1970's Bungalow Renovation Options
Mar 21, 2008
In the last "What's Wrong With This House?" we looked at this 1970's floor plan from an established neighborhood in Ontario. In this installment of Design Studio, we offer two possible options for a renovation of the house.
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thanks so much for taking the time to look over our floor plan and make some recommendations! I can't tell you how excited we were to see it. We are champing at the bit to get started with things. We do indeed love the home, as you mentioned in your commentary, but the kitchen is something we'd really like to change. Could we ask one more piece of advice ? When we are in a position to begin this renovation, we will likely go ahead with the suggested plan you describe as being more modest. At this time, would the wisest next step be to acquire quotes from a general contractor, to have an architect create specific drawings for the job, or some other course of action?
Your advice and input has been most helpful and appreciated; it has really consolidated our feelings about this house and our commitment to it. We will continue to enjoy the website and learning about the slowhome approach.
Thank you again, Paul - Milton
Posted by Paul on March 22, 2008 at 02:09 PM MDT #
I am glad that the ideas were useful. But they are only rough concept sketches. It is important for you to work with someone to more completely design the renovation. I believe that it is best to work with a designer or architect before going to a contractor. It will cost a bit of money (but surprisingly not that much) but it is worth it. A trained designer can often find ways to save money on the construction that more than makes up for their fee. Interview contractors after you have the design work done so that they all have the same information about the scope of work. I would recommend that you have the designer attend those meetings to answer questions. They should have more experience that you do with contractors and can give you their opinion about who they think would do the best job. Remember that initial cost should not be the only criteria for choosing a contractor.
Posted by John Brown, Editor on March 22, 2008 at 03:53 PM MDT #
A large window or, preferably, a sliding glass door from bedroom 2 onto the patio a the left would provide more light in that room and it could possibly be used as a study or playroom for the child.
Both rear windows on the bedrooms need enlargement as well. The small bedroom needs a window too, if the view is not good, perhaps a frosted one.
The use of columns and lintels to support the roof which would probably be required with those walls in the entrance hall, dining, family areas removed opens up possibilities for other interesting ways of dividing up the space while still keeping it open and light. Maybe a low bookcase between two columns, say 1 meter high, or a hanging cupboard attached to a lintel.... lots of possibilities.
Posted by Nick Proferes on March 22, 2008 at 07:27 PM MDT #
when I created the floor plan, I accidentally omitted a window on the small bedroom. There is one but it is, again, small. Interesting idea about the patio door on bed two. My wife and I had actually thought about putting a set of french doors off the master to the back garden and creating a small seating area adjacent to the bedroom. Hadn't thought about doors on bedroom 2 though.
Thanks,
Paul
Posted by Paul on March 22, 2008 at 10:10 PM MDT #
Good idea about the garden doors to the second bedroom. That would do a lot to increase the connection between the interior of the house and the exterior. It would make that room feel bigger. Finally, it gives you an opportunity to upgrade the design of the entire exterior wall facing the side garden.
Posted by John Brown, Editor on March 24, 2008 at 09:46 AM MDT #