It’s been twenty days since our last renovation update, and while that might seem like an eternity, these past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity at the house. We’re rapidly approaching the finish line, and the entire team is working tirelessly to complete everything. Our goal is to list the property for sale within the next two weeks, and I’m optimistic we can achieve this, provided everything proceeds as planned. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been working on:
Landscaping Transformation: From Jungle to Oasis
The exterior of the house is undergoing a remarkable transformation. We’ve transitioned from a backyard overrun with lilies and hostas to a well-manicured space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. While I’m not particularly fond of mowing (who is?), I believe the newly installed sod has completely redefined the yard, creating an inviting space where families can envision themselves spending quality time.
Floor Refinishing: A Touch of Elegance
Refinishing the hardwood floors was a project I initially considered tackling myself. However, given the time constraints and the potential for costly errors, we ultimately decided to hire professionals. The initial sanding phase was completed yesterday, and the polyurethane coating is being applied today. This means we’ll need to stay out of the house for a few days! How will I occupy my time?!
Closet Organization: Maximizing Storage Space
I can now officially add “professional closet system installer” to my list of skills! I’ve successfully assembled and installed closet systems in all the upstairs bedrooms. While the first installation took some time to figure out, I quickly got the hang of it and was able to complete the remaining closets efficiently.
The closet systems we chose (from Modular Closets) fit seamlessly into the existing closet spaces and significantly enhance the functionality and storage capacity of the bedrooms. While closets may not be the first thing prospective buyers notice, they are essential for organized living. We’re confident that our buyers will appreciate the well-designed and functional closets.
Investing in quality closet systems is a strategic move to enhance the overall appeal and value of the property. Organized closets contribute to a clutter-free living environment, which is highly desirable for potential homeowners. The added storage space provided by these systems also addresses a common need for many families, making the property more attractive and functional.
The Modular Closets systems were selected for their durability, ease of installation, and customizable features. These systems allowed us to tailor the closet spaces to meet the specific needs of each bedroom, maximizing storage potential and creating a more organized and efficient living space. The investment in these systems reflects our commitment to providing high-quality features that enhance the overall living experience for future homeowners.
In addition to the practical benefits of organized closets, they also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the home. Well-organized closets create a sense of order and cleanliness, which can positively impact the overall impression of the property. Potential buyers are more likely to be drawn to a home that appears well-maintained and organized, as it suggests a higher level of care and attention to detail.
Front Door Transformation: A Welcoming Entrance
We decided to take a bold step with the front door and partnered with Zabitat to install a full glass insert into the existing door. I was initially hesitant, especially since it involved cutting out the entire center panel of the door. However, the installation process went surprisingly smoothly, and the result is a dramatically improved and unrecognizable entrance.
We also repainted the door with a fresh coat of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258, completing the incredible transformation:
The glass insert is not only aesthetically pleasing and well-constructed (it’s surprisingly heavy), but it also allows significantly more natural light to flood the entryway, creating a more open and inviting space. A definite win!
The front door is the first impression a visitor has of a home, and its appearance can significantly impact their overall perception of the property. By upgrading the front door with a stylish glass insert and a fresh coat of paint, we have enhanced the curb appeal of the house and created a more welcoming and inviting entrance for potential buyers.
The choice of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black for the front door was a deliberate decision to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the exterior. Black is a timeless color that complements a wide range of architectural styles and adds a sense of refinement to any property. The contrast between the black door and the white exterior creates a visually striking focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the house.
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, the new glass insert also provides practical advantages. The increased natural light that floods the entryway creates a brighter and more cheerful atmosphere, making the space feel more open and inviting. This can positively impact the overall impression of the home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Custom Shutters: Adding Character and Charm
Inspired by the fresh paint on the front door, we decided to add matching shutters to the windows. After researching online, I determined that simple board-and-batten shutters would be an easy DIY project. And I was right!
I simply purchased primed exterior trim boards and cut them to the desired length using my miter saw. After painting everything with the same exterior paint (SW 6258), the shutters were ready to be installed on the house!
Adding shutters to the windows is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the curb appeal of a home and add a touch of character and charm. Shutters can complement the architectural style of the house and create a more visually appealing and inviting exterior. The choice of board-and-batten shutters was a deliberate decision to create a rustic and charming look that complements the overall aesthetic of the property.
The DIY aspect of this project allowed us to save money while still achieving a high-quality result. By purchasing primed exterior trim boards and cutting them to size ourselves, we were able to customize the shutters to perfectly fit the windows and create a seamless and professional look. The use of the same paint as the front door also ensured a cohesive and unified aesthetic for the exterior of the house.
Storage Shed Installation: Maximizing Backyard Utility
Jon and I agreed that a storage shed was a necessary addition to the backyard. We had our landscaper prepare a level space for it to the left of the parking pad:
We then spent a (surprisingly hot) weekend day assembling the shed. This is a manageable DIY project for most people and well worth the effort if you lack sufficient garage storage. The key is to create a level foundation (we built a floor system using treated lumber and placed it on leveled concrete blocks) before assembling the shed (ours only required a drill/driver).
Adding a storage shed to the backyard is a practical and valuable improvement that can significantly enhance the functionality and appeal of the property. A storage shed provides homeowners with a dedicated space to store gardening tools, lawn equipment, outdoor furniture, and other items that might otherwise clutter the garage or other living areas.
The decision to install a storage shed reflects our commitment to providing future homeowners with a functional and well-equipped outdoor space. The shed not only provides additional storage but also helps to maintain a clean and organized backyard, which can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.
Bathroom Renovation: A Touch of Luxury
The bathroom floor tile was installed this week, and I’m thrilled with the result. Yesterday, Jon and I installed the wainscoting and trim, which completely transformed the look of the room.
Early Photography: Capturing the Vision
Due to the project’s accelerated timeline, we’ve already begun photographing several rooms, even though the house is far from complete. It’s a surreal experience to be working in a perfectly styled and finished room while the bathroom floor is being demolished next door.
So far, we’ve completely furnished and photographed one of the children’s bedrooms, the master bedroom, and the basement family room. While I’m eager to share these photos with you, I don’t want to spoil the surprise and risk you losing interest in my updates, so you’ll have to be patient.
In the meantime, here are a few teasers:
Final Thoughts: The Home Stretch
We’re incredibly close to completing this project! It’s hard to believe how much progress we’ve made in the last six weeks. Kitchen cabinets and countertops are scheduled to arrive early next week, followed by a long list of minor touch-ups and finishing touches before we move in the remaining furniture and take the rest of the photographs.
If you’re new to this project, I encourage you to revisit the previous posts in the series to catch up on all the details! Even better, click here to subscribe to email updates about this project!