A Bit of Sweat Equity

The homeowner of this 1970s-built home knew she wanted to be situated in the neighborhood where she grew up – close to neighbors and friends who have since welcomed her back to the area. When this home became available, and after being scoped out by her brother, the homeowner decided it as the perfect fit and purchased the home with plans for the remodel. Having family in the construction business, the homeowner was thankful to have advisors she trusted for both the planning and construction phases. Not only that, but this homeowner was also more than willing to put in her own sweat equity to get the job done!

Upon entering the home, what was once a spindled half wall is now situated with a useful granite-topped ledge instead. The homeowner wasn’t sure what they would replace the spindle rods with initially but using granite that matched what was in the kitchen proved to be a well-coordinated decision. The large family room beyond the entryway has comfortable sofas and offers a nice overflow space for larger gatherings.

Adjacent, a dining area was given new life by removing a wall with glass-encased cabinets which separated it from the family room. The tasteful décor, spacious wood table for six and great natural lighting provide an ideal spot for holiday feasts. The light blue paint choices in the dining room and throughout the home are attractive and comforting.

In the heart of the home, the kitchen sits beyond the dining room and is open to the adjacent living room. Thoughtfully placed maple pecan cabinets with lovely crown molding and brushed nickel hardware were the perfect choice for this remodeled space. The stainless-steel sink sits under a window overlooking the yard and farm beyond, making doing the dishes a more delightful task.

A well-apportioned island provides the perfect setting for get-togethers with friends and family. The granite counters have just enough color and detail and are adorned with an eye-catching natural edge. Another wall was removed from the original build to open the living room to the kitchen, making the room appear larger. The light vinyl wood-look flooring compliments the darker cabinetry and accent table and is a welcome upgrade from the patterned linoleum it replaced.

A stained-glass hanging lamp was one piece from the original home the homeowner wanted to be sure to keep. Once she finds the perfect pub table, this will be an ideal spot for playing cards or enjoying a drink with a friend.

The laundry room conveniently sits beyond the kitchen and boasts tons of storage and surfaces for folding clothes. During the remodel, a closet was moved to improve accessibility to the washer/dryer which was relocated to the opposite wall. A brand-new sink and beverage refrigerator rounds out this functional space.

In the living room, no changes were made to dark, coordinating wood beams or the brick fireplace which sits ready for cooler nights ahead. Plush furniture and carpeting make the space warm and welcoming.

Around the corner, a full bath was completely remodeled and has a timeless, neutral color scheme and the same attractive maple pecan cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware. With this newly renovated bathroom and a guest bedroom across the hall, houseguests have a comfortable place to stay when visiting.

Down the hall, the primary bedroom was painted with an attractive navy accent wall. It’s the perfect shade to pair with deep brown wood furniture and light carpeting. Because of the ample storage space throughout the home, a closet was forgone in place of a full ensuite bathroom. Not only does this add to the convenience of daily life, but it also improves the value of this now three-bedroom/two-bath home.

With the remodel complete, the homeowner proved that with a little bit of vision and some sweat equity, one can turn an outdated house into a delightful home ready for its next chapter.