Curbly House Renovation: A Dream Home in the Making

It’s official! After weeks of anticipation, Jon and I signed the closing papers. We are now the proud owners of the new Curbly House! The excitement is palpable, but the real work is just beginning. Our to-do list is ambitious: a complete kitchen overhaul, bathroom renovations that scream luxury, a new backdoor for seamless access, HVAC replacement for year-round comfort, basement finishing to maximize living space, landscaping that will be the envy of the neighborhood, and, perhaps the most challenging, figuring out how to incorporate a parking space into the backyard. It sounds daunting, but we are ready for this incredible challenge.

Timing is everything. We plan to list the house for sale this fall, avoiding the typically slow winter selling season. This ambitious deadline means our renovation timeline is incredibly tight. We have a mountain of work to complete, and the clock is ticking. However, we are determined to maintain the highest standards of quality. We will not compromise on craftsmanship or cut corners. With our dedicated team working collaboratively, I am confident that we can transform this house into a dream home within our accelerated timeframe.

First Floor Renovation Plans: Maximizing Space and Style

Here’s a glimpse into our initial plans for the first floor:

As you can see from our blueprint, a central component of our plan involves dramatically expanding the kitchen. We are essentially doubling its size and creating an open-concept design that seamlessly connects it to the new informal dining room – a space that could also serve as a family room or a “great room.” We’re still debating the perfect name! This design promotes flow and creates a central hub for modern living.

Another key feature of the renovation is transforming an existing closet in the back room into a new exterior entrance and foyer. This practical addition will provide convenient access to the house from the new backyard parking space. For Minnesota families, where winter weather is a significant factor, a designated space to store snowy boots, coats, and groceries is invaluable. Even a small “mudroom” can significantly enhance the functionality and appeal of a home in this climate.

Before the Magic: What We Started With

In case you missed it in the blueprint overview, let’s revisit the starting point:

Yes, you guessed it! Our first order of business was: DEMOLITION!

This week, Jon and I dedicated a day to tearing out the old, outdated kitchen. We removed the appliances, carefully extracted the cabinets and countertops, and demolished most of the walls slated for removal to create the open-concept design we envision.

Since it has been a while since my last major demolition project, I was reminded of some crucial lessons:

Demolition Safety: Prioritizing Protection

Always. Always. Always wear your safety gear.

This cannot be emphasized enough. Eye protection is absolutely essential. When you’re tearing down walls and removing materials, debris will inevitably fly around, and it’s only a matter of time before something gets in your eyes. It’s tempting to remove glasses when they become foggy or uncomfortable, but resist the urge. The same principle applies to gloves. You might think you won’t hurt your hands, but splinters, scrapes, and cuts are common occurrences during demolition. Protecting your body is paramount and always worth the extra effort. Safety first, always!

Embrace the Mess: Demolition is Inherently Chaotic

Well, yes, this seems obvious. But I often find myself trying to perform demolition in a neat and orderly fashion. This is simply not possible. Accept that demolition is inherently messy, and plan to clean up afterward. You’ll complete the demolition process much more efficiently without wasting time and energy trying to maintain a spotless environment. Focus on the task at hand, and tackle the cleanup once the demolition is complete.

The Joy of Destruction: Demolition Can Be Fun!

This is not necessarily a lesson, but more of an observation. There’s something inherently satisfying about demolition. Ripping out old materials and clearing the way for new construction can be surprisingly enjoyable. It’s a physical process that provides a tangible sense of progress.

Painting the Canvas: Priming for a Fresh Start

After the demolition phase, we began priming the remaining rooms in preparation for painting. We are thrilled to be partnering with Sherwin-Williams again. As you may recall, they provided all the paint for the first Curbly House project, and we were incredibly pleased with the results. This time, we’re excited to use their super-low-VOC Emerald latex paint. This ensures that the future homeowners will not have to worry about any harmful chemicals or unpleasant odors emanating from the walls. We are committed to creating a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next on the Curbly House Agenda

Painting will be an ongoing process, and I estimate that it will take about two weeks to repaint most of the rooms. However, certain areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and mudroom, will need to wait until the major construction work is completed. These spaces require careful coordination to ensure a cohesive and professional finish.

In the meantime, we are diligently finalizing our kitchen plans. This includes determining the optimal layout, selecting cabinet styles that complement the overall design, and carefully choosing appliances and fixtures that meet our quality standards. We are also actively sourcing these materials to ensure that they are available within our timeframe and budget.

Some living room inspiration from Hayneedle.

Alicia has been working closely with our partners at Hayneedle to select a vast array of furnishings for the house. Remember, we are fully designing and furnishing this property, and the lucky buyer will have the option to keep all the furniture and decor inside! For a refresher on Alicia’s design vision, check out this post.