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Above, Mary Beyer sits in front of the freshly whitewashed fireplace in her new home. The fireplace was wood-burning when it first moved in.
It always starts with something small. Maybe a few new flower bushes in the front, or a fresh coat of paint on those old chipped shutters. Then suddenly the whole house, inside and out, was overrun with beatings and scrapings. A parade of tools lines the sidewalk. Nothing is certain. Nothing can be left as before.
Thus begins the phenomenon of the snowball effect of home renovation.
Blue Earth local Mary Beyer says she and her husband Craig Beyer were first bitten by the home improvement bug when they decided to add a bit to the garage of their new home.
“Our neighbors were expanding their garage, so I spoke to their carpenter and grabbed him to take care of our garage as well.” Beyer explains. “We have added a third stand to be able to enter directly into the kitchen of the house. “
“This is where it really started, it was the addition to the garage” She adds.
Although the Beyers started renovating their garage in November of last year, the real work started in April.
“After that, we did the mud room and the laundry room, and added an overhang on the east side of the house. “Beyer said.
An important addition to the exterior of the house was a spacious driveway that the Beyers share with their neighbors.
“Sharing the driveway with the neighbors was difficult”Beyer recognizes. She and her husband decided to pave a large area at the top of the driveway to alleviate the problem.
“There is more parking now and it’s easier to turn around”Beyer said. “We also installed a basketball hoop for the grandchildren to shoot at hoops. “
The Beyers’ improvements to the exterior of their home don’t stop there.
“We had a white coating before”Beyer explains. “Now it’s the navy. “
Beyer says choosing a new siding for the home has been one of the toughest decisions she and her husband have made throughout the home improvement process.
“It’s going to be here for a long time, and we hope it will last”,she concludes.
Beyer says the original limestone from the house at the front still proves to be a puzzle.
“Many houses in Blue Earth have the same limestone”,Beyer explains. “We were going to paint it a different color, but after coating we decided to wait.”
Beyer is reluctant to say they’ll ever replace limestone, in fact. Part of her likes the idea of keeping an original part of the 50s house.
While the Beyers have focused their renovations on the exterior of their home, they also have big plans for the interior, some of which have already come to fruition.
Pointing to the large fireplace that serves as the centerpiece in the living room, Beyer says: “We painted the stone white and installed a gas fireplace. The previous owner had a wood-burning fireplace.
Beyer adds, “We had a carpenter do the cabinets and get rid of the popcorn ceiling. “
The Beyers also have additional plans for the interior of the house.
“The basement is finished, but we want to update it. We also want to make a main bathroom and transform the office space into a bedroom.
Despite a considerable wishlist for future improvements, Beyer is very pleased with the progress made so far.
“Everything went pretty well”says Beyer of exterior projects.
She is especially grateful to the many local businesses and individuals who worked with her and her husband to turn their ideas into reality.
She appoints Brent Murphy as the carpenter who worked on their garage. She also thanks Jody Wirtjes for drawing up the plans for the projects, Dan Glazier for the cement work, Ben Erdner for the Sheetrock and Ron’s Plumbing, HVAC and Electric for the electrical work.
Other people who received Beyer’s gratitude included Joe Schultz, of the Easton Nursery, for shaping the landscaping, and Dahl’s Tree Service for removing two large trees that posed a problem in the front of the House.
“There aren’t many people doing this”Beyer said. “They work so hard. Many of them work alone.
She also cites the community as a great source of inspiration.
“Ask around,”Beyer urges those considering an exterior renovation project. “Knock on people’s doors and ask them where they are from. You just have to ask.”
Beyer is happy to reciprocate. “We are so visible”she said of the location of the house on North Main Street in Blue Earth. “People are hanging out all the time. People are curious, so I joked with Craig that we should put a suggestion box at the end of the aisle.
As it stands, Beyer finds herself discussing the progress of the renovation with locals every time she visits town.
The proximity to the city was one of the reasons she and her husband were relocated to buy their new home in 2018.
“We are from Bricelyn”,Beyer said. “We have always lived in the countryside. But, our oldest son wanted to farm, so now he lives on our farm.
“We wanted to be in town”Beyer continues. “We love the house. We think it really suits us as we get older.
Despite its location near town, the Beyers still appreciate the house’s sprawling courtyards, reminiscent of country life.
Beyer particularly likes the large front yard planted with trees, on which the newly added porch offers a beautiful view.
“I love the front area,”Beyer said. “I read there. It’s a beautiful sight, and when the grandchildren arrive, that’s where I rock them.
After several months of planning, Beyer advises those considering home renovations to be patient. “It’s going to take longer than you thought and cost you more than you thought”she admits.
Nonetheless, when asked if she would come back and start all over again, Beyer immediately replies: “For sure.”
She urges those undertaking home improvement work to take the opportunity to explore creativity and individuality.
“Make it your home”She suggests. “You’re going to live here, so do what you want with it. Don’t worry about the next buyer.
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