Forget Kitchens for a Minute – A Personal Renovation Story

by Julien | Jul 24, 2025 | Home Renovation

Hi,

I recently mentioned in a newsletter that I’m working on my own house renovation and promised to share any great insights or finds as the project unfolds.

And, as with any old property, there are plenty of hidden surprises that can:

A) Cause you serious stress and alarm – it’s amazing how one small job can uncover a minefield of issues.
B) Eat into your budget (always, always have a contingency pot).
C) Demand your time, patience, and maybe your sanity.

But once you power through the setbacks and get stuck into the task at hand – oh, the rewards. Restoring original features gives a sense of satisfaction no flat-pack quick fix ever could.

When we bought the house, we knew there was work ahead. But reality hit hard when we inspected the apex roof: the timber was completely rotten and unsalvageable.

So, here’s what I did:

I carefully dismantled each piece of timber, took templates, and recreated them using high-quality hardwood. After treating and painting each new piece, we (with a few extra pairs of hands!) hauled them back into place, restoring the original shape and style.

The end result? I’ve already forgotten the pain of doing it – and yes, I’d do it all again. It was hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference and know I did it myself.

I’ve officially added “timber apex rebuilder” to my skill set – and that’s something I’m strangely proud of.

See further images below.