From drab to dream – home transformations you won't believe
Dramatic house makeovers

A loft conversion: before

This tired looking bungalow in Cambridgeshire, UK was due an upgrade. With an old roof, small windows and crumbling steps, Transform Architects managed to completely overhaul the drab facade.
A loft conversion: after

A new entrance: before

This project in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts was a huge renovation by RAMSA Architects to a house that was deemed too new to tear down and re-build.
A new entrance: after

The ultimate fixer-upper, the one-storey entrance was replaced with a two-storey gable-roofed addition, which also contained a brand new staircase inside. The windows were replaced with larger, double hung units and detailed trim was added for some personal style.
A Victorian villa: before

A Victorian villa: after

A modern two-storey extension was added to the side of the house by OB Architecture, while the original building had a new roof and was over-clad with a new white render. Bi-folding doors open up the back and a new patio connects the house with the garden.
A cabin renovation: before

A cabin renovation: after

The pitched roof was one element that didn't have to be ripped out. However, the windows were replaced to get better natural light in the interior. The exterior was painted a bold black and architects, Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants added a modern porch railing and staircase, which breaks up the box-like feel of the exterior.
A business and a home: before

Acting as both a house and jewellery business, this house in Bangkok, Thailand was renovated by IDIN Architects to fit in four brothers and sisters, as well as prepare for the future extension of the family.
A business and a home: after

A renovation to utilise space: before

A renovation to utilise space: after

To start with, Crisp Architects exposed much of the original structure so that period details were on show. The old asphalt and shingle roof was replaced and a trio of gabled dormers were added to the front of the house for extra space. Across the back, a shed dormer pays homage to the vintage character of the property.
A historic expansion: before

It was important for the new design of this dilapidated dream home to maintain the historic structure of the original house while giving the new owners additional space for their growing family.
A historic expansion: after

A 1960s renovation: before

The owners of this split-level home wanted to update their property with modern architecture. The design was stuck in a timewarp with its red brick work and an open porch.
A 1960s renovation: after

The final finish is a great example of how wood cladding and stone facing can work well together. The architect, Wentworth Studio, also added a double garage space and a protected entry porch.
Going up a level: before

The owners of this bungalow didn't have enough space to function as a family. Pinnacle Renovations added another level to meet their ultimate design expectations.
Going up a level: after

Now a brilliant bungalow transformation, instead of moving they decided to renovate and add a second storey. The original brickwork was replaced by grey stone and pillars were added for a focal point next to the front door. The two single garages were opened up into one large double and all the bedrooms are now located on the upper floor.
A complete studio renovation: before

This warehouse in New York was run down and dilapidated until it was completely transformed by architect, Sebastian Quinn.
A complete studio renovation: after

A bungalow renovation: before

A bungalow renovation: after

The dated building required serious renovation. Moore Architects added a huge rear extension with a larger living room and kitchen. The porch was brought forward to extend the ground floor. This was great for the growing family, as well as becoming a design feature.
A ruined farmhouse renovation: before

This small farmhouse with a completely collapsed infrastructure that looked beyond repair was a ruin before being renovated by Peter Zimmerman Architects.
A ruined farmhouse renovation: after

A seven year renovation: before

This Tudor-themed home sits on a hilltop in Millbrook, New York. The aim by Beckwith Group was to transform it into a traditional Duchess County Greek Revival farmhouse. Let's see how it changed...
A seven year renovation: after

A renovation with restrictions: before

For the family living in this home moving simply wasn't an option, so they decided to focus on a renovation that would fulfil all their needs. In the initial planning stages, regulations restricted a new home unless it was built further away from the creek which created a big challenge for architects, Sensitive Design.
A renovation with restrictions: after

A first floor addition: before

This small cottage was located all on one ground floor before its renovation by Scard Design. The design was also incredibly old fashioned with white cladding and brown window frames.
A first floor addition: after

The renovation of a tired home: before

The renovation of a tired home: after

After adding an asymmetrical extension, turning to the dark side with a black exterior and a more interesting composition of windows, including one tall glazed opening, the house has a completely different architectural feel. This renovation, by show Architecture LIVE shows how you don't need to use hugely expensive materials to make a difference to your tired home.
A complete overhaul: before

This renovation by Granit, was a complete overhaul of a dilapidated semi-detached house in South London. The new design was more focused on the back of the building rather than the front.
A complete overhaul: after

A new facade: before

A new facade: after

The new design, by Back to Front Exterior, added cladding to the front and a pointed roof to the first floor. However, the interior layout was kept exactly the same, showing that a renovation doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul.
A modern renovation: before

A modern renovation: after

A renovation with a pitched roof: before

A renovation with a pitched roof: after

Tony Holt, the architect, gave the existing build a new beach house style, perfect for the sea front location. The new upper floors provide panoramic views through the huge windows. The final design transformed the property into a bespoke luxury residence.
A renovation with a good base: before

A renovation with a good base: after

An Art Deco-style renovation: before

This house was built in the 1920s and finished with a glazed pantile roof, painted rendered walls and details to reflect the Art Deco style. The building was in danger of collapse and due to all the previous alterations, the interior layout was fragmented.
An Art Deco-style renovation: after

Adding a first floor: before

Adding a first floor: after

A thermally-efficient renovation: before

A thermally-efficient renovation: after

The new design includes a new two storey extension that creates extra living space as well as panoramic views from the rear of the property. It has been transformed by The Bazeley Partnership into a contemporary home with elements of nature including wood and natural stone.
A modern makeover: before

This existing bungalow was typical of its era, with a wide front, pitched roof and l-shaped floor plan. The renovation by Transform Architects, removed the conservatory and added a single storey rear extension.
A modern makeover: after

A Victorian townhouse renovation: before

One of the main challenges for Chan Architecture with this Victorian townhouse renovation was to keep it feeling spacious and light. There were also huge structural issues with crumbling walls, poor soil conditions as well as a tight budget.
A Victorian townhouse renovation: after

A glass renovation: before

This project replaces a series of additions to a 1910 era house in Atlanta. The rear of the house was knocked down so that BDLGS Architects could do a partial redesign.
A glass renovation: after

A barn renovation: before

A barn renovation: after

The new home is clad in black aluminium siding and wooden slats to give it a contemporary appearance. The windows also extend up to the gable roof, optimising the views over the hill side. Wrapped in thick insulating shell, architects, Sito architecten have also designed it for comfort.
A renovation with street presence: before

This project worked well within the existing building lines, but just increased on the aesthetics for the homeowner to help increase kerb appeal.
A renovation with street presence: after

C Plus C architects retained the existing sub structure to maximise the cost effectiveness of a small budget. The wooden slats provide natural light inside, and the front porch was flattened to create a more streamlined design.
A family residence: before

Before its renovation by Baran Studio, this property in San Francisco was a duplex, however, it needed to be converted into a modern single family home. It had maintained some aspects of its history but had also been heavily remodeled over the years.
A family residence: after

The new exterior design features a wall of Redwood that runs throughout the project. First making an appearance at the entrance it weaves its way through the deck, garden and the garage and encompasses the cantilevered bay window, which faces towards downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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