Our Favorite DIY Home Improvement Fails

The world is full of capable people who can take on a project and complete it on their own. Perhaps they worked in a trade for several years or have been a DIYer their whole life. Either way, they have enough knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done.

Then there is everyone else: people who think they can figure out how to do it themselves, but simply cannot. If you fall into that latter category, that’s okay!

For those who live in Lancaster, PA and need a handyman, Home One Services is here to save the day. We are a home improvement company that has served customers in and around Lancaster, PA since 2005.

If you feel comfortable starting a home improvement project, you should do it! But when you need the help of a professional handyman, we’ve got you covered. That said, we want to talk about some home improvement “fails” that may make you realize you have bitten off more than you could chew.

1. Battle Of The Drawers

Have you ever gone to open a kitchen drawer after a remodel, only to realize a drawer won’t open all the way? Sometimes when the drawers are being installed, inexperienced DIYers will forget to measure and make sure there’s enough clearance for the drawer to open.

On the surface, the drawer might seem normal and aesthetically pleasing. But functionality is important too, and being unable to access all your drawers can be a big hassle!

2. Dueling Doors

The same can be said about doors! Any time you install a door, you must ensure there’s enough clearance for the door to open. As a door swings on its hinges and opens up, there should be enough room for the door to swing back and not hit anything else.

All too often, people will forget how much space the door needs. Now that door has to duel with a banister, a wall, or even another door!

3. One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other

Running out of materials on a project can be a small problem or a BIG problem. More often than not in today’s world, it falls into the second category. Supply chain issues have wreaked havoc in nearly every industry worldwide.

For less experienced DIYers, it can create additional challenges. Do you really want to run out of tile before completing the flooring in your new bathroom or the backsplash in your kitchen? If you did not account for the materials you need, you could be forced to substitute something else that may not look exactly the same.

In most cases, professionals can more accurately tally what is necessary to complete a job and avoid running out of materials partway through.

4. Painting Is Easy… Right?

Painting seems like it would be one of the simplest DIY projects you could do. From an outside perspective, it may seem as easy as putting paint on a brush or roller and just going to town, but there is much more to it than that.

Before you even pour out your paint, there is sanding, scraping, patching, cleaning, taping, and more that needs to happen. Sure, you could cut a corner or two by skipping some of these things. But more likely than not, you will not be pleased with the results.

Some people skip all of the prep work and simply paint over EVERYTHING. The internet has dubbed this the “landlord special,” which seems very fitting!

5. Doing Your Own Electrical Work Can Be… Shocking!

Electrical work encompasses everything from wiring to lighting to installing smoke detectors! There are projects big and small that many people try to do themselves.

Too often, however, you will see light switches installed unevenly, electrical outlets hanging out of the wall, or a ceiling fan installed too close to a wall to actually turn on.

At the end of the day, the biggest concern with DIY electrical work is safety. Making a mistake during an electrical project may cause injury or even death. If you do not have years of experience and know-how, you should leave electrical work to the professionals.

Helping customers from Lancaster, PA and beyond, Home One Services is a home improvement company that can turn your DIY fails into professional triumphs. Whether you need a handyman or a complete kitchen renovation, we can help. Check out our list of services here and find out how we can make your next project a breeze!