Kitchener Home Transformation - Duplex
Project Details
From Clutter to Stylish Functionality
Turning a Hoarder's Home into a Delightful, Open Space with a Duplex
Renovating a hoarder’s house is not for the faint of heart. The project began with a formidable task: clearing out the extensive accumulation of belongings, debris, and overgrown plants. The interior was packed with items left behind, while the exterior was overrun with garden materials and makeshift coverings that concealed even more hidden debris.
The main floor and upstairs were somewhat visible during the initial quoting phase, but the basement was a different story. It was densely packed with old belongings and boxes, leaving the actual condition of the space largely unknown. This uncertainty led to the need for a complete gutting of the basement, down to its original foundation, followed by mold remediation by All Clear Environmental.
A particularly challenging decision was whether to keep or demolish a back pool room added at some point in the past. This room’s condition sparked extensive debate throughout the renovation process.
Implementing a Modern Makeover and a Basement Duplex
The initial plan was to convert the home into a two-unit property: a main floor unit and a future basement unit. This required comprehensive planning and approvals. An engineered plan was submitted to the city and approved before work could commence. Russo Home Renovations then coordinated with city officials to ensure all work met building codes and regulations.
The first major step was dividing the electrical services to create two separate units. Each unit received its own dedicated electrical panels and services, inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario (ESA). The HVAC systems were overhauled by Bau Mechanical, with separate furnaces and air conditioners installed for each unit.
The main floor received a modern makeover. A new structural beam and windows opened up the kitchen and living room areas, creating a more open-concept feel. The existing bathroom retained its layout but was upgraded with new plumbing, waterlines, and electrical work to ensure it was up to code.
The entire main floor was refreshed with new flooring, trim, fixtures, and wall accents, adding a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The upstairs, originally two separate bedrooms, was transformed into a spacious primary suite. This new suite featured a large bedroom, walk-in closet, and a luxurious bathroom with a custom shower, heated floors, a floating vanity, and abundant natural light.
The basement underwent a complete transformation. The space was re-framed, insulated, and fitted with new subfloors and mechanical systems. An added gas fireplace enhanced the ambiance. With all new windows, the basement now offers a bright, airy feel, replacing its former dank, overcrowded state. It includes a comfortable kitchen, living room area, two bedrooms, and a primary bedroom.
Creating a Vibrant Entertainment SPace
The exterior was updated with painted siding, new windows, and accent trims, modernizing the look while retaining durable stonework. The driveway was widened to accommodate additional parking, and the front yard was redesigned for easy maintenance with a variety of plants.
The backyard was enclosed with a new fence and a hardstone patio was added to create an inviting space for the main unit. A new pond with fish added a soothing element to the outdoor area.
The previously debated back pool room was repurposed into a vibrant entertainment space. It features a refinished pool, updated mechanicals, a rooftop heater, and a newly refinished sauna and fireplace. Painting everything white brightened the area, transforming it into a lively party space that includes year-round plants for a calming ambiance.
The renovation was completed in stages, with different aspects finalized over time. The end result is a remarkable transformation from a cluttered, deteriorated property to a stylish and functional rental space. The property now offers comfortable, reliable, and relaxing living conditions in the heart of the city, demonstrating Russo Home Renovations’ commitment to excellence and adaptability in challenging projects.
