Renovating on the Water: How We Transformed Our Tuscaloosa Lake House on a Budget
There’s nothing quite like a cozy lakefront retreat—especially when it feels fresh, updated, and totally your style. When we purchased our lake property in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we knew it had potential. What it lacked in style, it made up for in views. But the interior? Let’s just say it needed some love.
We were determined to bring this home into its best era yet without breaking the bank. After a lot of planning and even more patience, we completed our renovation for just $35,000—and we’re sharing exactly how we did it.
Get Multiple Contractor Quotes—It’s Worth It
Our biggest piece of advice? Get multiple quotes from contractors. We can’t stress this enough. What one crew quoted us for $1,500, another was willing to do it for $500 —with the same scope of work. Another example was the installation of the LVP flooring. One company quoted me over $12,000 for the same scope of work that another crew ended up doing for under $5,000.
Taking the time to compare prices and talk to different contractors saved us thousands and gave us peace of mind that we were getting the best deal without sacrificing quality.
Strategic Upgrades for Maximum Impact
We focused on updates that would make the biggest visual difference. First up: the ceilings. We scraped off the dated popcorn texture and removed those old drop ceilings that made the home feel dark and claustrophobic. Just those changes alone opened up the space and made everything feel more modern and airy.
New luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was another game-changer. Durable, affordable, and beautiful—it gave us the look of hardwood without the high price tag or worry about water damage, which is a must for a lakefront home.
The kitchen and bathrooms got a major facelift with new quartz countertops. Bright, sleek, and timeless, the countertops made our existing cabinetry look completely new. Instead of gutting the kitchen, we reused the original cabinets, updated the backsplash, new wall paint and added new lighting throughout the house. The result? A fresh, updated look at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.
From Outdated to Inviting
The transformation was nothing short of amazing. By choosing the right upgrades and keeping an eye on our budget, we turned a dark, dated house into a warm, welcoming retreat. Now it’s ready for weekend getaways, entertaining friends, or welcoming short-term renters.
Book your stay at the Southern Shore Cottage on Lake Tuscaloosa HERE!
Every detail, from the updated light fixtures to the cozy flooring, contributes to a relaxed, lived-in vibe—perfect for enjoying those gorgeous water views just beyond our windows.
Final Thoughts
Renovating doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With smart choices and a little legwork upfront—like getting multiple quotes and rethinking full replacements—you can create a space that feels brand new without overspending. Our Tuscaloosa lake house is proof: for under $35,000, we turned a tired property into a dreamy escape that we’re proud to enjoy and share.
RENOVATION COST BREAKDOWN
Popcorn ceiling removal – around $2,200 for 1,500 sqft
Paint walls and trim for 1,500 sq ft – around $2,000
Drop ceiling removal and drywall install – $6,800
18 can lights installed – $2,650
Install crown moulding for a little over 1000 sq ft – around $2,000
Installation of new faucet and drain – $300
Cost to install LVP in the whole house – $1.60-2.00/sqft. So we paid around $4,200 for flooring rip out and install
Cost of LVP flooring around $3.50/sq ft – we ended up ordering $10,000 worth of LVP
Cost of painting walls, trim, and ceiling downstairs around 1,000sq ft – $2,250
Kitchen counter and backsplash tear out and haul off – $500
Kitchen counter cost includes installation – $4,350
Backsplash diy – $100
New sink and faucet – $1800
New sink and faucet install – $300
Wallpaper in bathroom $500 + install $450
New countertops in bathroom – $600 (includes install)
New sink and faucet downstairs bathroom – $1,100 (husband installed)
New lighting fixtures – $850
Total: ~ $35,060
I hope you found this breakdown helpful and that it gives you a little more confidence as you navigate your own home renovation journey. Keep in mind—these prices are based on our experience in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and renovation costs can vary widely depending on your location. If you’re in a pricier area, expect to see higher numbers, but I hope this at least gives you a solid jumping-off point when budgeting your next home project. Happy renovating!
