Thank you so much for all the kind messages about the split-level home we renovated and are now officially selling. This project has been such a journey, and your support has meant the world.
If you missed any of the before-and-after photos, now is your chance to catch up — the transformation still amazes me every time I scroll through the pictures.
It’s closing week, and before we hand over the keys, I wanted to share a final round of before-and-after shots — the ones that didn’t make it into earlier posts but absolutely deserve their moment. I’ll also share some reflections and final thoughts as we prepare to let someone else make this house their home.
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this renovation. But truthfully? We’re also ready to close this chapter and breathe a little. Selling a home — even when the process goes smoothly — comes with a steady stream of inspections, paperwork, project wrap-ups, and deep cleaning. It’s rewarding, yes, but also a marathon.
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The Split Foyer
Like many classic split-level homes, the front door opens right into a split foyer. The “before” wasn’t awful — just tired, dated, and mismatched like much of the house. Older wall colors, mismatched flooring, and a railing that felt like it belonged to another decade.
A fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim, new flooring, and a sleek black painted railing completely changed the mood — chef’s kiss. ✨
It’s truly incredible what thoughtful paint choices and consistency can do for a space. The foyer now feels bright, modern, and genuinely welcoming. We almost replaced the railing, but a little paint turned it into a standout feature that feels meant for this home. Sometimes the simplest updates deliver the biggest payoff.
The Lower-Level Bonus Room
Just off the attached garage is the lower-level bonus room — a space that will likely become a hardworking mudroom and drop zone. It’s one of those “everyday living” rooms that quietly makes a home functional.
The old carpet had seen better days, especially considering the foot traffic in and out. Fresh flooring plus bright, airy paint made a dramatic difference. The room now feels open, cheerful, and full of potential — from playroom to hobby space to teen hangout zone.
One of my favorite surprises in this house is how much natural light the lower-level rooms get. With large windows and extra can lights, it feels nothing like a basement — more like a continuation of the main living areas.
And just like that, the final major interior spaces were complete!
Outdoor Updates
The exterior already had some great bones — vinyl siding and a deck above the garage — but needed love and polish. With limited time and budget, we focused on impactful updates:
- Repainting trim, foundation areas, and doors
- Removing the aging front deck and replacing it with fresh landscaping
- Repairing and mudjacking the front concrete steps
- Trimming back overgrown gardens and refreshing rock and soil
- Planting new perennial beds (many relocated from other areas of the property)
- Reseeding the lawn, especially in the back acreage
- Removing several dead trees
- Repairing and painting the back deck
- Saying goodbye to the ramp and… four satellite dishes (yes, four!)
The yard is nearly three acres, and half was previously rented to a farmer. Once my dad and Ryan tilled and planted grass, the property suddenly looked as large and beautiful as it really is. The final result? Neat, fresh, peaceful — a country oasis without the chaos.
Was It Worth It?
We spent about six months renovating this home, and yes — it was absolutely worth it. We bought with a clear understanding of the market, and thanks to both smart updates and a strong real estate climate, the value increased significantly.
But let’s be real for a second — flipping a house like this is not a gentle hobby. It’s a commitment. Every project takes longer than you think, and juggling mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, materials, and — oh yes — real life — isn’t for the faint of heart.
This project thrived because of teamwork. My dad and Ryan were absolute rockstars — the dream renovation duo. They balanced skills, schedules, and countless tasks, adapting as needed and pushing through long days. While Ryan worked full-time and we managed three busy kids and life chaos, my dad spent nearly every weekday on-site — painting, mowing, fixing, building, and supporting every step.
We also had plenty of fun designing together — debating finishes, compromising when necessary, and occasionally surprising each other with last-minute fixture choices. (Some ordered without warning… but zero complaints, so we’ll call that a win!)
Renovating right across the street from our home made this project doable in this season of life. The kids had a blast visiting “the work house,” running around the yard, and watching the transformation. They loved seeing their grandparents daily, and I know they’ll miss that little adventure.
As for us? We’re grateful, proud, tired, and excited. This project stretched us, taught us, and rewarded us — and now it’s time to pass it on.
Onward and upward. 🏡✨
Ask away — I’d love to answer questions in the comments.