1940s Fixer Upper: Patience & Progress in Pensacola
Wow…it’s been 6 months since we’ve updated you on our 1940s Fixer Upper! If you had told us last February (when we closed on the house) that this would be a 12-month remodel, I would have said, “No way.” Yes way. Progress has been slow, patience has been at an all-time high, but after many months, we are finally nearing the finish line. We couldn’t be happier.
But before I dive into what has been happening over here lately, where did I leave you last time? Well, as of 6 months ago, we had finished mapping out a new open floor plan, created possible furniture layout, and we were looking at demo’ing some spaces that needed some major work:
The status of our 1940s Fixer Upper 6 months ago
Well, I’m happy to share that these spaces no longer look uninhabitable! You won’t recognize them anymore, and that’s proof enough that this charming old house transformation is coming along. Here is what we have experienced and achieved since then…
Supply Chain Woes
It’s a well-known secret that the home improvement industry has been struck hard by supply chain issues (a result of the pandemic), and we are no exception. We’ve had to wait for pretty much everything from windows to shingles to wiring for the new electrical system.
Here’s our little fixer upper waiting for the windows and siding to be delivered.
Limited supplies has also meant fewer selections available, and when you do find something available, it means making quick decisions. For instance, lighting is significantly picked over right now, and many items are out of stock or simply discontinued. In addition, out-of-stock options may not be replenished at all.
When selecting the perfect pendants for the kitchen, I had a much smaller group to choose from. But you know, in the end, that was okay. I chose from what was available and moved on. There isn’t time for rehashing the choices!
It’s also important to note that the sequencing of the remodel is so apparent when things are slower. You literally cannot move to the next step, because you can’t finish the step you’re on.
This is another reason that having a professional manage your project is essential. We know the correct order of operations, and even though we’ll hit roadblocks we can’t control, we are still conducting a renovation that is as efficient as humanly possible in these times.
Movement at Last
In November, we finally hit a tipping point when the windows arrived. We had waited over 4 months (mostly patiently), and we were practically jumping for joy when they finally arrived. It meant we could finally get things moving again. We were able to install the windows and exterior doors. Then we were able to install the siding.
Isn’t the front door a pretty blue color? It complements this light grey vinyl siding. We chose this material for its durability, low maintenance, and friendly price point — which is particularly important here in Florida, where the hot sun and humidity are tough on paint.
Our 1940s fixer upper is finally beginning to look like a family could actually live there!
The Search for Subcontractors & A Silver Lining
Next to our supply challenges, vetting subcontractors has been….interesting. Being fairly new to the Pensacola area (we moved about a year and a half ago), we didn’t have a huge network of connections like we did in Atlanta. If you’ve ever renovated, you may have experienced the hunt for good team members — it takes a lot of time, vetting, and building trust.
However, it was actually a great experience for us! We like to try out our subcontractors before our clients do, and this gave us the perfect opportunity. We have been fortunate enough to find some good ones, and now our network is growing with reliable subcontractors ready to work.
For us, our subcontractors completed the mechanical rough-in installations (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) and passed inspections. They are currently installing the drywall throughout the home, like in the future primary bedroom (left), backroom, and powder room (right). Soon the shape of the rooms will be more obvious.
Remember this abandoned hallway from earlier? It’s looking SO much better now.
The Finishing Touches
We are on a dead sprint to finish this house by late February to put it on the market. I’m so excited to finally finish this long-term project (it’s been such a long process), but also because now we are placing the items that I enjoy the most — the finishes!
Our to-do list includes:
Priming and painting walls, ceiling, and trim
Installing the kitchen and bathroom vanities
Templating for final countertop installation
Installing the LVP flooring
Installing the lighting
All the landscaping to clean up the yard
The really special part of renovating this home is that we’ve been in touch with the prior owners whose family bought the house brand new in 1949. Throughout the process, they’ve passed on photos of the house as it was then, and I can’t wait to share them with you when we post the final reveal. It is really special, and we have tried to honor that as we renovated it.
So, how about you? Have a home renovation you’re looking to begin? Need a design-build team you can trust to get it done right? We’d love to chat with you. Reach out for a complimentary discovery call here.
Warmly,
Sarah