Renovation Update: First Inspection, Flooring Picks, and All the Fun Stuff Begins!
We’re officially a little bit over one month into our renovation (we closed on March 19!), and things are moving right along. Our contractor says we’re about 60% done, and we just ordered our first inspection—which is a big milestone in this process because it triggers the next release of funds from the bank.
Here’s how it works: with the HomeStyle Renovation Loan, the money is released in stages—called draws—based on progress. Once an inspector confirms the current phase of work is complete, the next draw of funds is released. This continues until the final inspection, helping make sure the work is getting done (and paid for) in a smart, structured way.
Where Things Stand Now
Right now, all of the framing is done, electrical and plumbing are nearing completion, and (cue the happy tears) our arches are up! It’s finally starting to look like the vision we’ve been carrying around in our heads for months.
The next big milestone is floors—as soon as the inspector signs off on this first phase, we’ll be able to order and install them. Once the flooring is in, our cabinet team can come in and get started, which feels like the beginning of the final stretch.
Big Ticket Selections
We picked our engineered hardwood floors, and we’re so in love. We went with Bellissimo Cielo by Green World Industries —a warm, soft-toned oak that adds just the right amount of texture without being too yellow or gray. It’s such a timeless option and works beautifully with the rest of our finishes.
We’ve been sourcing most of our materials from ProSource Wholesale in the Dallas Design District, and we can’t recommend it enough. If you’re local and renovating, go here. They have everything—door hardware, knobs, faucets, tile, carpet, flooring—it’s a one-stop shop with amazing prices.
Here’s what we’ve selected so far:
For the laundry room, we’re doing a diamond checkerboard floor using a beigey-grey paired with a white Calacatta Bianco tile—we can’t wait to see it come together. The cabinets in that room will be a smoky blue for a fun but elevated moment.
In the primary bathroom, we’ve ordered our sink faucets and a rain shower system (!!). For the shower walls, we’re leaning toward a Zellige oat tile—something soft, imperfect, and textural—and pairing that with a marble tile on the floor.
And maybe the most exciting part: Andrew’s parents gifted us the most beautiful range oven—a cream Bertazzoni Heritage that is to die for. We’ve planned the entire kitchen around it—it’s that good. We still can’t believe it’s ours.
Our contractor estimates we’ve got about five weeks left—fingers crossed! It’s been a whirlwind of decisions, deliveries, and dust, but seeing it all come to life has made every step worth it.
We also officially moved out of our first apartment, which was such a bittersweet moment. So many memories in that little place, but we’re excited for what’s ahead and so ready to make this new house feel like home.
We’ll keep posting updates as we go—next up: cabinet and floor installs, countertops, and starting tile work! Stay tuned, and as always, let us know if you want links, recs, or anything we’ve learned along the way.
