Philippines cheap rental remodel update

[@joem1070]

Was a design/build contractor for 40 years and I still love remodeling. Keeps me moving rather than sitting on my ass and functions as a creative outlet. LOOKS GREAT!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much, I love to remodel too! And this project is really helping me move along!

[@ChristopherWood-gk9ui]

I like the kitchen cabinets and sink area,very modern looking...says a lot about who you are,great job!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you

[@Soeninthephilippines]

I think it would look a little better if it was a darker brown... I've been here for about 4 months now in Anupul Bamban, also living on social security...got married and built my own house here and now addicted to your vlog 😊

[@Soeninthephilippines]

Guess i better become a member since we're neighbors and all ...

[@cjpartridge]

I really like that color in the kitchen area, I think you want to keep it a lighter color too, or at least lighter on one wall, as it helps the sunlight bounce around and keep things nice and bright during the day - if you get too dark, it can make the room feel smaller and more claustrophobic, and require you to run the lights more often. The bar and bamboo are looking awesome too, can't wait to see it all tiled!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you much for the comment. It keeps me inspired to continue

[@Cloony4u]

I like the peachy brown colour,keeping it light is best in a small place.doing a live chat will be great,have so many things to ask you.tc my friend and keep safe and enjoy life.👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

@@Cloony4u Okay I will do that soon

[@albathoughtsofficial]

1) You've hit on an awesome and viable strategy for Expats. Rent cheap property, medium to long term lease, customize according to your budget. Fantastic! This is absolutely brilliant on so many levels 2) It should inspire and encourage many more Expats to retire in the PH and enjoy life in the province 3) the Doubters don't understand the math, but this makes perfect economic sense, 4) plus you get to make the place exactly as you want it, 5) great alternative to renting a sterile condo 6) your strategy literally follows the age old adage of leaving the world a better place than when you arrived. Sounds like a win win. 7) Finding the right workers is key, once you do that, it becomes a fun project. 8) In the Philippines, you can just go to your local Wilcon Depot (like Home Depot), speak English to the super friendly customer service staff, and get everything you need. Minimum stress. 9) like all the latest improvements. I don't know if it's your camera or my display, but the wall color looks good, does not look flesh colored at all... Looks a kind of light stucco orange... 👍👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for the awesome comment and encouragement. I agree, I'm also having a lot of fun! Correct and all counts

[@jspbipro]

Agree with one caveat...find a landlord you can trust and even then taking a leap of faith that original terms will be honored. Making a dilapidated property into the showpiece of the neighborhood could be the incentive for that. I'd say what you see here is the exception and not the rule but certainly possible if very careful.

[@rustyevolution6298]

A medicine cabinet with a mirror above the bathroom sink is always needed. It provides storage for toothpaste, medicine, shaving products, and a first aid kit. Add a small shelf on the shower wall for shampoo etc. Towel bar! Two towel bars is even better. One by the sink and one by the shower. Be cautious about a fan blowing into a bathroom as it can blow some of the moisture into the house which you definitely do not want. Two fans are kind of overkill but if you do decide to do it then make sure the exaust fan is of higher volume than the intake fan so the room is at negative pressure. Your place is looking great!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes. I will need to make a decision soon about that. Thank you for the suggestions Rusty

[@sonhuynh8222]

I really like the bamboo wall ….. looks like a resort setting

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes I wanted the resort atmosphere. The walls are not as tall as they look so now they are 8' high

[@davidkaiser810]

I was one of those that thought it was a waist putting that much money into a rental property until you said that it is a hobby, thats when it resonated with me, when I think back on the hobbies that I have had and the fun I had, it is all worth it

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

yes thank you. The good news is I get to enjoy it on going

[@nicolacrickmar8829]

