The end of 2009 also marks the close of our time on the True Value DIY Blog Squad, a fun three-month collaboration that pushed our home improvement efforts forward in a big way. It was a short run, but packed with projects, learning, and plenty of helpful products that made tackling everything from basement waterproofing to bathroom demo far more manageable.
We’re genuinely grateful to True Value for the support they provided during this stint. Their supplies and tools helped us prepare the house for new additions in 2010—most notably getting the basement ready for storage and jump-starting the bathroom renovation so we could focus next on the nursery. That support included gallons of Drylok to make the basement storage-ready, a rented demolition hammer to help move the bathroom project along, and a steady stream of essentials like dimmer switches, paint cans, storage bins, drills, spray paint, puck lights, rollers, brushes, and drop cloths. Beyond the products, we appreciated the practical advice that came with the partnership. A sincere thank you to the True Value team for having us on their DIY squad and for helping us make real progress in our home improvement plans.
Working alongside other talented DIY bloggers was another highlight of the squad experience. Their projects provided fresh ideas, useful tips, and inspiration that influenced our own approach. For example, the basement tiling project documented by All Bower Power was a great how-to resource for us during our bathroom tile installation. Their step-by-step photos and clear instructions were things we referenced more than once as we navigated grouting, layout, and cutting tile.
Over at A Lettered Cottage, Layla and Kevin transformed an old door into a beautiful, functional piece for a guest bathroom. That kind of creative repurposing is exactly the sort of project that sparks ideas for adding character and charm without spending a fortune. It’s a reminder that modest materials and a bit of elbow grease can yield a striking focal point in a room.
Bungalow 23 has been experimenting with different paint strippers as part of a bedroom makeover, offering useful comparisons that anyone refinishing furniture or restoring trim might want to consider. Their hands-on testing and candid results make it easier to decide which product will deliver the finish you want while minimizing extra sanding or stripping work.
The Handyguys Podcast provided a solid episode on painting techniques that we found especially helpful. Their practical tips reinforced our approach to prepping surfaces, choosing the right tape, and using proper tools for a professional-looking paint job. They also gave a shout-out to Frog Tape, which we’re eager to try on a future painting project to see how well it delivers clean lines and crisp edges.
Those projects are just a sampling of what our fellow DIY Squad members tackled in the last few months. Each project brought something different to the table—tile work, creative upcycling, paint testing, and technique-focused guidance—so if you enjoy DIY content, their archives are full of useful tutorials and inspiration.
So here’s to a year full of demo-ing, painting, rebuilding, organizing, accessorizing, and making spaces more functional. We expect 2010 will bring even more home improvement projects, and we’re excited to keep sharing the journey. What did you accomplish this year in the name of home improvement? Any big plans for 2010? We’d love to hear about your projects and goals.
Middle four images courtesy of All Bower Power, A Lettered Cottage, Bungalow 23 and The Handyguys Podcast.