When it comes to home improvement, many of us take pride in rolling up our sleeves and tackling projects ourselves. But sometimes, even the simplest tasks can hide mistakes that go unnoticed for years.
That’s exactly what happened to Kit, a Sydney homeowner, who recently discovered a small yet amusing oversight in her bathroom.
A Surprising Shower Realization
Kit was taking a shower, lost in thought about future DIY projects, when something caught her eye. She noticed the hose connection where the water inlet met the wall—and it was pointing upward.
“I had this moment where I thought, ‘Why is that connection going up? It seems like it should be facing down,’” she recalled with a laugh.
It turns out that the shower head, which she had bought on budget from Bunnings nearly eight years ago, had been installed upside down. And despite using it daily for almost a decade, Kit had never noticed until that very moment.
“I installed it not long after we moved in—maybe within the first few weeks,” she explained. “I followed a YouTube tutorial at the time, so I thought I was doing it right!”
The Bigger Picture: DIY Isn’t Always Foolproof
Kit’s story is lighthearted, but it highlights a broader trend. With the rise of short-form content on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, more Australians are inspired to take on their own renovations. While many projects succeed, others don’t go quite as planned.
According to data from Service.com.au, emergency calls related to DIY projects increased by 18% in 2025. The company’s CEO, Dan Kerr, explained that while it’s encouraging to see more people motivated to improve their homes, there’s also a downside.
“There’s a real sense of accomplishment in doing things yourself,” Kerr said. “But we’re also seeing a surge in urgent repair calls when homeowners suddenly realize they’re in over their heads.”
The DIY Boom in Australia
Australia’s renovation market is thriving, fueled by shifting housing trends. A KPMG report released in late 2024 revealed that renovation spending made up 40% of total residential construction expenditure in 2023–24. This surge is partly due to fewer new home builds and partly to younger homeowners choosing to upgrade and personalize older properties.
Social media has amplified this trend, creating a mix of inspiration and cautionary tales. Many homeowners now document both the triumphs and struggles of their projects.
Take Melbourne couple Indigo and Amber, for example. In a TikTok video, they shared the shocking discovery beneath their fixer-upper’s floorboards: rotting bearers that had been sitting directly on damp soil, quietly deteriorating over time. Their honesty struck a chord with thousands of viewers who know the unpredictable nature of DIY.
A Harmless Mistake—For Now
As for Kit, she hasn’t decided whether she’ll fix her upside-down shower connection. For her, it’s a harmless quirk rather than an urgent issue.
“Maybe one day I’ll correct it,” she admitted. “But honestly, it’s not high on the list right now.”
Her story is a reminder that while DIY can be rewarding, it’s important to double-check instructions—and perhaps know when it’s best to call in a professional.
👉 Takeaway for Homeowners: DIY can save money and give you a sense of achievement, but mistakes (big or small) can happen to anyone. If you’re planning a project, make sure you’re well-prepared—or ready to call in a tradie when needed.
