We are a DIY family trying to build a better life. We like to share projects and regular life updates. Our goals are to create a happy home, live healthy, develop our life skills, and see where our life leads us.
'It's a fixer upper, it needs a lot of work, it's rough' Are we supposed to be surprised that you've bought a project? It's going to be a fun journey from start to finish.
I see an old, under-loved and neglected house. I see a young couple with energy, common sense and the determination to continue making life better for themselves and their children. So in the very near future, I see a much improved, safe and welcoming family home. Congrats on moving somewhere warm! I look forward to following your progress on this new chapter of your life.
You two have the strongest marriage we have ever seen in our 60-years on the Earth. Absolutely incredible the agreement between you both to go far, far beyond what any other couple in these social media, selfie, selfish, egotistical, "me" "me" "me" peoples in 2021. We are so proud of you both for your "we can do it" belief, everyone lets stand with this American family!
The great thing about living in Florida is that you can essentially work on the house year round. My family is excited to watch you fix up another old home that just needs love. Blessings to you all!
The VERY BEST part of this next adventure is ASHLEYS BEAUTIFUL SMILE. She definitely seems much happier and that in and of itself will make this remodel worth its weight in gold. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Looking forward to this adventure!
@Tanya Henderson rude and ridiculous! There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking happiness and bettering your situation. I am a high school dropout who experienced homelessness for a short time period and went on to go to college in my 30s and have my BSN in nursing now. Should I have just remained complacent and struggle? I hope that you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed today and aren't normally so negative.
@Tanya Henderson you are entitled to your opinion. Children are resilient. They are loved. There are plenty of children who live in nice homes and appear to have stables lives yet they are terribly abused. Unless you know these people you are assuming alot. If their lifestyle bothers you, why do you watch the channel? I personally love to see people better themselves and their environment. I went to 3 different elementary school, 3 different jr high's, and 2 different high schools. Was it easy? No.... did it help me become better rounded, more compassionate and more able to see others needs? Absolutely. I enjoy the sweetness and innocence that their children still have. You will be hard pressed to find that these days.
Seeing this property made me suddenly realize the gift you have given me. You are dreamers and now I am, too! When you were doing the walk through I thought, okay, there's work to be done but Doug and Ashley can handle this. I could see the vision of what it could be. Before I "met" you I would have definitely said, "Tear it down!" You two (and kids) have got this. It's going to be great. Ready, set, go!
Florida native grinning at what I grew up with. Nice property! Those are nice trees. Termites - get it checked & treated before you start playing. A/C will be your priority to keep the mold down & keep it bearable. Assuming well water & septic. Make sure you’re set up to deal with iron & sulfur. Houses sink over time into the sand here. It’s what a bunch of us grew up with & you’ve got the skills to work with it. A decent roof is half the battle. If I was your age, with your skills, I’d love taking on this place. You can make it into what you want & it’s gonna be nice! Insulate against the heat like you’d insulate against the cold. Get your power & A/C set up with a big enough unit & good duct work to let it breathe & it’s gonna be awesome!
I think it's very nice and you like to remodel. The big bugs that look like cockroaches are called Palmetto bugs. That looks like a gator swamp to me. Glad you moved to Florida. What County are you in?
As a former Florida resident, please warn your children that there are quite a few bugs and caterpillars that are very dangerous if they sting or bite you. Also the retention pond will most likely have poisonous snakes in and around it. Just best not to touch!
