Budgets & Costs (of our home renovation) - WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS | XO, MACENNA EP. 6

[@kathrynp7595]

Please don’t feel uncomfortable, this was so educational and am so proud of you and you deserve it!

[@briksization]

Thanks for giving us a budget breakdown! Hearing women talk about money and finances is always so empowering for us other women!

[@CLNSL8]

So agree.

[@jessinprocess]

I 💯% agree with a previous commenter about how empowering it is for women to share and talk about finances! Thank you so much for this video! You and all your content are educational, fun and inspiring! Keep it coming!

[@lauris5708]

It was really generous of you to share this information. People often feel uncomfortable talking about money and budgets and this will undoubtedly be helpful for people who are embarking on this journey.

[@CLNSL8]

So many times we as women feel guilt, when we achieve success and make good financial decisions that we stay away from talking about financial talk. - trolls don't help. Transparency helps other women grow so instead of being jealous, I am grateful that you are sharing such a vulnerable subject. If anyone watched you they cam see your hard work. Thank you again for posting this. I am so grateful for your courage 😊

[@Zhuchkovanna]

Lovely comment, you just shared my thoughts! Thanks!

[@UlricaGrondahl]

Agree! And in addition all her hard work to give us such great content to watch. So fun and inspiring! ❤

[@crustygranola5130]

would really like to see romeo on the podcast if he agrees to join you! i’d love to hear about how you agree or disagree on certain style, design or budget choices and how you guys split the work. honestly just want a bit of romeo’s perspective during the whole cottage journey and your new california home. you guys, including your mom & dad are such inspirations!

[@Zhuchkovanna]

+1!

[@cortneycynefin8009]

yes please!!!!!!

[@rosalagun2678]

Honestly I thought you spent much more, your house is a dream. You have been such amazing inspiration to me. Every time I want to do something to our house my husband starts wondering how much will material and labor cost, and my answer always is “ I’ll thrift it and MaCenna it, no labor needed”.

[@nomadine85]

I gotta say Kinsley was just extra adorable this episode

[@ladominisima]

I hope you're super proud of that kitchen work. That was outstanding. Saved SO much money also 😱

[@maryphillips5173]

Love all your channels. This was particularly enjoyable. I am a 71 year old woman who has always tackled a lot of home projects (not on your level). I found your channel a few months ago and I have been blown away at your tenacity. You are such a force to reckon with and I can't wait to see what you do next. In walking through your new kitchen design, I had thought about how I would do it and I was so happy that your ideas were the same. Keep going Girl!!

[@chrismurray2237]

I am 65 and feel the same way. I thought I was too old but see now lots of things I can still do to enhance my new home in Naples, Fla. I was very resigned to accept what I bought once I retired but now say, no way! I’m young enough to do many of these things and save a whopping amount of money in the process. I love it when young women show me I still have power - especially when inside I feel 25-30 yearS😢 old (okay 25) anyway! ❤️🌸🌺

[@maryoconnor2228]

So refreshing to hear from someone so honestly about finances etc. You worked so hard on the cottage, you've put the value into it along with the love and the beautiful design!

[@DonjeteAhmeti]

Soo happy you didnt press delete on the episode! I have been waiting for this for sooooo long! I appreciate it so much as Im sure everyone else does as well, so thank you 🥰

[@SamMEtravels]

Love the transparency! The outside masonry should be a "worth it" item, simply because they showed up and did a good job!

[@mirandalamour]

Please don’t feel uncomfortable at all! You’ve worked your tail off for this! I’ve followed your channel for so long and it’s soooo inspiring to me to see you tackle everything you desire ❤ it’s inspired me to want to do the same! Thank you for sharing this with us!!

[@jeffvenables4845]

Macenna, you “adult” so well!! I love how you think and evaluate through things. 😃 ~Cathy

[@Jennifer.Greene]

Everyone is talking about the money transparency but honestly also hearing how you cried and had frustrations etc. during the process was interesting as well because you’re always so positive and it seems like nothing phases you but it’s nice to hear that you’re human too!

