I wonder if there’s a way to automate some of those cross-checks between tags and spreadsheets—maybe some kind of script or shortcut?
Funny you mention that—I’ve actually been tinkering with a Python script that pulls metadata from tagged photos and matches it against a checklist in Excel. It’s not super polished, but it flags missing items pretty reliably. If you’re using Google Sheets, there are some add-ons that can help too, though they’re a bit clunky. Manual checks still creep in, but automation does cut down on the late-night “final_final” hunts.
Honestly, hats off for even getting a script up and running. I’ve tried to cobble together something similar, but I usually get lost in the weeds with Python libraries and permissions. Even if it’s not perfect, catching most of the missing stuff is already a huge time (and stress) saver. Those late-night spreadsheet checks... I know them too well. If you’re getting even 80% of the way there, that’s progress worth celebrating. Sometimes the manual checks just can’t be skipped, but having a system in place makes them way less painful.
Even if it’s not perfect, catching most of the missing stuff is already a huge time (and stress) saver.
Couldn’t agree more—sometimes “good enough” is actually more than enough, especially when you’re knee-deep in all the other home maintenance stuff. Here’s what I’ve found over the years:
- Getting any kind of script or checklist going is a win. Doesn’t matter if it’s clunky or needs tweaking. The fact that you’re automating even part of it takes a ton of pressure off.
- Those late-night spreadsheet checks? Been there, done that, and honestly, it just wears you down after a while. Automating 80% means you’re only double-checking the weird edge cases instead of every single line item.
- I used to think I had to get every system airtight before it was worth using. Turns out, having something that works “most of the time” is miles better than nothing. You can always patch holes as you spot them.
- Permissions and Python libraries are a pain—no way around it. Sometimes I just stick with whatever solution gets me moving, even if it’s not technically the best practice.
One thing I’ve learned: manual checks will always be around for stuff like inspections, but with a halfway decent system in place, you can focus on the few things that actually need your attention instead of getting bogged down in the grunt work.
Sometimes I’ll catch myself stressing over whether my own lists are “complete,” but then I remember how much worse things were before I even had a checklist at all. Progress is progress—even if it’s not perfect.
Keep at it. The little improvements add up over time, and honestly, nobody’s system is flawless behind the scenes... no matter how organized they look on paper.
Honestly, I used to obsess over making my checklists bulletproof too, but after a few rounds of “wait, did I check that vent in the attic?” I just started focusing on what actually makes a difference. If I catch 90% of the issues and only have to deal with a couple weird things manually, that’s a win in my book. No point sinking hours into perfecting something that’s already saving me time and money. Good enough really is good enough sometimes... especially when you’re juggling a million other things.
