I’ve tackled countless renovations, but one project nearly broke me. A client hired me to restore a crumbling Victorian home tight budget, tighter deadline. The house fought back: rotted beams, hidden mold, and wiring that sparked like a horror movie. Every fix uncovered a new disaster, and the client’s constant changes didn’t help. Halfway through, I was ready to walk away.
- What kept me going? Grit and a few hard-earned lessons. First, trust your gut say no to projects with red flags like vague plans or unrealistic expectations. Second, communication is everything; set clear boundaries and document agreements. Third, pace yourself burnout is real when every day feels like a battle.
That job taught me resilience and the value of selective work. I finished it, barely, and the result was stunning, but I swore I’d never take on another nightmare project.
Spoiler: I did, but smarter. Renovations test your limits, but they also sharpen your skills and remind you why you love (and sometimes hate) the grind.
- Insights: Trust instincts, communicate clearly, and prioritize mental stamina to survive tough projects.