DIY Problems
You’d be amazed at how many people watch one single YouTube video and then are convinced they can pull off spectacular feats of DIY. A lot of the time it goes wrong, and when they do, things get expensive. Save yourself money and don’t do these 20 not-so-easy tasks.
Fixing Your Own Roof
Replacing a few shingles sounds easy - until you realize you bought the wrong materials, didn't seal it right, and now have a leak. Roofing mistakes can lead to serious water damage, mold, and even structural issues. Plus, you could so easily fall off and badly injure yourself.
Installing Tile Floors
Tiling looks simple but it really isn’t. Between buying the tools, wasting materials, and redoing crooked areas, you’ll likely spend more than if you’d just hired a professional. Plus, if it’s done wrong, you’ll be staring at your mistakes every day, or paying someone to tear it all up.
Tree Removal
Taking down a large tree by yourself is dangerous, and renting a chainsaw and lift can cost a fortune. If you misjudge the fall, you could damage your home, your neighbor’s home, or worse...kill somebody. A professional crew gets it done quickly, and with insurance in case something goes wrong.
Installing Electrical Wiring
Think you can save a few bucks doing your own wiring? One wrong connection could blow a fuse, start a fire, or cause long-term damage to your home. You should hire a professional and give yourself and your wallet peace of mind.
Refinishing a Bathtub
DIY tub refinishing kits promise a great result, but...well. The coating chips, peels, or looks streaky - and those chemicals are nasty to work with, too. After buying the kit, protective gear, and maybe a second kit to fix the first attempt, you'll likely call a pro to make it right. Should’ve done that from the start.
Building a Deck
The DIY project all men seem to want to do. But one mistake can lead to a wobbly deck or even a collapse, lumber and hardware aren’t cheap, and poor execution can destroy the resale value of your house. Many people who want to make their own deck just want the bragging rights.
Replacing a Water Heater
Swapping out a water heater involves plumbing, electricity, and sometimes gas lines. Mess up any part of that and you’re looking at leaks, code violations, or worse – carbon monoxide. Don’t risk it. For the sake of both your money and your safety, hire a professional.
Fixing Foundation Cracks
Trying to patch foundation cracks yourself might seem like something you could pull off, but it’s often just a bandage over a bigger issue. DIY kits won’t solve structural problems, and misdiagnosing the issue could cause serious long-term damage. Just call somebody.
Installing a New Toilet
Sure, it’s just a few bolts and a wax ring - until it starts leaking because it’s not level or the flange is off. Water damage from a bad toilet install is no joke, and it’ll cost you so much money. Don’t try to do it yourself.
Putting in Drywall
Drywall looks simple, but suddenly you find yourself knee-deep in dust, uneven seams, and endless sanding. And drywall sheets are heavy - good luck trying to do the ceiling. You'll spend money on mud, tape, tools, and possibly a chiropractor for your ruined back.
Installing Carpet
DIY carpet installation seems like a good money-saver until you factor in tool rentals and wasted material from miscuts. Loose or poorly installed carpet looks bad and wears out faster, so unless you have a lot of experience with carpets, you should just hire someone.
Pressure Washing a House
So many people buy a pressure washer after watching some YouTube videos and go wild with it, taking paint off the house or even breaking windows. Too much pressure or bad technique can cause utter chaos. A pro knows the right settings and angles, and their services often cost less than you’d think.
Laying a Concrete Slab
Mixing and pouring concrete is a messy, back-breaking job, and it sets fast - too fast if you’re not experienced. Uneven surfaces, cracking, and drainage issues are common rookie mistakes. You’ll waste a ton of money only to end up calling a pro to rip it out and do it right.
Wallpaper Installation
The idea of DIY wallpapering seems kinda fun until your patterns don’t line up, the edges peel, and air bubbles ruin everything. Good wallpaper isn’t cheap, and mistakes mean you waste it fast. If you really want a wallpapered room (bear in mind they’re going out of fashion!) hire somebody from the start.
Appliance Installation
Installing a dishwasher or stove sounds simple, but it really isn’t. Damage from bad installs can be expensive (like a flooded kitchen or blown fuse box). Don’t try it yourself just to see what happens – call a professional.
Replacing Windows
With windows you can struggle to get them level, seal them wrong, or crack the glass. Poor installation ruins energy efficiency and may cause leaks or drafts. And of course, messing around with glass could cause you to severely injure yourself, leading to an expensive hospital bill.
Installing Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet installation requires a whole lot of work and expense, more than you might realize. DIYers often spend extra on tools, brackets, and replacement parts when things go wrong, and then end up with slanted shelves at best.
Assembling Flat-Pack Furniture
We all think we can follow the instructions, but then the product ends up upside down, scratched, or with three annoying screws left over. And assembling flat-pack furniture as a couple can lead to threats of divorce, it’s that frustrating. Just pay someone and get it over with.
Installing a Fence
You picture a charming weekend project. A few posts, some panels, and then a cold beer with your buddies once it’s done. Fast forward: you’ve hit a tree root, misjudged the slope, and your neighbor’s mad at you. Yep… not worth it.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
This is another one that seems fun until you realize how much work actually goes into painting properly. Cheap brushes and paint can leave streaks or chip quickly. You’ll waste time and materials, and eventually you’ll give up and call someone.
