Run out of money? Only one of us knows how much this French renovation is costing! | Episode 19

[@gingermonette7455]

The BATHTUB! You didn't say how much the tub, all that paint, and the brass faucet costs 😆 And YES, most definitely want to see your overall plans. Love your channel!

[@chrisdouglass7962]

I totally agree with all of this 😄👍❤️

[@growinginfrance]

haha we're blocking out the bathtub!! It wasn't actually too expensive in the end, 50 for the tub, 100 for the 'restoring' paint, 20 for the primer paint, (not sure how much in sanding discs) and 100 for the brass tap/hardware. (Euros) And thank you, looking forward to making that video for everyone soon.

[@chrisdouglass7962]

@@growinginfrance considering what an almost tragic saga with the tub!...... 👏🤣🤣😁❤️

[@jaeyoung3126]

What I find really important is your sense of humor. If you didn't have that your remodel could bring real strain to your family. You two are a good match!😂

[@growinginfrance]

Aw thank you! We do like a good laugh haha I think you're right.

[@WildatHeart123]

I really hope that your channel takes off because your videos are great to watch and you deserve it. Best wishes for your ongoing reno’s.

[@growinginfrance]

thanks so much, we do too! We really enjoy making them and "meeting" people in the comment section. it's really fun. thanks for being here!

[@Neroli-Daydreaming-of-France]

I would have thought you’d spent more, well done. I’d love a tour upstairs and would be interested in plans, also looking forward to seeing the kitchen going in x

[@growinginfrance]

oh yes, I am looking forward to the kitchen too! Definitely some good surprised there in the spending. We are for sure saving a bomb doing it ourselves, and everyone is still having fun for long may that last too! - Will be sharing plans soon!

[@mariwillalwaysgivethanks]

Hello Everyone! It's always a good thing to step back and review the budget, reorganize both the area and mind and soul! Great that you both know every detail too! No man is an island.

[@growinginfrance]

Yes, it was a good exercise because i'm sure it could get away on us very quickly! And it's great to have it tidy, it is a lovely space.

[@CynthiaBerry713]

Really appreciate you sharing the financial side of your restorations with us! It can be so stressful but it seems like you're going at a good pace, and if there's stress, you sure aren't showing it! Keep on keeping on!

[@growinginfrance]

Hey, I'm glad you appreciated it, its definitely the kind of video I would like to watch from someone else, even if all projects are different it helps to get "an idea". Yes it can be stressful, we are just trying to stay within our means and take our time, it absolutely helps that Jack is able to do so much himself too!

[@meryllwaters1460]

Really enjoying your Reno journey. Worked with Marie in Chch and she shared your channel. Jack I’m so impressed with your skills and your preparedness to give it all a go - fantastic

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks for the comment Meryll! I picked up my mum's can-do attitude 😉

[@jiipsi9768]

Well done, guy! Great video this week. Well, they're all good, to be honest, but tallying up the expenses and knowing where the money has gone is important and helps with planning in the future. As always, I just love your vlogs; they have slotted into my week very nicely. Thank you!

[@growinginfrance]

yes, where the money has GONE! Why is all the money gone!? haha, slowly but surely we can keep going 😉

[@kaval1er]

The form of that bathtub is stunning! Great find!

[@growinginfrance]

Yes we are so happy with it! And to think it was just being used to store compost 😂

[@hilarygribble7276]

🎉 great job so far

[@growinginfrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@polmarkl3735]

Catching up on each and every episodes. You deserve more views!!! Much love from the Philippines ❤

[@growinginfrance]

Much love right back at you!

[@lucillkryger8268]

Great job and good guess girl!! You guys make me laugh love your channel looking forward to the next project as well you are both such a cute couple. Im in for the journey of your new home thanks for sharing your life with us. 👏👏👏👏🙏🌵🌴🥂♥️🙏🇨🇦

[@growinginfrance]

Thank you! It is really great to have you here to follow along, makes it all worth it. Seriously.

[@Escapetofrance-Charente]

another great video guys. It sure is expensive doing renos 😢

[@growinginfrance]

Tell me about it!

[@bellaviaggitours]

I would love to see what your plans for the rest of the house looks like. You are doing great!

[@growinginfrance]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@acej7271]

new subscriber here. I'm doing a similar project in Normandy. I ran out of money. my god is france expensive to renovate in! So now I'm teaching English. However, I can't think of a better waste of money than a beautiful house in France to share with your family. Good luck, and i look forward in taking some inspiration and ideas from your videos.

[@growinginfrance]

😂 I love that! "I can't think of a better waste of money than a beautiful house in France to share" - It is definitely not cheap, but I think you're right, so worth it to be here! Good on you for tackling the same challenge, hope the English teaching goes well. ❤️

[@miket7226]

Guys i was way off in cost. I was double. Nice job guessing Becs. As for what kind of videos to do of the house, do everything. Your final product each week are very entertaining.

[@growinginfrance]

Oh my goodness, that heavens it wasn't actually DOUBLE 😅😂 video would have probably had a different ending 😱😭 And thank you, glad you're enjoying them, it's really great to have you here! Lots more to come!

