1950/60s bungalow renovation help need

9 years ago

Hi! We are looking at buying this bungalow
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51485465.html
But it needs a lot of work doing to it and we are not sure if it is feasible !
We would like to go up into the loft space with two bedrooms and a jack and Jill bathroom ( sorry no pics available of this space but it has been partly boarded out and has a window to the rear already!
The downstairs I would like to totally change around and have an open kitchen/dining/ living room where bedroom 1/3 and bathroom are and have bifold doors along the back? and then have bedroom 2, living room and kitchen as bedrooms ( maybe with ensuite) and bathroom?
Would also like to take the chimney down as the back boiler in the lounge would be replaced with new central heating system.
Could anyone be kind enough to give their views on this, also if they have any other ideas as to how the layout could be changed ?
We have a very limited budget which is why I would like to see if it is worth it before we go ahead?

Featured Answer

minnie101

9 years ago

I know it sounds obvious but do also make a list of your fixed costs. You need a new kitchen and bathroom regardless of where they are. Central heating, removal of chimney, flooring, decorating costs, electrician for light fittings etc. that may determine for example whether you can also fit an ensuite. Hopefully then you'll arrive at a sum for leftover works which the builder can then determine which option is feasible. Unfortunately these things do add up rather quickly.

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Comments (37)

minnie101
9 years ago
Hi. I think it really depends on budget given the amount of work you want to do which is quite considerable. Has anyone else in the street converted the loft? Re the plan, I don't know the loft space but a very large proportion of the house would be given over to bedrooms. Clearly the split between living and bedroom space depends on individuals but your living space would be comparatively very small. How many bedrooms do you actually need? I would leave the kitchen where it is to cut costs on moving utilities and have the kitchen, living and bed 2 as your living space. I would then leave the one bathroom on the ground floor for the 2 bedrooms. I think unfortunately for people to be able to give feedback you may need to provide budget details to see if this is feasible or not. Given there aren't any interior pics online does literally everything need doing anyway?
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for your reply! We don't really need to go up in the loft but would like to have maybe stairs put in place should we decide to do it at a later date, our budget would be tops £40,000 to start with but with more money available in few years!
I understand what you're saying about living space which is why I am open to ideas........not very good at this kind of thing.
The reason I wanted living area at the back was so that we could enjoy views onto the garden.
Yes other people have gone into loft space, all the houses/ bungalows are different so it's difficult to know which have been done at a later date!
It has been rewired and new windows put in, but needs new kitchen, bathroom , boiler .
And realistically we only need maybe 2/3 beds !
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minnie101
9 years ago
re stairs, what is that space next to the bathroom with the exterior door?? It's difficult to know what to do re budget. You could focus on the ground floor and installing stairs now but then you'd be left with a small 2nd bed until you do the loft if you went with my suggestion. Do you know where the main drain is situated? somebody may be able to verify this but I think moving plumbing costs a min of 5k but could be considerably more hence suggestion to keep kitchen where it is. Is there room to extend Into the garden? Good news re other conversions and windows etc though! Can I check that the existing living room backs onto the garden re your comment on views?
PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
Hi ! Because the living and kitchen are at the front currently and all the sleeping area at the back - it's going to require huge changes to give you the living /eating /garden access at the rear that is a popular way to live currently ... It's something that will eat your finances away very quickly ! If it's in an area you love - with all other boxes ticked and if you have somewhere else you can live while this home is being turned around - then maybe worth considering - but if you think you can live in it while such major changes are happening I don't think it's feasible.
minnie101
9 years ago
Ok, I clearly didn't look at the house pic on rightmove very closely or I may have worked out where the door was!! Or I blame the wine!
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for reply's ! The space next to bathroom is an outside store which we though could be where the stairs go?Living room is at front along with the kitchen!
