{ Loft Reno Installment #1 + Pakoras Recipe } DIY
Good Morning!
I have been leaving little twitter/facebook updates regarding our attic loft. Many of you have asked me how this renovation is going. This tells me that you find inspiration in local renovation projects.
I was going to talk about cleaning grout (exciting! not…) but I decided that it would be much more interesting if Joe and I shared our renovation progress with you. I hope to share an update with you every Friday along with other DIY features. This of course will depend on how much we can accomplish while running two businesses, working full-time, going to school full-time, and cramming in family-time. Amazingly enough, we do get a lot done!
When we first looked at this house a year and a half ago, one of the biggest selling features for us was the vaulted attic. Although it only has a 6/12 pitch (meaning the peek is at 6ft.), we could see right away how it could be included as living space.
We contemplated taking off the existing roof and replacing it with a steeper pitch, but when the economy slumped we decided that concentrating on doing things to give the BIGGEST impact on the SMALLEST budget would be the smartest choice. Therefore, we decided to keep the 6/12 pitch.
We have had many ideas for this space and we’re still not totally sure what the “official” purpose of the space will be. I’m leaning towards making it a flexible space which can be used for different purposes depending on the needs of the current owner (see CMHC’s FlexHousing™ program). Right now, we’re leaning towards making it a “bijoux” master bedroom loft and converting the existing master bedroom (which is directly off the living room) into an office complete with built-ins.
I don’t have a before picture of what the attic looked like when we bought it, but I can show you what it looks like currently:
I have collected many photographs for inspiration over the last year. Here is my current favourite:
Via - Better Homes and Gardens
One of the biggest sources of my learning when it comes to making a small house livable has been a book called “Little House on a Small Planet“. I first heard about it on PeekMoment.tv (highly recommend checking this site out). In this book, author Shay Salomon takes readers on a journey through North America to visit and discuss small-home living.
Another great source of inspiration for sustainable based renovating is the Canadian Housing and Morgage Corporation’s website. I have spent countless hours on this website dreaming of the day when I can play a role in the Comox Valley concerning affordable housing. This website is well organized and I find it easy to get the information I need.
Today we’re going to continue working on the attic. Our “to-do” list includes finishing the taping and mudding, and sourcing out some flooring that will tie into the look of the rest of the house.
I’m looking forward to sharing our progress with you! Best of luck for any DIY projects you’re undertaking this weekend.
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Recipe Feature with Jackie Connelly
“I recently got the chance to photograph (and eat!) some fabulous Indian food from a very well known Chef, Vikram Vij, while sitting in the middle of a farm; I was in heaven! This is a recipe for his pakoras, and if you’re craving Indian these won’t disappoint.”
Vij’s Buttemilk Pakoras Recipe
‘©2009jackieconnelly’