[@isabellarossy6033]

No one: Macenna’s Followers: LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!!! So thankful for your transparency and guidance. You’re doing great, keep it up!💛

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

This is a fabulous and very interesting podcast , MaCenna. 😀 No one should judge you on how much money has been spent on your property. It's your hard earned money. You and your family have achieved a lot. And dear little Kingsley has kept you all company during this process. 🥰

[@rebeccajohnson2910]

Yay!! I’ve been looking forward to this one! I’m glad you felt comfortable sharing the ins and outs with us!

[@rebeccalovestinyhumans4261]

ME too

[@karacalandrucci9256]

Message I sent my daughter with your first podcast link. “Kiddos! I hope you love this this podcast. She is inspiring. Her work ethic and preparing for the future. It’s doesn’t matter your area of study, it’s her determination. The respect she has for her self and the work. I hope this inspires you. working, going to school; the sacrifices you are making now will pay off big! I can’t wait to see all the wonderful opportunities God unfolds in each of your lives. I know with dedication and hard work your dreams will come true! Love you, Mom”

[@georgefrye8499]

You are very articulate about your projects. Interesting topic. I feel you have given your audience a lot of information to help them on their renovation adventures!

[@boomandbellepunzalan8972]

THANK YOU! These kinds of things need to be shared more! Educational to name the least ❤

[@litwin707]

Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability, hard work and design breakdowns. You’re amazing! ✨

[@Kellyc888]

A huge thank you for sharing this so transparently, my hubby and I brought and remodeled our first house 7 years ago and NO ONE was talking about the costs and the challenges that come along with that at the time and I would have felt so much more assured about our choices if we had someone like you to us through it! Here's to more financial transparency on the internet!!! 🎉

[@suelange4674]

Very interesting. I live in Rochester, MN and paid $1800 for a 20' brown treated wood privacy fence this past Fall (labor and materials). The value of being able to do things yourself is incredible. You should be extremely proud of not only what you've made your two hands, but the savings you've realized in doing it the right way.

[@Elyyy310]

Thank you for sharing the details! It really does help bring a real perspective of what to expect going into a Reno. I live in CA. We’ve gotten a quote to add a bathroom and to renovate the existing Restroom and kitchen, plus to redo all plumbing and roofing. They quoted us $125k a yr ago! I have real hardwood floors and original wooden cabinets but the contractors all say if I want to keep these it would only add more cost. Some even said they wouldn’t do it because it’s just not worth their time! After seeing your kitchen Reno and budget breakdown, I really do want to renovate the kitchen myself, especially because I’d get to keep my hardwood floors and many of my cabinets

[@catherinechandler3250]

Proud to say that I project managed a new house build in 2017 in New Zealand. Back then the square metre rate was $1500 for budget house, $2000 for an average house and $3000 for a high spec house. We built a high spec house for the $2000 rate. We came in on budget and on time. I designed my kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. We spent every weekend on site cleaning up and recycling the rubbish as much as possible. We love our house. I’ve absolutely loved watching your journey Macenna. You ROCK girl!

[@gracesolomons7907]

Macenna, I loved this podcast. I love to hear about the nuts & bolts of home renovations & I always love a good reuse, renew, recycle project. Property is always an investment & you have showed us how to maximise a dollar. I have watched you for the past 4 years & your “tradie” (Aussie slang) experience could put professionals to shame. There’s nothing more empowering to a woman than watching another woman show us the way. I look forward to your episodes on all the channels. I wish you & Romeo the very best in life - curiosity, tenacity & hard work will get you to where you need to be. Thanks for the positivity. On a side note, maybe Romeo can give a cooking class in that beautiful kitchen? We’d all watch - you’re a great partnership.

[@CarlCSmith]

Love the DIY Podcast ❤- With the Drew episode please discuss the work you love about each other's houses and if you swopped houses what would you have done and also have done differently 😉

[@sandieedward993]

Interestingly that would be a well watched episode but sometimes friends just want to be friends & not get too personal on camera but it's a Great idea💡 😘🥰

[@kiriaioulia]

Ooohhh YES! Great questions! I would love to know how each of them would do the others spaces!!!!

[@rj4356]

Omg.....MaCenna! Congrats on being featured on the Rachel Ray Show❣️ You go girl! 🥰

[@sierradigiacomo-maika5883]

This was insanely informative and educational. Thank you, sincerely, for your transparency. I pray no one makes you feel bad about anything, re: money discussion. It took a lot of courage and vulnerability, and I, for one, am very grateful for this share. Thank you!

