*Warning* The following post may seem more like a diary entry, but take it with stride. I am kinda stressed out...read why...
Finally, I have made it to my computer to write. To some, this may seem like a small feat but if you have ever experienced a renovation, you will know that this IS what renovating is all about. I was warned, and I listened, sort of. I feel like Owen Wilson in Marley and Me, when his character turns to Jennifer Aniston and says, "No one told us it [parenthood] would be this hard". Her response, "Yes they did. We just didn't listen". So yes, that is how I feel on Week 10 of the project. Between a full time job, side projects and trying to have my own personal downtime, I have discovered that renovating is not for the faint of heart. Listen to me, the ambitious, go-getter when I say it. It's real and stressful.
Why you ask? How can turning a house into a home be stressful? It's all the decision making, compromising, additional hours on top of work, constant interruptions to your day and concentration and it is one thing you cannot turn off and walk away from. So that, my friends are all things to consider if you want to renovate a house.
Here are some learning tips I have learned along the way....
* Make sure you sleep! It is so hard to not think about what needs to be done next, but when you're cranky onsite, every small mistake or decision can completely make you a b-i-t-c-h. This is my apology to everyone that I may have experienced that not so nice side of me!
*Have a solid support group - Renovations are not to be done alone. Consider who is willing and able to help you through the good, bad and the ugly. I would have never, ever, ever made it this far without my support team. Never. Not only do they help me, physically around the house, but also mentally.
* Have a deadline - I have made a deadline with this house, actually, I had no choice. I gave my 2 months notice. It is going to be more than tight to make, but in my opinion, it's necessary. If you give an inch, they will take a mile, and by a mile I mean, take FOREVER to finish your project. Keep this in mind. You may experience moments of panic (I did yesterday), but in the end, there is a goal to be met.
* Keep track of your budget - I must say, I am not doing well in this department. This is for various reasons, but if I had it my way, I would be getting quotes and knowing exactly what is happening when each trade steps foot on site. This also allows you to make decisions for your pretty, finishing stage!
*Walk Through - I am lucky to have the tools and know how of preparing drawings for most of the trades. Naturally, I have high expectations of how I want things to look and operate. Your trades, as I have mentioned before, will try to take the quick and easy route. Insist on walking through every room, with every trade and talk about what you want done. ( I will explain this more in another post).
* Have ONE team leader - As I mentioned, I have a great support team, however, lots gets lost in translation between us all. Good think for emails and smartphones, but I would say keep one person King and work around that. It will help avoid mistakes (and will also keep your budget in check).
* Compromise - Ugh. I know. I hate it too. Old construction means compromising as I have learned....so if you want to reno an old house, have your wish list but know that some things just cannot happen.
Phew. That is it I think.
I have taken photos of the last two weeks and what has been done. Stay tuned for those next!
I must say, all this stress is worth it though cause I can almost see the light at the end now!
Happy reno reading!
Krista