In the heart of Springfield, Missouri, amid the embrace of its historic neighborhoods, a remarkable transformation is taking place within a 1930s Craftsman home. This is not just any renovation; it represents the unyielding spirit of home improvement enthusiasts Lindsay and Tyler, a couple who have successfully turned their passion for restoration into a thriving business while creating a personal sanctuary for their family.
Lindsay, 32, and Tyler, 34, embarked on their journey of home renovation with a unique approach—purchasing properties that needed love and artistic reimagining. This latest project, a charming 1934 Craftsman, was acquired for a strikingly low $310,000, substantially less than its original asking price of $399,000. Their ability to seize this opportunity was made possible by their previous real estate ventures, allowing them to enter this latest project debt-free and ready to invest in renovations to the tune of $125,000.
The couple purchased the home with big plans in mind. Spanning over 2,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and two baths, the property also boasts an unfinished attic, an untouched basement, and a detached carriage house. The property was selected not just for its size but also for its potential nestled within a triple lot in one of the more historic and sought-after areas of Springfield. This location not only offers the charm of a bygone era but also the excitement of being part of a community steeped in history.
Since acquiring the home, Lindsay and Tyler have already invested approximately $50,000 into necessary renovations. Their approach, however, is refreshingly straightforward; rather than tearing down and starting from scratch, they prioritize nurturing the home’s existing character by applying fresh paint, creating inviting spaces, and infusing it with personality through strategic decorating. “Every time we complete a room makeover, we film the process,” they explain, “it’s fun to look back on, and it also helps others who want to engage in their own DIY projects.”
Through their adventures in home design and renovation, Lindsay and Tyler also discovered lucrative potential through social media. Leveraging platforms like Instagram and YouTube has allowed them to build a following and generate a side income that varies but can reach thousands per month. They turn these platforms into creative outlets, sharing their journey and insights while making the financial burden of transformation seem a little lighter.
Their love for renovation didn’t happen overnight. It all began during the pandemic when they started noticing discarded furniture during neighborhood walks. What initially began as a means to furnish their home evolved into a side hustle where they salvaged and flipped unwanted items. This venture further ignited their passion for home design and renovation, naturally drawing them deeper into the world of real estate.
During their pre-renovation days, Lindsay was immersed in real estate marketing, while Tyler worked in finance. This combination of expertise has served them well; with Lindsay’s insights into housing markets and design paired with Tyler’s analytical skills with budgeting, the couple has cultivated a financially sound renovation strategy. “Our skill sets really balance out,” Tyler remarks, emphasizing the financial acumen that has guided their renovation process.
One of their most insightful revelations came through understanding the IRS’s primary residence exclusion for capital gains tax. As they navigate home purchases, Lindsay and Tyler utilize their knowledge to enhance their financial future. This provision allows them to deduct significant sums tax-free when selling their primary residence, incentivizing their continuous cycle of buying, renovating, and selling homes.
A short six months into their renovation journey, the couple reflects on their transformative living costs. Their monthly costs, including utilities and insurance, approximate $500—an astonishing drop from the nearly $3,000 they previously spent on their mortgage and expenses. Being mortgage-free offers them newfound financial freedom, giving them the flexibility to pour funds into their home while enjoying a vibrant family life with their daughter.
Initially overwhelmed by the prospect of renovations, Lindsay and Tyler segmented their budget room by room. They aim to adhere to a total renovation budget of $100,000, factoring in hefty upfront costs for plumbing, electrical work, and flooring refinishing, which alone set them back $25,000. Their deliberate path is one of frugality balanced with creativity; they source materials wisely and allocate funds where it matters most.
As they give virtual tours of their home, the couple shares highlights of their renovations. The inviting wraparound porch, a perfect spot for summer evenings, greets visitors with charm. Inside, the living room dazzles with original woodwork and a vintage fireplace they couldn’t resist. Feature corners turn trash finds into treasures, like the gutted TV repurposed into a record corner, a testament to their ability to see potential where others see waste.
Despite the hustle and bustle of renovations, the kitchen retains a nostalgic vibe, echoing 1950s diner aesthetics with its charming metal cabinets. Some elements present challenges due to age, yet they embody the ethos of historic charm the couple seeks to maintain. Even their primary ensuite has undergone dramatic transformation—a room designed to balance the home’s distinctive historic character with modern functionality, featuring a custom wavy headboard and a thoughtfully curated dual sink vanity.
While their home is becoming a visual masterpiece, the couple acknowledges the ongoing nature of their work; their plans extend beyond the house to the expansive backyard, where they dream of building a pickleball court, adding both recreational value and enhancing the family lifestyle. The carriage house, an old stable, awaits its turn for rejuvenation. Once a homeowner’s dream, it will eventually become a cozy guest retreat, offering friends and family a charming place to stay amidst their ongoing renovations.
For Lindsay and Tyler, this renovation project is more than just a real estate venture; it’s a family journey. They don’t rush; instead, they savor the process of turning a house into a home, infusing each corner with memories and personal touches. Their advice to budding renovators echoes their own experiences: “Just do it. There are countless tutorials online, and while it can be overwhelming with choices, a gallon of paint is affordable and a great start.” For them, each home is just the beginning of a new life filled with possibility, engagement, and, most importantly, love.