[@triciaharvey9936]

MaCenna your transparency is so welcoming and helpful. Keep shining so bright! ❤😊

[@JenWilhelm]

I stumbled across your main channel a few weeks ago and have been going back and watching your Texas renovation from the beginning - I'm learning so much! I've also been going through the backlog of your podcasts during my evening dog walk and something you said in this episode really struck me and has had me thinking for days. Essentially, rather than trying to set a budget, design the thing you love, find out how much it's going to cost, and then save for that thing. I LOVE THIS. My boyfriend and I have been saving to build a custom home for a few years now. We're at the point where we could build now, but we'd have to make some concessions. I'm not a patient person by nature but hearing you say that helped eliminate any doubt in my mind that it's better to wait and save for the home I want. So thank you! As a request for a future episode or video, I'd love to hear (and especially see) your mom share one of her "Build This" books the next time you're in Texas! I've been creating something similar (I think) but would be so curious to know what level of detail she provides to the contractors.

[@caps07]

I think buying this house was totally worth it. Not only do u have a beautiful home but the quality of your videos has gone to the next level since then and it's a project that never ends. So you have a lot of stuff for us

[@abbysmith8538]

Really really loved this episode! Your breakdown was so clear and it was so nice to hear your perspective on everything to help others who are in similar situations or even just hoping to take on a renovation project someday. You are such an inspiration and a positive light, thank you for continuing to share your journey with us and being so honest on the ups and downs that come along with it.

[@LoriDalrymple-mp9zn]

You have absolutely nothing to feel uncomfortable about. You are a rare, talented person who is fortunate to have the ability and means to do what you did and do. If people criticize you, it's because they're envious, so please don't apologize. You're totally awesome and your candor is refreshing. 🥰

[@lynnniemi3053]

Thank you for sharing out side of your comfort zone, you saved so much money because you kept all of the re-usable building materials, that alone is so inspiring! I really cannot watch videos of people smashing up walls, etc. with sledge hammers - it is way too wasteful. You took your time and helped the planet!

[@user00616]

Actual budget starts at 35:02

[@karmaremusic]

Thank you for the transparency. You’re a ⭐️ i know this made you feel uncomfy, but it was so amazing to hear someone around my age talk about this stuff.

[@sillyharriet1]

It’s your money, you do what you like with it. No one can deny how hard you work (physically and mentally). You do you

[@lukeminor6272]

I am so happy that you shared it, you showed people what hard work and dedication can do (and definitely save financially by not being afraid of learning new skills) I know my grandma spent over 175,000 in 1994 on her addition and complete remodel of her 3,200 sqft home, including full rewire, plumb, hvac, high end (for that time) appliances and finishes as well as a fully bricked garage and bricked half of house. She is going in again to remodel the entire house (it's seen some water damage and hasn't been touched since then) and was estimated at over 235,000 to remodel the interior and exterior not including the garage or landscape, or driveway) so it really does show just how much things cost. And what DIY really does save.

[@AmeliaGwen]

Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing all of your budgeting and costs! You saved so much through your DIYs, and you honestly spent way less on the renovation than I had initially thought after seeing the quality of everything and how lovely the cottage has turned out. 💜🙌

[@SwayzesDarlingThings]

Your amazing, multiple channels, streaming multiple income, paying off your dream homes ….you do you I’m in love with your aspirations & your energy everything you got going on!!! Your videos are enlightening, your personality is so rich!!! Is that a feeling (I dnt kno) but that’s how much I adore your channel ❤

[@kagancash]

Thank you for being transparent and posting this pod cast ! I know people hate to tell others how much they spent but it helps us know what we need to save when we are looking into doing our own renovations!

[@zoodleinfo]

There is no other channel on the tube like this one. The grace / style / passion is absolutely amazing. I like the fact that she’s a girly girl and a go getter. I know that house almost broke her body down but when you want the best. The very best you’ve got to go for it. My project I may start in 8 months will break me to my core. I will never ever do a renovation to this magnitude again. I’m banking on this one contractor who is not very reliable. But he knows how to build from the ground up. He knows how to deal with code and he knows all the things. I have learned so much from you macenna. So much. I have found deals that I can’t afford if something happens to the items I’ve purchased. There is no way to replace these items.

