Today the internet allows us to create and DIY almost anything ourselves, we can search up how to do almost anything and get detailed instructions and the list of materials needed. It becomes much easier to attempt things on our own rather than hire a professional who will take longer and cost more. We usually end up going one of two ways, attempting things we shouldn't, or hiring an amatuer that costs less to do a job they probably have no idea how. Consequence of these decisions include, buckets used as pipes, wires that intersect and cover an entire wall, doors placed upside down, cupboards that fall apart, and unfinished patios. From glued-on electrical sockets, toilets built on a staircase, holes in the wall we can’t cover, half a toilet, to uneven floorboards, here are 35 construction solutions that ended up being complete failures.
Lifetime Supply Of Toilet Paper
We’ve all experienced a time where we rushed to the bathroom only to realise we were out of toilet paper, and no one to call for help. Despite the endless supply that might be sitting in the cupboard it really does no good when it’s too far to reach in the midst of these uncomfortable moments. As far as construction fails go, an endless stock of toilet paper close by, although might not be aesthetically pleasing, and take up space, might actually come in handy.
Nonetheless, this creative idea has many of us thinking of similar ways to create a maze of toilet paper in our own bathrooms, which will definitely be of much use the next time we’re stuck on the toilet seat.
A Little To The Left
For those of us who struggle with seeing objects in the wrong place this might not be the most pleasing thing to the eye. Regardless of whether you like neat things or not, having an object a few centimeters away from where it’s ‘supposed to be’ is bound to annoy anyone. So we’re all wondering what exactly was going on when this stove was installed, was it an intentional error, or just a lapse in creativity.
Despite possibly never knowing why this stove came to be in the wrong place, we can’t help but wonder how the owners feel when they’re using it.
The Tile That Doesn't Belong
The earliest use of tiling dates back to about 4000 BC in Egypt. There have been such beautiful and artistic inventions since then, with different cultures creating tiles to fit their traditions and aesthetics. The middle ages brought decorative tiles to Europe and Spain, becoming increasingly popular in the 20th century. These decorative tiles have now become highly popular and can be seen in and outside of homes, buildings, cathedrals and more, appearing on walls, floors and ceilings.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing characteristics of tiles is the patterns they come in, especially when they’re laid side-by-side. In this case, this little mishap can become a kid-friendly game of ‘find the tile that doesn’t fit’.
Try And Try Again
For us amateur carpenters sometimes drilling a hole in the wall can be more of a challenge than most people would like to admit. When you’re dealing with plaster, concrete and wood, there are so many different challenges that come with trying to figure out how to drill and where to drill a nail. It is particularly important to ensure we’re drilling in the right spot when we need it to carry something heavy, like a frame, or a door.
As the old saying goes, ‘if you fail, try and try again’ and we stand by it, but in this particular case when we’re working with nails, and heavy, breakable objects, maybe it’s best left to the professionals.
Side-By-Side
Personal space is vital, and a certain amount of space is often necessary in some circumstances. It would go without saying that the toilet is a place most people prefer personal space in, especially away from random strangers. We’re not exactly sure where this bathroom is, and if it was actually used at all, but the idea of it makes us a little uneasy. Probably not the best place to jam multiple toilets in a row, it definitely has to be the strangest thing we’ve seen.
Putting the obvious issues aside, we have so many questions, starting with why and ending with how, because this little mishap is definitely a violation of many sorts.
A Maze Of Pipes
Let’s just hope a pipe doesn't burst, because finding the dysfunctional one in this maze is no easy job. Aesthetically speaking, pipes can sometimes give a very appealing character for a space, but we don’t imagine it should take up so much room, so we assume this artistic creation wasn’t meant for aesthetically pleasing purposes. Either way we are extremely fascinated with the mechanics behind what it took to create this maze, and we are very impressed.
We’re wondering just how long it might have taken to put all of this together. There aren't many people that can achieve something like this, despite its lack of efficiency.
A Bathroom Collage
Optical illusions are great in books and museums, but not so much in your bathroom. On the other hand if we assume this to be some abstract art-type tiling, it might make more sense for this creative method. Although we can’t exactly tell if the image is slightly skewed or the shower curtain hanger is the one hanging slightly uneven, this optical illusion is probably the best accident we’ve seen so far.
We can’t imagine bath time will be so soothing when your bathroom looks like it belongs in a Salvador Dali museum exhibit, but we’re definitely loving the creative ambition.
