It seems I'm the only person excited about your renovation. I have done a bit of it myself, and really enjoy it. My advice: 1) know when to call in help. Minor plumbing Iran do, replacing an outlet I can do, but anything beyond that and I will hire a professional. 2) you can do a lot more than you think you can. I know these are contradictory, but you can stretch a little without bitting off more than you can chew. 3) plan plan plan. Living in a the home while renovating is exhausting and giving yourself a timeline and knowing what tasks need to be done and in what order will be a tremendous help. 4) yes. There are tons of videos on YouTube and it does pay off to find a good handyman or woman's channel. I know how to mud and tape drywall but I did not know how to do corners, I was able to find a great lady on YouTube with a very helpful video. 5) I don't know if you have the very short handled paint brushes in N. Ireland, but they are great for cutting in and give nice crisp lines. And are worth the wait if you have to have them shipped.
Please gives us revo updates! I love this stuff and I promise to cheer you on! Good Luck! You can do this, just think of how your home will be once you are finished.
Well I hate to sound like a helpless female, but I am truly bad at anything that requires measuring or any kind of spatial reasoning. What I can to -- with alacrity -- is, like rip up carpet and tear off wallpaper. I'm fiesty.
But I do plan on looking up some DIY paint job videos.
Ripping out the old stuff is the best part! Fiesty is good, if you are mostly doing painting and laying tile, there is very little measuring so you'll be fine! 💪
My family owned a painting business and one of my uncles is a contractor, so I started diy when I was a little girl.
Is there one little area that you could make habitable and get some peace in as you work on the rest of the house? Is there some competent trustworthy person who could help you? I would suggest asking God for help and guidance. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
To be honest, they seem quite put out. I'm hoping it's because the place is such a mess and we are not in our usual routine, as opposed to the house being haunted or something. My badger hound has found a spot by the window overlooking the street where he sits and barks incessantly at every passerby. That's been keeping him very occupied. Poor little guy is exhausted at the end of the day.
That's pretty much his job. He's making sure that you're living area is badger free. I live in central Iowa and my two guys have driven all the badgers to neighboring states.
One of the many frustrations with living in a low population country is that it's really hard to find tradesmen. Plus technically speaking right now I can't afford any anyway. Fun times!
Oh, man, Jenny, you've got a hard row to hoe. I, myself, don't think I would have had the courage. So, hats off to you for being so brave. I confess that I feel really sorry for your dogs. I'll be praying for them. : )
They really don't like the commotion, but as soon as I sit down they relax. Max the sausage on my lap, and Bo the collie at my feet. Which is what they are doing right now.
Well that was the plan initially, but then he went and got himself a job in bloody England! He'll be back every other week, and I will make him do lots of work then.
Nothing that would help in all likelihood!But I had a very good time there . I interacted more than usual with the locals - admittedly in pubs.I ate in what was my favorite restaurant in Ireland and yes I did the IRA - Unionist touring.I talked to immigrants from Eastern Europe.Dublin was ok - been there twice. Derry - good for the politics and talking to IRA types.Cheer up . I’m about as mechanical as you are. In other words words not at all. But we will get things done - largely by help from whoever , whatever.
I’m another inept writer type. Well done for taking it on. I’m not sure that I would. My fiver a month is secure, so just get back when you can. If you wouldn’t mind sharing some progress in Notes as well as Instagram, that would be cool. I’m trying to keep off the phone apps other than this one. Good luck!
Oh my, I do not envy you the task ahead! Best of luck! My only tip - buy at least half again as much paint as you think you need. That old plaster will absolutely absorb it. Use the fluffiest roller you can find, even though it feels like it wastes a ton of paint (it does, but it covers in one pass).
Thank you! The walls are in such a bad state that I don't think we can paint directly on it, Brian wants to put a layer of paper up. But since I've spent hours and hours peeling paper off, I'm not in love with that idea.
Good luck in your new old house! It'll be a beauty when you get it restored, and you'll be glad you put in the work. Someone suggested YouTube how-to videos, and that's a great source. I've learned how to do lots of things on houses, cars, and appliances that way, and so can you. You may think you're not good at those kinds of things, but the more you learn the more confident you'll get, and you'll find that there's a lot you can do. When you do things yourself, you'll have a lot of pride in them afterward. If something's really beyond you, vet contractors carefully and try to come by them through recommendations. If you decide to change any outlets or switches yourself, be damned careful with electricity! Think of one room or one area at a time, to avoid being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the whole project. It might take many months, or even years to complete, but you'll get there. Please post photos and tell us about your progress along the way. And happy new year!
