Hello : ) My DH and I are looking at houses and he is very set on buying a house that he can update. The logic is that we can find a bigger home in a nicer neighborhood, which is true. I'm nervous about living in a house during a renovation while being pregnant (mainly because I can't help as much as I would like and the whole thing not being done before the baby is born--which honestly, it won't be.) I'm a FTM and a bit nervous about the idea. Everything would be mainly cosmetic (the house has wood paneling, carpet in the kitchen and bathrooms, etc.) But I'd like to know, have any of you survived a renovation while pregnant? How did it go?
Re: Pregnant through a Renovation--Share!
I'm going through this right now! My master bath is completely gutted (and has been for almost 3 months now). It's been taking so long because it's hard work and my hubs who is doing it himself has taken some time off. But he has kicked things into high gear this week and will be tiling the floor today. I'm hoping to have my bathroom back within a couple weeks or so. But it is a pretty huge inconvenience. Also our hardwood floor downstairs buckled and in order to get the insurance $ he had to rip it up. So now there is a huge hole in our hardwood, and the biggest problem with that is that it's an eyesore. After he finishes the bathroom he will be taking up the rest of the flooring downstairs and replacing it with tile. I don't expect that to be done until November.... but it better be because my baby shower is at my house on December 5th!
Honestly it's not too bad, just inconvenient and stressful because I'm one of those people that obsesses about having a clean, put together house. My house is a pretty big mess right now (well, the affected rooms), and it's a little hard to relax. But I know that the outcome will be worth it.
Probably the biggest problem with this is the fights that it has caused. My hubs really likes high end finishes and they are expensive! I often have to talk him down to a more mid-range product, and sometimes this does not go over well. And we fight when he says he is going to work on the projects on the weekend, and then goes to play golf, watch football, goes to a game, etc... those haven't been pretty. But I just try to remind myself that he needs a break from doing all the work too. After all, we are saving a lot of $ doing it ourselves. I just feel bad that I can't help too much- everything is so heavy and it's a lot of bending over!
Now we are putting an addition on. I have accepted it will not be done before LO Is born but as it was said before homeowning is constant upkeep. This is a much bigger project but I survived the last remodel and we will again.
Drywall dust and mess are the only parts that really stress me out but it's manageable when you keep in perspective the outcome. It does cause more fights though so be prepared for that. It's so easy to get caught up on deadlines and ideally how we want stuff to go but with remodeling you have to be flexible or you will lose it!
I have to do a little less now (especially the heavy lifting), but I'm still able to come home from work and lift a hammer/paintbrush/shovel. In my opinion, this isn't the ideal time to start a whole house reno... Mostly because there tends to be TONS of dust and potentially getting into some nasty stuff (mold, BUGS), not to mention harmful fumes. And time... It will always take longer than you anticipate. Just be aware of what you're breathing and wear a mask, provide plenty of ventilation, and remove yourself from areas with harmful fumes.
I'm assuming you are about halfway through your pregnancy and this time left is going to fly by. Keep in mind that it'll take time to find the house and close, so you'll be doing the work with a newbie. In which case I would recommend finishing the master bedroom and nursery first (you'll want a safe place for the babe and a place to relax after a long day of work).
It certainly can be done! Just pace yourself and set realistic goals. Have you ever read Young House Love blog? They don't blog anymore, but they've had 2 babes throughout renovating 3 homes (while living in each) and creating quite a name for themselves. Check it out to give yourself a little confidence booster!
Good luck to you and your family no matter what you decide to do!
All that being said, keep looking at houses. If you find something that feels right and you can live with things not being perfect it might be worth it. Just try to have realistic expectations. Things always take longer and cost more than you expect. However, you will get through it and after awhile forget the madness. Finding a house you love with good bones is so important and it might take time. But when you find something you love, you'll know it. You might be willing to live with it the way it is for now if you love it. Good luck!