DIY projects are such a fun way to personalize your space. But while some projects are easy for anyone to tackle, others leave homeowners scratching their heads in frustration. If you want to spruce up your space but aren’t sure which projects are actually doable, we’ve rounded up the top DIY projects that are harder than they look. Take a look.

1. Painting Like a Pro

Painting a room or even your entire home can seem like a straightforward project, but actually getting the results you desire isn’t always that easy. Factors like picking out the right paint color, prepping your surfaces, and learning important paint techniques make DIY painting much harder without professional help.

2. Installing Shelving and Storage

Adding extra storage space is a popular DIY project for homeowners who want to declutter and organize their living spaces. Projects like installing floating shelves, building custom cabinets, or creating a functional closet system require proper planning and execution to make it work.

3. Tiling Floors and Backsplashes

Tiling can work wonders if you’re trying to change a room’s aesthetic, but unfortunately, it’s one of the more tricky DIY projects to tackle. From choosing the right tiles and adhesive to cutting and grouting, a lot can go wrong when adding tiles to your flooring or backsplash. But the good news is that if you can get your technique down with the proper tools, you can get professional, Instagrammable results without overexerting yourself.

4. Replacing Fixtures and Fittings

If you need to revamp your home, swapping out any old and outdated fixtures is a super quick and easy way to do it. You can start by updating your light fixtures, replacing cabinet hardware, or installing a new faucet. These are common, small changes that can really make a big difference.

Pro Tip: When switching out your fixtures, it’s always a good idea to follow manufacturer instructions and safety precautions to avoid dangerous mishaps.

5. Outdoor Landscaping and Gardening

If you like to spend time in your yard, redecorating your outdoor space can be a fun little project. But even though spending time outside is therapeutic, working on your yard can actually be frustrating.

Yardwork, such as planting a garden or building a deck or patio, requires a lot of planning and maintenance. So, if you plan to update your outdoor space, remember to plan for factors like climate, soil conditions, and maintenance requirements before getting started.

6. Repairing Drywall and Patching Holes

One of the most common problems homeowners encounter at home is drywall damage. This can be anything from a teeny, tiny hole caused by a misplaced nail to a larger crack from settling.

Luckily, whatever it is, learning how to patch and repair drywall is a valuable skill. And if you have the proper tools and technique, you can turn your walls around in no time.

7. Building Furniture and Home Decor

Building your own furniture and home decor from scratch was always a thing, but social media made it a lot more popular. Now, anyone can do it.

You can find hundreds of thousands of projects that aren’t just cost-effective but also let you customize pieces to suit your style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced DIYer, the key is to tap into your creative side to get professional-looking results.

8. Electrical and Plumbing Repairs

While most major electrical and plumbing repairs are best left to the professionals, there are still plenty of smaller tasks that homeowners can do themselves.

As long as you keep safety at the forefront, you can do everything from replacing light switches to fixing leaky faucets and toilets. Learning these basic repair skills can save you time and money in the long run.