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DIY Home Renovation: Our Farmhouse Journey – Projects We Love & Regret

Embarking on a home renovation journey is a thrilling, albeit often challenging, endeavor. For many homeowners, the allure of “doing it yourself” (DIY) is strong – promising cost savings, personal satisfaction, and the chance to truly make a space their own. But as anyone who has tackled a major project knows, not all DIY ventures are created equal. We recently stumbled upon a fascinating article that cataloged the most popular DIY projects people undertake, alongside the ones they most frequently regret. This naturally sparked a lively discussion between us about our own experiences with DIY remodeling, particularly within the context of our ongoing farmhouse renovation.

On this episode, we’re diving deep into our personal lists: the renovation tasks we’d eagerly tackle again and the ones we fervently hope to never lay hands on ourselves in our beloved farmhouse fixer-upper. Can you guess which project tops my “do-not-do” list? Or Brian’s? Beyond our candid renovation confessions, we also have some exciting farmhouse updates to share, a delectable Easter/Spring menu idea to inspire your holiday gatherings, and a roundup of the cool things we’ve discovered recently that we think you’ll love. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of DIY, share practical insights, and reveal the latest happenings at the farmhouse.

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DIY Remodeling Successes: Projects We’d Happily Tackle Again

Over the years, our journey through various home renovation projects has taught us invaluable lessons about what works, what truly adds value, and where our skills are best applied. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about the satisfaction of a job well done, the deep connection to our home, and understanding where our efforts yield the best return on investment, especially when considering resale value. For more detailed insights into our accumulated DIY wisdom and maximizing your renovation dollars, be sure to revisit Episode 34: DIY Remodeling – What We’ve Learned.

Based on our extensive experience, here are the types of projects we would confidently undertake again. These are not only manageable for most diligent DIYers but also consistently deliver significant aesthetic and financial returns. They offer a blend of ease, enjoyment, and impact:

Interior Painting of Walls and Cabinets: There’s arguably no simpler or more impactful way to transform a space than with a fresh coat of paint. Whether it’s the dramatic shift seen in our ranch-turned-cottage’s great room (you can witness the stunning transformation here) or the complete revitalization of a tired kitchen through painted cabinets (as showcased in our previous kitchen makeover), paint offers incredible versatility. It’s relatively inexpensive, requires basic tools, and instantly brightens, updates, or sets a new mood for any room. The skill ceiling for a decent paint job is low enough for most, while the satisfaction of seeing a drab room come alive is immense.
Countertop Installation and Appliance Upgrades: Modernizing a kitchen often begins with countertops and appliances. We’ve had great success with DIY countertop installations, particularly butcher block, which offers warmth and character. Brian even shared a detailed video on an easy cutting technique for butcher block countertops. Installing basic appliances, such as an overhead microwave that requires retrofitting a cabinet, is also well within the realm of a confident DIYer. These projects visibly upgrade a kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic without necessarily requiring specialized trades.
Replacing Toilets and Vanities: Updating a bathroom is a sure way to add comfort and value. Replacing existing toilets and vanities can dramatically change the feel of a bathroom and is surprisingly straightforward for those with basic plumbing knowledge. We’ve documented our various bathroom remodels here, and one of our most popular tutorials details how to creatively transform a dresser into a stylish vanity – a project that consistently yields unique and beautiful results.
Changing Out Lighting Fixtures: Lighting is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in a home’s ambiance. Upgrading old, outdated light fixtures for more modern or period-appropriate ones can instantly elevate a room. In our previous house, we meticulously changed out almost every light, and you can take a tour here to see the transformative effect. It’s a relatively simple electrical task, provided you follow safety precautions and understand basic wiring.
Basic Electrical, Basic Plumbing & Faucet Replacements: While major electrical and plumbing work should always be left to licensed professionals, many basic tasks are quite DIY-friendly. Replacing faucets, as seen in our kitchen remodel, is a common and easy update. We also tackled basic plumbing (installing a sink where there wasn’t one before) and electrical (rewiring an area that used to be a garage) in our cottage farmhouse laundry room, adding significant functionality to the space.
Other Flooring Projects: Flooring has a huge impact on a home’s character and durability. We’ve explored various DIY flooring options with great success, including laying floating floors, our incredibly popular and budget-friendly brown paper floor, and the distinctive maple plywood flooring we installed during our garage conversion. Each offers unique benefits and challenges, but the results can be stunning and very cost-effective compared to professional installation.
New Window Installation (Specific Cases): While replacing all windows in a house can be a massive undertaking, we’ve found that installing individual new windows in specific situations is achievable for a DIYer. An excellent example is the high window placed over the clawfoot tub in our master bath, as well as similar window replacements in our office spaces. These projects improve natural light, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
Adding Shelves and Built-ins: Custom storage and integrated features significantly enhance a home’s functionality and aesthetic. Adding shelves and built-ins, such as the cabinet and shelving next to the freezer in our laundry room, are prime examples. These projects require basic carpentry skills and can make a big difference in organization and design.
Adding Woodwork and Trim: This is a category where we’ve truly excelled and seen immense impact for minimal investment in money and time. Adding simple door trim, crown molding, or baseboards can dramatically increase a home’s character and perceived value, especially in an older farmhouse. The hallway opening where we added trim made such a remarkable difference, elevating a plain doorway into an architectural feature.

