Comments on: When Do Home Updates Actually Pay Off!?!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 14:52:29 +0000

We just finished a 5 month reno that updated half our house (about 1500 SF), including removing a major structural wall (that separated kitchen/dining/living/family rooms), an entire new kitchen (it was gutted, new layout, everything new), some new windows/french door, and new real wood floors. (Man, as I outline that there was really so much more that went into it!) I will say, I am still shocked how much it all cost, but I know what we spent ($153k) was in-line with renovations costs here (So Cal). I kept a very detailed spreadsheet, and when you get down to it, it was 60% labor/40% material. So if you can do work yourself, power (and money in your pocket) to you! I also got everything – EV-ER-EE-THING I wanted on this reno, I did not hold back, which I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to do.

By: Carla

Carla — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 16:24:25 +0000

I would love to see how you actually updated the in-laws kitchen! My sad kitchen looks very similar….I see the potential now! Let me know if there is already a tutorial on the website.
As always, you are a great inspiration!!
Thanks for staying real–I’ve had to ‘break up’ with other bloggers when their projects starting becoming completely out of reach for our current budget (Goodbye EH)…… Love your guts too!!!!!

By: Doreen

Doreen — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:40:22 +0000

In the kitchen images – is that a new countertop or was just the backsplash removed and replaced with the tile. I want to keep my counter, but remove the backsplash. However, there is construction glue on the counter that, according to the internet, is nearly impossible to remove. Any suggestions?

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:38:26 +0000

In reply to Brandi.

I love it too! Sherwin-Williams in Ripe Olive:

https://vintagerevivals.com/2016/11/mind-blowing-939-bathroom-makeover

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:33:58 +0000

I’m surprised that improving curb appeal wasn’t on the list. It seems like an upgrade to the front of your house would really bring people to look at the house in the first place.

By: Vee

Vee — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 20:10:45 +0000

In reply to Brooke. I think the ROI depends on how well the renovation was done. If a lot of time was spent meticulously painting the cabinets with a quality paint that will last, and quality appliances were purchased then maybe someone will have a good ROI. It also depends on colors and materials used as well. If someone replaced a tile with something ugly then a new homeowner might see it as a gut job and you wouldn’t have a good ROI.

By: hMh

hMh — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 22:45:17 +0000

In reply to Samantha.

So true…especially in older homes where you can get into expensive problems once you start tearing out other people’s old reno’s…such as bad wiring and plumbing that previous owners hid w shoddy repairs and cosmetic fixes.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 21:31:58 +0000

It’s also worth noting that insurance company figures are based on averages, so they include kitchen renovations where money is no object.

We’ve had contractors tell us they wouldn’t take on our kitchen because it’s a nightmare. Our space is one of those projects where when you pull one thread, it all comes unraveled. It could easily cost $30k to renovate, and that’s without any high-end finishes or custom cabinetry or any bells or whistles. It’s not even a large kitchen at around 250 sq. ft. It makes me sympathize a lot more with expensive home renovations. Even one surprise during the process can cost thousands.

By: Brandi

Brandi — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 19:56:30 +0000

What color is that green on the bathroom wall?!

By: Brooke

Brooke — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 18:41:56 +0000

In reply to Brooke. I dind't finish "We did all the work (except for the plumbing)"