It is pretty much the only way to add value to "beat" a mortgage. A lot of people want new without recognizing that they can't really add any value to it, meaning that the gains they make over time will be eaten away as all new houses have gained similarly and most likely, by the time they sell, it needs remodeling again.
You just have to be patient...slow and steady my friend.
We are getting a lot of major things done in the beginning phases and then it will be a bit at a time for the rest. The changes we are making are things like heating system and windows which will be suitable for a few decades at least - but are very expensive outlays.