{The Nest Writes} Here’s what I learnt during our first reno

We have almost finished renovating our kitchen and it was not quite what I expected. Not that I really know what I expected. Anyhoo if you are considering a reno here are some facts I have learnt along the way.

It. Does. Finally. End.

There are moments when I can absolutely un-categorically assure you that you will believe that renovating will. Never. Ever. End. You may be able to spot the end line on the horizon but the horizon keeps moving. One day, the horizon stops shooting away from you and you find yourself looking it straight in the eye. That moment is glorious.

You may find you have an unexpected skill

I, for example am an expert plasterer. Did not know that. By expert I mean I am better than my husband and he is good at everything so that makes me an expert.

You will be a shithouse parent

Although we tried, we ultimately failed in the parenting stakes while reno-ing. The kids sucked down on two minute noodles, watched countless hours of Netflix and I swear I could count on one hand the amount of baths they ~~probably~~ maybe had.

Quality tools save you

If you buy cheap plastic crap it will be crap. Buy quality over quantity.

You will second guess yourself and your choices.

By second guessing yourself and your choices I mean you will fourhundredandfiftysecond guess yourself. Making choices weeks or days earlier leads to too much time for overthinking, changing your mind and somehow talking yourself to a point of exhaustion. All for the sake of which way the tap should face.

Some tradies are dickheads.

You need to accept that not all people will deliver what they promise. You cannot rely on other people, only yourself.

Some tradies are champions

If you are lucky, one person will show you what good hard work looks like. They will turn up on time, do the job and complete it with efficiency and without being a dickhead.

Sink the sink

If you have to live without a kitchen sink – tell the kids it’s like camping and they will be excited rather than annoyed.

Cash needs Boundaries

You need a budget and you need to stick to it. Like not pretend stick to it. Actually stick to it. I found Homezade App really helped.

You and the hubs will fight. Stupid fights.

“but if you just let me do it I actually have eyeballs that work” – me to my hubs on day 8.

“Boys are just better at unscrewing with, you know, actual, you know, skill” – the hubs to me day 4

There will be unexpected romantic moments

“Hey ladyfriend, that concrete dust brings out the colour in your eyes” – the hubs day 2

Everything is negotiable

I am horrid at negotiating prices but the hubs is an absolute star. He managed to secure our new fridge for a massive reduction. What was $2800 somehow he negotiated to $1400 including a microwave. So never ever never pay the ticketed price.

Removing tiles is better with lubrication

Tile demolishing is part fun part frustration. They either come off first in one swish movement or they shatter and you find yourself chipping away for ages. I found lubrication assisted us greatly. By lubrication I mean that after two bottles of wine and half a carton of beer the tiles just slide off.

There will be regrets

I should have gone with the sink I wanted. Biggest regret evs. Trust your gut (and ignore your wallet). One of my friends who has recently completed her fourth full house reno (bloody clever duck) said she has regrets about every single reno she has done.