Our Home Renovation Journey: Tackling the Kitchen and More

 

Original Kitchen

Since purchasing our property, we've made significant progress in transforming it into a livable and comfortable space. We've had a well drilled, cleared out piles of trash, stripped the interior down to the studs, and installed new drywall, wiring, and plumbing. The bathroom is fully finished, and we even gave the porch a much-needed makeover. While there are still plenty of projects ahead, we’re always up for the challenge!

The Kitchen Transformation

When I say the kitchen was ugly, I mean it was UGLY—straight out of the 1960s, with mustard-yellow and brown tones that made the space feel outdated and dark. We knew there was no saving it, so we took it down to the bare bones. After installing new plumbing, drywall, and cabinets, the space finally started to feel like a real kitchen. Once everything was in place, I couldn’t wait to cook in it! Before the renovation, the kitchen was completely unusable, so we relied on grilling and campfire cooking. The flooring had to wait for another trip, but rest assured, it’s on the to-do list.

Rebuilding the Kitchen

Saying Goodbye to Unwanted Guests

The old kitchen wasn’t just dark—it was a haven for critters. Cockroaches, rodents, and other unwelcome guests had taken over due to the previous owner's neglect. It took countless bug bombs and traps to reclaim our space. Now, the home is pest-free, aside from the seasonal mice that inevitably seek warmth in the winter. We’ve learned the hard way that leaving anything behind during the winter is a big mistake—forest mice will get in, and so will chipmunks. One winter, we returned to find a not-so-pleasant surprise under our pillows: acorns, courtesy of our chipmunk squatters. Lesson learned—everything gets packed up before we leave for the season!

Renovated Kitchen

From tackling the kitchen to battling nature’s little intruders, this journey has been one for the books. There’s still a lot more to do, but each completed project brings us one step closer to making this house truly feel like home.