This DIY saved us $8,000 (Renovating our 110-Year-Old Cottage) | XO, MaCenna

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This week we had SOOO many people working on the cottage renovation - the framers, roofers, AC guys and electricians were all on site AND a DIY project I decided to take on myself saved us over $8000!!
LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE below if you guys love DIYs just as much as I do!
❥ XO, MaCenna
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[@feelslikeforeve]

Very bold of you to do something that a professional charges 100 dollars for, but then you do it and it turns out perfect. You are so incredibly talented and creative. Seeing this house coming to life is so much fun! Sundays are my favourite day because of it.

[@myrtletree8778]

And knowledgeable as well.

[@jjfrank]

I wait excitedly for your videos every. single. week! I'm emotionally attached to this renovation. Can't wait to see it to its completion!

[@XOMaCenna]

hahahah aww thank you so much

[@lovly2cu725]

I want to go & help

[@norafleming8304]

I wish SO bad that there were more of these videos every week but I know you're busy! This is all so amazing and exciting to see. I sure hope next time the framers are all done!

[@Lasomie]

Subscribing to her vlog channel helps if you haven't already!

[@trinaroe5132]

Just a few FYIs. I knew what you meant when you said some windows were single pane and some were double pane, but actually these are both single pane. Double pane refers to two LAYERS of glass with an inert gas in between. What you have are some window sashes that have one lite and some that have two lites. Yes each light is made up of a pane if glass but “double pane glass” has a specific meaning that means something else. Also I wanted to alert you to something if you are using linseed oil. While it’s a great product, rags soaked with linseed oil can spontaneously ignite and have caused innumerable house fires if not handled appropriately. Make sure you are cleaning up any rags or brushes per directions on the product and it’s a good idea to store them outside the house and far from any other combustibles. You’re doing a great job. I was so glad you remembered the glazing points! As I was watching the video I almost thought you had forgotten them! 😂

[@shellsisacoolpear]

I was looking for this comment. I was so confused when she said the original windows are double paned and I'm like uh no they aren't... then I realized what she meant. I wonder if the quotes she got for windows were affected by that verbiage.

[@sanjamslm]

I was just thinking these are NOT energy efficient windows. She will have condensation in between those panes beacause they are not sealed as they should be. But again maybe if the winters are not very cold in Texas it shoul be okay. I also have to say that I am amazed how she tackels everything by herself! Amazing woman! 🤗

[@katyasolodyan8013]

@@sanjamslm would you please explain what you mean about the condensation “in between those panes”? If there’s only one pane, where are you saying the condensation should occur? This whole process is so fascinating. I love all the crowd-sourced info

[@pninny]

This is amazing! When you first started I couldn't picture the plan at all but watching the walls go up and the roof going on makes it all come to life. I love that you are reusing so much of the original materials as well, I bet the first owners would be so pleased 🥰🥰🥰

[@XOMaCenna]

thank you so so much! im so glad its coming to life the way i envisioned it!!

[@sophiacardoza3821]

This is so exciting!! I have loved watching this series. I hope you’re so proud of yourself

[@XOMaCenna]

awww thank you so much! I'm pretty proud :)

[@shivampandey2334]

This whole renovation series is so addictive.....I'm from India and it's 12:49 am here and I'm watching this because i really couldn't sleep without watching this episode Lots of love from India ❤

[@breeajuziem2458]

Not sure why I teared up when you put the first window in, but I’ve watched this whole series with the cottage and I’m just so happy for you. This video in particular made other women like myself know we are capable too! Thank you for saying f*** you to that glass company and going for it girl you just made all your lady viewers so proud! 💪🏼🤍

[@KatiesLifeAdventure]

MaCenna, your continuing to prove how incredibly strong you are to take on every project but taking on the windows wow that’s pure dedication and love for your house and budget. The cottage had helped you gain so many skills. With the glazing you can use a glazing knife to help shape it. I hope the film will help insulate the cottage and improve the single pane windows.

