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Create Your Own Nature Nest Haven — Transform Your Space

'Previously notorious for its disrepair, a dilapidated cottage became a staging ground for a remodeling project that ultimately transformed it into a breathtaking residence for a pair of homeowners'

Constructing and managing an intricate residential project, the homeowners have now created a contemporary dwelling that distinguishes itself impressively from its neighbors.

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3 min read
"Once a dilapidated eyesore on the block, a transformation unfolded as a pair tackled the...
"Once a dilapidated eyesore on the block, a transformation unfolded as a pair tackled the revitalization of a shabby cottage, resulting in a visually striking dwelling"

'Previously notorious for its disrepair, a dilapidated cottage became a staging ground for a remodeling project that ultimately transformed it into a breathtaking residence for a pair of homeowners'

Self-Managed Renovation: A Couple's Journey

A couple, Mike and Jane, embarked on a transformative journey to renovate their modest double garage into a spacious and stylish home. The inspiration for their project was drawn from sleek Mediterranean and US West Coast architecture, as seen in the house's sleek design and extensive glazing at the rear.

The renovation process was not without its challenges. Living on-site during the renovation, along with their children, a cat, and a dog, required patience and adaptability. They initially lived in a tiny, damp shack during the initial design and build phase. However, as living conditions became unbearable, they were forced to seek alternative accommodation for several months.

The couple undertook the renovation without a project manager, a decision that presented several complexities. Managing time, budget, and coordinating contractors required meticulous planning and flexibility. The couple divided the renovation into phases, upgrading essential systems early, and kept thorough documentation to stay on track.

One of the unique features of the redesigned property is the spacious kitchen diner, boasting high ceilings and a curved kitchen island as a unique design feature. The kitchen was extended using steel and timber frame extensions, constructed on standard concrete strip foundations. Adjacent to the kitchen, a dedicated boot room offers practical storage solutions.

The games room, another addition to the house, features triple bunk beds that the couple made themselves. The room, designed to provide ample entertainment space, also houses a bespoke staircase that adds a contemporary feel to the space. The roof was finished with a rubber membrane for durability.

The exterior of the renovated house features a combination of ash boards and white render, with timber cladding adding warmth to the overall design. The previous property now sits at the center of the redesigned house, transformed into a wine storage area, another of the couple's own designs.

The house's entrance is formed from parts of the original structure, maintaining a connection to its humble beginnings. The exterior and interior design elements, such as the white render and timber cladding, and the bespoke staircase, give the space a modern and stylish aesthetic.

The couple's self-managed renovation journey underscores the importance of thorough planning, flexibility, and hands-on involvement in all phases of renovation. Despite the challenges, their determination and creative solutions have resulted in a stunning transformation of a once small, dark, and dingy double garage into a spacious and stylish home.

[1] "Renovating Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide." HomeOwners Alliance, www.hoa.org.uk/advice/renovating-your-home-a-step-by-step-guide/. [2] "DIY Electrical Work: What You Need to Know." Which?, www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/diy-electrical-work-what-you-need-to-know. [3] "Renovating an Old House: A Guide." Historic England, historicengland.org.uk/advice/places/repair-and-maintenance/renovating-an-old-house/. [4] "Renovating Your Home: Budgeting and Costs." HomeOwners Alliance, www.hoa.org.uk/advice/renovating-your-home-budgeting-and-costs/. [5] "Project Management Tools for Home Renovations." Houzz, www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11670242/list/project-management-tools-for-home-renovations.

  1. Mike and Jane's renovation project required extensive planning, considering their choice of extending the kitchen and building a game room.
  2. As they managed the renovation without a project manager, they found guidebooks, such as "Renovating Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide" from HomeOwners Alliance, invaluable.
  3. To handle the electrical work during the remodeling, they made sure to familiarize themselves with resources like the article "DIY Electrical Work: What You Need to Know" by Which?.
  4. Planning for renovating an old house, including zoning laws and historical preservation, was addressed in resources such as "Renovating an Old House: A Guide" provided by Historic England.
  5. Keeping their budget under control was crucial, so they sought advice from articles like "Renovating Your Home: Budgeting and Costs" on the HomeOwners Alliance website.
  6. To manage their renovation effectively, they found project management tools, recommended on sites like Houzz, highly useful in keeping track of timelines, expenses, and contracts.
  7. When planning for the spacious kitchen diner, they considered design ideas from home-and-garden magazines and home-improvement blogs.
  8. They opted for a rubber membrane roof not only for its durability but also because it aligned with their modern lifestyle and aesthetic, as seen in various home improvement guides.

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