Wow… looks like you do have your hands full…built houses for 15 years and also had boarders collies to help control geese on golf course I’m managed for another 25 years..not sure if yours is with those ears but probably…if they only knew how to handle a paintbrush…good luck..keep us updated…
I have the exact same thought about her ears! They remind me of German Shepard ears, pointy and not folded over like Collie ears. And she has little interest in sheep. Brian got her from a farmer, so who knows. She’s a wee dote as they say here.
Wow, this entire project seems pretty darn exciting to me. From those few photos I suspect that your new old house has lots of potential. I’m sure you know this but please make sure you wear the proper filtration masks when you are tearing stuff down and stirring up dust to protect your lungs. I wish I could send you a special house warming gift . Since I can’t do that I will give a gift subscription to a friend and you can use that money for some little tidbit that you need. I am rooting for you and can’t wait to see how it unfolds. If possible please post some photos so we can see your progress. Jenny... you and your family can definitely pull this off and end up with something extra special.
I am always taken aback at how tight everything feels in pictures like these. Living space on the eastern side of the Atlantic just seems so *teeny*. Good luck with it! Looking forward to progress pics.
It seems I'm the only person excited about your renovation. I have done a bit of it myself, and really enjoy it. My advice: 1) know when to call in help. Minor plumbing Iran do, replacing an outlet I can do, but anything beyond that and I will hire a professional. 2) you can do a lot more than you think you can. I know these are contradictory, but you can stretch a little without bitting off more than you can chew. 3) plan plan plan. Living in a the home while renovating is exhausting and giving yourself a timeline and knowing what tasks need to be done and in what order will be a tremendous help. 4) yes. There are tons of videos on YouTube and it does pay off to find a good handyman or woman's channel. I know how to mud and tape drywall but I did not know how to do corners, I was able to find a great lady on YouTube with a very helpful video. 5) I don't know if you have the very short handled paint brushes in N. Ireland, but they are great for cutting in and give nice crisp lines. And are worth the wait if you have to have them shipped.
Please gives us revo updates! I love this stuff and I promise to cheer you on! Good Luck! You can do this, just think of how your home will be once you are finished.
Well I hate to sound like a helpless female, but I am truly bad at anything that requires measuring or any kind of spatial reasoning. What I can to -- with alacrity -- is, like rip up carpet and tear off wallpaper. I'm fiesty.
But I do plan on looking up some DIY paint job videos.
Ripping out the old stuff is the best part! Fiesty is good, if you are mostly doing painting and laying tile, there is very little measuring so you'll be fine! 💪
My family owned a painting business and one of my uncles is a contractor, so I started diy when I was a little girl.
I've needed short-handled paint brushes at times, so I just sawed the wood handle off to whatever length was right. Easy!
Lol, I love it. It never occurred to me I needed a brush like that until I saw one in a store!
Is there one little area that you could make habitable and get some peace in as you work on the rest of the house? Is there some competent trustworthy person who could help you? I would suggest asking God for help and guidance. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
That's my plan -- on both counts!
Praying that all of this will go well for you (not to mention for your husband, your son, and your dogs).
Enough about you, how are the pups coping?
Are there badgers in Belfast (sound like a great title for a book) to keep the badger hound occupied?
To be honest, they seem quite put out. I'm hoping it's because the place is such a mess and we are not in our usual routine, as opposed to the house being haunted or something. My badger hound has found a spot by the window overlooking the street where he sits and barks incessantly at every passerby. That's been keeping him very occupied. Poor little guy is exhausted at the end of the day.
That's pretty much his job. He's making sure that you're living area is badger free. I live in central Iowa and my two guys have driven all the badgers to neighboring states.
They are wonder dogs!!
I used to have one big tip. It was called the Yellow Pages 😂😂
One of the many frustrations with living in a low population country is that it's really hard to find tradesmen. Plus technically speaking right now I can't afford any anyway. Fun times!
I feel for you. I’m useless at DIY. Like really useless. Is there no family you can boss around into helping like my sister does?
Oh, man, Jenny, you've got a hard row to hoe. I, myself, don't think I would have had the courage. So, hats off to you for being so brave. I confess that I feel really sorry for your dogs. I'll be praying for them. : )
They really don't like the commotion, but as soon as I sit down they relax. Max the sausage on my lap, and Bo the collie at my feet. Which is what they are doing right now.