[@Liza03V]

That kitchen! Woww Mackenna no one would have succeed to build your dream kitchen at that cost. You are a one woman show and we are so proud of you getting out their and accomplishing all those staff! I love your love of salvaging everything and put them back in good use. So proud of you. Just keep going! Ohhh and of course we want your mum back in another episode!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤❤

[@colleenh6657]

Another great podcast! Great information and no need to worry about talking about money. It’s a big part of your project and should be included. One small recommendation is to only use one camera when you’re filming the podcasts alone. I find it very disjointed and expect to see another person when you keep looking away. Definitely two cameras when you have a guest. 😊

[@ravennareins3629]

Some of those prices are eye-watering, but then again I'm from the UK so obviously prices are different but when you think about it in the grand scheme of things, what you've spent on the renovation + the cost of the house for what it's potentially worth that's an amazing return on your money. What's brilliant aswell is all the skills you've learnt but most importantly you saved a piece of history. You didn't take the easy route and destroy what was there, you built onto it & saved it. I wish more people did this

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

I’m from the UK too, can’t believe the cost differences between here and the US we holiday there every year and I don’t know how they feed themselves, food in the supermarket is so expensive. Furniture and accessories are way higher there than here. Our cost of living is so much lower, even with inflation.

[@sandieedward993]

Ditto

[@sharonhenson2203]

You are so beautifully raw and amazing!! I love the breakdown you gave and how you broke it down. I’m so fascinated by your talents!! Take care and thank you for being you!!

[@justinabean94]

omg, THANK YOU! Finances can definitely be uncomfortable to talk about, but there's nothing to be ashamed of. You've worked your butts off to have this and you both deserve it. It's so cool to see how many people you've empowered with your renovation series. Especially how many women and young girls i've seen comment about how capable you've made them feel by teaching yourself things. I do have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much you've spent. With you being in Texas, in the middle of the pandemic, in the middle of a trade shortage and price hikes on building materials, i really estimated you would've spend double or almost triple what you did. Obviously that's still a lot of money (which i'm sure your pocketbook has been feeling lol) but it was much lower than i was expecting your costs to be. This was such a cool episode. thank you again.

[@peggyguerrero5851]

Thank you for your information and transparency. It is a great help to those out there looking to renovate out do projects. Also, congratulations on the Rachel Ray spot. I just saw that and thought OMG! Way to go Macenna! You deserve all your success in all that you do!

[@Anne-pk8gs]

Thank you for sharing. The quality of the renovation you’ve done, in TX, under pandemic & current economic circumstances is amazing & the return on investment will be phenomenal. Your diy’s are inspiring & empowering. What an ambitious endeavor & fabulous outcome. Congrats on your beautiful cottage.

[@deathricegolatt4293]

Loving all your content tfs and kensley so precious

[@marytrokenberg3461]

You’ve actually done a really great job…knowing where to spend and where to save and always there are unpredictable circumstances….but you’ve invested in making a beautiful home and the money value will always be there and increase over time!

[@monicateeling810]

Excellent information for those considering a complete Reno. Good solid honest humble podcast and above all realistic 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✅✅✅👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✅✅✅✅👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@debbiehopkins2315]

Thank you for making yourself vulnerable and talking about the money associated with the renovation! I always appreciate how you tackle life and it’s challenges and look forward to new posts on all your channels! You’re amazing!

[@margaretrosin7853]

It’s amazing how much you’ve accomplished not knowing how to do most of the renovations. The value is incredible and you spent so little money!! Be sooo proud of yourself and Romeo. 😊

[@nataciasamuels]

Wow! What you have accomplished is amazing! I've watched the whole time but to hear the breakdown is impressive. I look forward to each of your videos.

