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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?

#1

A Driveway Crew Was Pouring Concrete At A New House Next To A Duck Pond. They Went To Lunch And Came Back To This

A Driveway Crew Was Pouring Concrete At A New House Next To A Duck Pond. They Went To Lunch And Came Back To This

mikerockitjones Report

#2

My Dad Isn't So Great At Remodeling, So I Turned His Work Into A Work Of Art

My Dad Isn't So Great At Remodeling, So I Turned His Work Into A Work Of Art

radioana Report

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.

#3

Landlords, Please Don’t Paint Over Cockroaches

Landlords, Please Don’t Paint Over Cockroaches

hackergirl888 Report

#4

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

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.

JesusCatttt Report

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Chris Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#5

My Wife Said Measure The Door, I Told Her All Doors Are The Same Size

My Wife Said Measure The Door, I Told Her All Doors Are The Same Size

BlahMehUgh Report

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."

#6

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

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

Dreyyy Report

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Ben
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unhook the door, hang the door again, done. See no problem here.

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#7

What Happens When You're Renovating And Remove A Load-Bearing Wall

What Happens When You're Renovating And Remove A Load-Bearing Wall

pf3 Report

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ᶜʰᵃᵒᵗⁱᶜ ˡᵉᵍᵃˡ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 😬

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#8

I've Heard Of "Painting Yourself Into A Corner" But My Wife Took It A Step Further. I Don't Even Know

I've Heard Of "Painting Yourself Into A Corner" But My Wife Took It A Step Further. I Don't Even Know

power-cube Report

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"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.

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#9

DIY Fail

DIY Fail

jetaimezombies Report

#11

My Landlord: Is It Ok If The Replacement Tile Is Not An Exact Match? Me: Yeah That’s Fine. The Tile:

My Landlord: Is It Ok If The Replacement Tile Is Not An Exact Match? Me: Yeah That’s Fine. The Tile:

Camcroxx Report

#12

My Father Forgot To Tell Me The Renovations Would Be Taking The Stairs Out Today

My Father Forgot To Tell Me The Renovations Would Be Taking The Stairs Out Today

murderously-funny Report

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eeeeeeeee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to tell a family member to move out without telling them to move out.

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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.

#14

We Just Finished The Construction Of Our Yurt. The Fireplace Was Not Correctly Installed

We Just Finished The Construction Of Our Yurt. The Fireplace Was Not Correctly Installed

Kondaz Report

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#15

I'm Doing Renovations And My Roomba Found A Tiny Piece Of Sheetrock

I'm Doing Renovations And My Roomba Found A Tiny Piece Of Sheetrock

AStrangerSaysHi Report

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.

#17

A Couple Years Ago, My Neighbor Decided To Paint His House Bright Orange... Then Gave Up Halfway Through

A Couple Years Ago, My Neighbor Decided To Paint His House Bright Orange... Then Gave Up Halfway Through

ten_tons_of_light Report

#18

Saw This On Facebook With Someone Asking For A Contractor

Saw This On Facebook With Someone Asking For A Contractor

King_Baboon Report

#20

What Could Go Wrong If My Neighbor Uses The Longest Possible Drill Out There?

What Could Go Wrong If My Neighbor Uses The Longest Possible Drill Out There?

p4r4v4n Report

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Mihai Mara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!!!

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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."

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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.

#21

Could Be Worse

Could Be Worse

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Jan Eivroc
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know how they could make such a mistake. Was somebody drunk? or did the house shifted???

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#22

Lockdown Renovations Look So Easy On Instagram

Lockdown Renovations Look So Easy On Instagram

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#24

You Can't Win If You Don't Try, Huh?

You Can't Win If You Don't Try, Huh?

xirandii Report

"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."

#25

Just One Spot Left To Paint Now

Just One Spot Left To Paint Now

kirvesperse Report

#26

My Mom's Garage Is Being Renovated. I Think It's Pretty Obvious That They Have 3 Dogs

My Mom's Garage Is Being Renovated. I Think It's Pretty Obvious That They Have 3 Dogs

Superlemonada Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#27

You Had Just One Job, Just One

You Had Just One Job, Just One

CharlesIsaac Report

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Random Anon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did the person that installed this not seen a toilet before lol.

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Panda-riffic
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't tell what the hinge looks like but I can't imagine how this is even possible.

