May is National Home Remodeling Month, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers have chosen to celebrate by providing a few pieces of advice to homeowners who decide to take property renovation into their own hands.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 37 percent of all remodels that took place between 2010 and 2011 here DIY projects conducted without the supervision or help of a trained contractor. The NAHB found that many of these projects ballooned into much more expensive, not to mention difficult, undertakings than what many homeowners had anticipated.

"Remodeling can be complex and often times full of surprises, even for experts like our members," said NAHB Remodelers chairman Bill Shaw in the group's press release. "DIY projects should be rewarding and fun, but if your DIY can't be completed in the planned price range or your safety is at risk, leave the work in the hands of professional remodelers."

Homeowners also need to be sure that they aren't exposing themselves to harmful substances like mold and radon when they undergo remodeling projects this May. Additionally, the goal of any renovation should be to address problems in the house that will affect quality of life in the long run.

If you are considering a home improvement project over the next month, schedule a home inspection and mold testing from a certified contractor beforehand to help you prioritize which issues you should address first.