Whole-House To-Do List: Room-by-Room Checklist

Exciting times! Operation “Ditch the Blue Trim” is underway. While we’re busy removing blue trim on the second floor (four bedrooms, a long hallway, and about ten doors), we wanted to share our house renovation to-do list. If you’re here for trim-painting photos and tips, we hope to wrap that up and post a full update by Wednesday.

People have asked how we organize all the projects, and it basically comes down to one long, constantly updated document. Lots of readers asked to see it, and sharing publicly helps us stay motivated—plus crossing things off the list is oddly satisfying. Below is our brain dump for the new house. Plans will evolve as we live in the space, but right now this is everything bouncing around our DIY-loving heads.

– The Front Yard (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove the fast-spreading groundcover.
• Remove dead or diseased trees (inspector confirmed which must go).
• Aerate, level, and seed the lawn.
• Create and mulch planting beds along the front.
• Repaint exterior siding and trim to address peeling paint and some rot.
• Redo the cracked concrete walkway from the driveway to the front door—add curves and planting beds on both sides.
• Add low hardscaping and consider raised stone beds inspired by landscaping we love.
• Plant a few dwarf green maples for a similar look to what we planted at our current house.
• Add exterior uplighting for nighttime charm.
• Add low curved brick borders along the driveway and wire them with low-voltage lights.
• Pave the driveway.

– The Portico (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Repaint the portico to address widespread peeling paint.
• Consider arching the portico ceiling to make it feel taller and more elegant.
• Add planters, a new doormat, and updated porch lighting.
• Paint the front door—leaning toward a rich emerald or a glossy red.

– The Garage (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Repaint garage doors and add hardware to give them a stronger look.
• Add a pergola over the double garage doors with climbing vines.
• Finish the garage interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage—pegboards, shelving, and tool organization.
• Reuse kitchen cabinets in the garage if they can’t be salvaged for the kitchen.
• Redo the four steps from the garage to the kitchen (replace old carpeting and either repaint or rebuild).
• Build a rolling box for scrap wood storage to keep pieces organized.
• Consider painting old lockers in fun colors and removing some doors for open storage.
• Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area.

– The Foyer (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove the old carpet from the stairs to reveal the wood.
• Repaint the blue trim in the foyer, including stair balusters.
• Remove wallpaper and repaint the walls.
• Remove doors that impede flow into the kitchen and block the future view of back windows or french doors.
• Consider gates or a stair runner later, once we’ve lived in the space.
• Replace or refresh the foyer light fixture.
• Replace tile only if it’s beyond salvage.
• Convert the deeper foyer closet into a craft and toy closet with shelves to hold Clara’s things.

– The Half Bathroom (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old wallpaper.
• Repaint blue trim and the door.
• Upgrade door hardware and hinges.
• Paint walls and replace the vanity.
• Install a larger, higher mirror.
• Upgrade lighting and replace the floor tile if necessary.
• We’re open to adding a new, tasteful wallpaper here since it’s a powder room—grasscloth or another subtle pattern could be fun.

– The Dining Room (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Refinish and recoat the wood floors.
• Update the built-ins—consider removing ornate tops, extending to the ceiling, and painting them white.
• Repaint blue trim and remove wallpaper.
• Upgrade lighting, add curtains, furniture, a rug, and art.

– The Living Room (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Refinish and recoat the wood floors.
• Prime and paint the bright pink walls a more calming color.
• Remove heavy curtains and refresh window treatments.
• Prime and paint the lower woodwork white to brighten the room.
• Lighten the brick fireplace wall as an initial step; later consider new tile or a stone hearth and gas logs.
• Add more recessed lighting for even illumination.
• Consider turning overhead beams into a coffered ceiling.
• Plan for a built-in-style cabinet for the TV, depending on furniture layout.

– The Office (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Replace curtains and refinish the floors.
• Paint walls, trim, and ceiling.
• Add a double desk work area and built-in storage—possibly around the bay window.
• Bring in bookcases or file storage, add window treatments, and hang art.
• Install bulletin boards or chalkboard sections for brainstorming.
• Add large potted plants in front-facing windows.

– The Kitchen (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove wallpaper, paint walls, and replace curtains.
• Convert the large triple window into french doors to access the deck.
• Open the wall between kitchen and living room and add built-ins on either side, similar to built-ins we like in other rooms.
• Prime and paint the lower wall woodwork.
• Complete a full kitchen renovation: replace linoleum, damaged cabinets, laminate counters, poor lighting, and outdated appliances.
• Consider heated floors under new tile, possibly extending into the foyer and hall bath if current tile is unsalvageable.
• Organize the pantry with pull-out drawers, bins, and containers; paint or replace the door for personality.
• Upgrade the command center area opposite the triple windows.
• Paint new french doors and the sunroom door—debating black, charcoal, soft turquoise, or white.
• Add an under-sink water filter and pendant lighting over the sink and eat-in area.
• Create a drop zone for coats and shoes—possibly in the garage if space allows.

