Mr and Mrs Smith - Extension & renovation of miners cottages
Bill and Jo Smith have always had an affinity with property, and with the help of some inspiration at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, the couple now have a project underway. Their homebuilding project combines their two property passions - a love of old traditional buildings, and modern-day construction techniques and materials, giving them an energy efficient home that they can truly call their own.
It was a bit of luck when the old cottage next door to theirs came up for sale. They bought the cottage for £180,000, and immediately started drawing up plans to convert the two cottages into one spacious home. Both cottages had some rather awkward looking extensions to the rear, so Bill and Jo decided to demolish those, and build one big extension in their place.
Just over a year into the project and the Smith's have had to clear some difficult hurdles, including theft, bad weather and a difficult vendor, but they have taken their time and been very hands on with the project throughout. Bill is acting as project manager, but is getting plenty of help from Jo, and his father-in-law.
Bill comments: "So far, this project has been a bit of a roller-coaster more than we ever anticipated, but all the same, it's been an experience, we wouldn't have missed or give up for the world. Soon, we will end up with a home that has our own stamp on it, as well as our blood, sweat and tears, right to its core!
"BuildStore and its partners have been a significant resource of information, support and advice, and have made this project possible. It has already been incredibly rewarding and satisfying, and we can't wait until it's finished."
