DIY House Flip on a Budget | Minneapolis, MN

by Laurie Dick

When it comes to flipping homes, Delora knows how to do it right. She and her husband took on a property that had solid bones and turned it into a warm, modern, move-in-ready space—all while staying smart with the budget. Her strategy? Work with what’s already there, lean into the charm, and make thoughtful updates that bring high returns.

Delora is one of our amazing agents here at The Truen Group, and this project is a perfect example of her talent, creativity, and eye for value.

Restoring, Not Replacing

One of the best decisions Delora made was to preserve the character of the home. Take the built-in cabinets in the dining room, for example. Instead of tearing them out, she gave them a fresh coat of paint and swapped out the hinges and knobs. The result? A beautifully refreshed focal point that retained the home’s personality and saved serious money compared to installing something brand new.

Refinishing and Reimagining the Interior

Throughout the house, Delora refinished the original hardwood floors and painted over all the dark brown trim, built-ins, and doors. These small changes brought in a brighter, more cohesive look that felt both updated and timeless.

The main-level bathroom got a full refresh with a new floor, mirror, vanity, and hardware. She also replaced outdated light fixtures in the bedrooms with sleek ceiling fans and updated lighting throughout the entire home for a more contemporary feel.

A Kitchen Reboot + Mudroom Magic

While many areas of the home were refreshed, the kitchen was a total remodel. New cabinets, flooring, lighting, and appliances gave the heart of the home a much-needed facelift. And Delora didn’t stop there—she turned the mudroom into a charming reading nook, complete with a cozy window seat bench.

Basement Glow-Up: The Real Game-Changer

The biggest transformation happened downstairs. What started as a cold, unfinished basement with concrete floors and walls is now a fully functional living space. It includes a new family room, an additional bedroom, and a beautiful second bathroom. These additions not only expanded the livable square footage but significantly boosted the home's value.

Curb Appeal Counts, Too

Outside, Delora gave both the home and garage a fresh coat of paint and replaced the water heater. But like any renovation, this flip wasn’t without its surprises. One challenge came in the form of a garage door with an unusual folding mechanism—something Delora had never seen before. The non-standard size caused delays in finding the right replacement, especially in the middle of winter when working outdoors was already tricky.

Vision, Strategy, and Value

Delora’s flip proves that you don’t need to gut everything to create a show-stopping home. By keeping the original charm, choosing cost-effective updates, and adding livable space, she transformed a dated house into a gorgeous, functional home—and raised its value in a major way.

If you’re considering flipping a home or diving into real estate investment, take a page out of Delora’s playbook:

Look for homes with good bones
Prioritize updates that give you the most return
Keep a realistic budget and a creative mindset

We’re incredibly proud of the work Delora put into this project. It’s a true testament to what’s possible when vision meets smart decision-making.

👉 Curious about flipping homes or investing in real estate? Reach out to Delora directly—she’d love to chat or answer any questions you have!
📧 delora@truengroup.com
📞 651-235-0978