Our French Home Remodel: Reality vs. Expectation

In this video, I share the wild ride of our house remodel here in France. After a year, we're only 40% done, mainly because Cecilia insists on transforming EVERY single corner of our home!

This intense process has been chaotic at times, with countless logistical hurdles like furniture deliveries, runs to the hardware store, and unexpected structural issues.

While Cecilia finds joy in the creative transformation, I struggle with the extensive work and constant interruptions.

However, despite the triggers and conflicts, this very emotional journey has provided many opportunities for personal growth... of which we continually take advantage.

Alongside these renovations, we’ve experienced significant milestones, including launching Cecilia's new YouTube channel and celebrating special family events.

So check out the next chapter in this crazy adventure of ours, and let us know what you think. Who are YOU, the DIYer or the DIFMer?

Thanks as always for your support. 🙏😁

All items below are Amazon affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase when clicking on anything below, at no additional cost to you (that is, no change in price):

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[Maxance]

I was just thinking about you all ! Happy to see you are "back". Funny how YouTube make us care for people we've never met :)

[Ka-lyoi]

I couldn't keep up with Cecilia's energy and pace. I understand you.

[sandralynnsparks]

I love your self honesty. As well as your adventures!

[rbenjamin]

Cecelia is a perfectionist, I think, and so determined!
She does everything so well! 🤗

[Kretif]

Now we know where your son, Nathan, gets his genius from. 😊🎉 I also really appreciate how you address the frustration and emotional issues that crop up.

[forestcreature]

I'm SO excited about Cecilia's channel! Running over to subscribe now!

[MirandaHorger]

Love, love, loved the month-by-month recap of the progress on the house. It's a LOT! Cecelia's channel sound amazing - gonna pop over there now :)

[bellaluce]

Props on the video editing! The :44 Psycho reference and 15:25 grumpy kid image cracked me up. 😄Can't wait to see more Before and Afters, and am subscribing now to Cecelia's new channel! The kitchen handles at 6:43 are *gorgeous!* Good luck with the ongoing remodeling marathon. 🍀 It'll be worth it in the end! 😬🤪🌿😃😀🌿

[heidixxx]

Thank you for another amazing video: amazing both in content and construction. Those roof graphics showing the moving in and out of rooms and hallway were something else! And I always like the "beneath the surface" quality you share in your videos. It's why I so like your channel!! Best wishes from the North Oregon Coast, USA.

[lilbees]

You are so lucky to have Cecelia as a partner who creates such an incredible nest for you guys with all of her hard work. I can’t wait to see her channel!

[rabczanska]

Thank you for sharing. I look forward to each video.

I love houses, am a licences realtor in US and Spain, have worked with investors and my own purchases and renovated 27 homes in that process. Like your wife, homes speak to me, beg me to make them pretty and functional. They talk to me and even sigh with relief when I come in with a plan. Call me crazy, but it's a mission.

My husband of 25 years almost blew a gasket when they came to replace a washer in our flat in Marbella today and they didn't have the right parts. We have renovated three homes in our marriage, and the hardest part was his dislike of the process. It frightened him, the confusing vocabulary, the endless money, the required project changes, the dust. He loved the results, but he was way, way out of his comfort zone.

I love him so the next home I think I will try to choose a place that doesn't need big renovations
...hahaha...some how the next house will beg me to change the bathroom or direction of the stairs or windows.

[WavesofStef]

Love the vulnerability and realness so much. The DIY home beautification process is like a daily boot camp on trust, interlacing values and marital commitment. Kudos to getting through each step so far and being willing to share it. Cheers to you both! I’m sure it will be AMAZING.

[michellehonig]

What a great video ! what a great insight into what it really takes physically and emotionally. Thank you for sharing. I think a lot of people have the dream, but they have to be in reality of what the dream entails. But I love how you show us that The dream IS possible, it just takes hard work, perseverance, and love ❤

[trangsmith]

Love Cecilia! And can’t wait for her channel and videos. Your home is gorgeous and I am totally envious!

[JonasStuart]

Love seeing all this unfold - can't believe it's been a year!!
So, two thoughts (I reckon yo'd make your life (and Cecilia's!) much easier if you take that approach):
1. Dave Goggins: when you think you're spent, you're probably only at about 40%
2. Not 'I HAVE to do this' but 'I GET to do this' - HUGE blessing that you get to do this dude! Focus on the alternative sliding door - trust me, it's not what you want!

These are two things that get me through when I think I've had enough. You have our whole life to thank today's self for putting up with this. It also helps you to stretch and grow so that future you can do more and begrudge it less...

Great work though, and a great update episode, I loved every minute of it!

[janacook]

I put happiness (myself and others) so high up on my list. And at 55 I know I achieve this daily because of gratitude. Cleaning the house...EASY...so grateful I have a house to clean. Construction/Renovations are hard. But I LOVE the journey as much as the results because there are so many things to grateful for during the journey. Your house in the states was INCREDIBLE, so excited about the new channel. Your a family of creative people...all a joy to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[carlafini]

I enjoy your channel so much. I love how you tell a story! I have been waiting for the renovations and am so excited for Cecilia's channel!!

[Positivecuriosity]

I have a background similar to Cecilia. In our two homes, I painted over 25 rooms…myself. As I get older, arthritis does not allow me to do what my energy wants. My dilemma? My husband does not want to hire anyone…he thinks I do such a superb job I guess. But our arguments revolve around me wanting him to hire anyone. We saved so much money over the years. Let’s hire someone!!

[worldwanderingwoman]

So funny. Great video Josh! I understand Cecilia completely because I am the same way. We love pretty things, also they come at a cost, family sacrifice and exhaustion but the end result is amazing! Your home is looking beautiful, the perfect jewel and sanctuary at the same time🤗.

I will be also moving to France January 2025 and expect to be doing the same! I know you guys don’t need friends but I hope to meet you one day to say hello!

Keep up the good work of being positive and approving what Cecilia does 110%! I love her tenacity and style. Much love to both of you.

[RebeccaDBergman]

Hello from California! I have been looking for you folks for months. I was worried that you folks had given up? Thank you so much for sharing your story. It looks beautiful where you are creating your dream home. It looks heavenly there in France where you are residing. Congratulations 👏