The Bungalow was part of a larger, three building renovation project that also included the Detached Garage (see The Detached Garage at The Bungalow) and a rental property next to it that we call the Duplex. Although this 50 year old home had a countless list of pressing issues (some clear and obvious, but others hidden behind drywall), it had great potential. It had four bedrooms, two closets, and one bathroom. It also had a living room in the front and a large den in the back of the house (that I really believe had been originally added as an attached garage). 
The property held one beautiful live oak tree in the front yard and another in the back between the house and the Detached Garage. These grand trees (and the oaks around the Duplex) created a canopy above the three structures that made it feel like you were inside even though you were outdoors. The world above my dilapidated challenges was home to families of squirrels, bluejays, cardinals, and a pair of woodpeckers.
I have renovated properties that have been officially condemned. This experience leads me to believe that The Bungalow would have qualified for the city's red tag if a code enforcer from the building department had come by for a visit. The roof leaked, there were floors collapsing in more than one room, the heating and cooling system had been replaced by window units and space heaters, and the plumbing and electric were functional, but were hodge-podged through-out and not up to code. 
Along with the issues that would have made the home legally uninhabitable, there were other things that made the flow of foot traffic awkward and thrust the Bungalow into the Pig's Ear category. It was a wreck. Half the outside was painted blue and the other half was brown. There was no uniformity with the doors, windows, or the interior and exterior trim. It had two back doors, the fire place ate up too much valuable square footage in the den, and the chimney was falling away from the house in the back. There were unfinished handy-man projects inside (drywall, painting, misc. carpentry) and there was trash, debris, and left-behind belongs by previous residents everywhere.
I felt at home immediately. There was no where to go but up. I knew what to do and how to do it. All I needed was time.
The Picture Window at The Bungalow
Subdividing The Bungalow and The Duplex
You are amazing! I don't have this skill level but that's why I'm following you - I hope to get there some day, lol
ReplyDeleteLet me ask you: if the framing of a structure is rotten, then can it be saved? At what point do you think it's more cost effective to tear down? (Assuming you only paid for the lot, let's say ;))
Thanks Katy. The rotten material has to be dealt with. On the project we call The Hurricane House, nearly half the home was rotten, but there was a structural sound half (and the brick facade) that was worth saving. It wasn't easy, but it was a great project, and it was cost effective because the numbers were right from the start. Does that make sense? When you have a minute, check out my May 10th post and those pix...or Jan 3rd about the Hurricane House.
DeleteI can feel your passion and dedication for restoring houses like this one, and I salute you for that. Keep on doing what you really love, and someday I know you'll be rewarded for it. :) By the way, is there a family who wants to buy this house, or does someone live here already?
ReplyDeleteHi Chantay. Thank you for checking in. I really do love turning these properties around and making them livable again. The Bungalow was sold and is lived in by the new owners.
DeleteHow long have you been doing this art of restoring old and shrunken architectures? I believe you did an exceptional job with this bungalow. You’ve brought back life to it without changing much of the structure. And that’s just the essence of restoration. I suppose you had a challenging time because the house was badly damaged. And things are equally hard to fix inside out. Very good work, my friend!
ReplyDeleteNoreen- I appreciate your kind words. I began renovating extremely run down homes over a decade ago. I will be sharing before/after floorplans of The Bungalow soon. Thanks again. Trent
DeleteThat’s an astounding transformation! You did a great job in renovating this house! Everything just looks so much better. Now that your home is given new life, I’m pretty sure you will no longer have problems with your leaking roof. Also, I like the fact that you’ve basically extended the life span of an old house by renovating it. It’s like breathing new life to an old and dying object.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Thanks for sharing.
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