[@Dave_in_france]

I certainly wish I had your filming and revovation talent! You are both doing great and it is a pleasure to watch, I know what it's like when you move to another country and it can be daunting. Good luck, I will be watching for hints and tips. Regards Dave

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks Dave, You're too kind! Daunting is definitely the right word, but meeting like-minded people on here has really made it worth it. I've (Jack) been thinking of doing a behind the scenes video about the filming and editing, so if there's anything you want to know specifically just shout!

[@Dave_in_france]

Brilliant! Direction and editing are my problems and I look to come across as a whinger, that's what I see LOL.@@growinginfrance

[@SherrylSmart]

I would love to hear about all your plans

[@growinginfrance]

Ooh good we’re actually talking a lot about them in our next video!

[@jeojeo9393]

Yes please see upstairs what do you do for jobs

[@growinginfrance]

We'll get upstairs eventually!

[@Gerrygeli]

I'm also in SW France and for remodeling 2 bathrooms and 4 rooms (80m2) the total we paid was about 80k euros, so 1k per m2, here is expensive :( Good job guys!

[@growinginfrance]

Eesh, my estimate is way under then!! Did you do the work yourself or does that include contractors? we have had some very scary quotes from contractors, which would make then whole thing unfeasible for us. Thanks for the insight, always awesome to hear from those who have done it already!!

[@Gerrygeli]

@growinginfrance Yes, we hired contractors to do everything, which includes higher quality bathroom furnishings, windows, floors, walls, painting and insulation throughout. We're about 25 minutes south of Angoulême. I recall from one of your other videos that you're not far either!

[@lorismith9105]

Definitely give us more info

[@growinginfrance]

Anything specific that you’re curious about? We want to be as useful as possible with what we’re sharing 😁

[@lorismith9105]

@@growinginfrance how many hours are devoted to this work, on average, weekly. Also why did he use aluminum track instead of build a stud wall. It just seems with the spacing, it would only take one good time for daddy and the kids playing ball, someone goes long and 💥, you have a third entry to the bathroom. It may be code in France 🇫🇷 or your “drywall “ as we call maybe sturdier. Also why do I see so many diy folks plaster on top of drywall instead of mudding, sanding, painting just seems like so much extra work. What are your plans with the walls? Btw I think you two are adorable and so down to earth and I could listen to y’all talk for hours

[@growinginfrance]

Hey these are awesome questions, happy to chat more about them! We covered the "how long do we spend" bit in our latest video (short answer - 2 hours a day, 6 days a week is the minimum that we aim for to renovate and about 8 hours is the maximum I try to stay under for video editing). For the metal framing, it's actually steel not aluminium, so it's a bit stronger than it looks. definitely not as strong as classic studs, and I see your concern, but we're building the kitchen and storage units all around the outside of it, so it's going to be well protected from any stray balls 😂 For the mudding question, honestly I don't know what mudding is, but I'll look it up and maybe it's a better option for us! Our plan at this stage is to fill in all the seams with plaster, and then paint (possibly with a lime wash) plus tiles around the bath and for the kitchen splashback.

[@lorismith9105]

@@growinginfrance mudding is exactly what you described. Taping seams, also over nails or screws, the plaster you calling where I’m from the south it was mud hence mudding. Take care all.

[@growinginfrance]

Oh fantastic, yes then we're mudding! I like the sound of that too actually.

[@DuchessOfFlamingos]

Yes shows us your plans…show us a drawing

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks for the comment, looking forward to sharing with you 😊

[@lollygee172]

Thanks for sharing! Its nice to see the two of you chatting together! Wondering if you have to have your work for the plumbing and electrics inspected by local authorities to meet code? Just curious how it works in France.

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks for watching! Technically no. However, should we come to sell a purchaser would be well within their rights to have everything thoroughly inspected and should anything not be "up to code" then this could be a costly mistake. Furthermore, all work carried out is liable for 10 years, contractors should have insurance that covers them for claims for 10 years, but personal people are held personally responsible, again if we wanted to sell we would be held personally responsible. We will be getting the electrics inspected because fires are not cool!

[@lollygee172]

@@growinginfrance too true! The thought and planning you’re putting into your project is really impressive! Keep up the excellent work!

[@kathyeyesopen4078]

You two are doing Amazing. Especially with you both working, raising 3 children…I don’t know how you do it! You should find out how to set up a Get a Coffee for people to help out. I think we can donate $5 or $10 and you get the money not the coffee. Are there any Emmaus shops near you? Check them out. Also see if there are any other second hand shops. You may be able to pick up some great stuff pulled out of some of the chateaux, furnishing, mirrors etc. Take care. See you soon. ❤❤❤

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks so much for the tip Kathy! we figured out the buy me a coffee page, and added it to our channel and video descriptions. 🙏 Yes, we love Emmaus, go there whenever we can. 🤩

[@sailingprojectparrot]

What’s the name of that expense tracker please?

[@growinginfrance]

It’s an app called Coda, it’s not specifically an expense tracker, but they have a sweet expense tracker template, (check out the link in the description) and their app basically turns a fancy spreadsheet into a simple app where you can input everything. It’s super flexible!

[@alliejones9864]

Can I suggest you follow Ryan Weston Bennett from Leo Interiors, he’s a self employed English Contractor based on the Riviera, he has recently done a vlog on ‘best places to buy’ for items, he may be of help with recommendations for cheaper prices.

[@growinginfrance]

Thanks Allie, that sounds super helpful 🙏🙏

[@CynthiaEvans-i2f]

[@growinginfrance]

👋😊