[@colleenjennifer-lynn]

I 💯agree with others when reading how empowering it is to hear women talk about finances. This helps me sooo much. Knowledge is power. ❤

[@jackieanderson6344]

This channel is the most inspiring yet. The kitchen cabinets alone are incredible. Good for you not being afraid of getting your hands dirty and diy such intricate aspects of your gorgeous home. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@newarkhighwildcat15]

Thank you so much for sharing! Don’t be embarrassed or uncomfortable! Money is hard to talk about, but hearing it from a trusted source definitely helps! You’re right when you say knowledge is power! Love you macenna and thank you for everything you do! You inspire me and I hope to grow up and be you one day! ❤️

[@strongernation256]

This woman is a true inspiration.

[@sarahjames9456]

All these costs sound about right. In fact 18 months ago I had to have the concrete replaced in my two car garage. Not a foundation and that cost $5k so your foundation for $20k seems really fair. I’m in Los Angeles and just did a big renovation. I know this is a really touchy subject but it is good to hear this. It helps to have a kind of jumping off point for someone who is considering renovating and hearing a woman talk about it is fantastic.

[@msparis729]

This was so informative and helpful!! I would have thought you spent way more on both the cost of the house and the renovations you've done so far! It's nice to know, thank you so much for sharing! 😊😊❤❤

[@buntglas_]

Thank you for sharing! The same amount of money can seem like a lot or very little depending on where you live, so I can see why your openness may lead to some uncomfortable comments (I hope you don't get too many), but it's such interesting information and I'm sure it will benefit a lot of people currently renovating. Personally (coming from a very expensive city in my country) the cost of the property + reno was rather less than I expected (it's 3/4-ish of the the 1 bedroom I live in lol). But had you not done so much labor yourself, it would have cost multiples of what it did, and you definitely deserve to get the pretty appliances and other things you wanted in return

[@stephaniemaronde6893]

No reason for anyone to be judgemental! It's your money, and if anything you are so much more relatable than rich influencers with millions+ budget. Most of us actually have to diy to afford nice things in our home. I enjoy your content so much and have drawn so much inspo for our home

[@dimaglotube]

Macenna your windows!! You didn't mention how much you saved doing that yourself! I dont think you mentioned it in the DIY podcast either 😊

[@alisedelacey7138]

Great listen...be proud young lady👏👏

[@samanthacuevas3159]

Thank you so much for sharing. I know money things can be uncomfortable to talk about but it honestly should be talked about so much more. I feel like anyone looking to do things like this really appreciates all the information they can get and there’s definitely not enough information out there. I’ve held off on renos because I don’t know if someone is going to try and rip me off since I have no idea where to begin or what I’m doing. I don’t know anyone that has done renos or DIY’s so being able to watch your videos and listen to the podcast helps me build confidence to reach out to people for quotes. Thank you for being someone that provides such amazing information.

[@stephimarion]

It’s really great to see not only the time it took (especially that you are sharing that you continued to save throughout!) but also the cost on more than just the pretty progress 😊 We bought our house in 2019 and we now finally starting to do the expensive changes. 2020-2022 was a challenge for any construction (we are in 🇨🇦)

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

You learned new skills, got fantastic results and gave us great content, I think it was a win, win. Living in the UK our costs are nowhere near what you pay in the US but even so your overall costs were less than I expected.

[@kristiplastino4950]

Sooo interesting. I myself bought a house for around 500k and have dropped 130k over the last 2 years and definitely overpaid due to pandemic inflation, but you do what you gotta do and it's worth it to love your home. All that to say, your details are nothing to be judged, it was an interesting topic and I loved hearing about the breakdown and what things cost in the U.S./ Texas (im in canada where wood was INSANE). I was surprised at the costs of the sheet rock install, but other than that, nothing too surprising because I also built a lot with wood during the peak. Thanks

[@tiffanysmith0704]

Thank you for being honest and talking about the uncomfortable. You have taught me so many things that I never thought I'd be interested in. You are teaching.. knowledge is power. Thank you!!!

[@tameladeaton9957]

I am loving the podcast!! Thank you for sharing Macenna! This is great information for me specifically. I'm dreaming of renovating an older home and this is great to get an idea of costs!

[@freddieblack3751]

I appreciate the transparency because this can still be applied to someone with a completely different budget and income than you. Collecting knowledge from many sources can only help people be realistic about what they can achieve and when. Everyone's plans and opportunities look different but that doesn't mean we need to be secretive about our goals, plans, and money. You're allowed to share and if someone doesn't like it, they are allowed to leave. I'm really happy for you and I know your experience will personally help me in the steps I take in my property journeys and DIY journeys. Thanks for reminding me of what is possible during difficult times!

