Renovation Chronicles Take 9

It’s true. I’m crazy. I’ve undertaken 9 renovation projects of my own for the properties I’ve lived in, flipped, rented, then lived in . . . then sold in the past 12 years. I’m officially exhausted. 

As much as I love a great renovation project, I’m resigning myself to take a break when (if) this latest project in Boston’s Back Bay is complete to only help others with their renovations or redecorating challenges. It’s so much easier to know what to do, say and see when you’re not in the midst of all of it. 

It’s one thing to renovate and not be living in the place that’s being renovated. It’s entirely another thing to be living amongst the rubble. Here are a few things to keep in mind before renovating a home. 

1.Things Never Happen As Quickly As You Want Them To

Never has this statement been more true than when renovating a home. 

Start dates are moving targets, despite what your contractor tells you. Subcontractors (of the contractor) prove to be unreliable, but you may luck out with one who’s conscientious and committed. Hold on to that person. I was convinced all painting would be done by the time I moved into my condo on February 28th, but no. Not even close. In fact, as I write this on April 20th I have three painters coming next week to hopefully wrap the painting up, but I’m not convinced. 

Floors didn’t get done because work was being done in the kitchen and therefore they decided to NOT sand and stain the entryway floor. Big mistake in my opinion. I’ve been displaced (again) and had to pack up to avoid the dust, smell and more dust that will ensue after the floors are finished being sanded, stained and polyurethaned. 

I’m supposed to return on Sunday, but may give it an extra day and return on Monday. In the midst of all of this, I’m working on Zoom calls with clients and attempting to hide from the noise (which is always a good thing, because things are getting done then). 

2. You Need To Be Onsite Daily to Ensure that Everything is Going According To Plan

This is no joke. You must be able to be onsite (or have someone you know, like and trust to be there. Every. Day. Things happen if you aren’t there. The wrong paint color is used. The incorrect tile is installed. The list goes on and they are all real examples of things I’ve experienced first hand. 

I wanted the back bedrooms painted first then to move into the living room and dining area. What happened? On day 1, they were doing just that. I thought all would go according to plan, but two days later, I realized they were all over the condo, but had not finished one single room. I was moving the following week. The painters were no shows for most of the week and I moved into my condo with baseboards and doors in my bedroom and bathroom not painted. 

The bed has been hanging out in the middle of the room until last Friday. Same thing with the floor. I kept insisting the entryway be done. I told my contractor. I told the men sanding the walls the day I walked in. I came to check on the progress a couple of days after the floors had dried and learned they did sand and stain the third bedroom, but not the entryway as I had requested. Why? That’s the $60,000 question. Be there and things will still go wonky sometimes, but far less so than if you don’t show up on a consistent basis.

3. If You Have a Reliable Team, Use Them

I’ve acted as a General Contractor on many of the renovations I’ve done. If you have the right team in place, can give them enough notice and line them up and communicate with them regularly and honestly, you’re able to create a dream team of sorts. Given the time pressures I was under on this project, I opted to use a highly recommended GC. He’s great, don't get me wrong, but my life could have been a lot easier had the painting and floors been done prior to my moving into my home. Instead, I’ve got visitors daily and a guest from Portugal arriving this week. 

We attempted to set up a makeshift kitchen and I’m thrilled I have a refrigerator, microwave oven and toaster oven arriving tomorrow. Kitchen cabinets are ordered and they’re about a seven week wait. You get the picture. 

4. Constantly Reiterate YOUR Priorities

Refer to 2 and 3 above to see why this is one of the biggest areas you’d want done (for me it was painting and floors to be complete before moving in). Anything else would have been a bonus. 

5. Hang in There for the Desired Finished Project

As I’m beginning to see the baby steps coming together, it does give you a lift to know there is a prize at the end of this game. In the meantime, just stay focused on the end game. Eyes on the Prize, I’ve been told. It’s all true and I’ll be signing a different tune come July, but for now . . . it’s a tough thing to live through.

Here are a few before (kitchen) pics so when you see the final picture, you’ll see why I do this and am so enthusiastic about it . . . except the time(s) I’m living through it.

Also, here are some pieces i've been thinking of adding in the kitchen. What do you think?

These are some upper open cabinets I borrowed it from last place I lived. I’ve stored bags, jewelry and accessories on it before. Dishes soon!