DIY Home Improvement Disasters and How to Avoid Them

Like most people, you’re probably stuck at home during this global pandemic. Now that your personal space is also your workspace, you may be planning some do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvements. And you’re not alone — over 37% of people DIY their projects.

Perhaps you’d like to create a home office or dedicate a room for a new hobby you picked up during lockdown. Whatever the reason, you need to be careful about executing the changes you’re planning to make to your Paddington Place condo. 

A simple hole in the wall could mess up your home’s electrical wiring and plumbing. Using the wrong tools could damage your wall, furniture, and appliances. There are a lot of things that could go wrong. Here are the worst DIY improvement mistakes and how you can avoid them. 

Taking on a Large Project

Unless you have extensive experience in construction, you probably shouldn’t take on huge projects. These include installing a new shower and heater or creating a custom shelf for your entertainment system. 

Such undertakings demand a lot of time, energy, and money. By the time you realize your chosen task is too hard, you’ve probably invested too many resources into it. All there’s left to do is cut your losses and finally call a pro. 

Avoid this costly mistake by doing thorough research on the money and effort a home improvement costs. Assess whether you can truly handle such a project. You can always take on a more minor task, like creating a couch tray for all your binge-watching needs or changing just your showerhead. 

Not Paying Enough Attention to Measurements

One of the most frustrating DIY mistakes is finding out your measurements were wrong. Your newly-built table might be wobbly because of unevenly-cut legs. Your new window-type air conditioner might be way too small for the hole in your home, causing you to return it for a bigger unit.

Avoid this issue by simply being more mindful and precise about your measurements. Use a high-quality tape measure or meter stick. Measure everything twice. If you have any doubts about the lines you’ve drawn, measure again before sawing into them. Check the specifications of the equipment you’re ordering and compare them with the space in your home. Make sure they fit your doorways, too. 

Forgetting to Get the Necessary Approvals and Permits

Some home improvement projects, even if they’re DIY, may need special approvals or permits from your building administrator or local government. The last thing you want is to get a heavy fine because your improvements caused harm to your condo building’s structure. 

Talk to your condominium’s property managers about the project you’re planning. Get a signed approval from them if your project gets the green light. If they don’t approve it, ask what you can do to make your project up to code. Make revisions accordingly until you get your plans approved. 

DIY home improvements are a lot of work. As such, you don’t want to waste the blood, sweat, tears, and cash on a botched project. Make sure to start small, get the necessary permits, and measure everything twice, and you’ll taste the sweet reward of a successful DIY improvement.