Sometimes I look around at ALL the things that need to be done in this house and it feels like EVERYTHING still needs to be done and like I haven’t accomplished anything. But we’ve been in this house for two years now and I’ve been working really hard so I have to have accomplished SOMETHING. So today I’m taking stock.
When we moved into the house we were living out of wardrobe packing boxes because there was literally no where to put our clothes. The master closet was large but there were no shelves or hanging rods, the existing “cabinets” didn’t utilize the space well and it was built out of the poorest quality plywood imaginable so I ripped it all out. The Master Closet would be my very first project in this new house.
Master Closet before
It took me 4 months to complete this closet. In hind sight, I should have started out building my workshop and getting organized. Every other day I had to unpack boxes in the garage to find some tool or another that I needed and because there was NOWHERE to put anything away I’d have to put everything back in the boxes or line them up all over the floor — in an effort to be somewhat organized. But I was like a horse with blinders on and wanted to finish the closet so we could put our clothes away.
It’s still not finished. I have things to add–mainly my shoe wall but that won’t come until I decide if I’m changing the wall that it needs to be built on and I won’t decide that until I get to the Master Bathroom redo… I add a little here and there when I have a day or two and need an instant gratification project.
Wes and I did a couple projects together on the weekends. We screened in the porch. We had the deck stained and the porch painted for us. Yeah for hiring a COUPLE things out.
At some point during my closet build I got tired of digging through boxes and took a detour to build cabinets for my workshop.
While still finishing the Workshop, my parents came for a visit and my Dad always needs a project to work on so we decided to install a pocket door in the Laundry room
Then I finished my workshop to try to get somewhat organized before I did anything else.
Next up was the main living area because it was driving me crazy! I decided I needed to tear out the library wall as well as a GIGANTIC coat closet that was a huge waste of space.
But in the process of exploring what was behind the walls before I just started ripping things out, I discovered the bathtub was actually pushing INTO the living room space. WTH?
So I tore out the walls and the tub/shower. (I hired a plumber to take care of terminating the plumbing lines and help me get rid of the shower.)
Then I got everything framed, drywalled, mudded, primed and painted …
And moved on to do something to make this room a functional space…
There we go!
Then I took some time to give Madison a room to escape the chaos in the rest of the house. Whether or not that room is a calm from the chaos is debatable!
Then I started back up on the Laundry Room…
But I got ahead of myself and ordered a toilet and vanity for the Powder Room and am sick of staring at them sitting in the living room so I’m finishing that project up before I get back on track in the Laundry room.
This year I also rebranded my blog from Sawdust and Paper Scraps to Sawdust Girl and started The Sawdust Diaries where I’m designing custom plans and coaching other’s to build AWESOME and slowed WAY down on my personal projects…It’s really cool but time consuming. Which is why I’m not taking any more clients this year until I catch up on my own house and finish ALL the client projects that are going on right now. 🙂
Now that I see it all on one page it feels like an ok amount of progress for one person in two years time. I need to hire some help though because I’m sick of living like this. I want THIS HOUSE DONE.
So I’m looking into that — I wanted my kitchen done before Christmas. I’m really afraid that’s not going to happen. I’ll keep my hopes up though! If nothing else, we all know — I’m a BIG dreamer.
Angie @ CCC says
Random fact….we also have a closet that the light switch is BEHIND the door. Is that a Tennessee thing??
Sandra says
I’m sure there are a lot of houses with the same problem. If builders would just walk though the house as though they were going to actually live there — there’d be a lot few issues.
Adelina Priddis says
That is a TON accomplished! In 6 months, we barely got our Master bath redone. That took way longer than it should have.
I absolutely love the room with the bookcase wall. It’s my dream room right there.
Sandra says
Everything takes longer than it should, doesn’t it? Sigh! LOL
Sarah says
I know what it feels like to want it all done yesterday, but great idea to take stock and celebrate all the you’ve accomplished. You are an inspiration!!! I’ve been chipping away at things here and there, and I want you to know that you really have inspired me to take on things and figure them out. It makes me so happy when things look better, and then I feel like awesome sauce because I did it! I’m excited to see your powder room and laundry room progress and can’t wait to see your kitchen!
Sandra says
That’s awesome Sarah. You are AwesomeSauce so I’m glad you feel it!
Ang says
While I totally understand, I a going to allow myself a few moments to throw a temper tantrum. I just found your blog yesterday and fell in love/hate with you. General construction I can do. Getting creative or designing, not so much. How dare you have skill in both areas! I did a little happy dance about 5:00 this morning (when I find a blog I like I start at the beginning and read almost all the posts) after reading that you help others create the same amazing things you do in your home. With six people living in a three bedroom money pit, I mean ranch home, the need to use our space wisely is imperative. Alas, you are not taking new clients the day after I find you. *Stomping feet* It’s not fair! I’ve been dreaming of built-in’s in my living room for a few years now. I lack the confidence that I could design them correctly or the best way possible. *sob*
Ok, I’m better now. Thanks for letting me get that out.
