15 Popular DIY Hacks That Professional Contractors Hate
This post may contain affiliate links.
It’s no secret that DIY culture took off like wildfire. Clever hacks are rife on social media platforms that promise to save time, money and frustration. These shortcuts have revolutionized everything from transforming cabinets with peel and stick veneers to using PVC pipes in ways their manufacturers never dreamed. Every DIYer that’s thrilled is counterbalanced by a contractor who silently cringes at the long term ramifications of these good intentions.
Why? That’s because although some of these hacks are legit, many of them end up costing you a fortune on repairs, safety issues, or even complete disasters in the long run. The professionals don’t hate creativity; they have just seen the wreckage of these “amazing” ideas too many times.
Painting Over Old Wallpaper
It’s a simple fix to paint over wallpaper, but it’s a ticking time bomb. Although it may seem okay at first, the paint will cause the wallpaper to bubble, peel or sag. This hack is hated by contractors because it generates double the work when the inevitable occurs, and somebody finally decides to remove it. Paint that peels and wallpaper that won’t come off? That’s a nightmare.
Using Tape as a Leveling Tool
Painters tape as a guide for hanging pictures or installing shelves has gone viral. It sounds genius, but when you start applying tape, it doesn’t always stick straight and even the smallest bit of misalignment can cause the entire project to become uneven. Proper tools, like levels or laser guides, are preferred by contractors because they don’t trick your eyes or rely on you not to take your eyes off what you are doing.
Penny Floors or Backsplashes
Okay, I’m sure a floor of shiny pennies is as quirky and creative as they come. Yet, professionals know this hack is a logistical mess. Over time, the adhesives used to stick the pennies down can fail, and sealing them is no fun either. Plus, if the coins are uneven, you have trips and stubbed toes or grout that won’t stay in place.
Hiding Cable Wires Behind Baseboards
Hiding electrical wires behind baseboards might be a neat way to hide clutter, but it’s a safety hazard waiting to happen. Wires need airflow to prevent overheating, as professionals know. If not installed properly, this hack can end up fraying your wires and, worse yet, starting house fires.
Use Peel and Stick Tile Over Existing Tile
Peel-and-stick tiles promise a fast facelift, but not a long one. They add extra layers, which can make the tile shift or crack over time when installed over existing tiles. When this hack fails, contractors have to rip out not one, but two layers of tiles.
Paper Towels Instead of Drop Cloths
Contractors hate seeing this, but pulling out the paper towels and giving the furniture or flooring a quick swipe might seem like a clever alternative to covering it up when you’re painting. Until it’s too late, you don’t notice paint splatters, staining floors and furniture for good. There is nothing like a good drop cloth.
DIY Concrete Countertops
Crafting your own concrete countertops sounds like a fun weekend DIY project, but many don’t realize how difficult it is to get the right mix and finish. If you don’t get a good countertop, it can crack, discolor, crumble. DIY disasters often have to be demolished by contractors in order to start fresh.
Reusing Old Wood Without Prepping
Slapping reclaimed wood up on walls or furniture without sanding or sealing can be a recipe for trouble. Wood unsealed can harbor pests or splinters and also warp over time, contractors warn. A mountain of regret really could be saved by a quick prep job.
Replacing Floorboards Without Adjusting for Expansion
Installing new floors without paying attention to expansion is a rookie mistake. When wood doesn’t have room to expand with changing temperatures, it warps or buckles. Professionals always measure twice, and leave breathing room to prevent things from getting stuck.
DIY Electrical Work
While DIY electrical projects may seem empowering, they are downright dangerous if done wrong. The National Fire Protection Association reported its own study found that faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires, accounting for over 13% of reported incidents each year. Contractors will beg you to leave this job to the pros for your own safety.
Using the Wrong Caulk to Seal Bathtubs
It might seem harmless enough to use any old caulk to seal bathtubs or sinks, but contractors hate this hack because caulks aren’t always waterproof or mold resistant. Eventually, they peel away, causing water damage and costly repairs to follow. In wet areas, always pick the right product.
Using Furniture Polish on Hardwood Floors
Professionals warn against using furniture polish to give floors a shiny finish. That polish leaves a slippery surface, making your home a skating rink. What’s more, it accumulates with time and makes floors appear dull and patchy.
Skipping a Vapor Barrier Under Laminate Flooring
A common mistake when installing laminate flooring is to skip the vapor barrier in order to save a few bucks. This hack is hated by contractors because it creates moisture problems and warping. It’s a small upfront investment that can save thousands in repairs.
DIY Chimney Cleaning
Cleaning a chimney doesn’t sound too complicated, but it is a job that needs specific tools and knowledge. Hiring a professional will leave no hidden creosote; lowering the risk of chimney fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says improper cleaning is a leading cause of such fires.
Using Fix All Spray Foam Insulation
A spray foam insulation isn’t a cure all. It can be used to fill in gaps around windows or doors, but too much foam will warp a frame or make it impossible to open. When and where spray foam makes sense and when it’s overkill, only professionals know.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
