We Can't Be Experts at Everything
Feb 17, 2025
A while back, during a Soundproof Clarity call, a client shared a story that really hit home for me. He had tried fixing his car’s brakes on his own, figuring he’d save some money and learn something in the process. But instead, he made a mistake—one that cost him more in repairs than if he had just gone to a mechanic in the first place. It was a frustrating and expensive lesson, but one I think a lot of us can relate to. And honestly, it reminded me a lot of what I see happen with studio soundproofing all the time.
Learning from Mistakes
I’ve been there myself. When I built my first home recording studio, I tried to do everything on my own. I mean, how hard could it be? I read a ton, watched all the videos, and thought I had it figured out. But looking back now, I see just how many costly mistakes I made—mistakes that could have been avoided if I had consulted with an expert from the start.
I remember one specific example: the studio doors. I thought, "I'll just build these myself, it can't be that complicated." Well, turns out, it was. I ended up with doors that didn't seal properly, let in way too much noise, and required multiple fixes that wasted time and money. In the end, I could have just gone with a pre-made option and saved myself a whole lot of headache. But hey, you live and you learn.
Know Your Limits
There’s this temptation, especially if you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects, to think, "I can do this myself and save money." And sure, sometimes that works out. But more often than not, you end up spending way more time than you planned, dealing with unexpected issues, and still needing to call in a professional to fix what went wrong.
At the end of the day, it’s about knowing your strengths. If you're a musician, your time is better spent making music than trying to learn construction, soundproofing, electrical work, and HVAC installation all at once. Trust me, I’ve seen too many people go down that rabbit hole, only to come out the other side frustrated, exhausted, and with a studio that still doesn’t sound right.
Do It Together
Instead of thinking DIY (Do It Yourself), think DIT—Do It Together. Hire the right people, consult with experts, and collaborate where it makes sense. That doesn’t mean you have to give up control or stop being involved—it just means you’re setting yourself up for success instead of struggle.
When I work with clients, my goal is to help them avoid the mistakes I made. I want them to walk into their finished studio and feel excited, not regretful. Because at the end of the day, a great studio isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a space that inspires you, functions flawlessly, and allows you to do what you do best: make amazing music.
So, next time you’re thinking about taking on a massive DIY project, ask yourself: is this something I should really be doing alone? Or is it time to bring in some help and do it right the first time?
If you want to DIT then reach out for a Soundproof Clarity Call.
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