[@Edu_Kate]

I got talked into buying triple-pane windows. The salesman said I wouldn't hear neighboring lawnmowers. Yeah. No. I still hear them. Another factor was I'd get a rebate after 4 or 5 years. Yeah. No. The person in charge of the fund fled the country with everyone's money.

[@MicheleWalkerWebb]

@@Edu_Kate Jeez!

[@SimpleLifeofMJ]

I work at the National Trust for Historic Preservation and am literally working on a Historic Windows video series as we speak 😺 you did such a good job. Always blown away by how talented and skilled you are!

[@llamasugar5478]

What is the channel called? I would check it out!

[@SarahHam33]

Omg I am so seriously impressed!! You don’t let anything stand in your way and you’re always learning a new skill, love it!

[@elizabethlevine4263]

Joanna Gaines has nothing on you, girl!! I’m sure you’ll have a nationwide show someday!! ❤️❤️

[@CheriJ11]

Hey, now that’s a great idea!

[@lovly2cu725]

This is so much better than watching that show which is done in 1 episode. This Old House projects are over many weeks.

[@nw8204]

I agree but also I hope not lol. I worry it wouldn't be macennas style which we all love and adore!❤ like Jenn from rambling redhead, her show doesn't show a lot of the bts in depth which is what I personally love to see!

[@CheriJ11]

@@nw8204 , good point!!

[@gabriellenichole3445]

Put it in the universe!

[@erinkswart]

ahhh clicked so fast!! don’t know if you recognise my username but i try commenting on ALL your videos because i genuinely love watching how far you’ve come in your house renovations!! ❤️❤️

[@XOMaCenna]

yayy!!! omg thank you so so much!

[@nadiaetyem8511]

@@XOMaCenna there’s black and transparent, look it up, as you won’t need to paint.

[@madeleines.8077]

Feel the same ♥️♥️♥️

[@esterfrank318]

Me too I normally click so fast when I see her videos

[@sandy949]

Seriously my favorite!!!!

[@aiangalang8452]

"you always get really good at something when you're almost done." yep! that's so truuuue haha we're really getting close to decorating phase! 😍

[@janegould7403]

Your positivity is infectious. I have loved this series on the renovation of your cottage.xx

[@XOMaCenna]

awww thank you so much!

[@waterbitten]

Ms lady! You're a freaking power house!! You learned how to add glass to your windows. The amount of skills you're getting from this build! 🤯🤯🤯 Amazing! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@pamelasullivan5015]

So proud of you for taking this on! I did the same on our 1932 Bungalow sunroom windows when we renovated. It is tedious but makes you feel so good to know how much you saved and the knowledge you have added to your Renovation Resume. We are all cheering you on!

[@kristinewells961]

When you showed the drone shot of the roof going on my heart was SOOO happy for you!!!!! 🎃🎉🤩

[@lbgr830]

This is the best makeover series I’ve seen. I love it! Can’t wait for the decoration part but this whole series has been informative and empowering!

[@carolschultz3588]

Kudos to you for just taking on projects you have never tried before.

[@judytieger8976]

You are one talented lady. I so admire how you and Romeo have up cycled so much. Too much is discarded and people renovate by smashing everything with a sledgehammer and putting it in the landfill. You two should be proud.

[@sunflowercynthia9519]

You're such an inspiration 💕 I've always felt intimidated by tools and building projects but your example shows it can be learned. I think your channel is going to be very empowering for women everywhere to have a go at renovating, too!

[@rokelle_2012]

I literally got chills when you showed the drone shot of them working on the roof. It's so amazing that all of this is just coming together for your guys. Fingers crossed that everything stays on schedule and you can move in by Dec 1.

[@chrissy7015]

You're seriously inspiring doing this yourself. I really how others realize that they can learn and do things themselves and we have a whole new crew of young girls and people in general learning from you.

