Heavy emotions renovating our old Bandy Home
When we bought the Old Bandy House, we had visions of everything going smoothly, the house ready in a couple of months, etc. etc. That darn HGTV makes things seems so simple and FAST. But, we have learned that renovating Bandy is an adventure filled with a blend of excitement and challenges. It's a journey that can transform this forgotten structure into a beautiful home, but it's also one that can test your patience and resilience.
The Highs
1. Discovering History: One of the most thrilling aspects of renovating our Bandy home is uncovering its history. From original woodwork and wavy glass windows to the attic fire damage and antique fixtures, each discovery adds a layer of character to our home. These unique elements tell a story and give our renovation a sense of purpose and connection to the past.
2. Personalization and Creativity: Renovating the Bandy House allows us to personalize every aspect of our home. We can blend the charm of the old with the convenience of the new, creating a space that truly reflects your style and needs. This creative freedom can be incredibly fulfilling as you see your vision come to life. There will be no “light, bright, clean, and airy” but a nod to the past, and what it once was.
3. Sense of Accomplishment: The satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges and completing each phase of the renovation is immense. Whether it’s restoring a beautiful window or updating , who am I kidding, actually having a new bathroom, every success, big or small, brings a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The Lows
1. Unexpected Problems: The Bandy House has come with it’s fair share of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. From outdated wiring and plumbing issues (no water for 3 weeks - that was an adventure) to structural problems and hidden mold, these unexpected challenges can cause countless delays and increase costs. It’s essential to budget for these contingencies and be prepared for the unexpected. BUDGET? What budget? SOB….
2. Time-Consuming: Renovating Bandy is rarely a quick process. Each project can take longer than anticipated due to unforeseen issues or the need for specialized craftsmanship. Or… just cleaning! My gosh, the dirt in this place is unbelievable. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to move in and enjoy your new space.
3. Things We Never Thought Of: A family of raccoons living in our attic, and having babies. The groundhog that has decided to live under the destroyed side porch. The Ghost stories - OH MY GOSH - waking up to a male voice saying “Good morning” and it was NOT CLARK. The mouse that ran through my hair while sleeping, the bats, and we can go on and on.
Conclusion
Renovating the old Bandy House is a journey of highs and lows. It has required our patience, resilience, many prayers, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Despite the challenges, the reward of transforming our Bandy House into a beautiful, personalized home makes it all worthwhile. We talked about it last night, we wouldn’t give up a moment of this adventure. We were walking through the yard and I said to Clark - our life has certainly changed dramatically hasn’t it?
LOVE to all of you - and thank you so much for keeping us going.