A Journey Fueled by Love, Loss, and Perseverance
My Home Renovation Journey Fueled by Love, Loss and Perseverance - The Beginning of a New Chapter
Hello everyone! I’ve been meaning to write an article about my home renovation journey as a first-time homeowner and a sole owner. I hope that by sharing my story, I can provide some inspiration and insight to those who will soon embark on this journey themselves. Let’s dive in!
For years, I’ve been obsessed with home décor and design, always dreaming about how I would renovate my own space. In 2023, I went through a significant life change—ending a 12-year relationship—and it was the perfect time to take the plunge. I realized that renting no longer made sense for me. So, I decided to purchase my own flat, and it felt like the right moment.
Phase 1: Finding the Perfect Home
The first major decision was choosing the location. Having lived in the East of Singapore for the past three decades, I already knew that this area was where I felt at home. The challenge, however, was narrowing it down further. Should I buy near my family in Bedok, which is located at the far end of the East, or stay closer to my current area, which is more central and accessible to the rest of the city?
After a few viewings and narrowing down my options, I walked into a flat that immediately felt like home. There was no hesitation—I knew it was the one. Two days later, I made an offer, and the owner accepted on the same day. But the HDB process was far from quick. After paying the Option to Purchase (OTP), I spent the next 2-3 months waiting for the Letter of Offer from HDB, followed by another 2-3 months until I finally got the keys.
Phase 2: Planning and Design
While waiting for the official handover, I began to prepare for the renovation. I shortlisted several interior designers (IDs) and started planning every detail of the space. My flat is a 3-room, standard flat, which is relatively small, so maximizing the space was essential. I didn’t want it to feel cramped, and I also needed the layout to be easy to clean, as I’m quite particular about keeping my home tidy. And I also have three cats, so their needs—especially for running and playing space—were a priority.
I spent time sketching out the floor plan and measuring everything meticulously. I planned where each piece of furniture would go, making sure everything fit perfectly. I was determined to make the most of the space without making it feel cluttered.
I know, I know, I’m a planner and a lot bit OCD when it comes to planning the details!
Phase 3: The Excitement and Challenges of Renovation
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, I collected my keys from HDB. It was an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, as this was my first time living alone, without family or a partner—just me and my cats! A few days after receiving the keys, I visited the flat and took some photos. Mr. J accompanied me to help measure the spaces to ensure everything would fit as planned.
The first setback came when my interior designer’s team had to wait for permits from HDB to begin the renovation work. Unfortunately, the approval process took longer than expected, which delayed the start. But as soon as the work began, the challenges kept coming. For example, I was informed that the HDB painter had tampered with the electrical box cover, which caused some issues. Thankfully, the Town Council responded quickly to resolve it.
In addition to the construction setbacks, another challenge I faced during this phase was the news of my grandfather’s deteriorating health. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and his condition worsened as the renovation progressed. Juggling the stress of the renovation with my personal grief was incredibly difficult, but I had to keep moving forward. It was a tough time, emotionally and mentally, but I found strength in the project and kept pushing on.
The hacking work commenced shortly after, which included enlarging the toilet (my only bathroom) and removing a wall to make space for a hidden walk-in wardrobe. The hacking process generated a lot of dust, and I couldn’t stop sneezing every time I walked into the flat.
Phase 4: Unforeseen Mishaps and Adjustments
As the renovation continued, a major surprise occurred when we discovered a hidden issue under the false ceiling in the kitchen. It was something I hadn’t planned for, and it delayed the project by another two weeks. Fixing it required hiring a specialist at a significant cost. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for HDB’s timeline, which would have taken months.
The project continued with the painting, electrical work, and other improvements. In addition to the standard renovation, I replaced all the doors and windows in the house. I sourced a separate vendor for these, as they were outside of the renovation budget. I also installed a few cat-safe grilles for the windows if I need to open the window to catch a breeze from time to time, ensuring the safety of my pets.