Everything in the house is now progressing fast, and looking absolutely gorgeous. I don't think you have wasted any money improving your living conditions on a rented house, as your rent is hardly rent....I pay more than that just on my water bill! Unsure about the colour of the paint in the kitchen, I don't hate it, I just can't see the tile close enough to see how you came up with that colour. I wouldn't have painted the door the same colour personally, I would have left that as black but its all down to personal choice. The bathroom is taking shape, the glass wall wasn't expensive I quite like it. The original tiles, can they be painted, tiles are expensive and I know you didn't want the expense of retiling? The worker making the bamboo wall is doing a great job, and how accommodating is he letting you pay in three instalments! Love the sink counter on the bar, that will look fabulous when finished, and your studio was unexpected.....What a great use of the space, and wow you have the biggest computer screen I have ever seen your Tv I take it! You are doing a great job on the house renovation 'on a budget', your videos are well put together, I would just like to say a huge thank you, they are so appreciated, and give yourself a pat on the back Darrell your hard work has paid off!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes my TV and again all acquired in the last 12 months on my fixed income

[@jimanonymous113]

It is looking excellent.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Jim

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

Personally, I would want a lighter color on most of the kitchen walls, but that's just me. Everything you have done is beautiful! You should be very proud.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes I definitely envisioned a lighter light wall. Just with more of a coffee tint instead of flesh tone.

[@MyMexicanDreamMC]

Platinum in the kitchen, lite gray

[@northernbohemianrealist]

Yes, me, too. But then I thought, hold on, this is the Philippines, not Wisconsin. Things are so dark here now that lighter inside works. Maybe darker inside works better in the tropics.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Not sure why Grey? I just don't see grey and brown together

[@resourcesforteachersandver6264]

You're putting a lot of funds into this renovation. The landlord must love you...

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I think they find it amusing. When they retire and move here their plan is to tear it down and build a small mansion like the rest of the subdivision

[@jamescoady5765]

I love the caramel colours in the kitchen area. Looks amazing. White would make it look too much like an office. If you are going way up north, I would like to see a little video on Laoag City. Tim K says it's a beautiful place

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Okay I will head in that direction. I did watch his videos when he was on his Motorbike trip up there

[@25Soupy]

The bamboo wall looks even better than I could imagine. As far as the colours go, that's a personal taste. I don't mind the dark kitchen cabinets, I use to love dark wood but now I prefer lighter colours to brighten things up. I find most houses in the Philippines look dark inside because if you have big bay windows you're heating the house up like a greenhouse, so it makes sense to keep the sun out. For that reason I like as much white as possible with a little light colours to bring some contrast.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Good rational my friend. I am planned to add some brown to the pain then white to tighten it up. Noticeably lighter

[@revenge52]

WOW! Very impressive bro! And it's always a blessing to have a couple of dogs to help you out.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

They do make me smile. And thank you for the kind words

[@rosskennedy1960]

Love the grey tile for the bathroom. Now, about the peach color that you think you will make darker. My suggestion would be to either keep the peach color or possibly go for an orange color, thus setting off your dark cabinets a little more. For live streams, Wednesday nights at around 7pm New York time would be perfect Thanks for all your hard work in posting these awesome videos

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the suggestions on the bathroom tile and the colors. I am at this very moment leaving to buy them

[@scottbrinks9248]

It all looks good.. keep the walls lighter, not darker. We also used glass block for our shower divider. It will be nice. Thanks for the content.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I appreciate your advice. Thanks for watching.

[@BigGorilla069]

Mate, enjoy your progress vids. Looking fabulous. I only wish I was your landlord - he's got a bloody great tenant. Keep up the great work - MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much! It's coming together nicely and I'm enjoying the process. Merry Christmas to you too my friend!!

[@lowtech67]

Its looking GOOD. Love the bamboo wall. You're going to have a dream home when you're done. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for watching. I'm loving it more daily!!

[@YTPREO]

Your inspiring alot of us broken westerners love your videos an I'll watch anytime

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Let me know when you're coming and I'll leave the light on for you

[@YTPREO]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat i definitely will my mate your a good lad and I'm glad your thriving over there

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I consider myself lucky to have come here

[@edwardalbonetti1423]

I really enjoy watching your channel, I find it fascinating and inspirational. You are a master at producing so progress on such little money. It would cost thousands in the US to achieve what you’ve done so far. Best wishes and keep the updates coming.

