Improving on a good foundation

Have you ever done a major reno in your home?

Renovation, that is — but I think it’s safe to assume we all know what a reno is. The Eagles wrote a great line that pretty much covers the potential of undertaking a big reno, from Hotel California of course: "This could be heaven, or this could be hell."

That’s a great song, by the way.

The good news for Charleswood resident Colleen Woods is she’s currently enjoying the heaven version — and the end is in sight.

The really cool part about this reno is that single mom Colleen and her adult daughter, Marissa — a student — have recently moved back into the home Colleen grew up in.

Until just a few months ago, it looked exactly as it did when Colleen was a toddler. But now, both inside and out, the changes and upgrades are spectacular enough to put a smile on both of their faces.

Outside the house a new pool occupies a good chunk of what used to be mom’s and grandma’s huge vegetable garden.

"Inside," a beaming Colleen says, a highlight "would definitely be the superbly remodelled kitchen, especially the new appliances going in. Marissa loves to bake and I love to cook, so we can’t wait till it’s totally up and running."

I ask if she has a favourite appliance she is most looking forward to using. "Yes, that would be my new KitchenAid five french-door fridge. It’s gorgeous!"

I suggested we take a picture of her hugging it; it’s always good to capture bliss. Then I had a challenging time getting her to let go of it. I understand completely. I’ve just recently put my 1960 Dodge Polara four-door hardtop on the road for the first time (for me) and I can’t stop hugging it either.

So much of the inside of the home is being redone: kitchen, bathroom, floors, all the windows replaced. It will literally be a new house inside the shell of the home Colleen grew up in and she is loving it. Oh, and outside — along with the beautiful new inground pool — there is a hot tub as well. Paradise.

I asked Colleen what it’s like moving back to the house you grew up in and whether childhood memories are constantly popping up.

"Often something I’m doing will take me back, like now, looking over in the northeast corner of the backyard, I’m reliving skating around the rink Dad always built for me, encouraging his figure skating daughter to become the best she can be. Lots of great memories."

Then I asked her what the biggest surprise had been.

"The plumbing and electrical required so much more than we thought they would, because so many codes have changed."

Excellent point — and a great heads up for folks pondering their own renovations.

I should mention they’ve finished the whole basement as well.

This is one huge renovation, building a new home in an old home. It’s like you’ve moved, but you haven’t. It’s the best of both worlds, the perfect blending of the old and the new.

I might come back once the reno is finished and compare pics from the ’60s-style kitchen to the brand-spanking-new, state-of-the-art model. Might inspire a lot of us to do the same. Let the saving begin.

Best of luck with your labour of love, Colleen; may the finished project be everything you dreamed it would be.

When I put out the call for reno stories and adventures, I got some interesting responses. Some projects are not going as "swimmingly" as Colleen’s.

For example, from Rick Thiessen: "My 65-year-old house was left for years as I thought I might tear it down and build a new one or even move most of what I have away from the river a bit. This year we started what will be a three-year reno to bring the old girl up to 22nd century standards.

"Spent seven months engineering the plans and started in June this year. Got a call on the first week of June that an opening for my knee replacement was available June 16.

"Did the first stage of the reno on crutches, walker and a substantial amount of pain killers. The show must go on."

Thanks Rick. Ain’t that just the way.

Speaking of the show going on, local funny guy Jon Ljungberg contributed his current reno plans as well: "I’m changing the toilet paper this weekend AND cleaning toothpaste spatter off of the mirror."

Hmm, that splatter must be from family members because I’m sure I remember Jon telling me he cleans his teeth in the dishwasher every six months whether they need it or not.

Happy Reno’ing folks, don’t hurt yourself.

Comments or feedback, love to hear from you!

lmustard1948@gmail.com