“What Could Go Wrong”: 50 Of The Absolute Worst Home Improvement Fails To Make You Cringe
If you ever feel bad about your awful home improvement skills, just remember that you're not the only one who sucks at it! Everyone has their moments. Even carpenters get brain farts.
In an attempt to restore your confidence — or to simply put a smile on your face — Bored Panda put together a list of funny renovation fails. Whether these folks skipped the planning stage, didn't have the correct tools, or bit off more than they could chew, let's make their misery our entertainment.
After all, isn't that what the internet is for?
This post may include affiliate links.
A Driveway Crew Was Pouring Concrete At A New House Next To A Duck Pond. They Went To Lunch And Came Back To This
My Dad Isn't So Great At Remodeling, So I Turned His Work Into A Work Of Art
If you too are thinking about a DIY project but aren't sure about your skills, there are things you can do to significantly better your results.
Lee Wallender, who is a home improvement expert with 20 years of hands-on home remodeling, fixing, and improving experience, thinks that everyone should begin their projects with design and planning.
"A sketch on a cocktail napkin, full-blown architectural plans, or just a firm set of thoughts about how the remodel should progress is a good place to start," Wallender wrote in The Spruce. "It is cheaper and less frustrating to correct mistakes before the remodel takes physical form." A sentiment many people on this list could attest to!
"One of the first considerations is to be sure that you have funding for your renovation. Draw up a simple yes/no list of do-it-yourself projects and projects you want professionals to do. Look for contractors and subcontractors for those jobs you do not want to do yourself," Wallender added.
Landlords, Please Don’t Paint Over Cockroaches
We Just Moved Into A Brand New House, Painters Came By To Touch Up Some Walls Upstairs. This Poor Guy Fell Down The Whole Staircase With A Full 5 Gallon Bucket Of Paint
He screamed the whole way down, I thought he was going to be hurt but thankfully he wasn't. Paint splattered all the way across the living room onto my brand new furniture.
Top tip from a professional decorator: dispense a SMALLER amount of paint into a paint kettle (as they are called in the UK at least) and do NOT lug around the full 5 gallon container! Much less spillage when you go ar-se over t-it.
My Wife Said Measure The Door, I Told Her All Doors Are The Same Size
Also, keep in mind that large projects must be done first because subsequent projects are impacted by them. The biggest ones you might take on include roof replacement or repair, fixing the foundation, dealing with water infiltration, and installing or repairing windows and siding.
"Protect your future renovation work by making certain the house won't collapse on you," Wallender said. "That means addressing the foundation and any structural problems. Secure the foundation and make major foundation repairs to areas such as weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams."
Fixing A Toilet Leak. I Took 2 Trips To Home Depot, Worked With A Hernia, Had A Hard Time Putting The Wax Ring And Screws On
Only to install the toilet and forget about the door. I'm an idiot
What Happens When You're Renovating And Remove A Load-Bearing Wall
we did a renovation on our house you gotta check this before like it's the first thing you do check if it's load bearing 😬
I've Heard Of "Painting Yourself Into A Corner" But My Wife Took It A Step Further. I Don't Even Know
"Then look at keeping it dry, which involves the roof, siding, and windows. Repair or replace the roof. Replace seriously damaged windows that may threaten future remodeling work. If not seriously damaged, leave the window repair or replacement for later in the process."
The same goes for siding: if the siding is so damaged that it will allow water infiltration, repair or replace the siding. If not seriously damaged, you can leave it for later.
DIY Fail
There Are No Words
My Landlord: Is It Ok If The Replacement Tile Is Not An Exact Match? Me: Yeah That’s Fine. The Tile:
My Father Forgot To Tell Me The Renovations Would Be Taking The Stairs Out Today
Wallender said you will demolish and dispose of sections of the house that will be replaced by later projects. This is a huge undertaking and many homeowners overlook it until the whole thing begins, only to begin scrambling later to make up for the lost time.
"You'll need to rent a large container for waste. Carefully demolish all or some of the areas of the house that will be renovated. Demolish as much as possible if you will not be living in the house," Wallender said.
Brother-In-Law Repairing His Awning
We Just Finished The Construction Of Our Yurt. The Fireplace Was Not Correctly Installed
Nice one! Trying to think of a pun, but I'm definitely no "match" for you!