[@koufax174]

Love every bit of your content! You have a very creative mind to create what you have. I respect and admire that! Good for you. I love your channel and learn how to think from your channel. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much, I am really enjoying this process. And excited if it helps or inspires others

[@claudetterobertson-jv3cp]

Amazing! It is coming along beautifully!!! Looking so forward to coming to the Philippines next year. Definitely want to see your home in person! Keep doing what you’ve been doing, my friend! 😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks! I'm sure you'll love it! It's a very special place. Let me know when you want to come. You'll also be able to stay here too if you like. The Man Cave is an apartment I am building for my friends to visit

[@claudetterobertson-jv3cp]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Awesome! I will definitely keep you posted! 🩷

[@charlieriley6816]

Your progress is inspiring great job

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Charlie!!

[@withmyeyes3079]

Fantastic Work

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much 😀

[@edsteward7717]

Agreed that it's a fairly cheap hobby, that really has a payoff of a nice place to spend your time. Couldn't tell it was peachy on my phone, but browner could be nice.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It was more peach when the one wall was lighter. But I added brown and repainted

[@PhilippinesSunsetTravel]

Very nice, the size of the block definitely makes the place. Bamboo fence looks great.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend>. Are you living here now?

[@PhilippinesSunsetTravel]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat yes i have a place in AC. Back in Aus. at the moment selling the last storage car before xmas....

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

We'll see ya here my friend!!

[@p-tone4396]

Thanks for the informative and simple videos, I’m from Central Coast California and my wife is a Filipina from Cam Sur Bicol . We have a small house there on her parents property and planning on selling everything here to return to the simple life before she gets the American attitude.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Sounds like you’ve got a great plan

[@COYO-T]

The bamboo fence is looking even better than I figured. I didn't want to share my photos I took when I was there until you posted an updated video showing it all.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Well my friend you're welcome to come and take updated photos and we can also do an interview for the channel. I hope to hang out again before you take off

[@jlynnburton9718]

You've gone above & beyond on this remodel, I understand doing this much having a 3-4 yr lease. But I sure wouldn't do this much work for 2yrs or less myself

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I agree. Haha... I offered to put in a pool for a few extra years

[@rayraycmiami]

Hi Darrell! What an improvement in the apartment. Love the bamboo fence! The outdoor kitchen looking nice so far. Inside it's looking great except for that peachy color but that's my personal choice lol. Great job my friend. As for the live video I work remotely on Mondays and Wednesdays so those are good days.😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for letting me know about the timing

[@actionator]

The bamboo fence is very nice & the paint color is fine. Moonstone is also a good color, in between a tan & gray. I put up paintable wallpaper in my bathroom, painted it Ralph Lauren silver metallic & it looks just like those old tin ceilings from the late 1800’s. My front room is blood red, had it down to 3 paint chips & one was called Drum Beat…being my buddy was the drummer in Godsmack at the time, it was a no brainer.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I love those old tin ceilings!

[@actionator]

@ makes for cool look’n walls too.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It does!!

[@linkinemerson8620]

I think the colors look good, but maybe it looks a bit different to you in person. You know I agree with how you are doing it. With my age & plans I do plan on an eventual longterm build, but that is in the future & there is no need to put the cart in front of the horse. I think another great benefit to your renovations is at a low cost you get to find & work with local craftsman in the area so you can firsthand see their experience. You also get to work with & buy materials so you get to see the costs of some of these things & not while worrying about some big house build where you have everything tied up into it. A perfect example is you are completely ok with trying another paint color if the desire strikes you.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

The one wall this was the third color lol

[@davidbennett645]

I Think you're Doing A Great Job. Love your blog.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it

[@annacayanan1]

What a transformation. The owners must love you for renovating their house. Hopefully your area is protected from floods.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes. This area has probably not flooded to hundreds of years at least

[@northernbohemianrealist]

You are the BEST! 8pm EST would be best for me. Thank you!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I appreciate you watching and thanks for the timing suggestion! Any day in particular?