[@NatalieBennett]

*Ok. You’re amazing! Such an inspiration, MaCenna!*

[@ninawilson1035]

I’m still floored that you’re on track to move in December 1st. I have muuuch smaller projects that I’m just like “eh I don’t have enough time to finish by the end of the year. Might as well just start in January” 😂

[@DellisinbigD]

I have watched your entire journey building and remodeling your home ! I am building a new home in Denton Tx as you are remodeling and just as excited to see your finished home as I am mine! My closing date is 12/6. You are such a hard worker , so smart, beautiful and talented! You so deserve all of your successes!

[@aking3624]

I think this my favorite episode!! I've been putting off this because i thought it would be to difficult. Unfortunately, i have 30 of these in my 100 year old bungalow...😳 let's just say.. you've given me the confidence to finally try it!! 😀 Thank you!!

[@katiebrown7617]

It’s amazing to see you do work that professionals charge $100 for. You’re nailing it! It’s crazy how fast things are moving now. Looking forward to seeing what you do with that sofa you found on the roadside when the decorating starts to come into play.

[@feliciabailey0411]

Macenna you are the prime example of resources are out there if you research and care enough. You’re brilliant. There’s literally no one like you!

[@nancyjensen6324]

I am so very impressed!!! I don't think I would ever have thought that I could do something like this, but because of you, I can totally imagine managing this project. Thank you MaCenna for showing us that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

[@chrissyrauch3713]

You are so inspiring. Every time I feel like I can’t do this I just tell myself well MaCenna can so I can too!! 🤓 Thank you for taking the time to take us on your journey. It truly motivates me to continue with my 100 year old home.

[@sallysmith4492]

So excited about the money you saved while keeping an authentic aesthetic!!! You are so amazing!!! You have taken so much guesswork out for this contractor with your competent design planning and detail work!!! Please go easy on yourself about your questions re: the roof!!! Not a biggie!!!

[@squirrel8296]

I don't know if you've thought about it, but you can do pop-in interior storm windows which could also help make your windows more energy efficient. They're usually just an additional full size window pane held in with magnets so they look nothing like the exterior storm windows of old.

[@llamasugar5478]

The house I grew up in had “storm” windows and screen windows that had to be changed out. Usually around the time Grandpa put the snow chains on the tires. Yeah, I’m kinda old. :) I liked it because it marked the beginning of late Fall and the holiday season. And putting in the screens meant Summer vacation was near.

[@elizabeth3858]

wow the cottage is coming along so quickly! i can't believe how fast the time has gone!!

[@BlweLotus]

You amaze me. I'm sure you hear it all the time but you GENUINELY amaze me. I can't wait to see how far you'll go, not just with this house, but everything.

[@charlottewoodcock2645]

The house is coming along and looking so amazing. It just blows my mind that you do all the projects that you do and such a great job doing them. I know that you are proud of all the accomplishments! Great! Great! Work…..:.

[@Hall_Meli]

Seeing you doing this all by yourself whenever you can gives me so much anxiety. I know my parents did a lot on their own when they could when they built their house in 2003, but it was more like painting, window/door trim, some light plumbing, flooring, etc. I would never think to try my hand at windows! But you go girl! I honestly can't wait to see it all finished!

[@annabandraderavicini355]

OMG YOU'RE THRIVING GIRL!!!! And we're all thriving with you!!!! So exciting to see those first shots of the ROOF!!!!!

[@XOMaCenna]

eeeeeekkkk thank you!

[@ashleypendergast7564]

Currently doing this for my 124 year old Queen Anne's storm windows to get ready for a Michigan winter! I absolutely L-O-V-E the empowerment that comes from taking the reins on these kinds of projects, and feel so accomplished when my projects are completed successfully. Added bonus: it is always cheaper, and usually the results are better when I do it myself, because I truly care about the project, and take my sweet ol' time, where a lot of contractors are just in there to bang out the job, get a check, and move onto the next one. Nicely done. :)

[@shanimarais9695]

The addition is bigger than what the original house was. This has really been a labour of love. Nothing better than having a home where every inch was made exactly as you envisioned it to be. I hope this home is forever filled with love, laughter and happiness. Hopefully little feet will be heard running on those wood floors soon 😉. It's so weird seeing a house being built out of wood. The closest I've come to a dwelling like this was our holiday log cabin, all houses here are built out of brick or blocks. It's quite fascinating watching your house come together. I love it.

