So sorry to everyone who asked for an update sooner! We first shared our new house to-do list back in May and updated it in July, so this check-in is overdue. One good thing about waiting longer than planned to update a list is that you get to cross off a lot of items. Picture me grinning maniacally as we chip away at projects and celebrate each completed task.
These posts began after readers asked how we organize the long running list of projects for our home. We keep one evolving document and update it every few months so we can see where we’re headed and appreciate what we’ve accomplished. Seeing nearly 90 items crossed off after five and a half months of living here is thrilling and oddly motivating—it makes us want to dive into several more projects at once.
– The Front Yard (20% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove trees that are dead, decaying, or diseased (we had an arborist and home inspector confirm which ones)
- Repaint all exterior siding and trim where paint is peeling and wood shows rot
- Dig up invasive spreading groundcover and clear beds for new plantings
- Aerate, level, and seed the lawn
- Create defined planting beds in the front yard, mulch and plant them
- Transplant crowded boxwoods to improve spacing and balance
- Redo cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door with curves and beds on both sides
- Add hardscaping such as raised stone beds for structure and curb appeal
- Plant a few dwarf green maples for scale and texture
- Add low curved brick borders beside the driveway and wire them with lights
- Get the driveway paved
– The Portico (25% Complete) –
To Do:
- Repaint portico and sidelights to address peeling paint
- Paint the front door
- Consider arching the portico ceiling to create a more inviting entry
- Add planters, a double-wide doormat, and update porch lighting
– The Garage (3% Complete) –
To Do:
- Replace the tiny/rusty light over the garage doors (we tried one but might replace it)
- Repaint garage doors and add hardware for a stronger look
- Add a pergola with climbing vines above the double garage doors
- Finish the garage interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage
- Reuse dinged kitchen cabinets for garage storage
- Rebuild or refinish the four steps from garage to kitchen
- Build a wheeled box for scrap wood storage
- Consider painted lockers for colorful, durable storage
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (70% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove doors that interrupted flow into the kitchen to open sightlines
- Paint trim, doors, and sidelights
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls for a fresh entry
- Replace the foyer light fixture
- Turn the toy closet into a craft and toy closet for Clara
- Repaint the foyer ceiling
- Assess tile condition and replace only if unsalvageable
- Convert the other foyer closet into functional shoe and coat storage with built-ins
– The Stairs (90% Complete) –
- Remove old carpet to reveal the wood stairs
- Paint railing spindles and trim
- Stain the top rails dark to match the runner
- Paint the walls, ceiling, and stair risers
- Install a striped runner with a rug pad
- Hang artwork and consider a chandelier for the lofted ceiling
– The Half Bathroom (35% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls and trim
- Upgrade door hardware and lighting
- Replace the small mirror with a larger one
- Paint the vanity with odor-blocking primer and replace a leaky faucet
- Phase 2: consider replacing the vanity, seashell sink, and unsalvageable tile
- Explore adding wallpaper or a tiled accent wall since there is no tub/shower
– The Dining Room (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Clean and reseal the wood floors
- Upgrade built-ins—simplify tops, extend to the ceiling, and paint white
- Paint trim and remove remaining wallpaper
- Repaint walls, update lighting and curtains
- Add furniture, a rug, and artwork
– The Living Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Clean and reseal the wood floors
- Prime and paint the bright pink walls and remove old curtains
- Whitewash the brick fireplace wall
- Prime and paint the lower woodwork in white
- Decide on window treatments and add more recessed lighting
- Consider converting overhead beams into a coffered ceiling
- Plan for a built-in cabinet to house the TV
- Phase 2: gas logs or stacked stone trim around the fireplace
– The Office (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Take down curtains and clean/reseal the floors
- Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Create a double desk work area and add storage like bookcases or built-ins
- Add window treatments, hang art, and create a brainstorming zone
- Add two large potted plants for scale and freshness
– The Kitchen (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove curtains and wallpaper, adjust shelving around the sink window
- Move and reconfigure cabinets for functionality
- Add a table for the eat-in area and paint walls
- Update lighting and paint the pantry and garage doors
- Prime and paint trim and cabinets as a Phase 1 refresh
- Remove the over-the-stove microwave and add a vent hood
- Convert the triple window behind the table into French doors to the deck
- Open the wall to the living room and add built-ins to frame the new opening
- Phase 2: full kitchen renovation with new floors, cabinets, counters, and appliances
- Consider heated tile floors, organize the pantry with pull-outs, and establish a better command center
