Inspiration Tuesday: Fellow Renovators

We're up to our eyebrows in basement renovations, and, to be perfectly honest, it can get discouraging at times. I think the hardest part is the time right before you start rebuilding, and everything is torn apart and looks a mess and makes a mess, and you wonder what were we thinking to tackle this enormous project?

When we started the basement renovation, we had no idea that the previous owners had covered up huge holes in the walls, or shoddily replaced a door with chunks of drywall. We weren't aware of the fact that the basment was actually seven feet tall, and they had lowered the ceiling more than a foot in many places. We also found two windows that they had completely blocked off, drains they had covered, and electrical work that was a disaster waiting to happen.

Needless to say, it turned out to be a project that was far beyond what we were expecting, which was both overwhelming and discouraging. (Have I mentioned that my office/craft room was next on the list? oh, yes, I have)

That said, we're finally at the rebuilding stage (after months and months of demolition and carting garbage out to the curb) and things are moving along, albeit slowly. I'm finding great solace in other bloggers who have tackled huge renovations and either lived or are living to tell about it. ;-)

There's Kim and Ryan at Newlywoodwards, who renovated their entire home, and then bought a rental last year and renovated that too. I think they are actually reincarnations of Popeye and WonderWoman. :-) Click this link to read about their first renovation.

Then there's Layla and Kevin at The Lettered Cottage, who are slowly remodeling their less than picture perfect home into something seriously stunning.

And Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage, who truly had a vision for her kitchen and dining room that took the rooms from sea-surfing weirdness to awesome.

And lastly, anytime I start to feel sorry for myself, I head over to Thirty Eight 20 and read about Emily and S's adventures renovating their log house built in the 1800's. Nothing, and I mean nothing, we've endured renovating compares to the stuff they've put up with: no running water, no heat... even no toilet for a while! These two are hardcore. I am in awe.

So there you have it. A bunch of people with mad skillz that encourage me to keep on keeping on, with the hope that one day, our little (!) basement project will be finished. Next week I'll start giving you pictures of the basement renovation, with lots of information and pictures and a few before and afters. Fun!

On a side note, isn't it funny how, when you're in the midst of a renovation, money begins to be represented in renovation items? Example: we have $60. Oh, perfect, we now have our new toilet. :-) A weekend of overtime = 2x4s and sheetrock for the walls. :-)

Have a wonderful day!