Renovating a home, especially a 120-year-old two-flat, is a thrilling but challenging journey. When my partner Eli and I took on this project, we weren’t exactly DIY experts. Our first condo was newly constructed, and our involvement in home maintenance was limited to tasks like changing light bulbs. Eli did have some project management experience in commercial real estate renovations, but when it came to personal home renovation, we were both beginners. I was skeptical at first, but after giving it a shot, I realized that with the right resources, patience, and a bit of elbow grease, we could turn this house into a beautiful home. Here's a rundown of the essential resources that helped us go from occasional lightbulb changers to confident DIY renovators.
Essential YouTube Channels for Home Renovation Insights and Practical Tips
Renovating a home can feel like an intimidating task, especially for beginners. My partner Eli and I were total novices when we decided to take on the renovation of a 120-year-old two-flat. While Eli had some prior project management experience in commercial real estate, I had never picked up a hammer in my life. However, as we embarked on this journey, we turned to a variety of YouTube channels that became our go-to guides for learning everything from basic DIY tasks to more advanced techniques. These channels not only made the process more manageable but also allowed us to dive into home renovation with the confidence that we could handle much more than we initially thought.
Home RenoVision DIY: Step-by-Step Guidance for Beginners
One of the first and most important YouTube channels we found was Home RenoVision DIY. Hosted by Jeff, who we jokingly refer to as "our Canadian friend," this channel quickly became an indispensable resource. Jeff’s approach to teaching DIY renovation projects is thorough and easy to follow, making it ideal for beginners like us. Whether we were installing new flooring or painting our walls, Jeff’s step-by-step instructions broke down complex tasks into manageable parts.
What sets Home RenoVision DIY apart is its focus on practicality. Even when we weren’t doing the work ourselves and had contractors on site, we found watching Jeff’s videos helpful. By understanding the process in advance, we were able to ask the right questions and ensure that the work was being done correctly. Additionally, Jeff’s videos often feature tips on troubleshooting common renovation mistakes and unexpected issues, which saved us a lot of time and stress during the process. We highly recommend this channel for anyone looking to learn how to tackle DIY projects, from the basics to more involved tasks.
Homemade Home: Building Confidence Through Solo Renovations
While Eli embraced the "we can do this ourselves" attitude right away, I was a bit more hesitant. The idea of taking on a massive home renovation project without professional help seemed daunting, especially when it came to the more complex tasks. However, watching Homemade Home helped shift my mindset. The channel’s host, who takes on major home renovations solo, proved to be a huge inspiration. Seeing someone complete large-scale projects on their own, without a team of contractors, made me believe that we could do it too.
Homemade Home’s approach is perfect for anyone looking to dive into DIY renovations without feeling overwhelmed. The host doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of the process but instead encourages viewers to take things step by step and solve problems as they arise. The channel's straightforward approach helped me feel like we didn’t need to be experts from the start—what mattered was being willing to learn, make mistakes, and keep moving forward. Eli and I both found that this channel gave us the confidence we needed to begin taking on projects, from basic upgrades to more intricate tasks, without fear of failure.
Meet Kevin: Practical Advice on Budgeting and Prioritizing Renovation Projects
At first, Eli stumbled upon Meet Kevin as a guilty pleasure. He thought of Kevin as just another “get rich quick” personality. But after spending more time watching his videos, Eli realized that Kevin’s advice was surprisingly valuable, especially when it came to renovation budgeting and investing. Meet Kevin’s focus is on helping people understand how to balance spending with the long-term value of a home. His perspective is all about focusing resources on the elements that matter most in a renovation—those things that contribute to safety, longevity, and overall value—while minimizing costs in areas that don’t have as much impact.
Meet Kevin’s “noob vs. pro” series has been particularly useful for us. This series compares different approaches to renovations, showing how someone with little experience might tackle a project versus how a seasoned professional would do it. Watching this has given us a broader perspective on how to prioritize our renovation budget. Kevin’s videos not only provide a wealth of financial tips but also offer insight into how to approach renovation projects with an investment mindset. His channel helped us understand that, while it’s tempting to focus on aesthetics, we needed to be strategic about where to spend and where to save in order to increase the home’s long-term value.
Build with Matt Risinger: Luxury Renovation Ideas and Advanced Techniques
On the flip side, Eli discovered Build with Matt Risinger, a channel focused on high-end, cutting-edge home building and renovations. Matt Risinger is known for his luxury, top-tier projects, and his channel showcases some of the most innovative and expensive materials in the industry. While our budget didn’t allow for some of the high-end elements Matt works with, we still found his channel invaluable for understanding advanced renovation techniques. Matt offers in-depth videos on the best building practices, the latest materials, and cutting-edge technology that can elevate any home renovation.
