Psychologists, Help - Why don't I finish remodeling my house? There's something not finished in each room!

Question

It has been two years, now! I honestly don't think it's completely that I'm lazy & won't admit it. Like something going on in my head, maybe? I love being able to say " Look what I did, all by myself." But then I always have to say " I just need to paint that (or fix that) and I'll be all done." People who know me well, are probably thinking 'Sure you will.' I know there's alot of other people who do the same thing. Thanks

Answer 1

I have been in the construction business since 1975. You are not alone! This is the most common trap that do it your selfers fall into. They tend to down play the amount of work that is left to complete and they are very eager to move on to the next project. What you have to do is sit down in each unfinished area and (be honest) list the items to be 100% completed. Every nail hole filled and all the fixtures in place and the painting completed.

I would then start with the room that has the least to complete and finish it. Do not go into any other room until that room is done. Offer yourself a reward of a nice dinner once completed. Then start the next least completed room.

This can be a serious problem especially if you wife or partner is involved.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Don't fret. We've started remodelling our home about 6 months ago. Thought we'd be done with the kitchen remodell and floor in 3. As we expand out into the other rooms, now that our kids have moved out, I can see at least 2 more years of projects. I think I may have to retire soon, so I can finish; but then there's the problem of cash flow!

Should have started about 10 years ago!!!

Answer 3

Remodeling especially alone is mentaly and physically draining. Seems like once you see the light at the end of the tunnel you just drop the tools. We actually did the same thing on two rooms. You aren't crazy or lazy just burnt out. You have to make a promise to self to finish each room one at a time and not to start any new project until you complete the old one.

Answer 4

I moved to another state last June and bought a 3 bedroom house. I live by myself, but I wanted guest rooms. I gave away most of my furniture and only moved stuff I really liked. I decorated and shopped for a few months and had a great time, but like you, every room has something left to do. Right now I have a shower rod laying on a twin bed with a head board that looks good but it isn't attached yet. Yes, it's normal. What inspires me is to have company. Each time I've had a guest, I have gotten so much done. I just look around and yes, I want to get that done before so and so gets here. Slowly but surely it's getting done. Hope this helps you.

Answer 5

The rule i go by is that if you live in the house that your working on you will never finish anything unless you get one room at a time started.No matter where your at in the remodel,pick one room and make it a point that no mater what you will finish it first.

Answer 6

It's a bit late now, but next time, why don't you completely finish one job before you start a new one? Maybe you've overwhelmed yourself and given yourself an impossible task. Also, maybe you're afraid of finishing because it will leave you with nothing to achieve.

It might be an idea to get some help to finish what you've already started, then make your mind up to tackle things in a different way next time?

Answer 7

I think all remodelers are in the same boat that you're in. In fact, I am on my way to home depot (where they know me by my first name now) absolutely determined to finish my "have to finish" list versus my "want to do" list.

I know this doesn't help much but don't beat yourself up. I've been there and finally prioritizing my to dos into lists really helped.

Answer 8

I've done that myself and each time I now think that I did-not complete it because I really wanted to do it differently but I didn't have the funds or my ex wanted it her way and I did not want to fight for my way but, I have had your problem for sure by not completing some of my projects.

Answer 9

You sound like my husband. We built a new house last year and I still have two rooms that are missing one piece of molding, and two transition strips in our door ways that aren't put in. We have all of them, and the water line to the ice maker on the fridge. I keep taking a glass and trying to get water and ice from the fridge and he says oh yeah I have to take care of that, and still nothing. It' natural. I think it's burn out.

Answer 10

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