The self-described optimists started the process in 2019, not letting the COVID-19 pandemic get in their way as they worked on their latest project.
The Adamses purchased a three-bedroom California bungalow in Eaglemont that needed updating and worked with an architect on the redesign. Just before they finalised their plans, the pandemic hit - bringing the Melbourneers and the building industry to a standstill.
"We thought we'd carry on because Ron and I are usually optimistic people," says Robyn." But we really didn't know what the future held, no one did."
Thousands of Australians, like the Adamses, tried to improve their homes during the pandemic, despite the uncertainty. Encouraged by government grants, such as Home Builders, many eager renovators got to work.
The couple were lucky enough to lock in their builder before the first blockade and the price initially agreed was not changed. They began renovations in June 2020, between the first and second blockade in Melbourne.
"We knocked out the back of the house completely and renovated the interior with a new kitchen and bathroom. The only room that hasn't been touched is a bedroom," says Robin.
There were many challenges along the way, such as having to choose materials and finishes online rather than in person, and finding a place to live when home inspections were forbidden.
"The agent said, 'We can't take you there because of the lockdown,' so we ended up renting the house we were looking at in East Ivanhoe before January, a house we initially turned down," Robin said.
Their rental was only two kilometres from their Eaglemont home, so the Adamses spent their allotted hour of exercise time within five kilometres of home, walking over to see the renovation progress.
The renovations were completed in late 2021 and cost $800,000, almost half of what the couple paid for the house - which records show last traded for $1.7 million.
It was to be their forever home, but the couple, in their 70s, have since changed their plans, deciding to downsize to nearby Ivanhoe after Ron suffered a stroke last year.
"I've practically lived in Ivanhoe and Eaglemont all my life," Robin said." I wanted to stay here because I know a lot of people in the area and there are always kids or parents shouting 'hello', so I'm glad I didn't move out of the area, and so is Ron."
The home is listed for sale with hopes of reaching $2.6 million to $2.7 million.
Their selling agent, Brad Pearce from Miles Real Estate Ivanhoe, said the beautifully renovated house has already attracted a lot of attention.
"[This suburb] is very tight-knit, and homeowners usually stay here for a long time," Pearce said.
Undeterred by the challenges they faced during COVID, the Adamses are now planning their next project in their new tiny house.
"We are downsizing and moving into a house that needs some minor renovations, such as cabinets, carpet and paint," says Robin.
Households like the Adamses are expected to drive demand for renovation work this year, according to the Housing Industry Association, the apex body for residential construction.
HIA chief economist Tim Reardon said national spending on renovations reached a peak of $45 billion last year, a broad measure that includes flood and storm damage repair.
While new home construction is expected to fall sharply in 2024, with 45,000 fewer starts expected than at the peak of new home construction in 2021, renovation demand is likely to see a more moderate decline, Reardon said.
"Renovations are expected to remain strong," Reardon said." People are still spending more time in their homes now than they did before the pandemic, so they want to improve the quality of their homes."
Reardon said property prices remain high despite the economic downturn, meaning it is much more expensive to move or build a new home than to renovate - even if the cost of building materials and trade increases.
