Operation Sicily

Let’s talk about the reality of renovating abroad…

Everyone sees the Instagram-worthy “after” shots. But what about the weeks of chaos, sweat, delays, and surprises behind the scenes?

What’s the biggest lesson you've learned (or expect to learn) from a renovation project?

Share your story below 👇 I’ll be reading every comment!

1 month ago | [YT] | 88



@FionaStewart-Murray-wo3ml

I guess the best advice is to expect the unexpected. In my experience, Murphy and his rather annoying little law, tend to turn up with monotonous regularity! Be strong, fight on!

1 month ago | 4

@JeanineG-l5z

I am about to embark on my journey of future renovations I am moving to Portugal in a couple months, dealing with bureaucracy, budget and uncertainty about the future gives me the opportunity to stretch my horizon in so many ways. Planning buying a house that I am sure it will need a lot of my time, money and strength. Learning a lot from you, love to see your progress ❤

1 month ago | 1

@joanklaczek4009

Most dangerous plan is: “While we’re at it”, because it always adds to time and budget.

1 month ago | 2

@joconnor3567

Have you been tracking actual costs/expenditures versus budgeted amounts? Be curious to know how rational your projected outlays are tracking.

1 month ago | 2

@sandrap629

Renovating just looks hard. I was going to buy a house in N. Carolina that needed alot of work. My brothers who have done that before talked me out of it. Watching all of you made understand.

1 month ago | 0

@googlenutzer8828

There is always a thing that‘s not around and you have to Go Shopping.

1 month ago | 2

@maryjolly-m2i

You work really hard well done.Enjoy watching the video and learning about things.

1 month ago | 1  

@samsmom1491

Hope for the best, but expect the worst and have a +30% cushion in your budget.

1 month ago | 3

@cynthiahudson7528

You will spend 30 pct more than you estimated.

1 month ago | 2

@otsego44

To me, the bureaucracy is far worse than the actual work. I like to be in full control, but the reality is "they" hold the cards. Keep up the good work Jonathan.

1 month ago | 0

@bobyjonhson3665

Biggest lesson: don't ever do it again....or pay someone else to do it before I even move in.

1 month ago | 1  

@rabm0

I’m in Calabria35 years so we are almost neighbours. Just got my dream home in the country . Needs completely renovating …. But who cares. Water works, electricity works, and the views just distract you from all the hard work that needs to be done . What gets done gets done . And what doesn’t get done can be done another day . Enjoy 😊

1 month ago | 0

@nevisscot7697

Dont trust quotes .expect to double your expected budget

1 month ago | 0

@EricOnYouTube

For me it would be the satisfaction of having done it. hehehehe

1 month ago | 2  

@realexpatslivinginitaly

Planning permission!

1 month ago | 0