Seriously, you are amazing. I am in awe of the things you have done. It only took me something like a year (or more) to paint my kitchen cabinets. Of course I ended up stopping to make my laundry closet into a laundry/pantry, tore up the floor and did my first tile job, had a small mid life crisis when my oldest moved out, you know, life. So I think your time line is going just fine. Now go knock shit out so I can abuse your amazing mind. Please. lol
Sandra says
Life has a way of getting in the way sometimes. I’m not ending my DIY/BIY coach career, just waiting for the clients that are currently working to finish up. I have 14 people building right now and that’s a few more than I can handle and get anything done myself so I just have to take a little break from NEW clients right now. Ask me again in 3 months. 🙂
Ang says
I am putting it in my google calender now! If anyone can relate that life can get in the way, it’s this girl. I’m stoked I found your blog and am looking forward to using the day bed plans you already have up in the mean time… if I ever get my trim back up in my kitchen. Yeah, I need to finish that first.
Ashley Rane Sparks says
You are a HUGE inspiration to me. I have been reading your blog for a while and every time I think…if she can do that then why can’t I? We moved into our house 7 years ago and there is still SO much to be done. I quit my job last year which has helped a bit but I still need my hubby for the big work. The problem is…he has a job that pays the bills. So I wait until the weekend so he can work on whatever is pressing. Not nearly as much gets done on the weekend as I would like. (The poor guy needs a break too..).
Where did you learn all of this? I would like to at least start doing some baseboards and crown. Is there a class that you would recommend?
We are in the “Life gets in the way” club over here as well (as in my husband’s in India for a few weeks so I’m trying to figure out what I can get done while he’s gone).
Thanks for inspiring women out there to do more than craft and decorate. You are the real deal!
Blessings,
Ashley Rane Sparks
Sandra says
I totally get that. The last thing Wes wants to do after working hard all week is get into a project on the house. That’s why I try to take weekends off with the fam– most of the time. Sometimes you have to involve the muscles! LOL A “Few weeks away”? That’s enough time to tear out a wall! 🙂
Angie @ Angie's Roost says
You’re my hero!
Julie W says
I think that is AHMAYZING progress! We’ve been in this house for a year, and the most I’ve done is put up some vinyl in the boys’ bathroom. The List is long, but I did finally start a quickie project that I’m hoping will jump-start the rest.
Its just so awesome to have a place to go for inspiration, hand-holding and tough love! I can tell that all of your clients adore you. Can’t wait to see where things go!
Angela says
You absolutely rock! I’m so in awe of you & your abilities! You deserve a huge pat on the back…you have accomplished much! 😉
Josie says
Sandra!!!
You did SO much in 2 years!
(I can barely finish paint my super small bathroom!)
And that DREAM master closet? And the workshop?
Everything that I want…. 🙂
Lisa M says
To the untrained eye maybe but take it from me I see awesome progress! the painting of the screen porch is wonderful,I know what it’s like to paint wood paneling with knots!!
Kim says
I didn’t realize you’ve been in that house only two years. You’ve done a tremendous amount! Be proud and I know you are very fastidious. It looks great. Congratulations! We are in the process of cutting into our downstairs space to put in a cat litter box area plus, hopefully, a little storage area as well. I have enlisted a friend to help with the door framing, electrical and ventilation installation. I can do the drywall and flooring tho. Can’t wait until it’s done!
Janet @ I HEART My Glue Gun says
You’ve made GREAT progress!!! I love your house, and I love your dedication to your house!!! 🙂
Cyndia says
I think you’ve got a LOT done in two years! We bought our house 16 years ago, knowing we wanted to change a few things but those few have turned from little to big, and we’ve added a bunch more. Our house was built in the 30s with a big addition and basement added in the 50s. Talk about weirdly convoluted rooms!
In 16 years, we’ve had a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments, recurrences, and to top it all off, a tornado! Other than flattening our garage with a felled tree, the tornado damage was nominal, with only blown windows in the house. Which spearheaded a new project: replacing all the windows in the house. None are a stock size and have to be custom ordered and we have to stay true to the historical aspect of the neighborhood. It never ends. And you know what we’ve learned? It’s ok. EXCEPT…. My son just became engaged and we would like to offer our back garden for the wedding only that now involves a major garden redo! Yikes!
Lindsey Hill says
Can I just say that I LOVE everything you do! I often feel out of place around women who do not understand my love for building, creating, and doing a “mans” job. I would prefer to go out and work on my car than to have my husband do it any day! I want to build and create and FIX everything in my house which is not the norm for most women. I recently discovered you and stalk your blog as often as I can. If only we were neighbors so I could see how you do it all. I have no formal training other than some from my dad. I can eventually figure anything out, but don’t know tips and tricks. I hope to be a client of yours in the near future!
Heather says
Love the recap just as much as the first time around! You are doing an awesome job and have so much patience. Whether or not you complete it yourself, or hire some of it out, it will be beautiful.