Common Repair Mistakes You'll Regret in a Year: How to Avoid Them

Oh, renovation! Time of hopes, creative ideas, and... potential mistakes you might bitterly regret once the dust settles and reality takes its rightful place. But don't worry! We've gathered a list of the most common repair "ups" and will show you how to avoid them. Fasten your seatbelts, we're embarking on a journey through the world of disappointing renovations and their happy alternatives!

The "Wow" Effect vs. Practicality

Mistake: Choosing a design only for the "wow" effect, forgetting about practicality.

Example: Anna chose a luxurious white carpet for her living room. After half a year and a dozen coffee stains, she wasn't so sure about her choice anymore.

How to Avoid It:

• Think about your lifestyle. Do you have kids or pets? Do you love hosting parties?

• Choose materials that are not only beautiful but also practical.

• Remember: the most stylish interior is the one that stays beautiful for years.

Saving on What You Can't Save On

Mistake: Choosing the cheapest materials and labor.

Example: Peter decided to save money on plumbing. A year later, he met all the plumbers in his district and spent twice as much on fixing leaks.

How to Avoid It:

• Don't skimp on key elements: plumbing, electricity, flooring.

• Remember that a penny saved is a penny spent twice. Sometimes it's better to wait and save up for quality materials.

• Find a balance between price and quality. Read reviews, consult with professionals.

"I'll Hang the Wallpaper Myself!"

Mistake: Overestimating your DIY skills.

Example: Ivan decided to lay tiles in the bathroom himself. Now he has a "wavy" floor and a new nickname: "Crooked Hands".

How to Avoid It:

• Honestly assess your skills. Some things are better left to professionals.

• Start small. Did you successfully hang wallpaper in the storage room? Maybe now you can tackle the living room.

• Watch tutorials, but remember: there's a gap between a YouTube video and reality.

Ignoring Lighting

Mistake: Not paying enough attention to lighting planning.

Example: Anna decorated her bedroom like a magazine. But she forgot about a table lamp and now reads with a flashlight.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan lighting early in the renovation process.

• Use different light sources: overhead lighting, wall sconces, floor lamps.

• Consider various lighting scenarios for different times of day and activities.

Ignoring Storage

Mistake: Not enough space for storing belongings.

Example: Olga did a minimalist renovation. Now her perfect apartment looks like a warehouse because there's not enough closet space.

How to Avoid It:

• Realistically assess how much stuff you have.

• Plan storage systems in advance.

• Use unconventional solutions: space under the stairs, high shelves.

Following Trends vs. Timeless Style

Mistake: Blindly following fashion trends.

Example: Katya did a tropical-themed renovation. A year later, she was tired of flamingos and dreamed of Scandinavian minimalism.

How to Avoid It:

• Choose a neutral base that's easy to update with accessories.

• If you really want a trend, use it in easily replaceable elements: curtains, pillows, posters.

• Think about whether you'll like this design in 5-10 years.

Ignoring Ventilation

Mistake: Not paying enough attention to ventilation systems.

Example: Dmitry replaced the windows with plastic ones, forgetting about ventilation. Now his apartment is like a jungle and mold grows in the corners.

How to Avoid It:

• Don't skimp on ventilation, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.

• If you're replacing windows, consider installing supply air valves.

• Ventilate rooms regularly.

Wrong Sequence of Work

Mistake: Violating the logical sequence of renovation work.

Example: Andrew first pasted the wallpaper, then decided to replace the wiring. Guess how that ended?

How to Avoid It:

• Create a clear work plan.

• General rule: from "dirty" to "clean" work.

• First the utilities, then finishing touches

"Where's the Socket?": Underestimating the Importance of Electrical Outlets

Mistake: Not enough or inconveniently placed outlets.

Example: Anna has a beautiful living room, but charging her phone happens on the floor because the cable doesn't reach the nearest outlet.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan the placement of outlets in advance.

• Think ahead: maybe you'll need additional outlets for new appliances.

• Don't forget about outlets in non-standard places: next to the bed, in the hallway.

Ignoring Acoustics

Mistake: Ignoring sound insulation.

Example: Sergey did a renovation in a studio apartment. Now he knows the schedule of all TV shows his wife watches, even while in the bathroom.

How to Avoid It:

• Consider sound insulation, especially in multi-apartment buildings.

• Use sound-absorbing materials in finishing.

• Pay attention to interior doors - they also affect acoustics.

Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect renovation. But with these tips, you can avoid the most common mistakes and create a space that will delight you for years to come.

And most importantly — don't forget to enjoy the process! Renovation is not only stress, but also an opportunity to create your dream home. Good luck with your renovation adventures!

Cover: Blogger Anna (@annie_annet_home)