Ways to Plan a Home Remodeling Project Without OverwhelmA Guide to Kick Off a House Makeover Without Overwhelm 19
The tap wasn't even broken. Just temperamental. You had to turn it slightly left and then back a hair to the right to get usable water. If you went too far, it'd shriek. Not deafening, but unpleasant — like a kettle screaming. I lived with it for too long. Blamed the system. Blamed the setup. Blamed everything except myself.
One afternoon, I was home early, waiting for the pasta water to boil, and it hit me: I can't stand this setup.
It wasn't a rage fit. More like a feeling that had finally spread to my ribs. The drawers were loose, the bench was basically decorative, and the cupboard door slammed my face every time I grabbed a bowl. I'd started to brace like it was a reflex.
I pulled out a scrap of paper and wrote “replace kitchen faucet” at the top. Beneath that: “longer bench,” then “this wiring makes no sense” The question mark wasn't a joke. The switch really was hidden like a prank.
I told myself I'd keep it simple. Just swap out the tap. Easy. But standing in the aisle of chaos three days later, holding a tap, I somehow ended up with paint cards under my arm. And then came the point of no return.
I didn't hire a pro. I probably should've. Instead, I got a drill from a mate from my friend Rory, who handed it over with a grin Not exactly the comforting guidance, but I got started.
Taking down that upper cabinet read more felt like a win. Against what? I'm not totally sure. Maybe the version of me that tolerated nonsense.
The journey spiraled. Not badly, just... naturally. I spent three hours googling “do I need primer?”. Got into a minor argument with a guy on a forum about silicone gaps. I still don't really get epoxy, but I'm convinced he was probably guessing.
And the new tap? Still isn't silent. Different sound now. Softer. Almost charming. I think I like it. Or maybe I've made peace with it.
It's not perfect. The tile near the bin's crooked, and the outlet by the toaster leans left. But when I walk in, I don't brace. That alone is a win.
And that notebook? Still on the bench. Nothing new written. Which, honestly, feels good.