Renovation Diaries: My First Time Gutting a House
So, we got a house. It needed to be completely gutted—like, every single thing torn out and rebuilt. This is my first renovation, and I’ve been living in research mode since July. Pinterest boards are overflowing, and I have a not-so-small addiction to scrolling through idea photos online, comparing prices, and making sure every detail fits.
Let’s talk about ordering: Amazon? A lifesaver. The number of things I’ve ordered, returned, and re-ordered is absurd, but the process has been painless. They’ve really nailed down the return game, which has saved me more times than I care to admit. Build.com? Not so much. That’s been an exercise in patience. Items took forever to ship and even longer to get credited back when returned. And don’t get me started on the return charges!
A few things I’ve learned through this process:
Know your measurements. Seriously, measure and remeasure everything. You’ll thank yourself when that perfect light fixture actually fits.
Price compare like it’s your job. If you dig around online, you can save a solid chunk on fixtures, hardware, or even tile. There’s always a deal somewhere.
Show up. This one’s huge. I’ve made it a point to visit the house multiple times a day. I’m that person who pops in just to ask when the floors are going in or when we can start the kitchen. The truth is, being present keeps things moving. It’s easy for things to slow down if you’re not there, checking in.
Progress was slow at first. For a while, it felt like nothing was happening. Then, the floors started going in—well, not all of them, but we’re getting there. The vanity is finally installed, the walls are sanded smooth, and I’m starting to understand the flow of this whole process. I’ve learned what needs to happen first, then second, and so on. We’re not at the painting stage yet, but I can see it on the horizon.
Renovation is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s messy, chaotic, and, at times, a little frustrating. But there’s something rewarding about watching it all come together, piece by piece. And as exhausting as it’s been, I can finally start to see the finish line—though we’re not quite there yet.
Stay tuned for more updates—maybe next time, I’ll actually have all the floors in.
