Are you surprised? Perhaps. While my original master plan meticulously outlined finishing the loft first before descending to the lower levels, the dynamic nature of a comprehensive home renovation often necessitates flexibility. I’ve learned to embrace these shifts, understanding that a rigid plan can sometimes hinder progress. The key, I’ve found, is to maintain a strategic vision while being adaptable to immediate needs and unexpected opportunities. Without a plan, nothing would ever truly get accomplished, yet without flexibility, progress grinds to a halt. So, let’s dive into the recent whirlwind of projects and see where my energy has been focused, transforming spaces from the main floor down to the basement.
Main Level Makeover: Kitchen and Living Room Revival
The impetus for our latest main-level transformation arrived in the form of eagerly anticipated guests. We had enjoyed their hospitality back in June and extended an invitation for them to visit us in October. My initial, perhaps overly optimistic, timeline suggested this would provide ample time to finally complete the kitchen remodel. However, the reality of ongoing projects meant I hadn’t touched the kitchen’s aesthetics since my last update—a staggering four years ago. Despite lacking cabinet doors, it remained functionally sound, allowing me to focus on other pressing areas of the house.
Then, just four days before their scheduled arrival, a wave of urgency washed over me. I decided that, at the very least, the kitchen and living room ceilings absolutely needed caulking and painting. The impressive box-beam ceilings were installed by a team of handymen who assisted me during my recovery from back surgery, but they had remained in their unfinished state. Addressing the ceilings and elevating the fireplace were the last crucial steps to truly completing the living room. Thus, a four-day blitz project seemed like a perfectly reasonable, albeit ambitious, request to make of myself.
Fortunately, I wasn’t alone in this endeavor. My wonderful friends, Chantel and Chelsey—yes, they are sisters—graciously lent their invaluable assistance! This photo captures us in a moment of design exploration, picking out tile for the fireplace makeover. While I ultimately decided against tiling the entire fireplace wall and opted for a different approach, the excursion itself was a fun, collaborative experience that fueled our creative energy for this main level refresh.
Since the paint rollers were already out for the ceilings, it was imperative to address the section above the fireplace that had remained stubbornly incomplete. For years, I had envisioned moving the corner fireplace to the wall where the TV is currently situated. I’ve never been fond of corner fireplaces; they consume more precious floor space than I believe they warrant, and aesthetically, it would undoubtedly look more balanced and integrated on the other wall. The slanted top of the current design also bothered me, a detail I was certain would be universally agreed upon once my vision was realized. However, embracing the current “let some things go” philosophy—a vital coping mechanism in any extensive home renovation—I decided against the complex and time-consuming task of relocating the entire fireplace structure.
BUT, a full-scale fireplace makeover was non-negotiable. This decision, though a compromise on relocation, still promised a significant visual impact with far less effort and time investment. Something, indeed, had to be done with its dated appearance. As I dramatically gesture towards the image below, the existing look simply does not align with the carefully curated aesthetic I’ve been diligently working to establish in this home for the past eight years of continuous home improvement.
So, in an ambitious extension of our four-day deadline, I decided to tackle the fireplace redesign simultaneously with the ceiling painting. My rationale was simple: why return to this room later to create another massive mess? Getting it all done at once and completing the space seemed the most efficient and logical approach for this home renovation project. This ‘all-in-one’ strategy often proves most effective during intensive remodel phases.
Installing the beadboard on the ceiling required an extra set of hands, and thankfully, Wes was home and willing to assist. He didn’t even flinch when climbing the ladder, despite his usual aversion to heights—a testament to his dedication to our home improvement goals!
Chelsey and I then launched into the demolition phase, tearing out the old fireplace mantel and tile before embarking on the construction of a brand-new design! This was a significant step in transforming the living room’s focal point, moving us closer to our desired aesthetic.
