I spent five years pondering this decision. I searched high and low for a property to buy. But nothing matched my current location and north backyard. Hopefully I’ll be kicking off an extension in the near future. I could’ve stretched for a very basic KDRB but the the existing house has features that would cost many $$$ to include in a new build. So I settled on a renovation and extension.

Are there renovated properties in your area? Your budget would most likely allow you to have some extra space and an additional bathroom. Your house will never be grand but has potential to be a functional family home.

Now that you’ve added the pic I wouldn’t be leaving that location either. It looks lovely. How do vehicles get into the back shed?

You are fortunate to have an extra car parking space near the rear of the block, so maybe the garage, which is under the existing roofline, could be repurposed for your family living needs. People over cars! This would give you a substantial are to play around with, allowing you to change the uses of existing rooms to better suit your needs, e.g. converting an adjoining bedroom to a master suite with WIR and ensuite.

Bigreader - We have been looking for another place but agree nothing matches when you are happy with the area you live in. Our son is 13 so we really just want a bit of separation now, once he moves out this house is fine for us. We really don’t need much. The shed is our gym now, once we put the pool in, you could no longer use it for car/boat storage. I would love to knock the big old thing down! Thank you for your help!

Thanks Janet, that’s actually a really good idea thank you, that might get us through with giving us separation but not costing a crazy amount. Thank you!

looks like a great location and makes sense not to overcapitalise but you should be able to have more privacy and comfort but we need some more information...please add some extra detail to the floorplan (in bigger readable numbers) showing the size of the rooms, width and depth of the block, size of the shed, size of vacant areas between buildings, pool and fences, what are the walls, roofs and floor of the house and shed built out of, where is north, what size area do you need for the gym and any special storage, why would you be happy to demolish the shed and how do you put a car or boat into the shed? and please describe you local climate

' We have ocean views "

Should your home be in an area where home insurance is not excessive, Never Move!

Your location looks lovely and not all renovated old homes look like ‘renovated old homes’ - if they are done right. Call some professionals and get some ideas/plans. We had a beachfront property built in the 70’s. Completely renovated with a second storey the same size as the lower. The top was clad in a hard i plank product and the lower old bricks rendered. We then painted the entire house the same colour. Many thought it was a new build. We owner built and lived in it whilst renovating to save money. (Goodness knows how - would never live in such a huge Reno again!) The end result we loved and lived another 13 years in that house