Before and After Home Renovation | Adding a 2nd Story to a Ranch Style House

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In this episode, Lincoln looks back at one of our worst projects ever. We took a 1950’s ranch house down to the studs for a complete interior remodel. And that’s probably where we should have stopped. Instead, we decided to add on a 2nd story addition. And that’s pretty much where this one got away from us. We get into all the nitty-gritty heartache (including a visit from the Austin Fire Dept!) in this week’s episode. We’ll walk you through where we went wrong, what we wish we had done differently and the lessons that this project taught us that we use in all our flips.
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For more on the Flipsters check out their website:
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[@zmacllc9990]

I find it admirable when someone can admit their mistakes and learn from their setbacks. Thanks for sharing and for keeping it real. I'm sure these lessons will help someone (like me as I intend to start flipping soon) to remember to avoid the pitfalls you've pointed out. At least you now know what not to do in the future. If you don't know, you don't grow. Keep Growing!

[@TheSkyweasel92]

I think a lot of the interior mistakes you pointed out were pretty minor. To me the biggest eye sore is the exterior. The house doesn't "flow" it just looks like two different houses smashed together on the outside. And the railing looks out of place. I would imagine that would have deterred a good amount of people that were otherwise interested.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Probably true. The exterior was the worst part. Love the screen name btw. Lol. 😂

[@califdad4]

that was the way they designed and built homes from the 50s into the early 80s. Wood siding , stucco, brick. House looked good

[@thegeorgeblake]

I agree. Except, it seems like four different styles: traditional, modern, contemporary, and um...mismatch. The white only makes the differences more apparent. If the trim had been modern or contemporary, it would have made it more cohesive. The curb appeal also is a mismatch of styles. Glad you take this as a learning experience. That makes this the best.

[@BrendaC-cf7td]

I agree, it does not match. Looks like new plopped on old . Yuk

[@califdad4]

@@thegeorgeblake the curb appeal is very mid century, and looked better to keep it that to ruin the look, that the architect designed for the house, a lot of people out there love older mid century homes with the outside undoctored, just painted

[@juliesimeon5532]

The outside is so mismatched...got to like it from the outside before I can even look on the inside.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Yeah, I hated the way the exterior turned out. Wish we had a redo!

[@fillyponce8145]

Y’all are crazy !!! That house is absolutely brilliant and beautiful!!

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks for saying that!

[@johnye4433]

Half of the house on the left didn’t get the pop top, I think that is where two additional bedroom suites would make the profit

[@natalielawyerchick]

The open living area was superb. You hit that out of the park

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks 👍

[@glendabanta4832]

I think the gray is gorgeous and timeless. All white can be too clinical, especially in a big house. This gray was perfect!

[@rachelwhitaker4081]

I agree!!!

[@davidpollard3522]

I am actually binge watching your videos as we speak LOL

[@jessicablesses6091]

It's easy to binge watch too, I've been doing it all day lol.

[@AvantiMorocha1]

I just found your channel, I love it, thank you for all the lessons. 😉

[@eleventwelvethirteen]

“I count this as tuition” - I love that mindset! Thanks for sharing

[@AthenaAthena]

I actually think the grey paint is a nice change from the usual white yall do. I'd like to see more grey walls in some of your houses. The outside of the house looks good. Sometimes we're our worst critics. House looks good. Chillll out lol

[@ian_lambert-knight]

A. R. Grey and an accent wall add a lot. I love smoky grey and navy or concrete and sandy brown.

[@MrsLilLady86]

Awesome video!!! Thanks for sharing the hard lessons to learn on flips. Love your videos!

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thank you for watching! Glad we’re able to share some lessons!

[@kellyanne7225]

I think it’s all amazing! I love the paint you chose instead of just leaving it with only white walls, especially with it being so open. I would think that every house you have flipped would leave you with ideas that you coulda, shoulda, woulda done instead! We have 2 large planters on both sides of our front porch (1961 ranch). My husband cut them in half to match the height of the concrete. Now we will have an open porch with more room to use. That brick wall in the living room reminded me of that.

[@glenicecrease5115]

Yep. Location location. I liked the interior. Nice to see a show that is honest about admitting mistakes.

[@gaurigatha]

I love this flip inside and out! It is beautiful and a little quirky!

[@marshallzaid521]

it wasnt a flip sadly!

[@MB-cd8rg]

But I appreciate all the infos and the honesty you add to your experience,that's really great!Thank you.

