Leigh and her partner completed an impressive renovation, rebuilding much of their Baltimore rowhouse themselves. Below is Leigh’s first-person account of the project and the key moments from their living-area transformation.
From Contractor Setback to DIY Triumph
I’m a frequent reader of your blog, and I wanted to share part of our before/after transformation in our Baltimore rowhouse. Over a year ago we started renovations on our house after paying a contractor way too much to redo our kitchen. After that we tackled (almost) everything else ourselves. We have yet to take pictures of the whole house, but here’s the main living area’s transformation. Everything from the recessed lighting to the wood floors, framing, drywall, and even the exposing of the brick we did ourselves. I can definitely say I don’t want to have to live through a renovation like that ever again, but I am immensely proud of the hard work my boyfriend and I did. We also learned a lot of valuable skills – I, for one, never thought I would be able to install wood floors! – Leigh
The experience Leigh describes is a familiar one for many homeowners who start with a contractor and then decide to take control of the work themselves. What began as a frustrating expense evolved into a comprehensive, hands-on learning process. Highlighting the living area in particular, Leigh and her partner handled electrical updates like recessed lighting, structural changes including framing and drywall, and finish work such as sanding and installing wood floors. They even uncovered and restored the original brick along the staircase, which became a striking architectural detail.
Key Takeaways from the Renovation
This renovation highlights several important lessons for anyone considering a similar project in a Baltimore rowhouse or comparable urban home:
- DIY skills can expand quickly when you commit. Tasks like installing wood floors and drywall, insulating and framing, or retrofitting recessed lighting become achievable with patience, proper tools, and reliable guidance.
- Restoring original architectural features, such as exposed brick, can dramatically improve the character and value of an older home. Exposed brick along a stairway provides texture, warmth, and a strong focal point in a narrow rowhouse layout.
- Documenting before and after stages helps track progress, keeps the team motivated, and creates a portfolio of improvements that can be useful for resale or simply to celebrate the work done.
- Renovations are mentally and physically demanding. It’s common to appreciate the result while also acknowledging you never want to repeat the disruption. That mix of pride and relief is normal after an intensive home project.
Practical Notes for Future DIYers
For readers considering a similar hands-on approach, a few practical suggestions based on Leigh’s experience may help:
- Start with research and realistic budgeting. Unexpected expenses are common, so plan a contingency fund.
- Learn and follow local building codes, especially for electrical and structural work. When in doubt, consult a licensed professional for inspections or to handle complex tasks.
- Invest in quality tools that will be used throughout the project—good saws, levels, nailers, and safety gear make a big difference.
- Take your time with surface prep. Proper framing, insulation, and drywall finishing create a base for long-lasting, professional-looking results.
- Embrace learning. Mistakes happen, but they also teach techniques that will be useful on future projects.
Leigh’s transformation of the main living area in her Baltimore rowhouse is an encouraging example of what homeowners can accomplish with determination, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. The exposed brick, new wood floors, and updated lighting show how thoughtful renovations can modernize a space while preserving its historic charm.
If you have similar before-and-after photos from your own renovation, consider sharing them with your local community or renovation forums to inspire others. Stories like Leigh’s provide both practical advice and motivation for anyone tackling a home improvement project.