Load More Replies...And this is why it's a bad idea to have anything featuring an open flame in a yurt. I would know - I have a yurt of my own and I don't even risk using a gas heater in that sucker.
I’m thinking that possibly zillions of Mongolians would disagree with you a little.
Load More Replies...I'm Doing Renovations And My Roomba Found A Tiny Piece Of Sheetrock
A Friend Is Renovating His House. He Also Has A Cat
Next, think of structural carpentry. This can include moving walls, constructing new walls, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, punching in new doors (or removing existing doors), adding framing for new construction windows, or enlarging the window openings.
But be careful. While many of these projects can be undertaken by an enterprising DIYer, some of them, such as enlarging window openings, might call for a contractor's expertise.
A Couple Years Ago, My Neighbor Decided To Paint His House Bright Orange... Then Gave Up Halfway Through
Saw This On Facebook With Someone Asking For A Contractor
I Picked The Ladder Up Forgetting The Paint Was On Top
What Could Go Wrong If My Neighbor Uses The Longest Possible Drill Out There?
What was it used for? Was it used to annoy upstairs neighbors? What if they drilled right into a pipe or in something that might have exploded? WTF!!!
Plan out HVAC, electrical, and plumbing jobs. Wallender said these are vital services that need to be installed when the walls and ceiling are open.
"Open walls and ceilings make it easier for the HVAC company to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning and for electricians and plumbers to run new electrical and plumbing systems."
It's also important to mention that in most places, building code requires that only those professionally licensed to do the work can handle this part of the renovation, so carefully check the requirements in your area.
Could Be Worse
I don't know how they could make such a mistake. Was somebody drunk? or did the house shifted???
Lockdown Renovations Look So Easy On Instagram
A Lovely Paint Job
You Can't Win If You Don't Try, Huh?
"Window installation, whether whole-house or partial, almost always plays into a home remodel project," Wallender explained.
"Installing new-construction or replacement windows is a project many homeowners can try, but keep in mind doing it on your own might invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. Check into the requirements and hire a professional if necessary, as that warranty could save you many headaches down the road."
Just One Spot Left To Paint Now
My Mom's Garage Is Being Renovated. I Think It's Pretty Obvious That They Have 3 Dogs
If there’s some kind of durable clear coating that will fill in the footprints, and smooth and level the surface, I’d be tempted to leave it as is. Conversation piece, and a cool way to remember the dogs after they pass.
You Had Just One Job, Just One
I May Have Used Too Much Spray Foam Insulation To Fill A Hole On The Other Side Of This Wall
Before the drywall goes up, the insulation must go in. "Look at the options for insulation, and plan to use different types for different areas of the house. You'll need it in the walls and attic, and you might be able to do all of it yourself."
"You'll close up the walls with drywall: hanging it, mudding it, and sanding it," Wallender continued. "Drywallers hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let the compound dry. After drying, they sand it smooth. Sometimes, they will repeat the process until they achieve a seamless surface. With some practice and patience, you might be able to do this on your own."
This Is Why You Don't Hire Contractors Who Secure Cabinets To Dry Wall Only. Thousands In Damage Last Night
My Mom Had Her Guest Bathroom Remodeled While She Was Out Of Town
She wanted the shower head up high so tall people didn't have to crouch or lean way back. Came home to find this, which shoots the water straight across to the opposite wall
What a weird cultural difference: practically all showerheads are adjustable height where I live... This would only be seen in a swimming pool or something. (I dig how those tiles meet in the corner though. It shouldn't work, but it does.)
How These Pipes Were Installed
My Lovely Wife Bought A New Screen And A Cat Door To Go In It. Took A Few Hours And She Was So So Proud Of Herself
Next comes the carpentry that is not supportive, such as baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, and built-in elements (bookcases or breakfast nooks). Fine carpentry gives your house that finished touch.
When those are done, move on to interior painting, wallpaper, and other finishing work. "Many homeowners can handle the work of painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, or staining and sealing trim," Wallender said. "All of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be some of the last items you do indoors, as this work can damage other parts of the process. For instance, should you paint before installing or sanding your flooring or the reverse? This is debatable. Laying flooring first means that paint might get on the flooring. Painting first means that the floor sander may scuff your walls."