I’m reserving most of the detailed fireplace build photos and instructions for a separate, dedicated post, as I didn’t actually complete the tiling entirely within this initial four-day sprint. My immediate goal was to finish all elements that required painting so that I could efficiently spray everything at once, maximizing our limited time before the guests arrived. This strategic staging allowed us to achieve a significant visual transformation quickly.
With Chelsey, Chantel, and my collective efforts, we meticulously covered all the floors, expertly caulked the ceilings, applied and sanded wood filler to perfection, and carefully taped plastic over every surface we didn’t want painted. This thorough preparation, a crucial step in any quality home improvement project, consumed approximately three full days of our tight schedule. Once the prep work was complete, I applied two coats of paint to everything, and the actual painting process flew by, delivering instant gratification.
The final coat of paint on the fireplace was applied on the very morning our guests were scheduled to arrive—talk about cutting it close! The flurry of activity that followed was exhilarating: we swiftly pulled off the plastic coverings, removed the cardboard floor protectors, re-installed the elegant chandelier, and carefully positioned the furniture back into the room. The transformation was truly amazing! In that moment, I didn’t even mind that the fireplace tile installation wasn’t yet complete. That particular task will require a return visit to this room, and only then will I share a comprehensive gallery of photos detailing the entire project. After a rewarding three days enjoying the company of our guests, it was back to work, shifting focus to the next urgent phase of the house remodel.
Basement Transformation: Bathroom, Bedroom, Closet, Wet Bar, and Main Room Overhaul
Stepping down into the basement immediately reveals a stark contrast to the rapidly transforming main level. This expansive lower floor, destined to become a fully functional guest suite and entertainment zone, currently remains in a state of raw potential. The drywall, a casualty of our earlier kitchen remodel and the subsequent sewer saga, has long been removed, exposing the skeletal framework of what will one day be beautifully finished rooms. It truly looks exactly as it did years ago, a testament to the scope of our ongoing home renovation.
The guest bedroom, bathroom, and closet area are still in considerable disarray, a lasting legacy of the unfortunate sewer saga that caused extensive damage. This unexpected setback highlighted the need for a comprehensive basement finishing project to restore these crucial spaces.
Having our recent guests share a bathroom with Madison upstairs, while manageable for them, certainly wasn’t ideal for Madison. To ensure our guests’ comfort, Madison temporarily relocated to the powder room for three days, her personal belongings hastily shoved into drawers to make the main bathroom presentable. This led to understandable frustration for her as she struggled to find her things. While I’d typically encourage her to adapt, the fact that we have an entire guest suite designed for downstairs makes this situation untenable. With my parents’ visit rapidly approaching, the decision was made: it was time to finally finish the darn basement, transforming it into the functional and inviting space it was always meant to be. The primary task ahead is installing drywall, a job I’m happily outsourcing to a professional. However, I have several preparatory tasks to complete before “Bucket Ed”—whom I mistakenly called “Bucket Head” for months after his introduction—arrives to begin the drywall installation.
Guest Bedroom: Simplicity and Functionality
The guest bedroom in the basement is receiving a straightforward, yet essential, upgrade: new drywall and new floors. To facilitate the carpet removal, we first had to clear out all the storage bins that had accumulated in the space. I’ve decided to let Bucket Ed handle the drywall cleanup once he’s here for installation. Looking back, I recall being quite upset when I was tearing out the old materials after the sewer flood, but seeing the progress now makes it all worthwhile! This practical approach ensures the space is ready for comfortable guest stays, making it a vital part of our basement finishing project.
Storage Closet: Maximizing Space in the Basement
This dedicated storage closet was framed five years ago and then drywalled two years later. Now, with an urgent need for organized storage space in our ongoing home renovation, I finally installed some shelving. In a push for efficiency and speed, I opted for readily available generic metal shelving, completing the installation in a single day. This quick win dramatically improved the functionality of the space.
