I was so excited about the move. My husband had gotten the ranch job we had prayed for. We would get a check, house, and utilities.  In anticipation, I sat on the edge of the truck seat, as we headed towards the ranch house. It was late at night but so far so good. But as we stepped inside, it was clear it’s only tenants had been cowboys. Yep, been awhile since a women’s touch had come any where close to it. Can’t worry about that now. We’d make camp for the night in our bedrolls, laid out on the gold shag rug and assess the damage in the morning.

When morning rolled around, an overwhelming feeling came over me as the light of day shined on all its glory. Spit cups lining the fireplace, as if they were decoration. The toilet bowl was black, there was a brand new toilet brush sitting only inches away. Even it, was to scared to make the plunge. I darted out, noticing two big holes shot through the house and the sound of a pesky woodpecker welcomed the new tenants. I’m sure he hoped we’d be as bad a shot as the last guy.

I’ve been here before and you probably have too. It may not have been for a ranch job but a move into a house that needed some help, renovation,…… a bull dozer. Whatever your situation, here’s some ideas if you’d like them. No big budget needed, just a good attitude to see the diamond in the rough.

10 Fix “Its” For The Ranch House….Or Any House

1. Elbow Grease It. A good old fashion cleaning can make any place more welcoming.

2. Power Wash It. I borrowed one from my in-laws.  It was a night and day difference, as far as cedar siding is concerned. Be prepared though, if you have peeling paint, it will take it off.

3. Throw Some Paint On It. Paint is the cheapest way to revive a place. Our hardware store even carries what they call…”oops” paint. Sometimes there’s some that will work. If not, it’s still a cheap way to make a big impact!

4. Make Water Come Out of It. I’ve always wanted a water feature. I drew out an idea and asked my man if it were possible. I was hoping to post a picture of our newest creation but we are waiting on the pump. We may have gotten a little carried away, it weighs about 300 lbs. and he upgraded the pump. We may have Niagara Falls going on up in here. I will post about it when it’s up and running.

5. Light It. A few summers ago, we built a fire pit. We gathered some rocks from around the ranch. I wonder how many ranch families have done that in their life time? A few sacks of concrete and we had a fire pit. A new place to gather and create some memories.

6. Declutter It.  A very wise lady told me,  it’s easier to get depressed in a dirty home, than a clean one. That includes the amount of clutter we collect. Go through your house with three boxes. Give away, throw away, and keep. Make a place for the keepers and quickly take care of the other two. Fewer things to dust and someone else can make use of something you no longer need, it’s a win..win situation.

7. Cover It. A hideous backyard hidden with tall cedar stays, until you are able to fix it. Slipcovers for ugly chairs or couches. Curtains give a finishing touch to any room.

8. Oil It. Linseed Oil, gave an old table that my dad made me, once backyard boring, now to kitchen glory. I love it and am always asked where I got it.

9. Repurpose It. An upright bookshelf is now turned on its side, painted and legs added. It’s more useful as bookshelf and t.v. stand, that I can reach to dust.

10. Mow and water it. Lots of neglected homes have neglected yards. A good mowing and watering now looks like someone cares.

Remember you’re not after making a perfect house but on building a home where your family lives. Perfect homes and perfect families just don’t exist…make it the best you can and keep all those who live inside and those that will enter it’s doors feel welcome.

Proverbs 14:1 NIV

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down”

What creative solutions have you come up with to fix up your home?  I bet there’s some good ones out there…I would enjoy hearing from you, please comment below.