[@loowitloopunit50]

We just learn from our mishaps and grow! 🌱 Thanks for being real 😎

[@AustinFlipsters]

Gotta keep it real! Wish they were all winners but the losers teach us a lot.

[@rileyrules1204]

Hey guys! I just found your channel and the is exactly what I’m looking for when I search of house flipping! I love your guys channel! Stay happy, healthy, and housy!

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks L&R, that’s one of the reasons we started this channel!

[@carlynelson2143]

I love your channel!! It is fun to compare this flip (which I still think looked good) to your $1 million dollar property in the downtown area! I definitely see how you guys have become more expert at flipping and choosing properties 😊

[@chocobeast]

Thank you for sharing about setbacks and mistakes. It’s refreshing to see that even professionals get it wrong from time to time. I love your channel, have quickly become a huge fan. Keep up the good work!!

[@livinghoperenovations9353]

Great video! You guys put out great content. We enjoy watching your videos here in Portland. We’re taking notes for our flips. 👍🏼👌🏼

[@AustinFlipsters]

Hey thanks! We’d love to see pics of your flips! DM is on Instagram @AustinFlipsters

[@claratorres3643]

Amazing house -I love that you gave these tips/ lessons! Respect FYI: I think you got more views on this video because of the descriptive title.

[@sparkysheep]

The outside is mismatched but I personally find it charming. It looks cute and it has character, it’s not the same cookie cutter look as some of the other homes on the street. And that reclaimed tub is lovely.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Well hey! Somebody likes it! Where were you when we were trying to sell it!? 😂

[@hafsafarooqui7335]

I love how honest he is about the mistakes, made watching it very informative

[@madwun2003]

You all need to hire a permanent decorator or your staging. Your work is amazing.

[@amberjones9520]

Wow what an awesome transformation. Great job.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks Amber! Nice of you to say. Thanks for watching!

[@caseyjones221]

I've always liked the Highland Park neighborhood, the streets off lower Balcones Drive, and the late 1940s-1950s ranch houses that predominate. You made some salient points about what you wouldn't have done... but, hey, hindsight is always 20-20. BTW, I'm waiting for HGTV to give y'all a call. The Gainses left a void.

[@AustinFlipsters]

🤞🏼👍🏼😂 Well we won’t hold our breath but that would be awesome!

[@rui_mas]

Yup! I totally agree on the part where you said you could've added another bed room upstairs. The master bed was too big imp. Another bedroom would've made more sense. Also taking off that brown stone tile thingy on the exterior of the house, and painting it white would've been better. But oh well! lessons were learned! :D

[@DoingLifeWithYou]

Imaging being the previous owner of this house and watching this video lol 😂 Austin Flippers: "They ripped off the doors, and put a TV in it.....so weird"

[@kimmyymmik]

This house is beautiful!

[@RaquelSantos-hj1mq]

This is giving me a lot of ideas, not to flip, but to buy a house to turn into my dream home. I'm looking at a one story, outdated ranch house.

[@XX-zk2lf]

I would have painted the brick. Interior, it's a nice grey but, yeah, white is more modern and, honestly, I feel timeless. Plus there's no limit to what you can do with a white interior. I love your channel! Downside is it makes me want to constantly redo my house. lol

[@jad8123]

I was playing the drinking game every time you said Massive I had to take a shot. I’m now drunk. LOL!!!! Great video. I think you did a good job and the after was still better with what you started with. Keep up the good work.

[@caseyflorida]

Take a shot every time he says "like" hehe :)

[@JacksAllTrades]

Did y’all consider some sort of privacy wall or large fence to create a courtyard garden starting a bit far forward since it’s on a busy street?

[@brookefields5737]

Exterior would have looked amazing black & white! Love the inside

[@paolacarrera8792]

I hate houses that live on busy roads. It was always something that I hated because I knew that privacy was a big thing.

[@donnasmith9939]

As a friend say, “That’s a bought lesson’.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Tuition ain’t cheap!

[@donnasmith9939]

True that!

[@scrow9]

With all those unexpected expenses it was actually quite skillful to at least break even, most people would have lost tens of thousands I think! Your design was beautiful , the only element I think was a bit off was the size of the revamped kitchen (a little small) and the direction of the island - normally I see the island facing towards the dining room table - but again, you did great considering! (and it's not like I'm an expert anyways! haha)

[@AustinFlipsters]

Hey thanks for the kind words. Proud of this flip but yes, lots of ways it could have been improved.

[@debraaugustine4529]

I love watching you all

[@heathersmith8549]

Beautiful. This would make a great multigenerational home with the smaller master suite downstairs. Great for grandma and grandpa.

