Real reno: An iconic Yarraville home

If you happen to be a Yarraville local, you might not recognise this house from the front, but I’m almost certain that you’ll know the house from this angle:

It’s the forever home for Jodi (who many will also know as co-founder of Circle In), her hubby, Jono and their two gorgeous girls.

I’ve been inside this house many times and I’m secretly hoping they are looking for a 37-year-old, married mother of two for a roommate. I’m happy to sleep in the study or kid’s playroom if that’s what it takes to make this my forever home too. It’s an absolute cracker.

I didn’t know Jodi until near the end of their reno so I was as keen as you are to hear the real story in their renovation project that ended in them moving into this architectural marvel.

Here’s Jodi’s story:

So, let’s start from the beginning… what led you to Yarraville and this amazing renovation project?

We moved to Yarraville in 2012 and have never looked back. We were newly married and wanted to move somewhere that had a real community (and larger blocks!). Our search was narrowed to two properties, thanks to Cate Bakos (fun fact… my hubby and I are the reason that Cate herself moved to the West!!!).

My husband wanted the house we ended up with, whilst I wanted another which was in Seddon. My rationale was because it was renovated and in better condition but in hindsight, he was right and we ended up with the perfect house. He could see the potential of the period home and the location was much better. We adore our suburb, neighbours and everything it has to offer.

Our renovation was as big as they can get without knocking down the whole house and starting again. We kept the façade and that’s about it.

I remember the day the demolition started (as I found out I was pregnant) and I was in shock. Probably because it hit me as to what we were doing and also that we were now expecting our second child.

Our reno was due to be finished in 10 months and so the stars aligned because believe it or not, we moved in the week after our daughter was born.

Did you use an architect or draftsperson and how did you decide which to go with?

We used an architect, essentially because of our builder. We had chosen a builder based on his previous projects and client endorsements, and worked back from there based on style. Having a builder that has already worked with an architect is less of a risk as they hopefully work well together, understanding style and quality.

How long did the reno take from first plans until lock up/moving back in?

Do you really want to know?! Gosh, it was about 2.5 years. I would say 6-8 months for the architect/ planning phase, 10-12 months for permits (we hit a few roadblocks with an easement issue) and 10 months for the build.

In hindsight, living longer in a house you’re going to fully renovate isn’t a bad thing, as you come to appreciate how you want to live – throw in a baby and now you need to think like a baby.

How did you find your rental property to live in during the reno and how did you find that experience?

We were so lucky as we ended up renting across the road. We always joked that it would be ideal and so when it came up for lease we jumped at it. It meant renting it a few months before we actually moved in but it was worth every cent. We could actually see our block from our bedroom and so every morning my husband would wait for the builders to arrive and then off he went for his daily chat.

How often did you visit the site?

I loved being so close as I really felt part of every single aspect. We were at the house most days and it’s hard to believe how daily progress can make you so excited. We took photos of the journey and I really enjoyed seeing our vision come to life. Being at the house most mornings also helped keep things moving as the builder often had questions and ideas that would have been difficult to understand over the phone.

What did you find most challenging during the renovation process?

A lot of the build is out of your control and experience, unless you’ve renovated before. That’s why having a reliable builder is so important to trust their decisions to keep the project moving. When you build a home, rather than build a house to sell, you take the time needed do things right, which we enjoyed the learning experience. My husband and I only had one argument and that was over damn pendant lights! Who would have thought pendant lights could be so hard to choose?!

The pendant lights in question!

Did you stick to budget?

We generally did. Our builder (www.build2.com.au) said up front that they aren’t the cheapest, but that the quote wouldn’t move much, unless there were some large changes. It gave us great confidence that we’d get the quality outcome we wanted.

What was your biggest investment?

The steelwork in our roof feature, which had its engineering challenges. I remember the day it got installed and we panicked thinking it was so high and bigger than we thought. But we now love it and the light it lets in is incredible.

The incredible engineering feat

The end result

What is your fave feature of your new home?

I love our black wooden sliding doors onto the deck. They weigh a tonne but nothing makes me happier than a warm summers day and having the whole house open. And how could I not say our navy pendant lights! 😉

Large black sliding doors and concrete feature wall

What do you love the most that you spent the least amount of money on?

Great question! I actually spent a lot of time ensuring we stuck to the budget, which meant working with our builder to find cheaper methods or materials at times, to deliver the result we wanted. We used a bathroom outlet for selected items in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. I love our wooden 4-metre desk in the office that I had made from recycled timber in Port Melbourne (www.whelanwarehouse.com.au). I got the tip from the Block and I love it.

What compromises did you make along the way?

Time. We allowed more time to get the outcome we wanted. Our builder was amazing in that he was proactive in making suggestions along the way to improve elements, such as making a feature rendered concrete wall on our deck and relocating existing windows to better environmental efficiencies in a west-facing bedroom.

Did you access any training or resources to help you in your reno that you would recommend?

We did a lot of reading, but our builder was our best resource, which is why we met regularly to understand the building schedule and upcoming decisions we’d need to make to keep him moving. I suppose it’s knowing what your role is, beside paying the bills.

What could have not lived without through your renovation?

Our weekly project plan and budget. My husband was incredible at the planning aspect and each week he would draw up outstanding tasks, due dates and things to do. We had spreadsheets on our walls, large folio folders with the plans and more. It really helped us ensure we stayed on track and were ready for the urgent calls on certain items. Relationships are also very important, especially with planning and building permits.

What are some of the social media sites and accounts that inspired you through your renovation?

It has evolved so much since we finished three years ago. I loved (and still do) Three Birds Renovations and The Block was good for inspo. I also bought a lot of magazines!

If you renovated again, what would you do differently?

We built the home we wanted, but one takeout would be to ask more questions. Architects design and suggest finishes that help market themselves, not necessarily for practicality. You want functional products and finishes that are easy to clean, low maintenance and long lasting – not just the latest fad.

What’s one thing you’d tell a friend doing a reno?

We designed a storyboard for the life we wanted, which gave the architect direction and why we’ve got a kids’ playroom for a separate space between us and the kids.

And just a few quick fire questions…

Period or modern?

Both – that’s what we wanted and managed to achieve.

White or colour?

White all the way.

Brick or weatherboard?

Weatherboard.

Open plan or separate living?

Open plan. I don’t know how you could live in anything else?!

And finally… How would you describe your reno in one word?

Perfecto!