5 Steps To Surviving DIY With Your Relationship Intact

As anyone who has “double -DIYed” will agree, working closely with your better half doesn’t always bring out the best in a relationship.

Whether you are beginners or experts, tackling home improvement projects together often causes conflict.  Left unchecked, clashes can be disastrous, but if  labeled creative,  conflict has the power to transform good ideas into truly great results!  Just remember, you can let your petty squabbles ruin your fun, or turn your disagreements into ‘creative’ discussions that actually drive better outcomes in the long run.

There will no doubt be a few bumps as you go, but there are ways for you to keep your tag team DIY projects from turning terribly sour.  So, before you head out the door to the home improvement store, take these steps to ensure you and your mate cooperate.

Steps To Surviving With Your Significant Other:

1. Get a plan. This might seem obvious, but don’t underestimate the importance of this first step.  Take the time upfront to think your project through from the start, and you will save trouble in the end.   Even though the job may be a minor one, don’t forget it is the sum of small things that add up when a room is done.  What is the overall objective for the space, and do you and your mate share a vision?  Talk together before you start – and make sure you are working with the same end in mind.
2. Embrace the disarray. You will drive yourself crazy if you try to defy the chaos.  Fixing up around the house is disruptive, regardless of who does the work, and it always takes longer than you plan.  Do your best to minimize or isolate the mess, but let go of your perfectionist tendencies.  It’s only temporary.
3. Go one-step at a time. Once the two of you have agreed on the job at hand, stick to it.  It’s easy to get distracted when you’re wandering the aisles at the big box stores– and ambition can sometimes overtake common sense.   Resist the urge to fill your cart with potential projects and keep notes of the things you see that inspire creativity.  Stay on task, and promise yourself you’ll get to those other ideas at a later date.
4. Be flexible. Despite best intentions and a well-laid plan, you should count on a problem or two cropping up.  When a challenge arises, stop work and talk it through.  Tricky situations call for classic communication skills, and are more likely to be resolved by listening to rather than dismissing each other’s point of view.
5. Commit to the finish. You have gathered your materials, and sharpened your tools – but oops – a few too many hours have passed and you’re feeling kind of pooped.   Don’t crap out!  Instead of granting permission to gear down, gently encourage each other to get up, get started, and get the job done.  There may be a bit of grumbling to begin, but I guarantee in the end, you’ll be happy you did.
   

   

Two Heads Are Better Than One

With a well-considered plan in hand and some serious focus by your side, there is no limit what your team of two of  can do.  Be ready for the conflict that is sure to occur, and do your best to make it creative.  You may just be surprised by the solutions you find!