Renovating a house is no small task, especially when you’re working with a property that’s been untouched for decades.
For the Locke family, this process has been nothing short of a journey.
They’ve been sharing their experience of transforming their 1960s house into a modern home on TikTok, and it’s captured the attention of over 100,000 viewers.
But, as with any major renovation, there have been some significant challenges along the way.
1. Living in a Construction Zone
One of the most glaring realities of renovating a home is dealing with the mess that comes with it.
The Lockes’ front yard has become a construction site, with piles of bricks and debris scattered about.
Not only is it an eyesore for the family, but it’s also a problem for their neighbors.
Unfortunately, this type of clutter is a common issue for those living through a home renovation.
2. Cracks and Holes in the Walls and Ceilings
Inside the house, the Lockes had to deal with another major issue—cracks in the walls and random holes in the ceilings.
These imperfections, which were left behind by years of neglect, had to be addressed.
For anyone who’s ever lived in an older house, it’s easy to relate to the frustration of having to deal with a space that feels more like a construction zone than a home.
3. Outdated and Damaged Fixtures
One of the most striking problems in the home was the outdated, olive-colored bathtub.
The panel of the tub was missing, exposing the underbelly of the fixture, which was far from ideal.
It’s moments like these that make homeowners realize just how much work it takes to bring an old house up to modern standards.
4. Stripped Walls Everywhere
Another downside the Lockes faced was the stripped walls throughout the house.
While some may see this as a blank canvas, for the family, it was an overwhelming task.
Stripped walls make it harder to envision a finished space and require a lot of time and effort to repair or replace.
5. Hazardous Holes in the Yard
As if dealing with the inside of the house wasn’t enough, the Lockes also had to manage giant holes in their garden.
One hole in particular was so deep that a ladder had been placed across it in an attempt to make it safer.
This is another reality many renovators face—unexpected hazards outside that require immediate attention.
6. A Garden in Disarray
The garden itself was far from finished, with no lawn or patio in sight.
Instead, it was filled with chunks of rock and debris, much like the front yard.
For homeowners hoping to enjoy an outdoor space during their renovation, it can be incredibly frustrating to see a garden that’s far from complete.
7. The Hard Work Pays Off in the End
Despite these challenges, the Lockes didn’t give up. As they continued to share their renovation progress on TikTok, viewers got to see the stunning transformation of the house.
In one particularly popular video, the family revealed how they turned their outdated bathroom into a sleek, modern space.
The old green bath, sink, and toilet were replaced with a crisp white tub and modern beige tiles.
A Modern Living Room and Child’s Bedroom
Downstairs, the living room saw a dramatic change as well.
The wallpaper was stripped, the walls were painted cream, and the old carpet was replaced with stylish contemporary tiles.
One of the bedrooms was also transformed into a bright and welcoming space for a child.
The Garden’s Final Touches Await
Though the garden is still a work in progress, the transformation of the rest of the house has already impressed many viewers.
The lawn has been removed, but it hasn’t been replaced just yet.
Even so, the hard work put into the rest of the renovation has clearly paid off.
Praise for the Stunning Transformation
The Lockes’ renovation project has garnered widespread admiration on TikTok.
One commenter called it a “beautiful home,” while another remarked that it looked like “a completely different house.”
Liam wrote, “Such an amazing transformation.” Clearly, despite the ups and downs, the family’s effort has paid off with a stunning end result.