- Decide on paint color for new French doors and sunroom door
– The Sunroom-Turned-Veranda (80% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove old carpet and a broken base heater, convert sliders to an open covered porch
- Loft the ceiling, add beadboard painted soft blue, and install fans
- Retile the floor with outdoor-safe stone and paint trim and walls
- Add sconces to the posts and hide exposed wires with a built box
- Furnish with deck-friendly outdoor furniture
- Consider building an outdoor brick fireplace once the space is opened
– The Master Bedroom (15% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install hardwoods and repaint trim and doors white
- Add faux-wood blinds and repaint walls
- Repaint or texture the ceiling and add a ceiling light
- Design built-ins along the bed wall with a window seat and hidden storage
- Add art, curtains, and final styling
– The Master Sink Nook (50% Complete) –
- Replace carpeting, upgrade the mirror, and repaint the space
- Stencil and seal the subfloor as a temporary fix until a Phase 2 remodel
- Add shelves beside the vanity, stain/paint the vanity, and install new hardware
- Phase 2: knock down a wall to combine the sink nook with the master bath
– The Master Bathroom (15% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove the glass shower door and add window privacy
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Replace the mirror and lighting
- Phase 2: full remodel to address worn hex floor tile and expand the footprint for a soaker tub, tiled shower, and double sink
– The Master Closet (40% Complete) –
To Do:
- Repaint trim and walls, remove carpet, and stencil the subfloor
- Phase 2: decide between extending bathroom tile or bedroom hardwood into the closet
- Install new light fixture and build out cabinetry with drawers, shelves, and varied rod heights
– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and doors white, and replace corroded hinges and knobs
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat and refinish bannister and posts
- Paint walls and ceiling, replace hallway lights, and convert linen closet into built-in shelving
- Add crown molding and consider wood wainscoting to break up the long space
– Clara’s Room (50% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add window treatments
- Create a canopy wall for her bed with lights, and decorate the closet nook as a playhouse
- Add crown molding, a ceiling fixture, and consider built-ins for storage and play
– Future Nursery (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add blinds and curtains
- Furnish thoughtfully once we know the baby’s gender and finalize paint and molding details
- Add a ceiling light fixture and finish styling
– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install hardwoods and repaint trim, walls, and ceiling
- Bring in a multifunctional dresser/desk for sewing and crafting
- Organize the closet with shelves and bins, add crown molding and a ceiling fixture
– Hall Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To Do:
- Paint trim, walls, and ceiling
- Replace faucets, mirrors, and lights for a mini-update
- Phase 2: complete redo to address stained and cracked tile and leaking fixtures
– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Install water-safe flooring under appliances and refinish adjacent hardwoods
- Redo the nook with new doors, energy-efficient appliances, counters, and cabinets
- Add a decorative tile backsplash and art to make it a pleasant, functional space
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To Do:
- Use as storage for now, with long-term dreams to finish it as a movie room or bunk room
- Eventually add drywall, flooring, lighting, enlarged windows, closet build-outs, and built-ins for beds and lounging
– General Whole House Ideas (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Slowly upgrade all lighting to LEDs for energy savings
- Replace dated switchplates and outlets throughout the house
- Upgrade frames, drapes, sheets, and curtain rods over time to elevate the finishes
– The Back Deck (50% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove the large oak that threatens the house and patch the deck hole
- Strip, stain, and seal the deck, replacing rotten boards as needed
- Add double-wide stairs aligned with future kitchen French doors
- Consider a pergola for shade and architecture and build deck furniture
– The Backyard (15% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove leftover slate, level and seed the yard, and plant privacy hollies
- Transplant plants for better layout and reseed as needed
- Build a playhouse and swing set, add raised planters and hardscaping
- Redo the cracked concrete path from garage to deck and add privacy plantings over time
- Create a small wooden lean-to hideaway and build an AC cover for aesthetics
We enjoy the process more than the final destination, and that mindset keeps the work fun. If our list makes your head spin: sorry, and also know we love tackling projects one victory at a time. We choose what to do next based on safety, budget, and what feels fun—jumping around helps keep momentum. Right now we’re halfway through peeling wallpaper in the dining room, starting a Phase 1 kitchen refresh, contemplating paint choices for the hall bath and guest room, and brainstorming a functional two-person office layout with lots of storage.
How do you organize your home renovation to-do list? Smartphone app, old-fashioned notepad, or all in your head?