10 Home Improvement Projects Everyone's Afraid Of (And How To Do Them)

Hometalk Highlights
by Hometalk Highlights
All day, people are posting amazing projects - big and small - to Hometalk, and we're always impressed. But every now and then, we see a project that we would be WAY too nervous to try ourselves. Which made us curious...what projects is everyone the most afraid to try?
We asked the community what projects they fear the most, and here's what we found out! But instead of just telling you what they said, we're telling you how to brave these terrifying feats. Turns out, no matter what the project is, there's an easier way to do it than you might know! Good luck :)!
Photo via Robb Restyle

1. Redoing a Staircase


It seems like people are most afraid to tackle their ugly staircases, but everyone who's done it says it's not only easier than it looks, but so worthwhile!


Photo via The Palette Muse

2. Painting Kitchen Cabinets


Next least popular DIY on the list was painting the kitchen cabinets. Everyone want to do this, but no one wants to do this. The painted kitchen cabinet trend has us all dreaming, but if you're too nervous to actually pick up a brush and do something about that desire, this might convince you to try!



  • This thorough cabinet makeover takes some time, but, says the poster, "if you want a paint job that will look great and stand the test of time, it's best to take the time and do it right." Get a professional finish, from sanding and painting to caulking and sealing all those awkward gaps.

  • Then again, you could opt for chalk paint or milk paint, and skip all that sanding and priming. It took this Hometalker just 5 days!

Photo via Sherre M

3. Redoing a Tub and Shower


It's no wonder that people are pretty terrified to rip into their fiberglass bathtub surround or start breaking through their tiled shower - this is a big job! But the finished result (as you'll see in these posts) is just so incredibly worthwhile. There are a couple different ways to go about updating your bathing space, so choose one that won't scare you off.



  • To start with the most challenging but biggest change, this step-by-step tutorial can help you pull apart the fiberglass surround on your tub in a single hour.

  • Too big too fast? No worries - adding wood paneling doesn't require any bashing or breaking, and it can be done, beginning to end, in one weekend.

  • The simplest option for a drastic bathtub makeover is this easy and elegant mosaic project. Make your bathtub look 10x better in half a day, with some artistic tiling.

Photo via The Chirping Frog

4. Ripping up the Carpet


If you live in an older home, you've probably got carpets everywhere, and if you're like many people here, chances are you're quite tired of keeping them clean, fixing them, or even seeing them at all! Getting that crisper, cleaner flooring look isn't as tough as you might think.


Photo via Decor Adventures

5. Updating Wood Flooring


Word on the web is that people are apprehensive to update their dull wooden floors. But there are so many ways to rejuvenate or makeover a blah wooden floor that there's no reason to push it off. Here are a few options:


Photo via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body

6. Recovering Countertops


After everyone has dealt with their cabinets, the next item on the kitchen (or bathroom) makeover list is those dull countertops! Luckily, some countertop updates don't have to be pricey or take up a huge chunk of time, so what is there to be afraid of? You got this!


Photo via Sue P.

7. Putting in a New Kitchen Backsplash


With so many breathtaking backsplash updates on Hometalk, it's no wonder that people are itching to redo theirs, too. But all that ripping down, building up, and tiling seems like quite a headache. Have no fear, these are here to help:


Photo via Urban Acreage

8. Painting Over Tile


Believe it or not, painting tile is just about the same as painting a blank wall. The idea makes a lot of people really nervous, but those who have braved it say it was easy as pie. Here's an idea to give you courage to take on your tiled spaces.



  • She covers her tiles in oil-based paint & the effect it shockingly bright and totally refreshed! Who knew you could get that look without tearing out and replacing the tiles?

Photo via Dans le Lakehouse

9. Adding Open Shelving


This trend has been around for a couple of years now, and people are still loving it from afar. Well, it's time to take the risk and turn your closed and cloistered cabinets into airy open shelves. There are three pretty simple ways to do it!


Photo via My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

10. Installing Barn Doors


Barn doors are everyone's new favorite way to break up the rooms in your home, while simultaneously saving space and instilling some style. It's not a surprise - they're so charming! But, according to the Hometalk community, they're also a little intimidating. Not anymore:



So, do you feel invigorated to take on those daunting tasks? If we missed the project you're too nervous to take on, let us know what it is in the comments! Good luck, Hometalkers - and remember to share your finished projects so we can all celebrate with you!
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  2 questions
  • Carol Carol on Feb 01, 2016
    Painting kitchen cabinets
  • Carol Carol on Feb 01, 2016
    I have wood cabinets I would like to paint, and wanted to know what kind of paint I should use?
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