[@ginasmitasin479]

You worked your bottom off, a lot of people wouldn’t even try. Enjoy that hard work! I bought 2x4’s and plywood in 2019 to do floor to ceiling wall to wall bookcases in two rooms, my husband would have died if I’d paid the 2020 prices.

[@ajh0198]

MaCenna, thank you so much for sharing! This was so educational. I hope everyone has been kind because I really appreciate your honesty. I would be really interested in the breakdown by room when the place is all done, kind of how you did with the kitchen. I’m curious about the bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, and heck even outside!

[@jangriffiths8013]

I think you should be VERY proud of all the work you did yourselves -- especially given that you were learning brand new skills. You didn't let that intimidate or stop you. The house is absolutely beautiful and I love watching as you decorate each space. Stand proud! You've both done great!

[@lauraquigley6403]

Termites are very common in Florida. When I owned a home there I had to consistently get holes drilled and pay the expense because Florida is very humid. Thank you for your honesty on the cottage renovation. I wish we had seen more video’s with your parents helping on the renovation. I felt your quotes were really inexpensive but that could be because I live on the East Coast 30 mins fromNYC. I am sure this podcast will help people that have never done it before!

[@Kayla32454]

Amazing podcast! Thank you so much. I love how transparent you are, it’s not something to be embarrassed of it only helps others. I loved a comment I saw about how woman are scared to share their finances because they get so much hate for being successful. Thanks for being such an inspiring role model

[@victoriafleming8215]

Ps your fireplace rock on the outside is one of my fave parts of the cottage 🤎 And the kitchen and the pillars and the railings… aw flip I can’t decide! It’s all my fave 😅 ♥️

[@janesmith1398]

Thank you, MaCenna, for sharing all your financial details with us. It really helps the rest of us. Much appreciated! I live in the Vancouver market where homes and property are expensive. We were quoted $500 per square foot to build an upper middle quality home two years ago. The cost of materials and lack of tradesmen has driven prices up. Lumber in our area went up 400% during the pandemic. Learing to paint, install tile, and do some basic electrical work does save a lot of money! Habitat For Humanity Restores carry a lot of great things, both new and used, for homes. We bought a door and a window for a fraction of the cost to purchase new ones.

[@walkwithMilo]

Thanks Macenna, listening to podcast on a wet day standing in the food truck with no customers, certainly helped the morning whizz by! Really interesting on how much you have invested in your home.

[@everausten]

Very inspiring and educational. Everyone is in a different position, so the important thing is to make the best decisions for yourself. You've certainly shown that you do the research, make educated decisions, and you allocate for special touches that matter, and save by thrifting, recycling and by doing truly phenomenal amounts of labour yourself - absolutely astounding!! ✨🌙✨

[@intentionalbeauty]

Thank you Macenna. Like the others have said, it’s so inspiring to see you do this and understand what went behind it.

[@coquelicootje]

I loved this episode. I began to watch your videos religiously when you bought and started renovating the cottage. With each project you mentioned here, it was nice reminder of each video I got to watch at the time. I remember how impatient I was in the beginning to see progress on the cottage (or seeing it finished) and how that evolved to appreciate how quality takes time and to see the labor that really goes into such a big renovation. I'm so glad you took me with you on your journey. Thank you.

[@robertdonolli3579]

My husband and I are so proud of you and all your and your family’s work. Especially the windows and kitchen🌸

[@Roroxane]

Thank you so much for being vulnerable and genuine on this topic, budget is such a big part of DIY and it's a shame that people can't talk about it without getting crap for whatever way they decide to spend their money. I think the choices that you made in hiring vs DIYing are very smart and I'm thankfull to you for sharing your method, I wil definitely ask myself "What would MaCenna do? Would she DIY this?" in the future and think back to the choices that you made and the motivations behind them. The result of your carefull spending is a wonderfull cottage that is both a charming, character packed home AND a proper investment, you can be very proud of your choices and your work. PS : shame on anyone who juges you for the amount that you spent or even takling about money at all. It is very clear that you did not just throw money at it without consideration, and any money you have decided to spend was very well earned (see first episode of the podcast, clearly a haaard worker) and you have every right to treat yourself with a house that brings you joy

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

This is so well said! I completely agree with alll of it!

