I totally get where you’re coming from—sometimes I wonder if I’m just making more work for myself chasing down every tiny imperfection. But then again, doesn’t it kind of bug you knowing there’s a squeak or a loose board hiding under your feet? I always ask myself, is it worth the hassle or am I just being obsessive? Maybe it’s about finding that line between charm and annoyance… but honestly, once I know something’s off, it’s hard to let it go. Ever found that fixing one thing just leads you down a rabbit hole of “just one more tweak”?
Title: How picky are you about checking your own reno work?
That rabbit hole is real. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. Last year I started with a single loose stair tread and ended up pulling up half the staircase, just because I couldn’t un-hear that one creak. It’s like once you know it’s there, your brain zeroes in on it every time you walk by.
Here’s how I try to keep myself from going overboard: I make a list of what’s actually broken or could get worse if ignored (like a loose board that might become a trip hazard), and what’s just a cosmetic quirk. If it’s safety or long-term damage, I fix it. If it’s just a little squeak or a slightly uneven molding, sometimes I let it slide—especially if it adds to the house’s character. Old homes have their own personalities, and honestly, a little imperfection can be part of the charm.
But yeah, I get the urge to chase perfection. My trick is to set a timer or a budget for each project. Once I hit the limit, I call it done, even if it’s not flawless. Otherwise, I’d never finish anything. There’s always “just one more thing” in these old places.
Funny thing—my partner barely notices half the stuff that drives me nuts. Sometimes I’ll point out a fix and get a blank stare in return. Makes me wonder if I’m the only one obsessing over it. Maybe it’s just part of owning an old house: learning when to care and when to let it go.
I get what you mean about the rabbit hole. I’ve definitely found myself patching a bit of drywall, then suddenly I’m repainting the whole room because the color “looked off” in one corner. For me, it’s a balance between resale value and not losing my mind over tiny stuff. If it’s something buyers will notice or that could come up in an inspection, I’m all over it. But those little quirks? Sometimes I just shrug and move on—otherwise, I’d never get another property finished. Funny how what bugs us is invisible to most people...
Funny how what bugs us is invisible to most people...
That’s honestly the hardest part for me—deciding when to call it “good enough.” I used to obsess over every little seam or nick, but after a few projects, I realized most buyers (or even guests) don’t notice unless it’s something major. I do wonder, though, where folks draw the line. Do you have a rule of thumb for what’s worth fixing, or is it just gut feeling each time? Sometimes I think I’m too practical, but my wallet thanks me later.
I used to obsess over every little seam or nick, but after a few projects, I realized most buyers (or even guests) don’t notice unless it’s something major.
Totally get this. I used to lose sleep over tiny paint drips or a slightly uneven tile, but honestly, most people never see it. My “rule” is if you can spot it from six feet away, it’s worth fixing. Anything you need to squint at? Probably not worth the headache (unless it’s in a spot that’ll bug me every time I walk by).
There’s always that one client who’ll notice the tiniest thing, though... had a guy once who measured the gap under every door with a ruler. That was a long week. But yeah, I think you nailed it—sometimes you just have to trust your gut and move on. Otherwise, you’ll never finish anything.