Watching Matt’s channel helped us appreciate the finer details of construction—things like proper insulation, top-of-the-line materials, and the importance of doing things right the first time. While we didn’t implement all of Matt’s suggestions, his videos helped us think bigger about our home and the potential for high-quality upgrades. This channel was an excellent way for us to see what’s possible with a larger budget, as well as the most effective techniques for high-end renovations. Whether you're building a custom home or simply looking to elevate your current space, Build with Matt Risinger provides a wealth of knowledge on modern luxury home building and renovation.
Why These Channels Matter for Your Renovation Journey
The beauty of these YouTube channels is that they provide a comprehensive range of perspectives, from practical, budget-friendly approaches to high-end, luxury renovations. By watching a variety of content, we were able to pick and choose the tips and techniques that fit best with our goals and our budget. No single channel provides all the answers, which is why we believe it’s important to watch and learn from different sources. Whether you’re focused on doing it yourself, working within a budget, or aiming for a more luxurious renovation, these channels offer valuable insights.
In addition to the wealth of knowledge these channels provide, they also create a sense of community. Through comments, social media, and even collaboration videos, the hosts of these channels engage with their viewers. This interaction allows us to ask questions, get advice, and share our own experiences with fellow DIY enthusiasts. The more we watched, the more we felt empowered to try new things and continue learning, knowing that we had a supportive network of experts (and other DIYers) behind us.
Renovation Blogs for Inspiration and Expert Guidance
Renovating a home requires more than just knowledge of materials and techniques—it also demands a clear sense of style, functionality, and budget. During our journey to transform our 120-year-old two-flat, Eli and I discovered that some renovation blogs could serve as a constant source of inspiration, guidance, and practical advice. These blogs offer unique perspectives on design, the renovation process, and managing project costs. While our style leans toward minimalist, smaller spaces with less upkeep, we’ve found immense value in exploring blogs with varying design philosophies. Here’s a closer look at some of the most helpful and inspiring blogs we’ve followed on our renovation journey.
Chris Loves Julia: Perfect for Finding Budget-Friendly Solutions
Chris Loves Julia is a renovation blog that Eli and I regularly turn to, despite not fully aligning with their design aesthetic. Their approach to home renovation is rooted in creating a blend of style, functionality, and affordability—qualities that we value. While their homes may lean toward a more traditional, larger-scale design, we frequently find ideas that we can adapt to our minimalist sensibilities. The blog’s roundups on everything from lighting fixtures to sinks, tiles, and furniture have helped us find high-quality products at a price point that aligns with our budget.
One of the things we appreciate most about Chris Loves Julia is their extensive "shop the look" sections. Their roundups of home decor products are thorough and informative, helping us quickly find exactly what we’re looking for. For instance, their article on “Hallway Inspiration Lights” offered an amazing variety of lighting options that were both affordable and stylish. Another post, “Accent Chairs Under $600,” gave us a range of beautiful, budget-friendly furniture options to choose from. These kinds of posts make it easy for anyone to elevate the look of their home without breaking the bank. While their design style might not be a perfect fit for us, we can always find inspiration in their ideas and translate them into our more minimalist approach.
Daniel Kanter: A Blend of Wit, Practical Advice, and Transparency
Daniel Kanter’s blog is a treasure trove of practical renovation advice mixed with humor, making it one of our favorites. What sets Daniel apart is his ability to break down complex renovation processes while also making the content enjoyable to read. His blog is particularly valuable for anyone looking for cost breakdowns and transparency regarding renovation expenses. He doesn’t just share his successes; he also provides honest insights into the mistakes and challenges he faces along the way.
One post that particularly stands out to us is “How to Skim Coat Walls with the Best of Them,” where Daniel offers a detailed guide on how to achieve smooth, flawless walls. This post helped us feel confident when tackling our own skim-coating project, as it outlined both the tools we’d need and the step-by-step instructions to follow. Another highly motivating post, “Bluestone Cottage Kitchen: The Big Reveal,” not only showcases an incredible kitchen transformation but also provides an insightful cost breakdown. This level of detail is invaluable for DIY renovators, as it allows us to gauge the potential costs of projects before diving in. Daniel’s posts are both humorous and informative, making them perfect for anyone looking to make their renovation project a reality without feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Yellow Brick Home: Local Knowledge and Real-World Renovation Advice
Kim and Scott from Yellow Brick Home are a Chicago-based renovation duo whose blog has been a true lifesaver for us. As fellow Chicagoans, their content has been particularly relevant, given that they work with many local contractors, suppliers, and services that we can easily access. Their posts often include helpful advice on how to navigate the intricacies of renovation in an urban environment, making their blog a valuable resource for city-based renovators.