"That's Not Going To Hold Without A Stud," My SO Said. "Don't Worry," I Replied. "I've Got Half Inch Toggle Bolts"
GF And I Have Covid. Heater Went Out, Technician Can't Come Out Due To Quarantine. Decided To Try And Fix It Myself. Tripped Over A Pipe And Fell Through The Ceiling
New Neighbors Painted Their Fence Yesterday, Now Our Car Looks Like This. All Over
Askew Angles
Then install flooring. "Your final floor covering will vary depending upon the room; for instance, you might choose laminate, solid hardwood, engineered wood, or carpet for various living and bedroom areas and vinyl, tile, or marble for bathrooms and kitchens."
But no matter what you choose, Wallender suggests installing the flooring as late as possible in the renovation process. This will save your flooring surface from significant damage.
True Story: So I Tried To Open The Door To See How The Installation Was Going. Tried
Was Going To Paint Today And Found This Surprise
Neat Fan Installation
Long-term goals - once the roof falls in there will be natural ventilation.
Once the inside is done, or at least close to it, you can work on the exterior of the house. "With the house mostly finished, it is safe to put on the gutters and siding. You do not want to do this earlier unless absolutely necessary, because doors and windows may get punched out, thus ruining the exterior job," Wallender said.
"Now you can also consider external renovations that might be connected to the house, such as adding a front porch or sunroom. Now is also the time to think about the parts that are entirely separate from the house, such as detached garages or swimming pools."
Having My Bathroom Remodeled And They Installed My Shower At Less Than Knee Height
I Installed My Own Microwave Today And Saved $150 In Install Fees
Contractor Got Angry And Left The Job When We Asked Him To Use The Spacers We Bought For The Backsplash
I Mean, You Could've Rotated The Toilet, But Whatever
Don't be too hard on yourself if these tasks seem daunting. Earlier this year, a study of 2,000 UK property owners found almost half (48 percent) don’t think their home will ever be ‘finished’ – with some of the bigger tasks still in progress ranging from loft conversions to half-done home offices.
Some of the top reasons for these jobs being left unfinished include not having the skills required to complete them (22 percent), underestimating the time it would take to manage the project (20 percent), and underbudgeting (16 percent).
We Got Our Doors Painted During A Remodel And The Painters Forgot To Put The Plastic Covering On The Ground
"June, We Don't Need No Handyman, These Are Easy To Put In"
Did somebody make those gashes in the wall, or were they made by the fan?
Someone Installed A Projector With 40+ Cm (15+ Inches) Screws Up To My Apartment. And As It Wasn't Bad Enough, I Have To Pay For The Floor
Got Funky While Building My First Staircase
However, homeowners remain optimistic. They believe they will be able to get their DIY projects back on track, estimating it to take an average of eight months to complete all the unfinished jobs.
Seeing what new makeovers family and friends have done to their homes provides the greatest source of inspiration for 28 percent of them, while many others find their motivation for renovations in TV shows (27 percent).
Fiancé Was Being Thoughtful And Taking The Paint Cans To The Basement. Turns Out He Tried To Carry Too Much At Once (Also We Just Bought This House)
You Only Had One Job
Do the rungs on the ladder adjust? Cuz they look like they adjust.
The Construction Workers Painted Over A Lizard On Our Awning
Noticed Some Bubbling In The Paint. Called A Painter, His Eyes Got Wide. Turns Out The Builder Forgot To Caulk A Vent On The Roof And Rain Has Been Getting In For 9 Years
Mold and rot in 3-story wall.
Maybe Consult Professionals Before Major DIY. Just Maybe
These Stairs Must Be For Pets And Children Only
I Recently Had My Kitchen Renovated. Don't Know What To Think
I’m A Genius. Was Amazed How Quickly I Repaired My Entry Door From The Garage
A very good beginning. Now go ahead and twist the rest of the house by 180 degrees.
Renovation From Upstairs
Dropped My Phone In Industrial Paint Today
Was Finishing The Last Part Of My DIY Basement/Bathroom Project I Started At End Of 2020. Door Didn’t Want To Cooperate
Good Thing I Hired Professionals For A Big Kitchen Renovation
Umm, Okay
When your electricity provider starts to switch business to selling concrete...
