If you're a young couple looking for a starter home -- and have a budget of less than $200,000 -- finding a good first home can be a challenge.
A young couple's search might centre around older areas, such as the city's West End.
While prices in that area tend to be lower, the homes are older and often need immediate attention, whether it be to their exterior, interior, or both.
Thankfully, there are some exceptions. Realty Executives First Choice's Eric Neumann says 553 Beverley St. -- a 100-year-old two-storey home that was restored in 2003 by Housing Opportunity Partnership (HOP) -- is one if those homes.
"Nine years ago, the home was gutted and re-done with new drywall, paint, countertops, cabinets and flooring by HOP," he said. "The home... got a contemporary, open-concept floor plan. The structure was solid; it was just a matter of redoing the interior and taking care of some exterior things as well, such as replacing the roof." The owners, a young couple who are going to move up a notch to a classic-style home in Wolseley, improved upon what was already a very workable floor plan on both the main and second levels.
"Nearly $20,000 was spent on upgrades over the past few years," said Neumann.
"Those upgrades include newer PVC windows, flooring, and internal weeping tile system, sump pump and exterior and interior paint. The roof is nine years old and has lots of life left in it, as does the mid-efficient furnace, which is also nine years old. The wiring was also redone, so there's no knob-and-tube wiring to worry about."
While some upgrades are modest, that's not the case with 553 Beverley. The flooring that runs through most of the main living area is natural maple hardwoods.
"When you combine those gorgeous hardwoods with the high (nine-foot) ceilings and open-concept design, you've got a very classy main living area," he said.
"There's also an angled fireplace placed by a one-third wall to divide the living room from the dining room, a remodelled galley-style kitchen with all kinds of (white) cabinets, even a den area off the end of the kitchen."
Another feature that separates 553 Beverley from homes of the same vintage -- aside from its open layout -- is the multitude of large windows that surround the main living space. The den is illuminated by a large horizontal window, while the dining room and living room both benefit from large windows on their rear walls; even the side walls are equipped with large windows.
The result is an interior that's far brighter than most 100-year-old homes. The dining area can accommodate a table for six and a buffet. Many older homes have only a cramped area to eat in, or no area at all.
"While I'd say the kitchen and fireplace are the best features of the main floor, the dining room isn't far behind. Because it opens nicely onto the kitchen and living room, it gives you the flexibility you need to be able to entertain. If a couple wanted, they could even put patio doors off the living room that lead to a deck," he said.
"Even if you leave the area as is, you can have company over and entertain with ease."
Meanwhile, the theme upstairs is utility. Both the master suite and second bedroom are well-proportioned with double closets. Then there's the four-piece bathroom, which serves two purposes.
"It's both a bathroom and a laundry room," said Neumann.
"The bathroom features a (tan) tile floor, pedestal sink and tub/shower combination. There's then a doorway that leads to an adjoining laundry room that has a huge window that allows all kinds of light to flow in. It's a great use of space. Even though there are two bedrooms, the master is large enough that you could put a crib in at the end (which has a big window), which would allow you to put an older child in the second bedroom."
Like many homes built around 1900, 553 Beverley's basement is best used for storage. It too has been upgraded, he added.
"The internal weeping tile system (dimple wrap) and sump pump ensures that any moisture coming in will go right back out, and the plumbing is also newer, too. Add those features to all the other upgrades, there's really nothing to do but to enjoy this comfortable, stylish home."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 553 Beverley St., West End
Year Built: 1912
Style: Two-storey
Size: 1,300 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 25' x 92'
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $2,336.60 (Gross 2011)
Price: $174,900
Contact: Eric Neumann, Realty Executives First Choice @ 885-8999
