This was the first time I painted a room: I was young and this was my first real experience with creative control in a home improvement project. I was what you might call a “rookie,” or “green-horn.” Needless to say I lived up to every expectation, or lack thereof. To sum it all up, I rushed it or, to put it in tennis terms, I had a lot of unforced errors.

I failed to properly protect the furniture and carpet. I did not use painter’s tape, which led to a lot of touching up. I did, for the most part, apply the paint correctly but I did not take the overall design of the room into account when choosing a color (or colors, as it were). That led to the worst mistake of all: I just didn’t like it when all was finally said and done.

That was the last time I’d ever do that! Not the last time I’d paint. No, I’ve done plenty of painting since then, but the last time I’d ever fail to take my time, plan ahead, and get as much right on the first try as possible.

My little story may seem rather simple. You’re probably thinking that I was just slightly dumber than the average bear. Indeed, those were foolish and obvious mistakes, but they resonate with me to this day. That ridiculous foray into painting taught me some invaluable lessons. Lessons that influence any remodeling project I set myself to do, whether its painting, framing, flooring or whatever.

Now, I am still a firm believer in learning by doing, but I am also a believer in that famous saying; “Work Smarter Not Harder.” An inclusive, calculated approach to a remodeling project will save time and money, guaranteed. It often seems like time spent thinking and working out a plan is wasted time. But it is this crucial planning that saves immeasurable time and delivers continuity to the remodel. This goes for DIY projects as well as preparing for a large remodel and choosing a painting contractor.

Still, I thank my lucky stars that I was once the worst painter on the planet.

Photo Credit: Jim Moore

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