[@marymaryquitecontrary]

When I was a new real estate agent years ago, I immediately noticed the "busy street" syndrome caused by noise, lack of privacy, and safety issues. I asked my manager how big the penalty was; he said at least 20%. I found that to be consistently true, along with how much longer the average selling time was for such unfortunately located properties. Adding luxury in these cases is lipsticking the pig, just wasted effort. Seems like a professional house flipper should have been aware of this. (Guess you are now!)

[@monicarenee7949]

I see people putting brand new fancy houses on busy streets and I don’t get it. Even with a circular drive, I would want the option for guests to park on the street if I was entertaining, and hate waiting to get onto the street for busy traffic. Plus have dogs and a child that I wouldn’t feel as safe about living there. They do stay occupied though so I guess for a discount people will buy them.

[@csilladevic9969]

Hahahahaha! I don't know how it is in the US, but here in Europe we usually have a shared bathroom with the toilet in it and to your question; Yes, we do sit next to each other while on the bidet and the toilet. Marriage going strong for 8 years now :D

[@lolwhatamidoinghere6601]

House looks so nice

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks Jessica! More videos to come. Thanks for watching!

[@nicholashernandex8946]

Always call before you dig

[@LuisOrtega-fd3uh]

I feel like the color of the brick of the house wasn’t so appealing white would’ve looked modern and nice

[@AustinFlipsters]

Probably would have been the best idea...I just hated to paint the original stone.

[@PapyrusDelights]

Thanks for sharing good and bad.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Yes! They’re not always all winners 😕

[@margaretdevries8090]

This was a learning experience for you ! I did not like the before or after !

[@AustinFlipsters]

😂 tell me something I don’t know! Haha. Yes learned a lot to say the least. Thanks for watching.

[@whitexeno]

How could the gas line cost 10's of thousands of dollars?

[@theemagus9932]

The exterior was risky but it looks great and the interior was sooo good

[@Yautochio_Sastrugi]

What is the paint color? The color is amazing!!!

[@wakilinjogu1727]

Watching from Kenya, love the upload

[@AustinFlipsters]

Wow! Would love to visit Kenya! Thanks for watching!

[@wakilinjogu1727]

@@AustinFlipsters i dont mind introducing you here and showing you around lets talk more [e-mail]

[@ThanhVo-td1bq]

1. Location matters 2. Stay small 3. Time is money Thank you!!

[@chloeloe8629]

I love this home

[@Margar02]

I like that you left the stone facade but the wooden garage door looks awkward.

[@lincolnedwards]

I didn’t like the way either turned out!

[@someguylol1318]

It’s like when you flip over a rock that’s been sitting in your backyard for years and there’s just a bunch of bugs and dirt

[@YourChicGeek]

Ugh... had to learn this lesson the hard way with a second project I'm working on with a partner. Let some hot shot realtor talk us into doing an addition on our second flip (added a 4th bedroom and 3rd bathroom). Between those costs, unexpected plumbing issues, permitting problems and more we are losing a lot of $ (could have done 3 houses with this insane budget and overages). As you guys stated, its best to start small or find a house already with the square footage and etc that you need so that you dont have to worry about doing all extra kinds of work. Horrific experience to say the least but wow have I learned what NEVER to do again. Thanks for the great content yall.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Dang Kim! So sorry to hear that. Very tough but ultimately good lesson to learn. We won’t be doing many additions in the future. Thanks for sharing this!

[@Avotts]

I like the outside view. Looks quite retro. You had made the upstairs addition only big enough for the suite...probably would have saved you the 70.000 sprinkler system.

[@daniellebabb9745]

How do I go about thinking about flipping houses...it is a passion of mine..that I would live to try...thanks in advance!!!

[@vutube379]

You did a great job! Too bad it is located on a busy street. Problem for families with children. Also constant traffic NOISE. The drive through was a great idea.

[@paulaheuser5831]

I really enjoy your show and this episode could be used as a drinking game. One shot for every time you say "like" - 28 times in the before part and 15 times in the after.

[@sisterelizee2722]

$75k for an interior sprinkler system? I'll keep this in mind when planning to add a second story.

