crystal falls

Super tiny budget, huge renovation

This cabin was in dire need of a complete overhaul, requiring creative vision to reimagine its interior. With determination as my guide, I fearlessly stripped it down to the bare studs, taking on the monumental task of transforming the space. The challenge encompassed a comprehensive renewal of both the interior and exterior on a budget of less than $50,000. The job included a new deck and fresh coats of paint on both the house and 900-square-foot garage, a fully revamped kitchen, two additional second floor bedrooms and a complete bathroom upstairs. The project included the installation of new flooring, windows, drywall, a rebuild of the interior staircase and so much more—all accomplished while maintaining strict adherence to budget.

To bring this grand vision to fruition, I embraced the role of a hands-on laborer, spanning a multitude of disciplines. I learned the art of hanging drywall, the precision of laying flooring and tilework, and I also contributed manually to the framing process. The responsibility of painting the entire interior and crafting the finishing touches of trim work fell solely on my shoulders.

This transformative project offered me invaluable insight into the intricate nuances that transform a mere house into a bright new haven. It provided an extraordinary opportunity to learn how to empathize with homeowners while making critical decisions that balanced aspirations with budget constraints. Navigating financial parameters as the acting designer for this project necessitated ingenuity and resourcefulness, stretching me to exercise creative problem-solving skills. Amidst limited funding and an immense workload, I successfully shaped a warm and inviting space using innovative solutions.