Finding the perfect home in the UK capital is no mean feat, but Andrew Overin saw the potential to transform a dilapidated terraced house into a modern dwelling

WORDS IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOS BRUCE HEMMING

When Andrew Overin first viewed what he knew would become his future home, he didn’t miss the fact that other prospective buyers were just walking in and straight back out. The house was a dated and fairly unremarkable mid-terraced dwelling, with carpet that still smelt like cats, but the high ceilings and large windows reeked of potential.

It was a competitive housing market, so a property in such a good location was a lucky find. Plus, Andrew felt he had the skills to transform it into something special, after spending over 10 years updating his former abode. “I thought this house had real promise and I was trying to find a bargain,” he says.

A clear vision

There were two key areas of the house that Andrew felt could benefit from a revamp – the unused attic and the small kitchen at the rear. For the former, a complete conversion would add another storey, and for the latter, a wraparound extension could transform the space into a multifunctional zone, ideal for entertaining. Plus, to avoid any areas of the large room becoming too dark, a set of rooflights would help to ensure the space was well-lit throughout the day.

While Andrew had a clear vision of what he was trying to achieve, he was keen to consult the professionals in order to piece together the plans. “I received several quotes for the work, but when I met with Build Team I felt like I was in safe hands, especially when I saw the other jobs the company had completed,” he says.

The firm excelled when it came to advising on how far to extend, as Andrew was anxious not to have an oversized extension that would make the house look lopsided. “I was on a pretty tight budget and therefore I didn’t need someone to just come in and tell me to install great swathes of glazing, for instance,” he adds.