BEST & WORST Decisions We’ve Made (when building homes) - WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS | XO, MACENNA EP. 10

After renovating our 112-year-old cottage and building a 1000 sq ft NEW addition onto it, I’ve realized I made some great decisions and other not-so-great ones while building. In today’s episode I’m sitting down with my mom, that has built over 8 homes, to chat about the BEST & WORST decisions we’ve made while building.
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[@karenlabanaro7701]

When you are done using your back porch as your construction area, you should screen in your back porch so you can enjoy your porch without the mosquitos. You can even add ceiling fans for when it gets hot outside. It would be a nice outside space to decorate and enjoy.

[@ajh0198]

Totally agree!

[@lianamaeraguini3960]

Can you please drive by that house your mom almost bought and show us the before and after of the exterior? 🙏🏻😂

[@michele1491]

Your mom is spot on with designing your home for aging….keep things within easy reach with less bending over, good lighting to include showers (just stayed at a hotel where neither my husband or myself could read the print on the shampoo and conditioner bottles) and closets. As your hearing starts failing it seems you lose your balance more easily.

[@sharoncherry]

I hope your Mom does a KZbin videos when they start to do their new house. I agree with her that your walls should be neutral, and you can add color elsewhere in the accessories. I love old homes as they are so much better built than the new ones going up today. No wonder you are so talented as your parents are artist in their own right. Sometimes I can visualize something especially when making quilts. I see something and think I can do it and when I get home I struggle with how to do it. When reading a book, I can see what movie stars would star if made into a movie. I envy people who have a lot of cabinet space in their kitchen. My kitchen is so small that when you get more than 3 people in it it's cramped. As you get older make things easier for you as I am 69 and feeling my age everyday doing things around the house. I loved New Orleans when I was there in the 90's. Sorry for the long post. Sometimes when decorating a house the old saying less is more, but each his own.

[@terriaviles]

Your mom is amazing and very experienced ❤ She needs her own show! Please let her express her thoughts completely. I appreciate her honesty and I feel like sometimes she wants to share more but she can’t 😊 Your patio can be your 3rd bedroom 👍

[@loriallison1786]

🎉

[@Peachy5319]

Love when your mom is on the podcast ❤

[@kaylamson5161]

Ur mother’s advice is very true about keeping with neutrals. I get so tired of certain styles, staying with classic neutrals and natural materials is the way to go. U can always change pillows, and certain accessories that aren’t investment pieces. Enjoyed the podcast! God bless, John 3:16

[@grisespino5342]

I don't think there is a "perfect" build. The fact that your parents continue to do it with all the things that can go wrong and do! They are rock stars!!! Please include pictures of what your talking about when possible. Thanks for all the advice and tips ladies.

[@kekoo20]

Your mom's point about the surround sound tech going obsolete is 100% on point. Security systems are even worse, they are designed to become immediately obsolete, especially when they're tied to monthly service+hardware installment payment plans. If you're building a new home, I would recommend against getting any of the pre-hard-wired security systems that the major players will offer. They are often made out of crappy hardware that's not built to last, and are usually comprised of really basic/cheap parts. If you're getting anything preinstalled, do some solid research first, or get your own modern (wireless) system installed after the house is built; it will be easier to swap out if it doesn't suit your needs, or the security company goes out of business (which they often do).

[@samsoiRH]

Anyone else so distracted by Kingsley licking the air?! 😂

[@debbiemcallister7093]

I always love the interaction between Mother and daughter on this vlog/podcast. You guys really imparted a lot of wisdom from experience., and it's real-life real people stuff. I love this content, not marketing stuff from real estate people or contractors or decorators. I subscribed, just like I did to your regular channel. I love that Kinsley is in so many of your shots. She adds a lot of spice to the videos. One request/suggestion: can you post more supporting pics of the things you're talking about? Thanks.

