Renovate or Move? A Pep Talk with The Brownstone Boys
In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I chat with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, also known as the Brownstone Boys, about their journey from renovating their first historic Brooklyn brownstone to helping others do the same. They share insights from their new book, 'For the Love of Renovating,' and offer practical advice on whether to renovate or move, making the best renovation decisions, and integrating modern elements into historic homes. We also discuss common renovation mistakes, budget planning, and the value of timeless design. Whether you're a first-time renovator or a seasoned DIYer, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration for creating your dream home.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When it comes to deciding whether to renovate or move, it can be a tough call. It’s a question my husband and I grapple with frequently, as our charming historical home fits perfectly within our desired neighborhood, but could use some serious updates. Luckily, I had the opportunity to chat with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, otherwise known as the Brownstone Boys. They’ve been there, done that, and they’re here to share their expert advice.
Meet the Brownstone Boys
My guests today, hailing from their popular blog and Instagram feed, have transitioned from renovating their historic Brooklyn brownstone to helping others do the same. Their new book, *For the Love of Renovating*, serves as a fantastic resource for anyone considering embarking on a renovation journey. And just like Barry and Jordan, renovating a home has been on my bucket list for quite some time.
Renovate or Move?
Kicking off our conversation, I expressed a common dilemma: should we renovate our current home or move?
One of the biggest questions homeowners face is whether to renovate their current home or move. Barry and Jordan make a compelling case for renovation, emphasizing the unique opportunity to make a home truly yours. They believe that instead of relying on someone else’s decisions, renovating allows you to create a space that fits your specific needs—noting the joy in transforming underused spaces like basements and attics into functional areas that suit your lifestyle.
It’s a transformative experience: envisioning, creating, and ultimately living in a home that reflects your personal journey. “You get to literally build this vision that you might have in your head,” Barry explains.
Historic vs. New Homes
Another burning question—why favor historic homes over building new ones? Barry shared their deep love for the character and stories that old homes hold. He mentioned that they don’t mind if a historic home is in bad shape because restoring it is part of the adventure. Their affection for these homes even dates back to childhood memories of iconic brownstones seen in New York and shows like Sesame Street.
Avoiding Renovation Pitfalls
Navigating the renovation process isn’t always straightforward. Barry and Jordan highlighted some common mistakes, such as falling for “lipstick on a pig”–homes that look appealing due to fresh paint and staging but require as much work as visibly dilapidated ones. They advise looking past superficial improvements to understand the true renovation needs and costs.
One vital tip they shared was meticulously considering light switch placements, lighting, and outlet locations to ensure the home runs seamlessly according to your lifestyle. They also stressed the importance of furniture placement and making sure your rooms are not only beautiful but functional.
DIY Projects Worth Trying
If you’re completely new to DIY, Barry and Jordan have some encouraging news: there are renovation projects you can handle yourself. They started their own journey by stripping wood off their historic home, a task Barry undertook to stay within budget. This hands-on approach allowed them to learn a lot and save costs.
For those eager to dive into DIY, the Boys recommend starting with projects like installing picture frame molding, lime washing walls, or updating light fixtures and doorknobs. These tasks can add immense character and charm without requiring extensive skills or a huge budget.
Budgeting and Working with Experts
Budgeting for a renovation can be daunting, especially for first-timers, establishing a realistic budget is essential for a successful renovation. Their book includes thorough budget breakdowns, helping readers understand labor and material costs and how to balance DIY with professional help. They emphasize the critical nature of allocating funds for unexpected issues—a lesson from their early renovation days when demolition costs caught them by surprise. They advise setting aside a contingency fund of 10-15% of the overall budget to cover unexpected issues that inevitably arise during renovations.
Living Through a Renovation
Living through a big renovation, especially kitchen remodels, can seem overwhelming. Barry advises setting realistic expectations about dealing with the dust, noise, and temporary loss of conveniences like plumbing. Sometimes, hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting while participating in the process can make it more bearable.
Why Renovate?
Despite the hurdles, Barry and Jordan believe that the satisfaction of creating a space uniquely your own makes renovation worth the effort. The pride and joy of living in a home that reflects your style and needs are unparalleled. Additionally, the stories and history embedded in every corner of a renovated historic home add soul and character that new builds often lack.
Their book, *For the Love of Renovating*, takes much of the mystery out of the process, providing valuable insights for anyone ready to take the plunge into home renovation. If you’re thinking about renovating, this book is a must-read to help guide you through the highs and lows of the journey.
So, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a renovation newbie, embrace the challenge and start transforming your home into a space where history meets personal style. Trust me, it’s worth every drop of sweat and every dollar spent.
Photos Provided By: Nick Glimenakis
