9 epic DIY fails, and 3 tools for hiring the right pro

We've all had moments of creative inspiration and DIY motivation – usually after watching one of those home improvement shows that wrap up any project in just 30 minutes, and usually followed by the revelation that we've bitten off more than we can chew. Well, here’s your chance to learn from other people’s mistakes, and these are some real doozies. Check out these nine mind-blowing DIY fails, and prepare to be amazed.

#1 Roof fail!
Good use of left-over floor tiles?

According to Peter Khatami, contractor extraordinaire and co-owner of Nostco Construction, the most important element is the qualification and technical knowledge/experience of the contractor. If the contractor is not qualified enough, or does not have the technical know-how to deliver the project, then even the cheapest price can become too costly.

The second criteria is management and service capacity. Even the most technically qualified contractor can come up short when it comes to planning and organizing a project, and delivering on the customer service needs of a client.

Lastly, you want to factor in the nuances between different contracting companies, such as the length and breadth of the warranty, how the contractor responds to change requests, and even how you get along with the people in the company and how open they are with communication.