[@6amarta]

Hi Macenna! Giving you a quick tip for the sound from a professional stand point - there are a lot of plosive sounds popping in the low register of your audio (those come from the sounds "b", "p" and breath going in the mic , etc when you talk directly in it). This you can quickly remedy by buying a pop filter for your mic (it looks like a ring with a thin mesh on it with a goose neck and a holder for the mic stand), or in the program where you mix your audio use an EQ with a hi pass filter (or low cut) on 150-250 Hz to get rid of the excess in the low register. I love the content you make on all your channels ❤❤❤ When I'm away from home for work, watching your videos makes me feel less homesick. Thank you! 🙏🏻😊❤

[@kylieharrison3782]

A screened in porch can also be used as a sleeper dormitary. It's an old fashioned idea but great for warm climates.

[@michele1491]

We had one of those on the second floor of our home growing up and I loved sleeping out there in the summertime.

[@Peptalk1w34]

I absolutely adore your mother, but the first time I saw her kitchen, my initial reaction was wow that doesn’t reflect her. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I think I was thinking more classic versus modern. It’s the tiles

[@terrizimmerman5297]

I would enjoy an episode about the pros and cons of having a swimming pool, the kinds of pools, their maintenance, surrounding patios, etc

[@phyllisgrossetti4511]

MaCenna you and your mom are a wealth of knowledge. This episode of pros and cons was fabulous. I have to say I knew the roof line was on the top of your con list. I can remember how you just couldn't wrap your mind around it. To me it looked great, but you were so upset with it. In all your home is becoming a cozy cottage I would be so proud to own. As I always say " You are amazing. "

[@ginistewart9636]

Would love to tour your Mom's art studio and hear more about her painting skills came to fruition and plans she has for it in her new build!

[@idonntknow8]

The energy efficiency thing for new windows is just a sales tactic! Donovan Rypkema is an economics/historic preservation expert and has some info published on this but restored/maintained original wood windows have the same R factor as new "energy efficient" windows. Thanks for saving yours!

[@LxvenderTeaa_XoXo]

Your mom saying “Changky chank” 😂 was may favorite part! I couldn’t visualize the privacy screen in the bedroom she was talking about…sounded like a cool solution though.

[@heidi.a.thomson]

I'm so glad that you have the mentality to save an older home and to restore the wood to a pristine state. That honours the house. The former owners, if still with us, I hope they are watching your videos. I'm sure they love what you have created. They will know the home is in good hands. You've created a wonderful home. Seeing you accomplish things bit by bit made things look easy (haha) and doable. Now seeing what you have accomplished as a whole is awe-stricking.

[@janebradfield2373]

I just noticed Kinsley around the 57 minute mark - with her sweet little face shoved into the pillow. Sound asleep. All tucked away snuggled in next to Momma 😊😂❤ she is just adorable!

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

I died when I saw this too! She’s a doll baby! 🥹💕

[@annasylikou2781]

Kinsley airlicking like crazyy 😂😍❤️

[@dons9228]

I remember a carpenter told us about crown molding, to remember to think upside down and backwards!

[@bethsmith4674]

I would listen to you and your mom talk about anything. Y'all are the cutest!

[@annabolch4960]

I would actually love to hear about home color palettes--how to choose complimenting colors, how to make selections that won't go out of style but still feel elevated and special. It would be so interesting to hear how each of you think through that!

[@ajh0198]

I love this idea!

[@Ria_n_Brian_93]

It’s so fun when your mom is in the podcast❣️😌

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

if you filmed a house that you did not buy and the new owners did such a fabulous job. Consider asking them if they would come on the podcast or be part of your vlogs where you tour the renovation and compare it to your "before video".

[@boldennotaryla]

I agree with your mom, I didn't specify adding drawers at the bottom of a few of my lower cabinets, my fix was using full size cookie sheets to solve the problem; I set the items on them and use them as a pull out shelf/drawer; they glide easliy and have solved that problem for me.

[@lynseypeters]

Aphantasia is the name for not being able to picture something in your mind. I only found this out recently when a friend said they couldn't picture anything when reading, unlike me who imagines what it's like. Like your mum, I get disappointed when they make a movie of a book and it looks nothing like how I imagined it. ❤

[@jessicaaiken8176]

I would love a tour of your moms house, i bet it is so beautiful 😊❤

[@anncollett7005]

She did one several years back on her channel! My Texas home tour.

