Now that our renovations are winding down, looking back
there are many things that should have, could have gone better.
Examples:
A system of handling the incredible amount of dust.
Don’t think a Swifter duster will do the trick. No way. It took meticulous work with a toothbrush and soap to get it all. More
plastic over everything, the tables and the doorways.
Less
trust in our contractor.
The guy was good but had too many jobs and
not enough help. If it hadn’t been for our work and assistance, the end would still
be out of sight. From tearing out the tub ourselves and busting the wall open to plumbing, we worked side by side with the contractor and then some. Hate to
think what it would have been like for an elderly person or someone who wasn’t
motivated.
More
research into how to do almost everything.
No matter how good a workman is at tiling,
siding, installing cabinets, etc, do your homework. Learn the best way to lay
tile on ground level concrete. Educate yourself on siding a house. Discover the
best method of leveling cabinets.
It never finishes on schedule. We've had a few minor things done to our house, and yes - dust everywhere!
ReplyDeleteWould've been so weird to see my bathroom in that shape.
we've knocked out ceiling and walls before in this house. Back in the seventies, this house suffered broken pipes and major water damage during a cold winter. The water was confined in the basement but it loosen plaster all over the house. We are still dealing with the aftermath of that time.
DeleteIn France, there's been a multitude of contractors pulling out of projects due to lack of employees or material. People are losing their life savings and it's become a big issue here. It's great to see a contractor that will work single-handedly if need be, even though the project might slow down to a snail's pace.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I enjoy hearing how other countries are doing in this economic situation.
Delete'lack of...material' Wow. Got to be a story behind that.
That looks like an awful lot of work. Yay on the renovation winding down.
ReplyDeleteOh I bet your house will be so beautiful. I can't wait until I have the resources to buy one. Getting close. I think I may have to buy a fixer upper thought to get into the neighborhood that I want.
ReplyDeleteThis was a definite fixer upper. Nearly a hundred years old, water damage, termites, knob and tube electrical works.
DeleteMakes a person wonder why if start it.
Sorry about the contractor. I guess we got lucky with our kitchen remodel. I'd recommend our guy, but I don't think he'll make the commute.
ReplyDeleteHey, we've still got to install the rest of the siding on the house. Got a phone number? :P
DeleteI love to hear about home renovation projects, esp. the dos and don'ts. Do we get to see after pics?
ReplyDeleteYep. Lots more, all this week. Not too many 'before' shots. Too depressing, LOL.
Delete