Beginner handyman? Here are common mistakes you should know

Every handyman gets excited about their first project - and then discovers that what looks simple in DIY videos turns into a major headache in real life. Small mistakes lead to duplicate repairs, wasted money, and heartache. If you want to avoid these classic pitfalls, here are a few things you should pay attention to.

Neglecting drying times

Many materials used for repairs and renovations require a certain drying time to reach full strength. Impatience or haste can cause the work to be ruined, even if the execution itself was excellent. Those who don't adhere to the required waiting time will find themselves making repairs over and over again. Here are some common situations where rounding corners during drying times leads to problems later on.

Painting on a wall that has not yet dried

A new coat of paint on damp plaster or putty will look good at first, but later cracks, peeling, and stains will begin to appear. When you rush to the paint stage, the work loses its durability.

Applying grout without giving the tiles time to set

If you are in a hurry to fill the gaps between the tiles with Flooring gun Before the adhesive has completely dried, slight movements of the flooring can cause the grout to crack or crumble faster than expected.

Using inappropriate tools

Not every tool is suitable for every task, and using the wrong tool can cause damage to equipment, work materials, and even injuries. 

Here are some common mistakes:

• Screwing with an unsuitable screwdriver - Driving long screws into hardwood with a weak screwdriver can cause the screw head to overheat and wear out. If you have a serious screwing job, an impact screwdriver is the right solution.
• Cutting ceramics with a non-dedicated disc - Using an angle grinder with a metal disc instead of a diamond disc will cause uneven breakage of the tiles and an unprofessional finish.
• Using a short level to measure large surfaces - A level that is too short will prevent you from detecting small slopes in the floor or wall, which can lead to gluing tiles or installing shelves crookedly.
• Polishing wood with unsuitable sandpaper - Using paper that is too coarse on delicate wood will create gouges that will be difficult to repair, while paper that is too fine will not remove blemishes properly.

The right tools improve performance and prevent costly mistakes. It's always a good idea to check which tool is best for the task before you start.

Neglecting safety rules

Whether it's drilling, cutting, painting or installation, and even if it's a small project - Safety is not an issue to be taken lightly. Simple mistakes can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and even death.
Here are some areas where novice handymen tend to disregard safety rules.

Working without appropriate protective equipment

Safety glasses, gloves, and earplugs prevent eye injuries, cuts, and noise damage. Forgoing them for convenience or lack of awareness leads to unnecessary injuries. Working with power tools without safety glasses, for example, can cause wood or metal chips to hit your eyes. In other cases, work gloves can prevent burns and cuts when using saws and grinders.

Unsafe work with electricity

Using power tools near water, making improvised connections to overloaded outlets, or working with exposed wires are real life-threatening dangers. Using substandard extension cords or connecting multiple tools to the same outlet can also cause a short circuit or even a fire.

Uncontrolled cutting with sharp tools

Saws, grinders and knives require control, skill and precautions. Cutting too fast, working with the wrong blade or simply working carelessly can cause serious injuries.

Using a ladder dangerously

Climbing an unstable ladder, standing on the top rungs, or placing it on an uneven surface is a recipe for a painful fall. Many also forget to make sure the ladder is open at the correct angle. And who is not standing near a door that could suddenly openIn addition, using a ladder that is not appropriate for the working height leads to dangerous strains that may cause loss of balance.

Inhalation of dust and hazardous substances

Working with paints, adhesives, and cutting drywall releases toxic particles into the air. Without a protective mask, the materials penetrate the lungs and cause cumulative damage, which can manifest as shortness of breath or long-term health problems.

Carelessness with flammable materials

Using adhesives and paints near heat sources without adequate ventilation can cause a sudden fire. High concentrations of paint fumes in a closed space, for example, pose a risk of ignition from an electrical spark. Also, leaving rags soaked in turpentine in an unventilated area can cause a fire.

Improper installation of drywall

Working with Gypsum boards It seems simple, but small mistakes can lead to cracks, instability, and ultimately - a complete renovation. Here are some common mistakes:

• Connecting the boards without a suitable framework - Using thin profiles or lacking reinforcement at the right points will result in a weak wall that sways at the slightest touch.
• Screwing screws too close to the edge of the board - Attaching a screw too close to the edge may cause the material to crumble and cause a weak grip. It is advisable to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 cm from the edges.
• Overtightening the screws - A screw that sinks too deep into the board compromises its structural strength and may cause fractures later on. Proper screwing leaves the screw head flush with the surface.
• Leaving too large gaps between the boards - Wide gaps make it difficult to apply smooth putty and may lead to cracks. Leave a gap of about 3 mm and fill it with putty and plaster.
• Ignoring the condition of the wall behind - Installing plaster directly on a wet or unstable wall will lead to the appearance of mold and rapid decomposition of the boards.
• Inaccurate cutting of openings - When cutting spaces for outlets, switches, or pipes without accurate measurement, unsightly exposures are left that are difficult to treat after installation.
• Not using reinforcing tape on joints - Without a dedicated tape, cracks between the boards will appear in a short time, especially in partition walls.

Proper installation of drywall requires precision, planning, and the correct use of reinforcing materials, otherwise the new wall may fall apart sooner than expected.

Save yourself unnecessary work.

Any small mistake in a renovation or repair project can turn into a big expense and cause unnecessary frustration. Whoever enters the world the-DIY Without understanding the importance of planning, precision, and proper use of materials, one will quickly discover that haste and improvisation lead to double work. Prior knowledge, adherence to work rules, and use of the appropriate tools can make any task high-quality, durable, and most importantly - one that you won't have to repeat again in a few months.

Good luck!