Andrew's Fixer Upper Journey: Three Years of Transformation
Andrew, a self-declared novice in construction and remodeling, embarked on an ambitious journey three years ago when he purchased a fixer-upper property. With little experience under his belt and a vision in mind, he has successfully transformed his home and documented each step along the way, sharing his experiences and lessons learned on his YouTube channel.
When Andrew first walked into his new home, he was greeted by a 960 square-foot layout that was far from ideal. The kitchen was cramped and closed off from the living room by a divider wall. But, inspired by the challenges ahead, Andrew decided to tackle the renovation head-on. His initial project was the kitchen, where he installed cabinets from Procraft with the help of his brother. They learned the ropes of home improvement, navigating through the unfamiliar terrain of installing appliances and Quartz countertops sourced from Home Depot.
One of the quicker wins was replacing the old, outdated flooring with a cheaper Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which Andrew later regretted for its low quality. He recognized that a significant miscalculation was the small size of the kitchen island, which he wished he had designed to accommodate more seating. Yet, the renovations soon gained momentum.
Transitioning to the living room, Andrew admitted to another misstep—a poorly chosen, inexpensive couch that proved to be uncomfortable and lacked durability. Determined to make improvements, he crafted a custom river table that reflects his growing confidence and creativity. In this space, he also installed a floating mantle, showcasing his do-it-yourself accomplishments and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the living room.
Navigating further down the hallway, he showcased his very first electrical work—the installation of a three-way switch, a small but meaningful milestone in his journey towards becoming more experienced.
The first bathroom remodel was a significant undertaking. Andrew was blindsided by the extensive rot present in the subfloor, forcing him to completely gut the space. Despite the challenges faced early on, he was pleased with the final product. Fast forward four years, and while the bathroom still holds up, a remodel might be in its near future.
As he revealed the smallest bedroom, affectionately dubbed the "mocha room," Andrew shared memories of his brother’s time living there. The caramel-hued walls reflect his brother's choice of creative liberties, giving the small space a unique personal touch.
Perhaps the most noteworthy project for Andrew was the transformation of a half-bath into a full bathroom. This involved meticulous planning, permitting, and numerous challenges, including ensuring the best use of space. Every decision, from the installation of a wall-hung toilet to customizing a floating vanity, showcased Andrew’s dedication to creating a functional yet beautiful space. The new bathroom features striking herringbone tile and a stunning hexagon floor, solidifying it as Andrew's favorite project within the home.
Venturing into the basement, Andrew confronted what he described as a "downright scary" foundation filled with remnants of its neglected past. He rolled up his sleeves, redoing the stairs on a tight budget while also addressing a prior water leak problem with added interior drain tiles. The basement has since been transformed into a functional living area, complete with a cozy sectional, a faux concrete accent wall, and a full bathroom—although Andrew notes that the low ceiling can be a minor inconvenience for taller folks.
Not stopping indoors, Andrew took his creativity outside, where an existing deck turned out to be more problematic than anticipated. Instead of a simple renovation, he opted for a complete rebuild, leading to an outdoor space where he crafted custom sectionals and a fire pit table—perfect for entertaining guests.
A labor of love, the overbuilt shed took pride of place in Andrew's backyard, showcasing the creativity that drives his projects. Describing it as "awesome," he shared free plans for fellow DIY enthusiasts who want to replicate the build.
With the inside of the house fully revealed, Andrew hinted at his next adventure: moving to a new property. He expressed excitement for this next chapter, eagerly inviting his audience to follow along on his YouTube channel as he tackles another fixer-upper. The journey, filled with mistakes, successes, and personal growth, has been an unforgettable experience, and he expressed deep gratitude for the support his viewers have provided throughout this incredible journey.
The videos documenting his process served not only as an instructional guide for other DIYers but also reflected the triumphs and heartaches of taking on such a challenging task with determination and an open heart. As Andrew prepares for new beginnings, his first house stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of creativity in home improvement.
Part 1/10:
Andrew's Fixer Upper Journey: Three Years of Transformation
Andrew, a self-declared novice in construction and remodeling, embarked on an ambitious journey three years ago when he purchased a fixer-upper property. With little experience under his belt and a vision in mind, he has successfully transformed his home and documented each step along the way, sharing his experiences and lessons learned on his YouTube channel.
