Fixer Upper journey
Last June, we took a leap of faith and bought a fixer-upper property. We were excited, motivated, and filled with ideas of how we’d turn this place into our dream home. We had big plans, beautiful visions, and the enthusiasm to match—but we quickly learned that turning a neglected house into a beautiful space is no small feat.
As the weeks continued after our closing, we realized we were in way deeper than we had anticipated. The house was outdated, the carpet (yikes), the giant shop needs new floors, repairs and a dump truck or two to help clear it out. Every where we looked, the entire property and house pretty much needed everything. The to-do list grew longer with each passing week, and the scope of the work quickly exceeded what we had imagined. It was a lot more than just a few weekends of DIY projects; this was a full-on life lesson in patience and perseverance.
“While the process is overwhelming, we know its worth it for our boys. Getting them out in the open air, encouraging adventure and having the ability to teach them life skills, was a huge piece to our decision process.”
While it’s been a challenging year, the journey has had it’s ups and downs. Along the way, we’ve learned so many valuable life skills. We’ve picked up tools and skills we never thought we’d use, from how to use a giant auger to drill into the ground, cutting down countless dead trees, landscaping, removing endless yard debris from the previous demo on the property, the list goes on. Sure, there have been a few (okay, maybe more than a few) moments where we thought, “What have we gotten ourselves into?” But looking back, those tough moments have taught us a lot about resilience, problem-solving, and, most importantly, teamwork. The winter months have given us a bit of a break, and I would be lying if I were to say I’m excited to tackle this project again in the spring but I know this is going to be worth it in so many ways.
With all of that being said, it’s not a secret that I love design. Its been tough living in a space where those design ideas are constantly overflowing, but not having the time, funds, or know-how to make them a reality—at least not right away. It’s like trying to paint a masterpiece with a few brushes and limited colors. You have a vision of how things could look, but the execution takes time. And with each delay, there’s the temptation to get discouraged, but it’s also where the beauty of the journey lies. It’s not just about the finished product—it’s about the process, the lessons, and the growth.
But through all the challenges, we are staying hopeful that we can turn this place into a home that feels liek "us" with each step. We’ve added personal touches, learned to appreciate the imperfections, and are building a home full of memories—especially for the boys. They’ll look back on this house, not just as a home, but as a place of growth and learning for our entire family. It's where we struggled, laughed, and celebrated every little victory together.
Sure, the house isn't finished yet—and might never be completely “done.” But that’s okay. It’s become a place that represents our journey, our love for design, and the lessons we've learned along the way. It’s a work in progress, but it’s also home—a place where our family can continue to grow, create, and make memories for years to come.
-Brooke Limbach
