I’ve always loved the idea of taking a house with good bones and turning it into something special, so I dove headfirst into a renovation. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn along the way. Here’s my journey of remodeling my Pflugerville home https://vickyrenovation.com/locations/pflugerville/, turning an outdated space into something outstanding, and the key takeaways I gained from the process.
Evaluating What Needed to Be Done: Setting Priorities
Before jumping into the renovation, I knew I had to assess what actually needed to be done. Some areas of the house were purely cosmetic—things like dated wallpaper, old carpets, and a lack of cohesive design. But other areas, like the bathrooms and kitchen, were in desperate need of a functional upgrade.
To stay within budget and on track, I made a list of priorities:
- Kitchen remodel: This was at the top of my list because it’s the heart of the home. The layout was inefficient, and the appliances were outdated.
- Bathrooms upgrade: Both bathrooms felt small and dark. I wanted to open them up and bring in some modern features.
- Flooring replacement: The entire house had a mix of old carpeting and worn-out linoleum. I knew new flooring would make a huge difference in the overall feel of the home.
- Paint and finishes: These were more of a cosmetic change, but I knew a fresh coat of paint and updated fixtures could make the space feel like new.
Once I had my priorities set, I began budgeting and planning. I quickly learned that home renovations almost always cost more than you expect, so I built in a little extra room for any unexpected expenses.
The Kitchen Remodel: Where the Real Transformation Happened
The kitchen was the biggest part of the renovation and where I saw the most dramatic change. The original kitchen was closed off, with dated cabinets and minimal counter space. It just wasn’t functional for the way I wanted to use the space.
The first thing we did was knock down the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. This made a huge difference in terms of flow and light. Suddenly, the space felt open and airy.
For the cabinets, I chose a modern, shaker-style design in a soft gray. I wanted something classic that wouldn’t go out of style anytime soon. I also opted for quartz countertops in a white with subtle gray veining to keep the kitchen looking bright and clean.
One of the best additions was a large kitchen island. Not only did it add more prep space, but it also gave the kitchen a gathering spot. I chose pendant lights to hang above the island, which added both style and function.
Appliances were another big investment. I went with stainless steel for a modern look, and I made sure to choose energy-efficient models. Not only do they look great, but they also help save on utility bills in the long run.
Finally, I chose a subway tile backsplash in white for a timeless look. It was a simple choice, but it really pulled the whole kitchen together. The transformation was incredible—what was once a cramped, dark kitchen became an open, bright, and welcoming space.
Bathroom Upgrades: Turning Basic into Beautiful
Both bathrooms in the house were small and outdated, so I knew they needed a complete overhaul. In the master bathroom, we replaced the old tub with a large, walk-in shower. I chose glass shower doors to keep the space feeling open and airy. We used large, marble-look tiles for the shower walls, which gave the bathroom a more luxurious feel.
I also installed a new double vanity with plenty of storage. This was a huge improvement over the old single sink, which didn’t offer enough space for everyday essentials. I chose brushed nickel fixtures for a modern touch.
In the guest bathroom, I went with a simple but elegant design. We kept the layout the same but updated everything. I added a pedestal sink to save space and chose sleek, modern tiles for the shower and floor. While the bathroom is still small, it now feels fresh, clean, and much more functional.
The Power of New Flooring: Making the House Feel New Again
One of the most impactful changes in the entire renovation was replacing the old flooring. The house originally had a combination of outdated carpet and linoleum that made everything feel disjointed and worn out. I decided to replace it with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) throughout the entire house.
LVP was the perfect choice for a few reasons:
- Durability: It’s highly resistant to scratches and spills, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room.
- Affordability: It’s much more affordable than hardwood, but it still gives the same warm, natural look.
- Water resistance: Unlike wood, LVP can handle water exposure, which was a must for me in the kitchen and bathrooms.
I chose a medium wood tone that gave the home a warm, cohesive feel. Installing the same flooring throughout the house made everything feel more connected, and it instantly updated the look of the entire space.
Painting and Finishes: The Final Touch
Once the major renovations were complete, it was time to focus on the finishing touches. A fresh coat of paint made a huge difference in making the house feel new. I went with a soft, neutral palette—mostly whites and grays—that would keep the space feeling bright and open.
In terms of lighting, I updated all of the old fixtures with modern designs. This was a relatively small change, but it had a big impact on the overall feel of the home. In the living room, I chose a modern chandelier that became a focal point, while in the bedrooms, I opted for simple, clean-lined fixtures that complemented the neutral design.
I also updated all the door hardware and faucets with brushed nickel to give everything a cohesive, modern look. These small details pulled the whole renovation together and made the house feel polished and complete.
The Unexpected Challenges: Lessons Learned
No renovation comes without its challenges, and mine was no exception. One of the biggest surprises we faced was when we discovered water damage under the old kitchen flooring. It turned out that the dishwasher had been leaking for years, and the subfloor was completely rotted. This was an unexpected expense that set the project back a few weeks, but it was a necessary fix to ensure the integrity of the house.
I also learned that timelines can be unpredictable. Delays in material shipments, like the quartz countertops I had ordered, pushed back the completion of the kitchen by nearly two weeks. While this was frustrating, it’s all part of the process, and learning to be flexible was key.
The Final Result: A Home I’m Proud Of
Looking back, the renovation was a big undertaking, but it was completely worth it. My home in Pflugerville has gone from being outdated and inefficient to modern, bright, and functional. The kitchen, which was once dark and closed off, is now the heart of the home, where I love to cook and entertain. The bathrooms are fresh and updated, and the new flooring ties everything together beautifully.
Most importantly, the house now feels like home. It reflects my style and is a space where I feel comfortable and happy. I’ve learned a lot throughout this renovation process, and if there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone considering a renovation in Pflugerville, it’s to plan for the unexpected and be patient. Renovations take time and can be stressful, but the end result is always worth it.
Pflugerville: A Great Place to Invest in Your Home
One thing that makes renovating in Pflugerville so exciting is the area itself. Pflugerville is growing quickly, and homes here are increasing in value. That means that any investment you make in your home is likely to pay off in the future.
If you’re considering a renovation in Pflugerville, I say go for it! Whether you’re looking to update your home for personal enjoyment or to increase its resale value, there’s no better time to invest in your space. Plus, with a little planning and the right team, you can turn your house into something truly special.
