7 Summer Projects That End Up Costing More Than They Save
Summer feels like the perfect time to knock out home projects. But not every “DIY money-saver” ends up saving anything at all. Some of them backfire, either because they require more work than expected or because cutting corners leads to repairs later.
Before you start, it’s worth taking a closer look at the true cost—including time, tools, permits, and what happens if it goes sideways.
Building a Deck Yourself
Lumber prices alone can blow past your budget fast, and that’s before tools, fasteners, footings, or permits. Most folks underestimate how much measuring, cutting, and leveling goes into it.
If the structure isn’t done right or up to code, it can lead to injuries or forced tear-downs. Some areas require inspections, and if you didn’t follow the rules, you’ll pay twice to fix it later.
Installing an Above-Ground Pool
It sounds affordable upfront—until you add the cost of site prep, permits, fencing, ground leveling, and electrical work. Then there’s the monthly hit from water, chemicals, and energy.
And if the install isn’t done right, leaks or structural failure can wreck your yard or even cause injuries. Skipping professional help on this one often ends up being a regret.
Paving Your Own Driveway
Renting the gear, buying the materials, and doing it yourself might look like a good deal—but only if it’s done perfectly. Uneven ground, poor drainage, or bad timing can all ruin the result.
Once cracks, sinking, or drainage issues start, repairs get expensive fast. Professional paving looks pricey until you compare it with redoing a failed DIY pour.
Putting in a Sprinkler System
Many people try to cut costs by installing their own irrigation lines. But one misstep with water pressure, spacing, or zoning and you’re left with patchy grass or a flooded yard.
On top of that, digging without a utility check can land you with a broken pipe or cable line—and a very expensive repair bill. Most times, hiring it out is the safer bet.
Replacing Windows on Your Own
Windows that aren’t installed level or sealed properly can let in water, increase your energy bill, and even void your home warranty. That’s a lot of risk to take for a few hundred bucks in labor.
Measuring and fitting windows is more technical than it seems. One wrong cut or misaligned frame, and you’re back at square one with a bigger hole in your wall—and your wallet.
DIY Roofing Repairs
Trying to patch a few shingles or seal flashing seems like a good weekend project. But unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you’re risking major leaks down the road.
Roof work is dangerous and unforgiving. Poor repairs can void your roof warranty, lead to interior water damage, or cause heat loss. What looks like a small repair often leads to a big expense.
Installing a Fence Without a Pro
Fence kits make it look easy, but setting posts, leveling panels, and keeping everything aligned across a yard isn’t something you knock out in a day. It usually takes longer and costs more than expected.
If posts aren’t set deep enough or lines aren’t measured right, you’ll end up with leaning panels and sagging gates. And if it crosses a property line? That’s a legal headache waiting to happen.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
