2018 Home Renovation Plans

Happy New Year, friends!

As we say hello to 2018, it’s also time to lay out the renovation plans for the year. And as we mentioned in our 2017 review, it’s going to be a busy one.

Finish the entryway

Wait, what?! Didn’t we finish that in 2016?

Well, yes. But then two months ago we decided to add a partial dividing wall and another bench. It’s nearly done; we just need to finish patching, sanding and painting.

The original built-ins are also going to get a new paint job… I made a huge oopsie and thought it would be a great idea to choose flat white paint. We can dive into that a bit more when we reveal the finished space 🙂

Speaking of repainting…

I am convinced that our home has a natural purple hue and the wall color isn’t doing it for me any more. When the light hits the walls in the morning it looks purple and drives me absolutely bonkers. Thankfully, paint can easily be changed and after several months of working myself up, I’ve decided to just pick something else.

I am also thinking about repainting the kitchen cabinets. We redid the island a few months ago and both love it. I am hoping a facelift on the main cabinets might lead to the same results.

Cut in the stairs

These stairs have held about fifteen different locations in the short two years we’ve lived here. Brett and I have had endless (and maybe a little heated) discussions on where they should go and dare I say, I think we’ve finally come to an agreement 🙂

In order to cut in the stairs, we’re going to extend the wall that once housed the hutch. The couch will then be centered in front of the fireplace – more on that below,

As far as installation goes, all we know is that the stairs are going to be an ‘L’ shape. The rest will be a huge learning opportunity and we’re trying to stay as optimistic as possible 🙂

Add an office…

In the beginning of December, I started working more from home which spurred the discussion of needing an office upstairs.

The original plan was to build something in the basement, but since that isn’t going to be happening any time soon we thought it would be best to add something small on the main floor.

The exact location and dimensions are going to be dependent on the stairs and where the header wall lands, but we think we can demo the two closets and wall off a small space.

And a linen closet…

With the addition of the stairs and office, we’ll be losing quite a bit of storage, so we’re thinking of adding a linen closet to make up a little bit of what we’re losing.

 

And a pantry.

Since we’re already getting dirty and dustry with the stairs, closet and office, why not frame in the pantry as well?

We know where the door will go, but we aren’t exactly sure what the shape will be; either an ‘L’ or a square. This will be determined by the header wall from the stairs and the dimensions of the office and whether or not we can decide on the layout of our master bedroom/bathroom/closet. Is you’re head spinning yet?! 😉

Build the garage

We started this last year and I’ve talked about it a million and one times. It was a month of hell wonderful pre-wedded bliss digging holes, laying block and pouring foundation.

We’re hoping to get the walls up, doors in, roof on and siding up.

Reside the porch area

Since we’re choosing a different siding color and would like to maintain some respect with our neighbors and those that drive by, we’re going to re-side the front of the porch area so at least the side of the house facing the road will be the same color. 🙂

Install a fireplace

Unless we win the lottery, we’re only planning on getting the fireplace framed and in working condition. It’s something we wanted to have done this winter but #lifehappens.

Replace the south side windows

And in order to frame in the fireplace, the windows need to move. And since they’re all in real shitty condition, they’re getting replaced.

The window in the entryway is going to be a little thinner and centered between the half wall and built-ins.

We’re removing one of the picture windows and adding a smaller version on either side of the fireplace.

The other picture window is going to be replaced by a sliding door that will some day lead to the wrap-around porch. 2019 maybe?!?

That teensy window in the corner of the kitchen is going to be replaced with a much larger one and the other window in the kitchen is going to be shortened so cabinets can fit underneath – kitchen reno, we’re getting ready for ya!

We told you it was going to be a busy one, didn’t we? 🙂

Since it’s exhausting just listing these out and not even getting to the actual renovation part yet, we’re taking it one project at a time with a goal of actually taking our time on each one.

Because there really isn’t any rush.

All of these things are on our wishlist but it doesn’t mean we HAVE to get them all done.

But where’s the fun in that, right?! 🙂

All our best,

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