At the start of my reno, Grandma warned that there would be bumps in the road. Well, last week was filled with potholes. Let me explain.

After waiting for two months for our customized “fancy door” with beveled glass for the staircase entryway, it came in with the hinges on the wrong side. Then, when picking up my silver travertine tile, the boy loading it lost his grip and dropped a box breaking five pieces. It was one thing after the next, but you get the picture.

It was just one of those weeks in general. I felt like I couldn’t even retreat upstairs. The laundry was piling up and so was the ironing. Plus, I hadn’t swept in a week and a half. For us, that means there’s enough hair on the floor for a suitable toupee.

To say I wasn’t discouraged would be a lie. To be completely transparent, I’m not sure I’ll ever attempt a renovation of this magnitude again. Still, I don’t regret our move or all the projects. Everything will pan out.

Like displaying a brand new baby, people love showing off their completely renovated home all shiny and new with its enhancements and upgrades. Again, using the baby analogy, no one shows you the horrible, filthy details that were an integral part of the journey.

So, if you plan to renovate or build, be ready to do a lot of waiting – waiting for contractors, materials to come in or even on yourself to make up your mind. There’s a ton of decision making. It’s also agonizing research on the most tedious, mundane things like grout, hinges, and measurements. Most of all, it’s hard work both physically and mentally.

Still, it’s exciting and rewarding. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” So far, I’ve been so blessed to have found skilled and trustworthy people to help and guide me. Although last week had some valleys, it also had some peeks.

After a referral from Lee Carden at Custom Granite Interiors, I made a trip to Cosmos in Nashville. Although Ross and I had decided to go with quartz, it was so fun to look through the huge slabs of granite, quartz, and marble.

Once I made my countertop selections, I met with a designer at Floor and Décor to pick out materials for my shower. (It’s a free service and I highly recommend Jennifer.) Again, I did my homework so I knew I wanted gray tones to coordinate with my travertine. I’m so pleased and eager for Nacho to start laying tile.

Oh, and I can’t give a reno update without mentioning the handiest, the dandiest – Hugh Slaughter. Right now, he’s finishing up painting doors, trim, closets and ceilings. He’s also building me a few parts for my custom mailbox. Basically, he’s the best and I’m not ready to part with him just yet.

Meanwhile, I’m going to keep the songs “Mama Said” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” on repeat to get through any tough days. Don’t mind me as I sit over here humming, “Ooooh, we’re halfway there …”

Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.