From Trash to Treasure: Our Remodeling Journey

Down to the bare bones

It all started back in 2016 when we found our 10-acre property in Central Lower Michigan. We could see the potential in the land, even though there was plenty of work ahead. The yard was scattered with trash, the mobile home was barely livable, and the well wasn't working. It was a much bigger project than we first imagined, but we saw an opportunity to turn the property into a place where we could escape, enjoy the woods, and spend time together.

The bones are good

I'll admit, there were moments when I thought my husband had lost his mind! The sheer volume of work ahead felt overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, we saw something others might have missed: the mobile home had good bones. Rather than opting for a new one, we decided to roll up our sleeves and transform what we had into something special.

Our first step? A massive cleanup. We rented a 40-foot dumpster and got to work clearing the debris and trash that had accumulated over the years. It was hard work, and there were times when we questioned whether we'd ever see progress. But as we filled that dumpster, we began to uncover the potential hidden beneath the mess. Little by little, the property started to take shape, and we could picture the getaway we hoped to create.

We made many trips here

With the trash cleared away, it was time for the real renovation to begin. We tore everything out of the mobile home, leaving only the solid framework behind. It was a labor of love—every nail pulled and every panel removed brought us closer to our vision. We replaced plumbing, electrical systems, and flooring; we painted and renovated until the space began to feel like home.

Remodel Progress

Some may call us crazy for taking on such a monumental project, but we believed in the value of the existing structure. Why tear it down when it had a solid foundation to build upon? Every inch of progress fueled our excitement and determination. More than just a renovation, this was a labor of love that brought us closer as a family and helped us turn a neglected mobile home into a place we could enjoy during our trips up north.

We have a bathroom

As we look back on how far the property has come, we're proud of the work we've put into it. What began as a neglected mobile home surrounded by debris has gradually become a getaway where we can spend time together, enjoy the woods, and work on new projects.

There's still more to do, and we'll continue sharing those projects and updates here on the blog and over on our Life Between Homes YouTube channel.

Thanks for following along as we continue making this 10-acre Michigan property our own!

— Life Between Homes