My Experience in Rebuilding a Home

I once took on a project far outside my professional field as a musician and researcher: I completely rebuilt an old family house in Kyiv. What started as an old, worn structure became a modern, comfortable home—because I was determined to understand and guide every step of the process myself.

I oversaw all stages of construction:
 • managing materials, humidity, and insulation;
 • installing underfloor heating;
 • replacing pipes, electricity, and heating systems;
 • moving the bathroom;
 • cutting through walls, basement levels, and partitions;
 • designing ventilation systems.

Every decision was mine. I didn’t simply follow the usual “standard way” of doing things. Instead, I designed solutions down to the smallest details and insisted on what was reasonable, efficient, and effective—even when others disagreed.

The project took a year and a half. I studied how materials interact, how to balance insulation with moisture, and how to align six different floor levels into one smooth surface. The only part I entrusted to a specialist was the final stage of electrical work. Everything else, I coordinated and solved myself.

Working with more than ten types of skilled professionals taught me how to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and find the right people at the right time. That, I believe, is a gift passed down from my grandmother—a talent for planning and human connection.

This journey was not only about construction. It was about discovering that I can trust my own capacity, even in a field far from my discipline. With minimal resources, persistence, and vision, I created a home I am truly proud of.