Measure twice, cut once. 

There is value in being prepared. It demonstrates that you actually give a crap about the task, the day, and the customer. Taking the time to do the prep work reduces mistakes, builds confidence and sets one up for success. 

From lists to sticky notes, basic outlines to intricate design sketches, the devil isn't just in the details, it’s the plan you formulate to ensure those details are accurate. 

For the last few months my house has resembled a construction zone that was managed by circus monkeys. It all started with an innocent comment from me to my husband, “Hey! I wonder how open the kitchen would look if we took out this cabinet?”. The thought turned into action after much debate, however the debate lacked planning. There was a hole in the floor, the removal left an awkward walkway that now had to be removed, electrical had to be relocated but the HVAC was in the way causing yet another unplanned obstacle. 

In the midst of this, I quickly grew bored of being a spectator and took a hammer to the drywall surrounding the stairs that acted as the railings. 

The difference was that I had a plan. Granted it was a weak plan, a plan that consisted of bad drawings, DIY internet videos, and misunderstandings. The plan did not include the need for a larger band aid budget due to the enormous amount of splinters, sliced fingers, and a few misshot nails.  

I am learning many things during this project. The first and most important being that had we gone in with a solid plan, including correct measurements, an actual understanding of angles, a materials list, and an order of operations we would have wasted a lot less wood and be significantly closer to done. I also learned that while I tend to overthink things, I do not over plan them when my excitement level is that of a kid in a candy store. It quickly became apparent that my husband, however a saint that has more patience than I could ever dream of, can not read my mind while I’m elbow deep in creative mode. 

Taking minutes to prepare before a task, a big job, or even a conversation can save you hours, dollars and many headaches (and arguments). 

Designing Your Fool Proof Plan: 

Define Success: Do you expect to fully complete the task without delay, or is the goal simply to just make it through demo? Not all jobs can be done with a single road map. Breaking the larger idea into more bite size pieces can make the planning and executing seem less daunting. Creating smaller goals to achieve the final product, there is greater chance that you will achieve full completion before moving on, rather than staring at unfinished drywall patches, missing baseboards, and the scattering of random tools. 

Gather Your Tools: Know what you need to complete the job. Acquire all essential material and specialty tools and have them organized and accessible. You will save time by not having to search piles of debris for the right bit, or dash to the hardware store for the fourth time in a week to “just one more” piece of lumber. Efficiency and productivity will sky rocket when all your duct (tape) are in a row. 

Have a Back Up Plan: You have made your plan, gathered all your equipment. You feel confident that you are going to breeze through the job. And then, you find hidden electrical, a concealed issue that can’t be ignored, or a header beam that is doing more sagging than supporting. You can’t necessarily plan a backup but you have to be ready to pivot, accept what you have been faced with and be willing to either tackle that task or bring in a helping hand.

Success for me now looks more like not stepping on a random nail, or having drywall dust in my coffee. The rest of the work will get done now that I have a loose weekend agenda (the next 17 weekends that is) on the books with the goal to be completely finished by Spring so the next project can commence. The half finished garden fencing needs its seedlings.

Off to the drawing board! (With proper measurements this time so he only has to cut once).