How to Remodel A House

This is a picture of my finger with a house in the background.

Step 1. Do you really need it?

I recommend considering whether a house needs a renovation or not. New carpet in the living room is a good idea. An upgrade of the furnace is a good idea. 

But....

• new bathroom
• subfloor                 <------about right here is where you reconsider
• floor
• wiring
• siding
• roof
• drywall
• kitchen
• stairs
• room
• windows
• yard
• sidewalk
• outside banister
• doors
• tile flooring
• asbestos tile

World renowned delicacies were constructed in this kitchen.

When you view the above photo the answer would be a resounding, "of course it needs it!!" 

Just as when your a hammer everything looks like a...

When you are a house flipper or a remodeler everything looks like a...

By all means. If the answer is yes. Please continue.

Step 2. How do I remodel?

I would recommend a budget. Each hour spent pricing, shopping and asking questions to professionals is worth 3 hours remodeling.

This is an outhouse inside the house. features include
-laundry soap
-mobile wiring
-an organically termite filled foundation
-economically responsible insulation...none

Take this time. 

This blog is for the Do It Yourselfer to the most degree. The negative side to that is it is not always responsible for you to do so. The, "I can learn anything along the way." mantra is essential and helpful. But there are many projects that can be completed much better (and CHEAPER) if you hire a professional. 

Be honest. Many hands make light work.

Write down the answers to these questions.

• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• Is it worth it?
• When is the best time?
• Can I really do it all myself?

Step 3. Get started. 

Go for it! It is worth it and rewarding. Learning things along the way is truly worth it.

Start inside. Because everything that needs to go, goes outside.

Gut it.

Lots of trash. Make sure to have a plan for the piles and piles of trash you will have.

Play some.

When you mow the lawn and find a boat, take it out. It'll be hot and you will have earned it.

Ask for help.

If you can't afford help, start with calling the neighbor. Maybe he can take his abandoned vehicle off your property. You can at least ask.

Keep going.

During the inevitable moment you realize this is more work, more money and is never going to be done, don't give up. It gets better. I promise.

<--finger selfie

The scale tips.

Just when you figured out how to use the 2x4 back door knob, its time to start putting things back together.

Play Plumbing Tetris.

Grab a couple plumbing doohickeys and wardbangers. That fixes ALMOST every plumbing problem. Also righty, tighty lefty goosey. I remember that from college. #educated

Take your own advice. Once. Only once.

Move on to the outside because you finally hired a guy to do the floors. Besides you still need to get on that boat.

On second thought. Exterior doors.

Your slightly used boat can wait. Your only defense against thieves has been that the house seemed haunted. Also, thieves are people too. They had pitied the condition of the house and done a few chores about. This will no longer be the case. You need good sturdy doors. 

It must have a red door. MUST

The 2x4 knob didn't sit with the Realtor.
New slider it is.

These doors are only useful when you put the windows in (instead of just a hole.) One suggestion at a time.

Some Paint and asbestos tile removers. and voila.

I know. I know. You never got a chance to get on the boat. Well...you are as good at boating as you are at photography. 

Here are more pictures.

I placed my finger in the corner of the screen for continuity.
Also, the good picture first for those with short attention spans.
Your welcome.

Overall...rewarding.

When you finish, spend the rest of your life thinking and talking about how you should have done everything differently. DO NOT look back and think about how amazing the project was and how far you had come. 

Take your finger off the lens.

Take better pictures.

Take the boat out.

Remember it forever.