I’m not going to lie. Lately this is pretty much all I want to do (add Burger, Clara, and John to the picture and I’m even more mooney-eyed). For everyone who asked for an updated house to‑do list, here it is. We last shared our list in November, so this check‑in was overdue. It’s nice to pause and see what we’ve crossed off since then — picture me making Zorro‑style slicing sound effects with every slash (Teddy thought it was hilarious).
These posts started when readers asked how we organize our projects. We keep one long running document we update as we go, and a few times a year we post it so we can see progress, plan what’s next, and snap a few updated photos. It’s also motivating: seeing unfinished bullets helps our brains plan the next projects. Below is the current list, organized by area so you can see progress and priorities at a glance.
– The Front Yard (20% Complete) –
To Do:
- Remove trees that are dead, decaying, or diseased (an arborist and home inspector helped confirm which ones should go)
- Repaint all exterior siding and trim where paint is peeling and rot exists
- Dig up quickly spreading ground cover and finish remaining mulch beds
- Aerate, level, and seed the yard
- Create planting beds in front, mulch and plant them
- Transplant crowded boxwoods to improve placement and balance
- Redo cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door, adding curves and planting beds
- Add raised stone beds and other hardscaping for structure and curb appeal
- Plant a few dwarf maples for year‑round interest
- Add low curved brick borders along the driveway with wired lights
- Get the driveway paved
– The Portico (30% Complete) –
To Do:
- Repaint the portico and sidelights to eliminate peeling paint
- Paint the front door
- Arch the portico ceiling to improve proportion and allow a larger hanging lantern
- Panel and paint the front gable for more depth and interest
- Add planters, new porch lighting, and a wider doormat
– The Garage (3% Complete) –
To Do:
- Replace or update the exterior light over the garage doors
- Repaint the garage doors and add hardware for a beefed‑up look
- Add a pergola above the double garage doors and train vines over it
- Finish the garage interior with drywall, storage, pegboards, and a workshop area
- Reuse dinged kitchen cabinets for garage storage
- Redo the steps from garage to kitchen (remove old carpeting, rebuild if needed)
- Build a mobile box for scrap wood storage
- Consider colorful lockers or repurposed storage for character
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop
– The Foyer (80% Complete) –
To Do:
- Open flow to the kitchen by removing blocking doors
- Keep painted trim and doors refreshed
- Replace or repair tile where it’s unsalvageable
- Convert one foyer closet into a craft and toy closet for Clara
- Turn the other foyer closet into a functional shoe and coat closet with built‑ins
– The Stairs (90% Complete) –
- Hang art along the stair wall to finish the look
- Consider a chandelier above the stairwell to accent the high ceiling
– The Half Bathroom (35% Complete) –
To Do:
- Replace the vanity and seashell sink in Phase 2 after living with the space for a while
- Consider replacing unsalvageable floor tile as part of Phase 2
- Explore adding wallpaper or a tiled accent wall in a small space for personality
- Address remaining hardware and lighting updates as budget allows
– The Dining Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Reseal the wood floors
- Update built‑ins: remove ornate tops, paint, and consider extending to the ceiling
- Paint trim and walls for a refreshed, cohesive palette
- Upgrade lighting, add curtains, a rug, and art to complete the room
– The Living Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
- Reseal the wood floors
- Paint the lower woodwork white to highlight the architectural detail
- Decide on window treatments (bamboo blinds, roman shades, or curtains)
- Add more recessed lighting for even illumination
- Consider turning overhead beams into a coffered ceiling for visual interest
- Design built‑in cabinetry for TV storage and style
- Plan future gas logs or stacked stone/molding upgrades as Phase 2 projects
– The Office (20% Complete) –
To Do:
- Complete the double desk for shared workspace and add ergonomic chairs
- Add storage: bookcases, file cabinets, and a photo/craft zone
- Install window treatments and hang art and brainstorming surfaces
- Create a kid zone for Clara and Teddy, and bring in a large rug
- Add large potted plants for scale and warmth
– The Kitchen (35% Complete) –
To Do:
- Finish Phase 1 updates: paint, cabinet refresh, replace or repair appliances affordably, and update lighting
