Older houses--with all the new construction that's going on around us, why would anyone choose to undertake a full-fledged renovation? Perhaps it's the quaintness of a long-established neighborhood or the mission to save a family homestead that intrigues folks.
Another motivation could be a belief that houses aren't built like they used to be. Don't get me wrong; owning a new house is great. Still, there's just something about the craftsmanship and attention to detail in an older home that's often overlooked in newer construction.
Formidable Find
Harvey Petty and Jeff Avery not only share these sentiments, but they've also heeded the call.
When they saw this 1912 bungalow, located in the heart of Tampa's Hyde Park district, they were instantly hooked. But their preoccupation became a classic case where the vision didn't quite match the reality. In short, the modest house was barely livable. "After buying the place, we couldn't move in for more than a year," Jeff remembers.
Because the bungalow's last owner had resided there for 54 years, time had taken its toll. Numerous layers of paint hid the intricate details found on the front stucco columns and double porch gables. Also, dingy siding veneered the exterior walls, while burglar bars held windows captive.
