Erin and Kenneth Loechner, and dogs Bernard and George
1977 Ranch, 2,048 square feet
Fort Wayne, Indiana

When my husband and I relocated from Los Angeles to a sleepy Midwestern town, we knew we’d have our share of surprises. One we didn’t expect? A total gut renovation.

Purchasing a home closer to our Indiana roots had always been a dream of ours, and we share a love for DIY and design. So naturally, a house remodel made sense, and we quickly began searching for the perfect nest. Top priorities on our home wish list? Location, potential, and a great bone str-ucture. In other words: cheap.

We scoured online listings and open-house flyers until we stumbled upon a foreclosed home in our desired neighbor-hood, which includes an adorable, quaint school and plenty of walking paths for our pups. After waiting patiently for the slowly approaching sheriff’s sale date, we won the bid and embarked on a two-year journey to transform the space.

From the attic insulation that went in amid below-freezing temps to the siding that went on during an Indiana heat wave, our home is now nearly finished—and completely infused with our own personal touches. It must be said, though: If you’re embarking on a renovation with a partner or spouse, be sure you’re both clear on what a renovation entails. I heard: “New flooring! Custom kitchen! Gorgeous tile!” My husband heard only one word: “Demolition.” In short, we’re exhausted yet ecstatic.

Looking back, I suppose the entire process was much like I anticipate childbirth to be: grueling, uncomfortable, and quickly forgotten after your sweet baby is nestled in your arms. Throughout our “gestation period” of house-hunting (which was, coincidentally enough, nine months long), we spotted more useless plant shelves, forest green carpet, and floral wallpaper borders than we care to admit. And when we finally met our “sweet baby,” she came fully equipped not with heartwarming dimples, but with a moldy basement, uneven floors, and an oversize flannel couch.

Yet like all new parents, we’re adapting well, albeit sleep-deprived, and have certainly learned a thing or two about home ownership along the way.

See page 2 for tips on kicking up your curb appeal.