[@manuelr1405]

you're almost there you're actually finding the best laborers for the construction. :)

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes and that also takes time

[@DavidMarr-z3r]

I think it’s really cool. What you’re doing there. Makes me have itchy feet and wanna move. Keep them coming. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It’s a great way to live! You should come for a visit!!

[@beth4698]

Your landlord hit a jackpot on you. I want a house rental like yours, that cheap

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I will be looking for another one near the beach or Baguio soon

[@judekidder]

Daryl you have done a great job with your place. Very nice design an good vision.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much Jude!!

[@victoriassecretisluv]

I love the bamboo fence along the concrete wall . Such a great idea ! Plus looks great!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes and it give a whole other ambiance than before

[@user-auntnellie]

I think your plan for the kitchen changes sound great. I think it would look more like leather. Absolutely LOVE the bathroom. The studio looks like a fabulous place to create😁

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I am so happy here with the recent changes too. Thank you for the compliments and comment!!

[@jasoncalder157]

Loved watching every minute of your journey

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Awesome Jason! Thank you! When are you coming for a visit?

[@mrwinr2u1]

So beautiful, great job!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Sir!!

[@EmpowerWave-ol2ol]

Great job on the wall l would have some bright beach prints would really lift the kitchen.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I hadn't thought about that except for some tiles

[@StephanieJoRountree]

I'm so impressed with the remodeling that you are doing. That computer monitor is amazing!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I didn't buy it as a monitor. Hahaha... But I soon realized I no longer get head aches where I'm editing, reading and replying to comments.

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

Here's my tip and it looks great. Instead of painting the ceiling stark white paint it the lightest shade of the wall color. The ceiling will still be bright but the transition from wall to ceiling will be much easier on the eyes. Trust me on this one. Thanks for the update you have done an amazing job with your place.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I appreciate the tip, it is a great idea.

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat It is. I picked it up like 30 years ago from this Canadian Home Program called Lynette Jennings. She suggested take the color strips from the paint store and using the darkest shade you like for the walls, then a lighter shade on the strip for the trim and then the lightest shade for the ceiling. It makes picking out the colors easy and they automatically coordinate.

[@ItsOk-mq9ex]

Feel like the brown/tan walls would look nice with possibly a black border mirror and possibly a black shelf or black border clock. Just my opinion but seems like it would fill up the vast emptiness of the walls. Looks great though and the bamboo infront of the walls is chefs kiss. Also holy smokes that TV you could land a helicopter on

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Hahaha.... I watch TV a lot Hahaha...

[@RickBarrett-j6g]

Good stuff my fren !! Such inspiration!! 💪 Here in Maine been dealin w a lot of snow ❄️! Last two days been warm 50 plus degrees n pouring rain which ate about 10/11 inches of the snow still have snow banks n bout 3-4 inches on lawns!! This my yr coming up for the move! Excited as can be… thank you for sharing ya experience! Respect 💪

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

You're welcome. I hope you can find a place like this. Let me know when you land and if I can help

[@FEgoestoPI]

Looks good. I like the look of the bamboo fence. It's your money, spend it as you see fit!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I'm glad you like the fence. Thank you my friend!!

[@CheryllCarter-i3n]

The accent wall keep the same Lighten up the peach color If u go darker it will look smaller Its coming along great , ty for the update.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Actually with the paint I was going to add som brown but a lot of white to actually be more brown tone and also several shade lighter

[@ragjamrock]

The house is looking great! I agree with you that the kitchen would look nice with a very light brown paint color. I think the time for livestreams is best determined by where the bulk of your subscribers are. 6-9pm est works for me but being retired, I'm flexible. 🏝🇵🇭

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the reply. But what day do you prefer??

[@ragjamrock]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat Any day of the week is OK with me.

[@kikoperez8590]

Very nice and with very good taste. I'm glad ❤❤❤

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you again Kiko!

[@franklinhall7258]

Amazing amount of improvement since moving in. 2 Thumbs Up

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JimiHendrix-z5g]

how beautiful it turned out - those dark brown wood pieces that make the bar outside - superb!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend!

