Renovations Initiated
The man who will be making a few updates and repairs to my home so I can put it on the market was here last night. I had walked through each room and around the property a few days ago so I had a list of things for us to discuss so he can provide quotes on the work. The meeting went extremely well, I thought. He didn't blink at anything I was asking him to do (nothing seemed daunting or too menial for him, which I appreciated) and he gave some good advice when I asked questions. He was referred to me by three people, all of whom rave about the quality of his work, his efficiency and prices so I'm quite pleased to have found him and that he has time to work with me.
What I'm not quite so pleased with is the list of things that I wanted fixed or updated. A few of the things, like a new dining room light fixture, to name a ridiculously simple example, were things I have NEVER liked about my house and yet, I've lived with them for twelve years. Why? And why, now that I'm selling, am I determined that the new buyer will have a nicer chandelier than I did?
I was talking to a friend yesterday who is also preparing his home for sale this year. He said he and his wife had similar revelations. Why had they lived with mediocre bathrooms all these years and now that they were selling were they renovating them for the buyers? Hadn't they deserved nicer bathrooms?
Does that sound as ridiculous to you as it has to us?
I've made a vow that if I do find a new home that it will be designed and renovated to suit my tastes and needs as quickly as I can make it happen. (Having this fantastic new contractor will certainly help me this time.) Our homes should be reflections of us and make us feel our best. The person who pays the mortgage deserves at least that much.
What about you? Have you something in your home that you've always meant or wanted to change and have never gotten around to it? What's stopping you? Do you think you might take steps to change it now? I sincerely hope so.
house hunting, renovations, repairs in About Moving 
Reader Comments (3)
There are a few basic things like painting and finding art for the walls. We moved in nine days before I gave birth and the kids are now four! There are times where it feels like we are still in survival mode. We also have slightly different tastes in design so it will be interesting to see what we find.
Sandi - I know what professions you and your husband have and how adorable and active your twins are. I think "survival mode" is a good description! Hopefully soon you will have time to be studying paint samples and hammering in nails. :-)
I think sometimes those tasks can seem daunting, or hard to prioritize. They are easier to justify when you're trying to get the most money out of your home. I agree, though, you deserve to enjoy the upgrades while you live there!! :) I'm glad you had this revelation, and I have zero doubt you'll make sure you don't hold off when you move. :)