Help needed to update 80s Bungalow
Hi Everyone,
we we are due to get the keys to a 80s self build bungalow in a matter of weeks. We are first time renovators with a small budget to begin updates straight away although this will be an ongoing project. I’m currently driving myself insane reasearching options for design and layout and I need your help.
I am hoping to get advice on the following:
1. Updating the exterior. I dislike the colour of the bricks and the colour and position of the windows. I love the contemporary look and I’m wondering what updates could be done to the exterior To make it look a little special.
2. There’s an old archway between the dining space and the lounge. We are thinking of removing the wall completely but would we be best to leave it in and just take the arch? I like the the idea of more light in the house, the lounge overlooks the south facing garden. The front of the house gets very little light.
3. any advice on the layout of a bathroom suite. We wanted a free standing bath and separate shower but don’t know where to position it all. We have a boiler in the cupboard and it takes up quite a lot of space. We are considering moving the boiler into the loft but aren’t sure on cost implications.
4. The 4th room is more like a study and not a bedroom due to its position off the dining space. Would I be best to switch the bathroom and 4th bedroom at this stage or would it be worse having a bathroom off the dining space? It will make a brilliant playroom as it stands but I’m worried if we do need it as a 4th bedroom.
Thanks in advance, hopefully you can steer me in the right direction.
Comments (17)
Lau
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Bungalow Facade Renovation Help!
Comments (6)I think i'd find out from the local council about any wants and wishes they might have and any restrictions. I don't think that massively grand plans are warranted on this type of property. Yes, of course you want it to look nice, but just because some things are possible, doesn't make them a good idea every time, and everyone has a budget, Radically changing the exterior in this case needs to be kept in the realms of realistic for the style and situ of the property and end re-sale price plus type of purchase likely to buy. Going ultra modern and pie in the sky with ideas is a waste of money most probably. Grey windows do not in my opinion sit well with red brick for instance or a brown roof. You could render then whole facade in a colour of your choice or paint the bricks to darken down with iron oxide and make them sit better with Grey. The driveway needs an uplift and you'd have to address the finish and colour of the wall to the perimeter to match. A pitched roof to tie in would also, in my opinion look better....See MoreFew Ideas for this large 80s house & exterior modernisation, Input?
Comments (5)I think you need to look at the cost of the glass veranda as it is likely to be more expensive than the render that you say you can't afford. I am also not convinced it is going to look better because of the proposed flat roof on the bay- you could always get rid of the bay and have a plain window instead. Personally I think that you make the lounge lighter by adding light reflecting paving/ chippings/ pond outside the bay. You can also likely make the room feel lighter by changing the flooring in the room for paler. I really like the double front doors but glass doors would of course let in more light. I think replacing the digits and facials will make very little difference to the feel of the house and should be the last job you do not the first. If it were my house I would be more concerned about the windows above the front door. Personally I would perhaps have just one window here and if another window is necessary put in a velux above. Lastly you write about wanting to update the house.... do you like the style of this era.... if not perhaps you should be thinking about changing the window proportions or covering the brick even though this may not currently be in budget?...See MoreOpinions needed on this bungalow design.
Comments (32)Hi. Attached is an updated plan I was working on over Christmas. Before anyone asks, I wasn't tipsy doing this, my PC packed in, so I drew everything freestyle on my phone, hence the occasional wonky lines. Anything can change inc measurements as it's only ideas to give to my architect who I've got an appointment with soon... if anyone would like to give their opinion on the plan, I'd really appreciate it. Some additional info: North - land currently for sale for a housing site East - best view. South - farm fields view West - views of neighbouring bungalows gardens. My plot is 1.75 acres. My hubby gets up at 5am for work so having a walk in wardrobe and ensuite next to each other means less walking through the bedroom when I'm sleeping. I love the glazed gable end as attached which I would like in the kitchen. I also like tall windows on either side of the fireplace in the lounge. I know many people split the location of bedrooms in a bungalow to reduce the hallways but as a mam to young ones, this isn't suitable for us. I should have put a study in this design somewhere but despite the size, I couldn't think where to place it....See Morebungalow exterior ideas, kerb appeal help ?
Comments (13)Render is very 'on trend' right now, especially coupled with grey windows. 100s of houses across the country are receiving 'the treatment' in the same way. However, I think that when trends move on, what was once a house with it's own character, appropriate to its age, is obliterated by a pastiche of a passed fad and style not necessarily in keeping with the house. The resulting problem then is that you're left with a render that will need re-painting regularly and window frames which were in fashion but may later appear dated, that will require replacing or repainting. Personally, I think if you render it, it'll take on the look of a scout hut - sorry...See MoreT Gray
5 years ago
Ribena Drinker
5 years agoLau
5 years agoJonathan
5 years agoAssuming there is enough head height to extend into the loft and you could get permission to put a box dormer at the back you might be able to put a media room or a really impressive master suite upstairs
Lau
5 years ago
Gillian Spark
5 years agosusanglascoed
5 years agoJonathan
5 years agoYou mentioned extending the kitchen but given how much space there is at the front and your desire to facelift the front I thought it made more sense to extend the garage forward to create more kitchen space at the back.
I also thought that if you put a big bedroom upstairs then you could better balance the house by making one of the bedrooms into another reception room and laundry room.
Lau
5 years ago
PROOnePlan
5 years agoLau
5 years agoThanks Johnathan! You can see by this google screenshot that the house does have the potential to be extended forwards. The back garden backs onto Castle eden dene so the extension up would definitely maximise the woodland views.
Lau
5 years agoJonathan
5 years agoGiven you have a wide back garden I would be reluctant to extend into it and make it seem less deep- in fact it would probably feel bigger if it wasn’t split into two halves.
But I notice there is potentially room to extend sideways
Lau
5 years ago
Jonathan