In February 2020, I officially got the keys to my new home: a two-bedroom, 796 sq ft Victorian house I bought for £1.
The sale is part of the Buy a Home for a Pound scheme, which aims to revive the Webster Triangle, a run-down small area of Liverpool, England. But there’s one problem: the house is in complete disrepair. To qualify, I must be a first time home buyer and be able to fix the house within 12 months.
The commission estimated the renovation cost at $61,400.
When I applied to the program in 2015, I was A 28-year-old graduate student There aren’t many ways to save. I do not have all the funds required, but I submitted my application anyway.
I flipped the configuration of my house so I could maximize natural light. The bedrooms are now on the ground floor and the kitchen and living room are upstairs.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
By the time I got off the waitlist, my financial situation had changed. I inherited a property from my recently deceased father and sold it to raise funds for renovations.
Today my house has been remodeled to maximize light and is making headlines in the UK for its novel use of space.
turn my house upside down
I know my work is done. The house has been abandoned for 15 years. The windows were boarded up, the roof was leaking, rat infested, asbestos was present, and there was no electricity or heating.
But I like it.it is mine A crumbling pile of bricks.
When I started the renovation, there were crumbling bricks everywhere.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
Managing a full renovation is not for everyone. Having enough money is only the first hurdle; you need the right people to successfully see things through.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
I realized I could flip the original layout of the house to get more natural light. So I moved the bedrooms to the first floor and the kitchen and living room to the second floor. I then added skylights to the roof.
I paid an architect $1,064 to do the blueprints. The contractors I spoke with scoffed at my suggestion to reconfigure the house. The cheapest quote I got was still $37,600 over my budget, all of my savings. But I wasn’t intimidated.
In May 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I quit my job as a program officer at a university and started doing renovations myself with limited tools.
I got a 12 month extension due to lockdown restrictions. But I’m also dealing with unemployment and a breakup. Obviously, I can’t do everything alone.
Help me build a community in Urban Paradise
I start Blog about the renovation process In August 2021. When I get discouraged, looking back through my Instagram and taking stock of what I’ve actually accomplished rejuvenates me.
Thanks a lot for your help guys. I know I couldn’t complete the project without them.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
This was especially helpful with my determination, as I spent most of that summer living in a campervan in a local park in Liverpool.
The open kitchen and living area is one of my favorites. The natural light makes it the perfect place for my plants to thrive.
Photo: CNBC’s John O’Mahony Make It
But through my story, I was able to prompt readers my instagram account And build a community of followers. Some companies have even offered me discounted products like 50% off floor heating.
In May 2022, after 27 months of work, the house was signed to me. I was the last homeowner to finish the renovation.I spent a total of $74,000 Regarding labor and materials.
The dining area is now my bedroom. I also replaced the windows with patio doors to give me direct access to the garden.
Photo: CNBC’s John O’Mahony Make It.
Right now I pay $119 a month in council tax and $218 in utilities which includes electricity, heat, water, internet and phone.
I’m glad I have the faith and perseverance to stick to my vision. I learned how to lay bricks, tile, install underfloor heating, and refinish floors, which saved me a lot of money.
The kitchen island I bought used gave me plenty of room to cook and entertain.
Photo: CNBC’s John O’Mahony Make It
Currently, I am earning $2,505 per month from my part-time jobs as a program officer, yoga teacher, tutor, and online dominatrix. My work pace is very leisurely, and I can use that money to slowly decorate the house.
I love using this living space to read and practice yoga.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
The house is worth a lot more now than I paid for it when it was renovated. A two bedroom home on my street recently sold for $137,000. But if I decide to leave, I’ll just rent it out. I’m too invested in this place to sell it.
My utility room is compact, but very useful. I could even add a washer and dryer.
Photo: Maxine Sharples
With just one room left to renovate, I’m taking the time to finish my dream home — and happily live in a neighborhood that was once doomed to ruin.
Maxine Sharples Is a yoga teacher and program officer at Liverpool John Moores University. She holds a master’s degree in International Business and Chinese and has lived and worked in Africa and Asia. She loves blogging about her sources of income, hikes, and DIY design projects.Follow her on Instagram @homesforapound.
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