[@jessicaaiken8176]

@Ann Collett ill have to look that up. I just started watching her when she bought the cottage. The pandemic had me watching more youtube and things then i use too

[@CelesteLoveHeart]

Love ❤you and your mom so nice ❤❤❤❤❤ I listened to the podcast night swimming 🏊‍♀️ just so chill xx ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@valentin4071]

My fav part of this video is when MaCenna’s mom says her dad is in the closet 😊

[@sharonspencer3877]

Your Mom is so fabulous!

[@sinastogner9118]

Could listen to y’all all day, I love how comfortable your Mom is…you better watch out 🥰🥰🥰

[@foxymama2003]

I so feel you on books being made into movies and being SO disappointed that they didn’t capture the beauty I saw in my head!!! My husband can’t see it either and after 27 1/2 years of marriage we are at a place where he just trusts my instincts and does the work with me!

[@bumblebee_ms]

As a designer/photographer I see things others can't too. I visualise everything as it should be, and I love it. I also own a two-bedroom house and now regret it but had nowhere to put a third, funny layout also.

[@memeskitchen5074]

I just love you & your mom. You guys are hilarious together. I find myself sitting & watching you for hours.

[@rosemarydent5805]

I have cream sofas.,curtains, carpet rugs very natural,and I have pops of colour in decor and accessories so all the major items are neutral so much cheaper in the long run I love your mum xx

[@michelegeltat356]

Love this podcast so much! Would you or you and your parents ever consider making over a cottage in the French countryside? Of course years down the road after the Cottage, Cali house, and Fox Run are complete.

[@777hc777]

You both are Simply the Best!!!

[@patriciakelly2714]

. It’s so good to be able to have that separate space. I can see how frustrated you both feel in the joint space. I always feel that if the house you buy is liveable, live in it for 6/ 12 months to get to know the house. This can stop mistakes.

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

Y’all are like family! I put your podcast on when I clean and get inspired to create projects! Thanks for always sharing solid advice! The floors and backsplash!!!!! 🫣🙌🏻

[@sheilavanduynfote5539]

I am enjoying all of your podcasts especially with your Mom, it just flows to seamlessly. This was so helpful if anyone is looking to renovate or build a home. Neutral colors are the best for me.

[@stephanieeckman5786]

I did antique mirror tiles in my kitchen and I LOVE IT. It reflects the light and made my kitchen feel bigger. And I just bring in color through my pieces

[@cristianMoon24]

I always wondered why you didn’t do a three bedroom extension. But it’s all about what works for you and your needs.

[@pamelajohnson1852]

I love all your content, especially these chats with your mom. You guys are so cute! I remember seeing Tom Silva on This Old House do crown molding a few times, so I checked, and if you Google "This Old House crown molding", there are several videos. Maybe one of them could provide a little more clarity. Either way, what you've accomplished is tremendous! I am in total awe of your bravery and talent!

[@Samanthjoyyyy]

I love your podcast, Ive learned so many new things to many things to count not just through your reno videos but listening to your podcasts especially with your mom. I have a similar relationship with my mom we could just chat about anything all day. Haha 😊❤

[@abeerali7834]

Your mom is so adorable and I would love to visit with her one day. I think we would make really good friends 🥰

[@janicereed6427]

This was so interesting I really enjoyed this. You and your Mother had a lot of great information. Great Video

[@debbiebuchanan2574]

I think your mom is so classy. I will be 67 in August and I would give anything to be even half has beautiful and classy

[@laurasamaniego5274]

Mecenna I use one of your sayings ! “Every little bit is progress”! We’re still working on my Casita we bought a year n half ago! My husband says it’s my Cottage for his queen lol! Thank you for your inspiration!

[@retirementsourdough]

I would love to see a tour of your mom’s house.

[@laurasamaniego5274]

Hi beautiful ladies love watching you two together! Me and my daughter are super close we don’t go one day without texting or talking. Keep up the good work. Also videos.

