| Episode 7 - Mitchell Family |
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 NAMES:
Firstly – this reno is dedicated to: MY DARLNIG CHILDREN – Elser (8), Patrick (7) , OUR PETS – the dogs – Cooper & Jackson - the guinea pigs - Diamond, Sapphire, Nibbles and the five babies that have been born this past month - our chickens who moved to Bowral to accommodate the chaos – Black Bell, Treacle and Sunshine - and our kitten Jake – who was newborn when we started and now 12 weeks old and loved by everyone who’s worked on this project! AND THE A’S – your know you are!
A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME I had been watching this house in a falling market for a year and finally made the move to buy it – quite the ‘worst house’ but in a great street and in an area I know well. I’m a single Mum, with two wonderfully supportive children plus family and friends who stand by me even when it’s hard to figure out why I would want to embark on such projects! ... decisions are definitely harder on your own ... so I learnt early when developing property that I need to stick by my instinct and not to waiver from what I am passionate about!
My current house on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is my most expensive purchase yet. Here is a little bit of my jouney ... and some of what I feel I’ve learnt ...
DREAM ON ... My vision for taking an outdated ugly duckling and bringing it into today has been made possible by a team of experts in many fields – people available to anyone thinking of renovating today ... even for the first time! In a falling market I managed to pick up a harbour side house on a rare block of level land – ableit with few redeeming features! - but for a price that was negotiable after a year of the vendor failing to sell.
My architect Andrew Tzannes from Habitation, devised ways to update thr house with contemporary sensitivity and within my budget. He wasn’t afraid to express his passion ... but also to talk $’s ... a combination rare in many design experts!
Unlike many who yearn for expansive open plan living - which I think can often leave room for only a few personal living spaces - I wanted an inviting family home tailored to meet the needs of both myself, my growing children and the comfort of our extended family and friends who frequently visit. I also love to entertain and fill our house with crowds of family and friends whenever possible. Accomodating both adults and growing children in an environment where everyone can socialise happily requires considered thought and honesty as to how we really interact with those around us. Knowing what I wanted to achieve and actually making it happen in ten weeks, has been a challenge – exciting AND exhausting – passionate and painful (at times) – but most of all rewarding thanks to all the amazing people who have made themselves available when I’ve asked for their expertise and experience. Habitation, Pacific Plus Constructions, Homestone and I came together and forged a plan to create a successful project that combines both design flair and integrity within budget – quite an achievement!
YOUR FOUNDATION – ‘ILL BE BACK!’
Look for a builder you would aim to use again. For me, anyone I continue to work with needs to be someone I can align myself with both morally and professionally. Find a company with people who are answerable to you directly - someone who shares your and values, your design vision ... and if you can, comes from personal recommendation.
I worked with Gregor MacDonald at Pacific Plus Constructions, a local building company who took general renovation issues, complicated problems and daily hurdles and turned them into workable solutions with budget in mind. As a renovator, the honest journey is about managing real people and solving problems on a daily basis. Do your best to choose a builder who makes problems simple – you can often see this on first sight visits together, so if you can, take potential builders onto your exisiting site and listen to their feedback.
Backed up our amazing foreman, Marty, I knew that my best interests were in mind, and each day I felt I had access to a professional team who were honourable, considerate and approachable.
GOALS Be clear on your goals but keep the bigger picture in mind!
When renovating there will always be hic-cups – money, structural issues, finishes ... and more money! Keep your ‘eye on the prize’ and compromise whenever you can to make way for the inevitable unforseen. Don’t pass the blame - or look for it in others ... Renovating is as much about people as it is bricks and mortar and it is your expert team who will make the project as much a success for you as you will yourself.
WOW FACTOR
Try and remember that what turns you on is a highly personal ingredient, and when renovating to make a profit, your personal wish list can easily eat into your potential profits! Whenever I wasn’t sure if my decisions were more emotional than profit-driven I would consult a third party; for me that was my local estate agent, Piers at McGraths, who was more than happy to drop by for a second opinion. They were really helpful with questions about internal special, exterior impact and general design. Ie. would including a small but extra bedroom be more saleable than keeping one oversized bedrrom?, should we limit our front yard to include two rather than one carspaces? - and should we update our facade with a modern take or join the classic ‘best company in the street’? These guys are dealing with buyers every day and know what the market is looking for. Their advice along the way in any renovation is not only invaluable to me, but is available to anyone considering renovating for re-sale.
BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
We toothed in ugly pine floorboards that were uneven and buckled to start with. It was SO tempting to start again with new floorboards throughout, but with careful filling, sanding, staining - after a few expansion joints had been sawn in and clever beading added below the existing skirting board, we have a floor to die for – contemporary chocolate heaven!
Our Homestone fireplace is also now a key feature of the house. Actually I don’t mind saying. It is stunning! In contrast the fireplace we inherited was dowdy, boring and completely affected the mood of the room before the update. The old fireplace was a reminder of the past – a featureless fire breast rounded off with fake firedogs and a gas bill. It was the only focal point in a busy, undefined and cluttered space!
In its place we now have a 100% eco-smart fireplace that holds court whenever we entertain. It provides instant ambience to the room – is someone lovely to be home with when I’m home on my own - AND sits well within my renovating design brief, which is to choose Australian and environmentally conscience whenever possible. I love it – as does anyone who visits!
ALL IN – GET DIRTY!
Don’t hang around and not be involved. Not a day went by where I wasn’t on site and across the detail, decisions - and daily drama! Nothing is more motivating to me than putting the best people together to achieve a great result – and successfully solving problems – but also being on site as much as possible. If you are passionate about renovating, it’s a gift and you’ll learn so much every day that you actually participate!
If you are going to renovate, be prepared to go all in. For some this may be on weekends – cleaning up the debris in the front yard or reviewing progress with the builder. I have spent hours alone stripping wall-paper, measuring book-shelving, sanding, planning bathrooms, planning lighting schemes, pulling out desks and wardrobes, fixing windows, and assembling furniture ... and whilst exhausting, there’s nothing more rewarding ... it’s addictive ... it’s infectious ...and it helps you respect the help around you and the time it takes to do things well.
Some of my most enjoyable days were dismantling wardrobes, pulling up carpet – even collecting paint or plumbing parts for tradesmen who are busy on the job – it’s knowing you are contributing to actual job – not just paying the bills – that is satisfying.
Also, there’s not a day goes by – and not matter how many reno’s you’ve done – that you don’t learn something new. It’s a journey in the detail - about people, about timelines and how to produce a quality result ... not just something for show, but something you can be proud of and know you’ll be better at the next time around!
PLAY WITH FINISHES
Creating continuity throughout any property will create a stylish and signature look. With this house I pared down many of the features to make way for a couple of my own design ideas, but overall let the space of the house speak for itself. But remember, just as it is with getting dressed for a big occasion; limit the special features of your reno to no more than 3 key elements. Maintain a colour scheme throughout the property and focus on good quality fixtures and fittings. Also, think outside the square and think about the reflective qualities of mirrors, polyurethane, metal, paint and high gloss stone. Don’t forget texture and pattern – not only in fabric but importantly in paint and natural finishes such as stone and wood. If renovating for re-sale, give the buyer one or two life-style surprises within the property that they will aspire to.
YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BEFORE :-?
There’s no doubt that ‘being a grown up’ has its advantages – for example, there are not so many occasions anymore when someone can remind you of what you already know ie. ‘you should have thought about this before’!! However, if you are about to give renovating a go ... be ready for more of what you were so happy to leave behind when you left home!
So much of the process of improving a property is about planning and process. Even if you feel you know EXACTLY what you want – how many of us start with holiday hotel photos or magazine tears from the latest publications? – take time to ask your builder to outline the ‘baby steps’ in the process for every room. So many trades need time alone to do their best for you and your builder will know how best that should be scheduled.
Likewise, be prepared to compromise your design vision should anything be overlooked. Your wish for pure symmetry in a bathroom may have to be put to one side in favour of not re-tiling and plumbing due a human error in measuring. Stay true to who you are – but also your budget! - but remember that all trades have taken years to qualify BUT are still human too! The 2mm variance – or benchtop join – might always catch your eye but repeatedly ask yourself the question, ‘ will this be a deal breaker for potential buyers in comparison to other details you have been able to focus and deliver on?’.
