10 Things I Learned About Life Doing Renovations

When starting renovations on our house, I knew I would be learning some new life skills like how to use a hammer, hang a door, and install tile flooring. What I didn’t realize is that there are so many other things to learn about yourself and life in general when doing renovations.

This house is a classroom. Check out some of the things I’ve learned that I’m passing on to you:

1} It’s okay to ask for help.

In fact, I deem it necessary. Especially on your first DIY job including power tools such as jigsaws, nail guns, and air compressors. I’m so very grateful my dad was able to help us with the project. It would have taken us much, much longer to finish. It wouldn’t look as good as it does, either, without professional help! And if your doing anything beyond cosmetic to the building, hiring a professional is required! ‘Tis the law, peeps.

This is true in life, also. Don’t be afraid to ask someone with more experience on something you know little about. It makes things easier, faster, better, and you will learn how to do something the right way. This is a great way to build relationships, too. I’m sure there’s someone in your family or circle of friends who knows how to: put a bike together, has a power drill, knows Photoshop, or can build a computer. Find them. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Compensate their time with food + beer.

2} Plan for extra time.

Everything takes more time than you think it does. Especially in the construction world. Especially when renovating an old house. You just never know what’s under that linoleum or bathtub. Plan for twice as much time as you think it will take, and if you finish ahead of schedule then you have that extra time to celebrate!

In everyday life, it will probably take you more time to study for that test, run that 5K, get to work during rush-hour, or learn how to make a new dish. Instead of leaving for work with just enough time, plan for a little extra. This will cut your stress significantly, and you can relax on your commute with an audiobook or some tunes. Then you can enjoy your morning!

3} You can do more than you think you can.

Installing tile always seemed daunting to me. So did using a miter saw. Now I can do both, and I feel pretty awesome about that!

Don’t underestimate your potential. You really can do it. Find out how much by trying something new, finally training for that 10k, or taking a class.

4} The details matter.

Even if you think that splash of paint on the ceiling isn’t a big deal, every night when you to sleep you will see that paint on your bedroom ceiling. It WILL bother you. And others WILL notice. Patch it up, use painter’s tape next time, and care about the details.

In life, it’s all in the details. Little things go a long way in life! Remember to say thank you when someone goes out of their way for you. Compliment someone everyday. Smile.

5} Take pride in your work.

“Watch what you are doing.” This was my favorite bit of advice from my dad while we were painting. The walls and trim could look like a mess if we were not watching the paint roller.

Watch what you are doing and care about it. Pretty awesome advice for life, too.

6} Plan ahead.

When we took the old tub out to replace the next day, we didn’t plan for it to be on the day before my job interview. Washcloth bath, anyone?

Yeah, be sure to plan for these things in life, too. Don’t go to a late night concert and expect to be thinking sharp the next day for that meeting or test. Prioritize, and plan around the most important things.

7} Have confidence in yourself.

Be prepared for critiques and negative comments if you are going bold with a wall color choice. Be confident in your choice and stand up for your decision!

On that same note, in life, confidence can get you far. Know what you’re good at and it will come easy. Stand up straight, look them straight in the eyes (not too much, don’t want to freak them out), and speak up. You can do it, see lesson #3 above.

8} Don’t take for granted what you have.

Oh, modern amenities, how I have missed thee the past 12 days. Consider these things: toilet, bathroom sink, bathtub, clean bed, warm water, stove-top, refrigerator. What would you do without them? How many people in the world live without these things everyday, and we don’t even think about how conveniently simple these things are.

Be grateful for what you have. Think about what you need verses what you want.

9} Have integrity.

We spent so much time making sure corners were painted perfectly, tiles lined up behind the toilet, and nails were in their proper places. No one will see these spots, but I will know they’re correct. After all, the definition of character is what you do when no one’s looking.

Keep it real when people are looking, and when they’re not. Much of the dirty parts of life come out eventually, so what skeletons do you have hiding in your closet?

10} Sometimes trim is necessary.

As an (unemployed intern) architect, I despise trim. Usually. It covers up shotty jobs and looks cheap. If the job was done right, trim would not be necessary, and eliminate that extra bit of clutter in your home. BUT, on a renovation, things simply don’t line up anymore. This house is almost 100 years old!

It’s this way in life, too. Sometimes you need that extra bit of concealer to hide that late night. That extra espresso shot may be needed, too.

To Learning New Things,

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If you would like to see more home renovation pics, I plan on posting a follow-up post to share some “After” pics. You can also see progress on Flickr.

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