Couple gives home a Bryan Baeumler-style makeover
Couple transforms 1980s-style house for retirement years
They did a Bryan Baeumler!
A St. Albert couple unwittingly followed in the footsteps of the well-known television host and contractor in more ways than one.
Baeumler, a returning, in-demand guest for the upcoming Edmonton Renovation Show, being held Jan. 29 through 31 at the Edmonton Expo Centre, recently transformed an A-frame home in Ontario’s backwoods into his family’s forever house. He also decided to go against his own advice and live onsite during the renovation.
A professional Edmonton couple followed suit, renovating their two-storey house that had echoes of an A-frame, with its slanted roof being a prominent main-floor feature. They also plan to turn their updated abode into their own forever home, but took it one step further and future-proofed the house to allow them to live in it as long as possible.
The couple, two doctors nearing retirement age, had the choice of living anywhere, said Jamie Affleck, co-owner of Alair Homes Edmonton, the company that handled their 10-month renovation.
“They’re such good friends with their neighbours. They travel with their neighbours and because they were such good friends they felt for them, personally, it was worth it to renovate this home rather than going and building a new one in a new area,” said Affleck.
REFINED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Renovations transformed the 1980s-looking home into a modern classic that barely resembles the past, save for the slanted roof. Where there was once colourful abstract-like wallpaper, grey walls set the tone for a sleek modern kitchen with a waterfall island. Upstairs, the master ensuite could easily be the envy of those seeking a contemporary spa-like retreat.
“We really tried to take the existing raw structure that had amazing architectural design and refine it for the 21st century,” said Affleck.
“We also designed the home with the assumption that they may possibly need to have a wheelchair in the house, both upstairs and downstairs, at some point in the future,” said Affleck, adding that the homeowners are healthy and in fine shape, but want to make sure that should things change they won’t need to move.
“Some of the things that we did were subtle: the width of the room in the kitchen, a lot of room around the island, the type of flooring. It was all specifically designed so a wheelchair can go in and have free reign wherever it needs to go,” added Affleck. “When we redesigned the stairwell (to upstairs) we designed it so it had all the support structure for a lift, so if this is needed it can be put in with minimal effort.”
Completed last summer, the couple actually moved into the basement and were on the site the whole time.
“Living through a renovation, that’s a personal decision,” said Baeumler. “It can certainly be done, we did it. It certainly adds to the issues of daily life. But it’s all what you make of it. We had a great time with our kids and we took some days off where we didn’t talk about it.”
DO-IT-YOURSELFERS
Baeumler says his presentation at the Renovation Show will likely be driven by the people who are in attendance at the time.
“I’m a pretty conversational guy,” he said. “Generally I just like to get up there and talk with people and see where it goes. There’s a lot of hands-on DIY types in Edmonton, which I love.”
Baeumler will also talk about what goes on behind the scenes on his various TV shows, including Leave It to Bryan, currently airing what may be its final season.
“We’re leaving Leave It to Bryan for a little while,” he said. “I’m not sure if that’s permanent; we like to come up with something new every couple of years to keep me, and the viewers, interested.”
Look for Bryan Inc. next fall, a show that will focus on the Baeumlers’ business and family life.
“It’s a show about a husband and wife who have four kids, work together, have a construction company and run a foundation — it’s a year in the life of the Baeumlers,” he said. “Sarah will be getting more involved, we’ll be building some spec homes and buying some properties to rent out. It’s a little more of the real life. It should be fun.”
GOING WITH A GURU
Having Baeumler as the celebrity guest again — he was the headliner at last year’s Renovation Show — was an easy decision to make, said show manager Terri Higgins.
“Through all our research, Bryan has come back to us as the No. 1 celebrity visitors want to see at our show. He’s it when it comes to renovation gurus,” said Higgins. “He’s a down-to-earth, really great guy, and loves interacting with people.”
In addition to Baeumler, Alair’s Affleck will talk about how urban redevelopment and renovations to existing homes can enhance one’s lifestyle and also be a great investment opportunity. Other presenters include Rosalyn Lazaruk, Leigh-Anne Allaire Perrault and Renee Mulrooney.
“Last year was the 20th year of the event but the first year Marketplace Events produced the Renovation Show,” said Higgins. “We were thrilled with the results, and this year we wanted to expand on that, and we have some new engaging features.”
New this year is Renovation Runway — highlighting the industry’s latest renovation trends — and Ottoman Empire, if you’re looking for design ideas and tips on what to do with an ottoman once you’ve finished your renovation. Returning to the show is the ask an expert feature, tweaked to better fit the renovation focus and now renamed Ask A Renovator — providing complimentary one-on-one 15-minute consultations with renovation professionals.