Aw-w-w. Such sweet babies. That image makes my heart smile. : )
It may be a good thing that B is not there with you. Building/renovating a house brings its own special stress to a relationship.
...And if you eat plenty of garlic, your new digs will be vampire- as well as badger- free!
Eating garlic is something I can definitely do, and with ease.
Happy new year.
Let yer husband do the heavy lifting that’s what he’s there for.
You’re there to keep kicking the establishment door down , you’re doing a good job. Keep on swinging.
Well that was the plan initially, but then he went and got himself a job in bloody England! He'll be back every other week, and I will make him do lots of work then.
Well I’m sure he will look forward to it…🤦♂️😆
Patience,....and keep an open mind.
Rome wasn't built in a day.....
But then, I wasn't on that particular job.
Ha!
Perhaps this is strange but Belfast is my favorite Irish city.
That's very interesting -- I'd love to know why. I'm in need of some positivity right now.
Nothing that would help in all likelihood!But I had a very good time there . I interacted more than usual with the locals - admittedly in pubs.I ate in what was my favorite restaurant in Ireland and yes I did the IRA - Unionist touring.I talked to immigrants from Eastern Europe.Dublin was ok - been there twice. Derry - good for the politics and talking to IRA types.Cheer up . I’m about as mechanical as you are. In other words words not at all. But we will get things done - largely by help from whoever , whatever.
I’m another inept writer type. Well done for taking it on. I’m not sure that I would. My fiver a month is secure, so just get back when you can. If you wouldn’t mind sharing some progress in Notes as well as Instagram, that would be cool. I’m trying to keep off the phone apps other than this one. Good luck!
Thank you for that! And good idea re: Notes. Will definitely try to remember to do that.
Oh my, I do not envy you the task ahead! Best of luck! My only tip - buy at least half again as much paint as you think you need. That old plaster will absolutely absorb it. Use the fluffiest roller you can find, even though it feels like it wastes a ton of paint (it does, but it covers in one pass).
Thank you! The walls are in such a bad state that I don't think we can paint directly on it, Brian wants to put a layer of paper up. But since I've spent hours and hours peeling paper off, I'm not in love with that idea.
Maybe a layer of plaster to smooth everything? You can put nice patterns in it too.
Don't let waste accumulate. Clear it away every day. Dedicate specific hours to work on it -- every day. Don't let it drag. Attack!
Good luck in your new old house! It'll be a beauty when you get it restored, and you'll be glad you put in the work. Someone suggested YouTube how-to videos, and that's a great source. I've learned how to do lots of things on houses, cars, and appliances that way, and so can you. You may think you're not good at those kinds of things, but the more you learn the more confident you'll get, and you'll find that there's a lot you can do. When you do things yourself, you'll have a lot of pride in them afterward. If something's really beyond you, vet contractors carefully and try to come by them through recommendations. If you decide to change any outlets or switches yourself, be damned careful with electricity! Think of one room or one area at a time, to avoid being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the whole project. It might take many months, or even years to complete, but you'll get there. Please post photos and tell us about your progress along the way. And happy new year!
Wow… looks like you do have your hands full…built houses for 15 years and also had boarders collies to help control geese on golf course I’m managed for another 25 years..not sure if yours is with those ears but probably…if they only knew how to handle a paintbrush…good luck..keep us updated…
I have the exact same thought about her ears! They remind me of German Shepard ears, pointy and not folded over like Collie ears. And she has little interest in sheep. Brian got her from a farmer, so who knows. She’s a wee dote as they say here.
Wow, this entire project seems pretty darn exciting to me. From those few photos I suspect that your new old house has lots of potential. I’m sure you know this but please make sure you wear the proper filtration masks when you are tearing stuff down and stirring up dust to protect your lungs. I wish I could send you a special house warming gift . Since I can’t do that I will give a gift subscription to a friend and you can use that money for some little tidbit that you need. I am rooting for you and can’t wait to see how it unfolds. If possible please post some photos so we can see your progress. Jenny... you and your family can definitely pull this off and end up with something extra special.
I am always taken aback at how tight everything feels in pictures like these. Living space on the eastern side of the Atlantic just seems so *teeny*. Good luck with it! Looking forward to progress pics.