[@davekusie9632]

WOW! Really starting to look GREAT!! Kep up the good work And the videos coming 👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm working on the next one now!!

[@brendataylor8388]

I haven’t caught your posts for a while and WOW! It’s coming along wonderfully

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!!

[@brendataylor8388]

@ I’m a subscriber now😉. I’m moving to Cambodia in 2 months and this is something I have considered. I’m excited to see how it goes😉

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I plan to visit there some day!! Lets stay in touch and maybe you can show me around when I get there

[@brendataylor8388]

@ definitely! I’ll give you a holler in March when I arrive.😉

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

The man cave should be finished by then.It's going to be an oasis with in an oasis.

[@jmfarrell5]

Great video and update… the place is looking good 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you my friend I know you've been watching for a while and I appreciate it

[@MARINE-c1r]

Daryl nice my friend, You are the only vlogger that I watch, had to delete simp vloggers, keep it up, and as you grow don't get like the others vloggers who think their crap doesn't stink

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the support and for watching my channel!! I can only make videos when I feel passionate about a topic. I see myself as an example of what can be done not as a KZbin star. I set out to encourage the courage in others to follow their dreams.

[@ninjanelly3506]

Just subbed,loving your videos hopefully be moving near subic,Angeles bataan area in a while to retire,off to watch your old videos now.Came over from the Canadian Beaver!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I do plan to go there when I finish this place and back to traveling

[@PaulsPhilippineAdventures]

I’m always amazed at what you have done with the place. Hope all is well, Daryl.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Hellooo Brother Paul. How are you doing? Good to see your face. You and the little woman are welcome to stay if you get up here in the area

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

All is good Paul. How is everything going for you?

[@PaulsPhilippineAdventures]

@ Doing very well.😀

[@normalperson9646]

Awesome update and things are really coming together. Thanks for sharing your vision.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks my friend I'm having a lot of fun.

[@gtw12345]

Looks great overall, love the bar. I would keep the kitchen white except keep your accent wall the different color.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the opinion. I appreciate!!

[@ingram4u2]

This is great! Your place is turning out great!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Glad you like it. It's getting there.

[@TheMuttonHeadDigest]

Excellent video, loved the shots of you at the desk, added nice demension. Well done love the progress.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much. The desk is where I spend most of my time. I appreciate you watching.

[@rjoetting7594]

I absolutely love what you have done with the place so far. It is going to be a nice place to entertain and relax. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product. I would be very proud of the progress you have made. I keep trying to picture it with a stucco finnish on the exterior and a southwestern flare, maybe red ceramic roof tiles kinda like a Mexican Adobe. (I'm a big fan of the old West) It seems like the square footage is more than adequate for my needs, and if I can find a similar one in the province when I retire (a little more isolated), I'd be a happy old man, haha. My home here in the USA is small for here 940 square feet, three small bedrooms, and one bathroom. No garage, I have a 20 ft shipping container that I store my Harleys in, and it's also my shop to work on them. My closest neighbor is a couple hundred yards away, and the next closest is half a mile away from me. I also live next to a military base, so I have the pleasure of hearing artillery and tanks firing quite often. Still better than living in a city or town. I also work there as a heavy equipment operator (civilian) I'm looking forward to your next video and whatever subject you decide to choose, I find your videos very insightful and informative. I'd like to see some homes in the mountains of Northern Luzon in the countryside. I'm sure you could already guess that by previous comments I've made. Something about the size of the house you're in now, and a place big enough for me to build a small shop for storing two Harleys and to work on and maintain them.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

When do you plan to retire?

[@rjoetting7594]

@Ex-Pensive_Expat I'm looking at May 2026, maybe as early as April. I would go ahead and retire this coming April or May but I need to finnish the renovation on my house first and then will put it up for sale and put the money into the bank for emergencies only and live off my social security and retirement from my current job. I just want to have a backup incase I need it later in life. I'll be 62 years old in March of this year and 63 when I retire.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Sounds like a good plan

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Looks fantastic. 😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It's really starting to come together! Thank you my friend!!

