Whether you’re fixing a leaky tap during nap time or painting a room between CBeebies and bathtime, DIY as a parent comes with its own flavour of chaos. And while we all love the idea of saving money and doing it ourselves, it’s easy to slip up — often in ways that cost more time, money, and stress.
Here are 10 common DIY mistakes — and how to dodge them like a dad ducking Lego bricks in the hallway.
1. Skipping the Planning Stage
Mistake:
Jumping into a job without measuring, planning, or understanding what’s involved.
How to avoid it:
- Sketch out the space or job on paper or digitally
- Create a simple checklist of tools and materials
- Watch 1–2 YouTube tutorials to visualise the process
👨🔧 Dad Tip: Planning saves time and helps avoid that dreaded fourth trip to Screwfix in one day.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
Mistake:
Using whatever’s closest — like a butter knife instead of a screwdriver.
How to avoid it:
Invest in a basic but reliable tool kit:
- Cordless drill
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Safety goggles
🧰 Don’t forget a decent set of drill bits and rawl plugs — you’ll need them more than you think.
3. Overestimating Your Skills
Mistake:
Thinking, “How hard can it be?” then realising mid-job you’re stuck with a leaking tap and a crying toddler.
How to avoid it:
- Be honest with yourself
- Start with small wins (e.g. putting up shelves, filling holes)
- Only attempt plumbing or electrical if you’re confident and it’s safe
⚠️ Know your limits. There’s no shame in getting a pro for structural, gas or wiring jobs.
4. Not Prepping the Area Properly
Mistake:
Skipping masking tape, not moving furniture, or failing to protect the floor.
How to avoid it:
- Clear the area properly
- Use dust sheets, plastic sheeting or even old curtains
- Tape off edges and skirting for a cleaner finish
🧼 Bonus: Prepping properly means far less cleaning (and fewer toddler footprints in paint).
5. Buying Cheap Materials
Mistake:
Choosing the cheapest option — only to have it fail, peel, or fall apart.
How to avoid it:
- Read reviews before buying paint, filler, or screws
- Spend slightly more for trusted brands
- Budget extra for proper prep and finish materials (caulk, primer, sanding blocks)
🛒 Buying cheap often means buying twice — or worse, doing the job twice.
6. Ignoring Safety
Mistake:
No gloves, goggles, or proper ventilation. Or leaving tools where kids can reach them.
How to avoid it:
- Set up a “Dad Zone” — out of bounds for little hands
- Use PPE: gloves, goggles, ear defenders if you’re drilling or sanding
- Keep tools unplugged when unattended
🚼 Safety first — especially with curious toddlers and pets around.
7. Measuring Wrong
Mistake:
Measuring once and cutting once… then cutting again… and again.
How to avoid it:
- Always measure twice (or three times!)
- Use a reliable tape measure and mark with pencil
- Double-check fit before drilling or cutting
📏 Dad Tip: Take photos of your sketches or plans so you’ve got a backup when your toddler colours over your notepad.
8. Overloading Wall Fixings
Mistake:
Using basic screws for a 20kg bookshelf = disaster waiting to happen.
How to avoid it:
- Know your wall type (plasterboard, brick, stud)
- Use appropriate wall anchors or fixings
- For heavy loads, drill into studs or masonry
🧱 And don’t forget to check what’s behind the wall — use a detector for pipes and wires.
9. Poor Finishing
Mistake:
Getting lazy near the end — patchy paint, rough edges, caulk everywhere.
How to avoid it:
- Keep going at the same pace — or stop and come back fresh
- Use painter’s caulk and a damp cloth for clean edges
- Sand between coats of paint for a smooth finish
🖌️ The last 10% of the job often makes the biggest visual difference.
10. No Aftercare or Maintenance
Mistake:
Walking away once the job is done — and not checking back until it’s gone wrong.
How to avoid it:
- Check cure times (some paints take 2–3 weeks to fully harden)
- Seal outdoor work properly
- Set a calendar reminder to inspect outdoor wood, silicone or paintwork each season
🌧️ Especially in UK weather, maintenance is half the battle.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Perfection
DIY as a dad isn’t about flawless finishes or Instagram-ready reveals. It’s about learning as you go, fixing things with your own hands, and showing your kids that problem-solving happens at home too.
You’ll make mistakes. You’ll buy the wrong screws. You’ll probably repaint that wall. But that’s part of the process — and part of the pride.
The Sorted Dad 
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