The most common DIY mistake that even expert Max McMurdo makes – and how to avoid it
Even the most experience DIY experts have disasters
here is nothing more satisfying than a bit of DIY unless it goes wrong. From forgetting to measure properly to glueing your fingers together, even the most experienced DIY experts can fall victim to common DIY disasters.
Related: 32 Easy DIY projects and fun makes to do this bank holiday weekend for every room in the house!
Bayut, the UAE's largest property portal revealed in a recent survey that almost of a fifth of the UK has experienced a DIY disaster. However, Millenials and Gen Z were found to have the worst track record when it came to DIY disasters.
93 per cent of Gen Z admitted to falling victim to a DIY disaster. While Millenials weren't found to be much better, with 87 per cent admitting to home disasters.
Dropping paint on the floor was found to be the most common DIY disaster. While hitting yourself with a hammer was found to be the second most common.
However, this second DIY mistake isn't confined to Gen Z and Millenials. Almost a third of baby boomers confessed to hitting their hands with a hammer. It seems this is a mistake that can befall even the most experienced of DIY-ers.
'Number two on the list of DIY disasters is hitting yourself with a hammer, which still happens to me,' says DIY expert and TV presenter Max McMurdo. 'So, a top tip of mine for avoiding this is to practice on an old piece of wood until you perfect your swing, holding the hammer at the end of the handle away from the head.'
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While you might have so far avoided hitting yourself with a hammer, see below for the full list of most common DIY disaster. How many are your guilty off?
Most common DIY disasters
DIY mistakes are easy to make but can lead to injuries. So always take care when performing home improvements.
Rebecca Knight has been the Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2025; previously, she was the Deputy Digital Editor from 2022. She has a Master's degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London and has been writing about homes and interiors for 7 years. Her expertise lies in DIY projects, home decor trends and spotting the latest high street homeware buys that are about to go viral. She bought her first home in London last year and is currently renovating it (on a budget).