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Bored Panda

Mantas Kačerauskas

People Were So Proud Of Their DIY Improvements That They Had To Share These 69 Before And After Pics

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Nothing sparks some DIY fire like knowing something needs fixing, while at the same time being broke yourself. Yes, sometimes things can go pear-shaped and end up making it onto the internet's lists of laughing stocks. But you'll never know if you don't try.

DIY isn't always glamorous. It can be messy, chaotic, and might even have you considering quitting mid-project. Those who push through the crooked shelves, questionable paint colors, and collapsing wood, until everything finally comes together are the ones who truly get to experience that unmatched sense of pride. They have every right to brag, and many do, in online communities dedicated to sharing the most brilliant examples of 'Do It Yourself.'

Bored Panda has scoured the 'net to source some truly amazing transformations. From full-on room renovations to garden makeovers, many of these before-and-after pics might inspire you to go ahead and fix that thing yourself.

#1 Converted My Playroom Into A Library

#2 Ripping Up Carpet In Old Houses Is A Lottery I Just Won

Once upon a time, DIY projects and renovations were reserved for the older generations. In particular, the men. For everyone else, calling in a professional was the order of the day.

But things have changed... Nowadays, millennials and Gen Zers are rolling up their sleeves and literally taking matters into their own hands. That's according to research conducted by CRAFTSMAN®, a manufacturer and supplier of tools for DIYers.

For its 2025 Driven to DIY Report, CRAFTSMAN® surveyed 1,000 DIY enthusiasts and homeowners between the ages of 25 and 40. All participants had completed recent renovations or home improvement projects. The results showed that more people are choosing to tackle projects themselves as a primary approach to home improvement.

#3 What Do You Think Of My Octagon Wood Shed?

#4 A Kitchen Cooking Range I Made For Our Toddler With Scrap Ply

#5 6 Days Before And After Entryway

Some are driven by a desire for creative freedom or the pride of hands-on accomplishment, while others turn to DIY due to budget restraints. Either way, they're doing it themselves and not looking back. "Resilient and determined" is how CRAFTSMAN describes today's DIYers.

“They power through the messy middle – whatever obstacles come their way – and get the job done," says Eric Bernstein, President and General Manager, CRAFTSMAN. "That grit doesn’t just lead to a better space; it delivers something even more valuable: a real sense of pride and confidence that stays with them long after the project’s done.”

#6 My $150 DIY Bathroom Makeover

Across the pond, a separate study by the U.K.'s easyfit Garage Doors, found that 3 in 4 homeowners DIY. 67% of new DIYers are female, while about 73% of Millennials are DIYers. An impressive 93% of homeowners were considering taking on another DIY project at the time of the survey, with 43% saying they'd definitely be doing some DIY in the coming months.

In both the United States and Britain, people are increasingly turning to social media to learn new DIY skills. According to the National Association of Realtors, the most-searched home improvement topic in 2024 was "How to build a fire ring." More than 38 million curious and confident netizens viewed such videos on YouTube that year.

#7 My Wife Went To A Work Event For A Few Days, In My Hubris I Thought I Could Build Her A New Studio Before She Got Back

#8 My First Attempt At A Wacky Furniture Piece

#9 Very Happy With Our New Paver Walkway

More than 35 million people viewed videos on how to build a garden shed, over 33 million tuned into how to build a water feature, and around 24 million DIYers wanted to know how to construct a dog house from scratch.

Among the smaller DIY projects people were learning about were how to replace a wall fixing, how to paint walls and how to paint kitchen cabinets. Millions of DIYers also consulted YouTube on how to replace bathroom tiles, replace a toilet, and build a pergola.

#10 Laundry Reno

#11 Stained Glass Transom Window

#12 Nothing Like A Lockdown To Learn How To DIY Something!

But just because they watched the YouTube videos, doesn't mean all these DIYers hit the nail on the head.

"Eighty percent of survey respondents admit they’ve made mistakes during their DIY project; 45% say they’ve 'completely butchered' their project," notes the National Association of Realtors' site.

Meanwhile, the CRAFTSMAN survey found that more than four in 10 projects stall due to overestimating the skills, time and budget needed to complete a project. 38% of those polled said they drastically underestimated how long a project would take, while 35% found themselves unexpectedly taking on additional work once they'd begun.

"When DIYers need assistance throughout the project, most (84%) enlist the help of family and friends," reveals the CRAFTSMAN site.

#13 Just Finished Converting A Storage Room Into A New Bedroom. Had Some Help With The Gib Stopping. But Did Rest Myself

#14 The Darkside To DIY

#15 Bedroom Treehouse

34% of those polled felt that estimating costs is the hardest part of a DIY project. "When trips to the store for another part or tool start stacking up, many homeowners find themselves spending more than anticipated," explains CRAFTSMAN's team.

They advise that you always build in an additional 10-20% of the total project budget to account for unexpected costs.

#16 So Pleased With Our Brand New Kitchen

#17 This Is The Dresser I Recently Refurbished! I'm So Proud Of How It Turned Out

#18 Some Results From Getting My Flooring Done!

While it's been said that a good worker never blames their tools, that's not necessarily correct. According to the experts over at Tuff Home Inspections, a common DIY mistake is using the wrong tools for the job.

"Improvising with your existing tools might seem convenient, but it often leads to poor-quality work," explains the site. "For instance, using a screwdriver to pry something open could damage the tool and the object, while using a saw that’s not designed for cutting the specific material could create uneven cuts."

#19 Upcycled Some Bowling Alley Lanes For Flooring In My Renovation Project!

#20 Door Varnish Before/After

#21 Summer Project Completed (In Autumn). Playhouse For My Daughter

Tuff Home Inspections' team adds that investing in the right tools from the start will inevitably pay off, improve the final result, and make the project easier. "You don’t need to buy every tool; renting from a local hardware store is a cost-effective way to access the specialized equipment you need," say the experts.

They also warn against biting off more than you can chew. While it might seem amazing to renovate your entire house alone, sometimes calling in the professionals is a better option.

#22 I Did A Bathroom Reno By Myself With No Experience

#23 I’ll Make A Great Husband One Day

#24 Renowated 40 Years Old Bathroom Myself =)

"Beginner DIYers should start with projects like painting, building simple furniture, installing shelves, or basic landscaping tasks. These projects will help build confidence and skills without requiring specialized tools or advanced techniques," says the Tuff Home Inspections team. "Once you gain more experience, you can do larger tasks like flooring, tile work, or installing new fixtures."

Regardless of what you plan to tackle, don't forget to take before-and-after pics. And please let us know how it goes, in the comments section below.