Construction update 1 year anniversary

[@Teabizzy]

Easily my favorite expat content creator. Thanks for the upload. 👍

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

I have been here since the beginning, and I thank God for you brother. I really do. You show people how you can make your life great in the PH even if you are not well off. Even a small studio could look amazing if you hire a few locals and spend just a few hundred bucks. Hmm, can you make a video like "Change your world for $500" or something? Your house was more than that, but you could tell others how a small place could be amazing if you hired locals. That would rock. God bless you, brother.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I will look into that. Or at least something similar to show examples of how it can be

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Thank you so much brother. Your house is looking amazing! I still wish you had taken my idea of your patio concrete flowing up and sloping to your French doors for a smooth transition to the backyard without ever tripping, but you surprise us all wit the choices you have made!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

There will be more work done with the patio

[@-whackd]

I don't understand. Did the renovator spend only $500 on his renovations? I haven't kept up with all the videos just the original one, and in this video so far he hasn't discussed prices for the appliances and remodeling in this vid (I'm 3/4 through). Also, I just read in the comments this guy is renting the property and not leasing.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I am renting and have a lease? You can ask me direct my friend I will answer you. I'm not sure what $500 you're referring to. I thought that was a budget question. There is a new guy here in Porac and he has a studio apartment. I will be doing a video with him and he lives here on maybe $500 a month or less

[@lowtech67]

Its been a year already? Man that went by quick. Its looking great. Looking forward to seeing what else you do. Thanks for the update! You are a real inspiration.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I should have another one soon as a lot of improvements are finally happening

[@corneliusmack8464]

Wow. I'm impressed. Great work.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It's been a long year, I'm glad you think it's coming together nicely!

[@FritzBerlin]

Compliments! You're doing a really good job of combining function, utility and beauty. Aren't you afraid that after 2 years the landlord will say THANK YOU and then slowly say goodbye....

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

That's been the plan since the beginning! So no I'm not afraid.

[@dirtyharry8629]

As for the walls in the kitchen, I think a pale or pastel Orange would blend in with the tiles and still be bright enough for you to enjoy

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes That's pretty close!!

[@arnemcradu6499]

Don’t listen to him! Orange and black/dark brown! Ummm….no.

[@albathoughtsofficial]

Your place is really coming along nicely! I can really hear the happiness in your voice. Can tell you enjoyed making this update video. Once you find the right workers, you are Golden. There will be hiccups of course, but you can handle all those minor inconveniences if you've got good people helping you. That's when the project becomes fun and fulfilling.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I agree 100%

[@b_uppy]

The kitchen looks really nice. I would have opted for white countertops because thrre are timrs its a sanitary necessity. It also reflects light well. The tile is really nice. Like the leaf pattern. It's surprisingly grapphic looking. Think wallpaper in the kichen would be a nice it seems to need an organic touch, too.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you. The kitchen has really evolved as a modern look because of the cabinets. I thought the tiles brought in a good look to it. It was the complication of very dark brown & black when finding tiles that were hard to find.

[@b_uppy]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat You did good!

[@ChrisB-sv1gz]

Really nice! Maybe some big leafy plants along the white wall outside instead of the bamboo.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes I was thinking about doing the wall with like 50 hanging potted plants. That actually is probably a better idea

[@cjpartridge]

It's really coming a long now, will be nice to see once the bamboo wall is finished around the bar area! Can only imagine how relaxing it will be sitting out there on a warm summers night with some music flowing!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

You're right, the bamboo wall is going to change the whole vibe! It was completed today around the corner maybe almost done tomorrow. The vibe change is beyond my expectations

[@Cloony4u]

Great to see you again my friend.Hope your taking time out to enjoy that amazing country.The improvements on house have transformed that place.big mirrors on walls give a place light and space.tc there bud.👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you and thank you for the mirror suggestion too

[@mekon1971]

Look at a "paper bag" finish on the walls. Basically you paint, then take a crumbled up piece of paper and "pat" the wall with it - with that color in the kitchen it adds some "texture" to it - would make your faux leather look "suede" perhaps.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Nice idea. I'm concerned about too much texture with flat paint in the kitchen. But maybe a great idea in the man cave

[@dirtyharry8629]

Wow, that looks great! I have a suggestion for that white wall outside. How about painting the entire wall as a piece of art. Think of like bamboo coconut trees, leaves. Make it look like jungle.😁

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

There will be some more additions on the outside. Lets maybe revisit that when the rest is done

[@kingsdaughter777]

Lovely. Great job! Thanks for sharing your project.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for watching and the kind words!!

