the little investment house on Dean Ave in November 2019. Plans and permits rolled along through Dec and Jan. Demo and construction began full steam at the end of January 2020. We bought a basically untouched 1954, 1150 sq ft bungalow on a great lot in a really desirable location in central Victoria. Close to schools colleges shopping and hospital. Read on to see the pretty amazing renovation transformation .
Here is where we started ... I'll walk you through the reno journey in a series of before and afters. So much happens in the middle but really its all about the end product right?! All after photos courtesy of super fab photographer Dasha Armstrong Photography.
Before
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2 bedroom 1 bath with a large workshop space that we think was originally a large garage of some sort but looked to be filled in very soon after building ( where the hose is hanging and skinny window )
All in all solid foundation , no drainage issues but really REALLY ugly . TLCo renamed her the Ugly Duckling and crossed all fingers and toes.
Totally blowing any suspense (but this could go on for days folks! ) here is the final front exterior . We were able to create a 3 bedroom 2 full bath open concept design. Hardie shingle siding and a sweet front entry "porch" turned her from ugly duck to cute white swan . The end goal- a really sweet cottage style bungalow with a nod to some vintage character finishes but a modern and all new layout and function.
After
Rear yard and patio views : concrete patio and sweet shed addition . (a LOT of clean up in the back , now ready for new owners imagination)
Before
After
The original dark entry was weird/sad . We were able to create a real porch and interior entry space. Mr Remarkable and myself built the entry bench along with the exterior window boxes . Saving labour costs any way we can!
Before
After
Heres the game changer...creating an open concept living room kitchen dining space out of this....tried to save the built in ironing board but asbestos and a complete required remediation nixed saving anything . That remediation was 20K ( yes for a 1100 sq ft ...OUCH ) . A bright white kitchen/ dining with back yard views and patio access was high on the must have list. Built in storage throughout is so important in a small space.
Before
After
Bedroom tour- hard to get a complete visual as we changed the layout of this side of the house dramatically. The original living room ( window on the left of first front photo ) was turned into the master suite. Good bye old ugly fireplace . We actually had to remove three chimney stacks in this little house... WTH? As I mentioned we were able to create a master bedroom with ensuite plus two smaller bedroom and a main full bath. Leslie and I built the board and batten grid wall. Learning all the time. I think it turned out amazing! Squeaking out that third bedroom was key for marketing success. (bedroom/ office/den/workout space...needed for todays living ) We staged it as an office and left the larger second bedroom empty .
Before
After
Bathrooms. Creating two full baths was a priority. Calm and pretty master ensuite with curbless shower and a fun character vibe with sweet tile main bath. Small but full function! Some bathroom fixture sources here .
Before
After
Mechanical and laundry "rooms" were creatively tucked in . ( remember 1150 sq ft! ) We had fun with vintage doors here. 100 year old beauties from a character home being gutted in Fairfield area of Victoria . Thats another whole post! Using vintage pieces is awesome but has some drawbacks too. The original laundry /mechanical was in that weird workshop space on concrete slab floor. Not super inviting .
Laundry
Mechanical/ Hwt
So many things to consider when renovating to flip....you have to balance form and function along a very tight line . Who is your target buyer ? What will the market bare? TLCo was all about a look ( go figure !) and to get that look we needed to use higher end finishes. Would it have been easier/ cheaper just to lipstick it ? Absolutely. Would it have gotten us to the price point and buyer we were targeting...nope. Some things you just can't control in an old house reno. ( aforementioned asbestos ...errrr) . That remediation was expensive but also allowed for a new floorplan and layout. $$$$. We have a good formula to work with now ( this is second flip ) . Leslie manages the budget/ trades very well! I am gatherer of all the pretty and shiny bits ! ( decidedly the easier role ) We are good at keeping trades busy and on site. Making quick decisions, changing course when necessary and managing design contacts and suppliers. DURING A WORLDWIDE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC NO LESS. In the end we listed in June for two weeks , sold early July and closed the sale on July 31 2020 .
Bravo TLCo . On to another project ? You bet...but maybe we will wait to get through this COVID mess first! I have video and many many more photos documenting all the progress highlighted on my Instagram if anyone wants check that out ( Under DEAN AVE FLIP and DEAN AVE #2) Please shout if you have any questions...we are happy to share what we have learned . Phew! Thanks if you are still reading...that was a long one !
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ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning, I would love to do a project with you guys any day
ReplyDeleteWell done
This turned out GORGEOUS! It will be enjoyed for years to come, I'm sure. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing. My favorite is the barn door!
ReplyDeleteThere must have been a bidding war on this house. I would have bought it the minute a saw it. What a gorgeous flip. Great job ladies! ~Denise
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