Dropped A 1/2 Gallon Of Paint Down The Stairs
This looks similar to when this smurf exploded falling down the stairs 😬
Was Painting The Edges Of The Floor And Dipped The Brush In A Fresh Cup Of Coffee
The Family I Work For Just Renovated Their Home And This Was The Can Light Configuration They Ended Up With That I Get To Be Annoyed By Every Day
Putting Down A New Floor And Almost Had Enough, Almost
My Shower Was Leaking So I Tried To See If I Could Fix It. I Broke It Instead
Just Had Mosaic Tile Floor Installed
The Contractor Painted Over A Leaf In Our Master Bedroom
Just Finished Painting My Kid's Playroom Yesterday
Installed The Hob Boss
Guess Who Ran Out Of Paint
DIY Plumbing, Apparently Anyone Can Do It
We Just Built A Big 18x36 Foot Pergola Over Our Back Patio For Extra "Shade"
Well, it obviously depends where the sun is in the sky as to where the shade is going to fall. When it's directly overheard the canopy will function, plus when it is over the house. If this is east facing and you thought it would shade you for your breakfast, or west facing and you thought it would shade you for your evening beer, then you are a nit.
I Spilled The Detergent. 2 Hours Later, She Spilled The Paint. It's Going To Be A Quiet Night I Think
You Had One Job
How Do You Guys Like My New Shower?
In My Student Dormitory The Kitchen Was Renovated And They Forgot The Faucet On The Sink
Whoever Renovated Our Home Last, You Are The Worst
When You Use Every Drop Of Foam Sealant To Fix A Leak
I Fell Through My Ceiling In My Recently Purchased Home While Trying To Install Some New Lighting
Drilled Into A Sprinkler Pipe And Soaked Every Apartment From Mine 4th Floor Down
I Told My Neighbor His Mortar Needed Fixing. Found This The Next Week
This Is Why You Plan A Kitchen Renovation
Yep. Seen, and lived with a ton of these. Also had a landlord replace a stove—-with a stove about six inches deeper than the one being replaced, which itself used to sit about three inches in from the edge of the counter. So now, the new stove juts out three inches, and blocks a drawer and cabinet next to it, which opened just fine with the old stove. Measurements are important, people.
Left My Husband Alone For 5 Minutes While Painting
Painted My Sister's Room. Stepped Over The Paint Bucket And Spilled A Whole Gallon Of The Void On The Carpet
An Attempt Was Made
Painters' Tape That Rips And Takes Paint Off. Lovely
I Told My Brother-In-Law To Pull From Different Boxes When Installing The Flooring
Bathroom Renovation, The Man That Put The Tiles In The Shower Managed To Put The Same 4 Tiles Next To Each Other
Why You Never Pay Family To Remodel Your Kitchen
You’ll Be Bathing In Your New Tub By Sunday. The Contractor Said Last Wednesday
Bigger Closet Means Bigger Doors
When I Just Wanted A Luxurious Shower Head And This Is What I Got
When Your Husband Say "Only Test Patch In A Small Area". Note To Self: Husband Is Sometimes Right
The Way These Walls Come Together In This Brand New Construction I’m Working In
Contractor Let His Laborer Install The Hardware (The Whole Kitchen Looks Like This)
When I moved into my house, the kitchen cabinets had no handles. I went to Lowe's and found a cabinet handle guide -- a plastic square or triangle you hook to a corner and choose the hole location you want to use. Didn't take too long and all the handles are straight. I maybe spent $10.
Note To Self: Read The Weather Forecast Before Casting Concrete Steps (It's -4 Today)
Honestly, it doesn't look like it would have been that good of a step anyway. Another try is in order.
New Home Construction In Philadelphia
Measurements are hard for some people. He probably also thinks he has a 10 inch d**k.
