Texas DIY Projects: 55% Plan to Do More—But Mistakes Are Common

Many Texas homeowners want to save money by doing more themselves. In Hippo’s latest Housepower Report, 55% of homeowners say they’re very likely to take on more DIY maintenance in 2025.

At the same time, Hippo’s DIY follow-up found 58% spent more than expected because of errors, and 54% needed some form of financial help after a DIY misstep. The interest is real, and so are the pitfalls.

What the data says about DIY in 2024–2025

DIY interest is high. Over 90% of homeowners have projects planned, and 55% expect to do more DIY maintenance to cut costs.
Mistakes are expensive. 58% overspent due to DIY errors. 47% underestimated the time. 38% under-budgeted. 54% needed insurance, loans, or credit to recover.
Context from 2024: 83% of homeowners faced unexpected repairs last year, and 46% spent $5,000+ out of pocket. That pressure is one reason people are trying more DIY.

Texas realities that raise the stakes

Heat and storm load. Long A/C seasons and frequent severe storms punish roofs, windows/doors, and exterior sealants. Small mistakes can snowball after the next storm.
Permit and licensing rules. Some work is fine for DIY. Some legally isn’t. In Texas:

Electrical: Non-exempt electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician working through a licensed electrical contractor. There is a state homeowner exemption for work on your own dwelling, but cities can override it and still require a licensed pro or specific permits. Check your local rules first.
HVAC (A/C and refrigeration): Install, repair, or maintenance requires a TDLR ACR license.
Plumbing: Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; many plumbing scopes require a licensed pro.
Roofing: Texas has no statewide roofing license. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) runs a voluntary program—use it to vet roofers.

Insurance fine print. Hippo notes that unpermitted work or negligence can limit coverage when a DIY job causes damage. Don’t skip permits.

What to DIY vs. when to hire (quick guide)

Usually OK for capable DIYers

Painting; caulk and weatherstripping; basic drywall patching; minor fence/deck repairs; simple fixture swaps with power and water safely isolated.
Routine maintenance: gutter cleaning, filter changes, clearing A/C condensate lines.

Hire a licensed pro in Texas

Electrical: new circuits, service equipment, panel work, GFCI/AFCI additions, EV chargers (check local permit rules even for minor work).
HVAC: refrigerant components, coil/compressor work, installs, most repairs.
Plumbing: gas line work, major supply/drain changes, water heater installs in many cities.
Roofing: hail damage assessments, decking/flashing repairs, major replacements—use RCAT-licensed contractors where possible.

If you’re set on DIY, reduce the risk

Scope it first. List steps, tools, total time, and a 20–30% budget buffer. Hippo’s data shows time and budget underestimates drive overruns.
Check permits and inspections. Call your city or check the building department website before you start.
Know the cutover to a pro. Stop if you find live wiring, structural movement, gas odors, hidden water damage, or anything beyond the plan.
Document everything. Photos before, during, after. Keep receipts. This helps with resale and any future claim questions.

Property Journal (TradeCrews): Save before/during/after photos, notes, and receipts for each project. Export a clean history for claims, resale, or a pro handoff.
Jack Report™: Jack reviews your Journal entries and flags patterns and next steps (e.g., repeat leaks, overdue maintenance). Use it to decide when to keep DIY or bring in a licensed pro.

Do a safe finish. Test GFCIs, bleed plumbing lines, verify smoke/CO alarms, and clean up fasteners/debris.

Contractor frustrations to avoid (and how)

“Rescue” calls after a failed DIY. They cost more because the pro must diagnose unknown work, undo it, and then fix it to code. Share your photos and notes to speed this up.
Missing permits. Unpermitted work can force tear-outs or re-inspections. Pull the permit before you start.
Wrong materials for Texas conditions. Use exterior-grade sealants, code-rated fasteners, and HVAC parts approved for your system. Ask the counter staff at a reputable supply house if you’re unsure.
No paper trail. Share your Property Journal log (photos, receipts, model/serials) with the contractor. It speeds diagnosis and reduces change orders.

A simple path for Texas homeowners

Pick the right projects for DIY and price the rest with pros.
Verify Texas licensing for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing jobs. Use RCAT to vet roofers.
Budget for mistakes even if you don’t plan to make them.

Need a quick second opinion on scope or cost? Ask a pro at letsaskjack.com before you buy tools or open a wall.

Keep your DIY trail clean

TradeCrews Property Journal: Log steps, materials, and receipts by project. See year-over-year costs.
Jack Report™: Get a quick read on risks and likely next steps so you can plan your budget—and know when to hire a pro.