Renovation Column: Paper plates and a lack of progress

We've entered the ‘quiet’ phase of construction (how ironic as I'm still working with ear defenders on)—the point where it feels as though nothing is changing.

In reality we are making major strides forward with the electrics but the lack of visual progress has left me feeling a little flat.

During the demolition phase each day felt exhilarating, I could see the changes and visualise the prospect of what was to come. Now however, we’re in the “invisible” behind the scenes stages of wiring, plumbing and insulation – all integral elements but ones that make little difference to the appearance of the space.

For me this has been the toughest part of the whole process so far – an underwhelming feeling of slow, intangible, stagnant progress.

The lack of exciting updates has resulted in severe renovation fatigue. We’re at that point in the process where you begin to feel so fed up that you question why you even started this in the first place. That joyous point when the scales begin to tip and the emotional and mental burnout from the stress, mess, noise and decision-making begin to outweigh the excitement.

That moment when a dark cloud descends over the house, you bicker about whose turn it is to do the caravan pots, cry when you run out of paper plates and start to fret about if you’ll be able to put your Christmas decorations up this year. If this was the Big Brother house I’d be sitting in that diary room chair demanding to be evicted.

Add in Primrose’s impending 10th birthday in the mix, for which we’ve had to scale back her desires to have the entire class round for a house party (apparently Bob The Builder construction themed parties are so five years ago) and you begin to get a glimpse of the life we are living.

Determined to shake myself out of this renovation funk I have actually being forcing myself to find solutions and a few things have helped and are worth sharing for other going through the process or thinking about a future renovation (don't do it!)

Getting out of the house whenever possible to have a break away from the chaos has helped—yes, the library is basically my new home – let’s just say I think they’ll be charging me rent pretty soon.

Decluttering, tidying and cleaning other areas of the house has helped to restore an element of calm.

Ordering samples is my new best friend. There’s nothing like the thrill of receiving a floor sample, paint pot or putting a swanky piece of furniture in your online basket to renew your excitement for the finished results.

And the tried-and-tested, foolproof answer to any renovation woe – get out those old photos and look at the progress to date; it never fails.

So I’m approaching the end of this week in a much more positive state than I started, trying to remember it's a marathon not a sprint and adding paper plates to the online shop.

Keep up to date with all the progress by following @ohgodweboughtavicarage on Instagram.