Homestead Living Hustle: Monthly Progress Report

Well, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve updated you on our homestead living project. Let me tell you, life’s been moving, just not quite at the pace I’d hoped for.

I was holding out for a little financial boost to get things rolling, and while I didn’t get as much as I was aiming for, I’m surely grateful for the $7,000 we do have to work with right now. It’s time to stretch those dollars like they’re made of elastic and see just how many projects we can tackle.

The Big Update: A New Roof!

Before I dive into my to-do list, here’s some exciting news: we replaced the roof back in June 2024! No more leaks, no more patchwork solutions—just a solid, sturdy roof that’s built to last. Y’all, it feels so good to have this big task checked off the list.

Of course, the water damage from years of leaks is still hanging around, so the work’s far from over. The cracked gutters are still in desperate need of replacing, and the electrical quirks caused by past leaks haven’t magically disappeared. But hey, progress is progress, and I’m grateful to have a solid foundation to build on.

Homestead Living: How We’re Turning Challenges Into Progress

Making Every Dollar Count

Here’s my current plan of attack for this Homestead Living $7,000 budget:

• Electrical Work: Even though I replaced the porch light fixtures myself, the wiring issues from water damage are above my pay grade. Instead of shelling out for an expensive electrician, I’m looking at hiring a local handyman. A friend knows someone who charges $100 a day. For $1,000, we could potentially get 10 solid days of work done, tackling the electrical and plumbing problems all at once.
• Plumbing Supplies: I’ve already bought the new tub faucets, shower heads, shower rods, but I’m setting aside $500 for any extra supplies needed to fix leaks and replace the shower wall in the kids’ bathroom.
• Kitchen Makeover: My kitchen cabinets need a serious refresh. The floor cabinets are falling apart, and I’m planning to replace the wall cabinets with heavy-duty shelving. I’ve already ordered brackets for $40 on Amazon, and I’m scouring Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Habitat for Humanity for a cabinet set under $500.
• Flooring Fixes: While the roof no longer leaks, the water damage it caused left a few soft spots in the floor that need replacing. Long term, I’d love to put new flooring throughout the entire house, but for now, I’ll focus on patching the worst areas first. I already have enough new carpet to one of the bedrooms too.
• Greenhouse Dreams: You know how much I love growing fresh food, and getting my underground walipini greenhouse started is super high on my list. My sister’s got a big ol’ orange tractor that’ll be perfect for clearing the back property and digging out the greenhouse hole. This will save me a tone by not having to rent an expensive backhoe. I’m setting aside $350 for fuel, which will save me a ton on labor costs.

Stretching $7,000: Tackling Our Homestead Living To-Do List

With those costs accounted for, I’ll still have about $5,450 left.

What’s Next?

With the roof done, I’ve got big decisions to make about how to stretch the remaining budget. The walipini greenhouse still needs a roof, and while I’ve already ordered 20 polycarbonate panels, I’m not sure they’ll be thick enough. If not, I’ll repurpose them for another project and explore other options like a tiny greenhouse in the front too.

I’m also thinking about investing in materials for the floors, replacing the gutters, and even tackling some exterior touch-ups. I really want to repaint the exterior and get some prettier type of underpinning as well. The possibilities are endless, but the dollars aren’t, so I’ll need to prioritize as I go.

Community Connections

If you’ve been down this road before, whether it’s DIY renovations, homesteading on a budget, or building your dream greenhouse. Drop me a comment with your best tips. Every little bit of advice helps!

For now, I’m rolling up my sleeves, tightening my belt, and getting to work. Stay tuned, this homestead isn’t going to build itself!