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d bradley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

can't even do that without trying to do that... there is more to this story

eve_3 avatar
eve
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh just imagine to sit down in a hurry and....oh no...

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RatherLoopy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Toilet seats come fully assembled. The only way this happens is if someone disassembles a toilet seat and intentionally re-assembles it backward.

seanette avatar
Seanette Blaylock
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HOW? Looks like the seat and lid have the correct bottom sides down, but are reversed. The few times I've dealt with replacing a toilet seat, it was already assembled, just needed to be attached to the toilet.

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Karla Lawatsch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least now there will be an explanation as to why he gets pee all over the floor.

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Tomer Volk
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at first i didnt see im so dumb but really ok its ok for boys but ehaat about us ladies

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Susie Redus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make it the guest bathroom for that special someone who just will not leave.

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#28

I May Have Used Too Much Spray Foam Insulation To Fill A Hole On The Other Side Of This Wall

I May Have Used Too Much Spray Foam Insulation To Fill A Hole On The Other Side Of This Wall

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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."

#29

This Is Why You Don't Hire Contractors Who Secure Cabinets To Dry Wall Only. Thousands In Damage Last Night

This Is Why You Don't Hire Contractors Who Secure Cabinets To Dry Wall Only. Thousands In Damage Last Night

tommybres Report

#30

My Mom Had Her Guest Bathroom Remodeled While She Was Out Of Town

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

harpyann Report

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Anna Banana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.)

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#32

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

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

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lenka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its a beer chute! Now you can pass out beer and wine without letting the flies in!

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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."

#33

"That's Not Going To Hold Without A Stud," My SO Said. "Don't Worry," I Replied. "I've Got Half Inch Toggle Bolts"

"That's Not Going To Hold Without A Stud," My SO Said. "Don't Worry," I Replied. "I've Got Half Inch Toggle Bolts"

northfoggybrook Report

#34

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

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

Kidw0nder Report

#35

New Neighbors Painted Their Fence Yesterday, Now Our Car Looks Like This. All Over

New Neighbors Painted Their Fence Yesterday, Now Our Car Looks Like This. All Over

AnthonyDawnwalker Report

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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.

#38

Was Going To Paint Today And Found This Surprise

Was Going To Paint Today And Found This Surprise

christmasskids Report

#39

Neat Fan Installation

Neat Fan Installation

juanxmass Report

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."

#40

Having My Bathroom Remodeled And They Installed My Shower At Less Than Knee Height

Having My Bathroom Remodeled And They Installed My Shower At Less Than Knee Height

MrHuk Report

#41

I Installed My Own Microwave Today And Saved $150 In Install Fees

I Installed My Own Microwave Today And Saved $150 In Install Fees

zingusdingus Report

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lenka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apart from the obvious damage... what about the exhaust fan for the stove and the potential damage to the microwave from the heat and steam rising up from cooking?

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#42

Contractor Got Angry And Left The Job When We Asked Him To Use The Spacers We Bought For The Backsplash

Contractor Got Angry And Left The Job When We Asked Him To Use The Spacers We Bought For The Backsplash

susanbmoney Report

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably not a bad thing. Tiles are expensive and as they will have to come off again you might just have enough left for somebody competant to finish the job. I have only ever done tiling once, but I think even I could do better than that!!!

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#43

I Mean, You Could've Rotated The Toilet, But Whatever

I Mean, You Could've Rotated The Toilet, But Whatever

doppelknoten Report

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).

#44

We Got Our Doors Painted During A Remodel And The Painters Forgot To Put The Plastic Covering On The Ground

We Got Our Doors Painted During A Remodel And The Painters Forgot To Put The Plastic Covering On The Ground

JosephKirwan Report

#45

"June, We Don't Need No Handyman, These Are Easy To Put In"

"June, We Don't Need No Handyman, These Are Easy To Put In"

TedBuckley Report

#46

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

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

ShaftPower Report

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#47

Got Funky While Building My First Staircase

Got Funky While Building My First Staircase

autoCADdicted Report

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).

#48

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)

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)

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Marik
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great opportunity to remodel the flooring. That carpet looks pretty old anyway.

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#49

You Only Had One Job

You Only Had One Job

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#50

The Construction Workers Painted Over A Lizard On Our Awning

The Construction Workers Painted Over A Lizard On Our Awning

MyCatEatsLizards Report

Note: this post originally had 123 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.