We are on our 2nd DIY House Remodel.
It still surprises me that we are still learning even though we have been down this road before.
Take a look at our first Home Remodel. It was a VERY long road, but we finished the process and were proud of our work. There are a few things I wish I had known before starting the work, so I made a list.
- It is messy.
We lived and are living in the midst of a remodel. My kids and myself remove more dust than the average family. However, it helps us to understand what “rest” really means. When we do rest, we enjoy it more. Not to mention, the kids will always have an appreciation of a good work ethic. - Don’t be scared to try the unknown.
We have learned we don’t have to hire out. Sure there were times, like when we needed a septic system or needed to measure for our pool liner. BUT, everything else…we did it. When your husband wants to tear down a retaining wall – trust him, it will be okay. Even if there are failures, it can and will be fixed. - It will be completed.
A house remodel can be torture. Every time we turn around – there is another problem. Some days, we just have to sit back and see how much we have completed. It is refreshing to see where we have been and not how far we have to go. - HGTV doesn’t show the imperfections and every house has some, even the brand new ones. And even if they don’t – you will want to change something in a couple of years anyway. There always will be something that needs to be fixed, because homes have people and people are real, and real is messy. Even the White House has to be redone every once in a while.
- Try not to compare to what you have versus your neighbors or friends.
Your house is NOT your life. Your life is centered around the Creator of the Heaven and the earth. Let that be your reflection first and foremost. - Enjoy the fun moments.
Our kids have been right beside us from the beginning. They have learned how to use saws, tile floors, hang Sheetrock, remove popcorn ceilings and much more. We have had so much laughter learning to work together. Not to mention my kids actually know how to put math story problems in perspective. I can’t tell you how many times we have had to use real arithmetic in remodeling. It is refreshing to know my younger kids can use a tape measure like a pro. - When you need a break – take one. But, still push yourself.
When you are weak, He is strong. Let Him rule and let joy fill your heart knowing that He is in control.
Now I’m off to make bookshelves with my honey. We have decided to clean the garage, which is always fun because we don’t know what to do with our stuff. So we decided since can’t finish our Master Bath this year because we want to be debt free, we are making it into a temporary library. Yay!!
Blessings to you! You are loved!
