SHIFTING ROOTS

home, garden, food, and prairie lifestyle

  • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Features
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Gardening
    • How to Start a Garden: Especially if you’re in Zone 3 or Zone 2
    • Seed Starting
    • Vegetable Gardening
    • Perennials
    • Cut Flowers
    • Small Space Gardening
  • Recipes
    • Canning
    • Preserving
    • Prairie Fruits Cookbook
    • The Best Pumpkin Recipes
    • How to Make a Tempting Christmas Cookie Tray (Plus Recipes!)
  • Popular Posts
  • E-Books
    • Pretty & Practical Garden Planner
    • Cut Flowers Made Simple
    • Constant Colour Perennial Garden
    • Small Garden, Big Harvest
    • Growing Roots Online Gardening Course
    • Frost Proof Flower Garden
    • Bouquets Made Beautiful
    • Savvy Seed Saving Annual Cut flowers
    • Prairie Fruits Cookbook
    • Online Gardening Consultations
  • Seasons
    • Christmas

Why My Renovation Feels Like a Bad Episode on HGTV

August 3, 2017

Pin
Share
Tweet
0 Shares

HGTV is one of my favourite guilty pleasures. I love the beautiful renovations, but I often look at the homeowners and shake my head. How could they not have an emergency fund for their renovation? Why are they changing things last minute? Why don’t they ever trust that Scott or Jillian or Bryan or Hillary will make their home amazing?

While I’m definitely not on HGTV, my renovation is starting to feel just as dramatic. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show that has been this last week of renovations.

The Renovation Dream Begins

The story actually starts a bit further back when we first decided to take the plunge and tackle the home’s first major renovation to make it livable–the bathroom. I feel like if we were on HGTV they would label this home option the “Mellow Yellow Bungalow” and would definitely be making fun of the yellow fish wallpaper.

We knew we had asbestos in the attic and soon discovered that it was part of our plaster and popcorn ceiling too. *cue dramatic scene of frustration* If that wasn’t bad enough, just as we got in all the quotes, the Hermit got laid off and everything had to be put on hold. *duh duh duh*

Related: When Life Gives You a Plan F

Please say my music peeps who read this blog know exactly what sound effect I’m trying to make.

Actually, no one ever gets laid off on HGTV, but if they did it would make for very dramatic, if complicated television.

The Renovation is On Again

Six months pass, we recoup, and start the whole process over again. Everything seems to be going just as planned. *cue positive sounding music and witty voiceover about things working out* We have meetings with contractors, emails are exchanged, and everything is going according to plan.

My renovation has all the drama of an HGTV episode, but no celebrity contractor.Click To Tweet

In fact, was are so wise that we call to confirm everything the week before the renovation starts. Ha ha ha, we won’t be like those silly HGTV homeowners. We even have a renovation emergency fund, because with a house this old you know there are going to be surprises.

The asbestos people arrive, we take a camping trip, and everything is still going to plan. The job takes a little longer than planned, but no worries, we’ve got a gap week scheduled in where I’m going to refinish our floors.. . it’s all good.

The asbestos company gives me the go ahead to enter the house again. I eagerly enter the house excited to see my gutted attic and bathroom and then. . . *cut to commercial.*

Disaster. . . HGTV Style

Wait, this can’t be right, my hardwood floors that I’m supposed to be finishing this week are ruined. Okay, this isn’t good, but their insurance will surely cover it.

I pop my head in the bathroom only to discover. . . a bathroom. Why is my bathroom still here?!? I call the asbestos company and I am TICKED. How could this possibly happen? I even emailed a week earlier before the job started to confirm that they were removing the tub, toilet, and sink.

*cue homeowner screaming and crying in shock and disbelief*

*homeowner wants to cry and puke at the same time.*

My other contractors are coming in exactly one week and there is no possible way they can do their job unless the bathroom is gutted. This was the whole point of the renovation.

via GIPHY

Things Work Themselves Out. . . for Now

Long story short, both the contractor and I didn’t understand each other, but thought we did. Asbestos company is moving heaven and earth to get the rest of my job done on time, and things should hopefully not be delayed. If they are, it will be by a day or two at worst.

Hurray for asbestos free attics!!

Side note #1: next time your contractor says that your job’s start date needs to be delayed by a day or two, it’s probably because of a job like ours.

Side note #2: No, I’m not going to publicly name the asbestos company. Even though there were issues, I was treated very fairly at every point, so they do not deserve a public shaming.

*announcer asks, Will Kristen and the Hermit get the renovation done on time? Will the budget be broken? Can they handle the strain of extra time on their renovation? Will the company have a decent insurance broker? (Trust me, it makes a difference!!)*

Tune in next time to find out.