The location is great, stream at bottom of garden then open fields, very quiet cul de sac and detached !
We are looking at it as our 'forever' home. Kids grown up and left, so its just the two of us apart from when they visit.
We have a caravan which we can use as our 'home' while the work is going on and parents in same village for essential washing etc!
Is there any other layout that you think might work ? Could always forget the open plan idea and just swop living room with bedroom at back?
What would others do........
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Already taken hedge down , picket fence at front with gate leading to front door! Weather boarding on front instead of the tiles, maybe new grey front windows ........ And then I wake up
minnie101
9 years ago
Aah! You obviously love the potential with this place! Perhaps your original idea if you make use of the existing plumbing by swapping the kitchen and bathroom is doable on your budget if you don't touch the loft. I would take most of bed 2 as living space though. I think your best bet is to draw up a plan, which people will help with!, and take a reputable builder with you on another viewing. Alternatively, speak to the owner/agent and see if anyone else has done the same in the street and can give an idea of cost. How high spec are you looking to do kitchen, bathroom and flooring? Have you seen anything you like already?
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh dear! Not much sleep again.....this bungalow is really getting to me, we have been looking for over a year for something to buy as the criteria we are looking for and the search area is quite restrictive!
The trouble is the owner has lived here all her life with now deceased parents and there is ALOT of stuff in the rooms that some you can't actually get into! Hence no interior photos!
Do you think if I left kitchen, bathroom and bed 3 as they are , turn bed 1 and 2 into living area and then the lounge into main bedroom with maybe an ensuite?
We don't have to go into the loft but just felt it is wasted space if not? .......would it be far harder at a later date to add the stairs and convert ?
As for spec etc, daren't think about that til we are nearer buying it, but am up for searching for bargains and open minded as to design !
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the replies so far, Any more ideas on how to alter the layout so the living area can be at the rear of the property?
PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
Something like this ?! With a loft hatch to very occasional bed space / store room upstairs for storage perhaps ?!
To be honest it's a bit mixed up ! It's usual to try and keep living areas together and sleeping together - not mix them up like this !
PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
This is probably the more expensive option ...
PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
Or this ...
PRO
OnePlan
9 years ago
Obviously these are just ideas - subject to all the usual constraints of can we/can't we etc - seek out a site visit from a Structural Engineer or general contractor etc !
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
OnePlan! You are a star!! Thank you
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
This is just what I needed to see but couldn't visualise it...
Ash McGregor
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Good idea to move the kitchen and living space to the back of the house. However, I do wonder if it would be a better and more cost-effective solution to extend out into the back rather than going into the loft. You could probably get an extra bedroom/study and fit an en-suite into the master bedroom and still be left with a large garden.
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
That is a possibility , but there is a steep drop after the patio which the garden photo doesn't really show, but will keep it in mind!
After talking to the EA, I think we have decided to forget the loft conversion and just stick with doing the ground floor as tbh it is big enough as it is! And use the loft space for storage and maybe very occasional spare sleeping space if needed at Xmas!!
Helen J
9 years ago
We took on a similar project over 5 years ago and has been and still is a labour of love!! I have included the original floor plan- we began by knocking through the 2nd bedroom to extend the kitchen into a large open plan kitchen. Loosing a bedroom we planned to go up into the loft but we waited another 3years before undertaking this task. As were also expecting our first baby- we converted what was the unused front porch and extend out to make a nursery/small bedroom.

2years ago we went up into the loft to provide 2 large double bedroom, bathroom and tons of storage. The stairs posed many dilemmas but after working closely with an architect we decided to go open plan into the kitchen which works well and does not restrict the space.

