Case Study:

100-Year-Old Home Renovation

Background:

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the owner and his wife purchased a 100-year-old home for $12,500 from a bank. The property, though affordable, was in a state of severe disrepair. The roof had a large hole and was layered with five layers of roofing materials, including the original wooden shakes. Water damage from the roof had completely destroyed the bathroom and other areas of the home, the windows had been broken by neighborhood children, the plumbing was missing, and much of the electrical wiring was outdated.

Challenge:

• Severe Structural Damage: The home had been abandoned and neglected, with a roof in dire need of repair, extensive water damage, and missing plumbing and electrical components.
• Complex Renovations: The scale of the renovation was substantial, involving the complete gutting and rebuilding of key areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, as well as significant work on the plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity of the home.
• DIY Approach with Limited Budget: With a tight budget, the family needed to do most of the work themselves, tackling each aspect of the renovation carefully and resourcefully.

Solution Approach:

1. Gutting and Demolition: The family gutted the bathroom down to the studs and stripped the kitchen to bare walls. They demolished the dilapidated summer kitchen attached to the garage, removed all trash from the house and garage, and disposed of it. This prepared the space for a complete rebuild.

2. Key Structural Improvements:

   • Roof Repair: The family hired professionals to replace the roof, a significant expense at $16,000. This was crucial to protect the home from further water damage.
   • Plumbing and Wiring Replacement: The outdated and missing plumbing and wiring were replaced entirely, ensuring the home was both functional and safe.
   • Window Replacement: Broken windows were replaced, restoring the home's integrity and improving energy efficiency.

   • Refurbishment and Customization:

   • Hardwood Floor Refinishing: The family refurbished the original hardwood floors, bringing new life to the home's character.

   • Vintage Kitchen Cabinets and Custom Butcherblock Counters: They installed vintage cabinets in the kitchen, paired with custom butcherblock counters, giving the space a unique and timeless look.
   • Bathroom Reconstruction: The bathroom was rebuilt from scratch, tailored to the family's needs and aesthetic preferences.

   • Outdoor Transformation:

   • Backyard Garden and Permaculture Food Forest: The family transformed the backyard into a garden paradise, incorporating a permaculture food forest that not only added beauty but also sustainable food production.

   • Re-Fencing the Yard: The yard was re-fenced to provide privacy and security, enhancing the outdoor space's functionality.

Results:

• Revitalized Home: The extensive renovation transformed the once dilapidated house into a functional and beautiful home. The structural issues were resolved, and the house now had modern plumbing, wiring, and energy-efficient windows.
• Custom Living Space: The renovations created a personalized, unique living space that reflected the family's values and preferences, from the vintage kitchen to the permaculture garden.
• Sustainability: The backyard's transformation into a food forest contributed to the family's sustainability goals, providing an ongoing source of fresh produce.

Key Takeaways:

• Resourcefulness and Commitment: The renovation was completed primarily through DIY work, demonstrating the power of resourcefulness and hard work, even when starting with limited financial resources.
• Importance of Structural Integrity: Fixing critical issues like the roof, plumbing, and wiring early in the process ensured that the home would be safe, comfortable, and functional for years to come.
• Custom and Sustainable Design: The focus on sustainable design and customization, especially in the kitchen and backyard, created a home that aligned with the family's long-term vision.

Conclusion:

The renovation of this 100-year-old home is a testament to the dedication and skill of the family. Through hard work, careful planning, and a commitment to sustainability, they were able to transform a neglected property into a beautiful and functional living space. The project not only preserved the home's character but also added modern amenities, creating a lasting legacy for the family. They lived in the completed home for six years, enjoying the fruits of their labor and the unique environment they had created.