10 HOME RENOVATION TIPS for DIYers & Beginners *What I Wish I Knew Before* | XO, MaCenna

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After 4 months of owning a renovating a house ourselves, we have learned a few things along the way that I wish I knew before getting started! If you are or are dreaming about one-day renovating a house yourself, I hope you find these 10 Home Renovation Tips helpful
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[@hadiy101]

You’ve gotta save all those floor plans and frame them somewhere in the house!

[@laviraitei]

In the workshop 100% yes 😍

[@peggykelliher5698]

Great idea!!!!

[@justkenn509]

That is so cute !!

[@TheProfessionalEaterxD]

I love hanging my beautiful sandart in all my houses. They just look majestic! Check them out using this link swinget.com/?ref=maghraby

[@m.thompson3919]

The thing I've learned as a home owner is that, whatever you think it will cost, it's going to cost double. So, aim for something that only costs half of your maximum budget.

[@kailinngillen1182]

Double the budget of both timelines and money. 👍👍

[@robsgirl7778]

Yes!!!

[@CowboyBike06]

With the current wood prices, it may be more like tripled.

[@lgamble]

Absolutely

[@NoRegrets.]

This is the absolute truth. And with current prices a contractor cannot give you an absolute price. Doing it yourself will still probably be close to Triple the budget before it is all said and done. We remodeled before COVID hit and it was exactly double what we thought it would cost .

[@anniegreene828]

Your content is so fun and valuable but I gotta say- your channel is straight up eye candy. The lighting, the music, the fonts, the color palette, the backgrounds- all your effort and the beauty of these details make an exceptional product. An XOMac video is a beautiful place to be.

[@XOMaCenna]

Omg thank you so so much!! 🥰 I love directing a video in how it looks and feels so I’m so glad the work shines through !!

[@kathyusa-iowa5137]

Well said 👏 🥰

[@ksl2634]

I was just thinking this while watching! All around her videos have been so well made 🙌 💕

[@sachacastel2496]

You are so good at this, and by “this” I mean, the renovation, your skills at presenting, your editing skills, all of it. I can totally see you with your own tv show and I will be there for it. Love your channel and all you do. Thank you for entertaining me, I’m loving it and can’t wait to see what unfolds next. Love from the UK. xx

[@lisaintheuk3347]

Think the same way! She is so much better than anything we have on telly!

[@OasismyParadise]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate Macenna's passion and work ethic?! GURL you are so spontaneous, creative, hardworking giving us all the content on your main channel and vlog channel while in the process of renovating your house?! Props to you and so excited for the upcoming intermission of thrift flips and room decor :]

[@guadalupenarramore2737]

??? M

[@curtischildress9580]

Back in the 1960s when my folks were building their house my brother and me helped our folks do tons of work on the inside such as sanding trim and molding and baseboards and doors and wood floors. We stained the floors and paneling and did the varnish on all things wooden. Working together as a family saved money but what it meant to us as a family was far more valuable. I'm sure that you all have discovered this truth in doing your renovations. The results will stand the test of time and become bonus prizes one day should you still have the house and your family no longer be around. Memories are golden. I wish you and your family the best of times with good health and safety and happiness. ...I richly enjoy your channel. Thank you.

[@abbywoods8210]

🚨As someone who lives In an old house, make sure you check the main house for any and all holes that could allow insects, snakes, or mice in!! It’s rat snake season, and they’re making their ways indoors!! (We had three that made their way into the house, and our house is about the same age as yours!😭)

[@kebert2thumbsup]

Don't forget about the bats! I've had SOOOO many bats in my apartment! (150+ yr old house.)

[@kebert2thumbsup]

I actually had a bat in my foyer 2 nights ago. I had the door to my apt shut so it couldn't come in. By morning, it was MIA! 🙉🙈🙊

[@angelapopp8563]

MaCenna, you are one of my favorite humans ever! It so funny you mentioned about how you have had your moments of stress and tears because I was literally just thinking about your videos like yesterday and how stressful it must be but you never let it show! You are always so positive and Inspiring! I watch every single one of you videos! Thanks for all you do! ❤️

[@XOMaCenna]

Aww thank you so so much!! The good happy moments far out weight the stressed overwhelmed ones but they definitely happen from time to time haha

[@rosehughes599]

You can also sell or let others salvage stuff that you don't want. It stops it going to landfill and reduces your waste disposal costs. I managed to sell a 20 year old basic builder grade kitchen, plus saved the cost of a skip to dump it in. We also were happy for "skip divers" to help themselves to old radiators and windows. It freed up more space for us

[@sashac7002]

This is one of the best series on KZbin. Thank you so much for talking us with you!

