As a homeowner, the roof of your house is often an overlooked but essential component that deserves attention. Whether your roof is showing signs of wear and tear or you’re simply looking to give your home a facelift, roof restoration projects can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your property. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and insights on tackling roofing projects to help you achieve the fresh start you’ve been dreaming of.
Embracing the Exterior Overhaul
When my partner, Stephen, and I first laid eyes on our new home, the exterior was an absolute mess. Weeds had taken over, the windows were boarded up, and the overall neglect was palpable. But you know what they say – one person’s trash is another’s treasure. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy at the prospect of transforming this forgotten gem into our very own urban oasis.
As we discovered on our journey, the exterior challenges were actually a blessing in disguise. Unlike the overwhelming interior renovations, the outdoor work was something we were already well-versed in – manual labor. With a trip to the hardware store and a fresh set of tools, we set out to reclaim our property, one piece of debris at a time.
Laying the Groundwork for Success
I’ll never forget the day we closed on the house and headed straight to the local hardware store. Armed with shovels, pruning shears, and lawn bags, we were ready to tackle the overgrown landscaping. As we worked tirelessly, the neighbors took notice and inquired about our plans for the property. When we proudly declared that we were the new owners and had no intention of turning it into a multi-family dwelling, a passerby felt the need to remind us of our responsibility to maintain clean sidewalks.
Little did they know, we were more than up for the challenge. Lacing up our boots from Payless, we dove headfirst into our first wave of exterior cleanup. While we focused on the interior projects, we hired a landscaping company to grade the yard and remove the stubborn stumps. This paved the way for our next step – growing grass from foundation to sidewalk.
Laying the Groundwork for Success
I’ll never forget the day we closed on the house and headed straight to the local hardware store. Armed with shovels, pruning shears, and lawn bags, we were ready to tackle the overgrown landscaping. As we worked tirelessly, the neighbors took notice and inquired about our plans for the property. When we proudly declared that we were the new owners and had no intention of turning it into a multi-family dwelling, a passerby felt the need to remind us of our responsibility to maintain clean sidewalks.
Little did they know, we were more than up for the challenge. Lacing up our boots from Payless, we dove headfirst into our first wave of exterior cleanup. While we focused on the interior projects, we hired a landscaping company to grade the yard and remove the stubborn stumps. This paved the way for our next step – growing grass from foundation to sidewalk.
Embracing the Gradual Transformation
We knew that our journey to create the perfect backyard oasis would be a multi-year endeavor, but we were undeterred. Without a kitchen to call our own, it was hard to justify the immediate expenses of a fence and comprehensive landscaping. So, we decided to take a more gradual approach, planting the seeds (quite literally) for our dream outdoor space.
The first spring, we made a sizable investment in key items like hydrangeas, river birch trees, a star magnolia, and a large evergreen to block the backyard and protect our future beehive. We intentionally chose smaller plants, knowing that with a little patience, they would grow into the lush, inviting space we envisioned.
Navigating the Backyard Oasis
As the years passed, we tackled different areas of the backyard as our time and funds allowed. We documented our progress on Instagram, sharing our journey with our followers. One of the most significant projects was the installation of our cedar baluster fence, which we painted in a rich Benjamin Moore Solid Stain in Black Forest Green. While the annual maintenance is a must, the end result is a beautiful, private oasis that transports us to our happy place.
The roof of our home was another key component in creating this urban haven. By restoring and refreshing the roof, we were able to enhance the overall aesthetic and improve the efficiency of our home, setting the stage for our backyard transformation.
Finding Inspiration and Embracing Challenges
Our inspiration for the backyard oasis came from our summers spent in Provincetown, where we were continuously amazed by the beautiful, intimate spaces people created with limited outdoor areas. We wanted to capture that same sense of specialness in our own little corner of the city.
The process of bringing our vision to life was not without its challenges. The initial excavation and installation of the pea stone patio were grueling, with videos that still make our bones hurt. And let’s not forget the temperamental arborvitae that we rescued from a hardware store parking lot, only to lose one and have another develop a bald spot.
But through it all, we persevered, driven by our passion for creating something truly special. And when we look back on the moments where we paused and said “Woah,” we know it was all worth it.
Partnering for the Perfect Finish
Our backyard oasis reached new heights when we partnered with Rejuvenation to furnish the space. The moment we stepped back and took in the final product, we were filled with a mixture of pride and disbelief. The dining set, the patio umbrella, the cozy seating area – every element came together to create an absolute dream of a space.
As I reflect on our roofing and backyard restoration journey, I’m reminded of the countless lessons we’ve learned along the way. From the importance of patience and perseverance to the power of gradual, intentional progress, these experiences have shaped us in ways we could have never anticipated.
So, if you’re considering embarking on your own roof restoration or outdoor transformation project, I encourage you to embrace the challenges, seek inspiration, and trust the process. The rewards of seeing your vision come to life are truly priceless.