Interview with resident Birgul, Nieuw-Texas, Genk
“Your home is no longer just your home; it becomes a construction site – but in the end, it’s worth it.”
A conversation with resident Birgul about the renovation of her home as part of the oPEN Lab project: from drafty windows to a warm home.
Birgul has lived with her family in her home in Nieuw-Texas (Genk) for eleven years. It’s a place that feels like their true home. That home temporarily transformed into a construction site during the energy-efficient renovation as part of the oPEN Lab project. After several challenging months, she now looks back contentedly on an extensive but valuable renovation.
“When we heard that new windows and doors were coming, we immediately said, ‘Go ahead!’”
How did you find out that your home would be renovated?
Birgul: “Anneleen from Wonen in Limburg came to our door with information. I was immediately interested in the new technologies. And honestly, such changes would be something we could never afford ourselves. So when I heard that new windows and doors were coming – our old windows let in a lot of drafts – my response was simple: ‘Okay, go ahead!’ It felt like a great opportunity.”
And how long did the renovation take?
“About two and a half months. During the last part of the renovation we were on vacation, so we didn’t fully experience the finishing touch. But the first weeks were very intense: they were working downstairs and upstairs, dust everywhere, noise… When I was feeling sick, I couldn’t rest anywhere. It wasn’t until the workers were gone that we could use the house again.”
How was your home before the renovations?
“It was a nice house, but some things were very uncomfortable. There was a lot of draft, especially at the window in the living room. We had mold in the bathroom. The maintenance was also difficult: wooden window sills with sharp hinges, which I had to be very careful with. We’d lay blankets over the sofas to block the draft. That was a real problem.”
Did you have any expectations for the renovation?
“We had a clear schedule and expected it to be followed. But during the work, things didn’t go as planned. When the roof was removed, we had a downpour. Everything got flooded: the bedroom, the living room… That was a difficult moment. I underestimated the impact of staying in the house during the renovation: the cold, the dirt, having to sweep, vacuum, and mop every day. The first few weeks went quickly, but after that, things slowed down, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
“One morning I was still in bed and saw someone on the scaffolding outside… I thought, ‘Okay, time to get up!’”
How did you experience that period, with workers in your house every day?
“Intense. We got up every day at 7 a.m. to let the workers in. The kids had to get used to it too. Sometimes I would leave for a while, like going to my parents’ house, when it became too much. Some workers didn’t speak Dutch, which made communication difficult. One morning I was still in bed, and I saw someone on the scaffolding outside. I thought, ‘Okay, time to get up!’ (laughs) Now I look back with a smile, but at the time, my house really felt like a construction site.”
Where did you find support?
“From the neighbours. We exchanged experiences, visited each other to see how far the others had come. I could always turn to my parents as well. Anneleen from Wonen in Limburg was very reachable, and the contractors were open to questions. There was a lot of involvement.”
Really coming home
What was the best moment?
“Without a doubt, coming home after my pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. My sister sent me updates during the work, and when I came back, everything was finished. That feeling… finally peace, finally a finished, warm home. It really felt like coming home.”
What has changed after the renovation?
“So much. The house is beautiful, both inside and out. Friends, neighbours, people passing by… everyone thinks it’s beautiful. And the comfort is unmatched: warm in winter, cool in summer. We can control the temperature per room. With the air quality meter, I know exactly when to ventilate. And with the Loomy lamp, I can immediately see how much and what kind of energy we are using. It really makes our life easier and healthier.”
“This house is still my home, but now even better.”
What is the biggest difference for you and your family?
“The warmth in the winter. We used to ventilate a lot and use blankets to block the drafts – that’s now a thing of the past. The air quality is also noticeably better. The quality of the air is perfectly shown on a device. And thanks to the Loomy lamp, we get insights into our energy consumption, which is certainly an added benefit.”
Are the kids happy with the result?
“Definitely. They are a little more careful now – they’re not allowed to play football against the walls anymore (laughs). And everyone loves the look of the house! Everything is just right: windows, doors, façade. It’s more beautiful than we ever expected.”
Input, connection, and a lesson in patience
Did you have a say in the renovation?
“Yes, I was able to decide on the colors and where, for example, the heating should be. That way, I could keep a closet in the kitchen, which was important to me for practical reasons.”
What did you learn from the entire process?
“That as a family, we have a lot of patience. We stayed calm, even when it was tough. Our motto was: ‘We’ll get something beautiful out of it.’ And luckily that’s exactly what happened.”
Would you do it again?
“Yes, but next time I would rather not stay in the house during the renovation (laughs). And I hope the schedule will be better followed. My husband works in construction and knew beforehand that things can run over, but still, you hope it won’t happen. Fortunately, the result is worth all the effort.”
Final tip?
Do you have any final tips for others who are facing a renovation like this?
“Just go for it. Yes, it’s tough, but it’s temporary. Two months is nothing in a lifetime. Clear communication and a realistic schedule are very important. That way, you know what to expect.”
And how would you describe your home now in two words?
“Healthy and comfortable. It’s a home I’m really proud of.”
