Updating the House To-Do List

When we first bought our house, I didn't think we would be in it forever. I thought it would be our starter house.  We have fallen in love with our house - the location and the layout.  We have decided that this is going to be the place we raise our kids. However, that does mean that it is time to do some real updating.  We have done little things over the years, but the entire house could use a good freshening up.

Below is everything that I would love to do to our house.  Most areas have two phases.  Phase 1 I feel that my husband and I can handle doing on our own and Phase 2 contains things that are beyond our expertise.  I am going to use this as my checklist and hopefully share the makeover results as they occur.

Outside

 

Phase 1

• Replace faded shutters
• Put shutters on garage window

Phase 2

• Replace siding
• Replace wooden porch and deck with vinyl
• New windows on the garage
• Cut down ash trees
• Replace garage doors

Kitchen

Phase 1

• Paint cabinets
• Paint woodwork white
• Install TV

Phase 2

• Replace cabinets
• Replace counter-tops
• Replace laminate floor

Dinning Room

Phase 1

• Paint wainscoting 
• Paint woodwork white

Phase 2

• Remove wainscoting
• Replace laminate floor
• Replace step into living room

Living Room

Phase 1

• Paint woodwork white
• Paint walls 
• Update furniture

Phase 2

• Replace carpet with laminate / hardwood floor

Playroom

Phase 1

• Paint - maybe do one wall in chalkboard paint?
• Replace desk
• Paint woodwork white

Phase 2

• Replace front door
• Replace carpet with laminate / hardwood floor

Laundry Room

Phase 1

• Paint woodwork white
• Paint doors white

Phase 2

• Put cabinets above the washer and dryer and above counter-top
• Replace doors with six-paneled ones
• Replace cabinet and counter top

Downstairs Bathroom

Phase 1

• Paint
• Fix crack in wainscoting
• Update art work

Phase 2

• Replace door with six-paneled one

Hallway

Phase 1

• Paint
• Update art work
• Finish crown molding
• Paint woodwork white
• Replace railing

Phase 2

• Replace carpet

Bedrooms

 

Phase 1

• Paint woodwork white
• Paint doors white
• Replace mirrored closet doors

Phase 2

• Replace doors with six-paneled ones
• Replace carpet

Upstairs Bathroom

Phase 1

• Paint
• Paint wood work white
• Update light fixture
• Update toilet paper holder
• Install shelves above the toilet
• Paint vanity
• Frame out mirror
• Replace corner shelves

Phase 2

• Refinish shower and tub
• Replace vanity counter top
• Replace faucet
• Title floor
• Replace door with a six-paneled one