Proceed with caution: Beware of TikTok DIY hacks that could wreck your home

INTERIOR design fans can't get enough of TikTok, it seems, where a host of influencers share their sometimes surprising tips, tricks and DIY hacks. However, according to an expert with more than 20 years' experience, many of these tips should be avoided. Not only are they ineffective, but they could also damage your home.

Is TikTok a good source of DIY and home makeover tips? To find out, Confused.com conducted an investigation.

The insurance comparison platform challenged Peter Hodgins a carpenter and joiner with more than 20 years of experience in the industry to analyze and rank the various DIY hacks that are popular on the social network, according to how likely they are to damage your home or cause injury.

The result is that nearly 40% of TikTok DIY hacks were rated as terrible or bad because of a poor finish or safety issues.

"Not all insurance policies cover botched DIY jobs, so it's important to check with your insurer before carrying out a bigger or riskier project," warns insurance specialist Confused.com, which already foresees some major DIY disasters. Indeed, certain hacks, which are harmful in the long term, are being used massively.

Some of the most popular DIY trends on TikTok that are not recommended include stick-on tiles.

DIY expert Peter says that under the effect of heat, the adhesives can fail and cause accidents.

People looking to create a tile effect in their home can also consider using floor stencils another DIY trend popular on TikTok.

Except, here too, the technique was singled out by the study for its poor finish especially when used on bathroom floors.

Stay away from socks!

Other trends that should be avoided and which definitely aren't professionally recommended include painting sinks. If you're tempted to give your sink a makeover with a lick of paint forget it.

You could damage the fixture forever and be forced to replace it.

And, when it comes to painting, Peter Hodgins also warns against the temptation to paint with a spare sock, that is, the supposedly ingenious idea of using socks to reach those tricky corners.

"The finish would be terrible, so you would likely spend more time repainting and fixing up in the long run," he warns. Ditto for using a floor brush to repaint a deck: it's completely counterproductive.

But rest assured-- not every trend was deemed a disaster by the DIY expert.

Some even found favor in his eyes, such as building floating shelves and removing wallpaper by soaking and scraping, both of which scored highest in terms of ease and finish.

Other TikTok tricks that have received the seal of approval from professionals include stick-on headboards, bookcase kitchen islands and wood paneling.