[@FjHenderson]

A really nice job and everything looking nice. An idea for lights in kitch for under the cupboards may be led strip lights. You can change colors and most have apps for your phone. And for the Bar, Christmas lights would be a good idea to string around it or even more led strip lights. After Christmas, you can probably pick up the Christmas lights for almost nothing.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes the led strip lights is exactly what I am thinking. Thank you for the comment and suggestions!!

[@Lazy-A-L33]

Darrell, it is really starting to come together.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks you Larry

[@jerrywagner4690]

Watched a lot of your content. You are living your best life. You got a great home base and that's what you wanted.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Exactly Jerry!! Nice to see you again my friend!!

[@wernerbrosel4418]

Wow Dude, you did a great Job. Looks loveley now. Greetings from Germany.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you very much my friend!!!

[@jerrystanley6820]

Looking good man I used to love projects in my younger days when I could work at my own pace and over here theres plenty time and projects for sure your gonna mess around and inspire me 🤣

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I actually hope to inspire a lot of people Haha.. It's comments like this that inspire me!! Thank you Jerry. It's much appreciated

[@South40Slim]

Looks good. You've come a long way.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes it has. But the good news is it can be done on average SS income and a tourist visa

[@mikemccash5387]

Hi dude, what a difference in a year, even tho you still have work to do, it is looking great, I like many others like your videos on province living, cant wait to see the finished article, much respect to yourself, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so Much Mike!!

[@manilajones2269]

WOW Love that outdoor bar! Hope you have many good memories there, Christmas lights at night time....whew.....I miss being there so much.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Come for a visit some time

[@manilajones2269]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat You got it! I retire in January and will return!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

If you're anywhere near Angeles City let get together

[@JurandySanchez]

You are a great interior and exterior designer

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Wow, thank you!

[@YoLoBong-xs3to]

Even if you are retired, it, is nice to have a long project to take on. Keeps your mind and body active. My favorite is the round wall you came up with.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for noticing! It's one of those random ideas that just occurred to me as I was designing. Considering there were two entry ways with in a few feet and not wanting to be too boxy / squared off that's what I was trying to achieve

[@albathoughtsofficial]

@@YoLoBong-xs3to Building or renovating a home gives you a real sense of satisfaction 😊

[@YoLoBong-xs3to]

@@albathoughtsofficial True that, it brings out the artist in me.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It is a creative release for me to. Actually therapeutic too

[@Badger345]

Nice place Great job

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it.

[@Ty-dt8xv]

Vary nice sir 👍👍👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for watching!

[@resourcesforteachersandver6264]

looking good...steady progress.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It has been a year! In some ways fast and in other ways very slow. I guess it is what it is. But I'm happy

[@rovli816]

Amazing man cave

[@CoolBreeze86]

Wow, that looks amazing!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks. It's a labor of love and my hobby too

[@piacash5216]

Awesome video as always 👍👍👍👌💪✌️🙏

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much!! Appreciate that!

[@CincyFireball]

Wow, this is looking stunning! A year later, a big change made. Congrats, and your taste is 😍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much for the compliments.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I see we have a very similar taste in music. BTW I'm your newest subscriber

[@michaelfirestone7440]

LOOKS AMAZING DARYL, GREAT JOB MY MAN.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

You're the best, I appreciate your support!

[@FredFarrell-o4p]

Lot of progress has been done and looking great

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Fred!!

[@redvigil4463]

Good job Amigo .looks like a very comfortable Balay Great job..my hat off to u..

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend. I'm loving it more every day

[@jay-726]

AMAZING

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Jay!