BATHROOMS
The above point is essentially what bathrooms are all about – planning, planning, planning. Work BACK from what you want and you WILL end up with a joyous space that embraces your lifestyle. Ask yourself questions such as, How far do you want to reach for your towel after bathing/showering?, Do you want your mirrors to frost up after a steamy shower?, Is toilet privacy and issue for you?, Where will you hang your face washer or put your shampoo on a daily basis?, What will you be plugging in in this room such as hot rolers/shavers/hair dryers – and maybe they can be concealed in a draw? Do you want to listen to the radio/music when you are getting ready each morning? How many people need to share this room at any one time?
Honestly, the questions are endless – and the more you ask, the more frivolous you may feel you sound – but KEEP IT REAL as these rooms accommodate daily routines that set us up for each day. Take time with a bathroom showroom to talk through who you are and exactly what you need. I took a trip to Mico Designs who showcase the very best of the European designged Kohler product I was wanted to install. The showrrom opened my eyes to so many options that they offer. I coupled that with photos of my favourite ‘weekends away’ hotels and spas and have come up with an adult ensuite combined with a large family bath that caters for everyone seamlessly.
In this renovation – 10 weeks in all – I can honestly say that bathrooms take up every renovation week for at least 10 weeks. The wet areas are the only room where almost EVERY trade has to come on board in some sort of pecking order that will dictate your timeline. The best advice I have is to present your ‘wish list’ to your architect, builder, foreman and glazier in a combined meeting, then work BACK from your completion date to set deadlines for any decisions that need to be made to achieve your ‘wish list’.
When you are finished, put in place lovely fresh towels and clean soap but keep accessorising to a minimum and let your hard planning and pristine PC items speak for theself.
Saying that, I think we have achieved a great result on this reno – something that wouldn’t have been possible without using the amazing Kohler products which in themselves stand alone as they are so beautifully designed!
LIVING SPACES - DOUBLE DUTY Look at living spaces with their capacity in mind. Personally, I feel that too many modern renovations provide over-sized ‘knocked out ‘ open spaces that overlook the ability to provide wonderful spaces which should aim to individually entertain the combination of everyone living within one home. If you have growing children or teenagers you will know exactly what I mean. Sometimes, some individually customised spaces can actually keep a family unit even happier than one great open shared catastrophe!
On this renovation, I retained the large formal living area but divided the space to also create a purpose built home theatre environment. We also did away with a formal dining table and put in its place a grand piano to accommodate the musical interest in our family. The result is a number of connected zones where we can entertain our interests whilst all living together.
WIRED FOR SOUND
I brought in the techxperts who knew how to wire up a configuration to accommodate the technology children seek combined with our love of classical music. Now I can be making dinner to Beethoven whilst my wanna-be-teens are glued to digital tv or being too-cool-for-school on their DJ-Band-Hero’s!! I have installed audio insulation in the dividing wall that was built to create the hoe theatre and completed it with a simple but super-effective wall of curtaining and carpet so as not bother the neighbours with sound! Finding solutions for a smarter and more environmentally friendly house – without the need for extreme re-wiring can add substantial value to any renovation. Simply put, we are all in heaven - ! - and the children can have so much fun with their friends when other families visit.
PLAY THE FIELD! There are many ways an enthusiastic renovator can stay involved with the build, but the aim of so many of us to ‘projec t manage’ is fraught with danger. Even after 6 renovations, I still don’t try and do this alone. Find yourself a local team of ‘experts in their field’ and seek their advice in planning for your renovation. I see every renovation as a possible success – but look to those who have expertise you don’t and engage their opinion and feedback wherever possible.
Firstly start with your builder – then a professional and accredited team – then add architects, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, stone masons, stone importers, furniture manufactures, joiners, glaziers, curtain makers,carpet suppliers and installers, tilers, lighting professionals, architectural hardware suppliers, suppliers of special finishes, and ALWAYS one mad outlandish thing that keeps you happy – for me on this renovation probably the coffered disco-lit ceiling over the baby grand-piano that I know will provide endless of happy hours to me and my children! On that – one ways to review your projected budget is to list all the TRADES you can think of who will need to be involved and to pencil in how much they will cost. Your builder can be helpful with this and I find it’s a great cross –reference against what I call my ‘guestimate renovation budget’ ... worth trying!
But hey – renovating is not always logical – or rational !! Surround yourself with like-minded, passionate people – be grateful to every person who steps up and helps you meet your goal – say thankyou whenever you can - and ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!!
THE GOLDEN RULE L ...