[@baseballer8687]

Love the video man. Gotta work on not saying "like" so much. Haha. But love the flips. Keep it up.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks for watching! I was trying to hint that you should leave a “like” on the video. Obviously. 😂

[@ElicBehexan]

I lived from age 2 to 9 in that area. I first opened the video because the original house, sans the 80s addition, looked like the house next door to where we lived. I wouldn't have bought the house on Balcones for love, nor money - yeah, that was your big mistake. I also would've tried to match the new additions to the original brick facade, or, better, removed the brick. Those 50s houses really aren't designed for how we live today, but I agree with some of your other commenters, open concept is probably too much of a good thing. Or, as we have learned in this year of pandemic and enforced togetherness, doors are good. The house that yours reminded me of, was inherited by the son of the family and extensive remodeling - including the discovery of termites - had to be done before one of his kids could live there. They also added a second story, but I think they did a better job, how do they say it? less 'flash' for more 'cash.' I don't know how they did it, but the child they gave it to had more than one kid where the father, the former neighbor, was an only child. I wonder, did you drive around the area to see how other houses were being redone?

[@MB-cd8rg]

I like it but I would liked it better if you wouldn't put tiles in that kitchen area,you should made it all the same flooring like the rest,the wood is so pretty,woulda made the kitchen stand more out and a better flow.But that's just me 😊

[@mattc2812]

Breaking even in a screwed up situation doesn't sound so bad to me.

[@vanepadilla]

Where did y'all get the modern door with panels for the front door?

[@AustinFlipsters]

www.doors4home.com/p-3917-c4-1.aspx

[@johnlogan1022]

I actually don't mind the exterior. I think it looks very unique and interesting. Definitely not cookie cutter. I like almost all of the interior but agree you should have used some of the upstairs space for an extra bedroom and bathroom so the house would have been 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. I really like the grey color as opposed to all white.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks John!

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks John!

[@emy2491]

Big fan from Algeria i really love you job perfect

[@benedictamensah9510]

To me it looks OK... Is beautiful

[@emayuvosaka8031]

What website do you guys use to find the houses y’all flipping? Thanks!

[@AustinFlipsters]

We get them from all over. MLS, foreclosures, wholesalers, our own website, probate etc.

[@davidrc5488]

He really likes the word, “massive”!

[@Amanda.A-G]

and "like"

[@mrsTraveller64]

As long as "super excited" is not mentioned,I'm allright😊

[@krissyjo2577]

What is the wood flooring you used downstairs?

[@AustinFlipsters]

I don’t have the link but it’s a hickory floor from a place called hardwoodbargains.com

[@julians7404]

Why is the flooring chopped up? The kitchen area is hard to look at for me, the only floor changes I do are typically bedrooms to carpet, and all other areas matching floors throughout each level. The bathrooms can be flexible if you want to change the materials up, whether its for functionality or cosmetics; but then I'd match all the bathrooms as well. Flows a lot nicer IMO

[@mamadana08]

You were definitely right to keep the stone, but there are a few reasons why commenters feel the exterior is so disjointed. Regardless of painting the exterior materials one color, I think bringing the siding down over the garage instead of carrying the stone up to railing, made the first floor look stunted. Stone work is expensive though, so I can see why siding was the choice. The windows on the exterior of the second floor are standard double hung but should be single casement to match the original on the first floor. The cedar garage is nice too, but the vertical members break up the overall horizontality of the exterior. Adding windows to the top transom would have helped to balance out the number of windows on the second floor as well. Carrying over or mimicking the metal eave from the original roof line would have helped too. I thought the interior paint color was really nice and fit the choice of light fixtures and modern cabinets in the kitchen and baths. I only wished that the IKEA vanities were also white to match the other spaces. But overall, the interior is nice even if you think the second floor should have been reorganized. That office space was a winner! Many lessons learned with this one, but that means your next flips will be better!

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks for watching, Jordania! Sounds like you know your stuff!

[@mamadana08]

Austin Flipsters lol thanks! I’m an architect (not yet licensed😉) and I like watching y’all’s content because you’re good at showing the realities of flipping, which I hope to do myself at some point.

[@AustinFlipsters]

jordania moore very nice! Sounds like I could have used your help on this one!

[@lovelytan1645]

For me the one I like the color of the wall, and you save some of the original from the house. But the flooring in the kitchen the laminate at the dining...something is wrong.

[@thekidhb]

I like that house honestly. Pretty nice price for Texas.

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks!

[@coltwyndham]

I'm just floored that, as a developer, you have the nerve to hate on the jacuzzi tub room and then put PREFINISHED FLOORING in the home. I don't know what is tackier, the pink bidet, or the grooves in the brand new wood floor!! LMAO

[@gold_mine_beats]

I have a straight forward question. Has anyone flipped a house that they were living in? (I currently have a residence in which I occupy but I need to make some repairs and afterwards I wanna sell it. Has anyone here had that experience?)