[@nicolacrickmar8829]

Nice to see you again Darrell, hope you are well and health issues stable at least? I Love this house, but I loved it from the start to be honest, the updating progress has been slow but I knew that you are travelling and only putting money into the property when you were there and not travelling. Love the kitchen, and that window looks fabulous. The tiles are nice, and I would imagine putting colour on the walls is going to be a trial and error progress due to the kitchen cabinet colour and the mixture in the tiles. I would try a patch here and there before deciding. Love the wooden bar top and the bamboo stools, cannot wait to see that finished. That garden is made for outdoor gatherings for food and drinks, or to laze and chat in on colourful hammocks and garden chairs here and there. The mancave is interesting, I like the curved walls, the already replastered was looks nice and smooth. The granite work top sounds nice and I know a few wall units will set the small kitchenette off, as I know you are not creating a full blown kitchen here, you're just giving the mancave an opportunity to be able to make a sandwich and a coffee. Cannot wait to see the next addition to the mancave. On to the bathroom, which I know it is far from finished, but now it is useable! Whereas before I personally couldn't even have taken my shoes off in there let alone clean my teeth or consider a shower it certainly has been improved and appears cleaner too! Lol. Thanks for the great video well presented and narrated to your usual excellent standard. I really must check your channel to see if I have missed any of your videos it seems to have been a while since I last saw you. Meanwhile take care of yourself and your two fur babies......

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

That you Nicola. I always love your thoughtful messages. Maybe someday if you make it here I will give you a tour. Take care my friend

[@CarnivoreJarhead]

I admire how you make the most with the least. Nice work

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend!!

[@watjejanssen7535]

nice to see the house getting more beautiful all in time,bit by bit cheers !

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes on a budget but I have forever

[@MrMunjacake]

Bravo....... no such thing as too much bamboo .... carry on

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Hahaha... Thank you!!

[@johnholiday1129]

Really nice work! Amazing improvements.. and another great video thanks!!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you John. Glad you like it

[@danp1043]

Darrell, you're an answer to a long time prayer, and I can't thank you enough. For years, I've watched other Utubers tell people that if they didn't have a pension or SS of thousands of dollars, all they could find in the Philippines would be a bamboo shack with a hole in the back to do your business in. I lived in central Mindanao many years ago and know that that's not true, but since it's been many years since I lived there, I felt it wasn't my place to challenge them on it. I've watched guys come into their channels that only have a small SS income and get their hopes and dreams completely destroyed, and frankly, it hurt seeing it. I've been down and out in my life, and I know what it's like to get your hopes shattered. Now, finally you come along and show people it CAN BE done and for that, I cannot thank you enough. Now I can send less fortunate guys to your channel so they can see with their own eyes and learn how to do it. You're truly a gift from God and I know that your work will give a lot of people their dreams back. Thanks!!! By the way, the place is gorgeous!!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much for your kind words and I'm happy to help people achieve their dreams. Thats actually become the main purpose of my channel. It's very rewarding to share my experiences and give others hope in the process. My goal is not to be a star on you tube but to be an example to everyone men and women. To show what is possible & what can be done if you only try a little. It is my hope that is the way it comes across

[@danp1043]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat You come across as a very talented, normal guy, that's worked hard all their life and now want to enjoy the time remaining to you to the fullest, which sadly has become impossible now for most of us in our homelands and you're kind enough to share with others how you're doing it. You're very real and very down to Earth and I have a feeling that even if you had a million subscribers, you'd still be you. Thanks again.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I would not change regardless of how many subscribers I have. If I ever got to a million it would be because I am who I am. So it would make no sense to change if I got a lot of subscribers

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Looks super nice , EPE thanks for sharing your remodel .

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for watching.

[@jamesblevins1235]

I just want to say thank you. I enjoy your thoughtful content. Please continue to share your thoughts and experiences. Peace and blessings. Thanks again

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for your support!

[@rorybellamy2533]

Decorative paint techniques can be two similar or contrasting colors blended onto a wall or ceiling as a suede brush look , or sponge or rag dabbing to a subtle cloudy look . your remodeling is going well. will there be a Garden party LIVE in the back yard ?

