Clueless about mental impact of renovations

[thegreenlight]

We are having a (nearly) whole house renovation. Two story front extension, second story built on existing back extension. New bathrooms, windows, flooring, kitchen, roof and plastering as well as building an annex in the garden for my mum (added at the last minute due to the death of my DF). We are 2 months into living in absolute chaos! We have just come back from holiday and that has made things even worse. At least 2 months left. I thought we would be able to live in it and have to as no other options, really. Our camp kitchen is now gone and there is only one room in the house not being touched (boys room). I was so so stupid to underestimate how this would be with 2 autistic children (DS 5 and 10) I work full time as a deputy head and now the build is stretching into August so will be off with it going on. It was meant to be done by the beginning of June. Some on me please be nice to me. I’m a woman on the edge!

Good tip I heard of if you ever have a neighbour doing work on a property near your boundary, is to video YOUR property, gardens etc the minute they start.

Any damage done can very easily be verified by the before video.

A few years ago a house near me was having a big job done and the builders were littering the area with lunch stuff etc, after eating in their cars, dropping tea bags etc.

I video'd them, emailed the company and informed them that if it wasn't cleaned up and it ceased, I was going to send the videos with their logo on show to the council and the local radio station.

Within an hour I had a call, an apology, and it was cleaned up, with no further problems.

Litter is a HUGE bugbear of mine.

It’s really hard I know, most of our properties have needed renovation. Sounds like you’re nearly there though. good luck.

This was me two years ago living practically in one room with a 18m old and 5yo. Washing up in the bath! You have my sympathy, it was horrendous.

Felt on the brink for ages and so many arguments with DH. In total the build took 6 months +, they finally got out on the 24 Dec so we could have Christmas in the house! Came back for snagging / finishing touches in the new year.

I think it took me another year to get over! But I love my house now, so it was eventually worth it. Just never again.

I don't really know what to suggest except as much time out the house as possible! But it will become a distant memory at some point!

We only had our bathroom done and I had to move out for that! All best wishes, OP.

It's all very well people suggesting moving out but I'm guessing every penny is being accounted for for the build. Having gone through half a house renovation myself last year I know how hectic it can be. My suggestion would be speaking to your builder and seeing if they can ramp up half the rooms first in priority order so atleast you have a living space. Our builder was very understanding and did listen to our concerns and rejigged things. Invest in a instant pot and actifry if you have power these are life savers.

It's all very well people suggesting moving out but I'm guessing every penny is being accounted for for the build.

This is exactly my point, though - it can be false economy. The big cost is labour, which is charged per day (or it is by the builder even if it’s not expressed that way on a quote). If it takes longer while you’re living there, it might be cheaper to move out and let them get on with it more quickly.

oh my goodness - your post made me LOL - thank you - and sorry you had to go through this!

I did it 6 years ago. I'm still not over it. It changed me forever. Honestly it was the worst thing I have ever lived through. It made great sense financially, but the impact on my mental health was massive and I don't think will ever be reversed. I know it sounds dramatic, but it's true. You have my deepest sympathies.
I had to stay i many a premier inn and then, when the building work really started to eat into our budget, some really questionable local bed and breakfasts, just to escape!

Just keep reminding yourself that this time next year you wont be stressing about the same thing. When your in the thick of it its bloody awful but everything comes to an end eventually.