Over the last several weeks I've been discussing a potential renovation in my house and talking back and forth over the merits of the cost and what potential changes I'd make if I decide to go ahead. It's an important discussion for me as I'm not one to spend the sort of money it'll eventually cost just because I want to; there needs to be a valid reason, distinct benefit from a use-perspective and from a future value perspective as well.
One of the areas I'm talking about is the kitchen, usually a reasonably costly area to renovate and, because it's often considered the hub of the house, a critical area to get right.
I'm not a chef so don't need a chef's kitchen, however I like to cook and most of our meals are prepared at home which means I need my kitchen to be functional with plenty of bench space and storage. I also have things I specifically want like a double-wide fridge space, larger and deeper sink areas, feature benchtops, 900mm wide cook top and oven and enough bench space to use one end as a breakfast bar.
I'm only in the early phase of planning currently but want to do things a little differently than last time, the very first house I bought. I did the kitchen, dining and loungeroom all at once and that meant having no kitchen for about six months...it sounds good, eating BBQ's and take-away food every day but trust me, one gets over that quite quickly.
With this one I'm going to be more strategic about it. I'll probably end up buying one of those stainless steel outdoor kitchen/BBQ's and install it outside in my alfresco area; I've been wanting one for a long time anyway, one with a plumbed in sink and refrigerator as well, which will serve as my kitchen throughout the renovation and then it'll become my outdoor entertaining kitchen later. Admittedly, last time it was all done on a tight budget as I was so young and this time there'll be no real budgetary constraints so I'll project manage it and make sure I'm not waiting on the supply of anything: Stone bench tops, appliances and so on, which will help expedite the process.
If I do it though I want to do most of it myself which will save me a lot of money - that'll mean a lot of careful planning.
House renovations can be extremely enjoyable, and extremely frustrating, just ask 
Like her, I'm not a professional house renovator but have the desire to add personal value to the renovation through doing it myself; she'll attest to the enjoyment that comes from standing back and saying, yep, I did that, as anyone who has renovated a house, or anything else, will also say I guess.
Have you ever renovated a house, or a room in your house personally?
Maybe you didn't do everything yourself, but possibly you did the plumbing, or painting, worked on the interior design or decor yourself...if so, let me know how it went and what went right or wrong. Maybe you've had to do running repairs to keep your house in good condition and if so please also feel free to comment on it. You may also like to share how work you performed yourself added value to your potential sale value...whatever it is, if you want to comment then go ahead.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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Image(s) in this post are my own