We're bringing you another video podcast recorded in the new master bedroom (which is why it's super echoey), to review the progress we've made over the past two years on our century-old farmhouse. We've done a lot, but it's not really the pretty stuff you all like to see. And of course we still have a lot to do. We talk about what we've learned through this DIY process, and more of the pros and cons of being your own contractor. Plus, we have a thing we're loving that's so cool, we're both choosing it to share with you!
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio – or listen to it below right on your computer! Then use this page to check out any links, notes, or photos we talked about in the episode. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, you might have to click through to the post to see the player below.
NOTE: Like mentioned, the sound is pretty rough in the unfinished space but it's most jarring at first - you do get used to it, promise!
Prefer reading? Use the PODCAST TRANSCRIPT! Click here to open in a new window and read.
OR Watch the video:
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Farmhouse Fixer Year 1
We started the video-podcast with a quick recap of what we accomplished in year one, the biggest of which was the foundation. That was the major accomplishment, though we also were able to remove the vinyl siding which allowed our foundation builder to restore the original siding and add nice wide moldings.
We added a new beautiful centered front door and redid the porch siding ourselves - in time to host a small wedding in the open living-dining room the beginning of December.
Here are some links for more on these year one happenings:
- Our New Farmhouse Fixer & The Before Tour
- Brian's tip to removing vinyl siding on You Tube
- Podcast Ep. 44: Landscape Machinery 101, Boulders, & Updates
- Podcast Ep.46: Travel, Farmhouse Wedding & Thanksgiving Recipes
- Podcast Ep.49: Farmhouse Fixer Year-End Review + Video
And we explain the biggest thing we regret: raising the ceiling in the bedroom. So far, the cons have far outweighed the pros of saying yes to this on a whim.
We also talked more about the pros and cons of being your own contractor.
Farmhouse Year 2
The outside trim was completed last March on the addition and we primed it over the summer. You can see in the photo above the windows we added after raising the bedroom ceiling.
Year two has been mostly dealing with the other foundational things a house needs: electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling updates, insulation. These are all a part of our permits, too, which take TIME to pass for us.
Here's an update we did at the end of last summer that includes a video:
The other big thing has been demo-ing the kitchen and working with engineering for the okay to remove a load-bearing wall and replace it with a large beam. Oh, and trying to strip the old doors we found - go here to see how that turned out.
In other words, nothing really fun to take pictures of!
But we're confident that year three is the year of the pretty - wood covered walls to mimic the original shiplap in places we weren't able to salvage, wood floor, salvaged doors (now that we made the doors big enough like we talked about!), trim and hopefully usable bathrooms and kitchen.
And turning this vintage dresser into a vanity:
I found it on Facebook Marketplace and it fits perfectly in our space. And it's actually better made than the previous dresser we turned into a vanity. Plus I've got plans for the top that should make it even more unique.
This is Really Cool!
Brian & Jami: YouTube TV (which is different from YouTube Red or regular YouTube). We're doing a joint cool thing this week, because we're really thrilled with this cable TV alternative (they call it "cable-free live TV") my brother is sharing with us.
Brian likes all the sports channels it contains, and I'm thrilled with how crazy easy the DVR process is. Plus, you get six logins for one account so you can share with up to five family members. All for $50 a month. If you're looking for an easy to use alternative to what you have, check it out!
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And if you'd like to ask a question or leave an idea for future podcasts you can call (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail and we'll talk about it on the air!
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