Home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding, but they can also go horribly wrong if you don’t plan ahead, use the right tools, and follow safety precautions. In this blog, we will look at some of the worst home improvement fails that you should probably avoid, and how to fix them if they happen to you.
No. 1: Painting over cockroaches
One of the most disgusting and disturbing home improvement fails is painting over cockroaches. This can happen when you don’t properly clean and seal the walls before applying a new coat of paint. The result is a nightmare of dead bugs trapped under the paint, creating a health hazard and an eyesore.
The solution: If you encounter this problem, you will need to scrape off the paint, remove the cockroaches, and disinfect the area. Then, you will need to apply a primer and a new coat of paint, making sure to cover any cracks or holes where the cockroaches might enter.
No. 2: Falling down the stairs with a bucket of paint
Another common home improvement fail is falling down the stairs with a bucket of paint. This can happen when you try to carry a full 5-gallon bucket of paint up or down the stairs, without using a smaller container or a harness. The result is a painful injury and a huge mess of paint splattered all over the stairs, walls, and furniture.
The solution: If you have this accident, you will need to seek medical attention and clean up the paint as soon as possible. You can use a scraper, a sponge, and a solvent to remove the paint from the surfaces, depending on the type of paint and the material. To prevent this from happening again, you should use a smaller paint kettle and a safety harness when working on the stairs.
No. 3: Ignoring the utilities when digging outside
A third home improvement fail is ignoring the utilities when digging outside. This can happen when you don’t call your local utility company to have them mark the location of the gas, electric, water, and sewer lines before you start digging. The result is a dangerous and costly damage to the utility lines, which can cause a fire, a flood, or a power outage.
The solution: If you hit a utility line, you will need to call the utility company immediately, and stay away from the area until they arrive. You will also be responsible for the repair costs, which can be very high. To avoid this, you should always call your local utility company before you dig, and follow their instructions carefully.
No. 4: Choosing form over function
A fifth home improvement fail is choosing form over function. This can happen when you prioritize the aesthetic appeal of the project over the practicality and usability. The result is a project that looks good, but doesn’t work well, or causes problems in the long run.
The solution: If you choose form over function, you will need to modify the project to make it more functional, or live with the consequences. For example, if you install a beautiful but slippery tile on the bathroom floor, you will need to add a rug or a mat to prevent falls, or replace the tile with a more suitable material. To avoid this, you should always consider the function and the maintenance of the project, as well as the form.
No. 5: Not pulling permits
A sixth home improvement fail is not pulling permits. This can happen when you don’t check the local building codes and regulations before you start the project, or when you try to save money by skipping the permit process. The result is a project that is illegal, unsafe, or non-compliant, which can lead to fines, penalties, or lawsuits.
The solution: If you don’t pull permits, you will need to obtain them retroactively, or tear down the project and start over. You will also need to pay the fees, the fines, and the legal costs that may arise. To avoid this, you should always check the local building codes and regulations, and obtain the necessary permits before you start the project.
For personalized guidance in the Canadian real estate landscape, connect with Bonnie and Daniel Wan at 905-883-8888. Their specialized expertise ensures that your real estate journey seamlessly integrates with your goals, amplifying your likelihood of success and optimizing the returns on your venture. With a commitment to personalized service, they navigate the complexities of the market, providing insights tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
-Bonnie Wan
References:
DIY Home Improvement Fails To Avoid – Forbes Home
6 Home Improvement Fails and Their Solutions – Redfin
35 Home Improvement Fails That Are Way, Way Funnier Than They Should Be
12 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never, Ever DIY – Reader’s Digest