Mini Bahay Inside A House! Couple Renovates In-Laws’ Third Floor Into Their Family Home

What makes a dream home? These days, size does not really matter as long as you have everything you need in the space and each family member is content.

For Annaliza Espinosa, a compact home she can share with her family is enough. “Sabi ko sa asawa ko dati, gusto ko simple lang ‘yung bahay namin kahit maliit eh, andun lahat ng basic needs,” she shares in an interview with SmartParenting.com.ph.

Annaliza is proud and happy with their little home that she posted about it on the Facebook group, Home Buddies. Their family of four used to stay on the second floor of Annaliza’s parents’ house, but wanted to have more privacy.

They thought of moving out but since Annaliza is an only child, her parents wanted her to stay in the house. Despite the size of her parents’ home, they were able to make it work by turning the third floor into a mini home of their own.

Mini house within a house

Renovating the entire third floor into a tiny family home was a welcome challenge for the couple. Annaliza’s husband, Joedel, was in charge of coming up with the design. Her father, plus workers recommended by a relative who works as a contractor, helped execute it.

“Dream house ko talaga ‘yung maliit lang ‘yung bahay. ‘Yung kita ko agad ‘yung family ko, ‘yung isang lingon ko lang sa kanila kita ko na agad sila kaya ganito din ‘yung ginawang design ng asawa ko. Super happy ako sa outcome,” Annaliza says.

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See the renovation of the third floor below:

The renovation took around four months — with two months spent working on the rooftop and another two months on the complete makeover of the third floor. According to Annaliza, they had to prioritize fixing the roof as leaks often reach the second floor during the rainy season.

Annaliza’s parents used to occupy the third floor before the renovation.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

The couple had to maximize every inch of space so this balcony was revamped into a pantry/kitchen area.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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After the initial work on the balcony, the workers were able to build concrete slabs that will be used as kitchen and pantry counters.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

They had to use cement so that they can install new flooring.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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The couple was able to make the most of every inch of space. They were able to create a dining area and bring in appliances, too.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

What used to be the balcony now serves as a space where the family can prepare food. To prevent clutter, they had cabinets and shelves built as storage.

From balcony to kitchen real quick!
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

The right side functions as a pantry where food and other supplies are stored.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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Annaliza’s father built the loft bed using steel. The area under the sleeping space serves as the living area and play area for the kids.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

Keeping things – including toys – organized is a must in a small space. The living/play area looks cozy, especially at night.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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The wall decals liven up and define the dining area. The chosen print makes up for skipping an actual droplight.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

They planned on creating a separate playroom for the kids, with the living area moonlighting as Joedel’s home office. Since he might have meetings and deadlines, he decided to incorporate a mini office instead to make sure he can focus on work.

The tiny home’s initial design didn’t have an office.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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Joedel’s home office is slightly elevated with ledges where he can put a few of his collectibles on display.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

The short flight of steps leading to Joedel’s office conceals a storage nook where some of their belongings are kept.
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

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The family has their own bathroom, too!
PHOTO BY Courtesy of Annaliza Espinosa

When asked about improving the space further, Annaliza says that she is content with what they were able to accomplish for their mini home. She proves that if you’re comfortable in the space and you have everything you need, you don’t really need a big house.

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