# DIY & Tutorials **URL:** https://home.renovation.reviews/c/diy/69.md [Latest](https://home.renovation.reviews/latest.md) · [Categories](https://home.renovation.reviews/categories.md) · [Tags](https://home.renovation.reviews/tags.md) --- ## [Bathroom Renovation in Toronto: What 2026 Actually Costs](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/bathroom-renovation-in-toronto-what-2026-actually-costs/46393)
**Author:** [@BuildersLTD](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/BuildersLTD)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/bathroom-renovation-in-toronto-what-2026-actually-costs/46393 "2026-04-25T20:58:28Z")
We get a lot of questions on the forum about bathroom renos - what is reasonable to spend, what is worth skipping, and where the budget usually runs away on you. I put together a full guide on the blog this week that wal… --- ## [About the DIY category](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/about-the-diy-category/2683)
**Author:** [@BuildersLTD](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/BuildersLTD)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 9:15am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/about-the-diy-category/2683 "2026-01-06T09:15:55Z")
A space for hands-on renovators. Share, learn, and discuss all things DIY — from small fixes and weekend upgrades to ambitious home renovation projects. --- ## [Installing a smart video doorbell turned into a total wiring headache](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installing-a-smart-video-doorbell-turned-into-a-total-wiring-headache/47911)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installing-a-smart-video-doorbell-turned-into-a-total-wiring-headache/47911 "2026-07-26T17:56:30Z")
I got tired of missing package deliveries because our old mechanical chime is barely audible from the backyard, so I finally ordered one of those new smart video doorbells with the motion camera. The retail box claime… --- ## [Refinished my hardwood floors over a weekend — what I learned](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/refinished-my-hardwood-floors-over-a-weekend-what-i-learned/48217)
**Author:** [@sarah\_diy](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/sarah_diy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/refinished-my-hardwood-floors-over-a-weekend-what-i-learned/48217 "2026-07-21T01:12:19Z")
Finally tackled the scratched oak floors in our living room. Rented a drum sander, did 3 grits (36, 60, 100), then two coats of water-based poly. The dust containment was the hardest part. Anything you’d do differently? --- ## [The Way Small Construction Mistakes Only Show Up After Some Time](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-way-small-construction-mistakes-only-show-up-after-some-time/47887)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-way-small-construction-mistakes-only-show-up-after-some-time/47887 "2026-07-19T20:15:57Z")
One thing I’ve come to realize is that not all construction mistakes are visible immediately. Some of them only show up after the building has been used for a while. At first everything looks perfect. Walls are straig… --- ## [Patching a 12-inch drywall hole — mesh tape vs a backing board?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/patching-a-12-inch-drywall-hole-mesh-tape-vs-a-backing-board/48219)
**Author:** [@mike\_homeowner](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/mike_homeowner)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/patching-a-12-inch-drywall-hole-mesh-tape-vs-a-backing-board/48219 "2026-06-28T17:00:40Z")
Cat-related incident left a roughly 12 inch hole in the hallway. For something that big do I need to cut in a backing board and screw a patch to it, or can I get away with a self-adhesive mesh patch and a few coats of co… --- ## [That Moment When You Realize a Space Doesn’t Feel the Same Anymore](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-moment-when-you-realize-a-space-doesn-t-feel-the-same-anymore/47878)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 8:03am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-moment-when-you-realize-a-space-doesn-t-feel-the-same-anymore/47878 "2026-05-17T08:03:11Z")
This one is a bit hard to explain, but I think some people will get it. There are times when a space just doesn’t feel the same anymore, even though nothing major has changed. No renovation, no big movement, but someh… --- ## [The long term value of Energy Efficient Home Renovation](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-long-term-value-of-energy-efficient-home-renovation/47738)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-long-term-value-of-energy-efficient-home-renovation/47738 "2026-05-17T06:59:59Z")
I believe more homeowners are beginning to pay attention to energy-efficient renovations, not only for environmental reasons but also to reduce long-term utility costs. Simple upgrades such as improved insulation, LED l… --- ## [I Ignored It for Weeks Then It Finally Got My Attention](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-ignored-it-for-weeks-then-it-finally-got-my-attention/47890)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 6:36am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-ignored-it-for-weeks-then-it-finally-got-my-attention/47890 "2026-05-17T06:36:23Z")
There was this small issue in my place that I kept noticing and ignoring. Nothing serious. Just something slightly off. Easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention. At first, I told myself I’d fix it later. Then… --- ## [I Thought More Storage Would Solve Everything, I Was Wrong](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-thought-more-storage-would-solve-everything-i-was-wrong/47777)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:56pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-thought-more-storage-would-solve-everything-i-was-wrong/47777 "2026-05-16T13:56:41Z")
