Closer Than You Think: The Power of Tiny Wins in a Remodel (and in Life)
It’s Tuesday again, and to be honest — it feels like one of those weeks where progress is happening in slow motion. Every project on our list moved forward… just not far enough to brag about yet.
But that’s real life in remodeling (and honestly, real life in general). I reread an email from Andy Frisella this morning that hit home — about how the hardest seasons are the ones that forge the strongest versions of us. It reminded me how much that applies to what we do here every day.
Because behind every “before and after” photo are weeks of tiny wins:
A stubborn piece of trim finally comes loose.
The primer dries evenly.
A leak gets fixed before it turns into a problem.
A client texts, “It’s looking great so far.”
None of it feels headline-worthy… until you realize those little moments are what make the big reveal possible.
Why this matters more than shiny before/after photos
People remember how they felt during a project — stressed, excited, proud. The tiny wins make the stress tolerable, build trust, and create the stories you’ll tell later. Projects don’t just change spaces; they change people’s confidence in their home and in themselves.
So if you’re in the middle of a job and it feels slow, don’t quit. If you’re dreaming about starting but worried about the grind, know this — every little step moves you closer. And if you want a team that values small wins as much as final results, we’ve got your back.
— Jess @ Mr Clean Fix LLC
Friday Progress: Inspections, Decks & the Secret Room Desk
There’s something special about Fridays in construction. It’s the day to reflect on the week, see the progress made, and plan for what’s next. This Friday is no exception—we’ve got milestones worth celebrating.
Garage & Patio: Final Inspection Coming Up
Our garage and patio project is gearing up for its final inspection early next week. From framing to drywall, from roof to finishing touches—every step has been moving us closer to the finish line. It’s exciting to see all the planning, teamwork, and craftsmanship coming together.
Deck Progress: Boards Taking Shape
Over at another site, the deck is really taking form. Board by board, the outdoor living space is shaping up beautifully. Standing on it now, you can already picture summer evenings, barbecues, and quiet mornings with coffee in hand. The transformation is always rewarding to witness.
The Secret Room Desk: Almost Green
Inside, the “secret room” is in the home stretch of one of its centerpiece features: the custom desk. It’s nearly all the way green now, and once complete, it’ll be the biggest, most luxurious desk we’ve ever built. Patience, precision, and attention to detail are paying off—soon, a one-of-a-kind result will be revealed.
Friday Motivation
In construction, like in life, progress isn’t always flashy. It’s inspections, sanding, and the steady click of boards fitting into place. But stack enough of those small wins together, and you get something lasting.
Here’s your reminder this Friday:
Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Keep pushing, even when the work feels tedious.
Embrace the grind—it’s building something bigger.
👉 Here’s to wrapping up the week strong and stepping into the weekend with momentum. Excited for the garage and patio final inspection early next week!
Progress Update: Drywall Flying, Deck Taking Shape & A Desk Like No Other
Every week on these projects feels like a step closer to the finish line, and this past one was no exception. From hanging drywall to sanding a one-of-a-kind desk, things are buzzing on all fronts.
Garage Build: From Open Space to Real Room
The garage project is transforming fast. Insulation? ✅ Passed. Back wall? ✅ Framed. Ceiling drywall? ✅ In place.
And now—we’re tackling the walls! Drywall is going up today, which is always a turning point. Once the walls are in, the space suddenly feels like a room instead of just a framed shell. Monday, we’ll have the drywall inspection, and then it’s on to tape, mud, and smoothing things out for a polished finish. Every sheet brings us closer to closing this build in tight before the colder weather rolls in.
Deck Replacement: Another House, Another Transformation
Different property, different city, but just as much progress. The new deck is moving from foundation to frame, with the top of the stairs and railing posts already taking shape. This is the stage where you can really see how it’s going to live—how people will walk it, gather on it, and enjoy it. Right now, it’s lumber and bolts, but soon it’ll be a space for grilling, relaxing, and soaking in the outdoors.
Secret Room: The Desk That Won’t Quit
Then there’s the “secret room,” home to the most ambitious desk we’ve ever built. This isn’t just a desk—it’s a centerpiece, designed to anchor the whole space.
But first, sanding. Lots and lots (and lots) of sanding. It’s the not-so-glamorous part, but it’s what makes the paint finish look flawless. We’ve been at it for a while, but that’s because this desk isn’t just big—it’s luxury-level big. Once painted, it’s going to be a jaw-dropper, worth every pass of the sandpaper.
Why These Steps Matter
Sure, drywall, framing, and sanding aren’t the flashiest updates. But these are the milestones that make the final reveal possible. Each screw, each sheet of drywall, each railing post, each sanded corner—it’s all laying the groundwork for the wow factor that’s coming.
And that’s why we’re excited. Every week we’re moving from plans and prep to spaces that people will live in, work in, and make memories in.
👉 Stick with us—we’re not far from the big reveals, and trust us, they’ll be worth the wait.
Building Momentum – One Project at a Time
At Mr. Clean Fix, we believe progress is more than just a visual transformation—it’s a mindset. And this week, that mindset was on full display as we tackled two different jobs, both at key turning points in their journey from concept to completion.
In the first project, we're continuing our work on a garage and patio build. The framing is up, the structure is taking shape, and you can already begin to see how this addition will enhance the home's functionality and curb appeal. Every day brings a new milestone, from sheeting to structure—and it’s a great reminder that even the biggest projects are built one board, one nail, one hot summer morning at a time.
Just up north in Spirit Lake, we’ve been making major progress on an exterior wall remodel, where we’re adding a slider to create more natural light, better flow, and greater access to the outdoors. Yesterday, the wall was opened up, framed in, and we’re well on our way to giving this space a brand-new feel. It’s always exciting to watch something as simple as a doorway completely change how a room lives and breathes.
Both of these jobs are at that satisfying “it’s coming together” stage—and they’re a great reminder that progress rarely happens overnight. Whether you're building from scratch or modifying what's already there, every step forward adds up to something bigger.
Here’s to progress, patience, and the payoff that comes with consistent, quality work.
Progress Takes Time: Why the Small Steps in Remodeling Matter
When you scroll through Pinterest-perfect kitchens or magazine-worthy remodels, it’s easy to forget the process behind the polish. The truth is, home remodeling is rarely instant — but it’s always worth it.
Take this kitchen we're currently transforming for a client. At first glance, it might just look like a space in mid-chaos: tools on the counter, paint lines in progress, cabinet doors off their hinges. But every little detail in this photo tells a story of momentum — the kind that builds quietly with each task completed.
Remodeling Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Behind every “after” shot is a series of carefully planned and executed steps:
Measuring and leveling.
Priming and painting.
Installing hardware, replacing trim, testing lighting layouts.
These steps aren’t glamorous — but they’re essential. Each one lays the foundation for the next, and skipping them would compromise the final result.
Why the Middle Matters
In this project, the flooring has been replaced, repainted cabinetry in a bold and beautiful green, and prepped for custom touches throughout. It’s not finished yet — but it’s on its way. And that’s the magic of remodeling: you get to witness the evolution of a space becoming something truly special.
Trust the Process
Whether you're painting a single room or gutting an entire kitchen, trust the small wins. The progress you can’t always see — like better durability, tighter corners, or straighter seams — makes all the difference in the finished product.
So if you’re in the middle of a remodel and starting to feel impatient, remember this: progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like painter’s tape, cabinet screws, and sawdust. But in the end, it turns into something beautiful.