Welcome back to the ongoing saga of Calderwood Cottage! If you’ve been following along, you’re already familiar with the extensive work we’ve tackled on the interior of this charming, yet challenging, property. We’ve peeled back layers of neglect and discovered some fascinating, and at times frustrating, surprises (catch up on parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of our demolition journey). Today, our focus shifts to a critical area of the home: the back addition. This section, built on a concrete slab, presented its own unique set of mysteries and opportunities, and we’re thrilled to share its dramatic transformation from a collection of ill-defined spaces into a functional and beautiful part of the cottage.

Upon our initial inspection, the back addition comprised two distinct rooms, each with an ambiguous past. The first room, notably featuring a perplexing ledge, left us scratching our heads. Was it intended as a quaint, albeit small, “dining room” area? Or perhaps a home office space that never quite found its purpose? Regardless of its original intent, it struck us as a significantly wasted opportunity. The layout felt disjointed, lacking the cohesive design and utility that modern homeowners desire. It was clear that this space was crying out for a complete rethink, a chance to unlock its true potential and integrate it seamlessly into the cottage’s overall flow.

Adjacent to this enigmatic first room was a much larger space, unmistakably designated as the laundry room. While a dedicated laundry area is always a plus, the sheer size of this room, coupled with the curious placement of the water heater in the kitchen, was baffling. This massive space, brimming with untapped potential, could have easily accommodated not only the laundry facilities but also the water heater and additional storage, freeing up valuable square footage in the main living areas. It reinforced our conviction that the entire back addition needed a comprehensive overhaul to rectify these design inefficiencies and create a truly functional and appealing home.

Unveiling the Damage: Why a Full Gut Was Non-Negotiable

The “what it was” ceased to matter the moment we began to truly assess the structural integrity of the back addition. External inspections had already hinted at trouble, with clear signs of termite damage and extensive dry rot. These issues were not merely cosmetic; they compromised the very bones of the structure, demanding immediate and thorough intervention. Despite initial plans, which included Julie’s thoughtful suggestion to preserve a portion of the existing siding to reduce costs – a practical consideration when we were still envisioning Calderwood Cottage as a rental property – I knew in my gut that a partial approach wouldn’t suffice. My preference, then and now, was always for a complete tear-off of all the old, compromised siding. This would ensure a truly fresh start and eliminate any lingering issues. While we took a few “baby steps” in the beginning, meticulously documenting and strategizing, my vision for a clean slate ultimately prevailed, setting the stage for a proper, long-lasting renovation.

Our demolition process began methodically. We started by gutting the first room, carefully removing all interior finishes down to the studs. This phased approach allowed us to maintain the back room in its original state for a crucial reason: it served as our secure storage area for tools overnight. This practical decision ensured our valuable equipment was safe and allowed us to focus solely on the demanding task of demolition during daylight hours. As we progressed, all windows were removed, and the entire front wall of the addition came down. However, in our initial efforts to minimize expenses, we held onto that back portion of siding, convinced it was “fine” and that leaving it would save us a significant amount – what initially seemed like $30 quickly escalated to $100 when factoring in time and labor. We were determined to make the transition between old and new siding appear seamless, but I continued to advocate for a full tear-off, knowing it was the best long-term solution for the Calderwood Cottage renovation.

Structural Improvements: Re-framing for Durability and Design

The original wall structure of the back addition was, to put it mildly, in poor shape. We quickly discovered that the stud spacing was completely haphazard, a common issue in older constructions that often leads to problems with siding, drywall, and overall structural integrity. To ensure a solid, long-lasting renovation, we systematically added new studs where necessary, achieving uniform spacing throughout the walls. This meticulous approach is absolutely critical, not only for the aesthetic finish of siding and drywall installation but also for the structural soundness of the entire addition. A properly framed wall ensures stability, makes future installations easier, and contributes significantly to the energy efficiency and insulation of the home.

