Update: Recent Project

 I have some amazing updates to share with all of you, on my recent home project in the Junction Triangle. There is definitely noticeable progress since I posted the before pictures, and it's making me very excited! Check out my pictures below as well as my tips and tricks thus far.

Exterior

Doesn't the front already look a lot nicer without the orange brick? I had the wrought iron railings removed and they will be replaced with wood which will look more modern. Originally I wanted to paint the outside a dark grey colour, but since the shingles were brown and did not need to be replaced, I had to go with a warm tone that would match the shingles. So I settled with "Nile Sand" from Behr paint, which can be purchased at Home Depot, the window trim will be painted chocolate brown allowing for some contrast, I think it turned out great!

Custom Made Mailbox

My wonderful contractors surprised me with this custom made mailbox, which they made out of spare wood, it looks amazing with the new exterior colour and if you know me well, you know that I LOVE surprises, how thoughtful!

Backyard...before

Looks pretty scary and the neighbours backyard (which I can see) is even scarier!

Backyard...now

The backyard is starting to look better. The contractor built a couple of flower boxes along with a knee wall around the raised concrete garden (which I had no idea what I would do with) and turned it from an eye sore to a focal point in the backyard. He kept all the lines clean, simple and consistent which is very important for a cohesive look.

Now I actually have some big plans for this raised concrete garden, can't wait to share the pictures when it's done!

New, functional gate and high wall so I don't have to look into my neighbours scary backyard, it's truly turning into a private oasis.

Inside...before


Inside...now

I knew there was brick lurking behind those old walls so I sent my contractors on a mission to uncover it. After chiseling away 3 inches of lathe and plaster, this is what they found! A functional brick fireplace was discovered in the living room as well as a brick wall near the entry way by the stairs. I plan on leaving both exposed and just cleaning up the brick, as based on my experience, people LOVE exposed brick. I also plan on doing wonderful things with the stairs that will accentuate the brick wall further, so excited!!!

The walls are coming down on the main floor, what a difference!

Tips & Tricks

• if you're planning on painting the exterior of your home, make sure to always match the paint colour to your shingles, don't forget, curb appeal gives buyers their initial first impression
• make sure to use a high quality paint like Behr, if you're planning on painting the exterior of your home. Not only does it give your home a better look, it will withstand our nasty winters for a longer period of time. There's nothing worse then having to repaint after a couple of years, it is an unnecessary expensive that can be avoided
• if you want to update your home either because you're selling or just looking for a change and don't have all the capital to do so, think about applying for a interest free credit card like the Home Depot consumer credit card. Once you spend more then $299 in a single transaction (so I suggest you buy everything you need one time) you don't pay interest for 6 months! This allows you to save up some more money within the 6 months while being able to renovate right away. Or if you're planning on selling, you can pay off the money owed after you sell your home and receive the proceeds (granted it happens in the 6 month time period). Keep in mind to pay off these credit cards within their time periods as interest rates tend to be astronomical after the free interest period
• thinking of updating your backyard fence to something more modern and clean? Why not try placing the panels horizontally, as shown above, versus the traditional vertical way. Pressure treated wood (used above) is a great cheap alternative, but if you're going all out, then cedar is a better option as it looks and smells great!
• another great tip for a fence is, if you already have existing wood posts that are sturdy, then use them for your new fence. Digging new holes and placing new posts is costly and labour intensive. This also works for metal posts, just get rid of the chain link fence, cover the metal posts in wood and attach your new panels
• if you uncover a brick wall or fireplace, leave them exposed, trust me, buyers love that!

Well, that's all I got for now, but I will post more tips and tricks as the project progresses. In the meantime, what do you think of the progress already made?
Also, if you have any questions, make sure to contact me, I will do my best to answer your questions!