‘We’d Still Buy It Again’: What 2,000 Fixer-Upper Owners Say About Regrets, Renovations, and Reward

Buying a fixer-upper is often seen as a budget-savvy way to land a home in a desirable neighborhood or school district. But for many homeowners, the reality sets in quickly: cracked foundations, unexpected plumbing issues, and the overwhelming costs of bringing everything up to code. The dream of a charming, character-filled house can quickly turn into months of stress and unexpected spending.

We surveyed 2,000 Americans who purchased fixer-uppers to understand what really happens after move-in. Their experiences, including pest infestations and mid-renovation evacuations, paint a picture that is both cautionary and hopeful. Forty-seven percent exceeded their renovation budgets, 36% took on new debt, and less than half (48%) had a home inspection before buying. Still, 79% say they would buy the same house again, despite challenges such as mold or needing to temporarily leave their homes.

Whether you are thinking about buying a home that “just needs a little work” or are already deep in demo mode, these stories can help you prepare. You’ll learn why a thorough inspection matters, how DIY efforts can uncover hidden problems, and how a good home warranty can help protect your investment when unexpected issues arise.

61% Bought a Fixer-Upper Because It Was the Most Affordable Option

For most buyers, budget came first. In fact, 61% said they chose a fixer-upper because it was the most affordable way to get into the housing market. But affordability wasn’t the only reason these homeowners took the plunge.

More than half (55%) were drawn to the neighborhood or location, while 38% believed the home had “good bones” — a phrase often used to describe a solid structure that promises potential. When the bones are good, do other factors matter? For many buyers, the answer was yes, but the foundation was crucial to their purchasing decision.

Other motivations included the chance to renovate and personalize their space (28%) and the desire for charm or character (23%). This wasn’t just about buying a bargain, but about making a home their own.

These buyers showed commitment beyond the purchase: over 55% planned to stay for at least 20 years or indefinitely. Many fixer-uppers were older homes with a story to tell. At 70%, most homes were built in or before 1980, and nearly half (45%) were purchased for under $150,000. For 62% of buyers, this was their first home purchase, marking the start of a long journey with a house full of history, charm, and plenty of work ahead.

47% Blew Their Budget — And Over a Third Went Into Debt

Most fixer-upper buyers started with a budget, but nearly half (47%) ended up spending more than they planned. Another 40% spent more on repairs and renovations than on the home itself.

For many, these extra costs meant taking on new debt. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported borrowing money after purchasing their fixer-upper.

When it came to financing, 56% paid with cash, 54% used savings, and 39% relied on credit. Only 14% used a home equity loan, and 5% tapped a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Despite financial challenges, 71% still felt that buying a fixer-upper saved them money compared to purchasing a move-in-ready home.

Hidden Issues Caught Buyers Off Guard

After moving in, 35% of buyers reported serious issues they hadn’t anticipated. Among them, 20% discovered pest infestations, and 17% found mold or mildew. Many didn’t just choose to upgrade major systems like plumbing, HVAC, or roofing — they needed to. For those buying a fixer-upper, the excitement of creating something personal and lasting can quickly fade as hidden problems emerge behind walls, beneath floors, or within aging systems.

For 15% of buyers, those problems were serious enough that they had to temporarily leave their homes, often due to health or safety concerns.

Survey respondents shared just how severe some issues were:

“Mice. So many mice it was unbelievable.”
“We found a whole room, a hidden basement, behind a boarded-up closet.”
“The smell was unbearable. We ripped up the floors and found black mold underneath.”

Facing these unexpected challenges, many buyers dove into a variety of home improvement projects after moving in. The most common updates were interior painting, undertaken by 68% of respondents, followed closely by bathroom updates at 63%, new appliances at 60%, flooring upgrades at 59%, and kitchen upgrades at 54%.

Most Buyers Replaced, Not Just Repaired, Key Systems

Among those who upgraded appliances, 88% replaced them completely. For windows, 79% were full replacements, and 77% of roof projects involved full replacement. HVAC systems were another major undertaking, with 78% of those updates involving full replacements — a costly but often necessary move in older homes where outdated systems can’t meet current standards for efficiency or safety. HVAC installation costs can vary widely, especially for buyers dealing with aging infrastructure.

Kitchens and bathrooms were also extensive undertakings. Of those updating bathrooms, 59% fully remodeled, while 22% performed repairs. Kitchen upgraders saw 59% completing full remodels and 21% opting for smaller updates.

Structural systems were no exception. Plumbing projects were common, with 59% involving repairs and 35% full replacements. Forty-five percent of respondents had electrical work done, 40% of which was full replacements.

This wasn’t just surface-level work. These were serious renovations across multiple home systems, indicating just how much effort most buyers had to invest to make their fixer-uppers truly livable.

87% Tried DIY — But Not Everyone Walked Away Unscathed

Most fixer-upper buyers weren’t just investing money — they were investing sweat equity. A striking 87% of homeowners took on at least some DIY work, transforming their homes with their own two hands.

Over half (53%) aimed to DIY as many projects as possible, diving into painting, demolition, landscaping, and even light electrical or plumbing work. Another 34% took a hybrid approach, mixing their own efforts with help from pros when needed. Just 13% avoided DIY altogether and opted to hire out every job.

