first time renovation

dd95

struggling big time with the stress. On my mind 24-7, sleepless nights etc.

Sometimes its over really stupid things such as where will the broadband connectivity go/will it work etc.

I know once its done it'll be amazing but just seems to be so much to do and nothing seems to go right.

Some nice words appreciated!!

Jenferdog

We were in the same boat! Totally understand where you are at. We downsized from a lovely 4 bed detached family home to a 3 bed detached bungalow that needed a total renovation, plus the kitchen and bedrooms were too small and only one toilet (not too bothered about more showers/baths as only the two of us). Getting quotes for an extension, re-wire, new boiler and radiators, kitchen, bathroom, flooring, driveway and patio was a nightmare. We did find some amazing tradesmen for which I am so grateful but the process was a nightmare. We moved in with my daughter for 6 weeks because once walls were knocked down the house was just not habitable. We used to go and see if every day and nothing seemed to be happening, then suddenly it all fell into place! Costs spiralled too but we just had to suck it up, once you start there's no going back. The work started around April/May for the re-wire and central heating, then the building work stated June, and now all we have to do is decorate the 3rd bedroom and do the garden. It really seemed to be taking so long until suddenly we were almost there! All we can say is it will be worth it in the end! Take heart, try not to stress and keep busy yourselves too. x

donemedosh

We renovated our 3 bed semi some years ago & I am pretty good at handling stress but I know what you mean. Dealing with trades people, working out quotes & who is coming when. Then things do not go to plan & you wish you never started. We did a lot of the work ourselves but it is important to take time off (I found out when I couldn't switch off). Just 1 day off every 14 lets you clear your head. Plus take pictures so you can see what it was like when you started & what you end up with. I used to let some of the neighbours come in the house to see what was going on & they would lift your spirits when they say ooo i like  that. Just keep cracking on in the knowledge you are getting a better property that what you had. Good luck

twopenny

Mines a relatively small project - or so I thought. Straight forward.

Covid didn't help. But dealing with trades, I found them lovely but frustrating to the point I couldn't take any more but I was able to step back, take a break.

I don't like leaving it but by taking small steps in decisions and trying to deal with one thing at a time is working out quite well - famous last words! I would like to have it all organised and dated but I think I'd be in the funny farm if I persued that longer.

But at least now I feel like I'm getting somewhere. Everything takes more time than you think.

Good luck.

tacpot12

There is a lot to think about, but very little of it actually needs you to lose sleep over it. 

I've always kept a notebook by my bedside if I am involved in a stressful project. Anything I'm worried about I make a note of. The following day, I prioritise the items on the list and work them into my bigger project plan. I find that this allows me to get to sleep because I know I have made a note of it, and I know that if I've made a note of it, it isn't going to be forgotten.

You are right that you can't plan everything down to the last detail, but a bit of thought about the correct order to do things in, or where things can go in the house can avoid problems in future. Relax and enjoy the journey.