Condo facelift creates perfect space
Reno transforms condo into place where couple can age in comfort, S. Evelyn Cimesa writes.
Over the course of our lives, we invest in a lot of different places to call home as our needs and income change. We start out renting our first bachelor apartment — the one with the cramped bathroom — and eventually move onto something bigger and better. For some, that means investing in a larger home to accommodate a young family.
Our homeowner had the same thought in mind. With three young boys, she and her husband settled on a grand home in Sandy Hill, just off King Edward on Daly. The 147-year-old home fit their needs with its proximity to excellent schools and it was within walking distance of her workplace. As the years passed, their children grew up and moved out.
“The main reason we are moving out is that this place was getting too big and, every time we left town, we’d have to worry about this house,” said the homeowner. She adds, “It takes a lot of upkeep. I’m constantly going up and down the stairs and trying to keep the gardens nice.”
They ended up investing in a one-bedroom plus den condo on the corner of Bank and Third, in the Glebe.
While it had beautiful view of the city, the space came with many drawbacks. There were dated design elements and an inaccessible layout that needed to be changed. The homeowners knew that they were in for a big project and hired both Revision Built and Louis L’artisan.
“To be honest, we’re at the end of our building career,” she said. “This is our last investment in a home. I wanted something that I’d be really happy with.”
Armed with a new layout plan, the team began transforming the dark and inaccessible condo into a place where the couple could age comfortably together. They incorporated many accessibility features throughout their home, including pocket doors, and Philip Coe, owner of Revision Built, designed a custom ensuite that included a curbless glass shower, floating bench and grab bars to meet their needs as they aged. He also added transom windows to bring natural light into the media room, ensuite and new powder room.
The kitchen, laundry room and mechanical room also underwent a complete transformation. MarieFrance Castonguay, co-owner and designer of Louis L’artisan, turned the mismatched black-and-yellow design into a beautiful, welcoming space with quartz countertops, maple cabinetry, in-wall appliances and plenty of vertical storage space.
“I’m no expert at all in this area but Philip is the one with the ideas and the expertise. And it was that combination, working with MarieFrance, that was excellent,” said the homeowner.
Of course, no revision comes without complications. When their original tile installer had to leave the job for a last-minute emergency, Revision Built desperately needed someone to fill in. The company’s site manager stepped up. As an expert tile installer, he was able to complete the installation flawlessly.
After months of hard work, the homeowner is now moving into a beautiful open concept home that accommodates their needs. Whether they’re at home relaxing on the terrace, volunteering at organizations or travelling abroad, they will always have a safe and accessible place to call home in the Glebe.