With their plans set, construction started in September 2025. DiBona and Koci stayed with her parents throughout the renovation, allowing them to keep a close eye on its progress.
“My contractor probably didn’t love that, but I was over here like micromanaging every day,” she said. “I knew the measurements of everything, so there were a couple of little things I caught when they first were framing it out.”
For instance, it was important to DiBona that she have a two-story foyer, as she likes the look and wants to place her Christmas tree there each holiday season. It was initially framed at 7 feet when it should have been 10, and because she was there so often, she was able to spot it and get her contractor to fix the height before the renovation was complete.
In addition to designing the new floor plan, DiBona also did some work herself, popping over to her home throughout the construction process.
“I definitely did a good amount of painting,” she said. “I stained the railings. I stained my front door. I plastered my hood in my kitchen.”
She also built her furniture and closet, and of course, selected the decor for the house.
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