I remember as a kid hearing that story about the tortoise and the hare. I never liked that story at all because I always wanted to be the Hare. I still distinctly remember that story upsetting me, even at ten years old.
I wanted to be the Hare. I wanted to be fast! And I wanted to be the winner! So that story just seemed stupid to me, and I bet I wasn’t alone.
But I’m starting to wonder. Maybe there is something to it all….
One thing I know for sure is that the “slow and steady” theory applies to remodeling without a doubt. That’s especially true if you’re doing the work yourself. But it applies to those jobs done by professionals as well.
The most common complaint I used to hear was “why does this take so long?” and that was with ME…the Hare…as the contractor. These folks would have had a conniption fit if they hired Mr. Tortoise.
What’s the hurry?
Don’t rob yourself of the enjoyment of your project by constantly being dissatisfied because you’re in a hurry. It won’t ever be fast enough! Fast enough would be “snap, it’s done.” But that just ain’t gonna happen!
My advice is to love every minute of it! If the contractor you hire is the guy who’s truck breaks down every day for a week, don’t worry about it. Not only will you have extra time to decide what paint color you really want to use, but you’ll have a funny story to tell when everyone starts exchanging contractor stories. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that would you?
Take the time to explain the process to the kids. Let them get engaged in the work, talk to the workers, and learn about what’s happening. This may sound really, super, WAY, crazy…but enjoy the smell of the sawdust.
(I know I’m a nutcase, because that actually brought tears to my eyes!)
For The DIY Crew
If you’re doing the work yourself this is even more true. Remodeling your home can be torture, or it can be pure bliss. I say the biggest tilting point between the two is simple..TIME.
Four good reasons to take it slow:
- It’s cheaper – money is the other misery generator for DIY’ers. But if you’re going slow, then you ‘ve got plenty of time to save-up and time to look for deals. I bought all the wood I needed to build a garden structure at our house (it was a hen house, but it wasn’t an average hen house) for less than $100.00… it would have cost ten times that if I had bought it on-demand. Deals like that can be found if you’re patient.
- It’s more fun – If you’re willing to only get one-fourth of the work done in a day that a “pro” might do, then you can take some time to enjoy it. Put on some good music, grab a cold drink, throw nails at your kids. You know, play!
- You can do a better job – I used to work with a carpenter that I wish I could talk to today. I wonder where he is. He wasn’t fast at all, but man was he good! Every single thing he did came out right and he really enjoyed the work too! (as long as my youthful push for better profits didn’t drive him nuts) By taking his time, he did an excellent job.
- You can learn and teach at the same time – One of the things I hope it’s not too late to do is to spend more time building things with my sons. I’ve been busy working, and when not working, traveling. But we’re getting tired of all the travel and we have a whole house to remodel completely. I want to use that process to teach them my skills. You can’t do that if the goal is to hurry-up and finish.
So I think I’m going to slow down. (or at least try) Maybe I’ll even go slow enough to take some pictures of my own work to show you. Or make a video… can you hear the voice of Ed McMahon? Heeeeeeeeeerrre’s ReeeeeeModeling Guy!
Or not.
Hopefully you haven’t slowed down so much you’re sleeping now! 
Now hurry-up and leave a comment!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
All I can say is Amen!
Our house has been torn up since March 17th. Slowly, but surely I’m getting it there.
Aunt Jo’s last blog post..Happy Earth Day!
I’m starting to paint my kitchen today. This was the perfect!!!!! post for me.
I agree. Our last house was a brand new one. We had everything we wanted to do, done within the first year. There were no projects to be done after.
This house, we are at year 3.5 and still going. I don’t think we even have one room completely finished. We have bits and pieces done here and there. It gets kinda frustrating though.
The only thing we have done completely is the home theater set-ups. Every room in the house has perfectly installed TV’s. It’s my husband’s so he is obsessed.
I just want something finished..
Julie @ Angry Julie Monday’s last blog post..San Clemente Carnival
Ok, Ok….I hear you.
And the slow and steady Tortoise analogy applies to finances as well. Dave Ramsey used the same analogy today.
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s last blog post..Yard sale + $0.75 + spray paint = MAGIC
Jen beat me to it! RG, did you watch Town Hall for Hope too?
And sawdust likely brought tears to your eyes because it was IN your eyes
Taking it slow and steady, one day at a time definitely works for me. I think as a society we expect instant gratification and we forget the satisfaction of patience. Great reminder!
Mrs. Q’s last blog post..Got Hope?
I was just thinking yesterday that the smell of sawdust didn’t stay in my basement long enough & was wondering how long it would stay if I put it in a bowl as potpourri! =0)
Patience is a virtue has been my slogan. Did you ever hear of the Music Machine & a snail called Herbert?
Great post and great wisdom. Best of all, I love how you express your insights in the parenting area. You really enjoy, love, and appreciate your sons, and that is so obvious. Thanks for the reminders.
Great post! I have to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race (my Hubby reminds me too) especially when I get antsy and want to get all of my home improvement/decorating projects done right now. It’s getting hot here and I’m hurrying to get my spray paint projects done so I can do the inside stuff, lol.
June’s last blog post..Lamp Makeover
I’m slowly coming around to the whole slow and steady mentality. I so wanted to be the hare too!!
But you’re right, especially about the financial aspect of it. We’re getting ready to tile our kitchen counters and got a great deal on some tile last year. My only problem?? I have a few doubts now on the tile… (feel free to stop by and give an opinion!!) BUT! Regardless, the tile was a great deal that we got on a closeout, and we have had time since to save up more money for the tools to complete the projects.
Now, if only I can get our customers to think this way too! Yes, a 10′ x 14′ handknotted rug from Nepal is going to take around 9 months to design and make!
Rachel’s last blog post..Friday Inspirations
Excellent advice! Now if I would just TAKE it that would be great. I’m sorta an instant gratification girl so waiting is hard for me. And for the record, your comment about smelling the sawdust brought a tear to MY eye! My dad used to always take me with him to the lumberyard when I was a kid. And the smell of sawdust will always remind me of that sweet time with him. I sure do miss him. He would have loved your site!
Kristi’s last blog post..The Furniture Is Here! The Furniture Is Here!
Ahhh, this is a good but difficult idea. We recently bought (read: rescued) a big OLD house that has not been kept up and needs TONS of work. I get frustrated that we can’t do everything NOW, and that we have to spend money on boring things like the septic system and the roof rather than on fun things like remodeling the bathroom. Sigh. It’s a lifetime project.
Carolyn’s last blog post..The Big Give
Great message, Tim!
Tom and I decided just yesterday that we were going to tackle our backyard remodel ourselves instead of hiring the pros. We can do it, it’s just going to take a while (maybe even all summer) since we’ll really only work on weekends.
Our first project? Building our own pergola over our uncovered patio! Yikes!
Your blog is very impressive and impressive. Before going through your blog i didn’t know many things that you have described in about remodeling home. Your blog is very impressive for those who want to remodel their house.