Almost four years ago, I moved myself from Colorado, my home for 25 years, back to my Southern roots, this time in Georgia. On a weekend trip to visit my sister in May of that year, I found this home, separated from hers by only a few miles, several churches, a Revival campsite, and two cemeteries. Beautiful churchyard cemeteries are something I haven't seen anywhere else I have lived. It felt right.
The home looked pretty good from the outside, and I was drawn to the classic Southern brick facade, though in my mind's eye, that brick was dove grey. The torrential downpour earlier in the day brightened the green grass until it looked almost pretty. The landscaping, though overgrown, was also promising.
The inside of the home, sadly, told a different story. Years of neglect, hoarding, and animals had taken their toll. Yet, I could see the beauty in it, and imagined that I could take on a home makeover such as this, something I have always dreamed of doing. Could I move to a new state, start a new job as a teacher, coach cheerleading, and manage a remodel? Hmm...that proved to stretch my dedication almost to the breaking point.
This video takes you on a tour of the main and upper levels after some minor demolition and cleanup, with the help of my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. The carpet, one of the biggest and smelliest offenders, was the first thing to go.
In the narrative, it was the day before my General Contractor was to arrive on the job site. I was full of hopes and dreams, and quickly completed projects. HGTV makes it look easy! I quickly learned that this project would require more time, money, and patience than I had bargained for, but I eventually achieved the results I longed for.
If you are contemplating, or in the midst of, a similar project, I hope that you can learn from my mistakes, and take courage to pursue your dream remodel.
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