Top Ten Remodeling Tips

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman. (I'm so thrilled I can talk about it in the past tense). We haunted architectural salvage houses for just the right windows, bid on eBay for period-correct light fixtures, spent an entire afternoon driving all over L.A. for a screw that they stopped making in the thirties and generally worked to the point of insanity. Tiptoed up to the line but never crossed it.

So here, ripped from the headlines so to speak, are my Top Ten Tips for Remodeling. Read 'em and weep.

1. There is a solution to every situation. But it's not necessarily yours. You go where the solution is - it doesn't come to you.

2. There is no medicine for whatever ails you quite like hard, exhausting, purposeful work.

3. Chew your own food. Don't make your problems other peoples. They've got their own.

4. I'm not psychic. Maybe you are. Guesstimates of time and money are just that. Reality has a way of intruding. When in doubt - go with Reality. (I don't know when I'm going to die either).

5. Pain fades with time. Remodeling is like giving birth. When you're in the middle of delivery you swear you'll never do it again. But then the kid turns out to be a looker, a few years go by.....Yadda yadda yadda - you're in escrow.

6. There are no problems - only opportunities for creativity, action and collaboration.

7. You're born alone, you die alone - you don't have to win alone. Everyone can win. Some win more than others but there's enough in the pot to spread around. If you squeeze a vendor to bid a job so low that they can't make money, harbor resentment and cut corners - you both lose.

8. Nobody owes you anything. If they help you it's because they're generous people. Acknowledge them.

9. Everything comes to an end. And then it starts up again.

10. Remodeling really is like Improv. You show up without a script. You have no idea what's going to happen next ( except you can be sure that whatever you think it'll be - you're wrong). You're dependent on others for their performances. So help them shine. You make it work by paying attention to everything and dealing with whatever Reality presents to you. Do the best you can with the resources you have and don't forget to enjoy the ride.

11. Okay, I lied. There are more than Ten Tips to Remodeling. There are actually thousands. This last one, though, is the most important. Don't forget to put yourself on your own Punch List. No pressure of work or money is reason enough not to eat right,sleep enough, monitor your health and appreciate your family.

Mary Rosendale is a Certified Life Coach, Author, Speaker and serial remodeler. Visit her on the web at http://www.TheConstructedLife.com and sign up for her one-of-a-kind newsletter.

---

Top Ten Air Purifier Questions

1. Do I really need an air purifier in my... Read More

Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years... Read More

Types Of Bedsteads

Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection... Read More

Which Water Purification Systems Are Best? - A Comparison of the Three Most Common Technologies

Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not... Read More

Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition

I had a customer call me to make a complaint... Read More

Checking for Asbestos in Your Home

If you are concerned about asbestos exposure you are not... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen

A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm... Read More

Strongly Scented Candles: Use your mouth, nose and eyes to tell

Triple scented, heavily scented, strongly scented - these are all... Read More

The Art of Power Washing Siding

Some of the most common mistakes to avoid made by... Read More

Choosing Your Builder: Cheapest Quote Wins?

You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More

Rising Damp

It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a... Read More

Building a Garage Addition to Your Home

One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More

Planning Permision Tips UK - 6 Common Design Mistakes When Extending a Residential Property

Don't you just love the design of some of these... Read More

How to Select Exterior Shutters

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add... Read More

Brighten Up Your Patio With Sun Catchers

Sun catchers add sparkle and beauty to any room in... Read More

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

Mistakes?

MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More

Laminate Flooring - Cleaning & Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of laminate floors is that... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!

Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes

Probably the most common type of residential extension is the... Read More

How to Use Do-It-Yourself Toxic Mold Test Kits

VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers, business owners,... Read More

The Benifits of Home Ventilation

The purpose of a home ventilation system is to maintain... Read More

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More

How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro

Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A... Read More

Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More

Seven Essential Color Concepts for Designing Spaces

Understanding a few essential color concepts will help you design... Read More

The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams

A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools... Read More

Buying the Right Garage Door Opener

If you have recently built a new garage you might... Read More

Patios: The New Trend in Home Remodels

In years past a patio was sort of a throw... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting - Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More