DIY Mistakes

"All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes."
-Winston Churchill

Popular Mechanics has a delightful article titled, 20 DIY Mistakes We've Made (So You Don't Have To). Here are some of the lessons learned...

1. Do not drill 3" screws into a wall to hold heavy frames. You might puncture a pipe or wire. Use hollow-wall anchors instead.

2. It may be illegal to relocate wild animals that move into your yard. And if you try, take the animal several miles away (5+).

3. Don't drop a sheet of plywood on your foot! It weighs 50 pounds.

4. Just because your remodeling plan is approved by the building department, does not mean the plan satisfies all building codes. Have the work inspected early.

5. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help (especially with heavy items).

6. 1-year-olds think latex paint is delicious!

7. Don't change your own car oil?  (There are several stories of oil change mishaps)

8. Pressure washers can remove paint AND damage walls if too much pressure is used.

9. Lay down plywood if you're working in an unfinished attic. Else one wrong step can put a hole through a ceiling.

Bottom Line

Mistakes are part of the learning experience.