It’s a while ago since we last shared our to-do list with you, so we thought we’d give you a quick update on our progress so far. There are probably about a million jobs that we’ve forgotten to add to the list, but – just like everything else regarding our home – it’s a work in progress.
We still have a lot of things planned for the rest of the year. Although it’s already October, we’d love to still refurbish our main bathroom, replace some windows, sort our heating and electrics, replace some windows, finish the guest bedroom and make a start on our completely untouched back bedroom. Yep, the paint fumes must have finally started to get to us, as we may have lost our minds!
Living Room
- Paint trim around windows and windowsill
- Paint built-in cupboards
- Paint edge around cupboards and shelves
- Paint door
Sand door frame- Paint door frame
Paint curtains(we tested a small area and decided against painting them)- Find new armchair
- Find cushions
- Buy rug
Insulate gap around floorboards- Check insulation under floor
- Caulk around ceiling rose
- Paint ceiling rose
Caulk around windows- Buy coffee table
Dining Room
- Paint cornice
Build shelves- Update shelves
Check insulation under floorSort electrics- sort heating
Remove carpetSand floorsInstall woodburner- Paint shelves
- Strip wallpaper
- Replaster walls
- Replace patio door
- Sand floor under shelves
Kitchen
- Replace everything
Knock down wall between kitchen and dining roomRemove laminate and sand floorboardsReplace oven- Buy bar stools
- Insulate under floor
Hallway
- Strip walls
Strip and sand handrailStrip and sand balustersStrip and sand dado railStain handrailPaint balusters and newel post- Paint staircase wall
Strip and sand staircasePaint and varnish staircaseChoose carpet- Install carpet
Remove laminateSand and varnish floor- Strip and sand skirting
- Paint skirting
- Paint bedroom 1 door
- Paint bedroom 2 door
- Paint office door
- Paint bedroom 4 door
- Replace window on landing
Make lamp for first floor landing
Porch
Paint windowsPaint doorPaint doorstepReplace locksInstall house numbers- Sealing strip around door
- Replace porch
Garden
- Start to sort out garden
- Implement garden design
- Tidy front garden
- Move box bush
- Install plants
- Build decked area
Rebuild gate postsRebuild garden wall- Add fence or trellis
- Replace garden gate
- Install lawn edging
Garage
- Paint garage door
Paint timber- Paint window
- Replace garage roof
- Replace missing fascia boards and other timber
Rebuild gable wall- Sort electrics
Bedroom 1
- Fill gap in ceiling
- Paint ceiling
- Spray bed
- Find pictures for frames
Find mirror for over fireplace- Find rug
- Paint door
- Strip and sand door frame
- Paint picture rail
- Replace windows
- Caulk picture rail
Buy lamp
Bedroom 2
Strip walls- Strip ceiling
Strip and sand Skirting- Strip and sand door frame
- Paint Door
- Build shelves
Sort electrics- Replace radiator
- Replace window
Find bedside tablesTidy wardrobe- Paint everything
Replace floorInstall picture rail- Install trim around window
Remove laminateStrip and varnish floor
Bedroom 4
Attach door- Strip wallpaper
- Sort electrics
- Install carpet
- Move and replace radiator
- Replaster room
- Replace window
- Strip skirting
- Repair floor
- Replace ceiling
- Move boiler
Office
- Fill cracks in wall
- Find desk lamp
- Buy desk chair
Bathroom
- Renew silicone around bath
Repair door- Replace radiator
- Replace window
- Replace everything!
- Retile everywhere!
Cellar
- Tidy
- Paint windows
Replace stopcockInstall new water mains- Sort damp walls and floor
- Insulate Ceiling
- Sort everything!
Remove wall in front of stairs
Loft
- Complete planning
- Choose everything
- Remove back chimney
Sort calculations with structural engineer
Outside
- Repoint house
- Paint gable wall
- Repair/renew timber
Replace cast iron gutters and downpipes- Renew garden path
Our list really doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter, does it? After one last big push this year, we’ll hopefully be able to cross off a few more items on the list.
Does your to-do list also seem to get longer rather than shorter?
My to-do list also gets longer as time passes by, because even if a few things get done every year, I also have new ideas popping in my mind!
Oh, yeah… I know what you mean! Whenever I say “I’ve had an idea” Jan now starts to panic. His usual response has turned into – “How much?”. Poor guy ;)
Cx
Lists. it’s a balance between writing down all the different steps som you get to check things off often, or write shorter ones where each item really is a lot more work, but the list itself doent become too long… and overwhelming.
I have played with the idea of making some go-fish-bowls. Write different items on notes, and put them in a glass bowl. Then, when you have a feel for renovating you go pick a piece of paper and get a surprise job. It would of course be different bowls. quick-fix bowl (under an hour), a half day scheme, a weekend get-away and then maybe all-summer-fun. Just to make it a bit unexpected. It also requires some good shopping and planning beforehand, so all the knacks needed are lined up and ready to go =)
I love the idea of go-fish-bowls! It sounds like a great way to keep motivated – although I have to admit, that I’m probably one of those people who would pick out tasks until I find one that I actually feel like doing!
Cx
My partner and I bought a house in March this year. It too needing completely gutting including full damp course and timber replacement, we didn’t move in until July. We seem to be at a standstill with work even though we have no carpets,skirting, plastering needing do and the list looks pretty endless.
After reading through a lot of your pages it has given me the motivation back but first I think I’m going to dig out the sale details of the house just to remind myself how far we have come. In between working opposite shifts to each other and caring for our 22month old daughter we will get there!
The progress you guys have made is amazing :)
Thank you so much, Amelia! That’s so kind! It’s hard to stay motivated and it’s something that we definitely struggle with, too. Just like for you, looking back through old photos and seeing how far we’ve come is the best way to keep us motivated.
Good luck with your renovation – just remember, it’ll be worth it in the end!
Cx