10 Most Common Home Repair Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Taking on home improvement projects by yourself can be a great way to save money on maintenance and repairs, but you have to be careful to not take on more than you’re equipped to handle. A combination of inexperience, poor planning, and misguided shortcuts can introduce or exacerbate problems that will cost you more in the long run.

The High Cost of Home Repair Mistakes

A poorly planned home improvement project, even if initially executed cheaply, can cost you much more in the long run. You may have to redo the project sooner than expected, or a flaw in the project could cause serious damage. The table below outlines how poorly executed home repairs and maintenance can ultimately cost you thousands.

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Why Do Homeowners Make Repair Mistakes?

Missteps in home improvement projects tend to have a few root causes:

• Inexperience. Some home projects have a steep learning curve, and if you lack experience or knowledge, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Pros, by virtue of experience, can foresee potential problems and logistical complications. They’ve also mastered the techniques that some projects require. If it’s your first rodeo, you’ll likely make some errors that a seasoned professional would avoid.
• Impatience. Many homeowners are motivated by accelerating the repair timeframe and completing a project as quickly as possible, but some projects, like painting, require budgeting some wait time.
• Cost cutting. Part of the appeal of a DIY project is the inherent savings, but there’s such a thing as being too frugal. Many avoidable home repairs stem from cheap or otherwise inadequate materials. High-quality construction tools and materials can be pricey, but their durability, longevity, and efficiency is usually worth the price tag.
• Overconfidence. Don’t be your own worst enemy. You may have successfully employed a DIY approach to home maintenance issues in the past, but you can still find yourself humbled by more complex tasks. Recognize your limits and take a methodical approach to new endeavors.

10 Most Common Home Repair Mistakes

Let’s review some specific home renovation mistakes to avoid.

1. Inadequately prepping for paint application Interior painting is DIY friendly, but some common missteps can result in a lackluster finish. Some homeowners fail to thoroughly clean the walls of grease and dust, painting over that residue instead. Other mistakes include not sanding or patching the wall, not using a primer coat, using cheap or incorrectly sized brushes, neglecting painter’s tape, and applying a second coat before the first has thoroughly dried. 
2. Overtightening hardware, fittings, and other connections Anyone who works in the trades will tell you that there is such a thing as too tight. If you overtighten a screw or bolt, you risk stripping the hardware or damaging your tools. When securing a mount or fixture to the wall, overtightening can strain the drywall or cause the mount or fixture to buckle. When connecting threaded plumbing joints, using too much force can damage the hardware, resulting in a poor seal. 
3. Ignoring studs when hanging fixtures on walls It’s fine to hang relatively lightweight artwork and decor on drywall alone, but shelves, TV mounts, and other heavy objects need to be secured to a stud. Drywall anchors provide extra support, but it’s easy to underestimate the full weight of a wall-mounted shelf once it’s full of books. Also consider the dynamic load of moving a TV on an arm mount or hanging and removing coats and bags on a hook day after day. Only a stud can reliably withstand that kind of force over time. 
4. Overapplying caulk, spray foam, or other materials More is not necessarily better. Using too much caulk can inhibit curing, resulting in a smeared, messy job that is actually less waterproof. Similarly, because spray foam continues to expand after application, using too much risks damaging your walls, framing, and siding. Soap and detergent is another example. If you use too much detergent when cleaning your upholstery, some is likely to remain in the fabric. As that residual detergent traps more dirt, the surface of your furniture will actually appear dirtier. 
5. Nailing, drilling, or digging into wiring or plumbing Many unfortunate home repair blunders involve accidentally damaging in-wall or underground infrastructure. Be careful when drilling or nailing into walls to avoid damaging electrical wiring, plumbing, or ductwork. Use wall scanners, blueprints, and visual inspections to determine as best you can where in-wall wires, pipes, and ducts are situated. Also be cautious when digging or excavating outside. You risk damaging your home sewer line if you break ground recklessly.
6. Using inappropriate hardware or fasteners Various kinds of hardware are rated for specific materials, weights, and other applications. The wrong type of bolt in stone or cement, for example, may cause the surrounding material to crumble, resulting in a loose and dangerous fitting. Matching the correct hardware to your building material is essential.
7. Neglecting insulation and weatherproofing Ignoring insulation and weatherproofing during a home renovation can be disastrous. Not only does it reduce your home’s energy efficiency, it also invites humidity problems. Excess moisture leads to water damage and mold.
8. Ignoring local codes and permit requirementsMany local governments have stringent building codes and permitting requirements. If you fail to secure the necessary construction permits or make a home improvement that isn’t up to code, you risk fines, mandated repairs, or a lower home value.
9. Installing tile incorrectly Installing tile is more complicated than some people expect. Homeowners attempting a DIY tile install may fail to adequately prep the area. It’s also easy to overlook important techniques, such as planning for expansion joints, applying mortar to both the backs of tiles and the installation surface, and sealing the grout.
10.  Incorrectly installing major appliances Not all major home appliances are plug and play. Large appliances usually require a dedicated electrical circuit, and failing to wire the appliance properly could overload the circuit or create electrical hazards. Improper wiring can also damage the appliance itself, potentially resulting in high repair costs.

How to Avoid These Common Home Repair Mistakes

Don’t let common mistakes scare you from attempting your own DIY project. Here are some guidelines to steer you toward success:

• Thoroughly research your project ahead of time. Look up the necessary tools, materials, permits, and techniques.
• Take it slow. Prep your work surface and have all necessary tools and materials on hand. Budget the appropriate amount of time and don’t rush steps that require patience, like waiting for paint to dry.
• Work on a budget, but don’t skimp on tools or materials
• Know your limits, and if you start to feel overwhelmed, call a professional for help.

When You Need a Pro…

Sometimes you don’t have the time, energy, or experience to handle a home improvement project alone. And that’s OK! If you have a Liberty Home Guard home warranty, we can handle repairing your home appliances and systems. Learn more about our coverage options by calling (833)-545-3434.