One of the most helpful articles we found on Yellow Brick Home was their tutorial on “How to Install Butcher Block Counters.” This post walked us through every detail of the process, from selecting the right material to installation techniques. It made the entire project feel less intimidating and more achievable. Another post, “How to Build a Custom Bench,” demonstrated how we could create beautiful, functional furniture on a budget. Kim and Scott also offer candid insights into managing rental properties, which has been incredibly useful for Eli and me, as we now own two rental properties of our own. The blog’s transparency about managing rental property decisions and the challenges they face is reassuring and informative, providing real-world examples that we can apply to our own situations.
Studio McGee: Elegant Design Ideas for Every Space
Studio McGee is a blog that has always caught our attention for its visually stunning projects and sophisticated design ideas. While much of their work is centered on creating high-end, polished spaces, we find that their content serves as a great source of inspiration, even though their designs often exceed our budget. The blog is a goldmine for anyone looking to design an elegant home that feels timeless, with a particular focus on styling, layout, and attention to detail.
Studio McGee excels at offering design advice for creating spaces that feel both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their tips on how to design with tile, for instance, have provided us with valuable ideas for incorporating this versatile material into our own renovation projects. Their styling roundups, which cover everything from furniture to lighting and accessories, also offer creative ideas that can be adapted to suit any budget. While some of their recommendations may be more luxurious than what we typically pursue, the overall style and design principles they share can be tailored to our more minimalist approach.
The beauty of Studio McGee’s content lies in its ability to inspire, even if you’re working within a more modest budget. Their tips and guides often feature ways to elevate a space using simple, yet sophisticated elements. For example, their posts on designing with neutral tones, selecting statement furniture, and using textiles to add warmth to a room have influenced how we think about styling our home. Studio McGee’s work is a great place to go when we need to brainstorm ideas or refine the design vision for our next renovation project.
Additional Renovation Blogs for Extra Inspiration and Ideas
While there are plenty of go-to renovation blogs that provide invaluable resources, there are a few others worth exploring for additional insight and fresh ideas. Blogs like The Grit and Polish, Style by Emily Henderson, and ISPIYDIY may not be the first ones we visit, but they have proved incredibly useful at times when we needed new inspiration or tips outside of our usual channels. Each of these blogs has its own unique voice, offering a fresh perspective on home renovation and design that might not only open your eyes to new techniques but also offer a wealth of creative styling tips. Whether you're tackling a DIY renovation project or hiring professionals, these blogs will guide you in ways you might not expect.
The Grit and Polish: A Realistic Approach to Home Renovation
One blog that Eli and I have come to appreciate is The Grit and Polish. This blog is especially valuable for those interested in home renovations that are as practical as they are transformative. It’s a resource that feels grounded in real-world renovation scenarios, offering tips, tricks, and advice on how to manage a home improvement project while keeping the integrity of the space intact.
The blog often shares in-depth guides on various aspects of the renovation process—from how to restore original features of an older home to budget-friendly tips that make a huge difference in achieving a high-quality result without blowing your budget. If you're planning on undertaking a restoration project or even making modest updates to your space, The Grit and Polish provides honest and straightforward advice that can help you avoid common pitfalls. They frequently highlight small, affordable tweaks that elevate the look and functionality of a home, making it an excellent resource for both beginners and seasoned renovators alike. The detailed step-by-step tutorials and the transparent way they discuss costs give readers realistic expectations, which is essential when planning a renovation.
Style by Emily Henderson: The Art of Styling Your Home with Elegance
Style by Emily Henderson is a go-to resource for anyone looking to create a home that blends style, comfort, and functionality. While much of Emily’s focus lies on interior design rather than heavy-duty construction, her styling tips have been a game-changer for Eli and me. It’s one thing to renovate a space, but it’s another to decorate it in a way that feels cohesive, comfortable, and uniquely yours. Emily’s blog is rich with posts on how to style various spaces, from living rooms to kitchens, offering clever design hacks that can make a space feel more inviting and polished.
