Two months ago I find myself a home owner to a little blank canvas and my first renovating for profit project. The house was a shell. A 1930’s brick shell with pink tiles falling off the walls and an ancient free standing stove with the elderly deceased owners’ last meal encrusted on the saucepan. The walls were full of grime and the ceiling were thick with dust but it was such a sturdy brick home on a nice flat block in the right location that it was almost too good to be true to grab a bargain at the right time. I almost did not get the house with the first bank rejecting the application and then the second bank taking ages to get through the procedures and approval. The vendors charging me late fees and the threat of being gazumped by another offer was always imminent. But the day the twins and I collected the keys was satisfaction we were in the right direction.
For the past few months there have been a flurry of activity as ceilings were replaced, tiles removed and new ones chosen and ancient plumbing and electrical were brought up to standard. Colour consultants were met on the paint, kitchen quotes and layouts, floors sanded and internal wardrobes installed. A new fence has been erected to safe keep the girls from wandering and we start to plan a garden for the girls to play outside once again.
In the early days I had to stop and think what the hell am I doing renovating a house? The job seemed too big. I had no skills or tools or time to barely clean a wall. I did feel guilty but then I have decided my style of renovating for profit is hands free. Because my one save of grace has been family and networks. I could not have done this without first of all my lovely mother who lent me some money to help pay for the renovations (whom her generosity will be repaid – I have it writing) and by accident meeting tradesmen last year who have been genuine and delivered the project at a very reasonable cost.
Some things will have to wait as I hit my budget like the chandeliers I wanted and lovely furnishing. The old fridge will have to do and a dishwasher will wait. The external paint job will be on the list likewise a driveway for the girls to ride their tricycles. I can’t wait to give away some furniture I no longer want and looking forward to putting together the matching white beds we collected from a colleague. The main bedroom in the house has been given to make room for a lovely little girl’s room. I cannot wait to move in! Then I can add renovating for profit as an additional project management skill to do it all over again.
Then I can post some before and after renovating for a profit photos. What has been your experience renovating? Where you a hands on person or hands free?
