Welcome back to our thrilling home renovation journey of transforming Chickadee, our beloved fixer-upper, into a luxurious Montana retreat. This week, we’re brimming with excitement to share the latest updates, from a stunning pergola on our front deck to savvy appliance shopping tips and, of course, some hilarious anecdotes. Join us as we navigate the ins and outs of our luxury home renovation.

1. Front Deck Pergola: Enhancing Curb Appeal

Jordan’s dedication has truly paid off, and we’re thrilled to unveil our new front deck pergola! This addition does more than just enhance aesthetics; it significantly boosts the curb appeal of our home, giving it a fantastic facelift. Conner’s skillful touch in staining the top boards has brought out an exquisite finish. Just picture yourself relaxing here, coffee in hand, soaking up the serene future landscaping, and enjoying the cheerful chirping of birds.

In the next few weeks, we’re excited to see Jordan’s next project come to life – he plans to build a swing. I had spotted one online for over $3600, but Jordan is set to create a cozy, budget-friendly alternative, offering the same charm at a fraction of the cost—about $200 in materials.

Additionally, I am collaborating with a contractor to design the perfect railing and balusters. These will add decorative flair and ensure safety by preventing falls. A quick tip for fellow renovators: always check your local building codes to determine the maximum height before railings become a necessity.

2. Back Deck Stairs: Overcoming Challenges

Jordan recently tackled and triumphed over the complex task of constructing the landing for our back deck stairs. The journey from being novices to confident home renovators and designers has been astounding, and Jordan’s expertise in stair construction is a prime example of this growth. For those of you planning a DIY stair project, don’t overlook this essential resource: Stair Design Calculator. It’s a game-changer and could revolutionize your approach!

When reflecting on our journey, a little throwback to one of our initial projects in 2009 is in order. We were renovating a 1903 bungalow, and the task of building stairs down into the dirt floor basement led to quite a debate. I even bought a contractor’s book from Barnes and Noble to help me understand stair construction better. Trust me, building stairs without experience and limited math skills is not a walk in the park! But as a team, we persevered, and those stairs led down to a beautiful apartment in our historic Great Falls, Montana, home, where we lived until the main level renovation was complete.

3. Black Friday Bargains: A Renovator's Haven

During the Black Friday sale at Home Depot, I hit the jackpot, saving a staggering 47% on GE appliances. Timing your purchases for sales like these, especially for major investments like cabinets and countertops, is a game-changer for your renovation budget. Throughout the year, there are different sales. These project purchases just happened to align with the Black Friday Sale. Other big sales include Labor Day and July 4th.

Feel free to comment below or subscribe to my mailing list. I will try to keep my readers updated on the sales throughout the year. 

In our upcoming blog posts, I delve deep into budget-friendly tactics for home renovations, specifically honing in on kitchen cabinets. As a crucial element in any fixer-upper or home renovation project, finding cost-effective solutions for kitchen cabinetry can dramatically elevate your project while keeping expenses in check. We’ll also give you a sneak peek at the trending top colors of 2024, ensuring your renovation is budget-conscious and stylishly up-to-date. Stay tuned for these indispensable tips tailored for savvy renovators looking to make the most of their home improvement sales and deals! I will also include our last home renovation project, Lemon Pepper.

I themed the name and color for 2021, and BEHR just released the color of the year for 2024! BEHR, I am thrilled you caught up with the Wrecked & Refined color trends. Behr’s 2024 color of the year was one of Wrecked & Refined’s 2021 Color of the Year! Stay tuned to read and learn more about how we used the Behr 2024 Color of the Year back in 2021. 

4. Project Update: Nearing the Finish Line

We’re thrilled to announce that our project is 75% complete. The most challenging phases are behind us, and my vision is coming to life. Our neighbors may think, “They must know what they are doing.” I even wondered if I knew what we were doing three weeks ago. There was Tyvek paper noisily blowing in the wind, nothing going on in the interior, and our first winter blizzard of the season, all without the exterior buttoned up. “Lord, help us” was my prayer.  

5. Cleanliness and Organization: The Key to Success

Our commitment to a clean, organized workspace is about safety and efficiency and adds a heartwarming, romantic dimension to our renovation journey. Jordan’s recent garage cleanup was more than just practical; it was a gesture of love. 💕

There I was, strolling over to inspect the back deck stairs—you know, just my usual nosiness about the day’s changes. Little did I know, I was about to witness a scene straight out of a sitcom.

My husband’s mini-me, Joshua, aged five, was leading the charge and already a stickler for neatness (bless his tiny, organized heart). He dashed ahead, screaming at the top of his lungs, “Momma, the garage is clean!” And there, amidst this unexpected oasis of order, stood my husband, Jordan, the hero of home and garage tidiness.

His declaration was straight out of a romance novel: “You can now park in the garage, babe.” Oh, romance, ladies! Who needs flowers or jewelry when you have a man who cleans as a love language? Men, take note: this is how you win some women’s hearts!

Exciting Next Steps: The Final Flourishes

We’re on the brink of adding the final touches to our home’s exterior, including a fresh coat of paint on the front and garage doors and some charming trellis designs. And, knowing Jordan, he might just surprise me by installing the outdoor lighting fixtures ahead of schedule. Stay tuned for these delightful updates!

Our journey in renovating Chickadee is blooming into something truly spectacular. The grand unveiling at the end of January is set to be a momentous occasion in our home renovation adventure. Stay tuned for weekly updates on this fixer-upper, tips, and charming stories from our family’s life during the transformation.

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