[@aokchemdry60102]

Just curios, doesn't Julie Identity the gas lines?

[@mariamjensen7170]

I like the before pictured outside better too- the after looks like a weird remodel -almost ugly. Don't like the reclaimed tub..I would've wanted the make that the master bath with a gorgeous shower and jacuzzi and leave off the upstairs. Love the main floor though..great update. I think you were right I would've stopped with that done some curb appeal landscaping and taken the money.

[@AustinFlipsters]

👍🏼

[@gregpaulin4493]

U did a great job. Cutting ur self down to much. I would buy that in a heart beat luv the colors an open concept an the addition

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks Greg!

[@b_uppy]

That door is more appropriate to the style of the house. The downstairs full bath is awkward because the toilet and vanity should have been on the same side, rather than opposing. You needed to add a more complementary siding to the upstairs addition, that was part of the problem. The addition didn't blend well with the original...

[@rhemy1]

How come know ever discussed price

[@jean6061]

I must agree with the folks who have commented about the "mismatched" exterior. The railing on the second story would look better if the posts were white and the space between them was safety glass. Also, I think the circular driveway would look better as either a paver-type of surface or stamped and stained concrete to look like pavers. Have you also thought about adding a touch of landscaping to add more curb appeal?

[@MightyGreenLantern17]

Is the worst you ever did on a project was break even, you have a really outstanding thing going on

[@stuemler]

Adding a second floor to Ranchers and 'making it look right' is just really hard from an exterior point. They're also not designed for second floors from a structure point.

[@MA-yc7pz]

You should have painted in white outside.... Cuz the second Floor looks like a completely different houses. However love the inside.

[@sugoiharris1348]

Was this one of your first flips? I don’t remember if you said that. Seems like adding a whole second story was a ton for a flip and like something a rookie mistake. Glad you guys at least broke even on it and could learn from that mistake.

[@peterj.1960]

I know this video is 2 years old, but I just found your channel. I felt it necessary to comment though. As a former utility locator, I noticed there was NO flags or paint around the driveway. Yet you felt it was necessary to blame the person who buried the gas line. I truly hope that you are now using 811 before you dig for anything. It's actually Texas state law.

[@99Racker]

I note that so many of your homes do not have curtains. Seems odd that Texans like to flash neighbors. I make up custom rods out of 3/8" steel rods with metal steel ends and bent long screw to hold the rods. We use tab curtains on the rods. If you make the rods long enough you can open the curtains away from the windows. Fairly easy.

[@1234OopsyDaisy]

I have watched almost all your flips and love them .But I hate the bathroom wall niches in a separate material . It cheapens and spoils every gorgeous bathroom you do...... please tile the niches or leave them out. Pretty please 🙏

[@florencehallard3904]

How to reduce insulin?

[@357QueenBee]

I love open concept, my house has open concept but if I open the frontvdoor and I see the kitchen it's a big no no. Deal breaker.

[@joycechapman4997]

No blue stake done on the property? Front is mismatched, competing. All white might have minimized or eliminated that.

[@AmberBlase]

So true, the front was already mismatched the red brick only enhanced that.

[@brianlutzak]

the gas line wasn't the installers problem, you guys didn't have it surveyed before you dug. I would have put half of the tab for the gas line on the contractor. If they are excavating outside they should have known better to get a survey.

[@AustinFlipsters]

We had to have a survey to put in the driveway

[@allyanzy57]

I like style

[@bweaver760]

Location, location, location. The busy street is the deal killer if this property. Only buy within the neighborhood and avoid houses along the peripheral of a neighborhood. Been there done that.

[@loristancombe2823]

Confused.... its one room open concept, why didn't you take the wood floor into the kitchen? Looks weird. Confusing.

[@k.b8219]

Me gusta más cuando van a la casa y muestra el antes y el después...

[@AustinFlipsters]

Thanks for watching!

[@xYOTIPx]

How much do you think is needed to start a first project?

[@AustinFlipsters]

Just depends on the price point for your market. Our advice is to start as small as you possible can for your market.

[@mrsTraveller64]

Oh that would be my kind of house BEFORE it was turned into "open concept"!!! I don't like open space,I don't want the kitchen in the livingroom!!! Bring back the walls!

[@harveythepooka]

What I don't get is closing off the living room and then ripping down the walls to the front of the house. Also, why put in those beautiful sliders and then put those in an office instead of the living space? An odd choice.