Once upon a time, being handy at home was the ultimate way to save money. If you could fix a leaky faucet or patch a wall, your wallet stayed fatter. But lately, it feels like even simple home repairs or improvements come with a hefty price tag. When did being handy at home start costing this much? Rising prices, supply chain hiccups, and changing expectations have all played a part. Let’s break down why your DIY projects are now eating up more of your budget than ever before—and whether it’s still worth it.
1. Skyrocketing Material Costs
The primary reason that handyman services at home are more expensive now is the surge in material costs. Lumber, drywall, copper piping, and even basic fasteners have seen significant price hikes over the past few years. A two-by-four that cost $2 a decade ago can now run $5 or more. Paint, which was once a cheap way to freshen up a room, has doubled in price. Supply chain disruptions and increased demand during the pandemic sent prices soaring—and they haven’t come back down.
So, every time you start a project, you’re paying more for the basics. That means even if you’re doing all the work yourself, your home improvement expenses are higher just to get started. It’s no wonder you’re asking, “When did being handy at home start costing this much?”
2. The Tool Trap: Upfront Investments Add Up
If you want to tackle repairs yourself, you need the right tools. But that initial investment isn’t cheap. Power tools, ladders, and specialty equipment can quickly add hundreds—or thousands—of dollars to your project budget. Even renting tools, which used to be a cost-saving option, has gotten pricier. And don’t forget the cost of maintaining or replacing tools that wear out over time.
This means the DIY route isn’t always the budget-friendly alternative it once was. For many homeowners, breaking even on tool costs now requires multiple projects, not just one or two quick fixes.
3. Hidden Costs and Project Creep
Starting a project often leads to finding more problems. Maybe you open a wall to fix a wire and discover water damage. Or you pull up old flooring and spot mold. These surprises mean extra trips to the store and unexpected purchases. The phrase “it always costs more than you think” has never been truer.
There are also small expenses that add up: sandpaper, caulk, drop cloths, and disposal fees. These hidden costs make being handy at home more expensive than it looks on the surface. The more ambitious your project, the more likely it is to balloon beyond your original budget.
4. Permits, Codes, and Professional Help
Many home projects now require permits or must meet stricter building codes. Even if you’re handy, you might need to pay for inspections or hire a licensed professional for certain tasks—like electrical or plumbing work. Failing to get the right permits can result in fines or problems when you sell your home.
This extra layer of bureaucracy adds both time and money to your DIY efforts. Sometimes, the cost of doing things “by the book” erases much of the savings you hoped for.
5. Inflation and Labor Shortages
Inflation affects everything, from the gas you use to drive to the hardware store to the price of screws. Labor shortages in manufacturing and shipping have also contributed to higher costs for materials and tools. Even finding a professional for the jobs you can’t do yourself is pricier, as demand outstrips supply.
All these factors combine to make being handy at home a more expensive hobby or necessity than it used to be. The ripple effect means you pay more, even if you’re doing most of the work on your own.
6. Safety and Insurance Concerns
Some repairs and improvements carry risks. If you injure yourself while working, medical bills can quickly erase any savings from DIY. Additionally, some insurance policies require that licensed professionals perform certain work. If you make a mistake, you might not be covered in the event of a claim.
So, while being handy at home can feel empowering, the potential costs of accidents or insurance issues should be part of your calculation.
How to Make Being Handy at Home Worthwhile Again
Given all these rising costs, is being handy at home still worth it? The answer depends on your goals and skills. If you love the process and have built up your toolkit over time, you can still save money—especially on small projects. But for bigger jobs, it might make sense to price out both DIY and professional options. Compare material costs, permit fees, and tool expenses before you commit.
To stretch your budget, look for sales on materials, buy used tools, and join local “buy nothing” groups. Also, don’t hesitate to consult resources like This Old House for tips on keeping projects affordable. With careful planning, you can still make being handy at home a money-saver, but it’s no longer the automatic win it once was.
Have you noticed your DIY projects costing more than you expected? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
What to Read Next…
- 11 Home Repairs That Cost More When You DIY Them
- 6 DIY Fixes That Ended in Disaster and Why You Shouldn’t Try Them
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