Tearing Down Walls & Changing Plans

The Renovator and I had agreed to several things when we bought this house. But, as is often the case in relationships, the rules and agreements change. When renovating with your spouse, the best thing you can do is to roll with it and choose your battles carefully.

When we moved in, we agreed that we would sit on our butts for six months. We’d watch TV, plan the renos and just enjoy some non-renovation living. Knowing my husband, I should have seen the flaw in this plan.

As if dealing with our “trickling water issue” weren’t enough for him to do (he’s still digging, although the plan has changed slightly!) he’ll also be installing the backyard portion of our fence to keep the dog in. Despite this, he tells me that he needs to get started on the reno. He can’t wait six months.

So, we did what any couple who is renovating does – we argued, then, we compromised.

I agreed that if he needed to start on the reno, the wall downstairs between the family room and fourth bedroom could be removed. He agreed to not do any reconstruction without my involvement and ideas. We know the house will be more appealing with a larger family room, so what’s the point in waiting?

By the time the words had been uttered, the door was removed, drywall ripped off and temporary support walls erected. Here’s a few shots of where it’s at:

Guess what? As we were discussing how the room will come together, some of my previous plans for the house were, shall we say, questioned. Yep, another argument, but it ended with both of us laughing and agreeing that we’ll see how it goes. And that’s why I love being The Renovator’s Wife.