Are you getting frustrated with your DIY house renovation? Follow these 5 tips to stay motivated and get that project done!
It happens so often.
You start your home renovation with gusto. You’re motivated and inspired. And you’re convinced that in just a few short weeks, your room is going to be completely transformed.
But then life happens, and for one reason or another, that renovation falls by the wayside.
Perhaps you finished the big projects and just lost the motivation to do the little boring projects. Or maybe your kids got sick, and you just never recovered from the halt in progress.
I’ve been there with you far too many times to count.
It’s week 4 of the One Room Challenge, and I should be farther along with organizing and re-decorating our linen closet and built-in storage nook.
The excuse I’ve been using is that fall is the busiest time of year for our family. We’ve taken a 6-day trip to Colorado, gone to fall festivals, and trekked all around town for after-school activities and toddler groups since starting this project.
But getting stuck on a project and failing to complete a renovation is one of the worst things to do.
If you’re like me, you end up frustrated that your space doesn’t live up to its potential.
It doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to maintain motivation and get that renovation project done!
5 Tips to Stay Motivated During a Renovation
1. Give Yourself a Reason to Complete Your Project
Does your house look its best when you have people coming over?
For me, throwing a party or having a holiday get-together motivates me to do things that wouldn’t get done otherwise.
It doesn’t matter what the reason is. Schedule a play date, host a Memorial Day barbecue, or holiday open house. Just find a reason to get the project done and commit to it.
(P.S. – The One Room Challenge is also a great external motivator, too!)
2. Develop a Plan
Get specific. Identify each project that is necessary to complete your renovation and write it down.
When another project comes up (and they always do) ask yourself these questions:
- Is it optional? If so, maybe you need to take it off the list.
- Is it required before I can do something else on my list? If the answer is yes, then keep it.
3. Keep Track of Your Progress
Make note of what you’ve done already.
For some, it’s enough to take a ‘before’ picture and look at it during the renovation. Others might find it helpful to compare a ‘before’ picture to their design inspiration.
You can also keep it simple and just list out your progress, like our list here:
4 Weeks In:
Completed:
- Purge the contents of the linen closet
- Paint the linen closet
- Update linen closet shelves
- Install storage behind the closet door
- Dip Dyed Storage Boxes (tutorial coming soon!)
Started but Not Completed
- Beadboard backing for open storage shelves
- Storage containers for the linen closet
- Lighting for both spaces
Projects Not Yet Started
- Purge items in open storage shelving
- Stain/paint wicker baskets for storage
- Find or create large sliding/rolling storage
- Improve the look of the linen closet door
- Final styling of both spaces
4. Reprioritize
Sometimes the plans we put together aren’t always realistic with the realities of renovation. It’s important to remember the overall goal and stay flexible.
Every once in a while, take a look at your to-do list and double check that your projects are ordered in priority.
Get rid of ‘wish list’ projects that don’t fit the budget or timeframe. Reorganize that list if you need to, making sure that everything makes sense for your project and your lifestyle.
5. Take a Break
Sometimes working on a project can take over too much of your time and energy. If you’re not careful, that can lead to serious burnout.
Developing a plan and a task list can help, but sometimes you just need to step away for a day or two.
I took that advice this weekend. Our family went to the zoo for a festival and just enjoyed spending time together. No renovation or blog talk allowed. I also took some time to read a library book and just enjoy some pear and quiet.
That little break made a huge difference. I now feel recharged with a clear mind, and plenty of motivation.
So, you may not need to take a long break. Give yourself an afternoon, a day, or even a weekend. But don’t let that weekend become a week or a month.
See the Entire Renovation:
Now it’s your turn…
Take some time today to finish at least one project you started some time ago. Even if it’s just something small.
You’ll remember how good it feels to get things done. Then, make your plan and set a deadline. Before you know it, your room will finally be transformed into a space you love.
Have you ever stopped a renovation before it was finished?
How do you stay motivated during a renovation?
I want to extend many thanks to the readers who have enjoyed renovation and home DIY posts over the years. Unfortunately, in January 2018 I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and had to stop doing home renovation posts due to treatment.
Since that time, my focus has been on making this website an amazing resource for the everyday mom’s parties. Due to their popularity, the DIY posts and tutorials will remain on the website, but comments are now closed. Thank you again and I wish you the best in your DIY endeavors!
Janine Huldie says
Definitely need help with this as sometimes I have a tendency to start home projects here and then not follow through. So, thank you for the tips and going to have to try a few of them the next time I do home renovations here now! 🙂
The Rambler says
I believe I’ve told you I need you in my life. Haha. Great tips =) #hapynowlinkup
Holly from klinwin.com says
I totally relate to this. We are still in the middle of a repainting project! We have half of the vaulted ceiling entryway painted (the walls go up to the ceiling) and now we need to continue the same color into the upstairs hallway which is visible from the entryway. We’ve had the paint for about 3 weeks now and that hallway is still.not.painted. Ugh! It will only take an afternoon but somehow there is never enough time to do it! I need to write down a reason why it needs to get done by a certain time and that will probably help. Thanks for sharing your projects.
Lisa says
I’ve never done a renovation. I’ve redecorated and I have to confess to finding that a bit hard going. Well done’ for taking on the challenge of renovation. I can’t wait to see photos of the finished project #happynowlinkup x
Nellie says
this is the exact reason why I’m even afraid to start! haha I wish I had your patience (and skill!)
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Leslie, great tips! It always helps me to write out a detailed plan. #MMBH
Michele Morin says
Great thoughts! Tearing a house apart and putting it back together again is a rough season!
Sue says
Hi Leslie, great tips here. We are 18 months into a major renovation of the back half of our house. I think what’s stalled us now is that it’s become “liveable” but still not yet finished. That seems to be the main stumbling block for us with most things, that stage when it’s “almost finished” and you can actually get away with not putting the final touches in place. We still have a lot to do, but I suspect it may take a while at this rate!
JOHN MULINDI says
Very practical motivational tips. Visiting from Being Awordsmith traffic jam Party. Thanks
Jann Olson says
Great tips! We have never had to do huge renovations, just small ones. The biggest would be new wooden floors in a large area. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Connie says
Thanks for this, I also need a motivation to finish when I know I need to get something done I will plan a dinner or party at my house so I have to get it done lol. Thanks for all the tips I need to start getting things finished as soon as I start them. Thanks for sharing at the “Bloggers Pit Stop”
Connie