If you’re wondering where to begin, a House Project List is a great place to start! Even before I put an offer in on a house, I was already planning a mental list of how I would make each property my own. When I first walked into my current home, the ideas were flowing. After closing on my current home, my list had close to 50 items on it. I knew there was no way I would get to some of them.
YEAR 1 PROJECT COMPLETION
May 1st, 2018 through April 31st, 2019
After writing it all down and the year was over, I was *shocked* how many projects I was able to complete. While most of these were little house projects, my house quickly transformed from 1971 to 2018 in simple weekend projects. In future blog posts, I will cover all of these projects, how quickly and simply you can do it too, and how much they cost. I am all for small cost and big impact! Not to mention you want to make sure that for all the money you put into a house, you will more than make it back if you decide to sell.
- Fireplace Makeover: Paint + New Mantle
- New Ceiling Fan in Living Room
- Removed 150 garden bricks
- Removed dead landscaping (light side)
- Painted Entryway Floor
- Painted Entryway + Trim
- Paint Front Door (inside)
- Replaced all light switches (smart tech)
- Replaced all outlets
- Installed Google Nest Thermostat
- DIY American Flag Frame
- Removed dead landscaping (left side)
- Removed backsplash + mirror 1/2 bath
- Painted 1/2 bath + new mirror
- Painted Laundry Room
- Replace all Air Vents
- Bedroom Closet Renovation
- Mailbox Makeover
- Brick Pavers
- Clean Shed
- Removed Chair Rail kitchen
- Painted Kitchen Backsplash
- Painted Kitchen Walls + Trim
- New Kitchen Chandelier
- Painted Living Room + Trim
- Replaced Back Fence
- New Roof! (Day 364)
- Furnish House (via Marketplace)
YEAR 2 PROJECT COMPLETION
May 1st, 2019 through April 31st, 2020
The following year there were less immediately “can’t stand” items that were tackled. You will notice some fun design items on this year’s list. My home list allowed me to look forward to new projects every weekend, regardless of how small. The main Year 2 successes can be credited to finding a trusty electrician in town who helped accomplished several items on this list. For the first 2.5 years of owning my home, I had roommates to offset the mortgage, so projects were less involved so as to not disrupt their living spaces.
- New Backyard Fence
- Paint Master Bedroom
- Paint Master Bathroom Tile
- New electrical outlets for entire house
- Remove old bedroom intercoms
- 1/2 Bath: New barn door and trim
- New black door knobs and hinges
- Ceiling fan in TV room
- Reupholster kitchen chairs
- Plumbing lines cleared
- Install Ring doorbell
- Driveway flood lights
- Master Closet Phase 1 Demo/ Framing
- Porch recessed lights and outlets
- Smart technology on exterior doors
- Pantry Update Phase 1 Expand Shelves
- Hang Wall Sconces
- Fireplace Power wash
YEAR 3 PROJECT LIST
May 1st, 2020 through December 31st, 2021
Note: Moving forward I will begin tracking my projects from a calendar year starting with 2022 Project List!
While I am very proud of how many projects I have already accomplished, the best projects are just because you want to and it will look pretty. The first and largest projects on this list are the Fireplace renovation (necessary) and the master bathroom renovation (nice to have). Both of these items have been on the list since Year 1, Day 1. The fireplace was deteriorating from the inside due to water damage and was noted on the inspection. It is absolutely my favorite place to relax now, and I am so thankful to have a cozy spot this winter!
- Fireplace Interior/ Exterior
- Begin Master Bath Renovation
- Power wash House
- Power wash Driveway
- New Porch Lights
- Paint living room
While this list may seem overwhelming, this project list has served me well not only to have hopes and dreams for what this house can become but to also take a look back at all that I have accomplished and learned along the way. I know that some of these items like new windows and hardwood floors are wayyy down the road, but that doesn’t stop me of dreaming and properly saving now! I hope this will inspire you to begin writing your ideas down. Even if you don’t have a home yet or are in process of renovating your own, the best place to start is by putting it on paper
PS. If you are interested in any of these projects, they will ALL eventually become blog posts where I will link the post on each bullet. If you have questions faster than I can type them all, you can always reach out!
Love this idea!
Thank you! Its been very helpful staying motivated.
wow you have got so much done in a short time. Congrats!!
Thank you! Two and a half years of just a little bit here and there goes a long way.
I love the list idea and prioritizing what needs to be done and what you just want to do. I know I can learn a lot from you and look forward to more posts.
Thank you! It all starts with writing it down 🙂 Out of the head and onto the paper.
This inspired me to write down a list of all the projects we have done this year! It’s very encouraging! It’s so fun to see a good, checked-off list ☺️
Yay!! I can’t wait to see what your project list looks like! I know there are some good ones on there 🙂
Crushing it!!
Thank you!!