Reno Girl

25/07/2023

It took me many versions and number of weeks to think of writing this post.

After 5 years embarking on the journey of bringing Reno Girl company to life, building the brand from scratch, securing contracts and helping so many people successfully with getting home renovation project / development completed. I had to follow my heart and make a change.

Everyone that is close to me, customers, friends, colleagues will know that I am originally from Ukraine. Since the conflict began, right at the end of the tail wind of COVID, I felt more than anything that family is so important. And as such I decided that the time was right and I need to be close to the people I love. I made the decision to move country and be near my family, I won’t lie it was a very hard decision, lots of late-night calls with my close friends questioning my decision. I was scared of the unknown, of starting new, pursuing my next career goal, financial impact of moving from NZ and ultimately being happy in the new place.

I can confidently say, so far, the move has been a positive change, it took a lot of planning and organising but we are here. I secured a commercial role with a company I have been passionate about for a long time, who have amazing values and incredible people.

So, what will I do with this business page…. I think I am not quite done yet with giving up Reno Girl identity and I still think there is a lot of value to be had, from sharing useful information especially amongst us girls around all thing’s property, renos and home. I will post from here on-wards my own journey of learning and developing in the new country, I am sure there will be lots of lessons, mistakes and success.

Very long post…. Sorry …. I don’t know how to make things short when it comes to sharing my thoughts….. I appreciate all of the support that I have had so far and so much love…. I hope to add value in the future and help others in whatever shape it may transpire…

29/07/2022

I had awesome opportunity this month to sit down and chat all about RENO girl and what I do, talk about my story, my passion for property and just have a general yarn. Thank you Ryan Melton for asking me to join your podcast, it was really great to meet you and talk biz.

Please see link below:

https://youtu.be/RBvVXLBL7y0

07/03/2022

07/03/2022

New Bathroom, New Laundry, Kitchen upgrade & extra’s. We completely transformed this property and have helped my customers in just at nick of time to have a home they love, in these tough times with COVID. There were even moments the electrician turned into a window guru, the builder putting up an egg chair on the balcony, all with a focus on a happy client and final product that they love.

To get there, it took quite a bit of planning, discussions with my client, and a little flexibility during the project which made it in the end a success. We needed to deal with drainage, because when my clients bought the property, there was a small leak that was coming through the waste pipe in the shower, and we were presented with moisture and a leak in the garage.

My suggestion was, let’s first focus on fixing structural things, and work on your budget and what we can then achieve after we make your home sound and weathertight. We then move to inside. The guys I work with, were so awesome, and immediately identified what the issue was, and for a reasonable price had fixed drainage, which meant we could carry on with the rest of the Reno.

In the bathroom our focus was to open it up, make it a lot lighter, modern and nice, practical space to have for my customers. We had some restrictions, which was space, position of the toilet that couldn’t move. We needed to make some sacrifices, which was shower over the bath, build small partial wall between toilet and bath.

After we started the renovation, Kitchen was never part of the plan, but looking at the old rangehood, and also the electrics that we were upgrading throughout the home, we couldn’t leave the old rangehood with the cord hanging over the hobs. We did a small partial upgrade with just upgrading the top cabinets. New in-built range hood and power points, and this kitchen now has another 10-20 years of life in it. Simply really love the before and after pictures.

Real pleasure to share this post on a Monday, is really a nice way to start the week off.

06/03/2022

A little bit - 'before and after' on a project that I have finished recently for my lovely clients. Bathroom full renovation – we had to work within the space we had, there were three doors, small spaces and not enough lighting, as well as dated fittings, but the home has absolutely great bones.

When I work with my clients during the planning stage before we start, we work on the layout, design, choosing fittings and also right items to ensure the place is practical, it is within budget and it is something my customers will be in love with and will enjoy coming home to.

With this bathroom, why I decided to post first the vanity side – I have to admit some moments during this renovation when my clients told me ‘Sash, you choose, that’s ok or would ask me, well how would you do it?’. This always gives me massive anxiety, as I think, what if they don’t like it, or hate it… which would be my worst nightmare, some nights you lose sleep worrying about will they like it, will they really enjoy it. And in this case it really paid off, we had long discussions which side of the wall to put up the vanity and how will it flow with the toilet opposite it, which way will the draws work. These are just some of the questions that I tend to ask, and work through with my clients. My goal ultimately is to make sure everyone is happy and then we are all on the same page to get it right.

It is really nice now to just sit back and look at the finished result, and even better to receive amazing message from my client to say just how much they are enjoying their home after the magic we have delivered.
Feel really grateful to have such wonderful clients and great final result.

05/03/2022

💙💛Wanting to share a really nice moment just now, my neighbour wanted to reach out and do something nice for me, they brought a vent cover for one of my sides of the house that needs it. I found it so sweet, right to the point and highly practical, very much appreciated it. And in truth they wanted to reach out and ask if I needed anything. I think so many people feel this way and don't know how to help or have any words with everything that we are all living and experiencing right now there isn't much you can say but just be there for your loved ones who are dear to you. Some of you will know I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine originally. Have lived in NZ for over 25 years, but my heart has always been with Ukraine. I still have family and very close, dear friends to me back home. Watching from afar is heartbreaking and some days have been tough.
I have been really busy with projects, my studies that I am doing within the industry and just life in general, that social media hasn't seen me that regularly, but I am back and I will share some more stories and also what I have been up to and what I am working on.
Would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone to keep staying safe, out of the COVID and also supporting each other, sharing love and kindness. I continue to do everything I can to help my clients and those that I care about deeply, as much as I can.

31/07/2021

This kitchen was just under $15k, house was fully rebuilt so had to look for every creative way to meet the budget. Very hard to do in the current market. The industry is really busy and you need to have the right connections to complete things on time and to budget.
This space is barely recognizable, apart from the window staying in the same place and position for the sink, everything else is brand new.
Hard to imagine by looking at the NOW photo of what it was before.
I also thought I’d include some in between pics, because living through this Reno is definitely not for everyone and I can’t believe looking back the meals that were spun out of the set up was actually possible.
Pretty crazy to think when you start a project just what is in store…. And walk away with Lots lots of stories

29/07/2021

This bathroom is now fully finished, and how good is it looking!!
I’m so glad my customer entrusted me with this project and also let me help create the layout and the design. We installed beautiful storage that is matching the kitchen, which allowed for me to incorporate a far bigger shower, vanity and rejig layout.
Super super happy with how everything has come together and has lined up.

29/07/2021

One massive RENO, bathroom before and after, this place was rebuilt pretty much inside out.
The stories, ups and downs, could probably be enough material for a Netflix series.
Life journey of

28/07/2021

How amazing are these kitchen cabinets? Some panels are quite tricky to manufacture, they are custom, custom size and have certain pattern.
Just like anything there is always room for error, and as much as it gives me anxiety every time custom order is made and I know you can have all the checks and processes in place. What makes a difference is people.
Knowing when you are working with the right team and that should things go wrong they don’t run a mile, blame someone else. I know I have my team working hard with me. I love working with my kitchen manufacturing company.
Some relationships are just like anything in life, worth waiting for.
Best guys, love their work.
Oh and just like my plumber who turned into builder today doing fix ups of others, the kitchen cabinetry rep put up a hand towel for us in the bathroom on another project.
Things like that l, is what makes a difference
Attitude !!!!!!!!!! ❤️

27/07/2021

Kitchen final touches, LED strip is in and what an incredible feature that completes the look.
Herring bone tile splash back, black grout, black tap and appliances.
In love……
I think there will be quite a cue for a cup of coffee in the morning in this kitchen……
Certainly count me in…