We are so close to being done with the work at our house. And we’ll probably be saying that for a long time – since a homeowner’s to-do list really doesn’t end.

My husband and I are finally wrapping up a year-plus renovation project that I’ve been chronicling in my letter in the Home and Garden magazine. (When we moved in, the ground floor was unfinished and there was a studio apartment upstairs.) By late spring, we were essentially done with the downstairs: Contractors had completed the major work, and we just needed to finish the small touches. We installed stainless-steel Herreshoff cleats for our kitchen cabinet pulls and nailed up trim boards.

Initially we thought we’d take the summer off from working on the upstairs, so we could simply enjoy the season. But then a neighbor stopped by, and he put me in touch with a carpenter who was available to do the job: building walls for a second bedroom where the apartment kitchen used to be and for a huge closet – since we’ve had barely any storage space.

It’s tough staying motivated to keep the work going. We’ve tried to take a relaxed approach to getting things done. It helps us not feel overwhelmed – and it helps the bank account. But sometimes contractors can be even more relaxed – or busy – so we’ve learned to compromise.

As I write this, carpet is being installed up the stairs and on the second floor. Once that’s done, we’re pretty much finished with the renovation. Though other projects need our attention: A window should be replaced, our trees need trimming, the roof repairing, and, inevitably, we’ll have other jobs to tackle.

Right now though, we feel like we finally get to enjoy our home. This weekend, we’re going to put some art on the walls.