It's been, oh, about 8 months since my last post on this renovation blog. Let me condense the experience into a few lessons learned:
1. Do not attempt to live in a construction zone for months on end. Do immediately what we waited 10 months to do and move into a furnished condo. Breathing plaster dust is not good for people or dogs and inviting a crew of between 2 and 7 men to essentially move into your personal space for is not advisable for pregnant women.
2. If you decide to blog about your experience, do not share the blog address with contractors that you might at some point want to kill. Because then you cannot blog about the murderous feelings without having them feel perhaps slightly frightened of coming to your house. Thus the hiatus on the blog. I had to compose myself. Yes, it took many months and some T (see #3 below for definition) to get over it. But I feel better now. :)
3. There is simple math involved in calculating your final cost in a home renovation. It goes something like this:
C = E(C)*2 + P + PTSD where
C = final cost and E(C) is the expected cost prior to beginning the renovation. P is the monetary cost of pain and suffering, which might also in the NYC area be quantifiable in the following manner:
P = $225(T) where
$225 is the cost of 45 minutes of psychotherapy on the Upper West Side and T is the number of hours spent in said therapy.
Finally, PTSD is an unquantifiable residual that is directly proportionate to both C and P. As C and P increase, so does the residual PTSD. There is no way to calculate the ultimate cost of PTSD, but I will let you know my best guess once the nightmares stop.
BUT......IT'S DONE!
(Well, okay, except for some minor paint touchups, a couple furniture deliveries, a bit of cabinetry to be built, some rugs and stair runners, and a hallway that needs some wallpaper, but those are details people, details.)
And in celebration, below are some links to a few photo albums showcasing the fruits of our labor, C, and P. Those oh-so-appreciated "Before and After" pictures that really bring home just how much work we accomplished over the past 12 months. As other rooms get unpacked and organized over the next few weeks I will post additional updated albums.
Ta-Da! What do you think??
Oh Jen - it's gorgeous! All of it! I'm so proud of you!!!!!! I can't wait to see it in person - the baby's room and your room turned out great. The rest, well, the rest was already great.
Whew! Don't you feel like a tremendous weight has been lifted off your shoulders! It's going to be so cozy this winter - knitting at Jen's house! L, C
Posted by: Cara | October 25, 2005 at 08:00 PM
Nice job Jen. I don't think I could take on a home renovation project like that. Well not unless I was living somewhere else and didn't have a day job. It looks amazing.
So where exactly is the guest room... ;)
Posted by: Ann | October 25, 2005 at 11:04 PM
The house looks amazing, Jenny. I can't wait to see it in person. The kitchen and master are beautiful, but I think my favorite is the nursery. The green reminds me of Miles's room (his green walls always make me happy). I hope you enjoy many many happy hours there (along with many hours napping at 2 am on the chair, I am sure).
Posted by: Heather | October 26, 2005 at 09:06 AM
I feel so lucky, lucky, lucky that I was able to go on an in-person tour! It's just beautiful, Jen! A little more fluffin' here and there and your nest will be all ready. ; )
Posted by: Vicki | October 26, 2005 at 05:27 PM
It's tremendously beautiful! You guys have some great sense of style!! I'm glad you made it!
Posted by: kristine | October 27, 2005 at 05:56 PM
Good day!
Wow! Congratulation for achieving your dream renovated home. Hope to see pictures.
Posted by: Double Glazing | March 27, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Great post. The ideas that you have shared are very interesting and helpful at the same time. I'll keep visiting for more updates.
Posted by: plumbing supplies | May 22, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Home improvement is one of those terms that covers many remodeling jobs around the house. Do it yourself home improvement is the process of renovating, remodeling or making additions to one's home without the use of a contractor.
Posted by: Plumbing | June 04, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Thanks for posting some tips and advices. Anyway, congratulations to your new remodel house. Keep it up!
Posted by: party bags | June 07, 2011 at 01:46 AM
Today many people want to have their home with facilities that are related to the modern world. Even though the house was built before five or ten years, they want to change their home with modern facilities.
Posted by: Double Glazing | June 28, 2011 at 09:58 AM
I don't think I could take on a home renovation project like that. It's tremendously beautiful!
Posted by: Check Insurance | September 22, 2011 at 10:57 AM