Out In The Open
There are possibly hundreds of ways this could go terribly wrong, from birds to electrocution, nothing about this construction fail is a good idea. Although there might not be a flame, there is still a fire risk, and getting to this one on time is impossible. If by any chance we come across any electrical units that look like this, calling an electrician would probably be the safest bet. In the meantime, danger signs to look out for include, any type of unusual flickering, sounds and or smells are the first tell that something might be wrong.
We’re not really sure what the situation was that led to this mishap, whether or not it was intentional or not, either way, it’s definitely not something you would think to come across.
Spiderweb Of Wires
There are many aesthetically pleasing interiors that include visible pipes and wires, and for the most part they can create great character. But if we are looking for this rustic aesthetic, we need to first ensure that we are doing it safely. Although this isn’t the most hazardous construction fail we’ve seen so far, it definitely takes the list, and let us just say, there are many ways to organise wires, visible or not, that doesn’t include having them map out our entire ceiling.
A professional is definitely the better way to go before we decide to do anything else, possibly staying all clear from wires is the safer alternative for all us amateurs out there.
Adult Proof
We’ve all been privy in one way or another to the workings of children and their mischief, and the need to child proof everything in the house to ensure their safety and the safety of everything in the house. From covers on electrical outlets, securing furniture and pointy or hazardous appliances, to locking cupboards and making sure doors and other access points are secured, it seems this particular home is more adult proof than child proof.
We’re not sure what this contractor had in mind when they installed this door, but this is probably every child's dream and every parent's nightmare.
Tight Squeeze
Bathroom space can sometimes be a nightmare, especially in small apartments with barely any room. Usually shelves are a great way to add storage in our space without taking up too much room, but cupboard cutouts are fairly new. Although they may be handy in creating some much needed space, they may not be entirely efficient if we DIY them ourselves, we can’t imagine sitting in this little nook would be the most comfortable.
But we definitely commend the effort and creativity, although we don’t necessarily think it'll work for everyone, it might come in handy for some.
Floor Puzzle
Step one of any person who knows how to fit tiles or has done their research is to decide on a tile pattern before they get started. The pattern possibilities are endless, but there are a few common styles that most people turn to, straight course, brickwork, diagonal course, basketweave, and herringbone. After deciding on the tile pattern, starting in the middle is often advised, and working outwards and around.
This is often done to ensure the most common mistake which would be missing a pattern, or in this case, having to fill in a pattern that doesn't quite fit the way we want it.
Your Royal Bathroom
There aren't many architectural designs left to pursue in modern times, almost all of them have been done and redone, but this particular design is one for the books. This is possibly the most posh and unnecessary bathroom design we’ve ever seen, almost looks like royalty. We don’t know many people that require a staircase to reach the toilet, this is possibly the most inefficient way to get to the bathroom, no one wants to be walking up and down a staircase to get to the toilet.
There is definitely humor in this design though, and many ways we see it running as a meme or trending on the internet, but other than going viral, this is possibly the biggest construction fail we’ve seen yet.
Missed It
Most light switches come with a handy clip in feature that doesn't include nailing anything to the wall, and we’re definitely happy about that considering amateurs and electricity switches aren’t a great combination. Although this isn’t the most pleasing thing to look at, we can definitely admire the resilience it took to continue on this drilling mission, despite it’s obvious failure.
Better stick to the light sockets that glue or clip on, or maybe already have holes drilled for direction, for the next attempt at this mission.
Door Stopper It Is Not
Door stoppers are great to stop those loud thuds that often happen by accident, which also prevents those marks on the wall. Door stoppers come in all different shapes, sizes and aesthetics to fit any home decor, which is an added benefit to their versatility. There are many benefits to having a doorstop, but even more benefits when they are placed where they are supposed to be.
Sometimes it can be a little difficult to place them in the exact spot without measuring where your door will hit, and a few meters too far, they become completely useless.
When You Accidentally Forget A Nail
You can’t blame a cupboard for falling over when there’s a natural disaster, but you can definitely blame it for falling apart when it wasn’t placed correctly to begin with. Not applying the correct materials when putting together heavy furniture, especially when it carries breakables can be extremely dangerous, not to mention very expensive to fix. So best to leave it to the professionals, and hope that the people we hire know what they’re doing.
We can only wonder when this kitchen decided to fall apart, although we can’t imagine it being pleasant at any time of the day, we hope it didn’t happen in the middle of their sleep.
