Merepeka: Renovation experience not like on the TV

Renovating is not as easy as it looks on TV. Photo / Shutterstock

Grand Designs indeed. That's what happens when you watch a certain TV programme. You start to think Grand Designs too. The Living Channel programme makes house building and renovating look very inviting. I enjoy watching talented people design and build new houses. Often combining technology and the latest materials to come up with their own masterwork. Some go further and take on what appears an impossible mission. They get hold of old disused water pump stations, tumble down barns, dilapidated manor houses, even crumbling castles and turn them into objects of beauty. Something unique. I never cease to be amazed how some people can "see it before they create it". This is probably true of most artists. They take a blank canvas and a short time later you have a picture that "replaces a thousand words". Imagination and creativity are a wonderful mix. And they make it seem so easy although, as with most worthy projects, not without stress too.

Watching the programme, I notice this often hinges on money and trying to work within budget. Budget over-runs can and do happen when houses are being built and renovated. There is always something that wasn't anticipated, factored in, that adds to the overall cost.

Mine is just a little project. A small two-bedroom apartment.

Nothing major just a complete redecorating job, new kitchen and an internal wall removed to create more open space.

I'm up for that I thought. I'll be a real project manager. It's now turning into something "bigger than Ben Hur". And I can only blame myself.

I'm dithering all over the place. I'm surprised the carpet man doesn't duck out the back door every time he sees me come into the shop. I must have worn out that welcome mat.

The kitchen plans have had at least four changes, and I'm still not satisfied. And the logistics and planning are getting to me.

Everything has to be lined up. Ordered and scheduled to appear at the right time. If it doesn't happen when it's supposed to, everything gets behind.

Buying all new furniture and furnishings is a pleasant undertaking.

But redecorating, and getting it right, takes time. And patience has never been one of my strong points.

There's been budget blow outs in a couple of areas but, overall, I'm pleased with how that's going.

I was once told "put in the best quality carpet you can afford, curtains you can replace after a couple of years". That's all good and well until you see curtain fabric you "absolutely must have". Suddenly the amount set aside to furnish the windows in every room has been spent on just the lounge. I'm told I'll never regret it. That, I probably agree with.

I can understand why many young people today want to start off with everything new. All at once. I never had that luxury and now it's a nice feeling. But the stress of trying to pull everything together, keep a cool head and not get too flustered is taking its toll.

I'll stick to my knitting next time. I'm a nicer person when I do what I know best and leave it to others to do the same.

- Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.