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes actually. They have house blessings here and I will live video when that day come. I just need to finish the man cave

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

You may not be a professional interior designer, but maybe you should be! 😊 I love the kitchen & your plans for that. You did a great job choosing a coordinating wall tile. I like your idea of the lightest color in the tiles to be used as at least part of your kitchen walls. My only suggestion is to be sure you use a washable paint in the kitchen. Your outside bar is beautiful. I LOVE the countertop & bamboo & those stools are gorgeous! Your home is going to be beautiful when you're done. You have such awesome vision.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I really appreciate you taking the time to give such detailed feedback and suggestions. It really means a lot!

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Thank you so much. My pleasure.

[@gobfranklin6759]

Looking great!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!!

[@user-auntnellie]

This is magnificent!!!!!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Janelle!!

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Looking good.😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks, I'm excited about how it's coming along!

[@ari-ks4cv]

looking good! the kitchen cabinets look great with the caramel color peeking through, really looks rich it also makes the other wise black cabinet doors interesting. it provides a contrast and gives definition. I like the idea of caramel colored walls and it would also highlight the cabinets. a black fan to match the French doors would look good. thanks for the video.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the comments and ideas.

[@traciw71]

Great Job! Looks so nice.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks! It's a real labor of love.

[@dennissaner2151]

I know it may be prohibitive for you but have you considered using some stonework on the outside wall? Something that would not compliment the bamboo. Maybe like a chair rail design halfway up, and then a stucco type wall above the stone? Or maybe something that would compliment the tile work of the bar? I've always like how the use of stucco brings boldness to a home. Just my opinion.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

The wall is only 5' or less so no I didn't want to dress up the existing and the look of bamboo and it's 8' high. I used to build decorative very large custom stone walls when I retired so also familiar with that

[@bryanlonger8646]

Good job.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Bryan

[@lanec5672]

Impressive! The owners of that place are surely going to love you... 😍😉

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I think they are more amused since there has been to tear it down. In the future they plan to build a larger more modern home in a few years when they plan to retire

[@Daniel-on9op]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Honestly, I find it amusing, also. I still really enjoy your content and I don't think it foolish what your doing, just amusing, considering your a tenant. You have good vision and I like your taste. I really enjoyed Ecuador, btw. I told you that I was headed there a few months back. I would say that it is not quite as affordable as the Philippines, but still quite affordable. The average wage there, for the average worker, seems to be around 2.50-3.50 an hour. Two upsides for me would be a VERY temperate climate in the Andes ( I love Cuenca's climate) and the fact that foreigners can own real estate there. Keep doing you, my friend, and I will keep watching.

[@lanec5672]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat What? They're going to tear it down? Un-be-lievable! I guess you have to laugh, to keep from crying.. 😅

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

But I knew that moving in Haha.. They bough this property for the land.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

When you consider what I have into the property and the term it's a good deal. So by the end of the term it's good for both of us. And in the mean time it's not an eyesore in the neighborhood

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Congrats.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!

[@manuelr1405]

coming along nicely bro.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Manuel

[@olispitts]

super nice job

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you very much!

[@saulgoodman7221]

I had a thing for big clocks for a while. I wanted to do what you said at one time. Looks good brother. This would be the way to go instead of building on another person’s property. Can’t own the land anyway. Lock in cheap rent for improvements and your Filipina can continue renting or not when we die. All in all either way the original owners will have a nice place in the end.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Truth be told in my case, with Filipina or not. I didn't have the cash to buy. So this has been my only option

[@PaulAshton-affiliate.]

Wow, You Are Making A Great Little Place There, With Spending A Little Money When You Can, There Has Been Great Improvements That You Have Made From The Start, You'r Going To End Up With A Very Nice Place In The End, And I Think The Owner Will Like What You Are Doing With His Place. Great Update.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes they are happy so see nice things happening

[@kennyh5083]

very nice!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for watching!

[@bobrunde2755]

wow i like what is done so far.cool and clean .

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Bob!!

[@Chellann9591]

Wow! It has come a long way. I really love all of it. The kitchen is beautiful. Great tile choice. Also loving that bamboo fence. And what a steal on those barstools. They’re gorgeous! Congrats on your achievement. Looks great

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks! I'm so happy with how it's all coming together.

[@garrycarlos4135]

Nice

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Garry

[@Marnox]

Good job, looks neat!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks!

