Transforming Spaces: Our Outdoor Home Renovation Journey

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

We often tell our clients that the renovation process is like a roller coaster. It starts with excitement, but there are inevitable ups and downs along the way. Renovations are messy. There is no perfect process, no matter how skilled the contractor. While we strive to make the experience as smooth as possible, the reality is: things happen.

In the fall of 2023, we embarked on our own renovation journey. Earlier that year, we had drawn up plans for a large-scale outdoor transformation: removing and replacing two decks, rebuilding the pool deck, constructing an outdoor shower, and creating a new living space beneath the upper deck. We also excavated part of the yard to reclaim wild space and expand our usable area. It was a major project, but David and I felt confident. After all, this is what we do.

But here’s the truth: I struggle to visualize a project before it’s in progress. Even with detailed architectural drawings, I couldn’t fully see the end result. David, on the other hand, sees every piece of the puzzle in his mind.

Construction began in September. I told David we needed to be done by May 15, 2024—our pool opens that day, and I wanted a full summer to enjoy the space. Our crew came in and quickly removed both decks. It was wild how fast it went. And a little disorienting—we kept going to the deck door out of habit, only to be met by a drop-off. David even taped a big sign on the door that said “NO.”

Next came the concrete crew, who tore up the old pool deck and poured a new, expanded one. It was thrilling to see progress and imagine a level, beautiful space replacing what was cracked and uneven. After that, excavation began for the deck footings and foundational work.

And then… everything stopped.

Winter hit, and our crew shifted to client work. During the downtime, we made design decisions and selected materials—something I find particularly hard. I know what I like when I see it, but it’s difficult for me to choose from samples. David is better at this, but even he needed backup. We worked with a designer to create a private, resort-like space that felt like an oasis for family and friends.

OUR OASIS

By the time construction resumed in spring, we realized how many decisions we hadn’t anticipated—or how many we wanted to change. We drove our crew nuts with tweaks and updates. I now understand decision fatigue on a whole new level. Night after night, I searched online for products, furniture, and fixtures. Pinterest became our second home.

Even with planning, delays happened. Our client projects came first, so our progress lagged. May 15 came and went, and I had to reset my expectations. At one point, the deck platform was up, so David and I dragged out lawn chairs and made the best of it.

We often tell clients that at some point, you’ll want us out of your house. I didn’t expect to feel that way about our own crew. These are our people—employees and trusted subs. But we hit that wall. Between the traffic in our driveway and the lack of privacy, it was a lot. I had surgery during that time and just wanted to recover in peace. But renovations don’t pause for comfort. I had to roll with it.

We also tell clients that the middle of a renovation is the hardest. Everything looks half-done. When it was our own space, that was frustrating. I’d walk around at night, picking apart all the unfinished details. David would remind me, “It’s not done yet.” He was right. It did get done. And while it’s not perfect, it’s beautifully crafted. Our crew delivered exceptional quality, just as they do for our clients.

As we neared completion, we had to adjust to using the space. The deck layout changed, the pool access was different, and the new configuration took getting used to. We hadn’t fully planned for things like shower lighting or stair illumination, so we made more late-night shopping runs. The furniture hunt alone took me months.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

Now, we’re thrilled. The project wrapped up late last year, and we’ve settled in. The imperfections have faded into the background. I no longer stress over stair placement or design quirks. Like I tell our clients, you’ll love your contractor at the start, hit moments of frustration, and by the end, you might just want everyone to go away. I needed a few weeks of quiet before I could fully appreciate the space.

Our lawn is still a mess, but by the end of summer, it’ll be green, lush, and ready for the finishing touch: our new fire pit. Just in time to celebrate our big 5-Year Anniversary Party.