That looks like a standard "old Florida" house that's been minimally upgraded. I'd guess the original part of the house was probably built in the 40's or early 50's. Earlier than that and they typically used much narrower bead-board for the walls and ceilings. I'd also guess that it's good, older growth, southern pine on those walls. You might not want to keep the walls that way, but if you start removing it, you're going to have plenty of wood for your style of slat beds and shelving, etc. The old part of the roof that is still in the attic kind of gives away the age of the original build, also. That tongue and groove decking hasn't been used in DECADES. I know a lot of people don't like the pier foundations, but they've existed in FL for over 100 years, with many large Victorian style homes still sitting safely on them today. Just enclose the crawl space so animals can't dig out your insulation or AC venting. I'm SOOO looking forward to seeing what y'all do with this one!! After reading the comments, I feel the need to add my two cents on wildlife. I was born and raised in SWFL, and have lived here most of my life. Native Floridians don't worry about the snakes and gators nearly as much as those who aren't from here. Don't feed the gators, or try to pet them, and they'll usually leave you alone. When cleaning up all those piles of junk, use a lever to lift stuff off the ground, because there CAN be venomous snakes under there. Don't step OVER a fallen log or pile of junk, step ON it and look for nasty bitey things underneath. Even with your little pond, red ants and mosquitos are more of a potential health issue. And I personally HATE spiders, and the giant ones are probably wolf spiders, so I'd be losing my mind. I generally use a .410 with bird shot to get rid of the ones outdoors, but other people use the wasp spray that basically power washes them with chemicals. I actually know some crazy people who are perfectly fine with multi-legged things the size of your face running around. Yeah... No. For more info on the multitude of plants y'all have around there, you might want to check out a website and youtube channel called "Eat the Weeds". I've gone on two walking tours with Green Deane, and he is an amazing font of knowledge, even if you don't want to actually eat the random things growing in your yard. No matter where you end up in FL, or even the coastal regions of the Gulf, I would recommend two books by Charles R. Boning. "Florida's Best Herbs & Spices", and "Florida's Best Fruiting Plants" list many of the species that homesteading Floridians planted around their homes when they began moving here in the early part of the 1900s. These plants naturalize well, and in some cases even became invasive. I think I saw a couple of them growing in your jungle. Good luck and happy living in all that you're planning to accomplish here in the Sunshine State!
I think it might be older than that? Could it have have plaster behind the beadboard? It just seems shocking to me that that level of house could still be built in the 40s and not the 20s.
@@genli5603 I've never seen a house in Florida that has plaster walls, unless it was a "fancy" Victorian, commercial or retail space, or something similar. Back in the days before air conditioners, the humidity was just too much for plaster to withstand for any length of time. It was also EXTREMELY expensive, and most of Florida was settled by cattlemen and fishermen who couldn't afford the installation, or the time and money for upkeep. Lumber was readily available, and relatively inexpensive. They were clearing a lot of land for towns, homesteads, and pastures. That's why they used bead board and tongue and groove so often. In the early 50s, my grandparents bought a house that was built in the late 20s. It was a nicer house at the edge of town, and had already been remodeled. The downstairs had drywall, but the stairwell and upstairs walls looked exactly like the ones in this house. The wider boards were cheaper and easier to install than the narrow bead board commonly found in the bigger, fancy houses. The wood was usually stained, because the moisture damaged the paint as well. It's also not uncommon to find those wood walls that have been covered with layers of newspaper, before a final covering of wall paper that has been painted over MANY times. It will make you think it's drywall, or even plaster, and then you try to remove it... UGGGGHHH!
Don't forget that you insulate a house in the south different than you do in the north! I'm sure you know that though 😂 seriously though, watch for all the stuff people mentioned. Lots of stinging bugs, snakes and yes alligators. And please please don't underestimate the heat! It can be just as deadly as the live things.
@@juliajohnson5276 it will be the best thing for the kids I'm born and raised in South Mississippi on the coast you just got to learn to keep your eyes open 👀
The price of a single sheet of plywood right now is around $70 dollars. Lumber across the board is extremely expensive. After watching your video tour it's obvious this house doesn't meet code requirements and that tells me you paid cash for this house and didn't finance it. I just hope you have enough money left after selling your house up north and buying this one to do renovations. This new house will no doubt give you hours and hours of awesome content that I for one cannot wait for! Congratulations on your new home!! Florida was my home for over 20 years and I can tell you the humidity and the mosquitoes will make you question your sanity! Lol!! Florida will also allow you guys more freedom and will also protect those same rights more than Mighigan. So in that sense I totally understand this move! I wish you guys all the luck in the world!
Before you go all gung ho on cleaning up the yard, make sure to look for snakes, water moccasins, gators, and all the other stinging/venomous critters that might be living in all that overgrown vegetation. Be extra careful. I've seen what you've done with renovating your other homes, and this house isn't anything y'all can't handle.
I see a spark in Ashley's eyes that hasn't been there for a while. I have total faith that you guys will make something wonderful happen here. The land looks beautiful and in the tropics everything grows so lush and so fast. When I first started watching, the book " The Yearling" came to mind. Might be something fun to read with the kiddos. Wishing you all lots of good luck and happy adventures in this new chapter of your life.
Doesn't matter how it looks now. Me and all your fans know how amazing its gonna look when you are done with it, no matter when that is. We are here to watch your journey. Good Luck guys and Congrats!