[@bayoumanbryan]

Thanks for the update. i'm always glad to see when you release another video. The house is looking great. As far as the livestream goes Paul does his on his 0600 time. if i miss it i will watch it later if you set it up where we can watch it even when its not live. Take care.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the info and suggestions. I will certainly check that out

[@udirtypuppy5174]

as a life long mason and contractor i dig the vibe you are creating. i recently built a simple villa for my family in a wonderful location. 4 bedrooms 4 baths and grand living room for 120k cash. ultra modern.

[@udirtypuppy5174]

our sleepy town is San Carlos City, Negroes Occidental. its been 4 decades now for me finding my sense of place .

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Would you mind if I can and did a video about you build and life here. I think there are a lot of people who would benefit from hearing about it.

[@udirtypuppy5174]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat in the future yes.

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

Any man who wears a beany in that kind of heat is TOTALLY a legend.....

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Hahaha... Completely covering your head is very common around here. Skin cancer is no joke

[@LifeinLyrics-fd4no]

Im in love with the bamboo fence.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes it's turning out as I imagined and even better. It definitely feels more like a resort now

[@josephcmcauliffe1706]

Looking very nice 👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much, I'm really starting to come together!

[@mannymanuel7030]

The accent colors in the kitchen looks nice 👍👍👍👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Uncle Manny

[@alexajero8523]

Daryl, you are doing a great job on your rental. Hey! I would do the same if I live there for that rental price. Keep it up, excellent blog as usual.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

It's a great place to live for the price, definitely worth it. And fixing it up turned into a hobby.

[@Lazy-A-L33]

Darrell, it is coming along nicely.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Larry!!

[@wyntyr_7096]

Recommend to keep bathroom a bit bright for when you need to look for something small in a discreet or someplace easy to sanitize...for example something in your eye or dealing with a cut finger etc...where you don't want to be in a main room but need to also see well to for treatment or diagnosis. Just one person's thoughts. 😊

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks for the idea

[@misterniceguy67]

I would suggest some day light into the kitchen area. Perhaps a skylights.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

That would be awesome but not in the budget at the moment. The problem with skylights is the heat from intense sun light

[@JustMeLive]

Always great content, good updates to the home. Congratulations, you are the only expat who has restored my decision to move to the Philippines. Thanks. 💯

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks, I'm happy to hear it! I certainly hope to meet you when you make it here!

[@MrHurricane5150]

I've been watching your videos and getting inspired. The bamboo wall is awesome! Towards the end, while in your studio, it took me a few minutes to figure out what I was seeing. The green water bottle in the inset gave it away. Great job, sir. Will keep watching you. Maybe meet in a few years when I retire.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes I will look forward to meeting you!! Haha.. I didn't notice a bottle.

[@orvillelb]

Nice work my friend.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Hey Orville Nice to see you! Where are you now my friend?

[@orvillelb]

@ I’m in south Texas. McAllen

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

@@orvillelb Nice to see your name my friend

[@melaniehawkins4896]

In regards to opinions about your paint color in the kitchen, of course I think you should paint it whatever you'd like. Recognizing your color scheme, I would probably go back to white, except maybe the wall with the doors leading to outside. I'd do a chocolate brown-grey shades. Like maybe prime in a dark grey or black even, then do several shades with chocolate brown, a copper tone, medium and light grey/ silver tones in a pattern that comes out like a metal-ish look. I don't know if you know what I mean. You could achieve the look using sponges and rags.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the ideas!!

[@JohnSmith-ti2kp]

Awesome. i need you here at my house.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

I wish I could. It would be a fun project.

