I've given my dated house an ‘Architectural Digest' level renovation – but people are baffled by the sellers' request

Scottish Sun

02-06-2025

Scroll down to discover the house renovations to add value to your property
HOUSE THAT I've given my dated house an 'Architectural Digest' level renovation – but people are baffled by the sellers' request
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A WOMAN has left the internet baffled after buying a dated house.
Jaci Smith, from the US, had purchased the home, but the previous owners begged her not to change a thing.
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Jaci gave her new house an update despite the previous owners begging her not to
Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith
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People were baffled when they saw what the house looked like when she moved in
Credit: tiktok/@jacimariesmith
The young woman took to social media after she was told not to transform the property she had just bought.
Some might assume the house must be of historical relevance or decorated lavishly to make the previous owners not want it to be changed.
But Jaci showed that wasn't the case when she shared a picture of the bathroom.
She said: "I post about the fact that the previous owners of the house we bought were begging us not to renovate the house, not to make any changes to it.
"Number one, I think people assume it's rage bait. I wish it was number two, I think people also assume that the house that we bought is like a mid-century gem a house with so much historical character and that we are just these heartless people like ripping away this house."
But Jaci showed that was definitely not the case.
An image of the bathroom when they first moved in showed just how outdated and messy it looked.
The loo and sink were covered in white, chunky wooden storage units that made the room outdated.
The large storage units only cluttered the space, while a cheap mirror was hung above the sink.
The bathtub was a chunky plastic white bath, with a showerhead hanging above.
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But now, Jaci showed how they had renovated the space.
She ripped out the entire bathroom, swapping the once pink painted walls for an incredible blue tile with a marble effect.
The chunky white bathtub had been gutted out and swapped for a luxury pink marble bathtub with gold finishing.
She also made a built-in shelf into the wall by the bathtub to add extra storage.
Jaci's transformation video went viral on TikTok @jacimariesmith with over 2 million views.
People were stunned the previous owners were against the house being renovated, and were in awe of Jaci's new bathroom.
One person wrote: "The new bathroom belongs in Architectural Digest."
Another commented: 'My immediate assumption: There's something hidden in the walls/floors."
"As someone who does real estate settlements for a living. So many people are like this. And it is in fact, wild.," penned a third.
Home upgrades that add the most value to a house
The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers.
Zoopla shared a list of upgrades that will instantly add value to your home. Loft conversion - increase of 15% Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price New kitchen - increase of 15% Garage conversion - increase of 15% Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15% Open plan living space - increase of 3-5% New bathroom - increase of 3-5%
Meanwhile a fourth said: "That's crazy! Those are like 90's style rental bathrooms lol."
"My brain went straight to... ooh well it's haunted. They were looking out for you,' claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: 'That new bathroom reveal! I thought that was from a magazine GORGEOUS."
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