Imagine renovating for seven years on the same home?! Renee and Gary have done just that but wouldn’t have it any other way.
The plan was always to use their first home as a launching pad to buying their ultimate family home (which by the by I’ve seen photos of and it is goooorgeous!). Renee made a smart decision at the fresh aged of 25 years old in buying a home with solid bones and lots of potential to achieve a good return post reno. Not afraid of getting her hands dirty and getting amongst it with her hubby and dad, Renee slowly moved through the home adding value (smartly) one room at a time.
Here’s Renee’s story:
At the young age of 25, and fresh out of uni, I purchased my first home in the suburb of Werribee.
My parents were keen for me to get out of the rent race so supported me by lending the deposit – something for which I’m eternally grateful for and have now paid them back!
It was a basic 3 bedroom brick home, that had seen better days. It was very neglected and mistreated. All sorts of 70/80s delights were found inside such as panel walls in the living areas, a nice blue sink in the bathroom and multi-coloured linoleum as the main flooring in the house. Fortunately, my dad is a builder and ensured that while house appeared very neglected on the surface, was indeed structurally sound and the brickwork was in great shape for its age.
At the time of purchase, I knew i would do it up over time when I had the money and dad had the time to come down (from Wagga Wagga) to Melbourne and help me! As this house was my step into real estate, I never planned to live there for a long time, but ended up enjoying 8 wonderful years there and turning it into a beautifully loved family home before selling late in 2017.
It sounds like a brown brick renovators delight, with a lot of work needed. So what did you do exactly?
The entire inside of the house plus landscaping the front and back! All existing internal walls were left (the floorplan was great) but we replaced floors, the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, window furnishings, painted walls, painted external guttering and eaves, carport, built a new outdoor living area with deck and gazebo, landscaped both the front and back yards. [I’m exhausted just reading this!]
How long did the reno take from start to finish?
I lived in the home while renovating and did room by room over 7 years. We chose to live on site as living elsewhere wasn’t an option financially and wasn’t necessary as we’d always planned to do the work room by room. Though, by the end of it I was certainly sick of packing up furniture and moving it room by room as we slowly completed the place! But on the flip side it was great to be there all the time and really see the progress.
Sounds like the issue of moving your stuff from room-to-room was a challenge in itself. What else challenged you through the renovation process?
Not having a toilet while the bathroom was being renovated in the middle of winter was a big challenge! Luckily i was a member of a 24hr gym and my aunty and uncle lived around the corner.
Did you stick to budget?
While I didn’t have a set budget I certainly kept everything at a bare minimum so as to not over capitalise on the house and area.
What was your biggest investment?
The new deck and gazebo outdoor living space, but luckily I saved on building costs thanks to my dad and hubby!
What is your fave feature of your new home?
I loved it all, but in the end it was the laundry as it was a fabulous sunny space with a lovely look and feel.
What do you love the most that you spent the least amount of money on?
The fresh white walls after removing the panel walls!
What compromises did you make along the way?
We decided to install a basic kitchen and bathroom to keep the budget low. They looked really nice but were cost effective options so that I could save my money for the features I want in my dream house!
Did you access any training or resources to help you in your reno that you would recommend?
I mostly learnt from my dad who has 50 years in the building industry. My hubby was an online tutorial fan and taught himself to complete tiling and landscaping that way.
What could have not lived without through your renovation?
My dad! I seriously would not have undertaken the project if it wasn’t for his expertise.
What are some of the social media sites and accounts that have inspired you through your renovation?
Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz but mainly the TV shop ‘Fixer Upper’.
If you renovated again, what would you do differently?
I would take more time to plan the flow of the house and choosing my materials. The next time I do this it will be for our new “forever” home so I want to be truly happy with all choices made.
What’s one thing you’d tell a friend doing a reno?
Give it a go! It’s incredible what even a lick of paint can do to a place.
And just a few quick-fire questions on your preference.
Period or modern?
Neither – Hamptons!
White or colour?
White background with pops of colour.
Brick or weatherboard?
I have always lived in brick but dream of weatherboard one day.
Open plan or separate living?
Open plan for sure.
And finally… How would you describe your reno in one word?
Homely.
