Title: How picky are you about checking your own reno work?
I get where you're coming from, but I’ll admit I’m probably pickier than most—especially with drywall. I’ve had a few buyers run their hands along the wall and spot stuff I thought was “good enough.” Maybe that’s just me being paranoid after a couple close calls. Quirks are cool, but I’d rather fix something now than have it bite me later. Guess it depends how much sleep you want to lose over a wavy seam...
I get what you mean about buyers noticing stuff you thought was fine. I’ve learned the hard way that what looks “good enough” at 10pm under a work light can look pretty rough in daylight. My rule is to run my hand over every seam and corner, then hit it with a bright flashlight from the side—catches a lot you’d miss otherwise. Curious, do you do your own painting too, or do you bring someone in? I find that’s where the little flaws really show up.
Funny you mention painting—I've tried both ways, and honestly, I usually bring in a pro for the final coats. Even after all the prep, my own brushwork just doesn't cut it under natural light. I think paint is where every tiny imperfection gets magnified, especially on walls that looked perfectly smooth before. Ever notice how even a tiny ridge or sanding miss suddenly pops out once the paint dries? Do you ever go as far as using a raking light before painting, or is that overkill in your book?
I totally get what you mean—paint is so unforgiving. I’ve actually used a raking light a couple times, especially in rooms with old plaster. It’s wild how much stuff you miss otherwise. Feels a bit obsessive, but worth it if you want those walls to look sharp.
I totally relate to that “obsessive” feeling. Using a raking light is next-level, but honestly, it makes such a difference. I’ve done the same thing after thinking I’d patched everything perfectly—then that side light hits and suddenly there’s a whole new world of bumps and weird spots. It’s kind of wild how much you miss with regular lighting.
Feels a bit obsessive, but worth it if you want those walls to look sharp.
I’d say it’s not really obsessive, just detail-oriented. There’s something satisfying about knowing you caught all those little imperfections before the final coat goes on. Do you ever find yourself going back after you thought you were done, just because you spotted one tiny flaw? I swear, sometimes I wonder if I’m ever really finished or just calling it “good enough” for my own sanity.
Curious—do you do this for every room, or only the ones that really matter (like living room vs. closets)? Sometimes I have to remind myself not every wall needs to be museum-grade perfect...