What makes Style by Emily Henderson stand out is its balance between high-end design elements and achievable, everyday solutions. While some of her design recommendations might not fit our budget, her advice is often universal enough that we can adapt it to our needs. Whether she’s teaching readers how to create a gallery wall that brings character to a blank space or how to select the perfect accent furniture, her styling tips make a renovation come to life. The blog is full of creative ideas and beautifully styled images that inspire us to think beyond the basics and add those small details that make a big difference. If you're trying to put the finishing touches on your renovation or need a little guidance to bring together a cohesive look, Style by Emily Henderson provides all the tools to make your space shine.
ISPIYDIY: Where Creativity Meets Practicality
ISPIYDIY (I Should Probably… Do It Myself) is a fantastic resource for those looking to take on their own renovation projects and DIY tasks. This blog is full of fun, hands-on projects that can transform any room into a masterpiece with a little elbow grease and a creative mindset. Whether you're new to DIY or looking to level up your skills, ISPIYDIY is the kind of blog that will give you the confidence to tackle even the trickiest projects.
One of the standout aspects of ISPIYDIY is how it combines creativity with practicality. The blog features easy-to-follow guides on DIY tasks that anyone can try, even if they’re not seasoned professionals. From building your own furniture to upgrading existing home features with simple, low-cost solutions, ISPIYDIY provides practical advice that doesn’t skimp on style. Their posts include DIY home decor ideas, step-by-step tutorials for various renovation tasks, and advice on how to source affordable materials, making it perfect for those who want to create a home they love without spending a fortune. This blog proves that with a little creativity and some hands-on work, you can make significant changes to your home on your own terms.
How to Begin Your Renovation Journey
Starting a renovation journey can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of home improvement. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, tips, and options available. But the truth is, with the right resources and a little bit of patience, anyone can take on a renovation project and see it through to completion. One of the most important things we learned early on in our journey was to start small and focus on one project at a time. It’s all about pacing yourself and building confidence along the way. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a perfectly renovated home.
For Eli and me, our first step was always research—whether through YouTube channels, blogs, or consulting with professionals. Starting with small, manageable projects allowed us to dip our toes into the world of renovations without feeling overwhelmed. For example, we began by installing new flooring in a small room. This project was relatively simple but gave us a sense of accomplishment and the confidence to move on to bigger tasks like painting walls, installing light fixtures, or upgrading our kitchen. With each completed task, we gained more confidence and more skills, which eventually allowed us to tackle larger renovations.
The key to a successful renovation is embracing the learning process. There will be moments of trial and error, and that’s okay! Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Additionally, we always made sure to ask for help when needed. Whether it was hiring a professional for more complex work or asking for advice from a friend or contractor, there’s no shame in seeking assistance.
One thing we’ve learned throughout our renovation process is that it’s important to remain flexible. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and you’ll need to adjust your expectations. Flexibility ensures that you don’t get bogged down by setbacks. The process of renovation isn’t just about transforming a space—it’s also about growing as a homeowner and a creator.
Final Thoughts:
Embarking on a home renovation project, especially one as substantial as renovating a 120-year-old two-flat, can be overwhelming, especially when you're not a seasoned expert. Eli and I were certainly not the DIY gurus we are today when we started. Our initial apprehension was understandable—we'd never undertaken such a big task. However, through persistence, a willingness to learn, and the invaluable resources we found along the way, we managed to transform our renovation dreams into reality.
One of the most important takeaways from our journey is that home renovation doesn't need to be a solo or overly stressful endeavor. With today’s abundance of resources, ranging from YouTube tutorials to blogs that break down processes step by step, almost anyone can learn how to tackle DIY projects. Platforms like Home RenoVision DIY, Homemade Home, and Build with Matt Risinger have been instrumental in giving us the confidence to dive into projects we once thought were beyond our skill set. The key is not to rush through the process but to learn and adjust as you go along.
Another important lesson is understanding that home renovation is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every home is different, and what works for one project may not work for another. That’s why exploring a variety of perspectives—whether through Meet Kevin’s cost-effective strategies or Matt Risinger’s luxury insights—has been invaluable. By learning from a wide range of renovation styles and approaches, we’ve been able to find what aligns best with our goals, budget, and long-term vision for our home.
While DIY projects have been rewarding, it’s also crucial to know when to hire professionals. There are certain tasks—like electrical work or plumbing—that require the expertise of licensed contractors to ensure safety and code compliance. What we've found most helpful is knowing what to delegate and what we can handle ourselves. You don’t have to do everything on your own to achieve beautiful results.
Ultimately, renovation is about embracing the process—the highs and the lows—and realizing that no project is perfect. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. The joy comes from seeing your space evolve, learning new skills, and creating a home that reflects your personality and needs. With the resources available today, anyone can successfully navigate their home renovation journey, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing each task is indescribable.
