Renovating a property can be a daunting task, especially for a first-time buyer. However, with some creative thinking, hands-on effort, and strategic spending, it’s possible to transform a simple dwelling into a dream home while significantly boosting its market value. The Telegraph tells the story of how Phil Thompson did exactly that, spending £12,000 on renovations that added an impressive £56,500 to the value of his 1930s semi-detached house.
A Creative Vision Comes to Life
Not every first-time homeowner jumps straight into a major renovation project, but Phil Thompson wasn’t your average first-time buyer. With prior experience helping his parents renovate their home and a career in graphic design nurturing his creative flair, Phil was ready and equipped to reimagine his new space from the get-go.
Phil’s journey began four years ago when he purchased a 1935 three-bedroom semi-detached property in Seaton Delaval, close to the North East coast, for £123,500. Today, thanks to his vision and hard work, the property has undergone a complete transformation.
Inspired Design Choices
Phil, 36, drew inspiration from various social media platforms and turned the original, cramped kitchen and isolated sitting room into a sleek, open plan kitchen/diner, complete with a utility room. He also replaced the dining room window with patio doors for approximately £700, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless transition to the garden.
Interior designer Barbara Ramani, from Barbara Ramani Interiors, commends Phil for working within the existing structural confines of his home, a decision that significantly saved on costs. Many homeowners opt to knock down entire back walls to open up space, but this requires expensive structural reinforcements. Phil smartly converted a window into French doors without needing to alter the existing opening, avoiding additional expenses for structural modifications.
The Devil is in the DIY Details
Documenting his journey on his Instagram account, @709_design, Phil describes his style as “traditional with modern elements and a touch of quirkiness.” True to his word, he embarked on much of the renovation work himself, significantly cutting down costs. With some assistance from his father and advice from professionals, Phil took on tasks like demolishing walls, tiling floors, and installing the kitchen, saving an estimated £3,700 in the process.
One standout feature is the dining room’s display wall, constructed by Phil for just £250. This creative addition exhibits various prints and artifacts he collected from travels and local shops, adding a personal touch to the room.
Smart Shopping and Resourceful Renovations
Phil’s resourcefulness wasn’t limited to manual labor; he also shopped smart. He found bargain furniture pieces on Facebook Marketplace and created a stunning artwork centerpiece from a deck of Christian Lacroix playing cards. When it came to flooring, he introduced an innovative broken hexagon pattern to transition from wooden flooring in the dining area to tiles in the kitchen, an idea inspired by a restaurant he’d visited.
His quest for inspiration and cost-effective solutions led him to home renovation and interior design exhibitions. By strategically waiting until the last day of a show, Phil secured a pair of lights for his dining room and kitchen at a heavily discounted price.
Expert Approval and Added Value
Barbara Ramani applauds Phil’s color choices and the shaker style kitchen cupboard doors that respect the property’s 1935 origins. She suggests introducing warmer tones and extending the use of teal in the kitchen to enhance the cohesion of the design further. Phil’s blend of traditional and industrial elements in the furniture and fixtures adds character and ensures the space feels uniquely his.
Phil’s DIY approach is undoubtedly a significant factor in the added value to the property, now estimated at around £170,000. Barbara emphasizes the financial wisdom of DIY for capable homeowners, as labor costs can consume a substantial part of a renovation budget. She advises allocating more funds to permanent fixtures like flooring, kitchen units, doors, windows, and tiles, suggesting neutral choices for these to aid potential resale. Personal style and character can come through in more temporary aspects of the decor.