Our next phase is the exterior.. I love the large rooms that the 1950's bungalow offer but not a lover of the cladding options of this era!! I have included a pic idea from Houzz which is our desired look.. We may opt for 4 large individual windows across the front to add symmetry- using off white render with grey frames. ... Well I'm hoping for that! Good luck... We love the fact the lay out of bungalow can lend themselves to great living spaces.. Hope it all comes together for you...
Helen J
9 years ago
Photos
Helen J
9 years ago
Photos
Helen J
9 years ago
Photos
Helen J
9 years ago
Photos
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Wow!! You have done an amazing job and love the open plan kitchen / stairs idea!
Looking at my plan again, I wonder if I am just complicating matters by wanting the living area at the back?
Maybe a cheaper option would be to knock the kitchen and lounge wall down then I get my open plan living plus I could utilise the chimney and maybe have an open fire or log burner. Then turn bedroom 3 into an ensuite for bedroom 2!
Could always put French doors in so we could get out onto the patio and maybe add a conservatory ......although I always think it seems odd when attached to a bedroom lol !
Gosh, more food for thought!
Just hoping it doesn't sell before we can put an offer in
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Oops, cut off the comment about the lady is a hoarder see above pics, so think this is putting a lot of people off!
minnie101
9 years ago
How important is the en suite? You could open up the kitchen and lounge as you said but then add a conservatory onto bed 3 and use as a sun room/day room. I'd then add french doors from bed 1 to lead onto a little terrace. Perfect for a morning cup of tea! It does mean you living and sleeping spaces are slightly mixed though. So many options!
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Minnie!
En suite is not essential but if I didn't have one I think I would want another loo, which could go where the outside store is?
Bedroom 3 / sunroom could then still be used as a spare bed when all the little darlings come to stay
minnie101
9 years ago
Yes, I think you can squeeze a loo in there. If you do ever go up into the attic you may need this space for stairs but shouldn't be an issue if you have an en suite up there. Yes, I'd just get sofas beds for occasional use. Mind you this would then mean conservatory blinds! I'd print off all the possible options you like and present them for costing to see what is feasible.
Helen J
9 years ago
Goodness! Hoarders central... Gaging the picture you posted.. Is the bathroom in good order? Will you be looking at replacing everything? If so- I think the idea to place living room/kitchen at the back use existing plumbing from bathroom to install separate/wc cloak room. Move bathroom into kitchen using plumbing from Kitchen. You will then have the space to extend out into the garden making as larger living space as you need. You will then retain your bedroom/bathroom space together and enabling all your day living space in one area... If your budget in the future allows you to convert the loft you will have options from the space for your staircase. This would be a lovely looking four bedroom house... I also think this will help you retain your value in your property.
Helen J
9 years ago
Ps are you planning on retaining the airplane wallpaper....!! Ha ha.. Wonder how long that has been hanging !
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Going to make it a 'feature' wall lol!!
Can I be cheeky and ask how much it has cost so far to renovate yours?
We will be on a very tight budget if we do manage to buy this one
Helen J
9 years ago
We spent around 15k initially getting the house liveable. as like the property you are interested in... It was not at all just a paint job. We replaced the bathroom but we didn't have to change any major plumbing though. 2 years ago we spent approx 30 k on loft extension. Which the steal for the roof ended up a lot more expensive than we thought. Also included staircases, two bedrooms, bathroom, storage & carpets. We did have a few trade pals to help out so that may reflect a guess estimate 5k extra for professional trade???

To be honest I wanted to rush and get everything done in one go... But in hindsight taking a bit of time living in the house really helped to not make expensive mistakes in the long run and as like you we were undecided about options. After time the most practical arrangements became clear. So, patience paid off in the end!! All though we have no plans to move we have added enormous value to the house so that also gives extra peace of mind that this is money well spent.

Hope that helps.. And you successful get your house...! Ps here was our feature wall.. Not sure york stone wall features are about to make a return.. Well I haven't seen any on Houzz yet!! Take care
Slimgimli
Original Author
9 years ago
Loving the fireplace
rfieldhouse78
8 years ago
We've got a fire place like that ugh! Can't wait to take a crow bar to it! I'd second the suggestion of living in the house as is for a bit if possible because it does seem to help with deciding the layout. With our previous renovation we didn't, we moved in with my dad and it was over a year until the real building work happened because we were unrealistic about budget and had to change plans a lot. We've been living in our current renovation project for 6 months and are gently chipping away at bits while we work with architects to get the right solutions for the crazy layout. Fingers crossed our patience will pay off. On,y problem is my hubby is so happy over hauling the garden when not at work that getting started feels more urgent for me than him!!
rfieldhouse78
8 years ago
Just realised I commented on an old thread - what happened? Did you buy it?
Slimgimli
Original Author
8 years ago
No we didn't buy it as ow er decided not to move!!!!!!!!!!