When my wife and I decided to move out of our small townhouse in the city and into a more spacious home, we knew we wanted something with character.
After months of searching, we found the perfect fixer-upper – a charming 1920s bungalow in the quiet suburb of Oakwood.
The house had good bones, but it was clearly in need of some major TLC. Still, we couldn’t resist the cosy feel and the potential it held.
Our journey from finding the perfect fixer-upper to transforming it into our dream home was filled with surprises and triumphs. In this article, we share the lessons we learned along the way.
Pre-Planning and Pre-Renovation Survey
As excited as we were to start our home renovation project, we quickly learned that buying and renovating an older house comes with its fair share of challenges. The first few weeks involved a lot of cleaning, clearing out decades of accumulated clutter, and assessing the full scope of work needed.
One of the most critical steps in our home renovation project was the pre-renovation survey. The laser survey from Callidus Surveys, a company based in London. The survey revealed structural problems in the foundation and outdated electrical wiring that needed to be addressed before we could proceed with cosmetic changes. This early insight allowed us to develop a realistic renovation budget and prioritise the most pressing issues.
Budgeting and Prioritising
With the survey results in hand, we had a much clearer picture of the work that needed to be done and could start to develop a realistic renovation budget. It was essential to carefully prioritise the most pressing issues, like the foundation repairs and electrical upgrades, before moving on to the “want-to-haves” like the new kitchen and bathrooms.
One of the biggest lessons we learned was the importance of sticking to our priorities. It was easy to get distracted by the allure of cosmetic upgrades, like new countertops or high-end fixtures, but we had to constantly remind ourselves that the foundation and electrical work were non-negotiable. This focus helped us avoid the temptation to dip into our contingency fund for aesthetic upgrades that could wait until later.
Managing the Renovation Process
Overseeing the renovation process was a full-time job in itself. We had to coordinate with multiple contractors, stay on top of schedules and budgets, and make countless decisions about design, materials, and finishes. Communication was key, as was being flexible and ready to adapt when unexpected challenges arose.
One of the biggest hurdles was dealing with supply chain issues and material shortages. Simple things like finding the right light fixtures or cabinet hardware became a frustrating treasure hunt. Patience and creativity were musts as we navigated these obstacles.
Another aspect we hadn’t fully anticipated was the emotional toll the renovation process would take. Living in a construction zone, dealing with constant noise, dust, and disruptions, and managing the stress of unforeseen problems tested our patience and resilience. We found that taking breaks from the house and spending time in our favourite outdoor spots in Oakwood helped us recharge and stay focused on the end goal.
The Importance of a Contingency Fund
Despite our best efforts to plan and budget, there were always going to be unexpected expenses.
That’s why having a healthy contingency fund set aside was crucial. Whenever we encountered an issue that required additional work or materials, we were able to dip into the contingency fund instead of blowing our entire renovation budget.
Lessons Learned
Looking back on our home renovation journey, there are several key lessons we learned along the way:
- Invest in a thorough pre-renovation survey to uncover hidden issues.
- Prioritise the most pressing problems before tackling cosmetic changes.
- Develop a realistic budget with a substantial contingency fund.
- Communicate clearly with contractors and be prepared to adapt to challenges.
- Be patient and creative when dealing with supply chain disruptions.
Ultimately, the hard work and challenges were worth it. Our 1920s bungalow is now a warm, inviting home that reflects our personal style and meets our needs.
Key Takeaway
In the end, the experience taught us more than just how to renovate a house—it taught us patience, resilience, and the value of creating a space that truly feels like home. Each obstacle we overcame made the final result even more rewarding, and we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Our home renovation journey was a transformative process that not only restored a historic house but also enriched our lives.