[@XOMaCenna]

Omg thank you so much!!

[@amfxoxo]

When my husband and I were renovating our home, we (he) decided to do the wooden floors ourselves - sanding, staining, finishing. Oh my gosh, it was such a disaster. We wasted so much time, money, energy and went through hours and hours bent over on our hands and knees doing back breaking work and in the end, we gave up :( We got floating floorboards put over the top as we had really messed up our floors. It was a big lesson for us and we wish we had researched much better and had just hired a pro from the beginning and then tackled an easier project for ourselves. T'was the great floor debacle of 2019!

[@darkpathos]

Was the hardest part sanding? My husband and I were considering this project too!

[@kaylibookman172]

@@darkpathos It stinks that AmRodriguez had a rough time. I refinished my floors by myself and in my opinion, anyone can do it! I rented a drum sander and an edge sander from Home Depot. Watch some videos but my main advice is, do not stop moving while the sander is on. Staining and Finishing took a long time and it was important that we weren't living there because it was STINKY! It may seem daunting but watch videos get the RIGHT equipment and it will work!

[@amfxoxo]

@@darkpathos Yes! Sanding was back breaking! We had a huge space to do as well...

[@kaarinrosso2400]

I've been watching you for while (years) and I love your vision. Had I found it 30 years ago you and I would be besties. I'm now 62 and try to incorporate your ideas. We are in no whey moving to a new cottage but your inspiration encourages me to rethink. I love your vision Girl go with it...I'm along for the ride.

[@kailinngillen1182]

Another thing to check before buying a piece of property is " is it in a flood zone, etc. "👍🤔

[@mselizabeth2644]

100%

[@lovly2cu725]

Good one. Even if it is a tiny corner you will be paying flood insurance.

[@annehelenegroven]

You are a true inspiration to us all😃. I am just so impressed by everything that you have been able to do your self. I love watching these videos plus the thrift shopping 😄😄😄. Have a wonderful week. Xoxo 💞💖💞

[@XOMaCenna]

thank you so so much!

[@inger-marenfjeldheim4910]

This is THE most valuable series on KZbin right now! I've always dreamed of renovating an old house, and this is such a great way to kinda experience the process of it before I even buy a house.

[@lovly2cu725]

Last week's episode had 2 well known YT'rs following & commenting.

[@blancaluna8190]

You’re such an inspiration .. I love your humor and you’re attitude towards life ! You are so up lifting... God Bless you on your journey with your home! I can’t wait to see it all done ❤️

[@QueenNanaEva]

You have accomplished so much MaCenna! You are truly an INSPIRATION!

[@yeneka713]

What a fantastic video. I am truly enjoying this series! I don't know what's more awesome: the progress being made on the house, or the personal transformation it is bringing out in you. It is so apparent how much this project means to you, and how much it is helping you in experience and confidence. Watching you demo a whole kitchen or reframe it WITH YOUR BARE HANDS, i couldn't help but think, "Wow, she's come so far from just hot gluing rattan on a flower pot." You should be SO PROUD of yourself. 🖤

[@cherylcotton3675]

I just love Sundays... the excitement and positivity is contagious. May God continue to bless you and your family...can't wait for the finished product ♥️

[@ChelseaJohnson85562]

You literally described Hygge when describing your design style

[@Eddy-fs4uq]

I've been loving this series. I appreciate you taking us along on the ride.

[@melancholytrees]

As a designer (landscape architect) who works on occasion with architects and interior designers, I really love love your channel. You definitely have all of the design thinking right and it brings me joy to see your cad floorplans - I often watch while also working on cad! Seriously, these are fantastic tips and a great approach to all of this. Great job!

[@KrystaMeeker]

Love watching your journey!! We are renovating our second old home. It's such a process, there are moments of extreme reward, overwhelm, and "What have I gotten myself into?!". It's so worth it though. We are also documenting our journey which has brought on a whole new level of motivation. If you're thinking of renovating an old home keep in mind that nothing is ever square or level and all renovations will take twice as long and cost double but don't let it stop you. The reward is exhilarating and you'll be reeling for the next project!