I concur. The snakes are serious business here. The first thing to do is look up FL snakes to get familiar with their markings, habitat and behavior. Water Moccasins will chase anything they sense heat from and they can move faster than the children can run. That water will attract everything you don't want to encounter. Make certain to get and wear snake proof boots while outdoors and get a snake bite kit.
That is a beautiful Home!!! Please keep the wood paneled room and paint the wood white. That house will be stunning! I bought a 1893 home, it was in very bad shape, lath was showing from plaster falling off. I was a single woman after my husband passed away, the kids and I rolled up our sleeves and painted the entire house white and gave it the Scandinavian design, it was beautiful when done. Number one, dont listen to negative people.
Not in the least scared for you, your seasoned veterans now with tons of energy and a great imagination you will create a dream home to last as long as its needed x
I am watching this again in 2023 and the amazing changes you have made have transformed this disaster to a beautiful home 😊 it's good to remember where you started.... definitely much happier so another great decision for the family ❤love y'all ❤️
Doug asked if we were scared for you guys. This is the same man who had the back of your old house ripped off completely along with the roof and front of the same house! NO WE ARENT SCARED, Doug does amazing work can't wait to see what the end result looks like!
My heart nearly stopped at seeing all the beadboard in those dark rooms. There's so much potential in reusing them. Carefully removing, sanding, either staining lighter or painting to make wainscoting in various rooms. There's so much potential in the whole house ,from removing/moving walls to make bigger rooms to refurbishing them. The choices are endless.
Florida born and raised. Nothing about this is scary. It’s opportunity. Can’t wait to see what y’all do with it. 1999 Mobile home with 1.4 acres next door to us (still in the middle of remodel) just sold for $330,000 (central FL) Market is crazy right now.
Don't let some of these comments people are leaving Scare You. I'm a native Floridian and everything can be managed . Even the bugs, and other critters. I have No Doubt that you won't fix the home and grounds to be Beautiful! Full Confidence. I'll be excited to watch all your videos! 👍😊
Wow that’s a big project to tackle but the house seems to have good bones and has stood the test of time . With love and dedication you can make it shine like a gem again.
The house isn't any worse than the one in MI was initially, but this one has more space, bathrooms and potential. Plus, you've likely got at least a couple of years of video material, with better ability to do work year 'round. To me, though, your little pond is just a mosquito nursery.
I always thought the BEST way to deal with MOSQUITO problems on a pond is to put FISH in the pond. They will DEVOUR any and every BUG that lands on that water !
The wood rooms as dark as they are, are a great wood. Find a way to reuse that for sure. Looking forward to see what you all decide to do with the place
Just a heads up. Don't let the kids play with the Spanish moss. It has redbugs in it (chiggers). When working on the property look out for poison ivy and poison sumac. And don't forget suntan lotion, you will burn before you know it. Don't want to put a downer on you but it is better to prevent problems before they happen. Have fun with your new project.
You've got this! I truly believe you'll turn the house into a lovely home, it's what you do so well. I think Piglet was the nicest decoration in the whole house. 😉
I missed you guys but I know you have been focused. What a beautiful place! A few years ago I would not have seen potential but because of you I see what it can be. I loved the peace curtains and I hope you can incorporate them into a cool feature. My goodness Doug, all that wood for you to work with. I am so excited for your new journey and I am grateful that you can bring us all along 🙆♀️
Yeah, those peace curtains are awesome!! I would definitely do something with those. I'm sure Ashley can use her sewing machine to whip them into a stunning feature of some kind :)
That's what I was afraid of . Looks like a gator pond & if your not up on your poison snakes in the south. Copperheads, cottonmouths& many more in Florida. Please be careful around the yard & pond.
In Florida without A/C the mold goes crazy. You need to rip out the ceilings, walls and floors in the entire house. Good luck. You are going to need it.
I am sure you guys have all of your ideas planned out, but would be so cool to bust out the ceilings in the front part of the house so you have height. Would make the house seem that much bigger. Also take down the wall in kitchen to open up into dining room to make one large kitchen with an island. The weird room at end of hallway, I would move the door to inside the master and turn it into a walk-in closet. Also add a laundry room. Both would be great for resale value. Can't wait to see what you guys do. Fun!
