Warning: Woodworking Shows Could Be Hazardous
By Kurt J Schefken
Are you becoming a show junkie?

If so let this article be a great warning to you and your financial life, because many of these shows are driving people to go after home improvement renovations that they can’t afford, making them feel as if they need to keep up with the Jones’s.

In recent studies and surveys it was shown that twenty seven percent of those people who renovated their homes spent a lot more than they had counted on because they hadn’t planned and budgeted their product before they began. Luckily, there were sixty percent who were wise enough to plan and not end up in over their heads.

It’s the truth, keeping a home improvement budget can be difficult, even more so when the home improvement shows that seem to constantly be on the television stir up and persuade you to go in deeper than you had planned on doing. They get you excited for the latest home appliance gadgets and the most expensive décor that you simply do not need, and likely can’t afford. You may begin with good intentions to stick to your budget, but if you’re not careful, with the influence of these shows you could likely end up stretching that budget well beyond your means, which will no doubt cause much financial stress later on.

This is simply something that nobody needs, don’t you agree?

A good financial plan will give you the ability to expect extra expenses, which therefore will reduce the stress of home, your renovations. Experts advise that you should secure financing before the renovation, such as a personal or homeowners’ line of credit, which give you the financial cushion that you need to keep stress levels low. However, just because you have a line of credit available doesn't mean that you should use it; it just provides extra security in case you hit unforeseen expenses, for instance re-wiring your home.

The survey showed that 68 per cent of respondents used cash from investments or savings to pay for their home improvements, however not planning could likely mean financial difficulty down the road. This survey also revealed that thirty four percent of homeowners are borrowing to finance their renovations.

Could a Home Improvement Show Devastate Your Marriage?

It looks like this may be the case according to a study done by a UK website called British Gas. They reveal that those who are attempting to emulate TV ‘dream homes’ could be turning DIY into fuel for divorce. More than half of our do it yourself craze is forged by the influence of TV shows. The bad news is that eighty percent of families admit to having had arguments over botched makeovers. That doesn’t include all of the added arguments due to financial stress on these marriages, which is the greatest cause of divorce.

Bottomline, save yourself a ton of headache by creating a budget before starting any home improvement project, be strict with your budget, and don’t let the shows that tout easy and simple renovation influence you, simply let it inspire you. Be savvy and keep your savings and your marriage.

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Kurt Schefken publishes mostly for www.insidewoodworking.com , an online publication about schools . You might see his work on shows over at www.insidewoodworking.com .