Grayson West
DIY home projects are thrilling. There’s that sense of accomplishment when you finish something on your own, but let’s be honest, not all DIY endeavors end with the desired result. Some tasks are best left to professionals. Here are 15 home renovations that often go sideways when enthusiasts tackle them.
Tiling the Bathroom
Have you ever tried tiling a bathroom and thought, “How hard can it be?” Amateurs often skip essential steps like waterproofing or proper tile spacing, leading to crooked tiles, gaps, or worse—water damage. Tiling may seem simple, but it’s more complex than it appears, and mistakes can quickly lead to disaster.
Knocking Down Walls
The temptation to go open-concept often leads DIYers to demolish walls without considering their structural integrity. This can result in major issues when they realize the wall was supporting more than bad décor. Removing load-bearing walls without proper planning can cause significant damage and leave you scrambling for repairs.
Electrical Wiring
Rewiring a house may seem exciting after watching YouTube tutorials, but without proper knowledge, it’s extremely dangerous. Wiring faults can lead to electrical fires, shocks, or both. It’s not just risky, it’s life-threatening. For the sake of safety, always hire a professional electrician for the job.
Flooring Installation
The new floor installation seems straightforward. All you need is wood, glue, and a dream, right? Disappointingly, DIYers often misjudge floor levels, causing boards to buckle or gaps to form. And don’t forget about poor measurements, which can lead to having one plank too many or too few.
Plumbing Projects
Tackling a leaky faucet or installing new pipes might seem wise to save money, but plumbing blunders can escalate rapidly. A minor mistake can lead to drips, floods, or even mold. What started as a simple fix could turn water into a significant problem.
Roof Repairs
Want to patch that leak in your roof? Scaling the roof with shingles and a hammer might sound like an exciting self-made adventure, but it often leads to a comedy of errors. What seemed like a simple fix can quickly turn into a leaky mess or even structural chaos.
Installing Windows
There’s nothing like the challenge of installing new windows, especially when those drafts start making winter unbearable. Unfortunately, DIYers fail to account for proper sealing, causing air leaks and, eventually, skyrocketing energy bills. What’s the point of new windows if they let all the heat out?
Painting
A fresh coat of paint might seem easy, but it can go wrong faster than expected. Many DIY painters need to properly prep the surface or choose the correct paint for the job. The outcome? Uneven coverage, streaky brushstrokes, and peeling paint before you can say “second coat.”
Installing Cabinets
Cabinets can be one of the trickiest kitchen upgrades, and home enthusiasts often get it wrong. Misaligned cabinets are not only an eyesore but can also affect functionality. And don’t get me started on wobbly cupboards! They are heavy and need to be secured properly.
Deck Building
A backyard deck should be your chill zone, but a poorly built one can be a recipe for disaster. DIYers miss crucial deck-building details, like the depth of support posts or securing everything properly. What should be a relaxing retreat might turn into a wobbly, unsafe hazard!
Bathroom Fixtures
New sinks or toilets in the bathroom might seem like a breeze, but one slip-up can turn your spa day into a plumbing fiasco. Imagine battling weak water pressure, unexpected leaks, or a stubborn toilet that refuses to flush. Aiming to revitalize your space could easily result in a mess.
Installing Light Fixtures
Thinking about replacing a light fixture yourself? It might look simple, but there’s more to it than just connecting a few wires. Incorrect installation can result in flickering lights, blown fuses, or even an electrical fire. The last thing you want is to realize you’ve miswired everything after it’s all assembled.
Hanging Doors
A door might look simple, but hanging one correctly requires precision and skill. Many enthusiasts don’t account for the alignment, which results in doors that won’t close, stick, or swing open on their own, like some haunted houses. Poor hinge placement or frame misalignment can also cause long-term issues.
Adding Insulation
Want to lower your energy bills? Adding insulation seems like a great DIY project, but if done wrong, it can make things worse. When installed correctly, insulation helps regulate temperature, keeps your home warm during winter and cooler in the summer, and prevents air leaks. Proper ventilation and air sealing are key to avoiding moisture problems.
Drywalling
Consider drywalling as more than just a simple task; it’s truly an art form. Many self-builders end up with too much or too little mud, resulting in visible seams and unsightly bumps. A poorly sanded wall can easily resemble a lumpy monster instead of a smooth masterpiece.