DIYfferent to the rescue. This house has won the 1st lottery prize with its great new owners that will take such a good care of it and will be unrecognisable in the end. Will turn a pumpkin into a beautiful home. Will be fun to see all the progress. 🩹🩹🛠🧱📅
Haha, love Doug's expression as he walks into the kitchen. This is gonna be so much fun to watch and see how you transform this place! It's going to be so cute. Ashley looks so relaxed and happy in the warmer environment, it's great to see that. When I saw the overgrown land I recalled how she amazed me clearing all that brush in the school house property so I have no doubts about your ability to deal with this property. The attic looks solid, does that mean the roof itself was done at the same time and won't need to redo it? I'm delighted for you and really looking forward to the series. :)
I just wish I had known what was cooking months ago. I have an authentic Carpenter Gothic, built in 1900, close to 3000 square feet, 3 acres w/original barn, 3 level garage/work shop/office-studio, smoke house, cattle fenced on 3 sides in Missouri. Does it need renovations? Yep! My husband and I started that and then he passed away unexpectedly. That was 3 1/2 years ago. Been trying to move out and sell since then but being alone now seems to make it impossible. Thought about you two and how beautiful you could make it but thought you liked the cold and your beautiful “new” clean house. Guess it wasn’t meant to be. Can hardly wait for you to get started on your new place. I love everything you did to the last house. The transition was mesmerizing and the work you two did was amazing.
Happy you are in the sunshine and warmer weather. It is a whole different world from the cold and north and snow. We lived in Fla the first three years we were married and I Loved it! I would live there again in a heartbeat! Like anyplace it has "things" to deal with but nothing you can't handle. It is a new learning curve in the bug department....LOL You will get used to it and handle it. I am sick you left that beautiful home but am happier you are where you have always wanted to be so God bless and enjoy your next journey. That knotty pine is DARK for sure. I would take a planer and send a piece of it thru that and see what you have under that dark wood. One of the houses I grew up in my last 7 years at home was a big huge dormer upstairs (converted attic) and we five girls had it for a bedroom. It was knotty pine on all the walls and ceiling, it was also in the basement fully completed with knotty pine. I helped dad do that part but it was endless Wood everywhere....LOL thank goodness the main floor on the home had normal walls on it. You two will transform this place into a beautiful older home in the midst of the area. It will be beautiful. I Love the spanish moss hanging from the trees..........beautiful! I am so excited to watch you do whatever you decide to do. Happy for you both.......what an adventure! Best of luck.............Yeahhhhhhh
Welcome to Florida! Yall can make ANYTHING better so this house will be sorted out in no time! Be aware that spanish moss retains moisture and becomes heavy so if you can get it off, and keep it off, the utility wires you'll remove alot of strain from the wires. The sooner you can cut the grass in the kids play area the better you'll be able to see if there are any concerns with fire ant hills, yellow jacket nests or hidden holes. Be safe!
Doug, congratulations on you and Ashley’s new house! I can’t wait to see your “ wheels” turning as you two remodel it! I know it’s gonna be a showpiece when you’re done! I was getting worried that you would run out of projects on the old house. Then you surprised us with all new possibilities! Sly dog! I’m agreeing with Penny Blakeley in saying to watch out for snakes and gators! You know how the children like exploring for bugs and such. God bless you all and I’ll be ready when you are!💕
Is some of the wood the old long leaf pine. That is termite resistant. Knowing you guys. Lots of possibilities. I can’t see you re doing the layout. It’s got bones. I’m sure you will find an old truck to start hauling stuff off to. Guessing 1900’s. U need to redo the Piers with concrete The concrete blocks. Excited for u. Both. Be careful under that house. Rattlers and coral wander around. Always leave a bright light on in there 24 hrs before going in. The snakes hate
I lived in the Tampa area for 21 years. I moved to Chattanooga 2 years ago. Always assume there is at least one gator in all bodies of water. Try to cut out all potato vines; they are an invasive species. If I have your new PO Box, I would be happy to send you some resource materials that I would love to pass on to you. I'm very excited to see you transform this place. I believe you can do anything. Your local extension service in your county will be a great resource.
Living in Florida, and as a real estate agent, I would suggest putting the porch back as a screened in porch with 1 or 2 ceiling fans. Will help the house breath and 9 months of the year that porch will be a great place to eat and sit. Just not a great place in the summer.
