After all, so many of us want to renovate our homes and need to be talked out of it or encouraged to procrastinate a bit longer.
Trevor Lahey – aka @greaseball1987 on Instagram – is helping people get a laugh out of home repairs gone awry. And he’s kind enough to add funny captions to his posts as if he’s the one who did the mangled work. He’s so popular that he even has his own merch!
Here are 35 of our favorite home disaster posts:
1. #chargingstation
“I don’t know about you but I have spent hours looking at dank memes on the shitter only to have my battery die! That is why I have decided to add outlets on all my toilets for charging purposes so I can keep the party going!”
2. #leakproof
“New sink install, unlike most contractors I stand by my 2 year no leak guarantee!”
3. #vented
“I pride myself in leak free installations! When installing shingles, I feel cutting a big hole is not only time consuming, but it is also a haven for leaks. This way when you install the vent, you have a guaranteed leak proof seal! I don’t know why more contractors don’t do this, but this is just one of the many things that separate me from the rest!”
4. #shinglestyle
“After failing the regions safety inspection my livelihood was put in serious jeopardy! One too many rust holes in ol’ gerty here. I decided to give her a full makeover to not only look fresh, but also comply with the atrocious rules laid out by the region. I opted for the lifetime shingles because I don’t want to go through this again in 15 years!”
5. #employeeappreciation
“As an employer, I offer my guys free water as a perk of employment. Turns out water is expensive, and it was really cutting into my profits. I found a way to keep the boys happy, and keep my profits high! As long as they see the plastic container; they’re none the wiser!”
6. #problemsolver
“This shed had a hole in the back corner, and was taking in water! I decided to add a dormer. This not only solves the water issues, but it adds tons of natural light. Added aesthetics is just a bonus!”
7. #caulksmith
“Quick tile repair! I had to tie my tight bead into the existing one (did that one years ago) After some overshot the colour should blend nicely! I’m on my feet all day, so the fact I had a seat to use while doing this job was a huge bonus!”
8. #treehouse
“My son wanted me to build him a tree house but I’m afraid of heights! So, I cut down these trees, smothered the tops with root stabilizer and built on top. Should be ready just in time for his 30th birthday!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvyq9HaF_Xn/
9. #codecompliant
“Code around these parts states 12 outlets per circuit max, end of discussion! I needed to add a 13th outlet, but I plugged one of the holes to remain code compliant! Very Nice!”
10. #keepcraftalive
“Generally speaking toilets are poorly designed, way too many twists and and turns. I like to elevate the shitter as much as possible so when you’re dropping bombs it’s a straight drop to the city! Feeling like a Gargoyle up on your perch is just a bonus!”
11. #brushedfinish
“I am always looking for more effective methods to lay down them tight beads; it just so happens my back is sore from constantly bending over to tool the caulk! I figured I’d tool with a broom to alleviate some of the pain! Not only is my back feeling better but the job turned out great!”
12. #customcabinets
“I always go the extra mile to avoid future call backs, not that I’d answer them anyway. Here i added a blob of adhesive into the mortise and let it ooze out after the hinge was applied. The more surface area the glue reached the stronger the connection! ”
13. #energysaving
“Keep those pesky drafts at bay with a tight bead of caulk! Think of the energy savings! The more money in my customers pocket means more billable hours on my invoice 🤷🏼♂️”
14. #installer
“I know a lot of guys need to use fancy door jigs to drill out a handle but I’ve been doing it freehand for years and it hasn’t failed me yet!”
15. #trimwork
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR6DJAuFH4A/
16. #washingmachine
“If you drain your washing machine into your sump pit you won’t have to wash your grass in the spring. And let me tell you there is nothing worse than bringing out the ol’ Pail and ringer and giving your grass a good mopping!”
17. #trimcarpenter
“The customers dog chewed up this corner of the trim! He’s such a little bugger! Anyhow she was in a panic that she had to replace her mouldings but ol’ grease knows best. I hit that corner with my secret formula and she is good as new. Obviously I charged her for new mouldings but she is none the wiser!”
