At the beginning of 2020, we made a point of setting 7 specific goals for improving our house over the year. It was something new for us as we usually fly more by the seat of our pants. Well, I’m here to give you an update on how we did on those goals and I’ll give you a hint, it wasn’t great!
I’m trying to give ourselves a bit of grace because 2020 snuck up on all of us. Even though we were home more, and theoretically could have spent more time on projects, getting materials was often tricky. Home improvement materials were often back ordered or sold out due to high demand and reduced supply. Over the summer I went to the store to get some polyurethane and found the shelves empty. The store associate told me that so many people had picked up woodworking as a hobby, they cleared out the shelves. On top of that, the company had switched to making hand sanitizer, so it would be a while until the shelves were restocked.
On top of the complications getting materials was the mental exhaustion that the events of the year brought for everyone. Over the summer we focused on building a new garden, which you won’t find on the list below. It’s been on my wish list for years to build new raised garden beds and this felt like the year to do it. It was warm early and we had plenty of time at home. Gardening, to me, is also good for the soul. It’s sort of meditative to tend to our plants. And there is nothing better than fresh fruits and vegetables from your own garden. So I’m calling the garden a completed bonus project!
Here’s how we did on the rest:
KITCHEN REFRESH
You can read about our kitchen refresh here. It took us most of the year to complete this project but it was so worth it. We are thrilled with the results and are really enjoying the updated look and improved function of the space. Part of the reason it took us the whole year was that we would finish a project and love it so much. Then we would think “what if we just did x, y & z too?”. Scope creep is real and we gave right in!
Here is what we had for our initial plan: Paint the cabinets a fresh new color, install a peel and stick backsplash, update the countertop with contact paper or paint, replace the hardware, paint the walls, trim, and ceiling, replace the recessed lights, and possibly update the flooring. And here is what we started with:
In the end we: Painted the cabinets, installed a peel and stick backsplash, updated the counter top with contact paper and then paint, replaced the hardware, painted the walls, trim, and ceiling, replaced the recessed lights, installed new peel and stick tile flooring, removed the hutch, DIY’d new base cabinets with countertops, a built in bench seat, and open shelves, and replaced the table and chairs.
PRIMARY BATH REFRESH
I am so sad to say that the primary bathroom didn’t get touched in 2020 other than some deep cleaning. This is the second thing on my to-do list for 2021 behind some work on our bedroom. I have already worked up a mood board and I am so excited to dig in. Keep an eye out for more details on this one soon!
Here’s the current plan for our bath refresh: Paint the vanity, add hardware, replace the countertop and sinks, paint the walls, trim, and ceiling, put the closet doors back on, rip up the carpet and paint or tile the floor.
GARAGE ORGANIZATION
I’m going to give us a solid B on this one. We completed a lot on our list, but we still have more to do this year. Building the new workbench was a huge win for us. The top gives us a huge work surface and helps keep long boards supported on the miter saw. The two roll-out carts provide a huge work surface, outfeed support for material coming out of the table saw, and are packed with storage. I’ll write a post with more details on the workbench soon, but we based them off of Ana White’s plans here.
Here’s how we did on our plan for the garage: Build a new workbench packed with storage and function, add tool storage on the wall behind the workbench, replace the outlets, add one or two more outlets, improve lighting, tear down the bulky overhead storage, build a plywood storage cart, hang lumber storage racks, tear down the corner storage rack and add a large shelving unit.
DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT
I’m going to give us a solid B on the driveway replacement too even though, technically it didn’t get done.
We actually got quotes and put down a deposit, but apparently there was a mad dash for driveway replacements this year, and the company was completely booked. They thought they might be able to squeeze us in, but it didn’t work out. We are already on the list for spring 2021 though so it’s happening for sure!
Here’s the plan for the driveway: Get it done!
FINISH PRIMARY BEDROOM
I am so embarrassed to admit this but our bedroom got zero progress last year. Well at one point I did buy a new duvet, but then I decided that I didn’t like it and returned it. Is that negative progress? This room is first on our list this year.
Here’s the plan for the bedroom: Update the bedding, replace the lamps, add a rug, build a new crate for Maggie, build an elevated bed for Wilbur, replace the curtains, replace the trim (it is so embarrassing how long we have been without trim in our bedroom!), paint the door, add some decor and replace the ceiling fan. Eventually, we are going to build in closets along the wall with the entry door, but that will be for another year.
GUEST BEDROOM REFRESH
No progress here. Are yous starting to wonder what I did all year? Me too.
Here’s the plan for the guest bedroom: Paint the walls, replace the trim, install a new closet organizer, replace the closet light, replace the curtains, purchase a new rug, replace or otherwise sort out bedside tables, purchase lamps, DIY a fun wall treatment, paint the door, add some decor.
BASEMENT CLEANING & ORGANIZATION
The basement did see some progress in getting clean and organized, but it still needs more work. We cleaned out and donated a lot of stored decor and other “stuff” over the summer which felt amazing. Does anyone else think it feels great to get rid of stuff? Like way better than bringing stuff into the house? We also bought a bunch of clear bins and started to organize tools and other house supplies. It’s better, but definitely staying on the list!
Here’s the plan for the basement: Remove all old insulation, clean the walls and paint with a mold-resistant primer, remove and replace storage shelves as needed, clean, purge and reorganize stuff in storage and create a more comfortable workout area.
BONUS: GUEST BATHROOM REMODEL
Last year I called this a “stretch goal”. As in, if we finish everything else on our list, maybe we can do this too. lol
Considering how little progress we made on our other goals, I hope it’s obvious we didn’t get to this one. It probably won’t be on our 2021 list either unfortunately. In addition to the things we are carrying over from 2020, we have a few things that are probably going to be bumped up on our list, like a complete roof replacement.
Here’s the plan for the guest bathroom: Replace floor tile, shower tile and tub, toilet, vanity, mirror and lighting, remove the linen closet and replace with a piece of furniture, paint and add new accessories.
Leave a Reply