Each evening, I dedicated time to going through the numerous bins, making decisive choices about what truly merited keeping. Only then would a bin earn its place on a newly installed shelf. This systematic approach to decluttering has allowed me to donate at least eight bins full of decorations and games to our local donation center. This closet now holds a surprising amount, but it’s clear that not everything could be contained within its confines, highlighting the sheer volume of belongings accumulated over the years of home ownership.
Wet Bar Installation: An Unexpected Basement Feature
Many of the remaining storage bins are currently occupying the area slated to become the basement’s “theater” space, which will prominently feature a wet bar. The decision to include a wet bar in our basement finishing plan was primarily driven by the fact that the plumbing was already roughed in for it. Otherwise, I would have been perfectly content to let that particular amenity go. However, given that the water lines and drain are already in place, the added value and convenience of having a wet bar—for entertaining and daily use—justifies the time and expense required for its installation. Therefore, this project has moved up the priority list.
Installing the wet bar now is a critical step because it makes absolutely no sense to undertake demolition and wall construction after the drywall has been hung and new flooring laid. So, the time for this structural work is definitively now! This sequence is crucial for efficient basement finishing.
A significant challenge arose from the original builder’s use of 2×2 studs for the basement walls, which simply doesn’t provide adequate space for a drain pipe or proper waterline fittings. This was a frustrating oversight! Consequently, I needed to construct an entirely new, properly framed wall to create the necessary depth and room for the rough-in plumbing, ensuring a functional and up-to-code wet bar for our home bar setup.
Wes once again provided invaluable assistance, helping me remove all the old drywall and haul it out to the trailer. When he asked what he could do to help, this was my immediate request. It might seem like a straightforward task given the larger, more complex projects I often undertake solo, but there are moments when the sheer volume of work feels overwhelming. Having someone else pull down and remove old drywall felt like a HUGE relief and a massive help during this demanding phase of our home renovation.
On a side note, you might observe Wes in pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt, while I’m in shorts and a sports bra. I am almost perpetually miserably hot, feeling as though a furnace bubble constantly surrounds and follows me! I do try to dress appropriately because I’m often filming these projects, but I get so irritated when I’m sweaty and hot that I inevitably end up wearing as little as possible. Apparently, I’m in pre-menopause for what feels like 500 years—that’s the standard excuse every doctor offers for nearly every non-explicitly understandable physical complaint I’ve had for the last decade. So, I simply carry on with my work, usually hot, sweaty, and a bit irritable. If our location weren’t so remote, I’d seriously consider moving to Alaska for some consistent coolness!
Alright, back to the house and our ongoing basement finishing project. After clearing out the old drywall, I immediately set about building a new wall. I strategically built it tall enough to insert directly into the floor joist cavity, allowing me to secure it firmly to the joist above. This was a bit of a “lazy” workaround, as it meant I didn’t have to precisely trim all the vertical studs. I constructed the entire wall flat on the floor, intending to simply tip it up into place. However, I made a slight miscalculation by placing the pressure-treated bottom plate in the position that would have needed to be “tipped up,” which then wouldn’t have functioned as the bottom plate. So, with a considerable effort, I had to heft the entire wall and turn it around. Thankfully, being only 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, I was just able to manage it on my own.
Barely!
To simplify future cabinet installation for our home bar, I strategically added blocking within the wall frame. This thoughtful addition means I won’t have to meticulously search for a 1 1/2-inch wide stud to screw into. Instead, a robust 2×6 secured at the correct height ensures that I’ll hit solid backing no matter where I drive a screw, making the cabinetry mounting process much more straightforward and secure for this significant basement remodel.
I also constructed a side wall to create a recessed nook, ensuring the cabinetry for the wet bar appears completely “built-in.” This design choice offers several practical and aesthetic advantages for our basement renovation. It provides a clean termination point for crown molding, allowing me the option to install it just on the cabinets if I decide against extending it throughout the entire basement. It also creates a natural endpoint for the backsplash, and neatly conceals the sides of the cabinets, particularly if I opt not to extend them all the way to the ceiling. From a design perspective, I personally dislike seeing a tile backsplash abruptly end or cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling. This nook elegantly resolves those concerns. This week has been incredibly productive, with both the plumber and electrician completing their rough-in work, which means the wet bar area is now fully prepped and ready for drywall installation!
