Highlights: Plan for two to three times a pro’s timeline. A first-time DIYer working evenings and weekends typically needs far longer than a professional crew for the same job. A bathroom a crew finishes in two to three weeks can easily take six to ten for a homeowner. Renovating is common, and scope creep is too. The 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study found that 54 percent of homeowners took on projects in 2025, with a typical spend around $20,000. Homeowners also frequently overspent after upgrading materials or expanding their plans, and every change adds time as well as cost.…