Planning the Most Functional Floor Plan: Smart Moves That HelpRenovating for Market Value: What House Hunters Are Really Looking For 22

Planning the Most Functional Floor Plan: Smart Moves That HelpRenovating for Market Value: What House Hunters Are Really Looking For 22

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That tap wasn't even technically malfunctioning. Just annoying. You had to twist it a bit sideways and then back a hair to the right to get warm water. If you went too far, it'd screech. Not loud, but unpleasant — like a dying violin. I lived with it for far longer than I should've. Blamed the pipes. Blamed the building. Blamed everything except the fact that I hadn't done anything.

One afternoon, I was home before dark, waiting for the pasta water to boil, and it hit me: I hate this kitchen.

It wasn't a moment of clarity. More like a slow itch that had finally spread to my ribs. The cabinet handles jiggled, the bench was barely usable, and the overhead storage door slammed my face every time I opened the dishwasher. I'd started to brace like it was a reflex.

I pulled out a receipt back and wrote “replace kitchen faucet” at the top. Beneath that: “longer bench,” then “why is it behind the fridge?” The question mark wasn't accidental. The switch really was behind the fridge.

I told myself I'd keep it simple. Just swap out the tap. Easy. But standing in the aisle of chaos three days later, being stared at by brushed nickel options, I somehow ended up with a brochure for splashbacks under my arm. And then came the mess.

I didn't call a tradesperson. I probably should've. Instead, I got a drill from a mate from my friend Rory, who said, “Don't aim at anything alive.” Not exactly the instruction manual, but I used it anyway.

Taking down that ugly shelf felt like a win. Against what? I'm not totally sure. Maybe the version of me that made excuses.

The chaos spiraled. Not badly, just... as you'd expect. I spent three hours googling “do I need primer?”. Got into a minor debate with a guy on a forum about “the best tile spacing tool”. I still don't really trust epoxy, but I'm convinced he was wrong.

And the new tap? Still isn't silent. Different sound now. Softer. Almost charming. I think I like it. Or maybe I've given up.

It's not perfect. The tile near the bin's not square, and the outlet get more info by the toaster leans left. But when I step in, I don't duck. That alone is a win.

And that notebook? Still on the bench. Nothing new written. Which, honestly, might be the real achievement.