Shortcut Window
One of the most daunting tasks is to have to take precise measurements to have something fitted, especially when it costs a lot and you’re working with glass, and other fragile materials. We’ve all experienced that moment after we’ve spent time and money, only to realize that all the measurements we took were wrong, and it’s too late to do anything about it.
But it seems making lemonade from lemons is what this guy had in mind when he decided to install the glass despite the window space, but we definitely appreciate the creativity.
Drill Until You Can't Drill No More
We have all experienced trying to hang something to the wall like a TV or frame, and wanting it to be at a certain angle we just can’t get right. So we try and try again, drilling one hole after the other hoping we can hide them later. It’s possibly one of the hardest things to do alone, and most times you end up with holes you can’t get rid of or hide so easily. We think they are a testament to our determination and resilience to just throwing in the towel.
Next time we’re struggling to put something up ourselves we will remember this image and use it to motivate us, and resist the urge of wanting to throw something at the wall.
Recycle Your Scraps
There are so many ‘do it yourself’ videos and tutorials circling on the internet today that we can almost do anything ourselves. One of the best ways to create things at home is to use materials around the house that are not being used. On one hand we are doing our bit for the planet, and on the other we are saving money and getting rid of the junk sitting on the floor doing nothing. So not only do we do our bit to conserve and reduce Greenhouse emissions, we are making something we can attest to.
Next time we’re walking past an old piece of junk we no longer use and are thinking of throwing out, we will think twice and consider what purpose it can now serve, possibly a shelf in the shower.
Make Do With What's Available
Sometimes it’s easier to look past the aesthetics and move straight to convenience, especially when it has to do with a big hole in the wall that we need covered. Although for most people what looks good comes hand in hand with how well something works, we think it’s important to consider a few things before we make that decision.
If it’s easily covered by something else like a table, chair, or frame then it’s easier to work with what we have than spend money and time buying a replacement.
Half Is Enough
There are so many different aesthetics to decorate our homes with, different artistic ways to make our homes personal, that it’s hard to understand when something is exaggerated or just should not be used at all. Either way, we’re not sure if toilets are the most pleasing of decors, but who are we to judge, at this point we truly have seen it all. Restaurants using toilets for desert, people using them to pot plants, there isn’t much we haven't seen as far as toilets go.
We think it’s quite brave to use something like a toilet for a purpose other than what it is intended for, and although it might not be for most people, it definitely seems to work for some.
Haunted Or Neglected?
Haunted houses have become extremely popular over the last few decades, there are events that run in almost every country, tourists and locals alike, line up to experience the fearful and heart wrenching experience. In this case we’re not exactly sure what happened in this construction fail, but we are definitely getting some haunted house vibes from this window. Although we assume that the window has fallen off and created this rustic illusion, either way it definitely has us creeped out.
In most cases it’s possibly the cause of neglect, but we love letting our imagination run a little wild, a haunted house story is always more interesting.
Tiles For A Rainy Day
One of the most extraordinary things about buying houses that are decades old is that we can always expect to find a surprise somewhere while renovating. Whether that's art work covered by plaster, floorboards covered by carpet, a secret room or passageway, or ready to use tiles covered with plaster and paint. We expect there is nothing more surprising and relieving than finding work that has already been completed and ready to use, saving us plenty of time and money.
Additionally, the character these surprises carry, give a beautiful vintage and rustic aesthetic that is hard to find at an affordable price nowadays.
DIY Patio
Building an outdoor patio without hiring a professional contractor isn’t as difficult as many people would assume. Much like putting together a puzzle, building a patio is about finding tiles that easily fit together and form an aesthetically pleasing pattern. To build a patio you don't need much materials most of which can be found ready at home, spades, shovel, gravel, lining fabric, and polymeric jointing sand are just a few of the materials needed that are easily accessible, if not readily available in the garden.
In many cases most people opt for the easier way out and end up putting together a few wooden planks, which is also an option, possibly not the safest though.
Just Not Enough
There are so many easily available and affordable ways to do a little change around at home without having to do a complete renovation. Most of these easily and affordable ways are available online, something as little as contact paper, can change the entire appearance of your kitchen without the need to leave home for weeks, spend too much money, or have to endure an entire change up. Much like wallpaper, this waterproof paper is great for tiles and kitchen benches.
With the added bonus of having so many options to pick from, this can be a change that can take place as much as we’d like it to, and it’s that easy to have a new kitchen twice, three times or even multiple times a month.