[@OurHomeandAdventures]

I always love to watch your videos, not only because it’s informative and how passionate you are of what you do but because of your personality, giving me so much positive vibes! Whenever my husband see your video, he’ll say “your friend” and I’ll say “yes, my happy person🥰”. So, thank you ❤️

[@caraanderson6865]

My fav KZbinr 😍😍 never thought I’d consider doing demo on my future home, but now I will!! Can’t wait to see more!

[@pattycandle3596]

Hello from France ! I love your channels so much ! It's so inspiring... and so fun. I love your creativity and your energy ! I learn a lot with you and it's always a great moment. Thank you so much. I can't wait to see the next chapter of this beautiful adventure!

[@kaylasachse8527]

I'm currently working floor plans for our home remodel. I did start going to school for architecture but didn't go far enough (lack of money hindered my continuation), but creating my own floor plan has been interesting. I love seeing your videos to keep reminding me of different things I need to look at or change to be better. It's amazing watch you in more "real time" get all the things done! Thanks for being sincere and transparent about the process!

[@kellyholets1523]

Such a great resource for getting started on a project like this. Thanks for presenting this info in a way that is not overwhelming, but actually useful and informative.

[@alexiswittman3876]

Excellent recap. I have shared your blog with SO many people. It's such a joy--your joy!

[@hamdaalmarar355]

I have never been this excited for someone , i love you girl have a great journey with this house

[@mariyapatel85]

I have so much respect and admiration for your ability to take a task and put all your energy and efforts into perfecting it! Your content on this has been amazing and you’re such an inspiration taking on all this work with such confidence!

[@JessObie]

Great video! Very helpful info! I’ll be starting a renovation soon and I’m super excited to get started and you have been a great inspiration!

[@anasmith1717]

You are so inspiring! The “fun” has been shining through!! Thank you for being so honest through the process 😊

[@jasmine.apap93]

You put an incredible amount of work into each video. You're basically producing a mini movie Every week! Every detail you talk about you take the time to add a visual cue to. Thank you for putting so much care into your content, it shines through and inspires!

[@aubreyharrison12]

we are in escrow right now (fingers crossed) and if everything goes smoothly we will have a place that I will fix up. it’s all original 80s lol. Your making so much progress!! I get excited when you update us on the cottage

[@kerrim1986]

This series has been so inspiring to me. We're going to start renovating our house in the next couple of months and I'm so many taking mental notes from you and your journey 🤓

[@monicavelaplanas]

Love love love the series! It is original, you are so nice and so passionate! Really love the energy. We (me and my husband) bought an apartment two years ago and little by little (renos) is becoming our house... so you are so inspiring even if your house is 110 years old an my home only 40! XOXO from Italy!

[@GothGoddess1]

Love your video's!! Lots of really good info happening! It's REALLY NICE to see you saving ALL that you can from the house & re-using it! With wood prices sky high, that's a HUGE savings. Not to mention, the wood used to originally build the house is soooo much different than what we have now! Your a girl after my own heart. Love old houses!!!

[@messytomajestic7690]

No words! I literally don't have words how amazing you are! I learn so much from you, beacuse I am renovating my 110 yrs old house too in Ontario, Canada. Love the quality of your videos!

[@lindarosenthal6835]

Great advice. A plan and timeline are critical. Agree with you about trying to do what you want to DIY and being realistic on what you don’t want to do.

[@jackieolson8368]

Omg I’ve been waiting for this I love you ❤️❤️❤️

[@esse1900]

I haven’t heard you talk about the HVAC system. Will you be running new ductwork or installing a ductless system?

[@colleenjennifer-lynn]

I didn’t think I would like these reno videos, but I am in LOVE!! To go and look for the earliest photo of this home, keeping some details (doors, handles, locks), tear down, sketching everything, AND thrifting at the same time! ❤️🇨🇦😘 We’re currently doing renos on our house - windows, new stucco, patio door, deck, siding - and I’m wanting to change the colors on the walls, décor, and to be intentionally a minimalist. But I have no clue lol

[@cynthiamuffoletto7480]

I beginning to see how beautiful it will be!! You are really making progress!!

[@zeltael-amin5383]

love watching your videos in both channels.....and this journey here.....so so amazing....keep up the great work you, Romeo and your parents have done.....you have such amazing ideas and concepts to different things.....i appreciate your gift and talent.....may God continue to bless all of you.....tfs

[@traceybryant1678]

I just discovered you yesterday and have been bin watching your videos. I just love you!

[@clarissahanson5320]

You are such an inspiration for me! It's really putting a fire under my butt to get renovations in my house done, and doing more myself vs hiring someone!

