1960's Ranch Renovation

I feel like I've been hiding under a rock for the last six months, but mostly it's been hiding under an enormous project list.  When I tackle a renovation, I know the torture won't end until it's done, so I'd rather power through as fast as possible.  I typically set up a very aggressive schedule and generally stay pretty close to it. We started in January 2012 and finished up (are you ever really finished?) in April 2012.  I've only just recovered enough to write abut it.

This is my eighth house renovation, but the first I've tackled since becoming a mother of two very busy boys AND step mom to three more kids.  I also work a full time job, although based at home - which helps me to meet with "my guys" to discuss the job in between work calls and projects.  This project was considerably more difficult to juggle.  I probably took about 4 weeks off work in total, but I really wished I'd had another month off.

Here's the project.  Built in 1964, 1900 square feet, three bedroom, two bath.  Formal living room, dining room, den... your standard 1960's ranch floor plan, along with a screened in porch at the back of the house. The prior (and original) owner was an older retired military man who kept the house in immaculate (although again, original) condition.

Below are some photos, along with our project plan:

Pretty plain looking, isn't it?  The roof color and faux double door at the entry didn't do much for me - but the best part was there was no "re-muddling"... you know, a well intentioned remodel gone bad.  I hate to tear up someone else's renovation, I'd rather start fresh each time.

The interior was in ok condition, decent bones, nice hardwoods (too nice to prioritize sanding and staining in our budget, yet not quite my preferred color... darn).  

The kitchen was large and just off the den, so a perfect candidate for removing a wall to create one large open space between the kitchen and dining area.  

The three bedrooms and two baths were very standard, although the main hall bath had nice double sinks.

We closed on the house in late January, and went from the attorney's office straight to the house with our sledgehammer.  I know, closing attorneys would be mortified at the thought.  

Our plan of action was:

1. Make the house livable (remove the wall between kitchen and den to create an open plan, install new kitchen floors, cabinets, counters and appliances)
2. Move in, so we could market our old house without the hassle of cleaning up after FIVE children every showing
3. Build a large addition with a master bedroom, bath, walk in closet and exercise room.  We also planned a large bonus space above the addition.  Total square footage grew to 1100 before we finished.

The budget was tight... I don't like to bother with a construction loan, so I needed to use funds on hand until my other house sold.

Kitchen:  $15k (including new cabinets, floor, appliances, counters, electrical... the works!)

Addition:  $50k (I knew this was not enough, but I wanted to do as much as I could until I ran out of money, hoping that in the meantime the other house would sell).

See my next blog post for more....