– The Sunroom (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpet and padding and address lingering odors in the concrete.
• Stain or paint the concrete as a Phase 1 fix and remove the broken base heater permanently.
• Long-term: retile the floor with outdoor-safe stone and convert this space into an open covered porch with new columns and no sliders.
• Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint it a soft blue; consider building an outdoor brick fireplace off the sunroom later.

– Our Bedroom (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwood floors.
• Repaint cream trim and doors and refresh ceilings and walls.
• Add built-ins across the window wall with window seats, hidden storage, and display shelves.
• Install a ceiling light fixture and consider subtle textured wallpaper on the ceiling.
• Add art, curtains, and wood blinds to control afternoon sun.

– Our Bathroom (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Completely redo this bathroom: the blue hex floor tile is worn and we want to expand into the sink nook to create one larger, cohesive space—options include a soaker tub, a tiled shower, or a double sink.
• Add privacy at the window with frosting or a window treatment.

– Our Closet (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Repaint cream trim and install a new light fixture.
• Design and build a full closet system with cabinetry, drawers, shelves, and varied hanging heights.

– Upstairs Hallway (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods.
• Replace or refresh hallway light fixtures.
• Repaint blue trim and doors glossy white and replace corroded hardware.
• Convert the linen closet into open built-in shelving or cabinets.
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat and add crown molding.
• Consider adding thick wood wainscoting to break up the long hallway.

– Clara’s Room (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods.
• Repaint blue trim and doors, add crown molding, and install a ceiling light.
• Consider a wall of built-ins or bookcases around the windows.
• Build a bench seat in the closet nook with beadboard on the ceiling and wallpaper on the back wall.
• Refinish Clara’s dresser and add leather pulls, plus window treatments and art.

– Spare Room / Possible Future Nursery (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods.
• Repaint mauve trim and doors and refresh ceilings.
• Hold off on major decorating until the room has a purpose (potential nursery for baby #2).
• Add crown molding, a ceiling light, window blinds, and curtains.

– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods.
• Repaint cream trim and doors.
• Bring in a bed and a multi-use dresser/desk for sewing and crafting; organize the closet with shelving and bins.
• Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture.

– The Hall Bathroom (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Complete bathroom overhaul—replace stained or cracked tile, update tub and fixtures, and choose new tile patterns such as herringbone or long rectangular planks.

– Laundry Nook (1% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove old carpeting and install hardwoods, with the washer placed on a metal tray for leak protection.
• Renovate the nook with new doors for sound control, energy-efficient appliances, new counters, and cabinets.
• Add a tile backsplash, art, and task lighting to make it a pleasant utility space.

– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• For now this will remain a large storage area. Long-term dreams include finishing it as a movie or bunk room with drywall, flooring, lighting, closets under the eaves, built-in beds, a TV, and a big sectional.

– Whole House Improvements (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Upgrade all lighting to LEDs to save energy.
• Replace outdated switchplates and outlet covers throughout the house.
• Slowly upgrade frames, drapes, sheets, and curtain rods over time for a more polished look.

– The Back Deck (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Power wash, stain, and seal the deck; replace rotten or warped boards.
• Remove a large oak tree that’s too close to the foundation.
• Build a pergola off the back of the house for shade near the future kitchen french doors.
• Build or source outdoor furniture for the deck.

– The Backyard (0% Complete) –

To Do:

• Remove random slate paths, aerate, and reseed the lawn.
• Transplant plants for a better layout and add privacy plantings like holly bushes.
• Build a wooden playhouse tucked into the woods for Clara and add a swing set.
• Plant an edible garden and build raised planters and hardscaping.
• Redo the cracked concrete walkway between garage and deck and add a patio area.
• Create a wooden lean-to hideaway with vines and build a wood cover for the air-conditioning unit.

In summary, we have a long list of renovation and landscaping projects across the house. We love the process of upgrading a home and tend to enjoy the journey more than racing to the finished result. Our approach is flexible: we tackle what we’re in the mood for unless something is urgent or a safety concern. We also like to live in a space a while before gutting key areas like kitchens or bathrooms so we can better understand how we use them.

Before moving in a few weeks, our priority items are:

• Repaint all second-floor trim and doors.
• Install new hardwood floors in the four bedrooms and hallway.
• Remove heavy floral curtains from several rooms.
• Remove extra doors on the first floor that block flow between rooms.

Those are up next. How do you manage your home renovation lists—apps, paper, post-its? How do you decide what to tackle next? Any tips for staying focused and enjoying the process?