[@katwest6778]

😂 I couldn’t help laughing when you were talking about visualising and being disappointed when they turn books in to films, coz I’m exactly the same, I visualise every renovation I’ve done in my homes, before it’s even started! and my husband can’t visualise anything 🤦🏼‍♀️😂, fab video! I love everything you do in your homes and your such an inspiration 😊 xx

[@josephforsuh6929]

As Mother and Daughter, you both have a great thing going communicating about the things you have most in common and which you really, really enjoy!! Congrats, continuing success. Bon Voyage for September.🥳🥰

[@janetbof4]

Omg I had to pause video, I’m freaking out Kinsley looks like shes choking. I’ll now resume and hope that’s not the case. Phew I was wrong.

[@kayrabey1344]

Usually I like to read the comments. But today. Some of the comments seem just rude to me. Sorry MaCenna and Mom too.

[@kayrabey1344]

I love drawers on the bottom in the kitchen. I have to squat down to get pots and pans and I’m definitely over 70.

[@mariedilly3649]

Just sitting here in my studio working on a DIY and listening to you and Mom babble!

[@MoPowers]

Totally agree with the drawers. My new kitchen has all drawers - to keep my budget I am using Ikea and looking forward to the update, and functionality.

[@pennylane36]

We had our first house built in 1990 and were still in this house. We were young and didn't know anything. Now that we are in our 50's I'd love to build or have another house built and be involved in the build. With our own two hands, we've remodeled this house, built a barn shed with a loft, built a gazebo and completely resided our house. Ripped out the old builder grade kitchen and put it all back together ourselves. replaced all the carpet with wood floors, except bedrooms. this summer is a bathroom remodel If I ever get to build another house, I would do things different. Bigger bedroom and more than 1 bathroom for sure. I would not put the outlets in the center of the walls and below the windows in the center. there are way too many outlets that are unusable due to location. I would choose much nicer windows and ceiling height would be much higher. currently I have 7 1/2 foot ceilings. Not tall enough you learn a lot from your first house, on what it lacks for function

[@ashleypatterson975]

I love when your mom is on! When I listen to you guys in the car it’s kind of hard to hear her. Just something to note!

[@markmerritt6089]

ILOVE WATCHING YOUR MOMS PODCAST.

[@babsboutique88]

I love when you and your Mom do these talks. I watch all your channels religiously and love watching your journey and all your diy’s! I did want to address what your Mom said about her current house and the 4th bedroom not having access directly to a full bath and commenting that it’s not considered a 4 bedroom house? In Real Estate as long as you have a closet in a room it can count as a bedroom. You don’t have to have a bathroom attached, unless that’s a Texas thing? Just a little baffled about that? Take care❤

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Lol, Romeo can come on the podcast and you'll have the shadowed room, can't see his face, and disguised his voice so his identity is completely obscured. 🤣🤣🤣 Really appreciated this insight into best and worst renovation decisions! I'm nowhere close to owning/renovating my own home, but I'll keep these things in mind for when that day arrives.

[@sofaltini9463]

I am watching all your channels for years now . I am looking forward every time. the videos are very interesting and helpful. maybe in one podcast we could sent you photos of some difficult spots in our homes and give us your advice,what would you do and have a chat about that. is it too difficult?

[@josephforsuh6929]

Is there room to do a loft 'sleep space'? How about you put aside the idea of a third bedroom and see where you can introduce 'sleep space'. We use out attic space a lot in Europe. I believe there is great inspiration in 'tiny homes' and boat builds. You may do well with a sleep space and velux windows - roof windows. You know design is all about problem solving. You would need to think about insulation of course. But it could still add value and you are not changing the footprint. You have very high ceilings, can you cut into any loft space from within the secondary bedroom. By all means take a look at those big party houses which have modern day bunk rooms for the cousins to come and stay. I just don't have a clear idea of what the area looks like in the back corridor leading to the other rooms, and roof space. It is amazing what you could achieve which is unique for not too much money. All the best!!

[@KuuleiAkina]

Wait can you show us in detail your roof pitch? I guess I’m just not understanding what you did “wrong” or what you don’t like. ❤️💕 love your podcast and videos!

[@mmmieke3853]

Is the dog okay around minute 7??

[@GatherandSave]

We didn't rebuild but we remolded our house. One mistake we made was not putting plugs in the hallway. We made a small bathroom & closet into a bathroom. Move a whole wall and made a room a walk in closet. Yet somehow forget stinking plugs in the hall lol.

