What people keep running into with reno
Complaints tagged reno, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
9 recurring problems · 106 people · 11 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 39How to tile over an uneven subfloor without tearing it upAn uneven subfloor makes tiles crack and shift if they are laid without a flat surface. Fixing low spots with a feather finish patch or self-leveling compound avoids tearing out the old plywood or linoleum entirely.
- 30Water dripping from electrical switches behind wallsMoisture and active dripping behind electrical switch plates indicate a hidden pipe leak or severe condensation inside the wall cavity. This creates immediate risks of electrical short circuits and black mold growth, while making it difficult to find the entry point without cutting into drywall.
- 9How to remove a heavy mirror stuck with thick adhesive padsHeavy mirrors attached with thick double-sided sticky pads create an extreme bond that resists pulling and risks shattering the glass or tearing off the door's paint. Slicing through the adhesive with a thin wire or dental floss while applying a solvent like rubbing alcohol allows you to gradually break the bond without damaging the surface underneath.
- 7How to remove loose grout wedged between tilesWhen loose grout pieces are wedged tightly into gaps instead of sticking to the joint, power tools like multitools just push the material around instead of grinding it out. This makes it nearly impossible to clear out the channels properly for new installation without resorting to manual scraping or stabilizing the loose bits first.
- 7Can you reuse pulled up floor tiles?When you need to investigate an issue underneath flooring, removing existing tiles gently leaves you wondering if they can be stuck back down if replacements are unavailable. Trying to reuse them stops you from knowing whether the adhesive will hold or if you should just replace the floor entirely.
- 6How to safely remove old house wiring during a renovationRemoving old house wiring yourself requires shutting off the main power supply and methodically tracing circuits back to the panel before pulling cables or hardware out of framing. Attempting to rip out knob-and-tube or legacy wiring without proper isolation risks hidden live connections, structural damage, and severe electrical hazards.
- 5How to spot hidden subfloor damage covered by new OSBSellers sometimes cover up subfloor staining, mold, or urine by laying new OSB right over it. Buyers are left guessing whether the underlying issue was actually fixed or if they are inheriting a costly hidden problem before closing.
- 2How to remove and reinstall wood wall panels without ruining themOlder nailed or glued wood wall panels usually splinter or crack when pried loose, destroying the material and leaving you unable to reuse them to access the cavity behind. This forces homeowners to choose between damaging the original walls or replacing entire sections when repairs are needed.
- 2How to tell what kind of wood is under carpeted stairsStairs often use hidden structural materials like soft pine or mystery laminate rather than finished hardwood, making it hard to know if you can strip them down or if they need a total replacement. Without a clear view underneath, homeowners cannot plan their renovation or determine whether it is feasible to put new flooring on top.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.