Life
Guy purchases decrepit house for $5K and gives it incredible makeover
I'm impressed by his skills - it turned out beautiful.
Jake Manning
10.20.23

Do you ever find yourself captivated by DIY home renovation projects?

If you do, you’re certainly not alone!

There’s something truly magical about witnessing a dilapidated structure transform into a beautiful home.

For many, the allure lies in crafting their dream home, whether that’s starting from scratch or restoring an old property to its former glory.

Unsplash - Louis Hansel
Source:
Unsplash - Louis Hansel

A few years back, a particular YouTube video from the channel “Rehab Life” garnered significant attention.

The uploader shared his journey of buying an eerily abandoned house.

This house, once lively, had been deserted by its previous owners in 2010, leaving behind unpaid taxes for several years.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

As the house remained unclaimed, it eventually reverted to the county government’s ownership in 2017.

After spending another year on the unclaimed property list, it was finally listed as surplus property.

The YouTuber stumbled upon this listing in 2019 and, after some calculations regarding the potential return on investment, he promptly bought the forsaken property for a mere $5,166.16.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

His initial video showcased the haunting state of the house.

Overgrown bushes enveloped the old, decaying structure, making it look intimidating even in broad daylight.

One couldn’t help but wonder, how could anyone possibly renovate such a place?

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

Undeterred, the owner, who runs the “Rehab Life” channel, along with his team, embarked on the challenging renovation journey.

Despite having a full-time job, he dedicated his weekends to this project.

Their first task was to clear out old appliances and other remnants from the house.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

They were just getting started.

Following that, they began the more intensive work of removing old cabinets, drawers, doors, and windows.

This not only marked the beginning of their hard labor but also allowed fresh air and sunlight to permeate the house, setting the stage for the transformation.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

Their dedication was evident in every step.

From fixing the broken floors (which even caused the owner to take a tumble at one point) to rebuilding the foundation, porch, and installing new walls, ceilings, and floors, their progress was commendable.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

The end result was nothing short of spectacular.

Opting for a fresh white paint, the house underwent a complete makeover.

The owner did receive help along the way, but he also ensured he was hands-on, showcasing his impressive skills in various tasks like tiling, cabinetry, and more.

From a house that once resembled a setting for a horror film, it transformed into a stunning, habitable home.

YouTube - Rehab Life
Source:
YouTube - Rehab Life

However, the journey had its ups and downs.

After documenting his year-long renovation journey in a series of videos (which he later compiled into one), the owner shared a disheartening update.

The tenants, after living there for a year, left the house in a damaged state.

But, true to his spirit, he took on the challenge and renovated it once again.

Check out the video below to see this incredible transformation for yourself. The kitchen is gorgeous!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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