We started this renovation saying we’d be sensible with the budget. Nothing too fancy. Just clean, modern and practical.
That lasted about 4 days.
Because once you start renovating, your brain completely changes. Suddenly you’re arguing over warm white vs cool white lighting like it’s a national emergency. You convince yourself underfloor heating is “an investment.” You spend 45 minutes staring at paint samples only for every colour to somehow look grey once it’s on the wall.
And don’t even get me started on tiles. Why are nice tiles priced like imported jewellery?
The worst part is how every job uncovers another hidden issue. Builder cuts into one wall and suddenly everyone’s gathered around discussing pipes from 1974 like archaeologists discovering ancient ruins.
Neighbours also become incredibly involved. The second a skip appears outside your house, people who’ve never spoken to you before suddenly start asking questions about structural work and loft conversions.
Still though, as stressful as it is, there’s something weirdly satisfying about slowly seeing the house become yours. Even if you do spend most evenings covered in dust eating chips on a folding chair because the dining table is buried under paint tins.