And So It Begins....

Like many blogs, this electronic journal will serve as a detailed diary for the single largest undertaking of my life (thus far). My wife and I purchased a 3,000 square foot house that we have every intention on completely renovating from top to bottom. You have to understand. This is our dream home. The beautiful country setting, the open "entertainment-friendly" floor plan... it just needs a lot of help to get there! However, it was built in the 70's, and is in need of extensive upgrades. Not too exciting, you say? Well, this is not just any major home renovation. This is a major home renovation on a shoestring. Our goal is to save at least $25,000 over the course of the entire project by doing as much of the work ourselves as humanly possible. Did I mention it's the house I grew up in? Yes, it's going to get interesting...

We are not contractors. We are not engineers. We are normal, average, everyday people just like you. It is true that we share a strong love for our home, as well as a burning desire to save money! We do have access to guidance when we need it via the internet, books, family, and friends, but so does everyone. Our point is to show that if we can do it, so can you!

So what are the goals here?

1. To save at least $25,000 over the course of the entire project by doing as much work as we can ourselves, and by bargain shopping for materials. You will see an updated running tally of how much we saved as we complete each project.
2. To grow a sense of pride larger than home ownership; an all-inclusive sense of pride only attainable by working with your own two hands and stepping back when it's all done and saying "I did that".

3. To give other homeowners the confidence to do the same

4. To document the entire process in writing (here) and with pictures (also here!)

During each project, I will show "Before" and "After" photos, as well as detail what we did, how we did it, and how much it cost. I'll give tips and tricks so you can avoid the pitfalls (as I'm sure we'll run into a few!)

So if you're interested in the pride of doing the work yourself, if you're interested in saving money, or both, come along for the ride!

- John