|
The Albert Family |
 Water-Soaked Wreck to Showcase HomeThe Albert family loves to "Make It Great!" Their latest project began in April of 2004 when they purchased this home on a 2.5 acre, wooded, ravine lot in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The home was originally custom-built in 1978 by friends of the family and Heidi and Dan had been in the house in years past.  After the original owners had moved out, one of the later owners of the
house left the house vacant during the winter of 2003-4. During this
time, the water pipes froze and burst, unleashing thousands of gallons
of water which destroyed all of the flooring and drywall on the first
floor and caused moisture damage throughout the rest of the house.When the house was placed on the market in March of 2004 at $189,900, Dan and Heidi saw the opportunity to restore the house to its previous glory. Their good luck began when they made a bid of $150,000 which was accepted immediately by the seller. The timing was perfect because just a year before the Alberts had just welcomed the newest addition to their family, a daughter. The small, 3 bedroom ranch they were living in was getting too small for their growing family. Most of the damage to the house was on the inside, so the improvements to the outside of the house are more subtle. Among the exterior improvements were a new front door with beveled, lead-glass windows, a new garage door and large, limestone blocks and paver walkway. In the rear of the house, they removed a derelict hottub and installed a vegetable and flower garden. On the interior of the house, they began by completely replacing all of the flooring on both floors and the drywall on the first floor and some of the second floor. A grand stone fireplace was installed in the living room and another in the master bedroom. The kitchen was completely ripped out and all new cabinets, appliances and an island were installed.  With the complete renovation of the house, Dan and Heidi took the opportunity to install a laundry room on the second floor next to the master bedroom. Now, there is no need to carry the laundry 2 floors down to the basement or one floor down to the utility room -- the washer and dryer are only steps away!One of the most luxurious conversions in the house was certainly the master bathroom. Previously, a large, circular jacuzzi tub with chandelier was installed directly in the master bedroom just feet from the bed. The Alberts removed the jacuzzi tub and installed a large shower enclosure with polished riverstone tiles and two shower heads. Bench seating was installed and ledges for toiletries. A dressing and makeup counter with composite countertops was installed which overlooks the spacious front yard. The toilet was installed in a separate room, along with his-and-hers walk-in closets. New railings were installed on the steps between the first and second floor and a beautiful chandelier hangs in the entry-way. The floors are finished in hardwood, ceramic tile and carpet. The Alberts love to entertain, so they installed a bar in the family room and a bar table. In the guest bath, they installed a dramatic, designer, glass-bowl sink which rests on a chrome pedestal. With dedication, hard work, lots of creativity and help from family and friends, Dan and Heidi transformed this water-soaked wreck into an amazing showcase home. Dan and Heidi are truly "Making It Great!"  |