The Transformation Begins
Part 2/10:
When Andrew first walked into his new home, he was greeted by a 960 square-foot layout that was far from ideal. The kitchen was cramped and closed off from the living room by a divider wall. But, inspired by the challenges ahead, Andrew decided to tackle the renovation head-on. His initial project was the kitchen, where he installed cabinets from Procraft with the help of his brother. They learned the ropes of home improvement, navigating through the unfamiliar terrain of installing appliances and Quartz countertops sourced from Home Depot.
Part 3/10:
One of the quicker wins was replacing the old, outdated flooring with a cheaper Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which Andrew later regretted for its low quality. He recognized that a significant miscalculation was the small size of the kitchen island, which he wished he had designed to accommodate more seating. Yet, the renovations soon gained momentum.
Living Room Wonders
Part 4/10:
Transitioning to the living room, Andrew admitted to another misstep—a poorly chosen, inexpensive couch that proved to be uncomfortable and lacked durability. Determined to make improvements, he crafted a custom river table that reflects his growing confidence and creativity. In this space, he also installed a floating mantle, showcasing his do-it-yourself accomplishments and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the living room.
Navigating further down the hallway, he showcased his very first electrical work—the installation of a three-way switch, a small but meaningful milestone in his journey towards becoming more experienced.
The First Bathroom Remodel
Part 5/10:
The first bathroom remodel was a significant undertaking. Andrew was blindsided by the extensive rot present in the subfloor, forcing him to completely gut the space. Despite the challenges faced early on, he was pleased with the final product. Fast forward four years, and while the bathroom still holds up, a remodel might be in its near future.
As he revealed the smallest bedroom, affectionately dubbed the "mocha room," Andrew shared memories of his brother’s time living there. The caramel-hued walls reflect his brother's choice of creative liberties, giving the small space a unique personal touch.
The Favorite Project: The Full Bathroom
Part 6/10:
Perhaps the most noteworthy project for Andrew was the transformation of a half-bath into a full bathroom. This involved meticulous planning, permitting, and numerous challenges, including ensuring the best use of space. Every decision, from the installation of a wall-hung toilet to customizing a floating vanity, showcased Andrew’s dedication to creating a functional yet beautiful space. The new bathroom features striking herringbone tile and a stunning hexagon floor, solidifying it as Andrew's favorite project within the home.
Basement Adventures
Part 7/10:
Venturing into the basement, Andrew confronted what he described as a "downright scary" foundation filled with remnants of its neglected past. He rolled up his sleeves, redoing the stairs on a tight budget while also addressing a prior water leak problem with added interior drain tiles. The basement has since been transformed into a functional living area, complete with a cozy sectional, a faux concrete accent wall, and a full bathroom—although Andrew notes that the low ceiling can be a minor inconvenience for taller folks.
The Backyard Makeover
Part 8/10:
Not stopping indoors, Andrew took his creativity outside, where an existing deck turned out to be more problematic than anticipated. Instead of a simple renovation, he opted for a complete rebuild, leading to an outdoor space where he crafted custom sectionals and a fire pit table—perfect for entertaining guests.
A labor of love, the overbuilt shed took pride of place in Andrew's backyard, showcasing the creativity that drives his projects. Describing it as "awesome," he shared free plans for fellow DIY enthusiasts who want to replicate the build.
Transitioning to the Next Chapter
Part 9/10:
With the inside of the house fully revealed, Andrew hinted at his next adventure: moving to a new property. He expressed excitement for this next chapter, eagerly inviting his audience to follow along on his YouTube channel as he tackles another fixer-upper. The journey, filled with mistakes, successes, and personal growth, has been an unforgettable experience, and he expressed deep gratitude for the support his viewers have provided throughout this incredible journey.
Part 10/10:
The videos documenting his process served not only as an instructional guide for other DIYers but also reflected the triumphs and heartaches of taking on such a challenging task with determination and an open heart. As Andrew prepares for new beginnings, his first house stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of creativity in home improvement.