These posts started after readers asked how we keep track of our long list of home projects. Our system is simple: one ever-evolving document that we update as we go. When we first shared this list back in May, nothing had been crossed off. Months later we’ve made progress and people asked for an update. I love crossing things off, so here’s the refreshed, cleaned-up version of our home renovation and maintenance to-do list. It’s long, but organized by area so it’s easier to tackle piece by piece.
– The Front Yard (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove fast-spreading ground cover and clear beds
Remove dead or diseased trees (confirmed by house inspector)- Aerate, level, and reseed the lawn
- Create planting beds up front, add mulch and plants
Repaint exterior siding and trim where paint is peeling- Redo cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door, add curves and planting beds
- Add raised stone planting beds and other hardscaping accents
- Plant a few small green dwarf maples for structure and shade
- Install subtle exterior up-lighting for nighttime charm
- Add low curved brick borders along the driveway with recessed lighting
- Pave the driveway
– The Portico (25% Complete) –
To do:
Repaint portico and sidelights- Raise or arch the portico ceiling to improve scale and allow a larger hanging lantern
- Add planters, a new doormat, and updated porch lighting
Paint the front door
– The Garage (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint garage doors and add hardware for visual interest
- Add a pergola over the double doors with climbing vines
- Finish the garage interior with drywall and create a workshop and organized storage (pegboards, shelving, etc.)
- Reuse kitchen cabinets in the garage if they’re not suitable for the kitchen renovation
- Redo the four steps from garage to kitchen (remove old carpet, refinish or rebuild)
- Build a mobile box for scrap wood storage on casters
- Consider vintage lockers painted in fun colors for storage
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (35% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet from the stairs to reveal and refinish wood
Paint blue trim in foyer- Paint the blue stair balusters
Remove wallpaper and repaint wallsRemove doors that block the flow into the kitchen- Consider a stair runner if it feels right after moving in
- Update or repaint the existing foyer light, replace eventually
- Assess and replace tile only if it’s beyond salvage
- Convert one of the foyer closets into a craft and toy storage closet with shelves for Clara’s things
– The Half Bathroom (30% Complete) –
To do:
Remove wallpaperRepaint blue trim and doorUpgrade door hardware and hingesPaint walls and vanityReplace mirror with a larger oneUpgrade lighting- Replace leaky faucet
- Replace vanity and sink in a later phase
- Assess floor tile; replace only if unsalvageable in Phase 2
- Consider adding new wallpaper or a tiled accent wall (no tub/shower in this room), as a later-phase design choice
– The Dining Room (5% Complete) –
To do:
Clean and reseal the wood floors- Update built-ins (remove ornate tops, extend to ceiling, paint white)
- Paint all remaining blue trim
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls
- Upgrade lighting and window treatments
- Add appropriate furniture, a rug, and art
– The Living Room (5% Complete) –
To do:
Clean and reseal the wood floors- Prime and paint the bright pink walls
Take down the old curtains- Prime and paint the lower woodwork in white to highlight the details
- Whitewash the brick fireplace wall for a cozy look
- Install gas logs as a second-phase upgrade
- Add more recessed lighting for even illumination
- Transform overhead beams into a subtle coffered ceiling
- Create a large built-in-style TV cabinet
– The Office (7% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old curtainsClean and reseal the wood floors- Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Add a double-desk work area, possibly projecting from a wall
- Bring in storage: bookcases, file cabinets, or built-ins around the bay window
- Add window treatments and hang inspirational art or a brainstorming wall
- Add two large potted plants in front of the windows
– The Kitchen (3% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old curtains- Strip wallpaper and repaint
- Convert the large triple window into French doors that lead to the deck
- Open the wall between kitchen and living room, then add built-ins on each side
- Prime and paint lower wall woodwork to match the rest of the house
- Full kitchen renovation: replace damaged cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, and lighting
- Consider heated tile floors in the kitchen and possibly the foyer/hall bath
- Organize the pantry with pull-out drawers and labeled containers
- Enhance the command center opposite the triple windows
- Decide on final paint colors for new kitchen French doors and the sunroom door
- Install an under-sink water filter
- Add window treatment and pendant lighting over the sink and a larger fixture above the eat-in area
- Create a practical drop zone for coats and shoes, possibly in the garage
– The Sunroom (10% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpet and padding- Remove the broken baseboard heater permanently
- Retile the floor with outdoor-safe stone down the line
