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Most Regretted DIY Projects (And What to Do Instead)

Not every project is worth the sweat equity. Some DIYs seem like a great idea—until you’re knee-deep in regret, surrounded by half-done cabinets or crumbling tile. If you’ve ever thought “this will be easy” and ended up three weekends deep with nothing to show for it, you’re not alone.

In this post, we’re covering the most common DIY projects that homeowners regret tackling themselves—and what smarter alternatives you can choose to get the result you actually want. Whether it’s a bad paint job or a structural mistake, we’ve got the fixes.

1. Painting Kitchen Cabinets Without the Right Prep

Painting cabinets sounds simple, but it’s one of the most regretted projects by first-time DIYers. Without the right surface prep—like degreasing, sanding, priming, and proper curing between coats—you’ll end up with peeling paint, streaks, and a sticky finish that never fully hardens.

What to Do Instead:

  • Consider refacing or just replacing cabinet doors for a cleaner update
  • If painting, use a sprayer instead of brushes to avoid streaks and brush marks
  • Follow our full cabinet revamp guide for a pro-level finish that lasts

2. Skipping the Backer Board on Backsplash Tile

That beautiful subway tile? It won’t stay pretty if you skipped the backer. Sticking tile directly to drywall is a common mistake that leads to cracked grout, water damage, and eventually mold or tile failure—especially in kitchens or bathrooms.

What to Do Instead:

  • Always use cement board or another moisture-resistant tile backer
  • Learn how to prep, install, and grout the right way with our backsplash installation guide

3. Overconfident Drywall Repair

Patching a hole in drywall can be tricky. Many DIYers underestimate the time it takes to apply thin coats, let them dry, sand, and repeat until the wall is flat and invisible under paint. Rushing leads to lumpy, visible patches that stand out in the worst way.

What to Do Instead:

  • Use mesh tape for larger repairs to avoid cracking
  • Apply multiple light coats and feather them out several inches past the hole
  • Our drywall patching guide walks you through it

4. DIY Structural Work Without Permits

Removing a wall or altering framing without permits or plans is a huge mistake. It might look simple, but unless you know what’s load-bearing and how to support it, you could compromise the entire house structure.

What to Do Instead:

  • Always consult a licensed structural engineer before starting
  • Review this permit guide so you don’t get fined or forced to redo the work

5. Poorly Installed Laminate Flooring

Laminate is often marketed as DIY-friendly, but it only turns out well if you take the time to prep your subfloor, lay moisture barriers, and leave expansion gaps. Otherwise, expect buckling, uneven boards, or creaky floors.

What to Do Instead:

  • Let flooring acclimate to room temp for 2–3 days
  • Use a tapping block, spacers, and underlayment rated for your subfloor type
  • Avoid rookie mistakes with this laminate flooring advice

6. Mounting Shelves or TVs Without Anchors

If you’ve ever seen a shelf pull out of drywall or a TV fall off the wall, you’ve likely seen a project that skipped anchors. Many first-timers don’t realize that drywall alone won’t hold much weight.

What to Do Instead:

7. High-Effort Accent Walls That Don’t Pay Off

Painted arches, geometric trim, and shiplap walls can look amazing—or totally off. Trendy accent walls often age quickly or just clash with the rest of the room. Worse, they take hours to install and rarely add home value.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep it timeless with wood textures or subtle contrast
  • This accent wall guide uses clean lines and easy methods

8. Neglecting Outdoor Concrete Care

Cleaning stained patios and driveways the wrong way—like blasting them with a pressure washer or using harsh cleaners—can etch the surface, cause pitting, or damage sealant.

What to Do Instead:

9. Budget Tools That Burn Out Fast

Low-cost tools can be tempting, but they often fail mid-project, underperform, or cause frustration. Regret sets in when your drill won’t charge or your jigsaw can’t make a clean cut.

What to Do Instead:

  • Check our beginner power tools guide for reliable starter options
  • Brands like Ryobi and Craftsman offer solid mid-tier tools that won’t break the bank

Final Word: Regret-Free DIY Starts With Real Info

The most regretted DIY projects usually have one thing in common—missing knowledge. It’s not about skill level; it’s about starting with the right prep, using the right tools, and choosing the right projects for your time and experience.

Want to avoid making the same mistakes? Download our free Builder Playbook Checklist, which covers every step from planning to punch walk. It’s the same framework pros use to manage successful home upgrades.

Also worth reading: Zillow’s study on DIY projects that hurt resale value to know what to avoid long-term.

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