Mixing it up really does help. When we remodeled our kitchen, the contractor sent us these quick phone videos showing what had changed each week. I thought it was great—my partner, not so much. She’d rather have a list in her inbox to check off. I guess not everyone’s a “visual learner.” We ended up doing both: short videos for the big stuff, and a weekly call to hash out details. It wasn’t perfect, but at least we didn’t miss anything major... except that one time with the backsplash color, but that’s another story.
Honestly, I’m with your partner on this one—give me a checklist any day over a video. I get that visuals help, but I just want to know what’s done and what’s next, especially when I’m trying to keep an eye on costs. We tried using a shared Google Doc for our bathroom reno, and it kept things pretty clear (except when my spouse forgot to update it... but that’s another story). Videos are cool for big reveals, but for the day-to-day stuff, I just want the facts in writing.
Honestly, I get the appeal of a good checklist—nothing beats ticking off boxes and feeling like you’re actually making progress. But I’ll admit, sometimes those digital models or even a quick video walkthrough can save you from a world of confusion, especially when you’re knee-deep in demo dust and can’t remember if you measured twice or just thought about it. I’ve had checklists that made sense at first, but then I’d realize I forgot to add half the steps... or my handwriting was so bad I couldn’t read it later. Still, for tracking costs and keeping everyone on the same page, written docs are hard to beat. Just gotta remember to update them, which is always the tricky part.
I hear you on the checklist front—mine usually start out neat but end up scribbled all over with random notes and coffee stains. I do like having something physical to cross off, but when we redid our upstairs bath, a shared Google doc with photos was a lifesaver. Ever tried mixing both? Like, digital for the big picture and paper for day-to-day stuff? Wondering if that’s overkill or just practical.
I’m with you on the paper vs. digital thing—my lists end up a mess, too. I’ve actually started using a whiteboard for daily tasks and Trello for the big stuff, like picking out tile or tracking orders. It sounds like overkill, but honestly, the combo keeps me sane when projects get hectic. Ever noticed how easy it is to lose track of receipts or measurements if it’s all on paper?