That looks like a challenge you two can handle. You did everything you could to your home up north so it was time to take on a new project. Anyone getting one of your renovated homes is getting the best. Congrats 🎈🎉🎊
I seriously am ready for this new journey. You've learned so much and perfected even more of your skills so this will be really exciting to see this evolve! I honestly believe Doug is truly unaware or just simply insanely humble as to how talented, how intelligent and what a true craftsman he is. The amount of accomplishments, the fact that he can seriously tackle any project and destroy it by recreating it to fit their needs or inventing it is mind blowing all while being present for his family. Ashley is such an incredibly hardworking while she works on house and homeschooling along with all the things we don't see. Ashley and Doug are a dynamic team that can accomplish and conquer anything and everything they set their minds to while being kind and gentle yet wise individuals raising intelligent and thoughts children. You guys are amazing, so excited for this new start.
You two will make it a beautiful home. I'm really excited to follow along on the journey. You will be challenged and stretched....which I believe you both love! Blessings!
First, welcome to Florida! Second, we do have scorpions: The Florida bark scorpion and hentz striped scorpion can be found throughout most of the state. Also, please contact FWC, Florida Wildlife Control if you find any alligators in your retaining pond. I heard your frogs and the peacocks in the background, so I know you’re really here, lol. It’s really a nice state and people are moving here everyday. I love the layout of your land and the house looks like a typical early nineteenth century Florida home. It has good bones, as some would say, and you can make it into anything you want it to be. I have faith in you both and as I have said many times before, I’m very proud off you both. Take care and be careful!
I'm not scared. I have been following you guys for so long and I know what you're capable of! I am so excited to see what you guys decide to do with the design and finishes. In a year's time this place will be immaculate and gorgeous. 🙌👍❤️
I’m so excited for all the success to come with the new place ! So happy for you and your family. It’s inspiring watching you make your life exactly what you wanted it to be.
So glad to see a new video ! You two are so smart and creative. You will have this homeplace brand spanking new and beautiful again in no time! Let this new chapter begin !!!!
Welcome to the South. You are on another journey. Guys please understand that snakes are a danger. Thats only because I know the kids love to play and explore and you just need to be careful.
The home has a lot of potential. The thing I would be worried about is that pond. They tend to flood certain times of year. Plus, the alligators. They say wherever there is a body of water in Florida, there will always be a gator. Be real careful and watch for them. Love you guys. You do a fantastic job. Good luck!! 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂💙💙💙
There's no such thing as "luck". The roman goddess Fortuna is just a myth. Its time to wake up now, realize that only our Creator in heaven is in control here.
For a couple of do-it-yourselfers like you two are, this is just a fun adventure. I bought a fixer upper and have enjoyed the the work to make it a really fine home. I always take pictures so I can see how far I've come. Videos are even better, although I do like albums. I am going to enjoy coming along on your journey.
Welcome to FL! We have lots of bugs. Lots of wildlife too. Rats, racoons, bears, possums, foxes, and even coyotes in our urban areas! Your new house is great. Love your yard. Insulate your attic to save on power bills and be careful about overheating when you work. Do you have air conditioning?? Central air is the cheapest way to cool your home. You might find your house unlivable without it. Hydrate often and use sunscreen if you work outdoors. Watch out for fire ants and snakes when you are clearing out. They love brush. If you have frogs and water there will be snakes. Roaches are a real problem in FL too. Its hard to keep them out of the house, but doable. Filling in gaps and entry points for them is key. Palmetto bugs look like big roaches. They can fly. Spiders and nonpoisonous snakes are good for pest control but those big spiders are hard to take! Standing water brings mosquitoes. And FYI, I was told by a police officer, assume every body of water in FL has an alligator in it. Not to deter you because FL life does have many pluses. Looking forward to the transformation! Thanks for the before tour. Good thing you have experience and skills!
After seeing your prior projects, and your impeccable attention to detail, this place is going to be amazing. Just an fyi; I'm originally from Florida and now reside full time in central Wisconsin. I see people warning you about "snakes and alligators." That's true, keep an eye out for those guys, but beware of the huge flying cockroaches also known as palmetto bugs. They come out when it rains around dusk.. They're creatures of your worst nightmares from hell. Trust me. Ugghhh!!
I’m from FL and if you have a ditch or a tiny pond, you will probably have an alligator sooner or later. Be careful too, because Florida is having a lot of sinkholes. Hope you’re happy with your eventual home.
As long as your happy is all that matters I love it. I know Doug and Ashley will make this home very beautiful. Doug and Ashley are so talented we watched them renovate their previous home from top to bottom, no doubt Dougs got talent. I love older homes they have good bones they are made so much better then the homes that are built now. Im so excited you are back because we get to see more of your adventures and I cant wait.