Related: Check out our home tour of what is done so far.

 

Want the latest renovation updates?  I’ll be offering sneak peaks on my Facebook page, so make sure to like and follow to get the latest.

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

19 Comments
Filed Under: 1929 house, Bathroom, Renovation Tagged: asbestos, bathroom, contractors, drama, HGTV, plans, Renovation

About Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

Comments

  1. Naomi Suchan says

    August 3, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Oh. My. God. As you know, I am watching with bated to see if all will be well - however, to see it all written out at once makes me nervous even after the fact! I really, really hope everything now goes according to plan!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 3, 2017 at 9:48 pm

      The asbestos company is coming on Friday, so we should be able to stick to the schedule!! The bad floor has at least dried out mostly and doesn't feel as unsafe.
      Reply
  2. Andy Schwartz says

    August 3, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Can't wait til the next episode!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 3, 2017 at 9:48 pm

      Thanks, me too! I hope it's way less dramatic!!
      Reply
  3. Ali says

    August 3, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Oh, ugh! When we did my current place (we being Dad - former shop teacher/repair person/journeyman brick mason, and my sister - basically his apprentice), there were so many weird things that we couldn't have possibly dreamed of! And the people we DID bring in... one had to come back twice to do their contracted work - and we still hired another person to redo it. I completely understand your frustration - and know you (and Hermit from back to high school) you aren't in the same league as those crazy tv shows!! You guys got this ????
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 4, 2017 at 7:43 am

      Thanks for the encouragement!
      Reply
  4. Jen says

    August 4, 2017 at 7:37 am

    Oh, boy! I wish you all the best and will tune in again to see how it's going...
    Reply
  5. Becca says

    August 4, 2017 at 10:20 am

    HGTV references on point! Love the "Mellow Yellow Bungalow." Haha!
    Reply
  6. Nita says

    August 4, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Oh, my lanta! You've got your work cut out for you but I can't wait to see the finished renovations! Your house is adorable and has so much potential!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 4, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      Thank you! That's what I keep telling myself to get me through.
      Reply
  7. Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says

    August 4, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Oh man, I'm sorry all that is happening, but thank your for sharing in such a funny way!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 4, 2017 at 3:53 pm

      Thankfully the asbestos people were able to fit us in today and everything is going to work out, except now our cabinets are on backorder. Compared to this last problem, cabinets don't seem like a big deal.
      Reply
  8. Yolanda says

    August 4, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Oh renovations - how I love and hate them! What a pain!! Hoping everything else goes smoothly and I look forward to seeing the finished result.
    Reply
  9. Marie says

    August 4, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Holy, moly! Best of luck with the rest of your renovation! I know I'll be in a similar situation when we start some real renovations in our 100+ years old farmhouse. Now if only I'd win the lottery to have my favorite HGTV designer to come make my dreams come true...
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      August 4, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      It's hard with old houses. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, but there's always surprises.
      Reply
  10. Stacey says

    August 4, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    HGTV is my guilty pleasure too! Fixer Upper, House Hunters Renovation, Love it or List it! Oh my gosh I hope things work out! That is so crazy!!I look forward to hearing what happens next!
    Reply
  11. Jeanine says

    August 5, 2017 at 7:42 am

    Oh my I feel your pain Kristen! I went through this when my husband got a job transfer with a 10 month old baby and a 5 year old. We had the choice to stay and live in the basement or a hotel. We chose the later and 7 long months later our renovation was completed and our house sold. I look forward to the next episode of your adventures. ?
    Reply
  12. Lisa says

    August 6, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Oh this is terrible. So sorry you had one mishap after another. Thinking it can only get better from here on out. I look forward to seeing the finished renovation. And hey, maybe you star in a new series on HGTV, you never know!
    Reply
  13. Jessica Devlin Design says

    August 8, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    i'm really sorry that's happening.
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Grow roots with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

P.S. First time gardener? You'll want to download the quick start gardening guide below!

Recent Posts

  • Protected: 5 Easy Ways to Increase Pollination in Your Vegetable Garden
  • Bloom Times: What Cut Flowers Grow When in Zone 3
  • The Best Vegetables & Flowers to Start with Winter Sowing
  • 21 Cut Flowers to Grow in Part Shade
  • The Best Grow Lights for Seedlings (from Budget to Bougie)

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Connect with Shifting Roots On. . .

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Find What You’re Looking For. . .

Privacy Policy

I love seeing the world through this loving boy’ I love seeing the world through this loving boy’s eyes.  Honestly, I’ve been so sick that I wasn’t really in the mood to “do Valentines Day” but there was this sweet little voice going on about how excited he was for today and how much he loves his family and I just couldn’t resist.  So whether you’re on your own, part of a couple, or in the thick of life-with-littles craziness, Happy Valentines Day!