We’ve all heard the 25% rule – ie. every reno will exceed it’s budget by at least 25% - well, on that I’m afraid I still have to agree. I’ve tried every way to be smarter, faster, cleverer, even meaner or more open to alternatives ... but it always comes up! So, yes, I have to say again, that including furnishing and curtains, I’m probably again about 20% over budget – but 20% over budget with no regrets!
CREATE A SCENE
All renovations should reflect life-style and an appreciation or at least awareness for design. If you have ‘no idea’ – ie. if finances are your thing and you don’t care about design (where have you been all my life!), seriously there is always someone in your neighbourhood who will. Most experts are there to be consulted so take a look at the professionals around you and seek their advice in an attempt to think outside the square to meet your needs.
I always start a renovation based on real estate square meters, location and regional sales history. Secondly I then move forward as I look to spaciallly improve the lifestyle possibilities within the exsisting space. It is at this point that it is crucial to create a clear sense of direction and inspirational scheme for the property. Many people can achieve this with mood boards, wish lists, and product samples in hand. Whatever your method, be prepared to go with the flow as your reno moves forward as the scheme will evolve – as will you. Trust your instinct and love for the project – as the result, no matter where is varies from your initial inspiration, will also inspire you in ways you never thought possible.
LIVE AMONST THE NIGHTLIFE! When I purchased this house I made the deliberate decision to live in it for a few months prior to renovating. This means that as well discovering that the microwave, dishwasher, central heating and stove elements were function-less (is that a word?!) we lived with the faults – the gaps in the walls, the buckled floorboards, the rear doors that didn’t lock or never quite closed properly, the Icelandic draft from the front door (how does that much sub zero air find its way into a house at night when the sun has been shining all day?) ... and with all that my children learnt what a cockroach, an ant and possums (the marching up and down at midnight looking for prisoners above your bedroom ceiling variety!) were!!
However, it was the best thing we’ve ever done. In heinsight it helped with planning our budget and prepared us for living through the renovation – ie. waking up to our now best friend building team – but most importantly we learnt how the space and light worked and we were able to observe the current flow of the house and if it worked for us. We also had the chance to meet our neighbours in peace – no drills, tradesmen in trucks on a daily basis, no band saws or lengths of timber piled up in our front yard!
On that note, we couldn’t say thankyou enough to our wonderful and long suffering neighbours in this otherwise tranquil street. Thankyou for never complaining but also for knowing that if anything was annoying you, you could just phone or drop by and say so in person. Afterall, it’s your gorgeous houses in this lovely street that sought me out in the first place. I look forward to being your ‘finished renovating’ peaceful neighbour soon!
Living within the walls of a property UNrenovated meant we also now appreciate every millimetre ... every sealed doorway ... every working light bulb ... BUT also every comfort and mod con in place – soft furnishings, throughout house sound, computers that link up seamlessly and integrate with television and toys – a ‘smart house’ is a must have if you have wanna-be-teenagers. But most of all we appreciate every hand and person – and the endless hours that made this renovation possible.
IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER
Oh, and one more thing ... even if you have an agreed deadline with your trusted builder, there will always be a ‘few outstanding things’. Treat your builder with respect – as you will use them again and again if you renovate well the first time. However, find a few minutes about a week out from your completion date to ask for someone to stay on full-time for an extra 3-4 days once the agreed deadline has been met. This way, the details you may have excused in order to meet a ‘great aunt’s visit’ or ‘your son’s 7th birthday party at home’ or just an obvious colander event like Christmas or Easter - those details can be finished professionally and won’t bother you as outstanding or incomplete issues that you have to live with.
AND NEXT ... Yes, it was my idea ... and it has been our journey ... but none of it would have been possible without so many people who have become our friends and shared their knowledge, their product, their staff and their time with me.
In 10 weeks we have shared birthdays, new schools, overseas visitors, dinner parties by transportable spotlight!, religious holidays, weight gain – weight loss J, practical jokes, ultra-sounds (!), tantrums (theirs not mine – ha ha!), days when the children didn’t want to go to school because home was just too exciting – and days when they couldn’t wait to go to school for a break from the chaos and noise!
But honestly it’s been the best yet reno ever and I can’t wait to now finish Stage 2 of the house and share it with everyone all over again!
Ali Mitchell |
Working with features you inherit, whilst removing one or two negative one-off design elements, can often leave money in your renovating budget for a couple of things you are passionate about.
