Whether you’re putting up wall shelves, renovating, or simply doing odd repair jobs around the house, you might be guilty of any of these seven common DIY mistakes.
And while you may enjoy being creative, as well as saving money on professional services—knowing what mistakes to avoid will make your home improvement projects run more efficiently and yield better results. Furthermore, these common DIY mistakes can cost you money and time, which defeats the entire purpose. This is especially the case when you’re on a tight budget, or if you’re new to the DIY world.
So before you whip out those power tools or paintbrushes, try to avoid these 7 common mistakes you make yourself.
1. Taking incorrect measurements
This is one of the most common DIY mistakes we tend to make, and it’s often a nightmare to fix. From cutting a piece of wood to Room papereven the slightest error in measurements can lead to the destruction of the entire project.
Experts advise taking the time to measure, then mark and then measure again just to make sure you’re getting the correct readings. The best way to get consistent measurements is to use only one tape measure or ruler throughout the entire project. Keep the tool straight and flat on the surface you are measuring before re-checking your measurements. It is always advisable to keep the work in position and mark the piece directly, rather than transferring the measurement.
Additionally, if you’ve purchased materials specifically for your project, the dimensions may not be exact, so it’s always a good idea to measure everything yourself for accuracy. Not only will correct measurements ensure a better result, but it will also make the job less stressful, without having to start over!
We often assume that our general set of tools can handle most jobs, however, every project needs special tools to get the job done well. In addition, it will be much easier and safer to use the right tool for the job, avoiding potential accident risks. If you use excessive force with the wrong tools, it can damage the material (or the tool!), causing more repair problems in the long run. Not to mention, you might also hurt yourself.
Always use the correct tool or equipment for the task at hand, and make sure you learn how to use it properly. Anyway, if you don’t want to spend money on expensive tools, you can always rent them from home improvement centers, or ask a friend or family member to borrow theirs. And if you’re not sure about the right tool to use, always ask an expert at your local DIY store for advice.
3. Not sanding the wood first
If you’re updating wood furniture to give it a vibrant look, we often forget to sand the wood first. Before painting or staining wood, it is necessary to prepare it by sanding the surface with suitable sandpaper.
The smooth finish will ensure that the paint color adheres to the surface more effectively, plus it leaves a clean, silky-smooth finish. If you do not sand the wood before staining or painting, it will appear unsightly burrs, scratches or marks, resulting in an uneven coating.
Usually, different sizes of sandpaper grits are available – coarse, medium and fine. So make sure you buy the right kind for your job to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
4. Taking shortcuts
Not following the right steps is another common DIY mistake. While you may think you’re saving time by cutting corners, this can actually cost you in the long run. Whether it’s decorating, collecting, or upcycling furniture, if you miss one vital step in the process, it can instantly throw off your entire project.
For example, skipping basic prep work such as cleaning or sanding the surfaces can result in an uneven and unsightly-looking finish. Or not bothering to put in the correct underlayment before learning how to install wood floors can lead to more damage.
Before rushing forward, always take the time to read and follow instructions or advice carefully. Make sure you have the necessary tools before you begin, and understand that some steps may take more time than others. Patience is a virtue if you want amazing results!
5. Not doing a “test run”
Before starting a new project, it’s always a good idea to test out the process on leftovers. Whether you’re trying out a new tool, chopping wood, or painting, give it a test run before applying your skills to the real thing. This way, you won’t accidentally spoil the materials you purchased, and it will give you the confidence to do the job well.
Another common mistake is not trying trial paints before painting a room. The swatches cards we see in the store usually look different tones than they do on the wall. So experts advise choosing and trying three shade samples of your chosen color, so you can see the subtle undertones. This will save you the trouble of having to repaint if you don’t like the end results.
You may also want to check these out 7 clever painting tricks you wish you knew sooner For a hassle free job. or How to paint the ceiling without making a mess!
6. Not allowing the walls to dry properly
This leads to another common DIY mistake, which is not allowing wet walls to dry properly. You may be itching to get your furniture back into your renovated room, however, it is always best to wait for the paint to dry completely.
Once you start moving things around, you may risk scratching or marking wet walls, ruining all your hard work. Furthermore, if you decide to clean dirt or debris from your floor, any dust that gets expelled into the air will stick to the paint, leaving unsightly traces. In fact, it is recommended Clean the panels And the walls before starting to paint, to remove any dust. And always keep the dusting sheets down to make sure the paint is completely dry.
Latex or water-based paints are usually dry to the touch after one hour and you can repaint within four hours. While oil paints take longer and dry to the touch between six to eight hours. In this case, you will need to wait 24 hours before you can repaint. However, it is best to check the instructions on the paint label to confirm specific drying times.
In the event of an accident, here you are How to get paint out of a carpetAnd if you want to maintain your walls, here’s how to clean painted walls to remove stains.
7. Not taking proper safety precautions
Although it’s not exactly a construction site, we often forget to take safety precautions when doing DIY projects. Whether it is using the wrong shoes to climb a ladder, or not wearing safety glasses or gloves when using power tools, it can cause serious accidents.
Before you begin any DIY projects, take the time to read and follow all safety instructions for your tools. Wear the protective equipment necessary for the task at hand, including dust masks, long-sleeved clothing, and hearing protection. If you are dealing with anything electrical, always seek expert advice or hire a qualified electrician if necessary. Safety precautions are essential when dealing with DIY jobs, and can help you avoid potential accidents.
Also be sure to read, I’m Obsessed With Home Makeover Deals – These Are The 3 Mistakes People Always Make. And do you have any of those 7 things that make your home look cheap? Even if you are renting, here it is How to decorate a rental property without upsetting the landlord.
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