Basement Bathroom: A Complete Makeover
Next on the extensive basement project list is the bathroom. Naturally, it requires new drywall, but beyond that, I’m entirely dissatisfied with the current space, so a complete bathroom makeover is definitely in order for this critical part of our basement finishing. I envision a transformation that brings both functionality and modern aesthetics to this area.
My first step in the bathroom remodel is building a custom nook for the tub/shower area. The existing stubby insert, which ends awkwardly seven feet up a ten-foot wall, looks incredibly odd and unfinished. While I’m not replacing the tub insert or the fixtures, my goal is to enhance their appearance significantly. Chelsey once again joined forces with me, helping to frame out what I’m calling a “surround” – though I’m still figuring out the perfect term! This new wall is positioned several inches in front of the tub, and I’m installing PURPLE XP® drywall on the inside. My plan is to then completely seal the interior to prevent any moisture or water damage. If I paint it with a waterproofing membrane and then tile… we’ll see. All the final details are still being deliberated as part of this comprehensive basement bathroom renovation.
This image shows what the tub surround looks like from the outside. Impatiently waiting for Bucket Ed, I decided to tackle this small drywall patch myself. I’ll likely let him handle the mudding, as he’ll be here next week, and I haven’t gotten to that yet. I’m also still deliberating whether to have him skim coat the existing walls and ceiling to achieve a perfectly smooth finish, or simply add texture to the new drywall to match the existing. You know my preference for smooth walls, but if matching the existing texture saves me significant time and money for this basement finishing project, I’m willing to compromise for the sake of efficiency.
My initial thought was to keep the existing cabinet and simply replace the doors, drawer fronts, vanity top, sink, faucet, light, and frame the mirror. However, the more I considered it, allowing the existing (frankly, quite crappy) vanity cabinet to dictate the design of an entirely new space—especially when I’m replacing EVERYTHING else—simply wasn’t worth the compromise. So, with a renewed sense of purpose, I tore it all out! This bold decision allows for a truly custom and modern bathroom remodel, aligning fully with our vision for the basement.
So, that comprehensively outlines the extensive range of projects I’ve been diligently working on, and continue to work on, across both levels of the house.
Oh, and on top of everything, I also had to tear out a section of the tub surround in the master bathroom. (If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ll already be aware of this particular setback in our ongoing home renovation.) This was necessary to provide the plumber with access to a leaking tub, which, inconveniently, caused even more drywall damage in the basement. I’m eager to have this fixed next week when Bucket Ed is here. However, beyond that immediate repair, I’m not undertaking any other projects in the master bathroom just yet; it will remain with a large, temporary hole for a while. I’m certain Wes will absolutely love that detail!
These currently active areas—the kitchen, living room, and particularly the entire basement suite—are crucial for the daily functionality and comfort of our family, taking clear priority over the loft. Therefore, my revised plan is to fully complete the basement. And then, I suppose, move up to the… well, whatever comes next! You know by now that I’m not one to rigidly stick to any single plan for too long. My current focus is simply working furiously, fueled by a relentless drive to finish the entire house. I won’t stop until every last project is done. I might have 20 different renovation projects simultaneously underway across 10 different rooms, meaning I won’t be able to share a perfect “tutorial” or a “finished room reveal” until each individual item is truly complete. But rest assured, it will all happen eventually. And until then, I’ll continue providing you with these whirlwind, comprehensive updates, chronicling the journey of this large-scale home remodel.
After all, I’m a sharer. I strive to share the good, the bad, and the downright crazy moments that define this home renovation journey. Because this, truly, is real life in the world of DIY home improvement!