Home renovation: is it really worth all the stress and effort?

‘It’s perfect but never again will I renovate’ — Despite all the dramas the end result has brought joy to this owner-builder family. So how did they do it?

Kerrie-Ann Jones and her father/builder Keith Sharpe. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

“It always seems impossible until it’s done”, as Nelson Mandela says.

I’m sure many renovators can relate to this expression. I know, I can, admits interior stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones.

During our renovation, I often felt out of my depth as an owner-builder, trying to understand the in’s and out’s of renovating. I was learning a new language – called construction.

As an interior stylist, I have the vision, but I’m not a professional builder, so I have little understanding of the intricacies of how to construct it. However, as the renovation progressed, my knowledge and understanding improved. It felt less intimidating and more of a learning process. Thank goodness I had my Dad (Keith Sharpe), a seasoned tradie – bricklayer and sandstone mason, to help guide me through.

Step by step, we got there. Every day there was progress, big or small and we edged a little closer to the finish line. And now, we’re here.

The view from the top. The finished home oozes chic style.

Kerrie-Ann’s elegant entrance.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

The house is complete, we are living in it and loving it. Since my last renovation update with you, we’ve installed the timber slatted garage door and surrounding exterior cladding and rendered, and painted all the exterior walls.

Dad laid the sandstone for the carport wall and smashed up the travertine pavers for the crazy paving laid on the top floor balcony and around the pool. The pool fence and spiral staircase were installed and the decking on the ground level is done. Internally, the Gyprock walls have been installed and painted, doors hung, curtains and floors installed.

We had some beautiful stone features made for the fireplace, powder room and master ensuite. The wardrobe and cabinetry are complete, all the bathrooms too. And finally, all our furniture and belongings are in. We moved in the weekend before lockdown, June 2021. The renovation still had another six months to go but, the house was liveable. Once lockdown was on the radar, we quickly packed up everything in our rental. We went full steam ahead to ensure our house passed a temporary occupation certificate so we could live in it while we finished renovating.

The original yellow kitchen was outdated but came with great views. Picture: upplied

The bamboo-wallpaper bathroom also needed work. Picture: Supplied

DEALING WITH DELAYS

There was a two-week break while the construction industry was on lockdown, which we used to get acquainted with our new home and, of course, adjust to the new homeschooling schedule. When the construction lockdown was lifted, work on the house recommenced.

Once the kids returned to school and daycare each afternoon, they came home asking with excitement what work was done. It was something we all looked forward to, appreciating even the most minor jobs done. The light at the end of the tunnel was becoming brighter each day.

The biggest challenge throughout this process has been navigating obstacles or delays and finding solutions for them. We had Covid, lockdowns, occasional supplier issues, building supply delays and Christmas too. We either found a solution or just had to wait it out. While Dad was on site every day managing the renovation – thanks Dad. I dealt with suppliers, orders, tradespeople, quotes, making (many) decisions, and handling whatever obstacles were presented each day. I was also trying to juggle – life, parenting, running my business, and not having my husband Andrew’s help due to health issues. Throw in homeschooling too. There were tears, many of them and I made mistakes. A lot. But we just all chipped in and did our very best to get it done and I am forever grateful to the team on-site.

Kerrie-Ann Jones and her father/builder Keith Sharpe. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

The home is now tranquil and serene.

IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE

Now it’s complete, I’m thrilled with how the renovation turned out. It’s the perfect home for our family. I enjoy watching the kids playing in the house and swimming in the pool.

It’s lovely sitting with Andrew on the balcony soaking up the view.

The little things bring huge joy. I’m so appreciative to everyone involved in getting us here. And much to my Dad’s delight (and mine), we will never renovate again.

Beautiful timber work flows throughout the home.

Kerrie-Ann, husband Andrew Jones, daughter Poppy and son Ari mid renovation. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START

If you’re planning a reno of your own it pays to be cautious, warns Standards Australia. The group recommends always doing the following:

* Contact your local council and familiarise yourself with plans, policies and regulations.

* Consult with an architect. They can help guide you through the entire process, help with applications and permits, assess the quality of your builder’s work and ensure it complies with agreed specifications.

The serene bedroom.

Views from the dining room.

* Choose a licensed builder. Aside from managing the construction process and co-ordinating tradespeople, they can also help connect you with design services, council approvals, engineering certification, construction certification and other reports that may be required. And don’t rush. Take time to consider all aspects and ask questions.

* Go with experts. Hiring a professional to do the electrical, plumbing, gas and structural work is a must. These tasks have strict guidelines that must be followed to ensure your build meets Australia’s high standards.

* More at standards.org.au

Originally published as Home renovation: is it really worth all the stress and effort?