From Trash to Treasure: Our Remodeling Journey

Down to the bare bones

It all started back in 2016 when we stumbled upon our dream property—10 acres of untapped potential in Central Lower Michigan. As we stood on the land, we couldn’t help but envision the beautiful homestead we could create. However, reality quickly set in. What we found was a scene that left us questioning our sanity: trash scattered across the yard, a trailer that was barely livable, and a well that didn’t work. It was, to put it mildly, a daunting task.

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: this trailer 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. Slowly, the property started to reveal itself, and we could envision a future where we could plant our roots.

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 trailer, 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 remodel, this was a labor of love that brought us closer as a family and helped us grow into the vision we had for our homestead.

We have a bathroom

As we look back on this journey, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. The once-unlivable trailer is transforming into a cozy retreat where we can gather, create, and dream. It’s a reminder that with hard work, vision, and a bit of grit, we can turn what seems daunting into something beautiful.

Stay tuned! We can’t wait to share more about our remodeling journey and the projects that lie ahead. We’re excited to continue carving out our homestead in the Mitten, one step at a time.

Happy Homesteading!