DIY Projects Best Left to the Professionals: What We Will Hire Out

While the satisfaction of a successful DIY project is immense, there are certain tasks that, despite our best intentions and accumulated skills, are simply better entrusted to experienced professionals. These are often projects that demand specialized tools, intricate knowledge, significant physical labor, or carry substantial risks if executed incorrectly. Our experiences have taught us that knowing when to call in the experts is just as crucial as knowing what you can do yourself. Here’s our definitive list of projects we’re committed to hiring out for our farmhouse renovation:

Tile Installation: Oh, tile! In a perfect world, we would never have to lay another tile again. The precision, the back-breaking work, the endless cuts – it’s a craft that requires a level of patience and expertise we’ve learned to respect. Case in point: the tile in the photo above. We had to lay it on the diagonal because a straight pattern simply clashed terribly with the lines of the beadboard. This meant countless tiny triangles and intricate cuts, a painstaking process that tested our limits. Professional tile setters possess the skill to ensure perfect leveling, consistent grout lines, and efficient installation, especially for complex patterns or large areas. It’s an art form, and the finished product of a professional is worth every penny for its durability and flawless appearance.
Gutter Installation and Repair: Gutters are critical for directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation, protecting it from water damage. While seemingly straightforward, proper installation involves precise angling, secure fastening, and often working at significant heights. Mistakes can lead to improper drainage, leaks, and potential structural issues. Given the size and height of our farmhouse, we prefer to leave this to professionals who have the right equipment and experience to ensure a robust and effective gutter system.
Exterior Painting (Especially Multi-Story Homes): Painting the exterior of a home is a huge undertaking, and for our 2+ story farmhouse, it moves firmly into the “hire out” category. The sheer scale, the need for scaffolding or lifts, and the safety risks associated with working at heights make this a job for professionals. They also have the equipment for efficient and even coverage, and the expertise to handle various surfaces and weather conditions. While we proudly documented painting our ranch-cottage exterior ourselves and loved the dramatic difference, the farmhouse presents a much larger and more complex challenge.
Redoing Wood Floors: Restoring original wood floors or installing new ones is a job best suited for specialists. It involves meticulous sanding, staining, and finishing to achieve a smooth, durable, and beautiful result. The dust generated is monumental, and achieving a professional, even finish requires specific tools and expertise to avoid unsightly marks or uneven coloring. Given the character and investment in good wood floors, we want them to look their absolute best for decades to come, which means entrusting them to skilled craftsmen.
Sheetrock and Mudding: This is Brian’s number one regret project! Creating perfectly smooth, seamless walls and ceilings with sheetrock and mudding is far more challenging than it appears. It demands immense patience, a steady hand, and an understanding of feathering techniques to prevent bumps, lines, and uneven textures. The dust is pervasive, and achieving a truly professional-grade finish that looks flawless under paint requires specific skills that take years to master. For a clean, modern aesthetic, we’ve learned that hiring out sheetrock and mudding is a wise investment.

Current Farmhouse Updates & Progress

Renovating a farmhouse is a journey filled with small victories and sometimes, surprising discoveries. We’re excited to share a couple of key updates regarding our current progress. First, we’ve made a choice for the bathroom exhaust fan: this sleek and subtle exhaust fan/light combo. We absolutely love its clean lines and minimalist design, which is a significant upgrade from the bulkier, more utilitarian fan/light units typically found on the market. It perfectly complements the aesthetic we’re striving for in the farmhouse bathrooms, offering both functionality and discreet style.

