Condo Goes Contemporary

Old Bicycle Wheel Factory
Native Australian James and his girlfriend, Maya, are getting married. After the wedding, they want to buy a house, but they first have to sell her loft condo. It is located in a historic old factory where bicycle wheels were manufactured. The loft used to be a one-bedroom unit until the couple tore down a wall and converted the space into a large studio.

Real estate expert Bethany Souza provides her opinion on how this home will stand up in today's tough real estate market. She is impressed by the grand old building and thinks buyers are going to love its uniqueness. Upon entering the loft, Souza has nothing but kudos for the exposed brick walls, high ceilings and hardwood floors. But then she realizes that the bed is awkwardly tucked in the corner of the living room. She strongly advises to put back up the wall that used to separate the bedroom from the living room –– a one-bedroom unit will sell for a more money than a studio. In the bathroom, she criticizes the cheap vinyl flooring, broken cabinet door and bad caulk job around the tub. She also has some harsh words for the kitchen. The laminate countertop has burn marks, the cabinets don't close properly, and it is obvious that there is not enough storage space.

Designer Monica Pedersen agrees with Souza's statements and has a $2,000 design plan that will rectify all that is wrong.

Step 1: Build a wall between the bedroom and living room, so the condo can be sold as a one-bedroom unit.

Step 2: Spruce up the bathroom with some cosmetic fixes, including new paint and a granite countertop.

Step 3: In the kitchen, replace the burnt countertop and create some storage space.

Carpenters Robert North and Chad Lopez are on hand and ready to tackle the job.