I have been asked to show more of the process of doing a total lake house remodel from the beginning. Well, here is our lake house remodel demo. It is going to get ugly, really ugly, and really dirty! You can see the actual before photos of before and after here. For every post of our remodel visit our Lake House Remodel Project Gallery.
We honestly had no idea how to do this. We had our tools and we figured out what worked.
I believe that this is the key for a marriage to survive a remodel: We both gave 100%. I know that he is stronger, but if I let him do all the hard work, he would get worn out quickly or even injured. I saw what he was doing, and I picked up the same tool and did what he did. And you know what? He saw and appreciated my hard work.
One day while we were working, a man who wanted to partner on the construction with my husband called, and I heard my husband laugh and say, “I have realized that I don’t need you, I have Sherry!” Words of affirmation is my love language, and that comment made me happy. We were equal partners in this. And also, I knew that there were going to be projects that I am not smart enough to do, and I would really need him later! Hopefully he would feel like he owed me (haha).
Our 13 year old son had been helping us occasionally, and I am hoping that he learned from this experience. I wanted him to see that by all of this hard work, we can have something wonderful for our family to enjoy. He has learned how to gut a home, how to insulate a home, how to sand concrete, among other things. One day, after working hard, we were on the way home, and my husband pulled into Game Stop and told him to go in and get the game that he had been wanting. I hope he learned that we appreciated him, and good things come to those who work hard.
The plus side by doing the demo was finding all the bad stuff ourselves, and there was plenty of bad stuff. When we purchased the house we thought that we would replace the carpet, windows, plumbing, electrical, counter tops, and do the rest of the renovations after we moved in. That was incorrect.
This would be termite damage.
More termite damage.
There was so much termite damage and rotting wood that we replaced some of the framing of the house. My husband felt like we might as well do it right while we had everything torn down. I laughed because it seemed like we were both yelling to each other, “Bad news, we are not going to be able to save this either!” all day long. We ended up gutting the entire house. Fortunately, the foundation was fine.
There were leaves, blown insulation, rat droppings, and a lot of trash that had been blown in on top of that ceiling. We had no water so we would drive to Dollar General on the corner to wash off, then go back and work the rest of the day.



Sarah - Craft Invaders says
Wow, Sherry – what an amazing transformation. You, your husband, and kids must be so proud of what you have all achieved. It is stunning! I can see how hard you worked, but I imagine that makes it all the more special. Thanks for sharing – it’s a truly inspirational post x
Gina says
Your remodel is inspiring, Sherry! I am so impressed that you and your family did the demo together. I’d love to learn all of the things that go into doing a demo and try one someday. But, I think that hubby is just as in the dark about everything as I am. Your lake house looks SO AMAZING now. It’s so impressive that no matter how hard the demo was or what was going on in your life you still managed to finish the job. You are so amazing!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Amazing work Sherry. I would have thrown my hands up and given up. But due to your tenacity you ended up with a gorgeous home.
Kathryn says
You mean you don’t like pink walls, faux wood paneling, or peach tiles? Sheesh! Just kidding. I am so impressed. I would not be up to that kind of challenge. And your hard work paid off beautifully. You certainly have a good eye for what works. I love the words of affirmation from your husband too.
Lynn Spencer says
I.AM.IN.AWE.OF.YOU!!! You are my hero. Wow. Bur I completely get why it was a bonding experience for you and your husband…what does’t kill you makes you stronger…right? Thanks for the inspiration Sherry.
Many hugs, LYnn
Celeste | The Whole Serving says
You are a Rock Star, a lot of hard work but so beautiful.
Cathy Lawdanski says
It is so beautiful and you worked so hard. Good for you and your husband for being such a team! My husband is a great remodeler & do-it-your-selfer – he learned from doing it with his dad who was a home builder and carpenter. Your son learned so many things – both about renovation, hard work and working together with your family. GREAT JOB!