Denver’s Bonnie Brae neighborhood — with its large lots, wide, tree-lined streets and walk-to access to some of the city’s tastiest pizza and ice cream — is home to Andre and Sharman Reed.
Three years ago, when this doctor and nurse couple was ready to start a family, leaving the neighborhood was not an option. Instead, they found a charming, modestly sized Tudor for sale a few blocks away from where they were living. The only problem? The new house lacked some essential amenities. But because it had good bones and was on a triple lot, they bought it anyway.
The Reeds moved into a nearby rental, then for 16 months oversaw a complete rehabilitation of their dream home. The process included construction delays, material mistakes, back-to-back snowstorms and the early arrival of both of the Reeds’ children.
HGTV was there to capture the drama. “Denver Cottage Renovation,” the episode of the network’s series “My Big Amazing Renovation” that features the Reeds, airs tonight at 7 and 11 on Comcast channel 39, and again on Nov. 5 and Nov. 23.
Below, Andre Reed talks about his house and his family’s 15 minutes of fame.
What was your goal for this renovation?
My wife had considered popping the top of the little bungalow we were in, then one of our friends told us about this house that was for sale. The primary thing that attracted us to it was the Tudor style. It’s very nice, all brick construction. We really liked the house, so that was the icing on the cake.
We made a point-by-point wish list (for the renovation). My wish list included a wine cellar and an entertainment area. My wife wanted two water closets. She also wanted a lift. The garage is now attached, and there’s a lift for groceries and kids that goes right up to the house.
How did the renovation go?
We interviewed about five different architects and four different builders. The architect was initially overwhelmed by having to incorporate all of (our wishes) into a remodel, and it wasn’t without its bumps and bruises. We had permit problems (with the lift), and even after it was installed, it took almost an act of God before it could pass code. We had seven back-to-back snowstorms that year. So we spent $2,000 or $3,000 just in snow removal. For many, many months the house was without a roof, so we weren’t living there. We had moved to a house that was for rent six houses down. That way we could keep an eye on the project. We’d planned to do that anyway.
What was it like dealing with all of that along with a television crew?
Right before we embarked on this, I started watching “I Want That” on HGTV. Every time I watched it, I saw some device I wanted. Then I thought, maybe they would want to film our house? But they were not offering anything in Colorado at the time.
Then, about four months into the project, my contractor called. He said they were looking for houses in the area for this new show.
I was excited, but it was more problematic for my wife since she was pregnant at the time and didn’t want to be bothered with anything. I liked that (the television crews) were the policing agents. They made sure the subs did what they said they were going to do, and the subs went above and beyond, knowing they were going to be on TV. With the camera on, they dotted all their i’s and crossed all their t’s. For instance, our HVAC room is stunning, and there’s radiant heat throughout the house. We got a couple thousands dollars off those jobs because of the show.
Would you recommend a renovation of this size to a friend?
Only if their relationship is very very secure. For us, I would certainly do it again. I don’t know if my wife would say the same thing. She wasn’t too thrilled with having a camera shoved in her face at 7 a.m. But we really like the outcome. Overall it was great experience.
Elana Ashanti Jefferson: 303-954-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com
