“What Could Go Wrong”: 50 Of The Absolute Worst Home Improvement Fails To Make You Cringe

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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

"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."

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."

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."

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.

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."

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).