7 Mistakes You're Making with Home Repairs in 2026 (and How Your Salt Lake Handyman Can Fix Them)
Let's be honest, we've all been there. You watch a YouTube video, feel confident about that "simple" repair, and before you know it, you're staring at a bigger mess than when you started. As a licensed and insured general contractor serving the Salt Lake Valley, I've seen these same mistakes happen over and over again in homes from Sandy to Herriman, and from Bountiful to West Valley City.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are totally fixable. The even better news? You can avoid them altogether by knowing what to watch out for. Let's dive into the seven most common home repair mistakes I'm seeing in 2026, and how to get them sorted out before they turn into expensive headaches.
Mistake #1: Botched Gutter and Roof Work
This one's huge in Utah, especially with our wild weather swings. Many homeowners think they can "just fix that one loose section" of guttering and end up in an unfortunate situation.
Here's what goes wrong: Gutters need to be angled precisely, roughly a quarter-inch of fall over a typical 10-foot run. Get this wrong, and you'll have standing water that leads to rust, mold, and eventually, water pooling around your foundation. In areas like Sandy and Herriman where we get those sudden spring thaws, improper drainage can mean water damage that costs thousands to fix.
The real problem: DIY gutter work often voids manufacturer warranties. Plus, working on roofs without proper safety equipment? That's just not worth the risk.
How we fix it: A professional handyman measures twice, installs once. We ensure proper angling, secure mounting, and that everything flows toward downspouts like it should. No standing water, no rust, no foundation issues.
Mistake #2: Squeaky, Uneven Floors That Drive You Crazy
Nothing ruins the peaceful vibe of your West Valley City home like floors that creak every time someone walks to the kitchen at night. But here's the thing, squeaky floors often signal bigger problems than just annoying noise.
The mistake: Skipping proper underlayment, not letting flooring materials acclimate, or ignoring uneven subfloors. This often happens when homeowners rush through flooring projects.
What really happens: Those creaks and soft spots aren't just cosmetic. They can indicate structural issues, moisture problems, or improper installation that leads to buckling and gaps when Utah's dry summers hit.
The fix: A good Utah valley handyman starts with the subfloor. We check for level, moisture, and structural integrity before any new flooring goes down. It takes a little extra time upfront, but it saves you from redoing the whole job later.
Mistake #3: Electrical "Quick Fixes" That Aren't Safe
This one keeps me up at night. Electrical work might seem straightforward, just connect wire A to wire B, right? Wrong. So very wrong.
Common mistakes I'm seeing: Loose outlets, overloaded circuits, and junction boxes that aren't properly secured. The scary part is that lights might turn on just fine while dangerous conditions develop behind your walls.
In Salt Lake Valley homes, especially older ones in areas like Bountiful and Sandy, the electrical systems weren't designed for today's power demands. Adding outlets or fixtures without understanding the existing load is a recipe for trouble.
Why it matters: House fires don't give warnings. An overloaded circuit or loose connection can smolder for weeks before becoming dangerous.
The professional approach: We work with individually licensed and insured electricians to make sure the job is done right. They test circuits, check loads, and ensure all connections meet current electrical codes. It's not just about getting the lights to work; it's about keeping your family safe.
Mistake #4: Bathroom and Kitchen Waterproofing Shortcuts
Utah's dry climate tricks people into thinking moisture isn't a big deal. Trust me, it is. Many homeowners in Utah think they can skip proper waterproofing because we live in a desert and they end up with mold and rot.
The shortcuts that backfire: Using caulk instead of proper flashing, skipping waterproof membranes behind tile, or not addressing drainage issues before resealing. These might save a few hours and dollars upfront, but they create perfect conditions for water damage that compounds over months.
What we do differently: Proper waterproofing starts before the tile goes up. We use appropriate membranes, ensure proper drainage slopes, and create barriers that keep water where it belongs. It's the difference between a bathroom that lasts decades and one that needs major repairs in three years.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Drafty Doors and Windows
With heating costs what they are in 2026, air leaks are literally money flying out of your house. This is especially true in Salt Lake Valley, where our temperature swings can be brutal.
The problem: Weatherstripping seems like such a simple fix that many homeowners figure they'll just grab some strips from the hardware store and call it good. But there are different types of weatherstripping for different applications, and improper installation can actually make drafts worse.
Real-world impact: Many homeowners can see energy bill reductions of $30–$50 per month if they properly seal their doors and windows. That adds up over time and will likely end up paying for itself.
The right way: We assess each door and window individually, choose appropriate materials, and install them to actually seal gaps rather than just cover them up.
Mistake #6: "It's Just a Small Leak"
Here's what I hear a lot: "Oh, that drip? It's been like that for months. I keep meaning to fix it."
Friends, please don't ignore small leaks. In Utah's dry climate, it's easy to think a little water isn't a big deal. But that steady drip from your kitchen faucet can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons per year, and even worse, create hidden moisture problems.
The hidden danger: Small leaks often indicate bigger issues: worn seals, loose connections, or aging fixtures that could fail completely. That slow drip today could become a flood tomorrow, especially when you're out of town.
Our approach: We work with individually licensed and insured plumbers who don't just stop the leak: they identify why it started and address the root cause. Sometimes it's a simple washer replacement; other times, it reveals plumbing that needs attention before it becomes a major problem.
Mistake #7: Wobbly Handrails and Stairs
This one's pure safety. Some homeowners' handrails are attached with just a couple of screws into drywall: no blocking, no proper support. That's not going to hold when someone really needs it.
Why this happens: Handrails look simple to install, so people assume they are simple. But proper rail installation requires understanding load requirements, finding solid mounting points, and using appropriate hardware.
The stakes: When someone slips on stairs, they grab that handrail with their full body weight: and then some. If it's not properly secured, you go from a minor stumble to a serious injury.
How we do it right: Proper blocking, appropriate fasteners, and installation that meets safety codes. Your handrail should feel rock-solid when you grab it, not have any give or wiggle.
When to Call Your Salt Lake Handyman
Look, I get it. There's satisfaction in fixing things yourself, and some projects really are perfect for DIY. But here's what I've learned after years of home repair in Salt Lake Valley: the money you save doing it yourself isn't worth much if you have to pay someone to fix it properly later.
Red flags that mean it's time to call a professional:
Any project involving electricity or gas
Water damage or extensive plumbing
Structural changes or repairs
Anything involving permits
Projects where safety is a concern
When you find yourself saying "this is more complicated than I thought"
At Your Handyman Pros, we're not here to make you feel bad about DIY attempts gone wrong: we've all been there! We're here to help you get your home back to safe, comfortable, and functioning properly.
Whether you're in Sandy dealing with a botched bathroom tile job, or in Herriman trying to figure out why your floors won't stop squeaking, we've got the experience and tools to make it right.
The best part? Getting these repairs done properly now prevents bigger problems later. That's more money in your pocket and more peace of mind for your family.
Ready to get your home repair headaches sorted out? Give us a call, and let's talk about how we can help. After all, life's too short to live with squeaky floors and drafty windows: especially when the fix is just a phone call away.
Need help with any of these repairs? Your Handyman Pros serves the entire Salt Lake Valley with honest, reliable home repair services. Licensed (#12888335-5501) and insured for your peace of mind. Let's talk about getting your home repairs done right the first time.