At some point, I felt like my main problem at home was lack of storage. So my solution was simple add more storage. Extra shelves, containers, small organizers, I kept adding things gradually. And yes, it helped a… --- ## [DIY Painting: Tips for a Professional-Looking Finish](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-painting-tips-for-a-professional-looking-finish/47471)
**Author:** [@Marz0\_1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Marz0_1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-painting-tips-for-a-professional-looking-finish/47471 "2026-05-16T13:51:22Z")
Painting is probably my favorite DIY renovation project because it’s one of the few things that can totally change how a room feels without costing a fortune or taking forever. I’ve done it in my own house multiple… --- ## [How Simple DIY Projects Reveal Unexpected Real-World Problems](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-simple-diy-projects-reveal-unexpected-real-world-problems/47808)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-simple-diy-projects-reveal-unexpected-real-world-problems/47808 "2026-05-16T13:47:43Z")
The front door area has been driving me completely insane for months because everyone just drops their boots and sneakers in a giant, messy pile right where you walk in. I got tired of tripping over a random sandal every… --- ## [Why I Now Pay Attention to How Things Sound in a House](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-i-now-pay-attention-to-how-things-sound-in-a-house/47870)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:49pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-i-now-pay-attention-to-how-things-sound-in-a-house/47870 "2026-05-16T12:49:44Z")
This might sound a bit strange, but I’ve started paying attention to sounds around the house more than I used to not loud noises, just small ones. Like how a door sounds when it closes, or how something clicks or shif… --- ## [That Habit of Ignoring Something Because It’s Still Manageable](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-habit-of-ignoring-something-because-it-s-still-manageable/47857)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-habit-of-ignoring-something-because-it-s-still-manageable/47857 "2026-05-16T12:46:44Z")
I think a lot of people (myself included) have this habit of ignoring something as long as it’s still manageable. Not perfect, but manageable. Like something that doesn’t work smoothly anymore, but still works if you… --- ## [The First Time I Realized Looks Fine Doesn’t Always Mean Is Fine](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-first-time-i-realized-looks-fine-doesn-t-always-mean-is-fine/47875)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-first-time-i-realized-looks-fine-doesn-t-always-mean-is-fine/47875 "2026-05-16T12:22:42Z")
There was a time I used to judge things in a house mostly by how they looked. If everything appeared clean and nothing was obviously broken, I just assumed everything was okay. But I remember one situation that kind … --- ## [Why Some Small House Issues Only Show Up at Certain Times](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-some-small-house-issues-only-show-up-at-certain-times/47877)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:21pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-some-small-house-issues-only-show-up-at-certain-times/47877 "2026-05-16T12:21:47Z")
Something I’ve been noticing is that some problems don’t show all the time. They come and go depending on certain conditions. Like after rain, or during heat, or even at different times of the day. I saw a situation … --- ## [The Way Small Delays in Fixing Things Quietly Add Up](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-way-small-delays-in-fixing-things-quietly-add-up/47866)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:21pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/the-way-small-delays-in-fixing-things-quietly-add-up/47866 "2026-05-16T12:21:08Z")
I think one of the easiest habits to fall into is postponing small fixes. Not because they’re difficult, but because they don’t feel urgent. You see something minor, and the first thought is always I’ll handle it lat… --- ## [DIY Wallpaper Was Harder Than I Expected but Still Worth It](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-wallpaper-was-harder-than-i-expected-but-still-worth-it/47381)
**Author:** [@Marz0\_1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Marz0_1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:17pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-wallpaper-was-harder-than-i-expected-but-still-worth-it/47381 "2026-05-16T12:17:04Z")
I used to think wallpaper was outdated until I started seeing modern designs online. Some of them actually looked really good, especially in bedrooms and small office spaces. After staring at the same plain wall for y… --- ## [Learning from a DIY Home Renovation Mistake](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/learning-from-a-diy-home-renovation-mistake/47863)
**Author:** [@Richard](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Richard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:17pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/learning-from-a-diy-home-renovation-mistake/47863 "2026-05-16T12:17:02Z")
I decided to handle part of my home renovation myself because I wanted to save money and feel more involved in improving my space. Before starting, everything looked simple in my mind just a few tools, some paint, and a … --- ## [DIY Renovation Projects That Actually Improve a Home](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-renovation-projects-that-actually-improve-a-home/47291)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:12pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-renovation-projects-that-actually-improve-a-home/47291 "2026-05-16T12:12:58Z")
