Ep 5. Yellow Victorian

In season 2 episode 5 of Big Texas Fix, titled Yellow Victorian, hosts Ashley and Michael Cordray take on a daunting project of restoring an 1895 Victorian home in Galveston, Texas. The house, which sits on a double lot, has a lot of potential but is in desperate need of some TLC.

The exterior of the house is currently painted a bright yellow color, which the hosts find to be a bit overwhelming and not true to the historic charm of the home. They decide to change the color to a more muted shade of blue-gray, and the transformation is stunning. The blue-gray color perfectly complements the beautiful details of the home, such as the ornate gingerbread trim and the stained glass windows.

As they start to explore the interior, Ashley and Michael find that the home has been divided into multiple apartments over the years, which has resulted in a hodgepodge of styles and finishes throughout the house. They decide to gut the entire interior and start from scratch, which proves to be a massive undertaking.

One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation is dealing with the uneven floors throughout the home. The foundation has shifted over time, causing some areas to slope dramatically. Ashley and Michael enlist the help of a structural engineer to come up with a plan to level the floors, which involves installing hundreds of jacks throughout the home to slowly lift the house back into place.

Once the floors are leveled, Ashley and Michael can start to focus on the design of the interior. They decide to keep the historic feel of the home while giving it a modern twist. They use a lot of classic elements, such as shiplap walls and vintage lighting fixtures, but they also incorporate more contemporary touches like a sleek kitchen and updated bathrooms.

One of the most impressive rooms in the home is the master suite, which is located on the top floor of the house. Ashley and Michael take advantage of the high ceilings by building a loft area, which serves as a cozy reading nook. The master bathroom is also a showstopper, with a beautiful clawfoot tub and a custom vanity with a marble countertop.

Throughout the renovation process, Ashley and Michael encounter a number of unexpected challenges. They have to deal with leaking pipes, faulty wiring, and a host of other issues that pop up along the way. But they take everything in stride and remain committed to the vision for the home.

In the end, the transformation of the Yellow Victorian is truly remarkable. The home is restored to its former glory while also being brought up to date with modern amenities and design elements. Ashley and Michael have truly outdone themselves with this project, and the end result is a stunning example of their expertise as home renovators.