The pandemic made homeowners make time for their much-needed home improvement projects. In 2020, lockdown forced people to revamp their bedrooms and living rooms to make space for a home office or homeschool setup.
The home improvement project game is still strong in 2021, leading social media users to share their fun DIY projects in the hopes to inspire others to embark on their own home improvement 101.
Due to the lack of skills and budget for a major home makeover, some would just rely on internet "how to" videos and immediately get their hands dirty. While many users applauded these DIY tutorials, real estate and home industry experts find some of the clips really cringey.
Some experts tried to give warning on how such DIYs would decrease their home value, leading TikTok DIYers to disable the comment section on their accounts.
Below are some experts who take on trendy TikTok renovation trends. What is worth your time and effort and when should you leave it to the professionals.
Scraping Popcorn Ceilings
@eastcoastflip How to remove popcorn ceiling and prep for knockdown texture!  ##DIY ##DIYproject ♬ original sound - Galey Alix
Popcorn ceilings are a major turn off when it comes to selling a property. While experts approve the trendy scraping of popcorn ceilings, they made a stern warning when it comes to the use of proper equipment.
Boston-based interior designer Shannon Wood told Apartment Therapy that scrapping popcorn ceiling required protective equipment before spraying and scraping the ceiling. Pros also approve the trendy shiplap on ceiling and walls, which can adapt to different aesthetics of wood finish, paint, or plank size.
Replacing Countertops
@no2pencilblog How we painted our granite countertops. A step by step tutorial as requested. ♬ Steven Universe - L.Dre
TikTok renovation trends recommend swapping out granite kitchen counters with a faux marble made of white epoxy paint and creative brush strokes. But contracting firm owner Nick Rossi is wary of the idea saying the process looks easy but they should also consider the durability of their materials.
"I would be extremely careful what you put on that finished countertop. Steer clear of hot pots and pans, wine glasses, and certain cleaning products to prevent peeling or stains," Rossi said.
Stencil Floor Tile
@thegrovehousesocal don’t paint tile!!! It doesn’t hold up and doesn’t clean well. Sorry. ##tile ##paintingtile ##paintedtile ##tilestencil ##stencil ##diy ##dontdo ##design ##pov ♬ virgo - Jadu Jadu
Those DIYers who are sick and tired of their builder-grade tile so they use stencil patterns and skillful paint brush strokes to transform their bathroom tiles. But Wood is kinda doubtful about painting those expensive tiles.
"I have to imagine up close, the lines are not sharp or clean. And how well will that material hold up over time?" Wood said, adding that the trendy project would require constant touch-ups and build up gunk overtime.
Paint manufacturer of the popular brand used by TikTokers warned that their product is not suitable for shower tiles and prolonged water exposure.
Revamping Old Doors
@jaclyndorminy Upgrade your builder grade door with something custom! ##fyp ##diy ##doityourselfchallenge_ ##girlswhobuild ##girlpower ##foryoupage ##foryou ♬ Myself - Bazzi
Life is too short to have boring doors, they say. That's why TikTok users are either repainting their doors or attaching artsy wood pieces to make a statement door.
Rossi approves the idea and even recommended using a solid core door to ensure the molding fastens properly. Meanwhile, Wood suggests decorating both sides of the door.
"I think it would look odd with one side of the door decorated while the other side is flat. And if it's done on both sides, you may not be able to close the door properly due to the thickness," she explained.
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