[@LoriL010]

It's looking really good. They make an epoxy paint specifically for tile that you apply with a roller. I've seen youtube videos of painted tile floors and walls and they look really good and they've all said that it's held up really well years later. It might be an option if your current tiles don't clean well.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

That's a good idea if it still look hideous when I'm finished with the install and cleaning. The bathroom actually still has a ways to go I just didn't talk about it yet

[@brian_atc]

I like how you consider culture into your plan with an outdoor seating area and local materials such as the bamboo.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you. After being here a while it seems like a natural thing to do.. The walls are only about 5ft high and I wanted something a little higher. It's hard to express how much better it is looking

[@haroldsandiego9975]

Looking good 👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks Harold 👍

[@FlipElliott2]

👍👍👍👍 LOOKING GOOD BROTHER !!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend. I'm pretty happy with the progress.

[@FlipElliott2]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat How did your Baguio place make out with the last typhoon ??

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

No ready Damage. But a few weeks earlier there was a and slide about 30 yeads away next door

[@lzu2860]

Hi, Darryl. Love your new digs. Ludy in NY. I hope to visit there someday.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks Ludy! Come on down and visit anytime you get the chance!

[@RayH-]

I think that piece of wood on the kitchen cabinet looks nice. You have brown in the tile. Stain it.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I actually already started on it lol. Thank you for the suggestions

[@wearemysticking]

It's all looking good and coming along nicely. You're doing a great job 😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!! Much appreciated

[@jesperfrer1162]

Great update D, happy to see you are thriving.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Much appreciated bro!!

[@spmrosepi1]

You have done a great job making this home. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching

[@araceliedwards9323]

Very, very nice! I love the tile choice!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you. I am happy with how it turned out so far and working to finish. Now also working to finish the bathroom too.

[@alexajero8523]

Slowly but surely Daryl, excellent improvement on your rental place!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Alex!!

[@antonettecastro6387]

such an impressive outcomes! where did you get those brilliant ideas??? so inspiring! Congratulations!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you! 😊

[@linkinemerson8620]

Hey Darrell my friend:) No risk of Talus jumping 8 feet, the walls are looking really good. I think a small covered bench fit into the concrete bracing is perfect since it is right by the bar it's just another sitting option. I'm not sure if you could find someone, but with a light plaster update on that outer wall I thought of a splash by having a local artist put something there. I'm blanking on what, but had the general thought.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

You always have such good ideas. Whats the update on your timing?

[@linkinemerson8620]

The renter were late leaving but finally left today. The place needs a lot of cleaning & a few fixes but it's within my timeline. I am still hoping for March/April. I think that's enough time for things to be sold & time to travel & see the few folks before I fly out.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Nice plan. I hope to have the Man Cave finished by then. Almost done with the house

[@linkinemerson8620]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Right on. I will prolly share pics once I clean the house up. Im leaving for there right after this comment & plan on a full day there I hope to have all the cleaning done, thenI can inventory what repairs need to be done. If I have time I will do the touch up paint I can if the paint is still good I still have when I painted all the rooms there.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Good luck my friend. Have a chill day knowing it's only a matter of time and you won't need to do this again.

[@senseofstile]

Looks great

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for watching!

[@joekahno]

In the business world it's so common to lease a property for the location then remodel to suit that it's almost the default. It's just rare to see the concept in play for residential property. The only thing I would consider doing differently is dipping into my reserve for comfort mods early then pay the money back in during the later part of the lease. The "all up" price for my time there would stay about the same but I'd have more time to enjoy the mods before moving on. If you're going to stay in the same general area, there is also the intangible that property owners usually have friends that also own property. As people hear about what you're doing with this place the range of options for your next lease keeps getting larger.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

That would have been great but I only had $50 to my name when I signed the lease. I had just come back from a long traveling trip. If I had savings I would have finished this a long time ago. When I state I am doing this from my Social Security income that is an actual, literal fact.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you. It will be awesome when it's finished

[@joekahno]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Been Here, Done That. This time I knew I wasn't going back so I got my assets as well as my ass out of California. If I run into a medical problem I can't handle here, there is a clinic in Bangkok run by a former head of Johns Hopkins that supposedly has reasonable rates.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Nice plan. Where in Ca were you from? I remember when I was sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off. I smiled when I'm thought. I'm never going to contribute to the delinquency of the Ca state government. It had long since gotten out of hand. Ca. used to be such an awesome place to live.

