The short guide you need for a stress-free home remodel
90 page ebook • instant download
What's Inside
In this short ebook you'll learn:
How to pick the right old house
Where to start when planning
Ways to pay for your renovation
How to find the best contractors
Tips for designing your new space
Which projects to DIY (and to avoid)
How to live in a project (and survive)
Where and how to save money
And so much more...
Contents
Here's the full table of contents:
Introduction
8
Who This Book Is For
9
A Short Story
10
Move-In Day
12
Two Years Later...
12
Onto The Next Project
15
Why Renovate An Old House
16
Picking A House
17
Location
17
Major Repairs
18
Inspections
19
Un-permitted Work
19
Hazard Areas
20
Historical Designation
20
Comparables
20
Planning Your Renovation
21
Start With Why
21
Budget
21
Add Value
23
Prioritize Projects
23
Do I Need An Architect Or Designer?
24
DIY Design
25
Permits
27
Timing And Seasonality
28
Where Will You Live?
29
Green Building Options
30
Insurance
31
Money
31
Cash
32
HELOC (home equity line of credit)
33
Construction Loan
33
Personal Loans
34
Credit Cards
34
Store Cards
35
Pay As You Go
35
Types Of Contractors
36
Renovation Overview
43
Planning
44
Demolition
45
Rough-In
47
Finish Work
49
Punch Lists, Final Inspections, And Move-In
51
Additions
53
Exterior
54
Contractors
55
Finding Contractors
56
Friends, Family, CoWorkers
56
In Your Community
57
Cold Leads
57
Getting Bids
58
Meeting With Contractors
59
Comparing Bids
61
Negotiating Bids
63
Screening Contractors
64
Contracts
64
Tips For Navigating Contracts
65
Contract Types
67
Fixed Bid Contracts
68
Time and Materials Contracts
68
Working With Contractors
69
Be Hands On
69
Check Progress Often
69
Fixing Mistakes
70
Milestones and Payments
70
Lien Waivers and Releases
71
DIY
70
What To DIY vs Hire Out
72
Be Realistic
73
DIY-Friendly First Projects
75
Learning New Skills
76
Living In A Project
77
Temporary Kitchen
77
One Project At A Time
78
Take Breaks Between Projects
79
No House Talk
79
Nights Away
79
Write It Down
79
Saving Money
80
DIY
80
Demo
80
Energy Rebates
81
Home Improvement Tax Exemptions
81
Material Quality
82
Custom vs Prefab
82
Book Contractors In Low Season
83
Re-use Materials
83
Stress and Managing Expectations
84
Delays
84
Cost Overruns
84
Expectations vs Reality
85
Bonus Resources
86
Software, Tools, Vendors, and Products
88
Book A Call With Me
89
Thanks For Reading
90
About The Author
91
Praise For The Book
Here’s what others are saying:
“The advice in this book saved us countless time, money, and first-timer mistakes."
Dan F. – USA
“This is the book I wish we had when we started.”
Boris T. – France
“I was new to DIY and terrified about starting our house renovation. This honest (and often hilarious) book was the confidence booster I needed!”
Thomas D. – UK
“[...] this book couldn't have come at a better time. It put my mind at ease and helped me understand many classic renovation pitfalls.”
Tom R. – Canada
“Being completely new to remodels, this book helped me understand and break down what feels like an overwhelming project.”
Marcus W. – Germany
“You’re just so creative. I love you.”
My Mom – USA
Get The Book
Three value-packed options to make your remodel a success
The Book
$19
The 90-page ebook in PDF format
Tips to save thousands on your project
Step-by-step remodel checklist
Read on your phone, tablet, or laptop
The Book + Extras
$39
The 90-page ebook in PDF format
Tips to save thousands on your project
Step-by-step remodel checklist
Read on your phone, tablet, or laptop
Full DIY bathroom budget spreadsheet
Contract template for lien releases
100+ images from a huge remodel
The Book + Extras includes:
The Complete Package
$79
The 90-page ebook in PDF format
Tips to save thousands on your project
Step-by-step remodel checklist
Read on your phone, tablet, or laptop
Full DIY bathroom budget spreadsheet
Contract template for lien releases
100+ images from a huge remodel
1-hour Zoom call to kickstart your project
The Complete Package includes:
Book A Zoom Call
Your questions answered by someone who's been there done that
One-On-One Call
$99
Every remodel is different and nuanced. Get one-on-one advice for your specific project or go deeper on anything I’ve shared in the book.
