What people keep running into with reno
Complaints tagged reno, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
5 recurring problems · 42 people · 8 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 21How 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.
- 15Water 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.
- 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 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.
- 2How 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.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.