[@joekahno]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat From Wisconsin originally, when I exceeded my lifetime maximum of sub-zero winters I moved to the high desert northeast of Bakersfield. It was only a hundred miles or so from Death Valley as the crow flies if you can find a crow with a death wish. The small town I was in for my last decade stateside had a large percentage of homes owned by people in Bakersfield that could afford a summer home or retirement property in the hills. As that generation moved or died those homes were taken over by squatters and meth labs. When I left they were progressing from asking the government to steal on their behalf, to cutting out the middle man and robbing people directly. No...just, no.

[@mikefay100]

WOW!! You have done an amazing job! Sheer artistry 🤩

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend!!

[@audramitchell9894]

Great french doors , I remember the video from a year ago ..great update 💚🌲💚 At my old place , I had a window over the kitchen sink , I miss it . I'd see wild life such as deer & wild turkey . Making washing dishes more interesting .

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!! I really wanted light coming in there but also it wasn't so pretty out the and that's why I went with glass block

[@audramitchell9894]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat well , that makes sense than . The kitchen tile is unque and interesting . Conversation worthy

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!!

[@RobsCrazyAdventuresInCostaRica]

Great stuff as always bud! Keep living the dream my friend! 😎👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much! I'm loving it here and feel so blessed!

[@mariagar5758]

Wonderful 👍 updated house! Thanks again for sharing your amazing content. Enjoy your hump day 🎉

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for watching! Nice to see you again Maria!

[@allanfahrenhorst-jones6118]

Excellent job. Looking good so far, be nice on the next update. 👍❤️😇

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for the support! I appreciate it.

[@terryashley4674]

I watched for a second time today.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Terry. Did you see things the second time you missed the first time? Sometimes I wonder if I move too fast. I also don't want to bore people with slow moving videos

[@topjames-b8e]

looking good

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend!!

[@stanleyboothe4893]

Excellent job! Make it your own Paradise.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Stanley!!

[@perryhenrickson7750]

I see things are right on track for you. Your no rush approach is working bud.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for noticing Perry. I was talking with a subscriber who visited me here at the house. We talked about the stress of living in America versus here. So what came first, the Chicken or the egg. Or what came first, less stress or patience. I've changed since I've been here for the better.

[@Tusrista]

Nice to see you keep yourself busy. I really like the idea of a swivel TV in the corner of the kitchen. All that's missing is the billiards table!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

The Billiards table was an original idea for the man cave lol!! Good Thinking

[@robertanderson2142]

its coming along nicely

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Robert!!

[@ingram4u2]

Awesome brother!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Ron!!

[@erf1971]

Great journey brother, it's really coming together. I do remember when you first walked in this place and I thought "Oh no, it's a lot of work", but with patience and commitment you are getting there. Congrats!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much! It's amazing what you can do with a little bit of effort, and patience. Especially on a low budget

[@bayoumanbryan]

Darrell thank you for showing us your home it looks really good, if my bathroom was that far from the bedroom id have to make a different arrangement because i get up to pee about once an hour lol.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

The bathroom just turned a corner and still has a ways to go before I'm finished with it

[@scottjohnson921]

Looking good! You should really re-tile that bathroom. Tile is cheap, labor is cheap, you can probably do it for a few hundred dollars.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I might. waiting until it's cleaned and see how it turns out

[@Nauti-Buoy]

Great tile (back splash) choice.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!!

[@margaritag.9483]

The bamboo wall looks great! That patio area is going to look so nice when it’s all done. Get yourself some bright colorful baskets or bowls for the kitchen counters to give it a little pizazz ! 🥳🌞 It’s looking good!🎊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Great Idea! Thank you for the compliments

[@michaelmcgonigle4315]

Great job.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Michael

[@AC-kp8sp]

Nice job

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks! It's been a long journey.

[@Karmah01]

It is gorgeous!! I'm jealous.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Karmah!. You guys should come for a visit

[@JohnSmith-ti2kp]

Really impressive.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you John!!

[@johnhansen4550]

great progress!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you John