House Renovation - Saddleworth, Oldham

Our renovation and redevelopment transformed this semi-detached house in Saddleworth, Oldham into something special. Turning the house into a smart, desirable home took 15 weeks and the family love the new design and finish.

The original 3 bedroom house was dilapidated when purchased and our brief from the client was to design, plan and undertake the total modernisation and refurbishment and create a modern spacious four bedroom house in a contemporary style.

An extension to the rear created a superb light, modern, open plan kitchen and the old storage attic was converted into a master en suite that oozes character.

Internal Renovation

Internally, we accurately followed a brief to design and create a more spacious open style home. More general improvements include modernisation of the heating system with an efficient combi-boiler that supplies economic heating and water and vertical radiators to free wall space.

Contemporary wooden fire doors and frames are fitted throughout and flooring is either timber floors or wool carpets. Featuring in all rooms are dimmable, low voltage recessed down lighters for mood lighting.

For a crisp, clean finish to the walls and ceilings the house is professionally decorated. Onto re-plastered walls and ceilings new skirting boards and coving have been installed and finished in white.

Ground Floor

Extensive remodeling at the rear of the house created an open plan living/kitchen/diner. Reinforced steel joist replace part of the exterior wall section to allow open access to the new extension.

Kitchen/Diner/Lounge

The open plan living/kitchen/diner extension is a large, light and modern space that leads onto the garden. Remodeling included breaking through from the old kitchen to the extension and fitting striking modern glazing solutions. Large areas of glazing such as in the five folding, sliding door that flank the length of the kitchen wall flood both areas with direct and reflected natural light.

• Five large glass paneled folding, sliding doors
• Three inset white polyurethane Velux roof windows
• High gloss storage units in white
• Integrated oven and hob and laundry
• Sturdy, two tone kitchen island with contemporary fixtures and fittings
• Multiple vertical radiators and dimmable down lighters provide gentle and subtle heat and light when required
• Modern worktop breakfast bar
• Lounge fixtures including above a contemporary gas fire, a fabulously large, wall mounted, flat screen TV with hidden cabling
• From the sofa there is a view of the garden

Living Room and Hall

In modernising the front living room our focus was on both looks and functionality. The complete refurbishment included rewiring to install downlighters for greater control over lighting and adding a contemporary stone fireplace surround to frame and contrast the original iron hearth.

The internal decoration has been modernised with a contemporary cornice style and the walls have been finished to look clean and crisp in white. New skirting boards overlay and contrast the medium brown solid timber floor which seamlessly runs from the hall and diner/lounge.

Replacing the hall stairs and under stair storage cupboard refreshed the hall so when it was redecorated the luxurious finish provides a fresh and welcoming reception area.

First Floor

The first floor bedrooms, though not shown, are extensively modernised and contain contemporary features such as recessed downlights, refurbished walls and ceiling, modern radiators, wooden fire doors and fitted carpets.

The contemporary family bathroom also on the first floor contains many attractive features, such as:

• A contemporary bath and semi-pedestal suite in white for good looks, space and easy maintenance
• Ceramic floor and wall tiles in a medium brown that contrast the suite
• Clear walled shower with modern chrome shower controls
• Down lighters and silver edging trim on exposed edges for a light clean appearance

Attic Bedroom En Suite

In the luxury master bedroom we tucked in a contemporary en-suite between the baulkhead and the roof ceiling. The once derelict attic is now a large, light and spacious double bedroom with a feature pediment dormer and ample floor space for storage.

The dormer provides a characterful window space where the pitched purlins meet above the window.

The convenient en suite is accessed through an iroko timber framed glass door. Travertine tiling opulently lines walls and floor and a heated towel rail radiator with a chrome finish coordinates with the shower unit frame, shower controls and chrome taps on the washbasin.

The toilet and suite are in a modern white design the form of which reflects the angular characteristics of the space.

Natural light enters the bathroom from a pediment side dormer and is supplemented by recessed down lights.

The loft is centrally heated and behind the radiator we installed a storage area. Additional lighting is controlled using pendant and recessed down lights positioned in the apex of the dormer and ceiling.

External Renovation

Externally the original house appeared derelict, however with some interesting design features including a timber framed porch, three storeys and roof dormers which now they are enhanced improve the functioning and appearance of the building:

• Windows and doors - installation of a replacement oak door and Upvc double glazed windows. The wood effect windows contrasting with a white re-rendered exterior, provide thermal insulation, are low maintenance and have a long life
• Path and garden - installation of a new Indian stone path to the front door. The light coloured stone compliments the render and visually bridges the area between the garden wall and the house
• Reroofing - total refurbishment of the roof including replacement of the rosemary tiles with modern red concrete tiles for an extended life, the reconstruction of the pediment dormers to the original designs using tiles and lead. Reroofing over the living room bay window