And the efforts weren’t in vain: 68% of DIYers completed their projects successfully without professional help, showing strong follow-through and skill. Still, DIY came with its own set of risks and realities.

Among those who picked up tools themselves, nearly one-third (32%) said they uncovered additional issues while working, such as mold behind drywall or outdated wiring that didn’t meet code. Twenty-seven percent ended up calling in contractors after getting started, often realizing midproject that the job was bigger than expected. Meanwhile, 7% accidentally caused more damage, and 5% sustained injuries. These challenges remind us that not all projects are as straightforward as they might seem on YouTube.

Despite the challenges, most owners felt capable. About 44% of homeowners described their skills as intermediate — comfortable with tasks such as repairing faucets, installing trim, or patching drywall. Another 26% considered themselves more advanced, able to take on light electrical or plumbing work. A smaller group, just 5%, viewed themselves as expert-level renovators, confident and experienced enough to tackle complex projects on their own.

Only 48% Got an Inspection — And Nearly Half Regretted Skipping It

When asked about inspections and home research before purchase, fewer than half of respondents (48%) reported having at least one standard home inspection. Even fewer took the extra step to conduct specialized inspections for plumbing, roofing, or foundation issues. For those considering buying a fixer-upper, a home inspection is a crucial step in avoiding costly surprises.

Specialized inspections, such as plumbing or electrical, were performed by just 28% of respondents, while 26% requested seller disclosures, and an equal 26% had a contractor walk-through or estimate. On the other hand, 19% skipped all these steps, with others reviewing permit history, property records, or insurance claims at even lower rates.

Many who skipped inspections cited reasons such as planning to renovate anyway (26%), avoiding the cost (24%), or trusting the seller’s disclosures (22%). However, nearly half (48%) of those who bypassed inspections later regretted that choice. Common regrets included discovering hidden damage, missing opportunities to negotiate repairs or price reductions, and facing immediate unexpected repair costs.

Among Buyers With Regrets, 51% Said It Was More Work Than They Expected

While 41% of fixer-upper buyers reported having no regrets, the remaining 59% faced unexpected challenges during their renovation journey. Many underestimated the scope and duration of projects or struggled with living in the home while major work was underway.

Among those who expressed regret, more than half (51%) said it was more work than anticipated, and 42% said projects took longer than expected to complete. Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) regretted having to live in the home during major renovations. Other common frustrations included budgeting shortfalls and missed opportunities to negotiate with sellers.

The common thread wasn’t regret over buying a fixer-upper but frustration with the renovation process itself. How renovations unfold can heavily influence both finances and peace of mind.

Still, the overall outlook remains optimistic: 79% of all respondents said they would buy the same home again, and only about 1 in 5 reported any level of buyer’s remorse. Additionally, 80% said their experience had no negative impact on their mental health.

Despite the Headaches, 1 in 4 Said It Was Worth It for the Sense of Ownership

Renovating a fixer-upper can be stressful, but many homeowners find the emotional rewards worthwhile. Favorite features included the location and neighborhood, private yards and outdoor spaces, as well as original details such as hardwood floors and trim. Spacious layouts and unique character helped create a sense of belonging that new homes often lack. For many, the connection extends beyond aesthetics and simply “feels like home.”

That emotional payoff matters. Nearly 25% said the feeling of ownership made the challenges worthwhile, and an impressive 79% would buy the same fixer-upper again. Despite unexpected repairs and budget surprises, these buyers saw their homes as places to build memories and express themselves, proving that the value of a fixer-upper isn’t just financial, it’s deeply personal.

What Fixer-Upper Buyers Want You To Know Before You Start

After the paint dried (and sometimes peeled back again), buyers had a lot to say about what they wish they’d known. Here’s the top advice that came up again and again:

• Double your budget. Forty-seven percent overspent, and many took on debt. Make sure to budget for repairs. Planning ahead for costly updates such as roofing or windows can save you from surprises. Understanding how much a new roof might cost or what’s involved in choosing the most efficient windows can help you prepare.
• Expect delays. Homeowners often found that projects took longer than planned. Be prepared for setbacks and delays.
• Get the inspection. Have a licensed inspector check every part of the home, including the attic and crawl spaces. Take the time to do your due diligence. Buying a fixer-upper can be deeply rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
• Start with the big stuff. This includes HVAC, plumbing, and roofing. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Learn the basics, including how to find and replace the air filter in your HVAC system to keep it running smoothly, before you start taking on intricate cosmetic changes or upgrading less critical features like lighting or decor.
• Know your limits. DIY can be rewarding, but nearly 1 in 3 respondents uncovered bigger issues. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it could cost you.

Above all, bring patience. Renovating a fixer-upper is rarely a quick or easy process. But it’s also a major accomplishment, especially in today’s expensive housing market. With realistic expectations and steady determination, buyers can turn a house full of challenges into a true home.

Methodology

Today’s Homeowner surveyed 2,000 U.S. homeowners who bought a fixer-upper to gain insights regarding their experience with and outlook on home projects, budgeting, and homeownership in general. We used Pollfish, a third-party market research and survey platform, to collect data for this report from April 30, 2025, to May 2, 2025.

We weighted responses to align with population demographics across age and gender to be representative of all U.S. adults (ages 18 and older). The margin of error is +/- 2% with 95% confidence.