2020-03-01_Do_It_Yourself

BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2020 81

IF THERE WAS A DO-IT-YOURSELF

HALL OF FAME, JODI AND JASON

MOCKABEE WOULD BE SHOO-INS

ON THE BALLOT. Though the couple had little

experience with home remodeling, they set out on the

mother of all DIY feats: renovating an entire home on a

strict $15,000 and in a mere two weeks. Plus we’re talking

a rundown ranch home nestled in the heart of the Sierra

Nevada foothills. With shag carpet and exposed cinder-

block walls, it was a house plenty of people would (and

did!) give a hard pass.

But the Mockabees, left, saw potential where others saw

a past-its-prime disaster. It had a nice open floor plan and

some hip midcentury details like a steep-pitched ceiling

with original rafters. The large rooms and natural light were

especially appealing to these parents of five children. They

also fell hard for the property itself—three scenic acres with

neighboring woods for the nature-loving family to explore.

Thanks to a round-the-clock work schedule—and

frequent viewing of YouTube tutorials—they achieved their

Herculean goal of turning the dark, dated house into a

warm, rustic home in a mere 14 days. Talk about a feat!

1 Homeowner Jodi Mockabee crafted the open

shelving from wood scraps (planed for an even

surface) hung on inexpensive L brackets. 2 Standard

White from Kelly-Moore Paints (“It’s not cool or

warm—it’s just white!” says Jodi) was enlisted to

brighten decor on the ceiling, cabinets, woodwork,

and many walls. 3 An industrious uncle helped

the Mockabees craft the dining table and kitchen

cabinetry. The custom designs meant the couple

could maximize efficiency in the work zone.

HOME

SWEET

HOMEMADE

Two weeks. $15,000. One ambitious family. Here’s

how they went all in with their whole-house overhaul.

WORDS CAROLINE MCKENZIE PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID TSAY STYLING SCOTT HORNE

80-89_Mockabee.indd 81 FINAL 2/7/20 10:01 AM