Furthermore, our new design called for a significant change: the elimination of windows on that particular wall. This strategic decision was driven by the desire to create a more functional and private interior layout, particularly as we began to envision the space as a luxurious master bathroom. We meticulously framed in these old window openings, sealing off the exterior and providing a blank canvas for our new interior design. This allowed us to optimize wall space for plumbing, electrical, and custom storage solutions, paving the way for a truly bespoke master suite experience. This step was crucial in moving from simply repairing damage to actively enhancing the home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The Master Plan: A Master Bathroom Emerges

The pivotal moment for the back addition arrived after a comprehensive walk-through with our plumber. Discussing the precise placement of fixtures and rough-ins finally allowed us to solidify a firm design for the future master bathroom. This consultation transformed vague ideas into a concrete plan, revealing the optimal layout for a luxurious and highly functional space. With a clear vision in mind, it finally made complete sense to fully gut the remaining back room. And yes, for those keeping score, I won! LOL. My persistent advocacy for a full tear-down was ultimately justified by the superior design possibilities unlocked by a truly clean slate. This decision was a turning point, signaling our full commitment to transforming this neglected addition into a standout feature of Calderwood Cottage.

With the master bathroom design locked in, Julie and I turned our attention to refining the layout of the back entrance. We strategically reframed the doorway, shifting it over to the right. This seemingly small adjustment will have a monumental impact, maximizing useful storage opportunities within the future room. By creating a more efficient entry point, we free up critical wall space, allowing for built-in cabinetry, shelving, or perhaps even a mudroom bench – all designed to enhance the home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. The anticipation is building; it’s going to be SO MUCH FUN once we transition from the gritty demo and framing work to the exciting phase of making this house look truly amazing!

Against the Clock: Buttoning Up for Winter and the Sister-Sister Renovation

Time was of the essence as Julie’s “Build Trip” was nearing its end. With only a few days left, we had to absolutely bust out some serious hard work to get the house “buttoned up” and secured for the impending winter months. This involved quickly installing exterior sheathing, wrapping the house, and ensuring all openings were sealed, protecting our progress from the elements. The unpredictable winter weather can wreak havoc on an open construction site, so this sprint was critical to preserve our work and prevent further delays.

Our unique renovation schedule means that Julie, who resides in sunny San Diego, flies out for intense 30-day “Build Trips” every other month. This arrangement, outlined in our detailed sister six-month plan, allows us to systematically tackle and flip houses together. While these focused trips are incredibly productive, they also mean that progress often happens in concentrated bursts. By the time Julie returns for her next 30-day stint in January, it will still be the heart of winter, presenting a new set of challenges and requiring careful planning to continue work efficiently despite the cold.

Beyond Expectations: The Reality of a Challenging Auction Property

It’s abundantly clear that Calderwood Cottage is far from a typical 30-day flip project. We acquired this house at auction without the opportunity to inspect the interior, knowing it would likely require more extensive work and at least an extra trip. However, even our cautious expectations were surpassed by the severity of the damage we uncovered. From rampant termite infestation to significant dry rot and structural inconsistencies, the cottage presented a formidable challenge. Despite these hurdles, we’ve powered through almost all of the necessary demolition. The final piece of the demolition puzzle involves our plumber jackhammering some sections of the concrete slab to rough in the master bath plumbing. Once that’s complete – and I think that’s truly the last of the demo – we can finally shift gears from deconstruction to the exciting phase of rebuilding and finishing. The journey has been arduous, but each step brings us closer to realizing the full potential of this charming, resilient home.

The Juggling Act: Renovation Overwhelm and Personal Goals

Truth be told, managing the Calderwood Cottage renovation while simultaneously living in my own house has created a whirlwind of tools, materials, and mental overload. Bringing back ALL the tools from the cottage to my workshop has transformed it into an almost unusable space. We now possess considerably more equipment than what we initially borrowed when this project began, necessitating a major reorganization effort. My immediate goal is to reclaim my workshop by creating dedicated storage solutions for these new additions, so I can finally get back to work on my own home projects. It’s a bit of a personal challenge, especially with my Jack and Jill bathroom still unfinished – a situation that, I admit, can feel a little depressing at times. However, I know that goals tend to be incredibly motivating for me, and with Christmas just around the corner, finishing my bathroom by then is an excellent target. That’s my firm goal: no more excuses. I absolutely cannot still be working on my own bathroom when Julie returns in January, ready to dive back into Calderwood Cottage!