View on Amazon

My First Real Estate Renovation: Transforming a $1.2 Million Fixer-Upper

Introduction

Embarking on my first real estate project, I purchased a $1.2 million home in need of significant renovations. Over the past three months, I’ve been immersed in a whirlwind of construction, learning the ins and outs of home improvement. From cabinetry to plumbing, this project has been a steep learning curve, revealing the complexities and costs of transforming a house into a dream home. Join me as I share the journey, including a tour of the progress so far, the challenges faced, and what’s next before the big reveal in mid-September.

View on Amazon

The Scope of the Project

This fixer-upper required extensive work to modernize and optimize its layout. The main floor has been the focus of the heavy lifting, with major changes including:

• Demolition and Reconfiguration: Walls were demolished to open up the space, making it feel larger and more functional. The original layout was decent but lacked vision, so I reconfigured walls to create a more spacious feel.

• Electrical Upgrades: The old aluminum wiring was replaced with copper, a complex and costly task costing $19,000. I also ran CAT cables for Ethernet, repositioned outlets and switches, and moved awkwardly placed vents for better functionality.

• Plumbing Overhaul: Plumbing issues, like a poorly designed bathroom fixture causing odors, were corrected. An exhaust pipe was added to vent gases outside, solving the stinky bathroom problem. Total plumbing costs so far are $17,000.

• Ventilation and Cooling: Air ducts were reworked, and new ventilation systems were installed, costing $9,000.

• Flooring: New ceramic flooring was installed in the mudroom, and 1,680 lbs of herringbone wooden floors were chosen for the first floor, costing $25,000 for materials and $10,000 for installation. The herringbone pattern, while beautiful, was pricier to buy and install at $10–12 per square foot compared to $3–4 for standard flooring.

• Staircase Redesign: The curved staircase was opened up for a more modern look, and work continues to finalize the stairs.

• Upstairs Modifications: The master bedroom, bathroom, and closet were reconfigured, with the shower extended into the closet for a larger bathroom. The second bathroom is being completely redone, while secondary bedrooms received minor updates like Ethernet plugs and repositioned outlets.

View on Amazon

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Renovations are expensive and complex. Here are some key lessons from the process:

• Unexpected Issues: The bathroom’s odor problem was traced to improper plumbing, a discovery that required a full rework of the fixture and exhaust system. This highlighted the importance of thorough inspections before buying a fixer-upper.

• Material Costs: Flooring alone cost $35,000 for the first floor, with the herringbone pattern adding to both material and labor expenses. Keeping the upstairs floors, which were in good condition, saved significant costs.

• Logistics: Transporting 1,680 lbs of flooring myself was daunting but necessary to meet the kitchen installation timeline. Coordinating deliveries and contractors has been a constant challenge.

• Attention to Detail: Learning about everything from bathroom fixtures to ventilation systems has been fascinating. Knowing what’s behind the walls gives me confidence in the home’s quality.

View on Amazon

Current Progress and Next Steps

As of June 9, 2025, the house is a work in progress but taking shape. The main floor’s new layout is complete, with electrical, plumbing, and ventilation upgrades mostly done. The herringbone flooring installation took six hours for 236 square feet, requiring precise sanding and preparation. Upstairs, the master suite and second bathroom are under construction, with drywall, seams, and patching nearly finished.

In the coming weeks, the focus will be on:

• Installing baseboards and doors.

• Finalizing the kitchen, which is awaiting delivery confirmation.

• Completing the basement, including a new bathroom, laundry room, and a movie room with vinyl flooring and thermal underlayment.

• Painting and finishing electrical and ventilation work after the contractors’ two-week holiday break.

The basement will also serve as a workspace, with planned production sets and a central vacuum system upgrade. The garage, a future “dream garage,” will be a separate project.

Budget Breakdown

Renovations are a significant investment. Here’s a breakdown of costs so far, totaling $130,000:

• Project Manager: $12,000

• General Labor: $14,500

• Travel Time for Workers: $1,500

• Electrical: $19,000

• Container: $1,200

• Concrete: $500

• Carpentry: $1,500

• Woodworking (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, mudroom): $37,000 (half paid)

• Flooring and Installations: $22,000

• Miscellaneous (e.g., Home Depot purchases): $3,000

• Plumbing: $17,000

• Ventilation and Cooling: $9,000

Additional expenses for doors, ceramics, and final installations are expected, but the bulk of the budget is allocated.

Cleaning Up the Chaos

With construction comes mess, and I’m relying on the UI E25 vacuum to tackle the aftermath. This vacuum features:

• HydroJet Floor Washing System: Scrubs 360 times per minute with 50 newtons of force, using fresh water and scraping dirty water in real time.

• 20,000 Pascal Turbo Suction: Over double the suction of most robot vacuums, it handles renovation debris, pet fur, and more.

• Anti-Tangle Brushes: Dual spiral brushes prevent hair tangles, dropping debris directly into the bin.

• Corner Rover Arm: Reaches edges and corners for thorough cleaning.

• AIC Smart Avoidance: Identifies over 200 objects, works in low light, and adapts to stains.

• App Control: Allows scheduling, setting no-go zones, and switching modes remotely.

The E25, or its upgraded E28 model with a portable deep cleaner, is ideal for keeping the house clean during and after renovations.

Looking Ahead

This project, while overwhelming, has been incredibly rewarding. Documenting the process for videos is something I’d love to continue with future properties. The goal is to complete the house by mid-September, with room tours and a full transformation reveal to follow. The garage will be a separate, exciting project, and I’m eager to share the final results.

If you’re considering a renovation, be prepared for high costs and unexpected challenges, but the ability to customize a home to your vision is worth it. Stay tuned for more updates, and let me know in the comments which vacuum you’d choose for a project like this!

View on Amazon