#valentinesday2020 #mylittlevalentine #boymomlife #lifewithlittles
How do you pass a cold -28 day? By planning your How do you pass a cold -28 day?  By planning your garden, of course!  Today in my stories I’ll be going through the steps I take to start planning everything out.  I’m curious, do you start planning now or wait until the last minute?

P.S.  want your own copy of this planner?  This is the newly updated paid version and it’s on sale by itself from now until Sunday for only $5.  If you’re from Canada, use the code CANADA to make $5 USD be closer to $5 CAD.  Head over to the link in my bio to get yours.

#gardenplanning #gardenplanner #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #organizedlife #organizedliving #wintergardening
Curious about growing lettuce indoors? My experim Curious about growing lettuce indoors?  My experiment is a success so far, although it’s still going to be awhile before I’m eating another salad off of them.

Okay, so maybe a little rant today.  I think sometimes in the gardening space we’re guilty of making things seem easier than they are.  Myself included.  This lettuce project is a case in point.

Was it easy?  Yes.  But will it provide me with endless salads all winter long? Nope.  Or at least not at this scale.  I’m going to estimate that I’d need at least 15 plants this size, especially since it’s winter and everything just grows slower.  And I’m the only person in my family who really eats salad.

In conclusion, this is a fun project to pass the winter, and not a truly sustainable source of lettuce.

Thoughts?

#growinglettuce #eatwhatyougrow #growwhatyoueat #wintergardening #indoorgardening #plantproject #sustainablefood #gardenersofinstagram #gardenerslife #northerngardening
Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing ex Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing exactly what to start when.  Every two weeks, I'll be posting these handy guides so you have enough time to order your seeds and be ready to plant when it's time for your area.  To find out when these veggies, herbs, and flowers need to be started where you live. . . ⁠
⁠
1. Search out your area's last frost date.  There are plenty of calculators on the Internet.⁠
⁠
2. Count backwards 8 weeks from that date.⁠
⁠
3. Start these seeds when that date hits.⁠
⁠
If you follow me because we're in similar zones--don't panic, it's not time yet!! I won't be starting my 10 week seeds for another two weeks, and even that is slightly on the early side. (I'm starting everything a bit early so I can hopefully plant it out before baby gets here--I won't be physically able to do it after.) I like posting the info early for followers in warmer zones and so you can save it and still have time to order/buy seeds & supplies.⁠
⁠
Which one of these are you most excited to start?⁠
⁠
#seedstarting #seedlings #homegardener #northerngardener #homesteading #urbandhomesteading #homesteadingskills #gardenlife #gardenlifestyle #startingseeds
Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing the whole seed packet in hopes that a few of these little luffa babies will provide me with zero waste sponges that I can use for home cleaning, and as an exfoliant in home made beauty products.

The catch?

These plants are notoriously hard to grow, especially when you live somewhere cold with a really cold growing season—and if they get a hint of frost on them they turn to mush and all my hard work is ruined.

Gulp.

But gardeners are born optimists, so I’m giving it a shot—because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

P.S. if you’re trying luffa in zone 3 like me, just basically ignore all the directions on the seed packet.  Start them immediately (two weeks ago would have been ideal) and follow along because I’ll show you exactly what to do and when.  I’ll be popping these under a grow light once the sun goes down.

#luffagourd #luffa #loofah #seedlings #seedstarting #northerngardening #northerngardener #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #mygardenthismonth #gardenlife #canadiangardening
This weekend I took a big leap of faith. I came t This weekend I took a big leap of faith.  I came to New York to meet with other content creators/business owners to dig deep into what we do and create a strategy around our messaging.  I don’t even know how to properly describe what all went down, but is was incredibly life changing and I really feel connected to this tribe of women who are committed to playing to win and being the people our businesses need us to be.  I’m so excited to share what I’ve planned for my business with you in the coming months.

#playtowin #gardenblogger #businessowner #wahmlife
Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant? I Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant?  I think the Sansevera or Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue comes close.  Sure, it might be the vanilla of the plant-loving world, but it is so good for so many situations!⁠
⁠
It can handle you forgetting to water it, low light, or bright light.  It is somewhat forgiving if you are an over-waterer. ⁠
⁠
I’ve had this one for 2 or 3 years now and I keep getting rewarded with more spikes.⁠
⁠
Plant lovers, is there another houseplant you think would be perfect for beginners?⁠
⁠
#crazyplantlady #houseplantsofig #houseplantsofinstagram #snakeplant #houseplantlove
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Theme Design By Studio Mommy · Copyright © 2021

Copyright © 2021 · Beyond Madison Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in