Drew and Jonathan Share the Most Important Lessons They’ve Learned From Decades of Renovations
With over 30 years of renovations under their tool belts, it’s safe to say Drew and Jonathan have learned a thing or two along the way. From silly mistakes they made when they were first getting started to home renovation tips that you’d only know by doing a job a thousand times over, they’ve seen it all. And you’re in luck, because they’re spilling their most important knowledge with all of you!
They’re giving you decades’ worth of wisdom inside one 10-minute video, so you can set yourself up for success instead of having to learn the hard way. They’re sharing pro tips to keep your projects on track with your partner, helpful things to consider when you’re debating trends, where to best focus your budget, how to find the balance between functionality and aesthetic, and more. Basically, Drew and Jonathan are letting you into their world so you can go into your next project with confidence. Here are some of our favorite takeaways:
Lesson 1: Roll With the Punches
When it comes to home renovations, it’s pretty much a given that something about the project won’t go to plan. But you have to learn to roll with the punches and keep pivoting, even when it gets frustrating. “Complaining is like a rocking chair: It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere,” Drew says. So let it slide off your back, and keep going. You got this!
Lesson 2: Measuring Matters
We’ve heard them say it before: measure twice, cut once. But there’s really no such thing as over-measuring, especially with home projects. So if you have to measure three, four, five times before you feel confident, then do it! Materials can be expensive, and time is money. Save yourself the hassle of having to do the same job twice because you didn’t measure correctly the first time.
Lesson 3: Keep Track of Your To-Do List
“Staying organized is key, because the more disorganized you become, the more expensive your project will get,” Jonathan says. If you’re working with a partner, make a shared note on your phone so that you’re on the same page and not doubling up on supplies or projects. Sometimes, you’ll both have ideas that you want to accomplish, so keeping a shared log of all your to-dos, wish lists, and completed tasks will keep you both in the loop.
Lesson 4: Don’t Underestimate the Size of a Project
“If you’re trying to get a renovation done on, say a bathroom, and you’re trying to spend no more than $20,000 on everything—fixtures, everything in your bathroom—but you want to get it done within a one-month period, it costs a lot more,” Drew says. “Because you’re having to bring in more trades, and more people to do the work.” Be realistic with your budget, your abilities, and your timeline. It’ll save you in the end.
Lesson 5: Be Careful Using Trends
Jonathan makes an important note here: The bolder the trend, the faster it will go out of style. So keep this in mind when you’re working on big, expensive renovations. If you want to go bold with some of your design choices, they recommend sticking to decor, linens, or easily changeable pieces that won’t force commitment.
Lesson 6: Trust Your Gut
If something doesn’t feel right, then always listen to that feeling. Whether it’s about the person you’re hiring for the job; a big design decision that’s making you uneasy; or the amount of money you’re putting into the project—home renos can be huge asks, and you should listen to your intuition when something feels off. So if your contractor is acting shady or your quote doesn’t seem right, then you have every right to pump the brakes and find a different solution.
Lesson 7: Function Over Fancy
“You don’t have to just put something in that looks pretty—in fact, you shouldn’t,” Drew says, “Because if it doesn’t function for how your family needs, or what you need within your house, then it’s useless.” They see it all the time: Folks ripping out an old kitchen and replacing it with beautiful materials, but in the same dysfunctional layout. “At the end of the day, all you have are new products in a terrible kitchen that won’t work,” he adds. Balance is key here. Be intentional with the functionality first, and then bring in the materials that fit your aesthetic.
Lesson 8: Splurge When Appropriate
“I have had a lot of situations over the years where there’s something I thought, ‘Should I do it? Should I not do it?’ And I didn’t do it, and then after the fact, it ended up costing so much more money,” Jonathan says. So if there’s something you’re dreaming to include in your home, it might be worth it to splurge now or saving up to do it in the future, rather than finding a quick fix that you’ll end up having to replace for even more money down the line.
Follow Drew and Jonathan on YouTube
If you enjoy these kinds of tips and tricks from the Bros, follow their YouTube channel @DrewandJonathan so you can stay in the know on all their best home hacks, renovation how-tos, and fun antics along the way. See you there!
Drew’s Tips for Using Your Renovation Budget Wisely
Drew shares some insight into “spot renovating.”
Read More
Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