[@michaelfirestone7440]

HERE IN VEGAS PST, AND HAVE THE EVENING OPEN FOR YOUR LIVE MY 8 PM YOUR 11 AM THE NEXT DAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS MY FRIEND.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thanks so much. I'll try to make that work

[@the_stoned_investor]

You had a vision and did a fantastic job. You should be proud, you have a great place.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!! You should come for a visit

[@the_stoned_investor]

@ I plan on heading up there before long, I’ll let you know when I’m making plans!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Sounds good

[@metaldragonbraveheart]

Id lave that kitchen walls just the way they are great job ,

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Awesome. Thank you

[@kumaran7529]

Great progress

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you so much, I'm really enjoying the process!

[@avertactivity964]

Looking good 👍

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you! It's really starting to come together!

[@frankynodots]

Your place is looking great!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Francis!!

[@scottjohnson921]

I like the kitchen how it is.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Scott!!

[@Loigis]

Nice setup🎉🎉🎉

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you!!

[@sparkyman111]

I remember when you first rented that place, and you have really done an amazing job. Great taste in everything. Its nice to make a place comfortable even if you rent, because that is what makes you happy, Seriously my friend, I am very impressed.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Sparky. Many years ago that was my nickname. And Thank you for the compliments. When are you coming for a visit??

[@pnoon43]

Darrell you got the same haircut as me - another way of saving where i shave it in the shower :-) like all the improvements place is tremendous improvement so its a win win for you and the owenr. Who would of thought those transactions took place in a foreign land ? Like how you use the tv for the monitor too. Can`t wait to hear your podcast. Never settle for less should be your moto .

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes the tv is both TV and monitor. I have had this one for about 5 months now.

[@jerrystanley6820]

I miss my old project days doing my own thing at my house but anyway must have some good guys working on your stuff looking great man may want to work on a lease extension lol you got a nice place there good job

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Yes They know I would like to stay longer if it works for them. Well my friend there are plenty of places here that are empty and could use some TLC

[@Iamawanderingangel]

Looking good 👍🏾

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you! I'm your newest subscriber

[@LoriL010]

7pm EST would work which I believe would be 8am for you? I would darken the kitchen walls a little bit. And painting your ceiling a dark color will make it appear taller, so even if you keep the lighter brown on the walls, paint your ceiling the darker brown or even darker. It creates an optical illusion. I like your bathroom ideas and the glass blocks worked great.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Wow. Thanks for the suggestions. I've never see a ceiling painted dark .

[@LoriL010]

@@Ex-Pensive_Expat Yes, the darker the better. It draws your eye upward.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the advice Lori

[@bahuilok]

nice looking house now

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Paul! I'm really enjoying this process! It never occurred to me that I would be doing a remodel when I got here

[@ruby055]

I think you go light grey tones. To pick up the tiles and and keep it looking open

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Your the second one who has suggested grey

[@davidhankins5708]

Thanks for the videos! Don't worry about what the peanut gallery says about how you're spending your money on a rental. As low as your rent is I believe it's worthwhile to invest in making your house what you want. Others are paying 10 times or more for something that they had no part in making their own. Just taking what's there. I think it's a good idea to invest if you plan on sticking around. Take care!

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Exactly, 100%. Thanks, I appreciate the support and comments

[@kevinburke9255]

G'day from Australia... About that color in the Kitchen... yes, you are right about being to peach, the color is the only color that struggles with grey or tones of grey, charcoal etc. which dominates your wall tiles, and most of your appliances in general, even though your cupboards are a dark brown, the fight your having is certainly the Peach or any yellow tone that will always have an issue with grey, your best option would be a grey-brown tone... not a peach brown tone... what does that mean, simply, grey has many tonal bases, blue, purple, green, yellow, your tiles are as best as I can see on my PC is more leaning towards blue, purple grey hence the bum fight with the peach... hope that helps ... Cheers

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you for the ideas and suggestions

[@jaredlooper7616]

Love what ou have done, I am looking at doing the same kind of thing with my wife in Mexico We want to live with our money not just survive.

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Living versus surviving is a state of mind. When you find it you will know

[@FredFarrell-o4p]

Looking better all the time

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Thank you Fred

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Kitchen is perfect.❤

[@Ex-Pensive_Expat]

Oh Thank you my friend. Still a few improvements coming when I get me next check. Almost done!!