- Replace the old counters (we recently updated with Ardex) and consider peel & stick tile for floors as a temporary finish
- Plan a full Phase 2 kitchen renovation with new cabinets, heated tile floors, counters, and backsplash
- Convert the triple window into French doors to the deck and open the wall to the living room with built‑ins on either side
- Pimp the pantry with pullout drawers and consider frosted glass for the door
- Decide on paint colors for new interior doors and trim—black, charcoal, soft turquoise, or white are options on the table
– The Sunroom‑Turned‑Veranda (80% Complete) –
To Do:
- Add decorative sconces and conceal exposed wiring
- Furnish with weather‑safe seating and consider an outdoor fireplace in a later phase
– Our Bedroom (15% Complete) –
To Do:
- Repaint the ceiling or add a textured treatment such as planking or wallpaper
- Consider built‑ins or window seats along the bed wall for storage and character
- Add a ceiling light fixture and finish with art, curtains, and accessories
- Dream projects include adding a fireplace for a cozy focal point
– Bedroom Sink Nook (50% Complete) –
- Phase 2 will combine the sink nook and bathroom into one larger, more functional suite
– Our Bathroom (30% Complete) –
To Do:
- Replace the mirror and upgrade lighting as immediate improvements
- Plan a full remodel in Phase 2 to expand into the sink nook, replace worn floor tile, and create a more luxurious layout
– Our Closet (40% Complete) –
To Do:
- Decide on flooring transition for Phase 2 and add a new light fixture
- Design a built‑out storage system with drawers, shelves, and rods at multiple heights
– Upstairs Hallway (75% Complete) –
To Do:
- Convert the linen closet into built‑in shelves or cabinets with display storage above
- Add crown molding and consider wainscoting to break up the long run of wall
- Hang art and finish remaining trim and hardware updates
– Clara’s Room (90% Complete) –
To Do:
- Turn the deep sloped closet into a playhouse nook and add a ceiling light fixture
- Finish small decorative touches and storage solutions as needed
– Nursery (90% Complete) –
To Do:
- Add a ceiling light fixture and finish lining curtains with blackout fabric
- Complete final styling touches like a crib skirt, mobile, and wall art
– Guest Bedroom (12% Complete) –
To Do:
- Paint walls and ceiling, add crown molding, and install a ceiling light fixture
- Bring in a bed and a dresser or desk that can double as a sewing station
– The Hall Bathroom (8% Complete) –
To Do:
- Paint trim, walls, and ceiling and replace faucets, mirrors, and lights as a Phase 1 update
- Plan a full Phase 2 remodel to address cracked tile and leaking fixtures
– Laundry Nook (20% Complete) –
To Do:
- Redo the nook with doors for noise control, upgraded cabinets or shelving, and a decorative tile backsplash
- Finish styling with art and lighting to make it a small jewel box at the end of the hallway
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To Do:
- Keep as large storage for now, and plan a distant Phase 2 conversion into a media or bunk room with drywall, floors, lighting, and built‑in beds
– General Whole House Ideas (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Switch to LED lighting throughout the house to save energy
- Replace outdated or brass switchplates and outlets
- Gradually upgrade frames, drapes, sheets, and curtain rods as budget allows
– The Back Deck (50% Complete) –
To Do:
- Add double wide stairs to align with future French doors off the kitchen
- Possibly build a pergola for shade and architecture, and create custom outdoor furniture
– The Backyard (15% Complete) –
To Do:
- Transplant shrubs for a better layout and reseed the lawn seasonally
- Plant privacy hedging, build raised planters and hardscaping, and consider a patio area
- Create a small wooden lean‑to hideaway for Clara and build an A/C cover that blends with the yard
People often ask how we decide what to do next. Mostly we pick what sounds fun and what fits the current budget, unless something urgent or unsafe needs immediate attention. Jumping between projects keeps momentum up: instead of slogging through one long update, we switch tasks to stay energized. Next up we plan to continue adding storage and function to the office, finish the nursery, organize and paint the guest room, address the blue trim in the dining room, and get back outside to plant privacy hedging once it warms up a bit.
How about you — what does your to‑do list look like right now? Is it long and detailed, mostly in your head, or just a few prioritized tasks to keep overwhelm at bay? For me, writing it down clears my head and helps John and me pick a few “next projects” while letting the rest sit in the background until the time is right.