The problem with a renovation is once you start writing about a short-term project, it eventually has to end. The renovation is over, although there is a long list of things that we need to complete. The kitchen and bathrooms look amazing, the first floor traffic pattern is much improved and the entertaining to date has been divine. Still, the undone tasks remain undone and I won't fully enjoy our "new old home" until everything is put in its proper place.
Some things to think about if you are doing a renovation:
1) Low flush toilets are a great sustainable choice, but sometimes things require more than one flush (wink) and that means using more water.
2) Electolux ice makers like to make ice - at least our model does which leads to turning it on and off resulting in ice shortages if we are not paying attention.
3) Leave the house when you are breaking in your new range - instructions say to run for three hours at a high temperature. Those high temperatures cause some toxic off gassing which seem to be enough to kill a few brain cells - something I can't lose more of!
4) Pay the tiler to seal the backsplash before ending the job - we still haven't gotten to this and we are sure we'll regret it if we don't soon.
5) Plan on 25%+ budget overage, don't ask questions, just plan for it!
6) Only invite guests over after you have broken in the new oven and know how it performs. My first dish of some typical roast potatoes were mushy (problem has been taken care of though).
7) Once your home is improved you will love it! You will love it so much, you might not ever go out again, but you should to support the local and national economy!
The question comes up often, what to write about next. Food? House projects (they never do end)? Sports (just kidding!)? I think I need to give this more thought and hopefully get inspired sometime soon. Until then, enjoy these last few weeks of summer.
