Hat tip to Eddie89 for finding this article on remodeling:
http://torontolife.com/real-estate/parkdale-reno-hell/
It was a crumbling Parkdale rooming house, populated by drug users and squatters and available on the cheap. We were cash-strapped, desperate to move and hemmed in by a hot market. Five years, three contractors and $1.1 million later, our home renovation nightmare is finally over.
We realize that our story could’ve ended up much differently. We’ve learned a harsh lesson: there’s no way to shortcut a reno; they cost a lot, period. If we had just listened to the advice of realtors, architects, designers, tradespeople and many friends, we would have avoided considerable stress and, well, $100,000 in debt. We were the victims of a shoddy contractor and bad luck, but also of our own colossal ignorance and hubris.
Anyone thinking of doing their own home renovations should read full story:
Yes, that was quite the read! The other aspect of “Get good help!” is to listen to the advice given by that good help! Otherwise, you’re just shooting yourself in the foot!
Amazing read, but nearly every paragraph I found myself groaning with the owners’ decisions. Yes, the owners had a lot of bad luck, but their greatest mistake was being rookies with a 4,000 sf renovation.
On a brighter note, I learned the definition of flotsam:
“people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless”. As in the seventh paragraph: “The main hallway was narrow and lined with more flotsam.”
From experience, I couldn’t agree more. Even “respected” tradesmen try to take advantage of the uninformed. I wish I had consulted with a General before embarking on the projects needed on a neglected house. Would be nice to hire a GC on an hourly basis to consult. Also, the time is well spent looking over the shoulder of various trades to make sure things are done as promised. But me being out of the areas of expertise was my downfall.