by Hope
I wrote recently about my continued wavering decision about selling my house in the new year. And about having had a real estate agent out to give me opinions on things I should do vs those that probably wouldn’t give me any ROI. I was surprised when she said that she would not paint.
I’ve got lots of color on my walls. Well, maybe not as much as previous homes. But still alot. I’ve got a bright yellow kitchen, a darker blue accent wall in two rooms, teal walls in my bedroom…etc.
A throwback picture to last year’s holiday baking in our bright yellow kitchen.
But the two things she did say to address…my kitchen ceiling where it is very obvious where the old kitchen cabinets butted up against it. And refinish my original small board pine floors.
And with one phone call…the kitchen ceilings will be covered this weekend. Hallelujah!
Cutting Costs
This is a project I’ve been round and round on. But just didn’t want to spend the money on a “cosmetic” only fix. However, with the possibility of listing my house pretty quickly in the new year. (Just being prepared.) I am moving forward.
Thankfully, I have a contractor who I trust implicitly. And he just happened to have time this week. We even were able to negotiate the cost of labor a bit as I scaled back a bit on materials and efforts.
The materials for this project will run me right about $500 including a new light fixture for the dining area. And labor is going to be $550.
Total monetary cost: $1,050 + probably about $30 in misc items, I imagine. (This money is coming out of savings since my income has been cut by 1/3 this month already.)
Sidenote: The original plan would have cost 4x this, so I’m super happy with the change in design. And I think the effect will be the same…a beautifully clean, farmhouse themed ceiling hiding the old kitchen footprint on the ceiling.
Total mental health cost: Priceless! Getting it done while I’m out of town, the dogs aren’t there to be in the way. By someone I trust completely. This is a real load off.
I will share pictures once I am back.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
Your hours got cut by a third “again this month?” This is a personal finance blog. Of all things personal finance, losing income with no explanation is huge. What happened? You know this is why companies hire people as contractors?
I think it’s worth painting every room the same light neutral color. It will make everything look fresh, clean and cohesive.
That was my thought too. I have gotten a quote for painting the entirety of the interior…almost $5K.
I will wait until I am certain of my plans to decide whether that investment is worth it. Just seems really high for an 1,100 square foot house.
Why do you need to hire it out? You know how to paint. If your hours have been cut, and way to bury the lede there, you’ve got more time and less money to do it yourself.
I’d hire out painting any day of the week. It’s much harder than I expect. The high cost may be from the colorful walls—which I don’t mind because it’s your house, paint it how you like—it can take more paint and high hide primer to neutralize the bright colors so they don’t show through.
Right, but Hope knows how to paint, she has done it before. And she’s mentioning her income being cut. That’s the time to DIY and save money.
Step 1 – pay off debt
Step 2 – save up an emergency fund of six to twelve months expenses
Step 3 – make a **plan** of what you want to do next
Don’t start spending thousands on home repairs and upgrades until you have completed steps 1-3.
Get a few more quotes. $500/room is more in line with what I would expect in your area. It is also something that could be DIY. It just takes some time and patience.
It sure sounds like you have already made up your mind to sell and move.
If this is truly your plan, save money and do the painting yourself and use some of your reno budget to fix your kitchen. I know you love your open shelves that you and your son made out of 2 x 4s, but you are never going to find a buyer who will pay fair market value for a home without a proper kitchen. this is one place where it makes sense to spend some money for the sake of getting the most out of your investment. You don’t have to go crazy – just get the basic builder grade cabinets and a basic neutral countertop and the house will show much better.
I am certainly leaning that way.
I was concerned about the kitchen too. That was my primary reason for having a realtor come look as I’m doing my research. But despite the tremendous backlash here for my design, everyone who has come into my house has loved the kitchen, the whole house in fact. And believe me, I encourage honesty.
The realtor did say to declutter and swap out my yellow kitchen baskets for more traditional baskets. But the over all theme of the house really does present beautifully. And every always loves my very well maintained butcher block countertops. (I am a fanatic about oiling them every month.)
I appreciate your suggestion though.