It seems that we have reached almost half way through the predicted four month build time and looking back, the progress is huge. At the end of the week the massive span bifold doors arrived and here they are finally in position. Here is a before shot in comparison, taken from a similar angle.
And the granny flat now looks like this,
instead of this.
And we have a lot less grass and much, much more of this. (Yep, it's raining AGAIN).
But it's ok because we checked today and we have a DRY deck. So exciting.
Anyway, I thought this might be a good time to re-share the house plans. I initially posted a version of the plans almost a year back, but as I have had a few questions about the layout and making sense of it all I will do an updated version now. So for all of you who, (like me) love floor plans,
Here is the house before.
The front of the house is facing to the right. Bedrooms 1-3 and the bathroom are all getting new windows but are otherwise unchanged. There is no study as marked, it is really an entry foyer type room. We have removed the wall between Bed 4 and the old kitchen to create a much larger kitchen space. The three rooms in the top left corner are what was essentially a granny flat, a separate structure added about 25 years ago and connected only via the deck. The rooms were narrow, with poor ventilation and for the last three years, really just used to store stuff as they were not easily accessible from the house.
Here are the current plans that we are working to.
Our main goals were to largely use the current foot print of the house (so as to not encroach into the yard), create a larger kitchen, add a second living space, move the laundry out of a cupboard in the lounge room, add a new deck which would remain dry and resolve some crazy roofline issues.
By closing in the granny flat verandah, we were able to add a separate room for the TV and create a good flow from the kitchen and deck. The only real addition to the existing footprint, was for the laundry and a small section of the family room, about 9 m2 in total. The carport has moved to the front of the house and will be a double instead of a single.
So, I hope this makes it easier to see the changes we are making to the space. If you have any questions feel free to ask away. I will try and reply within the comments section.
I agree that you're making great progress. Having just completed the construction of my granny flat, I know it seems like it's never going to end. It all seems overwhelming at times...but it does finally end, and then you can hardly remember what it was like to be in the midst of such chaos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the boost Dana, with the rain, mud, cold winter early starts meeting the builder and kid wrangling it is definitely no picnic. Good to know I will block out all memories of the chaos in a few short months. mel x
DeleteI'm glad you shared the plans, it helped visualise it. But mainly, I am very jealous of your bi-fold doors. They are going to be great for an indoor/outdoor space. x
ReplyDeleteMel I am so thrilled for you. It's going to be fantastic and will be completed before you know it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the plans!! I am such a visual person! Love the before and afters! So exciting to see progress-halfway!
ReplyDeleteI am very visual too Ness and find a floor plan so helpful. mel x
DeleteYour new plan has such a great layout...and I am so envious of that pantry!
ReplyDeleteYou're so fortunate to have started out with so much floorspace and not having to use up the valuable outdoor area. Our cottage is probably the same size as your granny flat! I would have loved to have been able to live in our house before doing any work to it - I think it's important to get a feel for a house before doing any work to it, but it was just way too small. xx
ReplyDeleteI think you made the sensible choice with your four boys or you may have lost your mind! At least we had full use of the yard that whole three years and I also didn't have to be precious about the kids trashing anything. The house feels double the size now we have use of the granny flat, it is incredible. mel x
DeleteBetsy looks gorgeous with her new deck! What a fabulous living space you will have! And, oh to have a family room for the kids. I really love your kitchen layout. Have you decided on your external paint colour?
ReplyDeleteNope, no final decision yet. I have wanted a grey and white combo for the last 2 years, before it was trendy and every second house was grey! Thankfully none of my neighbours have pipped me at the post so i will be going ahead, just narrowing down the right tone. The second living space was really important as it keeps the dreaded TV away from the lounge room and gives space for the kids to make more mess and noise. mel x
ReplyDeleteHi Mel, I've been loving the progress you are making and the comments too, all these decisions and ideas that come up when renovating. Are you enjoying the process? And the mud.... love the photo, katie xx
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely enjoying seeing the changes to the house take shape, having thought about it all for the last 2 years it is so exciting to see it come to life. Not so much enjoying the other bits of winter,mud, complications and endless last minute decisions! I'm sure you know what I mean. melx
ReplyDeletehi mel...hope you have faired well with the high winds last few days....I love looking at floor plans too....that sewing room jumps out at me whenever you mention it!! x
ReplyDeleteThis is making me want to renovate my little duples :( wahhh! The plans look beautiful and I can't wait to see what it looks like once all complete xx
ReplyDeleteI love floor plans. The changes you've made look great. it'd nice to be able to see how the spaces all fit together. x
ReplyDeleteGreat progress Mel,it's all looking fab, though I hope that huge deck ceiling won't need cleaning too often or you'll need to buy a giant ladder. Love the front stairs btw. Hope the rain holds off for you.
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