18. #rightangledrill
“I never truly understood the need for a right angle drill; I always just bend my bit and use a regular drill…. I avoid specialty tools at all costs! When you save big on tools and materials you have the option to pass those savings onto the customer; I have yet to exercise that option, but it is available!”
19. #bathroomremodel
“I started removing this tub surround so I could prep for tile and my oh my it was my lucky day. There was already tile installed. After a quick tidy up I’ll be submitting my bill and then onto the next one!”
20. #energyaudit
“After my customers energy audit she had me seal up this window nice and tight. This way she gets the rebate, its energy efficient and she saves a ton from not replacing the window. Anyone could have done this job but knowing to add this chunk of wood is a classic example of going above and beyond! Take care of your customers and they will take care of you!”
21. #sparky
“Client safety is number 1; that is why I always complete the electrical prior to drywall. The first step is to break off those useless tabs that come on the box so you can mount it a good 3/4” back! I’m not sure why they put those on to begin with…🤔Must have something to do with the manufacturing process. After I cut out for the drywall it is virtually impossible to remove the cover plate. Keeping my customers safe and preventing unexpected accidents! ”
22. #plumbing
“Free standing tubs can be a little awkward and extremely expensive! In order to cut on costs I always walk past the Free standing tub section and head right to the sink faucets! You’ll be amazed how much more selection you get! They will probably tell you they aren’t compatible but these humans work on commission; I assure you they’re compatible and it is a way cleaner finish!”
23. #crownmolding
“Crown moulding can be a very intimidating task! I personally never found it difficult but I am a highly skilled tradeshuman! I like to set all my corners first and then fill in the straights after! Doing it this way gives you accurate measurements for flawless work! Don’t say I never gave you anything!”
24. #watertight
“I always lubricate my threads with some Alex plus clear! This makes the joints thread super easy and helps promote a good seal! The seal becomes water tight when you smother it in caulk after it’s fully assemble. This trap assembly is impenetrable!”
25. #installer
“Window props can be hard to come by! That’s why I manufacture custom props for my customers to any length they need. Using only the highest quality material available it really shows in the final product.”
26. #deckingspecialist
“When given full design control it is rare that I disappoint. This deck was no match for me, my mitrebox and a can of foam! The holding power of great stuff in phenomenal plus it is a perfect colour match to the PT.”
27. #hardwoodfloors
“There is truly nothing more satisfying than a rock solid floor patch. Just grease her up and she slides right in like it was always there! Remember folks the tight bead of caulk is just the icing on a cake that’s been well baked!”
28. #ceilingfan
“Just got this ceiling fan installed. This is the next best thing to having an air conditioner! 2 speed settings with option to exhaust!i had to cut a big hole in order to properly use the exhaust setting. I am thrilled with the result!”
29. #drywallpro
“When doing drywall it is extremely important to feather out your seams, screws, and repairs. I know this can be intimidating because it can take months but if you’re going to put your name on the product you should do it right!”
30. #airconditioner
“When installing a new condenser unit you should always keep it off the ground to avoid damage! as with all my jobs I decided to go above and beyond and install this one 6′ off the ground! A quick tip for when you try this at home! A good base is key!”
31. #electricity
“When installing electrical I always try and run it in the same span as the plumbing. This saves me a ton of time when doing roughins and water doesn’t conduct electricity so it’s completely safe!”
32. #screenrepair
“Re-screening can be costly! But those pesky mosquitos will find their way in! Here is a quick tip how to repair the existing screen with common household items; in turn saving you a fortune!”
33. #naturallight
“I am finishing up this kitchen renovation. These big projects sure take their toll on you, but when the finished product is this great; it is so worth it! I decided to maximize cabinet space while maintaining the natural light. I am thrilled with the outcome!”
34. #skillstopaythebills
“I don’t do a whole lot of painting mostly because the trade is so beneath me. I just painted this hallway free hand / no tape. Like I said it’s beneath me! They’re still getting charged my full rate!”
35. #woodworking
“I always did struggle with outside corners on my mitrebox! It was why I became the #caulksmith in the first place! I think I have come up with an incredible solution on how to avoid such tricky cuts though!”
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