January 22nd marked the fifth anniversary of owning our home. We never set out to buy a house, we were actually planning on renting but it fell through 2 days before we moved. That was a really bad day, I was completely packed and homeless. My landlord came to the rescue and a frustrating situation turned into a wild house hunt. We spent one Sunday looking at all of the homes for sale in David City (only 2 had central air!) and didn't see anything we were crazy about. The realtor told us before we left that there was another house going on the market later that week. He called us that Wednesday and we got a tour of our home- a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Ranch style house built in 1976 that had one owner and was never updated. We saw potential in it right away and loved the open floor plan, so we bought it and got to work. I would love to say our renovations are done, but we aren't there yet. We do (almost) everything ourselves, so it takes us awhile. Take a look at where we were five year ago, where we are now and where we hope to go with the home that has become such a huge part of our lives.
----------FRONT BEFORE----------
FRONT NOW
DOOR BEFORE & NOW
What we've done: Robert took off the scallop trim and blinds as soon as we moved it. We've also had to trim the bushes and I painted the door blue.
To Do: I'd like to get rid of the rocks and bushes and make a patio, maybe add a few sculptures. We also need to replace the brick on the side of the garage because it's cracked.
----------ENTRYWAY BEFORE & NOW----------
What we've done: We painted the trim, the door and added a new closet door. We also had laminate floors installed. The flooring is the only thing we've contracted out and we've had some issues with it. It separates in the cold so we haven't added baseboard yet in case we pull it all up.
To Do: Fix floor, add baseboard.
----------LIVING ROOM BEFORE ----------
NOW
BEFORE
NOW
What we've done: New floors, painted, new curtains, added a chalkboard wall, new furniture.
To Do: Fix floors, add baseboard
----------KITCHEN BEFORE----------
NOW
What we've done: New oven, microwave, took down paneling, removed drawers/desk and added a dishwasher, new floor, new light fixture, painted.
To Do: Add trim to cabinets, paint cabinets, new hardware, new counters and sink, backsplash, curtains. We've only made functional changes to the kitchen so far. It will be our next big project after we finish the second bathroom.
----------PANTRY BEFORE AND NOW----------
What we've done: This picture was actually taken after we tore half of the closet in kitchen down. You can see how big it use to be on the ceiling. We tore half of it down, drywalled it, textured it, painted, added shelves and a door.
To Do: Patch the ceiling.
----------DINING ROOM BEFORE----------
NOW
What we've done: This isn't really a before picture, we had already removed paneling and wallpaper (we threw a 70's themed party the night we closed and made our friends help us tear everything down. I highly recommend it!). We've textured the walls, painted, added curtains, shelves, and furniture.
To Do: Fix floor, add baseboard.
----------GUEST BATHROOM BEFORE AND NOW----------
What we've done: DEMO.
To Do: Put it all back together! We have most of the stuff, we just need to figure a few things out and find time to do it. The last bathroom project took us 3 years, so as long as we finish in the next year and a half we're making good time :)
----------GUEST ROOM BEFORE----------
NOW
What we've done: New carpet, painted walls and trim, added baseboard, new closet doors, new curtains and furniture.
To Do: Nothing?!? That can't be right....
----------MASTER BATHROOM BEFORE & NOW----------
What we've done: Tore it down to the studs and rebuilt, added a second sink and a shower. Click here for a detailed account of this project.
To Do: Just a couple of touch-up spots.
----------NOLA'S ROOM BEFORE----------
NOW
What we've done: New carpet, painted walls (with stencil) and trim, added new closet doors, new curtains and furniture.
To Do: Nothing! And, yes.... my three-year-old is still in a crib. She's never tried to climb out even though she could easily do it. It's pretty awesome.
----------MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE & NOW----------
What we've done: Replaced carpet, painted walls and trim, added baseboard, added a fan, new closet doors, new curtains and furniture.
To Do: Nothing, however this is the room that's changed the most times in the last 5 years. I just can't figure out if I like it or not.
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When I look back at these pictures I wonder how we got so much done and how little we actually accomplished. We still have 2 major projects to take on before I will feel like we'll be done. Robert wants to update the garage and I would love to add on a few rooms- one of those is never going to happen :)
This house is full of memories from renovating. We started the renovation with a 70's themed party, where friends came over dressed in costumes to see the new house, help tear down paneling, and have a good time. There was also the time Robert's friends came up to help him with the pantry, me tiling the bathroom floor 8 month pregnant, and my Dad cutting the perfect tile only to have it break the minute he walked out the door. We've worked on this house from the moment we moved in, through the week we got married, after we found out we were having a baby, and very quickly after we brought her home. It's been a great place to be for the last 5 years, and I'm looking forward to many more.
