3 Worst DIY Mishaps (And How To Avoid Them)

Everyone remembers their first attempt at DIY. 

Whether it was putting up some shelves you bought from Homebase, varnishing the kitchen cupboards, or even hammering a nail in the wall to hang a picture, that first time sticks with you like a feted memory. 

But there’s a good reason it lodges in your head – because usually your first attempt is a complete and utter failure, and it’s only one of many DIY mishaps that will befall you in your attempt to stay independent of a costly tradesperson. 

Hammers will collide with thumbs, varnish will be spilt on surfaces, and a few walls will invariably be ruined. But in the end you’ll be a veteran of the home improvement game, someone who can put up a shelf without even requiring a sprit level. 

Even then, everyone needs a helping hand now and again. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy list of tips and tricks for novices and veterans alike, to ensure that you always know what you should be doing during your latest DIY escapade.

1. Pick the right suppliers

There are most likely a metric ton of hardware and building material suppliers in your local area, so many that choosing one is enough to make the mind atrophy into indecision. How do you know who to trust? 

The answer usually lies in the reputation of the shop in question. Find a supplier with a vintage and they’ll be able to provide you with the materials you need. 

It’s for exactly that reason that we’ve gravitated towards Direct Building Products over the years for all our DIY rendering needs, and our local hardware store for the knick knacks that aren’t worth buying online.

When in doubt, reputation counts – especially when it comes to renovating your home. 

2. Timescales are a must

Nobody wants to be known as a half-job man, the kind of guy who renovates a quarter of their kitchen before giving up and doing the dishes in the bathroom sink until the end of time. 

That’s why it’s important not to overstretch yourself if you’re time impoverished, and even more important to set realistic timescales on the projects you start. 

Before you pick up your tools, open a notepad and write a manageable schedule which fits in with your other daily chores. If you can, break your next DIY project into bite-sized chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. 

Do this and your next batch of DIY will be finished in no time. 

3. Know when to call the pros

Not all DIY is equal and some tasks will require more skill than others. While flying into any bricklaying or plastering situation with the cocksure attitude of George Best might fill you with domestic pride, tackling a job that’s beyond you could be putting you in danger. 

Be realistic about your capabilities before you begin fiddling with your electrics or knocking holes in your walls, and call a professional trader if you’re out of your depth. There’s a big difference between being independent and being stubborn. 

What DIY tips do you have for our community? Let us know in the comments below.