[@shibijose]

Wow!!! This is so so useful. So many wonderful tips. Wish I had seen this before doing my renovation. Thanks for sharing.

[@filamijoybillones6074]

I'm so excited for the outcome of your plans...but I'm most excited of kitchen and living area. Gogogo girl!!

[@alinabenartzi]

I wish you good luck with the building to come, you are such an inspiration to me and I really love you and what you are doing!!!

[@charlottewoodcock2645]

You are so well organized and love watching your videos,you are also such a hard worker!!!

[@AM-eg8sh]

I live for sundays thanks to you 🥲

[@XOMaCenna]

omg thank you!

[@ProjectUpcycling]

I love your video it is very structured and organized. We always see that through out your video's how you plan and SketchUp everything you do. And as French German here I know how much work that is😉 I wish that you get through this process to your dream house. Always happy to watch your content 😊

[@julesoyler4306]

I so enjoy your videos.. I have started looking forward to seeing your notification. I am not building but truly am loving following your journey. Keep up the great work! Jim to the rest of you awesome family!!

[@julesoyler4306]

Sorry, that was "hi" to the rest if your family... darn that autocorrect!

[@Csttorena]

Thank so much for make this video!!!!!!!🧡 I love it and it is very helpful

[@michelecolvin3374]

I am so enjoying this series. I look forward to every video.

[@lorikegley3327]

You just amaze me! I love watching you!

[@beatrizmorais3682]

What a good vibe you transmit 🥰 I love you ✨💛

[@missthready]

I love the crow family!!! You are amazing! I feel all is well with the world when I see a video of yours!

[@darlenesmith1858]

This was so informative!! You are amazing.

[@veronica1625]

I couldn’t imagine just renovating OR just filming and editing each week. I cannot believe you do both, perfectly!!

[@denises9426]

Thank you for sharing that even you had moments of doubt and feeling overwhelmed. Just know you are doing an AMAZING job and your vision will come to life because of all your hard work and determination. YOU are AMAZING! 🥰❤️🍀🙏🏻🤞🏻🌸🌼

[@AgusCabassi]

I'm actually about to start building my weekend house (hope to live there one day or transform it into a boutique hotel) and want to get lots of things second hand and I can't wait! Your videos are giving me great ideas on what to do even if I don't live in the US ❤❤

[@CowboyBike06]

Best of luck in your ventures! How exciting!!

[@abeerali7834]

Well done! Thank you for the thorough and organized information 🌹

[@RebeccaABeaudoin]

love that you can document this for yourself

[@simonwoodhouse]

I work in architecture in the U.K. and am really impressed with this video, great advice 😄 really enjoying this series too - good luck with the rest of the project!

[@crystaldodson5746]

This is awesome that u are choosing to DIY a lot !!! I’m a super DIYer too!! Thank u so much for sharing this!! I have built a small home before with the help of the guy I was with at the time. He was experienced in almost everything he needed to be to do it, and show me how to do it correctly! Also another feeling that makes it worth it is the connection to ur house u get, like the house and u are bonding when u do the work on it… plus u now know every little detail about what went into the house such as where u ran the wire for electric power or the pipes for the plumbing.

[@Koriannae]

This is so thoughtful and detailed. I love this!!!

[@gregmcnab9004]

My god I love your videos. So informative and so passionate about what you do! Keep up the great work

[@SCOTTLUDWICK]

This video was a valuable resource for someone like me who's new to DIY home improvement. The presenter shared insightful advice that helped me avoid common pitfalls and feel more confident tackling projects around the house. I highly recommend this video to fellow beginners looking to embark on their home renovation journey. Many thanks!

[@cherylsimmons4540]

Excellent and thank you. Also your Mom is an amazing support.

[@sarahkamarudin5041]

Someone give this woman her own TV show already! 😍

[@sophialeiscleansaway]

We bought our first home a 100 plus year old town house in France. We love it and are not practiced renovators or diyers but one thing we have learned through all this is an organized tool/supplies kit can save you money! Also having large durable trashcans to take things to the dump is simply wonderful. Might be good to mention that if you live in a home the renovations never end lol 😬 Happy renovating!

[@pockyshakes]

I am super invested in this housebuild. I’m learning so much from you (even though I don’t think I’ll be DIY building a house, who knows, right?). Also, your style speaks to me. It’s also what I gravitates to that’s why I’m so excited to see how it turns out. 💖

[@ciara5108]

I had been dreaming about renovating my kitchen for years. Then we finally were able to do it and I started freaking out inside because I was thinking what do I want! I went back and forth with dark and moody or white and airy. Pinterest was my friend to figure out what I chose. I went with dark and moody and I love it!

