Category: Renovations

After more than a decade as a chef at a renowned local restaurant, I’ve come to the realisation that it’s time for a career change. While I have a deep affection for the fast-paced nature of the culinary industry and the joy of interacting with customers, I yearn for professional growth beyond the limitations of becoming a manager or owner. That’s why I’ve set my sights on utilising my skills in a different field: a bathroom renovation company.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed my brother skillfully transform numerous bathrooms for our family and friends, and the results have been impressive. As they still stand strong to this day, it confirms that the fundamental aspect of any renovation is ensuring its longevity. Engaging in ongoing correspondence with the bathroom renovation company, it’s clear that they are eager for me to join their team. In fact, I had a dream last night in which I started as an apprentice and gradually worked my way up to a more senior role, gaining valuable experience along the way.

As a craftsman, I understand the significance of not only possessing the technical skills required to repair and renovate various bathroom elements such as sinks, plumbing, showers, and tiles but also the ability to generate innovative ideas and layouts. Design has always captivated my attention, and I envision my new colleagues, who are part of one of the most esteemed groups of bathroom designers in Melbourne, fostering my passion and nurturing my creative eye.

For months now, I’ve diligently maintained a small notebook brimming with bathroom floor plan sketches, grout types, and even precise measurements of shower glass thickness. This endeavour is more than just a job; it is a true calling that ignites a fire within me. The opportunity to embark on this journey properly fills me with excitement and anticipation.

I am ready to step into this new chapter, to unleash my design prowess and expertise, and to make a lasting impact on the world of bathroom renovations. With each project, I aim to create spaces that embody both functionality and aesthetic splendour, allowing individuals to experience the transformative power of a thoughtfully designed bathroom.

‘Is that really necessary?’ I frowned at my husband, as he unveiled his latest bargain hunt in our driveway, ripping the tarp away.

         ‘Of course!’ he grinned, all bubbling with enthusiasm. ‘It’s going to be perfect!’

         I looked down at the rusty, dirt-ridden bathtub sitting on the concrete in front of me and made a conscious effort not to hide my scepticism.

         ‘Oh, good.’ He breathed a sigh of relief. ‘You like it too. I think it’s going to be a perfect addition to the bathroom remodel!’

         Apparently, I still did quite a good job hiding my scepticism.

         ‘Larry,’ I said, through a strained smile. ‘I think this might not be the find you think it is.’

         ‘What do you mean?’

         ‘It’s junk, honey,’ I said politely. ‘Absolute trash.’

         ‘It just needs a bit of work!’ he said, wounded.

         ‘I agree,’ I nodded. ‘Carrying it to the tip will be a lot of work. I think you can manage though.’ I clapped him on the shoulder and turned to head back into the house.

         ‘You don’t have any vision!’ he called after me.

         ‘Nope,’ I said without looking back.

 

         A few hours later, he came back into the house. I didn’t look up as he walked into the kitchen, engrossed by a flashy website with kitchen renovation ideas for a Melbourne home. He cleared his throat, and I flicked my gaze over to him.

         ‘Hiya,’ I said, absently. ‘Where have you been?’

         ‘Fixing up the bathtub,’ he said, somewhat indignantly. I had to laugh.

         ‘Why are you acting like I’m going to throw something at you?’

         ‘Because you might,’ he said, stiffly. ‘Emotionally.’

         I rolled my eyes, then pinched the bridge of my nose with a sigh.

         ‘Okay,’ I breathed out. ‘You’re right. I apologise for how I treated you this morning. You were clearly excited and I stomped on that.’

         ‘Thank you,’ he said, softening slightly. ‘So you’re happy to let me keep the bath?’

         I got up, closing the laptop and walking over to him. I grasped his shoulder softly, smiling up at his expectant face.

        I shook my head. ‘Absolutely not.’

‘Wait a minute, wait a minute,’ I held my hand up to stop the contractor leaving the room. ‘You want what?’

‘The day off,’ he said with a shrug. ‘Tomorrow, for me and the boys. We need to recuperate, recharge the old engines.’

‘Why?’ I asked, flabbergasted. ‘You’ve barely started working!’

‘Hey,’ he frowned at me. ‘We’ve been going for a week straight, Mister. Don’t you tell me what’s too much work for me and my boys.’

‘Uh,’ I put my hands on my hips. ‘That week straight included the weekend and a public holiday. And you didn’t show up until two this afternoon!’

‘We worked late last night,’ he shrugged. ‘In any case, we’ll be back on Thursday.’

‘Thursday is in three days!’ I all-but screamed at the man.

‘Oh, is it?’ he frowned, scratching his head. ‘Huh, whadya know? I’m gonna need another couple days off for my boys.’

I stood in stunned, disbelieving silence. ‘Do I need to hire contractors to remodel my bathroom?’ I asked him. ‘You’re only here because Dave said you’d be able to—’

‘Ah, Dave is a schmuck,’ the contractor waved his hand dismissively. ‘You don’t wanna listen to Dave about anything.’

‘The Dave who said… I should hire you?’

‘Yeah, that guy,’ he nodded. ‘Total loon, if you know what I mean.’

He twirled a finger next to his head, in case I didn’t know what he meant.

‘In that case,’ I said, puffing up my chest. ‘You’re fired. All of you. I want you and your equipment out of my house by tomorrow.’

‘Ah, no can do,’ he shook his head. ‘We have that day off tomorrow. The one that I cleared with you?’

‘Too bad!’ I shouted. ‘Out! All of you!’

‘Good luck then!’ the contractor threw his arms up. ‘You got no chance of finding a company that specialises in laundry renovations near Melbourne, not at this time of year! Come on boys!’

He whistled and his men obediently put their tools down and began to file out.

‘Laundry…’ I frowned. ‘Have you been renovating my laundry?! I asked for my bathroom!’