The Drexel Avenue Project - a Historic Country Club Renovation

I’m so excited to be sharing with you the very first official post of our own personal home renovation, the #drexelavenueproject. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know how passionate I am about renovation. Not only do I love the process of creating something out of nothing - but I love the data and analytics that go into maximizing budgets, value engineering bids and investing funds in improvements that will ultimately bring the greatest return.

My renovation work has single-handedly been the most valuable tool in my real estate arsenal. It helps me do more for my clients - from exploring what renovations are possible within a home to helping them understand and value improvements and property values - to introducing them to my network of tried and true contractors, architects and designers to bring their own visions to life. My relationship as a Realtor is designed to supersede closing day - we are here to be a resource for homeowners indefinitely.

Did you know I’ve been blogging about renovation for more than 10 years? I CRINGE at the thought of some of the posts floating around on the world wide web from our early renovation days. At the same time, I love having this online diary to look back at and reflect on, the inevitable highs and lows (‘the realities’ if you will) of a renovation project. I’m vulnerable sharing this link back to past projects with you - #cringe!

Without further adieu, let’s get to the Drexel Avenue Project and what we have on the docket for our Historic Country Club Neighborhood Renovation.

The Scope.

We bought our home as a family of 5 whilst 36 weeks pregnant with our 4th baby. We knew this 3 bedroom house wasn’t going to work for us long term. We also knew that the lot had the depth and width to be able to accomplish what we would eventually want to do. Here are the pain points we’ll be addressing:

Tiny garage. The garage is too small to fit our vehicles (too narrow of doors and not enough depth). The garage also sits on the back of our house which blocks all connection to the backyard. Increasing yard accessibility is a big priority.
Build a new detached garage in a different location of the yard. Make it bigger to fit vehicles and offer additional storage.
New driveway. Our current asphalt situation is in dire need of replacement only comparable to walking on potato chips.
More bedrooms. We’ll be adding an addition on to the back of the house which will house a 4th bedroom and additional bathroom on the upper level, a main level family room and a 5th bedroom and additional bathroom in the lower level.
Original & mis-matched windows. Our windows range in age from roughly 100 years old to those installed in the 70’s and 80’s. We’ll be replacing all of the windows to be the same while increasing energy efficiency and functionality.
Improve flow. We are tearing out the kitchen that was installed in the late 90’s and replacing it with a more open kitchen connected to the main level family room. At the same time, we are widening doorways and punching a few new openings for improved flow and functionality.
Too few bathrooms with just pedestal sinks. We’ll relocate our main level powder bathroom and update the existing bathrooms to be bigger with more counter space and additional storage.
Old mechanicals. We’ve been putting bandaids on our mechanicals for the past 6 years. To accommodate the new addition, we’re converting from a boiler/high-velocity A/C to a single forced air system.
Refinish wood flooring - we’re keeping our original wood floors but patching in new and refinishing existing.
Freshen it up. We’ll be doing cosmetic improvements like building a finished laundry space, replacing old carpet and fresh paint and lighting throughout. At the same time, we’ll preserve original features like millwork, doors and hardware to stay true to its original colonial character.

Next week I’ll be introducing you to the team that’s making it all happen. And stay tuned for an announcement next month about how we’ll be helping you create these changes in your home for your families. Be sure you are following me on social media for real-time updates of what’s happening at the house. Week one of interior demo is wrapping up and the big machinery is coming to take down the garage next week - can’t wait!

Professional photos by Leslie Plesser, Shuttersmack Photography // Elevations by LNA Design