[@Saw.phie.]

This video was so well-made and informative, you're a queen!

[@polala7713]

Quelle femme incroyable !!! Quelle belle énergie et quel courage !!! Bravo, 😍😍

[@evelienbroug]

Loved this video. You have such an amazing personality. And Yes keep having fun

[@LubaAlanna]

Thanks for reminding me that it is fun and a beautiful creative outlet 💜

[@vickinoeske1154]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@traceyweste4253]

I am living vicariously through you!!! I'm a handy woman myself and I feed off of your energy...... you are always so wired!!!

[@jacobkeung5948]

This is awesome!! We are going to be adding a 2nd story next year and this helps a tonne! Thank you!

[@RemoteBuilder]

What a fantastic video. Great tips. You are truly an INSPIRATION!

[@MultiDonna26]

Wonderfully passionate advice! Thanks xx :)

[@r.richmond4741]

Hey from Australia 🙋 Love your work and positive approach Macenna. My husband and I recently moved into a house with a big ol' backyard. It needs some landscaping but i've been putting off making a plan for it. Your tips in this vid were super helpful! Feeling a bit less directionless now 😊♥

[@natashaphillips4614]

I LOVE watching this story unfold! And you tell it so beautifully. My only advice is to research contractors, ask for real recommendations (at least 3) and ask to see the work done. Also research what goes into your contract and timeline. You should never have to pay tons up front! 🥰

[@MayaKarampalasi]

This is exactly what we need to know now that we are almost in our first home. Thank you so much

[@wanisaad496]

This video is so informative and helpful..me and my husband just sold our second home..and planning to buy a property to build our own dream home.. we've already have our eyes on one..waiting for the owner to respond.. but it takes ages.. starting to give up tbh..your new series couldn't hv come up at a better time to lift up my hope once again. Thank you so much 🥰🥰

[@daniellebuchanan4722]

This is super informative, great video!

[@SarahWarrior85]

Wow this is amazing. I’m not building or buying. But I get lots of ideas and motivation from you to improve and decorate my home.

[@mariab.1884]

I’m about to start demo on a major renovation (kitchen and primary bed/bath) and it’s all about planning!! I was so lucky to have a designer friend who put my vision on paper for me and tweaked it over and over again! Also, shopping around for plumbing fixtures/tile/etc. I had picked out a bunch of tile samples that I was mulling over for the bathroom and I happened to go to Lowe’s and see some almost identical tile at about a 1/4 the price! So now I have a literal ton of tile out in my backyard shed waiting for the reno to begin and I saved so much money!! (Which of course now needs to be diverted to offset sky-high lumber prices!)

[@rakelmahmad8192]

I just found you, this evening, because I was looking for a way to boho my plant stand. And wow, did I fall in love! You are just amazing. And your mum is a wonderful artist. I am an artist myself, and she is so good! We bought a house with my parents just months before Covid hit. Man, did prices go up, and every plan we had had to be thought trough again and again. We are still living in a renovating project. So let me just say this about tears, frustration and seemingly inventing the wheel again - make a small space with soft cushions and candles where you can take some time out. And realize you got the attention, emotional recognition and downright admiration from someone near twice your age, and from another continent. You are my new hero, seriously. Take care, keep enjoying creating stuff, and just be you.

[@darlachecchin3802]

Amazing, helpful video!

[@coolpersonlolollloll3540]

Thank you for the video!👍🏻👍🏻

[@SissibooAcresHomestead]

We're currently renovating our old farmhouse kitchen! I 100% agree a baby crowbar is essential!

[@pollyporter-campbell7493]

Thanks for the tips and the updates.

[@_dr.m]

Your work ethic and dedication is inspiring ❤️

[@luisaramirez9782]

Such a great video!!!

[@darlaburnett8666]

A lot of good information for people that think they want to tackle a DIY house. As you said plan, plan and re-plan. And as far as ideas go you might have a lot of ideas but you’ll figure out specially now in 2021 that maybe some of those plans can wait till supplies are cheaper.

[@lexi1410]

We have renovate our house just before the pandemic it was long and we had trouble to see the end of it (it was clearly less major than your renovation 😜) but it’s all worth it, we are happy here and it still some things to do but you know with a house you’ve never done with renovating it (it’s kind of an expression in French) good luck and I can’t wait to see your next video 😘