The MAD Haüs- In the beginning…

Recreating this documentation feels a bit overwhelming, and I’m unsure how to start! One of my favorite aspects of home projects is the transformative power of a good before-and-after comparison. It clearly demonstrates improvements in functionality, the restoration of original materials, and how a little intentional care can make a huge difference in a home.

When we bought our house in 2008, it had just been flipped and was listed at the peak of the market, right before it crashed. Everything was in disrepair: all the windows were painted shut, door frames and wainscoting were painted over, and although the carpet was recently installed, it was absolutely disgusting.

Over the years, we've made significant progress, as will be detailed in future entries, but there is still plenty to do. This documentation will outline our journey from the initial renovations to the present, highlighting the choices we’ve made along the way.

Before we moved in, we removed an old oil tank, installed a gas furnace, replumbed with Wirsbo, tore out all the carpet, and filled in the pool in the backyard. I can attest that every summer feels hotter than the last, and I truly wish we had kept that pool!

We spent months—really years—relocating river rocks around the yard. Some of those changes weren’t the best decisions. For example, creating a river rock driveway seemed like a good idea at the time, but it’s unstable and difficult to walk on. It may also be contributing to the occasional water issues we experience in the basement, despite our efforts with French drains and several DIY waterproofing attempts.

Today, I’ll kick things off with a small sampling of before pictures! Stay tuned for a project-by-project breakdown of all of the improvements, including landscaping, kitchen and bathroom remodels, restoration work, and more!