They stayed, we renovated, everyone survived:-) The ultimate home makeover that proved patience pays off!

If you've ever wondered what it's like to completely transform a home while still living in it… well, we have an experience to share.

This home, originally built in 1972, had great bones and even better surroundings - quiet streets, towering mature trees, and the kind of greenery you just can't replicate in newer neighborhoods. That charm is exactly what drew the new homeowners in. The house? Not so much. But they saw the potential - and we love a good "diamond in the rough" story.

Fast forward to today, and this isn't just a renovation - it's a full-on revival. We're talking down to the studs, from foundation to roof. Technically still a renovation (since the building envelope stayed the same), but let's be honest… it's about as close to a rebuild as you can get without calling it one.

Renovating… While Living In It

Here's where things get interesting. The homeowners didn't pack up and leave. Nope - they stayed. The entire time.

We've been tackling this project in phases, renovating one section at a time. Once a space is complete, the homeowners move in… and we take over the next section. It's a bit like a carefully planned game of musical chairs - but with walls, dust, and power tools.

And true to the Wesbrook way, the homeowners have been closely involved every step of the journey - sharing their likes, dislikes, and vision as things evolve. The result? A home that truly reflects them, not just a blueprint.

Exterior: Bringing the Curb Appeal Back (and Then Some)

Let's talk about that transformation you'll see in the before-and-after photos - because yes, it's a big one.

We installed approximately 2400 sq. ft. of board and batten smooth Hardie siding with an 8" reveal. Translation: instead of flat, plain siding, the house now has beautiful vertical lines every 8 inches, giving it depth, character, and a timeless look that really stands out.

We also added:

• Crisp black-painted Hardie window trims for a bold, modern contrast
• 1x4 pine tongue-and-groove soffits, finished in a warm stained cedar tone
• Custom metal vent strips integrated into the soffits for a clean, polished finish

The result? A home that went from "dated" to "head-turner."

Interior: Comfort Meets Modern Living

Inside, we're completing a 1300 sq. ft. renovation to match the first phase that wrapped up last year - because consistency matters (and so does good design).

This phase includes:

• Two fully updated bedrooms
• A brand-new full bathroom featuring heated floors (because cold tile is officially out), plus tiled walls and flooring
• A cozy gas fireplace with a tile surround and floating mantle - perfect for those rainy West Coast evenings
• Durable and stylish vinyl plank flooring throughout
• Fresh baseboards and door trims for a clean, finished look
• All new windows to brighten things up and improve efficiency
• A completely upgraded HVAC system
• All new electrical (because 1972 wiring had a good run)
• Updated insulation in walls and ceilings
• And structural upgrades to meet current building codes

The Best Part? The Transformation

The before-and-after photos say it all. What was once a tired, outdated house is becoming a modern, comfortable, and highly personalized home - without losing the charm of its original setting.

And yes, the homeowners lived through the entire process. Which deserves a renovation award of its own.

If you're thinking about tackling a major renovation, take it from this project: with the right plan (and a little patience), even a 1970s fixer-upper can turn into something truly spectacular.