DIY renovation projects can be a great way to improve a home without spending a huge amount of money. I think some of the best DIY upgrades are the simple ones that improve both appearance and functionality at the sa… --- ## [How Rearranging One Thing Sometimes Changes More Than You Expect](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-rearranging-one-thing-sometimes-changes-more-than-you-expect/47845)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:01pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-rearranging-one-thing-sometimes-changes-more-than-you-expect/47845 "2026-05-16T12:01:21Z")
I’ve noticed that sometimes you move just one thing in a room, and it ends up affecting more than you thought it would. Not in a big dramatic way, but enough to change how the space feels. There was a time I saw a s… --- ## [When You Start Noticing the Little Differences Between Similar Spaces](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/when-you-start-noticing-the-little-differences-between-similar-spaces/47850)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:00pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/when-you-start-noticing-the-little-differences-between-similar-spaces/47850 "2026-05-16T12:00:29Z")
I’ve been in places that are almost identical in layout and size, but they feel completely different once you spend some time in them. At first, I used to think it was just personal preference, but now I think there … --- ## [I Tried Fixing It Myself and Almost Regretted It](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-tried-fixing-it-myself-and-almost-regretted-it/47787)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:56am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-tried-fixing-it-myself-and-almost-regretted-it/47787 "2026-05-16T10:56:51Z")
There was this small issue with one of my doors it wasn’t closing properly. Nothing serious, just slightly misaligned. At first, I ignored it like usual. But after a few days, it started getting annoying, so I decide… --- ## [Is It Actually Worth Fixing Small Issues Immediately?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/is-it-actually-worth-fixing-small-issues-immediately/47807)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/is-it-actually-worth-fixing-small-issues-immediately/47807 "2026-05-16T10:49:30Z")
I’ve been thinking about this because I have a habit of postponing small fixes around the house. Loose handle? I’ll tighten it later. Slight crack? I’ll check it another time. Something minor always feels like it can… --- ## [Small Balcony, Big Expectations Didn’t Go as Planned](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/small-balcony-big-expectations-didn-t-go-as-planned/47829)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:48am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/small-balcony-big-expectations-didn-t-go-as-planned/47829 "2026-05-16T10:48:40Z")
I had this idea of turning my small balcony into a relaxing spot. You know, somewhere to sit in the evening, maybe with a drink, just to unwind. I saw a lot of setups online plants, small chairs, lights and I thought… --- ## [Paint Color Looked Perfect… Until It Was on the Wall](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-color-looked-perfect-until-it-was-on-the-wall/47822)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:35am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-color-looked-perfect-until-it-was-on-the-wall/47822 "2026-05-16T10:35:21Z")
I don’t know if this has happened to anyone else, but the paint color I chose looked completely different after application. In the store, it looked like a calm, soft tone. Even the sample looked fine. But once it … --- ## [Simple DIY Furniture Project can refresh an entire room](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/simple-diy-furniture-project-can-refresh-an-entire-room/47732)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/simple-diy-furniture-project-can-refresh-an-entire-room/47732 "2026-05-16T10:19:30Z")
I think DIY furniture upgrades are one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without spending a huge renovation budget. Simple projects like repainting old furniture, replacing handles, adding shelves, or restoring wood… --- ## [I Don’t Fully Trust Online Home Setup Ideas Anymore](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-don-t-fully-trust-online-home-setup-ideas-anymore/47802)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:02am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-don-t-fully-trust-online-home-setup-ideas-anymore/47802 "2026-05-16T10:02:54Z")
This might be unpopular, but I’ve started taking online home setup ideas with a grain of salt. Not because they’re bad some are actually creative but because they don’t always translate well into real-life use. I tr… --- ## [That One Small Change That Made My Room Feel Completely Different](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-one-small-change-that-made-my-room-feel-completely-different/47797)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 9:59am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/that-one-small-change-that-made-my-room-feel-completely-different/47797 "2026-05-16T09:59:50Z")
I didn’t plan anything serious that day. I was actually just trying to fix something minor, but I ended up moving my bed slightly to the other side of the room. It wasn’t even a big shift. Just changing the direction… --- ## [DIY renovation project](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-renovation-project/47804)
**Author:** [@Muller](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Muller)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 9:57am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/diy-renovation-project/47804 "2026-05-16T09:57:23Z")
DIY renovation projects can be a great way to improve a home without spending a huge amount of money. I think some of the best DIY upgrades are the simple ones that improve both appearance and functionality at the same … [Next page](https://home.renovation.reviews/c/diy/69.md?page=1)