Everyone has been in the situation when you’re working on a DIY project, only to come across a pesky, unexpected problem. Sure, you could fix it the proper way, but what if you were to use a quick shortcut to make the problem disappear? Well, there are often consequences to such decisions, so you ought to be careful. In particular, the following DIY solutions can cause all sorts of long-term problems.
Painting Over Wallpaper
We can’t deny that it would save a lot of time, but painting directly over wallpaper is generally a bad idea. Soon after, you’ll inevitably see the wallpaper suffering from bubbling, peeling, and a patchy finish, especially as the layers react over time. Ultimately, wallpaper adhesive just doesn’t bond well with paint, so it really isn’t worth the shortcut.
Skipping a Primer Coat
A lot of DIY beginners claim that skipping primer saves time, but we wouldn’t recommend listening to this advice. Without a primer, the paint may chip or wear out faster, especially in high-traffic areas. The whole point of primer is to create a smooth base, so without one, your final result can look uneven or streaky, reducing the lifespan of the paint job significantly and costing you time in the long run.
Using Duct Tape for Plumbing Repairs
Another DIY shortcut that you really shouldn’t risk is attempting to fix a minor pipe leak with duct tape. Yes, this might be OK as a short-term solution while you wait for the plumber to arrive, but ultimately, duct tape isn’t made for plumbing, so it will inevitably lose grip over time, potentially leading to water damage.
Mounting Heavy Objects Without Wall Anchors
Attempting to attach heavy objects, such as a shelf or TV bracket, directly to drywall without anchors is a sketchy idea. You might think it feels secure initially, but the wall can give way under the weight at any moment, and that would be a serious problem. What’s more, the heavy object could fall, too, requiring expensive replacements or even causing injury. So, this is one shortcut that simply is never worthwhile.
Ignoring Ventilation During Painting
When it comes to skipping ventilation during painting, the problems you will cause yourself aren’t related to finances but health. Paint fumes are toxic in high concentrations, so if you let them build up in an enclosed space, you could cause yourself headaches or, worse, long-term respiratory issues. Indirectly, this could actually cost you money through medical bills.
Using the Wrong Screws or Nails
Once you start building your DIY confidence, it becomes more tempting to start choosing random nails or screws for a project, believing that you’ll find a way to make it work. However, this can actually cause long-term problems, potentially weakening the wall or surface. The material could even split apart over time, so remember: each type of screw or nail is designed with a purpose, and disregarding this isn’t clever.
DIY Electrical Work Without Certification
By far, the most dangerous DIY shortcut on this list so far is to tinker with electrical wires without having the training to do so safely. Seriously–this isn’t just something that you can learn from a few YouTube videos, as mistakes in electrical work can lead to deadly shocks or fires. Worse still, faulty wiring may not show problems immediately, silently compromising the safety of your entire home over time. Just don’t.
Applying Floor Tile Over Uneven Surfaces
It’s a common mistake for people to lay tiles over an uneven floor, perceiving it to look just fine. Over time, though, the tiles will most certainly crack, loosen, or shift as the floor settles. This is because uneven surfaces create gaps beneath the tiles, weakening the entire installation. Overall, the uneven base will eventually show through, leading to costly repairs or reinstallation down the line.
Covering Cracks with Caulk Alone
While it’s true that caulk can be effective at hiding minor cracks, this isn’t really a fix. Consider whether the crack stems from structural issues because, if so, caulk is just a superficial fix and a dangerous one at that. It will hide the crack, causing you to forget about it, while it will continue to get worse over time. Best to get the root of the problem addressed–that way, you’ll have peace of mind that your property is structurally safe and sound.
Making a Wooden Fence Without Treating the Wood
Another DIY shortcut that people try to get away with is building a fence from untreated wood. Doing this might save you a few dollars at first, but over time, untreated wood can rot, warp, or become infested by insects. Ultimately, there’s a reason why treated wood exists, so don’t cheap out–get the real deal, and you’ll have far fewer issues to deal with in the future.
Sealing Gaps with Regular Silicone Instead of Fire-Rated Sealant
Gaps around pipes or cables often look like they only need a quick silicone seal, but certain areas actually need fire-rated sealant. You’d be forgiven for not realizing this, as it isn’t very obvious, but you should learn it sooner rather than later. At the end of the day, regular silicone just doesn’t prevent the spread of flames in case of a fire, so when in doubt, it’s much safer to use fire-rated products.
Using Vinegar on Stone Surfaces
We can all agree that vinegar is a highly versatile cleaning product, and it’s natural, too! However, it’s far too acidic for stone surfaces like granite or marble, potentially wearing down the surface and making it prone to scratches and dullness. In fact, using vinegar on stone can cause irreversible damage, leaving costly repairs or the need for resurfacing. So, this is one job best left for specialized cleaning products.
Replacing Roof Shingles Without Proper Alignment
So many Americans attempt to replace their own roof shingles, only to be left with misaligned shelter and poor waterproofing. We can’t deny that it looks easy, but come on–there’s a reason that people hire professionals to handle this task. In worst-case scenarios, any small gaps in shingles can allow water to seep through, leading to leaks, rot, or even floods. Think about how much that’s going to cost you in the long term!
Using Glue Instead of Wood Joints
It’s never a good idea to rely on glue for woodwork instead of proper joints. Sure, glued wood might hold up initially, but it likely won’t last for long. Over time, glue-only assemblies weaken, especially under weight or stress, whereas joints distribute pressure and weight, providing true structural integrity. So, don’t accidentally destroy your project soon after building it–learn to create wooden joints!
Not Leveling Cabinets Properly
Installing cabinets without careful leveling can cause countless issues when it comes to alignment, doors not closing properly, or even dishes shifting inside. Over time, the weight might strain hinges or cause the cabinets to come loose, and that’s going to be a real pain in the backside. Instead, take the time to level your cabinets properly, and they’ll stay sturdy and functional for the foreseeable future.
Mixing Cleaning Products Without Checking Labels
This should probably go without saying, but combining household cleaners can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, especially with products containing ammonia or bleach. Despite this, it’s all too common for DIY beginners to do this while cleaning the space that they’re working on. Trust us–you don’t want to make this mistake because certain mixtures produce toxic fumes that can irritate the lungs or eyes, and goodness knows what future challenges that could bring for you.
Ignoring Proper Drainage in DIY Landscaping
Last but not least, you should never overlook the importance of drainage when it comes to DIY landscaping projects. If you do, you might cause your plants to struggle or, worse, bring soil erosion damage to your yard. Without proper drainage, water pools or flows incorrectly, creating mud patches or affecting your foundation. In extreme scenarios, this could affect the structural integrity of your home, and that’s going to cost you a heck of a lot to sort out.