Top 10 Things Learned From Our Remodel

I learned a lot the week we were on vacation. I will now pass that knowledge on with no cost to you. It is like a free college class. Or, at least like the college classes I took at the former Southeastern Business College.

Top 10 Things Learned From Our Room Remodeling Project

Number 10: Looking up while painting a ceiling is both necessary and detrimental to your glasses... and your eyes when it misses your glasses.

Number 9: If you have a toddler in your house during construction remember this rule: take the time you expect to get done and multiply it by 2. That should give you a properly underestimated time window to work with.

Number 8: Trying to blow dust off of something with a dust mask only gives you a face full of your own hot breath.

Number 7: Continuing on the dust mask theme: Be mindful of what you eat or drink before you wear a dust mask.

Number 6: When given the option of doing something right or doing something quickly, remember this: Sanity is far more important than properly putting up one sliver of dry wall next to the door in your daughter's new room. The door trim covers it anyway. Well, most of it.

Number 5: Remember that you can always cut more off, but you can't add it back on so always measure twice and cut... four times. Then measure again.

Number 4: If at first you don't succeed, try again. If you fail again that's when frustration as well as panic sets in that you won't get done in time. Good luck with that.

Number 3: Expect the unexpected. It may end up being something as simple as finding that there is no insulation in your walls or as extreme as having to replace your entire floor. Oh, and really creepy smiley faces on old walls under paneling. You may not find that too often though.

Number 2: Check, recheck and check again a list of things you'll need so you don't forget anything when you go to the hardware store. Then, once you're home check, recheck and check again a list of things you forgot for your next trip to the hardware store.

Number 1: The top thing to remember: If the job seems too big for you, call someone to do the work for you. Otherwise, move.