A HUGE NOTE and a valuable lesson learned: As I was compiling these show notes, I had a bit of a shock. We originally purchased this fan in-store, but upon checking the website, I realized we paid a staggering $50 more for it! I still can’t quite believe such a substantial price difference exists between brick-and-mortar and online retail for the exact same product. Needless to say, if you’re interested in this particular model, I strongly advise you to order it from the website linked above, especially since it often comes with free shipping. I’ve already ordered another one online, and we’ll be returning our store-bought unit. It’s a stark reminder to always comparison shop, even for seemingly small purchases!

On a more celebratory note, we received fantastic news: our plumbing permit officially passed! This is a major milestone in our renovation, signaling that we can move forward with the vital next steps of getting all the plumbing in place. It’s always a relief when these administrative hurdles are cleared, and it means we’re one step closer to having running water and functional bathrooms in the farmhouse!

What’s Cooking: Inspiring Spring & Easter Menu Ideas

As the days grow longer and hints of spring begin to emerge, our thoughts naturally turn to lighter, brighter flavors and the joy of gathering with loved ones. With Easter just around the corner, we wanted to share some delightful and inspiring menu ideas perfect for a memorable Spring or Easter family dinner. These dishes are designed to be both comforting and fresh, making the most of seasonal ingredients while offering classic appeal:

Roast Ham with Savory-Sweet Glaze: A beautifully roasted ham is the quintessential centerpiece for an Easter feast. Elevate it with a homemade glaze that adds depth and flavor. We highly recommend trying glazes made with our Sweet Onion Marmalade, a vibrant Spicy Honey Cherry Chutney, or the unique tang of a Rhubarb Chutney. Each offers a different flavor profile, ensuring a truly special dish.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes: For a side dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to prepare, our Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Scalloped Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the hard work, freeing up oven space and resulting in perfectly tender, creamy potatoes.
Roasted Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise Sauce: Nothing says spring quite like fresh asparagus. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and a slight crispness. Pair it with our easy and tasty Hollandaise Sauce for a touch of elegance that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to whip up.
Fresh Green Salad with Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing: A crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. Customize it with seasonal greens and your favorite toppings, then dress it with our delightful Honey Mustard Dressing. It’s a simple dressing that adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
Lemon Berry Cake or Glazed Lemon Cupcakes for Dessert: Conclude your meal on a sweet and bright note. Our Lemon Berry Cake with Amazing Frosting is a showstopper, combining zesty lemon with fresh berries. For individual servings or a lighter option, these Luscious Lemon Glazed Cupcakes are equally delicious and perfectly portioned.

Our Recent Cool Discoveries & Recommendations!

We love sharing the little gems we uncover that add joy, intrigue, or inspiration to our lives. Here are a couple of recent “cool discoveries” that have captivated us:

Brian’s Pick: Brian has been absolutely engrossed in the audiobook ofNeverwhereby Neil Gaiman. He raves about Gaiman’s masterful storytelling, his witty dialogue, and the incredible cast of characters that populate this fantastical urban underworld. What truly makes this audiobook a standout is that it’s read by the author himself, Neil Gaiman. His nuanced narration brings an additional layer of authenticity and depth to an already brilliant story, making for an absolutely immersive listening experience.

Jami’s Pick: I recently found myself utterly fascinated by Mrs. Wilson, the PBS Masterpiece 3-part series. This true-life drama is an incredible tale of espionage, secrets, and a woman’s unwavering quest for truth about her enigmatic husband. The series is beautifully acted and incredibly compelling. For those who, like me, are captivated by true stories and historical intrigue, I also highly recommend the book that delves into some of this unbelievable narrative: Alexander Wilson: Author and Spy. It offers even more depth into the astonishing real-life events that inspired the series.

Thanks for tuning into our latest discussion on DIY triumphs and tribulations, farmhouse progress, and delightful discoveries! If you enjoyed this podcast and found our insights helpful, you can truly help us grow by spreading the word to your friends, subscribing on iTunes, and leaving us a review – your support is invaluable in helping others find our content.

Do you have a burning question, a great DIY story, or an idea for a future podcast topic? We’d love to hear from you! You can call us at (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail, and we might just discuss it on air in an upcoming episode!

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