[@Sylvia1976]

You really outdid yourself! By the way, I finished my walkway, and the leveling was totally beastly. I am proud of myself ! Thank you for motivating me. It cost with 160 extra bricks,and the ones I recycled that were good to use & the mallet, it was $132.00!!! I love your podcast and your vlogs!

[@andrealemmond7457]

MaCenna- you don’t ever have to feel uncomfortable about sharing with us! We support you- we love you, and we see how hard it is to do all the things you do and are doing! I agree with others who have said it- with the high costs of everything during the whole C thing, I thought it would have been a lot higher! I’m hoping one day we can either buy land and do a new build or do what you did and add on. We live in a mobile home (first home bought together as H&W and all we can afford at the time) it’s 1152 sq ft. We are busting at the seems and on top of it all we have a child who is special needs and bound to a wheelchair. So in EVERY way, you are giving me hope that we might be able to have our dreams come true- sooner then later! Keep being you! Lots of Love! Oh side note- up here where I live I have 2 good antique malls. The Country fair antique mall in Santa Clarita/Saugus and The antique asylum in Palmdale. Don’t know how far out your willing to go. ❤you

[@LindsPatz10]

Your perspective on budget versus “what I want” is how I plan for home projects as well. I tend to look at my spaces and determine what it needs, then find items that are perfect for that space and save for it.

[@gwendurden5096]

Honey the way I look at it is you earned that money and what you do with it is your business I praise you for all the hard work you did yourself and all the materials that you reused and kept out of the land fill is another plus you are my hero girl

[@veronikaruss9931]

This should be watched by soo many people..for country where Im from it is very typical to DYI things in the house yourself, however nobody is taking the time it takes into consideration..you were doing it all day erry day, for people that only have time over the weekends and after work it can show that it would take them years to complete..but great info for everyone, thanks a lot!!! ❤

[@marygueldenzoph7317]

When I think about all the really hard work you did, from painstaking restoration of all those old windows to the main bathroom to the kitchen cabinets, all the demo, all that you salvage, the details in every space…oh my gosh!! You have so much to be proud of and that house (in my eyes) is priceless-blood, sweat and tears shed for all those months and everything looks high end professionally done. You deserve every good thing that comes your way.

[@doreenb3411]

Forgot to say, awesome episode! You covered everything with such clarity and detail. I’m sure this will be a lot of help to others out there who are tackling a renovation. You never cease to amaze me. I could watch only your channels and podcast and be happy all day long😊

[@1agapim]

🎉 MaCenna, congratulations are in order for both you and Romeo because you have done an incredible and amazing job! In Greece, building a house of that square footage would definitely cost more than 300.000 dollars. An equivalent here would be a house of 185 square metres sitting on an at least 500 square metres property that would cost approximately 500.000 euro. Having said that, rules and regulations for building here are extremely strict and for a good reason (earthquakes!!!), so we use concrete and steel and bricks and other costly materials. There are fewer things to DIY and we need to hire developers and tradesmen for the most part,hence the cost. My parents and my in-laws have built houses of similar size on inherited land, so I am lucky to have that,but renovations are coming up soon and I am getting quotes,so wish me luck!

[@julianakln2628]

I can just look at this adorable sleeping dog during the whole hour 🥰

[@bethwesner5799]

Great job! We have renovated a few houses and did 95% of the work ourselves so I totally agree with you about your journey and do what you can with what you can afford.

[@anushreevk2882]

I love how you reused and repurposed so much of the house. It was so refreshing after watching ppl throw EVERYTHING out. We wanted to fix our deck last year and we din't have the skills or time to attempt it ourselves with a new baby. SO many contractors just talked about removing everything and building a new one. Till we found one guy who essentially salvaged good wooden beams and planks and built us something that was sturdy, looked good and made us happy!

[@HAppytobeHer]

You were on the Rachel Ray show!?!? Congratulations! ❤ you are so inspiring and thank you for sharing such important information