[@kimfleck4439]

Truly helpful. I love both of you. So enjoyable to watch❤

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

Love this one! Learning from you two about good bad and more! ❤

[@heidi.a.thomson]

Even a couple wanting to have an onsuite for their parents, the extra cottages you plan to build would be perfect.

[@CynthiaSchwalm]

My friend had a GORGEOUS patio home with a detached casita, which was a bedroom with bath. She had a gate coming into a courtyard that opened to the front door. The casita door was inside the gated area. SO -- when (and if) you want another bedroom, build a casita!

[@esmerose6766]

Yes!!! I love Earth Breeze! I use wool dryer balls after and it makes me feel so wonderful. We also have a septic tank, so it makes me less nervous about causing issues in our leech field.

[@chsu915]

another great episode. I learned a lot. One comment re your audio though. Consider equalizing the volume of you and your mom's audio. In this video, your audio was a lot louder than your mom's.

[@ajf1768]

I agree, I was hoping it would adjust, but never did.

[@ladominisima]

The thing about the kitchen fan legit blew my mind. Would you do a show in one of your next videos? Like comparing the one in your mom's house vs. yours? That would be so funny to see the difference in the noise 😅

[@kerryspicer8982]

That has been a very informative podcast

[@laurasamaniego5274]

Love the fire place in back ground! So beautiful n cozy

[@denises9426]

Love your podcasts MaCenna! 🥰❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@heidi.a.thomson]

That's what I love about the old buildings, high ceilings. My current apartment has lower ceilings. It would be so much more expansive if the ceilings were high.

[@edielynch7819]

I use earth breeze..and love it! Not going back to the liquids. My clothes smell so clean!

[@cynthiapitts9814]

Love your mom on the podcast! What is does Kinsley keep licking? That would drive me crazy.

[@michele1491]

I have a small powder bathroom and I have every intention of expressing myself fully in decorating it. I’m rather conservative and neutral in most other areas but I feel like with how small a space it is, changing it as inspiration strikes me will be easy.

[@debrabostwick1246]

Love your cottage and all you’ve done to it. When will you be landscaping the front and back yards?

[@Roroxane]

You can always ad drawers after if you don't have the budget when you first do your kitchen !

[@victoriafleming8215]

Ooo this was a wee surprise.. 🤎 thanks MaCenna chum ☕️ love from Belfast xO

[@terrieaves1682]

We're not short, we're fun size. 😉😂

[@heidi.a.thomson]

lol you can make a compilation video of you shouting a question to Romeo in another room where he answers shouting back!

[@patwilkinson2182]

Another excellent content ❤

[@theownthetablepodcast]

Loved this! ❤

[@mariannelabletta4324]

I am struggling with a decision to add doors to each section of closet to a large walk in closet I M doing in the primary bedroom. I have option to add doors into the room but do I need to do doors on each individual section. Your thoughts

[@followtherythmxo]

I know it's not the point, but Kinsley is so freakin adorable 🥹

[@The.Caroline]

You could always split the guest bedroom in two with a light weigth wall to make it a three bedroom house? That room is pretty big and I don’t think two smaller bedrooms are that bad (most new built bedrooms are).

[@katkresge]

Would a blower in a non-insulated attic work well in states with hot summers and freezing winters? Love that idea and wanna try it out!

[@michele1491]

We have an open central living area with a very high ceiling. It is beautiful however there would be no way we could ever paint that area ourselves as even with rented scaffolding we couldn’t reach the area over the stairs.

[@michele1491]

I’m wondering if you have rethought and are going to keep those two chairs in your living room. They fit the space so well.

[@michellem434]

Great tips Thanks!

[@heidi.a.thomson]

Will your mom share some of the bad in the house to potential buyers? I would definitely want to know about the fan and the travertine floor.

[@vintagechick]

Vent to attic yes I have new construction 10 foot ceiling and open floor plan that vent is super loud also married 33 years husband has media room to hide in ….the only room upstairs 😅

[@mariaandreinaguzmanapolina869]

Kingsly totally sunken between you and the pillow is everything! super cuddly sweet girl!