Our Home Renovation Journey

After six months of dedicated effort, our American Colonial-style home has undergone a remarkable transformation. While there are still some final touches to be added, the major renovations are now complete. We’ve accomplished a modernized kitchen, a revitalized master bathroom, new windows throughout, refreshed flooring, and a fresh coat of paint that ties it all together.

This renovation journey has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, filled with moments of frustration and long days of hard work—mostly tears from exhaustion and the occasional setback. With the bulk of the large-scale projects behind us, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next phase: infusing our personal style and truly turning this house into our home.

To provide a glimpse into our journey, I’ve included some before-and-after photos that showcase the significant changes we’ve made. These images capture the essence of our home’s transformation and the passion we’ve poured into every detail. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming home projects.

BEFORE AND AFTER:

Slide left to see transformation

Reflecting on our experience, here are a few key insights I wish we had known before embarking on this home renovation adventure:

1. Research Your Contractor: It’s crucial to thoroughly research potential contractors before making a decision. We relied on recommendations from friends who had positive experiences with ours, which helped ease our initial concerns. Being hands-on throughout the construction process, from design decisions to painting, allowed us to stay within our budget.
2. Don’t Hesitate to Speak Up: It’s important to address any issues promptly rather than letting them linger. We learned the importance of advocating for what’s right for our home and not settling for anything less.
3. Expect the Unexpected: Renovations often uncover surprises. In our case, it was discovering mold in the subfloor of the master bedroom, originating from a previous bathroom leak. Dealing with this unexpected cost required treating the entire house for mold and replacing part of the subfloor.
4. Prepare for Disruption: The amount of dust and debris during renovations can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we had alternative accommodations during the process, which made the experience more manageable.

Through this blog, my goal is to inspire and empower others embarking on their own renovation journeys. I share our experiences and ideas to help you navigate the ups and downs of transforming your space into a place you love.

Ryan and I have gained invaluable lessons from this experience, though we certainly don’t claim to be experts. I offer advice based on our personal journey and perspective, hoping to support others in creating homes that reflect their unique style and vision.