No More Loo on View and Other Changes!

Loo on View: This (failed) greenhouse window was next to the toilet and looked onto the deck.

​The waterfront home my husband and I are living in and renovating began its life as a cabin somewhere in the mid 1910s and was added onto at least twice by 1996, which can account for some of the poor layout, like placing the kitchen in a dark corner instead of looking out to the view. 

Original kitchen on street side of house

​​But some design choices are just plain wrong, like the main floor bathroom that had a greenhouse window next to the toilet that looked straight onto the deck.

Who wants to make sure they're hidden behind potted plants, pinecones and seashells when they have to pee during a party? 

Structurally, our home was in such bad shape, it would've been less work to tear it down and build anew, but it was time to sell our previous renovated home and move into this one. So we did. And the great thing about living in a house that's torn down to the studs with temporary rooms in place, is the relationship that develops between house and humans as we speak to one another about our needs! 

Our house needed support. Literally. The foundation sill plate was completely rotted from water intrusion along an entire wall, other beams were compromised, and many of the joists had been cut for the installation of water lines for radiator heating. The floors sagged and the walls bowed out several inches. It's amazing the house was still standing! Kevin had to figure out temporary measures that could lead to permanent fixes as we jacked up each floor, adding new beams, permanent posts, and joists while always having a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom available.

Kevin and one set of temporary support posts in the living room facing the water

It's taken several years, but today our house finally has the safe and solid support it needs.

During that time, we've redesigned the layout of the basement and main floors. Now the kitchen opens onto the deck and looks into the living space and waterfront, and the bathroom has been moved to the street side of the house. No loo in view and all the fixtures are new, too!

​Here are some bathroom before and after photos. 

Original bathroom upon entry. Toilet and greenhouse window are in an alcove next to the shower.

New bathroom upon entry. Toilet is in alcove to right of sink.

The new bathroom and utility room are located in what used to be the street side of the living room, from about the doorway between rooms across to the wall next to the old front door. The fireplace was dangerous and not repairable, so it has been removed.

Looking into the bathroom from the utility room, which is next to the new entry.

Toilet alcove. So much better than a greenhouse window!