It’s been almost exactly eighteen months (this number seems to be a theme with us) since I shared the first episode of a vlog series that I expected to be immediately forthcoming. Buying my parents house hasn’t been without it’s hiccups, but we finally found ourselves home owners again, late last month.
When we first moved in, my parents weren’t quite sure of their future plans. They were debating a new build, finishing out the barn/pool house, or become full time RVers and we were giving them time to adjust to the idea of selling their forever home. We happily coexisted for a full year, before making some decisions that would get this beauty off of my parents’ hands. What we didn’t know then, is that we would spend an entire year debating property lines and driveway locations with the county and as soon as those issues were resolved, we would dive head first into a surprise pregnancy. I know that there is a reason for our delay, even if I’m not sure what it is. At the very least, after having lived in this house for just over two years, we’ve come to know her a little better and had some major mind shifts about what we want to do with her.
We’re in the process of securing construction funds, at the moment, and hope to start our renovation as soon as we get back from the beach in June. We have some projects that we’re funding with cash, so we’ll be working on a few things between now and then, but the bulk of our projects will take place over the summer. I filmed a walk-through of our home last week, so that you could exactly what it is we’re starting with.
For those of you who can’t view the video from work or wherever you are, I’m sharing still photographs and a master to do list below. This list includes both short term and long term projects, so it’s pretty long!
Master List Updated on May 16, 2019
Whole House / Exterior:
refinish floors
install digital thermostats
replace all light switches, plates, and plugs
replace front door with half-light door
replace front porch lighting
hang porch swing
install propane tank
install tankless hot water heater outside
pea gravel back patio
concrete/gas fire pit
repair/update driveway
replace dead tree in front of sunroom
clear back tree line
install pole barn (camper storage) and garden shed
repair roof
build exterior office for Josh
re-stain exterior
repair chinking in between logs
screen back porch
replace gutters
tree removal
Living & Dining Area:
paint ceiling and walls
run TV wires through iron pipe/mantle
hide modem and router in coat closet
install shelving in coat closet
refinish stairs and replace carpet runner
Sun Room:
paint ceiling and window walls
install sliding barn doors
install new exterior doors and hardware (already purchased)
replace ceiling fan
remove curtain hardware
replace broken window
vault ceiling and install can lights (after Josh moves into an exterior office)
Hallway:
paint ceiling and walls
lower peg rail and hang art above
replace sconces
find vintage runner
install art light on the back wall
Powder Room:
paint ceiling and walls (two toned or all white?)
add plug to back wall
replace light fixtures
replace toilet
replace faucet/drain hardware
add more vintage mirrors
Kitchen:
paint ceiling and walls
pour concrete floors, countertops and deep basin sink
paint cabinets
install new appliances (fridge, gas range & hood, dishwasher, microwave, coffee station)
install water filtration system
update lighting (is modern track lighting a thing?)
paint interior doors
repair door to master porch
install sliding pantry door?
replace island with drafting table and stools
install vintage lockers to create a “mudroom”
Laundry Room:
paint ceiling and walls
install new appliances
replace water heater closet with new shelving column
hang ironing board/iron
replace cabinet doors and end panels?
replace hanging rod with iron pipe
update lighting
recover corkboard
shoe storage/bench?
Master Bedroom:
install blackout shades
source vintage rug
hang wall mirror
Master Bathroom:
paint ceiling and walls
pour concrete floors, countertops, and trough sinks
update lighting
install towel bars
replace vanity doors and drawer fronts
add ship lap over textured walls?
replace toilet
replace french doors with sliders (frost doors?)
replace tub/shower combo with walk-in shower with glass doors
Landing/Kristin’s Office:
install knee wall around opening to stairs
paint ceiling and walls
install terra cotta floor tile (already purchased)
install built-in desk and bookshelves
chalkboard wall?
Kids’ Bathroom:
paint ceiling and walls
replace tub/shower combo
replace toilet
new vanity cabinet (move to right wall)
pour concrete countertop and sink
replace mirror and lighting
install terra cotta floor tile (already purchased)
install exhaust fan
install behind the door shelving and storage
Ella’s Room (currently the box room!):
paint ceiling and walls
paint built in shelving and replace counter top with solid surface
replace carpet
replace ceiling fan
install shelving in second closet
build window seat
install black out shades
Sophie & Polly’s Room:
paint ceiling and walls
replace carpet
replace ceiling fan
install shelving in Sophie’s closet
build window seat
install black out shades (already purchased)
Talk about a long list?! It can get overwhelming if I think about it for too long, but we’re so excited to get started. What are you most looking forward to reading about? Budget? DIY projects? Exterior updates?