Includes a 1-hour Zoom call
Expert advice for your project
You pick a day/time that works for you
"It looks so easy on TV"
In real life most remodels are a pull-out-your-hair nightmare.
Planning a "simple" kitchen or bath remodel is totally overwhelming. Good luck finding great contractors (they never show up on time) and comparing their bids.
The stress of spending thousands of dollars – on something you can't see or touch yet!! – is enough to send anyone over the edge.
I was in way over my head
Are you independently wealthy, sipping champagne, and eating caviar? Me neither. That means you'll need to put in some "sweat equity" on at least a few DIY projects too...
It doesn't have to be doom and gloom though
Every remodel has its challenges. But avoiding common pitfalls and knowing what to expect can make the process so much smoother. Dare I even say… enjoyable?
Yes – it's possible to have the space of your dreams without going way over budget or losing your mind in the process. You just need a map.
Our high-end $50,000 $11,000 DIY bathroom
I’ve been there (and survived)
Over the last 8 years I’ve spent half a million dollars and thousands of hours taking old houses down to the studs and turning them into Insta-worthy spaces.
Along the way I made (just about) every mistake. I’ve been burned by contractors; redone finished work (ripping out new tile is painful); totally blown budgets; and failed more than a few inspections.
When I started I knew almost nothing about renovating old houses. I didn’t have any DIY skills to speak of either (alright I could build IKEA furniture and maybe hang a picture).
Demo day with my sister
Your guide for a smoother renovation
I've taken everything I learned – from design, planning, money, contractors, DIY projects, inspections, and more – and distilled it all down into an actionable 90-page ebook – your new map.
With this ebook you'll avoid expensive and time-consuming pitfalls; know what to expect at every step of the remodel process; and have the confidence to take on your dream project.
Here’s to building something great,
FAQs
Answers to commonly asked questions
What format is the book in?
You'll receive the book in PDF format. You can read it on any device that supports PDFs including your laptop, tablet, or phone on Mac, Windows, or Linux.
Is there a print version of the book available?
Not yet! If you're interested send an email to press@48made.com.
Is there a Kindle version of the book available?
Renovating Old Houses will be available for purchase in the Amazon Kindle store soon-ish.
Which package should I purchase?
That's really up to you. If you're just exploring the idea of a remodel, or looking to buy your first fixer uppper, then the book is a great start. If you've already started planning your remodel you'll find the extras like the full bathroom budget spreadsheet, contract template, or one-on-one Zoom call helpful.
If I buy just the book, can I upgrade to another package later?
For sure. Just reply to your email receipt with the package you'd like to upgrade to and I'll take it from there.
How does the Zoom call work?
After purchase, you'll receive a Calendly link you can use to pick a day/time for our call. I'll ask a few questions about your project beforehand so that we can make the most of our time together.
Are my payment details secure?
Yes. All payments are processed using bank-level encryption with Stripe. Your ebook (and any extras) are securely delivered with Simple Goods.
Who is this book written for?
This is the book I wish I had eight years ago when I dove headfirst into my first remodel – a 1918 Craftsman that needed a ton of work. If you're considering renovating a house, or bathroom or kitchen, this book will be an invaluable guide for what's ahead. It will save you the hours of mistakes, headaches, and money I lost.
I have another question...
Sure! Send an email to press@48made.com with your question.
What if I hate the book?
Ooof that's a strong word... but if you really don't like it simply reply to your email receipt and I'll refund you in full.

Renovating Old Houses ©2023 Tyler Wanlass.

Questions? Email press@48made.com.

Made in the Pacific Northwest.

You smell nice.

✌️