Sorry for the delay in updating our house to-do list — we first shared it back in May and refreshed it in July, so this check-in is long overdue. The upside of waiting longer than planned is that we’ve been able to cross off a lot of items. It’s satisfying to look back and see real progress after five and a half months of living here.
We started sharing this running list because readers wanted to know how we keep track of all the projects. We maintain one long, evolving document that we update as we go, and we post the highlights here so we can celebrate wins and stay focused. Seeing nearly 90 completed tasks after only a few months is motivating — and admittedly a little addictive. It also helps us plan what to tackle next without getting overwhelmed.
– The Front Yard (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove dead or diseased trees (confirmed by an arborist and inspector)
- Repaint exterior siding and trim; repair areas with peeling paint and rot
- Dig up invasive ground cover and clean up mulch beds
- Aerate, level, and reseed the lawn
- Create planted beds near the front and add mulch
- Transplant crowded boxwoods around the portico into better locations
- Replace the cracked concrete walkway with a curved path and planting beds
- Add low hardscaping and raised stone beds to frame the entry
- Plant a few dwarf maples for color and scale
- Install low curved brick borders wired with lights along the driveway
- Pave the driveway
– The Portico (25% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint portico and sidelights to stop peeling
- Paint the front door
- Consider arching the portico ceiling for better proportion
- Add planters, a double-wide doormat, and updated porch lighting
– The Garage (3% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace the small rusty exterior light
- Repaint garage doors and add hardware for better curb appeal
- Add a pergola over the double doors with climbing vines
- Finish the interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage
- Reuse usable kitchen cabinets for garage storage
- Repair or rebuild the steps from garage to kitchen
- Build a mobile box for scrap wood storage
- Consider vintage lockers for painted storage accents
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (70% Complete) –
To do:
- Open sightlines to the kitchen by removing obstructive doors
- Repaint blue trim, doors, and sidelights
- Remove wallpaper and repaint the walls
- Replace the old foyer light
- Convert a small closet into a craft-and-toy closet for Clara
- Repaint the foyer ceiling
- Assess and possibly replace damaged floor tile
- Convert the other foyer closet into a functional shoe and coat space with built-ins
– The Stairs (90% Complete) –
- Remove old carpet from wood stairs and refinish
- Paint railing spindles and trim
- Stain top rails to match the runner
- Paint walls, ceiling, and stair risers
- Install a new striped runner with proper padding
- Hang art and consider a chandelier for the lofted ceiling
– The Half Bathroom (35% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls and trim
- Upgrade door hardware and lighting
- Replace the mirror and fix a leaky faucet
- Paint or update the vanity temporarily until a future full renovation
- Consider adding wallpaper or a tiled accent wall in a later phase
- Replace unsalvageable tile flooring in Phase 2
– The Dining Room (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Refinish and reseal wood floors
- Upgrade or rework built-ins for a cleaner look
- Paint blue trim to freshen the room
- Finish removing wallpaper and repaint walls
- Update lighting, curtains, and add furniture, rug, and art
– The Living Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Refinish floors and repaint walls
- Remove dated curtains and whitewash the brick fireplace
- Prime and paint the lower woodwork in white
- Decide on window treatments and add recessed lighting
- Consider turning beams into a coffered ceiling
- Design built-ins for TV storage and add gas logs or stacked stone later
– The Office (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Refinish floors and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Create a double desk workspace and add storage or built-ins in the bay window
- Install window treatments and hang art or inspiration boards
- Add large potted plants for a lively workspace
– The Kitchen (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Update window treatments and remove dated wallpaper
- Refinish or reposition cabinets and add a table for the eat-in area
- Paint walls, trim, and cabinets for a fresh interim look
- Replace the over-the-range microwave with a vent and relocate the microwave
- Convert the large window into French doors to the deck
- Open the wall to the living room and add built-ins for balance
- Plan a full kitchen renovation in Phase 2 with new floors, cabinets, counters, and appliances
- Consider heated floors under new tile and improve pantry organization
– The Sunroom-Turned-Veranda (80% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove remaining issues and add outdoor-safe stone flooring
- Add sconces to posts and hide visible wiring
- Furnish with durable outdoor furniture and consider a brick outdoor fireplace after opening the space
- Add ceiling fans and finish trim and electrical work
– The Master Bedroom (15% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods and repaint trim white
- Install faux wood blinds, repaint walls and ceiling
- Add built-ins with a window seat for storage and a cozy bed nook
- Install a ceiling light fixture and finish decorating with art and curtains
– The Master Sink Nook (50% Complete) –
- Replace carpet, update mirror and vanity, and stencil/seal the subfloor as a temporary measure
- Add shelving and balance the vanity with storage
- Phase 2 will combine this area with the master bath in a full renovation
– The Master Bathroom (15% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove the glass shower door and add window privacy
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Replace the mirror and lighting
- Plan a Phase 2 overhaul to expand the layout, update the blue hex floor, and reconfigure fixtures
– The Master Closet (40% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint trim, walls, and ceiling and replace the flooring
- Add a new light fixture and build a full custom storage system with drawers, shelves, and rods
- Decide whether to extend tile or hardwoods into this space during Phase 2
– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods and repaint trim and doors
- Replace old hardware and update lighting
- Consider converting the linen closet into built-ins or open shelving
- Add crown molding and wainscoting to enhance the long hallway
– Clara’s Room (50% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add window treatments
- Create a canopy wall with lights, brighten the closet door, and add crown molding
- Build a bench seat in the closet nook with playful finishes and install a ceiling light
- Bring in furniture and art as the room evolves
– Future Nursery (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add window treatments
- Hold off on major decorating until we know the baby’s gender
- Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture
– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add a ceiling fixture
- Furnish the room to serve as a guest space and productive craft area
- Build craft storage and organizing solutions in the closet
– The Hall Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint trim, walls, and ceiling
- Replace faucets, mirrors, and lighting for a Phase 1 refresh
- Plan a full Phase 2 renovation to replace cracked tile and leaking fixtures
– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Install water-resistant flooring near the machines
- Completely redo the nook with new doors, appliances, counters, and cabinets
- Add a tile backsplash and thoughtful lighting to make it a small, pleasant utility space
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To do (long-term):
- Add drywall, flooring, and lighting
- Possibly enlarge windows and build closets under the eaves
- Furnish as a movie room or bunk room with built-in beds and lounging areas
– General Whole House Ideas (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace lights with LEDs for energy savings
- Swap out old switchplates and outlets throughout the house
- Upgrade frames, drapes, bedding, and curtain hardware gradually
– The Back Deck (50% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove a large oak tree near the house and patch the deck
- Strip, stain, and seal the deck and replace any rotten boards
- Add wide stairs aligned with future kitchen French doors
- Consider a pergola or custom outdoor furniture
– The Backyard (15% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove leftover slate and level the yard
- Reseed lawn seasonally and plant privacy hedges
- Transplant plants for better layout and add raised planters
- Build a playhouse, swing set, and a small edible garden
- Replace the cracked concrete walkway and add tiered plantings and a patio area
- Create a wooden lean-to hideaway and screen the air conditioner with wood
We genuinely enjoy the process of improving a home, and tracking projects this way helps keep us motivated. When deciding what to do next, we balance safety and budget with what feels fun. Jumping between projects keeps momentum up and prevents burnout. Right now we’re halfway through wallpaper removal in the dining room, getting our Phase 1 kitchen updates started, contemplating paint choices for the hall bath and guest room, and brainstorming a two-person office setup with more storage.
How do you organize home projects? Do you use your phone, a notebook, or just keep it all in your head?