Today we hear from Steve Airth, who shows us what happens if you don’t take your remodeling projects seriously enough. Enter Steve:

When it comes to remodeling jobs, some are certainly more difficult than others. Some projects, such as painting, are fairly simple to complete. Other projects can become quite complicated and require special knowledge and skills if they are going to be done properly.

No matter what kind of remodeling project you tackle, there is always the opportunity for something to go wrong, sometimes with hilarious results. Learn from the mistakes others have made so that you can avoid making those same mistakes yourself. Keep reading, and you’ll see what I mean.

4. Too Many Plugs
Too much of anything is not a good idea. Whoever remodeled this house definitely went overboard when it came to electrical wiring. There were electrical outlets and light switches everywhere, with up to eight on one wall. Several outlets and switches were placed right next to each other. Unless you own a lot of electronics, one or two outlets along any one wall should suffice. Installing any more than that is just creating unnecessary work and more opportunities for error.

3. Measure, Measure, and Then Measure Some More
When remodeling, before you change or install anything, make sure you carefully measure your space. Then measure again to make sure you know the exact amount of space you have to work with. Also measure your appliances, fixtures, furniture, boards, drywall or whatever you are going to put in your newly-remodeled area before trying to install it. If installing boards or drywall, measure before you do any cutting. If applicable, measure the space through which you are going to have to move items to make sure you are able to get all materials into the room in which you want them. If you don’t, you might end up like these people. In one clip, the bathroom door won’t close because the toilet is in the way. In the other the doorway is too small for the washer and dryer combo that is to fit through it. Even though there was space to put it inside the laundry area, getting it into that space to begin with required removing the door frame. Careful measurements can save hassle and frustration later.

2. Plumbing Mistakes
When it comes to plumbing, make sure all the fittings are tightened and glued together securely. Water will seep through any available hole or crack. If pipes and fittings aren’t properly tightened or put together, the water pressure could cause something to pop loose. This guy forgot to glue the pipes together, and he ended up with a small flood in his house as well as underneath it.

1. Electrical (and other) Failures
When it comes to electrical work, mistakes can be dangerous. Make sure you don’t do what some of these people did. There should be no breakers in an electrical box. Never put a water pipe near electrical work (hint: water and electricity don’t mix). A light bulb inside the shower right above the showerhead might not be such a great idea. Nails that are long enough to protrude through a fence really aren’t the safest. You should not be using your old crutches to prop up your awning. A sink inside a shower doesn’t seem like the most convenient set-up. And, you may want to think twice before you install your showerhead in the ceiling.

So, the next time you embark upon a remodeling project, keep these clips in mind and don’t make the same mistakes. Hopefully your project will be a success.

Steve Airth is the general manager of Triple R Construction, a contractor that specializes in home renovations and remodeling in Victoria, BC.