[@Anna-pd6dc]

Macenna you are so unbelievably impressive!! Most people wouldn't dare attempt to DIY but you just dive right in! You inspire me to do stuff around my own home!

[@LindaKayHolevas]

You never cease to amaze me with your tenacity & talents. I don't know if I would be brave enough to tackle such a daunting task, but you did it amazingly. I am excited to see this project to fruition, but I know I am going to be incredibly bummed when it is over. Thank you for taking us along, your time is recognized & appreciated! xo

[@ClassicDominique]

I don't think I've ever been so invested in someone else's home before. We might get a little home tour or a redecorating video, but this is so in depth. I know the before and after pictures are going to be so drastic. I've got my fingers crossed for December 1st too!

[@JustAhuman4238]

I just Love watching the progress... you're such an inspiration... it's true that can't wait for the final result but then i still enjoy every detail of the process!!! 👍👍💪💪💓💓

[@kayleedeanne6863]

I lost a very special family member yesterday on Halloween and nothing clears my mind more than your reno videos. Thank you I really needed this ❤️

[@tarafair6509]

I had to comment. I have been an avid viewer for years and I must say I’m so excited for you and your house. It will definitely be a house of love based on all the love and care you’ve placed into it this far. Congratulations 🎉

[@courtlee23]

Oh man, MaCenna you are so close! Once the electrical and HVAC stuff is all done it is going to go SO FAST! I am so excited to see you decorate and make your house a home!

[@loidaholder2689]

Your excitements is so contagious, it’s like I’m there and I want to do something. I’m no longer afraid of fixing things cuz of you. Last week I fixed my lawnmower! 😁 thank you for sharing

[@大塚馨-x7e]

This is so exciting!!! I know you are more than ready to get to the decor stage but I’m secretly sad thinking about this renovation coming to an end. Your passion and good taste inspire me so much. I love that you love old things and find charm in them ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanalexander7990]

After 30 years in this 175 year old house I am an expert at replacing glass and glazing windows. You were so right to do it yourself!

[@danashaw9075]

Watching this house journey has been so fun. Seriously look forward to you videos every week. I cant get enough!

[@XOMaCenna]

hahaha omg thank you!

[@clairestandley82]

I hope you're so proud of yourself for rolling with the punches and learning new skills. Cuz I know I am proud if you. Your growth over the last year is incredible!

[@TammyJerkChicken]

I love hearing you taking on challenges, saving money and feeling accomplished! And it’s so cute hearing the workers singing as they work :3

[@calhounac76]

You are an inspiration! You never hesitate to roll up your sleeves and dive into some new project that needs to be done. I love it. ❤

[@misslyntheena]

Your energy and confidence paired with your curiosity amazes me - windows are expensive? You just do it yourself bc you trust your gut that you can work it out and you just do it and you can. 💪🏼 you’re so inspiring, I would’ve never been brave enough to do something like that myself

[@JohnneseP]

I'm so impressed and I absolutely love this series! It's insane what so companies charge for certain projects that seem so simple. I get that everyone deserves what they are worth, but honestly sometimes it's a little excessive. You definitely inspire me to want to tackle home renovations when I purchase my future home one day!

[@taylorewalters]

agreed! i am all about paying for someone's services/time/labor, but sometimes you have to pause & go REALLY?! there's a fine line between feeling a price is justified or feeling ripped off.

[@ellenkehoe4295]

Why am I crying?!?! This is so exciting! Been watching this series from the beginning and I can’t wait to see the next video! Congratulations!!!

