthusiastic.”

4. Expect Setbacks—and Don’t Panic When They Happen

As with timeline planning, it’s important to be realistic about how your project unfolds. “Underestimating the time, effort, or skill level of the project will ultimately make you blow your budget,” Ala says. Expecting setbacks and accounting for them allows you to stay on track and maintain the right mindset throughout.

Finally, don’t view hiring a professional as a failure: If you realize you need help from someone other than a friend or neighbor, it’s wise to get someone with the skills to complete the job safely. 

“You could find cables running through the wall you didn’t know were there; you’re going hugely over budget and you can’t rein it in; or you just can’t get it right,” Ala says. “As a DIYer, you may have overlooked a small detail, like recesses aren’t square or it’s actually a two-person job, not one.”

5. Start with the Right Mindset

Ristau, PhD, LP, says staying curious, being present in the moment, and finding joy in the experiences of DIY projects can go a long way in avoiding those nasty feelings of overwhelm. 

She suggests first developing a vision for your project and building in rewards throughout your timeline to stay motivated. That could mean sharing about your steps on social media or with loved ones or taking a break from harder tasks to indulge in some online shopping for home decor and furniture.

“When feeling deflated or frustrated at hiccups along the way, pausing to envision what you hope to accomplish can recharge or re-inspire,” Ristau says. “Alternatively, taking some time to look again at pictures or project ideas that inspired you to begin with and developing a vision board. Posting pictures, inspiring phrases, or mantras that inspire you in your workspaces can help keep you optimistic and moving forward.” 

Finally, focusing on the present moment instead of wishing and hoping for the end to come faster can be effective in reducing overwhelm, according to Ristau. 

“Embracing the idea that progress is greater than perfection—that mistakes or hiccups along the journey of your project are part of the charm and spice of the memories associated with your DIY— can help you stay the course and eventually cross the finish line,” she says.