1. How ever long you think it will take, double it.
2. This principal also applies to the cost.
3. Be organised. Make lists. Talk things over. Imagine the space. Little things can get overlooked and become big problems, like the placement of a light switch. You don't want to have to walk to the wall furthest from the door to turn the light on.
4. Beware of hidden costs. For instance, in the quote we received for the plaster board, they failed to mention the $150 delivery fee, which was an unpleasant surprise.
5. Asbestos is best left to the pros. The long term affects to varying levels of exposure are still uncertain, but not worth the risk.
6. Spray for pests after painting, or the paint will void the effects of the paint. Unless you are trying to rid the ceiling of several ant colonies prior to applying the plasterboard.
7. Sometimes you will need three or four layers of undercoat. Grit you teeth and keep painting. Also, wait those two hours between coats. You WILL notice the difference.
8. Everybody has a friend who can get you something cheaper, be it paint, fittings or whatever. Take this with a grain of salt and budget for the normal price. And if you do get something cheaper smile and mentally use those savings to account for the afore mentioned $150 delivery fee.
9. Painting is like moving, no one wants to help.
10. Please refer to 1 and 2 again.
Oh. You forgot to mention.. Too not do this all whilst pregnant. !!!
ReplyDeleteWOW Christina! You guys have got soooo much done in the last fortnight, it's just fantastic! You make me feel like I've been away for far longer than two weeks! It's all looking wonderful and I've also been reading over the posts I've missed... 1. what a gorgeous son you have - it's official :) and 2. OMG! What a gorgeous wedding for Fiona! Love the photos and that photo booth idea is the bees knees :) I have to say, I don't think I've ever seen identical twins who are as identical as you guys - it's amazing... must have made for a fun childhood ;) Kx
ReplyDeletep.s. your new profile photo is super ace :)
Oh this is a very useful insight to renovating! All your hard work is going to be sooo worth it..
ReplyDeleteYes to all of that, as well as:
ReplyDelete~ don't expect anyone to turn up on time and you won't be disappointed
~ try not to live in the house you're renovating, if at all possible!!
~ enjoy the little things and don't forget to stand back and admire progress ... regularly!
So true! This advice comes about 6 months too late... we ran out of money and are currently living in a 'half done house'!!! Don't let lalie's nursery fool you - it's the only finished room! x
ReplyDeleteAll very true and take lots of photos, before, during and after, that way when you get to the end of the year and say to yourself "what have I done? where has my life gone", you can look back and the photos and think. "oh yes thats right, look at all that work".
ReplyDeleteSo true! We seriously underestimated paint costs...who knew it could be so expensive just to paint, let alone other projects!?
ReplyDeleteDear Christina, I agreee with all your points, please don't get disheartened you are doing an amazing job and getting along at a great pace even though it may not seem like it. Please take it easy, look after yourself and family, we are all with you on your fantastic renovation and you will have a most beautiful home
ReplyDeleteLots of good wishes and love Cilla Rule
Ok: we're moving/partially renovating soon... so THANK YOU FOR THIS LIST! I'll be staring at it daily ! xoxo
ReplyDelete