Phase 5: Attention to Detail
While the renovation was in full swing, I made several independent purchases to ensure the apartment would be fully functional. For example, I bought toilet accessories, kitchen appliances, and a digital lock for the main door in advance. I also coordinated with an air-conditioning specialist to replace the old units, as my interior designer’s team wasn’t responsible for this task.
The team continued working on the flooring, the walls, and the ceiling. They installed a box-up to conceal exposed pipes in the living room, and once the painting was done, I arranged for a ventilation system to prevent moisture buildup in the kitchen and toilet.
Phase 6: Personal Touches and Final Steps
As the renovation neared its completion, I focused on adding personal touches that made the space feel like my own. One of my dreams was to install a mounted punching bag, and I made it happen! I also installed new fans, blinds, and an automatic drying rack, all of which fit perfectly in my compact apartment.
The barn door I installed in the toilet became a statement piece that I had always wanted. Throughout the renovation, I also hired a handyman to put up shelves and make minor adjustments, ensuring that everything was functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The electrical team finished up the rewiring and light installations. By the time the movers arrived to help me transport my furniture, everything was coming together. The move was emotional for me, as it marked the end of an era. I had spent nearly a decade living in my previous place, where I had experienced so much growth. It was hard to say goodbye to that chapter of my life.
But, what can I say..
Having a cute and handsome mover helper really helps comfort me during that time. Meet him, I sneakily took a reel of him.
Reflection:The Lessons Learned
As everything finally came together, I had to pause and reflect. This renovation was not just about designing a beautiful space—it was about learning patience, managing multiple tasks, and dealing with the complexities of coordinating various vendors. I realized that your vision takes time, and progress is a daily achievement, even if it’s just a small step forward.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was about perseverance—no matter how tough things get, you have to keep going. The journey was extremely challenging, and I’m not going to lie, I wanted to gave up a lot of times. This is one of the toughest time I have to go through but I never gave up. I persevere through it all and in the end, it all came together.
I also learned to navigate the different variations of emotions that can coexist. The anger and frustration from the delays and mishaps in the renovation, combined with the sadness and grief of my grandfather’s condition, created a mix of feelings that I had to process all at once. I had to learn to sit with those emotions, accept them, and be okay with feeling all of it simultaneously. This experience taught me self-compassion—understanding that it’s okay to not always be at my best and that I can move through these emotions with kindness toward myself. It has also taught me to appreciate the little things and focus on what truly matters in my life. I’m grateful for the reminder to always show up and finish what I start—when I do, things get done.
I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who supported me through this journey. A huge thank you to my business partner, Mr. J, for picking up the slack and helping me manage my business operations while I was focused on the renovation. Your support meant the world to me. I also want to express my deep appreciation to my incredible teams at Cat Home and Kanel Design, who stuck with me through the highs and lows and ensured that everything was done to perfection. Nothing would have been possible without these amazing people—thank you truly!
One of the biggest challenges of this journey was the loss of my beloved grandfather just a week before I moved in. He was my primary caretaker, and it was incredibly hard to navigate my grief while also dealing with the renovation. I want to take this opportunity to apologize to anyone who interacted with me during that time—I wasn’t my best self, and I know my energy showed that. I appreciate your understanding.
To my grandpa, I love you, and I will always carry you with me. You will forever be in my heart.
A Dream Realized
And here I am, in the home I’ve always envisioned. It feels surreal, and I couldn’t be happier. The journey was challenging, but it was worth every moment. I’ve learned so much about project management, the importance of patience and managing my emotions, and the joy of seeing a vision come to life.
Thank you for following along with me on this journey. For those about to embark on their own renovation, my advice is simple: stay patient throughout, plan carefully, know exactly what you want and need—this is important—and know that the end result will be worth it. If you’re about to start your renovation journey and need someone to chat with to gain more clarity, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help in any way I can.
