Flipping Real Estate Take 2: Seizing Opportunities

Hey guys! Remember that time we posted an entry about flipping real estate a while back? If you don't remember, click here.

It was basically about how we renovated an apartment because the owner wanted to sell. So, a few projects later, we were tasked with the same job. Different client but similar investment purpose. Her goal was to turn this unit into a staff house being that her building is right in the middle of one of Metro Manila's Central Business Districts; Bonifacio Global City (BGC). So, the problem was what would set her apartment apart from all the other units being offered in BGC? Well, that's where hiring an interior designer comes in.

We helped her update the look and make it suitable for 4 people to live in. And guess what? It was leased out in a snap. We were literally scheduled to take photos of the unit the same day that the unit was being turned over to the lessor. Talk about a photo finish!

Thus we're back again to blog about it! Of course with our before and after photos! Here we go:

KITCHEN BEFORE (below): Old, bubbling laminates, not enough storage, and workspace.

KITCHEN AFTER (below): New wood cabinet doors were fabricated. We decided to paint them instead of placing new laminate for better wear and tear. A backsplash was also installed to protect the walls when washing and cooking in this area. We also extended the cabinetry for more storage space for appliances and added stainless rods behind the sink area for another way to keep the workspace clear.

DINING ROOM BEFORE (below):

DINING ROOM AFTER (below): The color scheme was given a more updated look as well. More cool colors to give the area a more fresh and spacious feel. One of our fave items that the owner bought is that white foldable table on the left side of the photo. It's what gave added workspace to the kitchen.

LIVING ROOM BEFORE (below): The second floor was being used as a home office. So, the previous tenant used aluminum and glass partitions. Take note that this condo unit was initially a 1-bedroom loft. The platform on the leftside of the photo used to be open to below. The previous tenant had this built so that they could have space for a second room.

LIVING ROOM AFTER (below): The first thing we did was to remove the aluminum and glass partitions to make the place more private and livable. We also made use of that "dead space" by the stairs and turned it into a linen closet.

The owner of the unit liked the idea of having that extra room since she wanted to make her property into a "staff house". So, we decided to redo the platform. You will see the inside of that room later on in this post.

If you notice in the photo above, we had to place extra lighting to keep the area bright since we closed off the areas where the sun would shine in. We also had small windows installed at the top of the bedroom so more light could fill the living room.

LIVING ROOM BEFORE (below): The flooring was made of laminate. Areas were either chipped, peeling off, or missing.

LIVING ROOM AFTER (below): We replaced the flooring with a tile that looked like wood. Definitely easier to maintain and clean. We also added a blue accent wall to make the area a little more vibrant. We moved the old closet into the new bedroom and built one to the side instead.

BEDROOM 2 BEFORE (below): As mentioned earlier, we would show you the interior of the bedroom that used to be the "open to below" space. The loft area. Isa and I were so nervous to step on that platform so we definitely had to redo it.

BEDROOM 2 AFTER (below): The flooring has been properly reinforced. No worries on placing 2 single beds in here.

And because I like this bedroom the most, here's a view from the other side. Notice the closet from the living room was moved inside this room as well?

BEDROOM 1 BEFORE (below): Still with those aluminum and glass partitions! And that orange paint.

BEDROOM 1 AFTER (below): Made back-to-back storage with the linen closet in the living room. This way we maximize space by having a built-in closet as well.

BEDROOM 3 BEFORE (below): This is the room at the ground floor to the left of the stairway. It was previously being used as the den.

BEDROOM 3 AFTER (below): We actually installed a glass sliding door to make a partition between this room and the dining room. We were able to fit a double bed and include one of the closets that we found upstairs.

Alright guys, that's it! Both Isa and I are thrilled to have been able to finish the apartment for one of our dear friends. Here I am with the owner, Venus (photo below) right before she turned over the unit.

Hope you all enjoyed our little makeover as much as we did!

With Love,

Michelle & Isa