[@helenoliva2709]

I seriously look forward to coming home after dropping my kids at school on Mondays to sit down and watch your videos with coffee in hand. It has become part of a routine and “me time” that I really enjoy. Good bless you MaCena with many more talents, so that you can delight us. You are very empowering and an incredible woman, I only hope that you are aware of it and of all the love and virtual support we have for you ❤️

[@robinsabo6932]

Brilliant, brave, beautiful! Every time i watch your videos I am amazed at the work you are doing on your comfort cottage!!! Your home will be fantastic!

[@judyshallstrom415]

You are very self reliant. It is amazing what we can all do with a little determination. You are one of the most determined women I've "known" outside of my family.

[@jwicks7612]

Lookin good!!! You are a smart cookie!!! The windows are such a savings for you!!! The entire time I have watched your channel I have never seen you take on a project that you did not successfully complete!!! So proud of you !!! Great work!! You and Romeo deserve every thing good coming your way!!! God Bless You both!!! 😊❤️

[@belindawalker3120]

Wow Macenna, you just don't stop failing to impress! Whatever you set your mind to u go out with such bubbly enthusiasm and achieve it. Well done your such an inspiration! Love your channel and cant wait for the next upload!!!

[@annettearties8538]

I can't wait to see how Kinsley reacts to new house. 😍😍 That is the normal procedure for applying chaulk/glaze with tape. They are smoothing tools under $1. You should be so proud.

[@lindasaav7364]

This is seriously so exciting that you're so close to having drywall up!!! I was literally smiling the whole time when you walked us through what the framers had done and what you're planning for the rooms and I can't wait to see those feature shelves in the bathroom tiled and all styled up! SO EXCITED!! Also, you're such a bad ass trying out all of these things for the first time AND excelling at it!! You're such an inspiration!

[@milliehack6503]

You are just so talented and knowledgeable about all this house stuff - not afraid to tackle anything !!! What a beautiful smile you have !!

[@gabriela_offic]

Love a queen who respects the architecture and age of the house she’s building, also repurposing things - You dropped this boo ‘👑’

[@kendrak6184]

Omg!! So much progress!! They weren’t lying when they said after framing everything goes fast!!

[@jeanettebyrd8710]

As usual,I loved to watch,& learn from you! I continue to learn from you,& enjoy watching how enthus iasm you are at all times! I also like how you are well organized,& stay on top of each projects that you take on daily! May you always stay focused,& get what you need in order to complete your 110 yrs old house!❤️

[@carolyneg8651]

Screaming looking at your house now getting closer to being put together and start the decor inside!!!!!!

[@lakeiam615]

I’m honestly so happy for you. Sincerely. I got teary eyed just thinking of ur great great grandkids watching these videos or loving in this house. I love that you started a journal but who knows what social media will be at that time. Please take more pictures and print them out!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mandiekins316]

Omg omg this is so exciting!!!! I think a really cool, antique hutch with glass doors on it in the guest bathroom would be soooo pretty with linens stored in it!! Aesthetic and functional!! (I always wanted on for my guest room lol so ya know)

[@mollyb8136]

Your talent and your vision is absolutely insane. You have such a good eye for how things are going to turn out

[@kellyjoyce7886]

Quite honestly struggling through life right now but your videos bring me so much joy and help escape for a little bit - thanks for everything you do!

[@tonivanterpool6417]

Wow!!! You are so AMAZING!!!!!! I'm so proud of you!!!! The house is looking FANTASTIC!!!! Still binge watching!!!! And LOVING IT!!!

[@SpaceyStacy74]

You must be just bursting with excitement! So much progress and it’s looking amazing!!!!

[@thegreengoddess8850]

They do make black window glazing. You can also buy a little plastic tool the fits over your finger for applying caulking that smooths it and make it totally even.

[@sallyaustin2760]

I’m so impressed with your ability to DIY!!! You’ve got some mad skills. Cannot wait to see the cottage when it’s all done ❤️

[@smilesam]

God the further along this house gets the more I can imagine the beautiful finished project in my head, but like I also know whatever you do is gonna be so much better than what I imagine. I'm so excited for you. Also, I just feel like the natural light in this house is going to be incredible!

