Buying an old home for renovation instead of purchasing a new one gives people the opportunity to save money and customize every corner and surface to their preferences. However, undertaking such a massive and ambitious DIY project has its drawbacks, as YouTuber Jenna Phipps has demonstrated with her videos.
In a clip captioned "We found more friends in our walls," Jenna showed her followers that the abandoned home she bought came with a few intrusive guests.
"We're stuck with this abandoned home, and we're trying to fix it up. When we were taking down the walls, we found some friends," the young woman said, dressed in brown overalls.
Image credits: jennaphipps
The camera then cuts to her boyfriend, Nick, standing on a ladder with a protective mask, getting ready to work on the ceiling.
As soon as he removed the installation from the ceiling, Nick found himself showered with hundreds of ants. "Not as many as I was thinking," said Jenna, who has been documenting the process of renovating her home on social media since February.
However, the clothing designer agreed that getting rid of the insects isn't the most thrilling task. "My least favorite job so far is exterminator," she added.
"When we were taking down the walls, we found some friends," the young woman said
Image credits: jennaphipps
Jenna keeps her 1.8 million Instagram followers—and home renovation enthusiasts—updated with the latest changes in her property. Her videos show her alongside her partner removing the old house's insulation, dealing with leaks (or "waterfalls," as the couple jokingly calls them), and demolishing the kitchen.
Along the way, the homeowners have encountered one rat, two mice, and three ant farms. They've also found a hidden suitcase containing an old Boy Scout handbook, two hats, clothes, and a couple of unopened Christmas presents with a teapot inside.
The couple isn't alone in the house renovation project. On Instagram, Jenna informed her followers that professionals such as engineers and hazmat surveyors are working with them to ensure everything goes smoothly for their future residence.
As Jenna explained, the house was owned by a family who built it over 60 years ago
Image credits: jennaphipps
Image credits: jennaphipps
As the YouTuber explained, the house was owned by a family who built it over 60 years ago. When the parents passed away due to illness, the children inherited the property. The eldest one, an architect, lived in it until he got sick as well and wasn't able to keep up the home. After he passed away, the home went to his sister, who couldn’t invest her time and money in it because she lived far away.
It was then purchased by Jenna last February. "It's looking a little rough around the edges, but I have faith that I can fix this place up," the social media star said in her first video showcasing the neglected abode.
Taking to the comment section of her videos, Jenna's followers have shared their thoughts on her large-scale DIY project.
"You all got this. It's so fun to watch along and will be fabulous when you finish!" an Instagram user expressed.
Her videos show her alongside her partner removing the old house's insulation, dealing with leaks (or "waterfalls," as the couple jokingly calls them), and demolishing the kitchen
Another person discouraged others from purchasing old homes, saying it's not as great a deal as it may seem. "I don't know why people are so intent on buying old, decaying homes when you're not saving any money in the grand scheme of things, you're wasting time and energy tearing it apart, and you're exposing yourself to toxins and biohazards," they said.
"It's not worth it. It's always worse than you think it's gonna be, especially when mold is involved," the user added.
A separate individual echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the house's state of deterioration is too severe. "This one is in such bad condition, and to make it safe, it needs a lot of repair and cleaning, and it's likely beyond just DIY at this point," they commented.
As soon as her boyfriend, Nick, removed the installation from the ceiling, he found himself showered with hundreds of ants
Somebody else shared their experience with home renovation, advising Jenna on what her expectations should be for the process. "As a person who has just lived through two years of home renovations, I'll tell you there will be low points and high points. Sometimes, many low points all at once," they said.
"You'll make it through. It just may take a lot more time and energy than you ever imagined."
An additional Instagram user shut down the criticism and supported Jenna's efforts to renovate the property. "I think some others give up too easily, but not you. Perseverance will pay off, and you are doing a great job. The house is a mid-century gem and worth saving."
"It's going to be beautiful once you fix it up," a social media user said
