Amongst the big goals in life, we often have mini-goals.
We've had a lot of these throughout our renovation (for newer readers - we undertook a major renovation to our home last year, and you can catch up on that here).
When our builder finished here just before Christmas, the house was not yet complete. For a number of reasons, we chose to finish some rooms ourselves. And so, the building inspector asked me when we would be likely to have the house ready for final inspection. "Before Easter," I replied.
Since then, we've had that aim in mind: to having our Certificate of Final Inspection (also known as the Certificate of Occupancy) by Easter.
A week prior to Easter, we rang the building inspector. "It's finished!" Steve told him. He came, he saw, he approved and he promised that the certificate would be in the mail the following week.
The start of the next week, the week before Easter, I checked the mail excitedly. Nothing. When the Thursday before Good Friday came, I watched the postman drop something into our letterbox. It was one small, unassuming-looking envelope.
It was our Certificate of Final Inspection. We had scraped it in, made our mini-goal of having it before Easter.
And now? Now, the renovation is 'officially' over.
But, as we all know, 'official' and 'unofficial' are two very different things. The building inspector doesn't care, for example, if we have two tiny things missing from a couple of rooms (which I'm awaiting eagerly so I can reveal those rooms to you!), and the paperwork doesn't depend on me having an office to work in (I'm still working at the dining table... and sometimes on the couch). The bank doesn't care if we haven't finished painting, and no one seems to mind if we haven't fully furnished the house yet and can hear the echo of our voices in some rooms.
So, while we may not consider it finished yet, it's nice to reach some of our mini-goals and see progress.
We're getting closer to the end. I think I can, I think I can...
[Image credit]
10 comments:
Congratulations on your official finish!
Awesome, well done! Can't wait to see some photos when it's 'officially' finished!
Oh you know I feel your pain! So close! And of course you can x
So very proud of you guys! And so very jealous..... :o)
What beautiful timing. Congrats!
Congratulations on getting your inspection passed. I am so jealous!
Our renovations are going slowly. Next weekend we are sheeting the walls, ripping out the kitchen and painting the exterior if it is fine.
The only other things Greg and I need to do is sheet the soffits and screw on the rest of the foam for render. Then it is other trades people until the end!
I am looking forward to having a kitchen and dining table most! Oh and my own study back too.
I can't wait to see more photos!
Great stuff Megan! Being on "postman watch" can be tough - especially on days that lead up to public holidays! Glad your mail came through just in time
Gill xo
My husband was a contractor for 30 years. We know how homeowners feel. They were really glad to see us go. Glad you made the mini goal that is really something!
oh well done!! It's nice when dreams come together.
I have folders full of plans, pictures, ideas. All stuff I'd do if I could renovate my home.
Pity it isn't mine, I can't see the landlord agreeing with any of it.
Really? That's just so fantastic. Do you feel like you've accomplished something amazing or do you just feel exhausted?
And, really, nothing is ever finished. Nothing. Which is why your 'official finish' is such a good idea. x
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