[@shannonpb1506]

I actually really like the white caulk borders around the glass I think it looks nice because the house is a whitish colour too !

[@SiestaFiesta287]

The glazing also comes in clear. For windows that are not white I recommend using clear. You did a great job! You should be proud of yourself.

[@enkemari]

MaCenna: "... so I hope you all enjoyed this video ..." Me: looks around trying to see how 22 minutes went by so fast. I was totally ready for more things. Also, anyone else just feel super relived for her having a roof over all of this. 😌 I feel personally invested in this project and all I've been doing is checking for new videos 😬

[@joanalimas3330]

Following this amazing journey since day one, love the guys in the background singing and working, adding good vibes to this tripp!

[@nasevedodge2551]

Way to go You are so very inspirational to all ! Just shows you if you put your mind,heart and soul anything is possible! Your parents truly are blessed to have a beautiful daughter who just go for it and not be afraid to take a big project on. Can’t wait to see to see all completed 🇨🇦🤗👍🏾

[@elizajane86]

So much progress!! I’m so excited for you and I can’t wait to see even more progress next week. You did an excellent job on the windows. You are such a lady boss! Love love love this series so much. Look forward to it every week.

[@paulito4573]

Im as excited as you are with the decorating and stuff that youre going to do once all your contractors are done.

[@pamb2868]

I can’t wait until the decorating starts. That will be the best part. Now, it doesn’t seem like it took that long. But I know it’s been months. It’s moving along now. And there is no way I would have been up on a slippery looking metal roof. That freaked me out. It’s all going to look great. Keep up the good work.

[@laurenmorris4652]

I love at the end of the video, the left side of the screen looks like the "before" of the house, and the right side of the screen is the "after" of the house! So cool to see how far it's come!!

[@denises9426]

You have the patience of a saint! I don’t think I could do those windows. You’re ‘drive’ is incredible. Keep going strong MaCenna! We’re all pulling for you!🥰❤️ This house is going to be BEYOND gorgeous. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@lindabrown566]

So excited to see this process and transformation. Thanks for sharing with us! I am so happy for you and Romeo!! Can't wait to see the final result. I know it's going to be stunning!!

[@mrspatriciasteele]

I’m obsessed with my image of what your bathroom will be already!

[@dinomite078]

Wish I had your brains and patience. I get irritated when I start to get stuck on things - props to you 👍🏼

[@Msztyllachara]

I wish you could this renovating forever. it's so fun to watch!

[@lindaraterink6451]

That middle piece in de front double window looks so much better now!

[@sattenfieldable]

I'm so happy for you both to take this huge step in renovating an old home & saving sooo much $$$$ by doing so much yourselves. Can't wait to see the final day it's all over & your enjoying it!

[@joysfairclough]

First time commenting I think, but I have been watching you all this time from Paris. You are a doll, and a boss, and an inspiration. Your attitude is everything. I'm so happy for you, and admirative of all your accomplishments! Bon courage pour la suite !! et bonne continuation xo

[@estherquintana9534]

You are amazing and inspirational to women around the world to DIY things that we would normally not try to do ourselves!

[@gretchendemasi768]

We lived in Vermont in an old home with the same exact windows. Husband did all the fixing up. We kept the wavy glass. It’s beautiful. Even with the matching storms the were not energy efficient but I loved them anyway. Funny thing is we had plenty of friends with cloudy efficient new windows.

[@DonjeteAhmeti]

Ahh I remember in the beginning when you came up with the solution for the guest bathroom/linen closet on the hallway/more storage space on your closet. Its awesome to see it in person. I was so excited for this actually because I thought you did such an amazing job with that!

[@janhunt6214]

Looking awesome! This cottage is a true work of love. I’m so IMPRESSED that you did your window glazing.