Just Put A Bandage On It
We have definitely seen some creative ways of DIY stitch ups, from duct tape, to staple guns, there are many ways to fix something, and many ways not to. When working with heavy objects such as a balcony, or something that is meant to carry, it is important that it is stable and safe, otherwise it can become quite the hazard, and be extremely dangerous. So we definitely don’t suggest using door or cabinet openers to put together a crack on the balcony.
We definitely see the appeal in using something already available for a quick and easy job, but it is definitely not safe and not tangible enough to hold for an excessive amount of time.
Staircase Break Space
Having your phone almost die while trying to find an electrical socket that is close by is a nightmare we’ve all endured. There is nothing more strenuous than trying to find the perfect spot to have your phone charging nearby where you can still access and use it in the meantime. It's a 21st century struggle we’ve all endured, even if we’re too proud to admit it.
But possibly the most frustrating is finding an electrical socket in one of the most random spots, that serves no purpose, and only inconveniences us more, and in this case, the staircase takes the cake.
Floorboard Mix And Match
Placing floorboards down is a task most of us would find daunting and very confusing, as most of them carry similar patterns, it’s almost impossible not to make a mistake, especially as an amateur. Often the best way to begin is to do so using visual and structural guidelines, to have everything be aligned and well placed. The ideal direction for the flooring isn’t usually straight but at a slight angle from the main entrance, which also allows for the space to look less busy and opens up the room.
Although the rules don’t seem too hard to figure out if deciding to DIY our own floorboards, best leave to the professionals, definitely much less of a headache.
Where Is The Light Switch
Almost everyone has encountered the ‘where’s the switch’ situation when first moving to a new place, or staying somewhere that’s not so familiar. It’s one thing not to find the switch and another to find the light bulb in the most random place in the house. We’re not sure how much use we could get from having a lightbulb that bright on the bench, but it’s definitely not the strangest place, but possibly very ineffective.
Possibly one of the most useless constructions we’ve seen yet, unless this might work for some people, which in fact will make it a construction success.
Missed A Corner
There is a real artistic component that comes with some carpentry jobs, when cutting a particular shape, or fitting two shapes together cohesively, it is not an easy task. Especially when it comes to shaping and cutting corners, whether it is a wall corner, a door corner, or any corner, shaping it perfectly so that it blends and folds well is almost impossible for anyone not well trained and equipped in this art medium.
So we can definitely sympathize with everyone who has had moments like this, and the fittings just don’t align, and it’s too late to do anything about it.
Just Glue It On
If there’s one thing we all have in common it’s that unsettling feeling of opening a box of something we’ve recently purchased only to find a piece of it missing. We want to assume this is the case here, where someone has misplaced or didn’t receive the electricity socket cover and made do with what they had. Although we can definitely commend working with what’s available, it is definitely not a long term solution to the problem.
If there is ever a time to be careful and follow the instructions, it’s while dealing with electricity and electrical sockets.
Where Does The Pipe Go?
When drilling a hole for a pipe it is essential to measure the diameter of the pips before starting, which sometimes can be a little difficult to read. In most cases, if the pipe is new, the size should be on the package, but so often the pipes are still functional and are re-used in renovation. In many cases it can be extremely difficult to read the correct measurements, and often the holes that are needed to be drilled are so big that hiding them is definitely not an option if the measurements are incorrect.
Time and time again we learn the lesson the hard way, and often when there’s a few holes in the ground or the wall that no amount of plaster will cover, continuing to serve as a reminder of a very frustrating time.
Bucket Pipe
We’re not quite sure what these buckets could possibly be used for, unless there are holes in the buckets and they’re being used as a pipe for water, we’re not sure what this could possibly be used for constructively. But it really does set a new standard for construction, because although it might be a great use of imagination, it definitely is not innovative enough to be something practical.
Even as a pipe, it will possibly not withstand heavy water flow, and since it’s made from plastic we doubt it will last very long into the future.
Misplaced Piece Of Wood
Scraps can often come in handy especially when we’re running out of materials and want to get things finished in a hurry. Sometimes these scraps can do the job, and other times they can do the job but look very aesthetically unpleasing. In most cases we can hide these mishaps, but sometimes it just can’t be tucked away behind a table or a chair.
It’s definitely a great way to recycle scrap that will probably go to waste if not used. But sometimes, scraps just belong in the trash, or have a different purpose than to be glued onto the wall.