If you’ve been through a home renovation, you know that things have to get worse before they get better. This is why I’m happy to say that it’s getting worse in our neck of the woods. Which means better is just around the bend.
I mentioned a few things yesterday. Namely, the kitchen is cleared out. And the power is still not turned on (hopefully soon, friends). Ryan has been working on electrical. And, since we have no power, I don’t even have to worry about him electrocuting himself (bonus!). And, our local home improvement store is getting used to seeing our faces again.
But, more has happened that just what I shared yesterday.
The bathroom is pretty close to empty. Tile, cement board and two layers of linoleum removed. No vanity. No tub. (I know you all are going to be mad at me for that one. There will be more about this in a later post, since the bathroom looks like it may be our first project.)
(I guess I forgot to take a photo of the bath after the layers of floors were all removed.
The carpets are all removed.
(Although there are still lots of staples to painstakingly remove by hand, which is one of my next jobs.)
And, how happy am I with how great the wood floors look? So happy! They are in so much better shape than the floors in our current home!
The tile in the dining room and kitchen are currently experiencing my wrath.
I’m using a roofing shovel to pop out the tile. My arms hurt the next day. I still have to finish.
The bushes met their demise on the first day.
I really wish I would have gotten a picture of Ryan and his dad taking these down with a chainsaw. What is it about boys and chainsaws?
And, while the front of the house looks so much better, the bushes are currently just piled up in the side yard. (We are still trying to figure out how to get rid of them in the best way. We don’t really want to cut them up and bind them to put them at the curb, as that would take forEVer.)
So, these are reasons I say it gets worse before it gets better. The house looks a little disheveled right now, with rubble everywhere. But, by some miracle, much of the demo is already behind us in the first week.
And, the more we are at the house, the more excited I’m getting. Paint, light fixtures, cabinets, oh my! So much fun ahead of us. Seriously, this is the best part.
If you are interested in our checklist, find it here. Nothing fancy – just a document to track our progress. Tell me if this interests you, I’ll update it and share it here as we go. Lots to do, but already lots of check marks.
What do you think?
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Kylie says
You guys are SO inspiring! Way to go!!! It’s motivating to see what y’all have been up to.
What are your plans for the stairs? Are you going to put a runner, carpet, or refinish and leave them bare hardwood? When we start to finish our basement this winter that’s one of the first decisions we’re going to have to make.
~ Kylie
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
Ahh! I am so excited for you about those wood floors. I can’t believe how much work you’ve already accomplished. Amazing. And I second your thought about men and chainsaws…what is the obsession!?
Emily says
I’m inviting myself over when this is done. Just giving you warning now, prepare for Hurricane Emily when your renovation is complete. I’m really polite like that.
Seriously Kim, I want to be you and Ryan. I am so impressed with what you’ve done already, you two are rockstars.
Stephanie says
what i really think is i’m glad it’s you & not me 🙂 it’s fun to WATCH this experience … you and your hubs are a-mazing.
LizzieBeth says
I cannot get over how great those floors are! Why do people cover them up??
LB
amber waves of grain says
You are doing so well! I think you’ve made a ton of progress in a short time. Definitely easier to do it before you move in– we keep reminding ourselves of that as we remodel while living here. Please keep sharing updates!
Tricia says
Lookin’ good, girl!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
I know exactly what you mean by everything getting worse before it gets better. Ah, home improvement.
Leigh says
I love the list! I keep trying to do them for our house but I can’t get John to buy in. I hate the “during” mess, I know it is necessary and signs of progress but I keep cleaning it.
kelliebelle says
OMG I <3 your list.....I really need one of those!
Kristen says
You guys are really working hard, I cant believe how much you got done in a week!! I know the house is going to look great when your done..
Amanda Sevall says
Yay!! How exciting!!! And I LOVE your list. I have several just like that…. 😉
Karla says
I am so impressed that you’re removing that tile yourself, that’s hard work! I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I know it will be beautiful!
Nikki says
That is a lot of progress for 1 week!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
Keep these posts up – it’s fun to follow along.
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
I’m so excited for you guys! It’s really going to be fun to watch the progress you’re making. And really? Getting rid of those bushes was like a HUGE instant improvement!
I can’t wait to see what you have in store for this place. It’s going to be gorgeous! 🙂
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I just love reading about your progress! The floors do look pretty good. I know it seems like a mess right now, but just envision what’s to come. That’s what I told myself when the dumpsters were next door at the trashy neighbors’ house while it was being gutted. 😉
Kim says
I think you are well on your way and I can sense your excitement through this post. It’s fun following along!
xoxo,
Kim
Mrs. Adventure says
Ok I must admit that once I saw those stairs I had to chime in…. Oh Kim they would look beautiful painted white with black steps… Ok maybe you won’t do it my dreamy way but dang I would love it!
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Oh i just cannot WAIT to see all the progress. If I was still a single gal without little munchkins I would TOTALLY be there all day helping you (even while you’re at work!) I LOVE the dirty work! Oh…and I did make some progress on the kitchen yesterday…I’ll share soon!
Kate@TwentySixToLife says
Wow! You’ve made tons of progress! Those floors are going to be gorgeous when you’re finished with them.
Kristen says
loving the pics, can’t wait to see more! Have fun!
The Brick Cottage says
I am so excited to see your progress! I really love seeing old homes being loved again. Your list is really impressive! I can only imagine the satisfaction you’ll gain when you see the list in all red.
*claire* says
again, i’m totally impressed by you guys!! that’s awesome that you are going to be able to completely redo a house – and it’s not like you are professionals (although, i’m sure you may as well be at this point!!) very impressive indeed! please continue to document – i will live vicariously through you – you chip up tile – we will sit in front of our computers and watch 🙂
Kelli says
I think it all looks great and you guys are really coming along. Those floors are amazing. I can’t wait to watch this progress as you put your personal stamp on your new place.
jen @ homeinthecountry says
Awesome. There are few things as gratifying as ripping out old ugly stuff! 🙂 Am a little jealous, actually…
The hardwoods are wonderful! Keep up the good work!
Danielle and Clint says
When I moved into our home, we had giant bushes also. I had to cut them up, bundle, and put them to the curb because there was no other way. I will say, after a long afternoon, I did it! I know it’s a ton of labor, but you can do it! Look at home much you have done already! Great job.
clink says
OK — I’m crazy enough to love remodeling! You go, girl!
And the check list is very cool.
Wishing you lots of strength and luck!
Cath
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
I am getting flashbacks here! The staples, the green foam residue, the scary non-carpeted stairs, oh yeah! lol It is definitely coming along!
Mrs. 5C says
This is very exciting!!!
I can’t believe what a difference removing those bushes made!!