- Convert the sunroom into an open covered porch with new columns and eliminate the problematic sliders
- Potentially build an outdoor brick fireplace adjacent to the opened sunroom
- Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint a soft blue for a coastal vibe
– Our Bedroom (10% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint cream trim and doorsInstall wood blinds- Repaint walls and ceilings in a calm palette
- Install built-ins along the window wall with window seats and hidden storage
- Add a ceiling light fixture
- Consider textured wallpaper on the ceiling for a subtle accent
- Bring in curtains, art, and personal touches
– Our Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To do:
Remove the glass shower doorIncrease window privacy (frosting or blinds)- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Replace the mirror and improve lighting in the sink nook and main bathroom
- Remove carpet in the sink area to prepare for tile
- Plan a complete renovation in Phase 2: expand the footprint, replace the blue hex tile, and consider a soaker tub or tiled shower with a double sink
– Our Closet (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint cream trim and paint walls and ceiling
- Install a new light fixture
- Remove carpet in preparation for tile that will match the adjoining bathroom
- Build organized closet cabinetry with drawers, shelves, and varied hanging heights
– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint blue trim and doors glossy whiteReplace rusted hinges and knobsUpgrade to a Nest thermostat- Paint walls and ceiling
- Replace hallway light fixtures or refresh existing ones
- Convert the linen closet into built-in open shelving or cabinets
- Add crown molding and consider wainscoting to break up the long corridor
– Clara’s Room (20% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint blue trim and doors- Add window treatments, art, and cozy accents
- Paint walls and ceiling
- Install built-ins or bookcases, possibly flanking the windows
- Build a bench seat in the closet nook with beadboard and wallpaper on the back wall
- Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture
– Spare Room / Possible Nursery (10% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint mauve trim and doors- Install window blinds and curtains as needed
- Hold off on major decorating until the room has a confirmed use
- Repaint walls and ceiling, add crown molding and a ceiling fixture
– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint cream trim and doors- Paint walls and ceiling
- Bring in a flexible bed and a dresser/desk to accommodate crafting and sewing
- Organize the closet with craft storage, shelves, and bins
- Add crown molding and a ceiling fixture
– The Hall Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Paint trim and doors and refresh wall and ceiling paint
- Replace faucets, mirrors, and lighting for a mini-update in Phase 1
- Plan a full redo in Phase 2 to replace stained tile and leaking fixtures
– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –
To do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods- Install washer-safe flooring under appliances
- Completely renovate the nook with new cabinet doors, energy-efficient appliances, counters, and storage
- Add a decorative tile backsplash and art to make it a pleasant utility space
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Use as large storage for now. Long-term, consider finishing it as a media or bunk room with drywall, flooring, lighting, closet builds, and built-in beds and seating.
– General Whole House Ideas (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Upgrade lighting throughout to LEDs for energy efficiency
- Replace dated switchplates and outlets and refresh hardware gradually
- Invest in upgraded frames, drapes, bedding, and curtain rods over time
– The Back Deck (20% Complete) –
To do:
Remove a large oak tree too close to the foundationPatch the deck hole after tree removal- Strip, stain, and seal the deck
- Replace rotten or warped boards
- Add wide stairs aligned with new kitchen French doors
- Build a pergola for shade and architectural interest
- Build or source outdoor furniture for dining and lounging
– The Backyard (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove stray slate pieces, aerate, and reseed the lawn
- Transplant plants for better layout and move peonies to ideal locations
- Plant holly and other privacy hedges
- Build a wooden playhouse tucked into the woods for Clara
- Create an edible garden and install a swing set
- Redo the cracked concrete walkway between garage and deck
- Add tiered privacy plantings, raised planters, hardscaping, and a patio area
- Build a wooden lean-to hideaway and plant vines around it
- Build a wooden cover for the air conditioner
Don’t be overwhelmed by this list. We genuinely enjoy home improvement — the process itself is rewarding. We take projects one at a time and pick whichever task we’re most excited about, except when safety or urgent needs must come first. Right now we’re planning to tackle these next:
- Repaint the salmon walls in the living room
- Whitewash the living room fireplace
- Strip and re-stain/seal the deck
- Refinish/ORB the foyer light
How do you manage your home to-do lists? Apps, a single running document, or a colorful spreadsheet? We’d love to hear what systems work for you.