Renovating your apartment by yourself - Avoid these 6 mistakes
Why it's not always worth doing repairs yourself (photo: Freepik)
Doing it yourself seems like a great idea: you save money, realize your own design dreams, and control the entire process. But often, self-repair turns out to be not only a waste of time and nerves but also additional costs due to mistakes.
Lack of a clear plan
The most common mistake is to start repairs without careful planning. Some people think that "we'll figure it out as we go along," but this only complicates the process. For example, you may buy unnecessary materials or face the fact that you have enough money for the kitchen but not enough for the bathroom.
The plan should include a list of necessary work, a budget, a schedule, and a priority for completing tasks. Neglecting this often leads to chaos and unexpected costs. And if you also change ideas on the fly, it can double the cost. So it's better to spend a day planning than a month fixing mistakes.
Save money on materials
The desire to save money is understandable, but not always justified. Cheap paints can lose color within a year, and poor quality tiles crack during installation. Instead of paying twice for replacement, it is better to choose materials with an optimal price-performance ratio.
For example, paint can be chosen from the middle price segment, but it must be waterproof and durable. In addition, the quality of the materials directly affects the appearance and service life of the repair. Saving on basic things, such as primer or glue, can turn your work into a waste. Remember: cheap is often more expensive.
Ignoring the preparatory work
Many people believe that you can simply apply paint to an old wall or lay tiles without preparation. This is a big mistake that will quickly become apparent. The surface must be clean, flat, and dry, otherwise, the new coating will not adhere.
For example, if you don't remove the old wallpaper, the new ones will start peeling off in a few weeks. The same applies to the floor: it is important to level the surface before laying laminate.
Preparatory work is 50% of the success of a renovation, and neglecting it often results in failure. Therefore, take your time and carefully prepare the basics for your renovation.
The quality of work done by yourself is usually lower than that done by specialists (photo: Freepik)
Underestimation of electricity and plumbing
Working with electricity and plumbing requires specialized knowledge, and amateur experiments can be dangerous.
Incorrect connection of sockets or poor insulation of wires can lead to a short circuit or even a fire. The situation with plumbing is no better: the slightest mistake in the connections can cause flooding. Often people forget to check the condition of pipes and wiring before starting repairs, and this is a key point.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this part to professionals. Poor electrics or plumbing are not only additional costs, but also a real safety hazard.
Failure to take into account the peculiarities of the room
Each room has its own requirements for design, materials, and techniques. For example, the bathroom requires moisture-resistant materials, while the living room does not. Often people choose materials based on their appearance alone, ignoring their practicality.
This can cause the walls to become moldy and the floor to quickly lose its appearance. It is important to take into account aspects such as humidity, lighting, and even temperature changes. Neglecting this can make the renovation short-lived and add unnecessary hassle. Remember: beauty is important, but functionality is the foundation.
Overestimate your own capabilities
Self-confidence is the main enemy in repair. People often take on difficult tasks thinking: "Well, I'll manage somehow." For example, an attempt to lay tiles on your own without experience can result in uneven seams and damage to materials.
Such mistakes have to be corrected, and this is a waste of time and money. If you don't have the appropriate skills, it's better not to experiment, but to turn to specialists. There is no shame in admitting that some things are better left to professionals. Sometimes it's better to pay for quality than to spend more on fixing your own mistakes.
Sources: Bob Vila, Apartment Therapy, Forbes Home.
