The most important thing I've learned in the first 8 months of home ownership is how to be a total hack.  It's not about fixing things; it's about solving problems.  It's not about doing it right; it's about making it work.  I re-learn this every time I try to "fix" something.  I kept putting off installing a plywood wall because I thought it would be difficult or take a lot of time.  It turns out that it was pretty easy.  And I thought I would need to make straight cuts and have everything fit perfectly.  It turns out that caulk is the solution to every problem.  The second solution is trim/molding.  The bottom line is that if it can be covered up, it doesn't need to be perfect.