We've all been there. You watch a video on replacing faulty electrical, thinking you can manage a simple DIY fix. However, you cut the wires too short by accident — a fire risk as much as a costly repair. 

It's frustrating when home improvement projects go differently than planned, especially if you're behind the damage. Here are some of the most common DIY projects people get wrong and what to do when faced with self-induced issues. 

DIY Projects Most Likely to Go Wrong

DIY projects became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people were stuck at home and looking for something to do. Even when stay-at-home mandates lifted, many continued their new hobby.

DIY projects may be cheaper than hiring a professional. However, some people experience the opposite. According to a recent survey, 80% of homeowners made DIY mistakes on home improvement projects. About 44% did something incorrectly and had to redo it, while 39% spilled paint. Another 37% broke something and had to repair or replace it entirely. 

Some of the most common DIY home improvement fails include:

• Taking the wrong measurements

• Tree removal

• Patching missing roof shingles

• Forgetting to give cabinets, doors and appliances backswing room

• Buying cheap materials

• Using incorrect cleaning solutions on hardwood floors

• Forgetting to level the floor before laying tile

• Changing faucets by yourself

• Removing a load-bearing wall

• Digging into utility lines

• Installing new light fixtures

• Failing to consult an inspector about building codes

Most major renovations require a permit, such as removing and adding walls, replacing an HVAC system and installing new windows. Not securing the proper permits may result in difficulty selling your home, risking your household's safety and having to tear down completed work. You may also be fined up to $500 daily for violating your county's laws.

7 Ways to Handle Home Repairs Gone Wrong

A DIY project gone wrong is enough to send any homeowner into a panic. Yet, depending on the severity of the damage, you may get away with fixing it yourself. Here are seven ways to handle DIY projects gone awry. 

1. Develop a Strategy

Once the shock wears off, take a deep breath and develop a new approach. Often, poor DIY projects require undoing what you've completed and starting from scratch.

Give yourself time to analyze what went wrong and why — this will deliver insight into what you should avoid the next time. Your new strategy may include a different way to attach materials or even create a more practical deadline for yourself — you never want to rush through a project. You must also be honest with yourself whether repairing the work is something you can do or should hire somebody else to do.

Likewise, take a break before diving back in. Approaching your second round of DIY work is much better with a clear mind and improved focus.

2. Start Again

You'll be ready to start your home improvement project with a new strategy. Begin by undoing whatever work you messed up for a clean slate.

For instance, a common mistake DIYers make is using too much or insufficient caulk to seal cracks. Cutting the tip of the caulking tube at a 45-degree angle is the best way to get an adequate amount of caulk for your project.

However, you must clean the area and scrape away older caulk, paint and debris before beginning. The caulking site should be completely dry before you apply a new layer. 

3. Ask the Internet

A worst-case scenario is to mess up the project twice. When all else fails, ask the internet whatever questions you have about your DIY project. There are forums and other sites with people who are eager to answer your questions.

The internet has endless builder resources for DIY homeowners to refer to, many of which are written by contractors and professional builders. It's easy to avoid guesswork when repairing your home, especially with so much information at your fingertips. 

4. Follow the Instructions

Did you skip a step or overlook a vital note the first time you tried the project? When determining what went wrong, you should reread the instructions — and then read them again.

Whether intentional or not, skipping one small detail is enough to derail a home repair. Many homeowners only realize they've missed something once it's too late.

For instance, you may have tried saving time by avoiding prep work. Although priming a surface may take longer to dry, it will ensure your paint goes on smoothly and lasts. Conversely, you'll always run into trouble if you try to cut corners.

5. Purchase the Right Materials

Having the proper materials and tools to complete your project is as important as following the instructions. Using items other than the project's requirements could set you back again.

Suppose you are drilling screws into a delicate piece of wood. An electric screwdriver or right-angle drill — which can reach 30 inches in tight spaces — is best. Otherwise, you risk cracking the board with another drill type, such as an impact driver. Impact drivers use a powerful force to drive a bolt into the material.

Ensure everything you need is in front of you as you restart your project. Keeping an organized work area with all the necessary components allows you to complete the repair correctly.  

6. Prioritize Safety

Some DIY projects are more dangerous than others. From falling off ladders to dropping a paint can on their foot, homeowners without building experience put themselves at risk for injury or worse. 

There were 127,486 laceration injuries from DIY projects in 2020, followed by nearly 36,000 fractures. About 290,599 homeowners sought care at a hospital, while 24,534 were admitted.

If you're attempting to correct DIY damages after injury, it is crucial to ramp up safety measures. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation, wear protective clothing and avoid leaving items on the floor — a potential trip hazard. Even working with broken tools could cause further injury. 

7. Call a Professional

Some DIYers must admit defeat and call professionals to take over home repairs. From the start, specific projects — roofing, electrical, plumbing and wall removal — should be left to an experienced contractor. 

For instance, applying a roofing shingle to the wrong area could result in an attic or wall leak. Incorrectly installing a pipe can also lead to mold and mildew in the future. A contractor has the experience and skills to complete the job right the first time.

Upgrade Your Home the Smart Way

It's best to play it safe whether you do home repairs or hire someone. Flawed upgrades could be more troublesome than you anticipated. Be smart about taking on DIY projects you have little experience doing. While some are fine to accomplish yourself, you must know when to hand it off.