So Apparently Homes Are Now Being Sold With Built-In Stairmasters 4300’s
Wanted To Save Money By Repairing The Microwave Myself. It Slipped My Hands While Unmounting, And Broke The Glass Top
I Was About 90% Done Painting, When The Wallpaper The Previous Owner Painted Over Started Peeling. Now I've Got To Scrape It All Off And Start Over
If it’s a really old house, it would be interesting to see all the paint colors and wallpaper styles people who lived there decades, or centuries, ago chose. Might decide you like one of them enough to try and replicate it. Or frame a section of really pretty or unusual wallpaper, if it comes off nice and clean enough (like lovely hand painted wallpaper or a beautiful antique print).
Someone Had To Come Home To This
That’s one of those individual room air conditioners systems, isn’t it? Nice idea, but yeah, gotta be mindful of high storage cabinets and closet doors.
You Had One Job
It Wasn’t Supposed To Rain Today. Guess I’ll Be Painting It Again
Someone Fell Through Our Bedroom Ceiling While He Was Renovating The Apartment Above Us
I'm Moving Into A New House And One Of The Workers We Hired Dropped A Dresser Down The Stairs And It Went Through The Wall
Our DIY House Renovations Are Going Not Great
Slav Engineering?
My Dad's Fail At Installing A Door Stop, He's Now Permanently Left It This Way
The Entire Wall Was Painted Except For One Spot
And why not that one spot, pray tell? Looks like a pretty uniform shape. Was something like a sign or handle or something attached there that has since been removed?
Finally Got In The Groove Painting My Basement When My Earbud Decided To Pop Out And Take A Sticky Swim
I stopped wearing wireless earbuds after one popped out while I was bending over to pick up the dog's poo. Yes. Yes it did. Back to wires for me.
Gotta Love The Renovated Kitchen
A less chunky towel rack or handle would solve this problem, if it’s possible to replace it. Same with the extended overhang of the drawer front.
If You Put Enough Holes In A Wall You Will Find A Stud
Just Putting The Last Touches On A Kitchen Renovation. New Dishwasher And Fridge Are Great
Should’ve bought a fridge that wasn’t as deep as this one. Again, measurements are important.
I Never Bothered To Check If The Original Light Was Properly Centered, And I Put The New One Up Right Over The Original Hole
My wife wanted a rustic DIY light fixture to replace the old 90's one over our pantry door
Edison bulbs look really cool, but the clear glass makes for a pretty harsh, and tbh hot, looking light.
They Ran Out Of Paint
It may have been that they replaced that top panel due to damage and no longer had that paint.
Epic Renovation Fail
Can't Promise This Won't Happen Again
DIY Bathroom Renovations Created This Monster
It looks like they had a wet saw. There's no reason for this. I've seen a lot of "installers" doing cuts like this. They'd tell me cutting out the center of a tile is impossible. I'd just smile, roll up my sleeves and do something impossible.
But It Looks Beautiful
Put. The. Old. Handles. Back. On. The. Drawers. They were like that for a really good reason, which you now know.
We Rented A House And Didn’t Notice At First That Whoever Rented It Before Used Two Different Glosses Of Paint
Landlords Decided To Renovate The Bathroom
I'd Call This Art
Installed A New Light Fixture. Was Pleased With How Easy It Was And That It Worked On The 1st Try. Got Too Excited Too Fast
I'm not sure what's wrong here? I mean beyond the fact that it's super ugly.
All I can say is if you're going to force me to whitelist this site on my adblocker, you better step up the quality.
I'm going to have my walls painted and my floors replaced. And I am definitely going to pay extra to hire professionals with high ratings. Oy.
Where do these people pick up their contractors? The local weed dispensary?
Well, folks... lessons learned for sure at the expense of others :D
It's not cardboard; it's sheetrock (aka drywall). It replaced lath-and-plaster about 70 years ago. It's cheaper, easier to install, easier to patch, and provides better insulation.
Load More Replies...All I can say is if you're going to force me to whitelist this site on my adblocker, you better step up the quality.
I'm going to have my walls painted and my floors replaced. And I am definitely going to pay extra to hire professionals with high ratings. Oy.
Where do these people pick up their contractors? The local weed dispensary?
Well, folks... lessons learned for sure at the expense of others :D
It's not cardboard; it's sheetrock (aka drywall). It replaced lath-and-plaster about 70 years ago. It's cheaper, easier to install, easier to patch, and provides better insulation.
Load More Replies...