Tim Seggerman, an architect and builder, found this abandoned Brooklyn home in 1987 when it was put up for auction and ended at a price of $140,000.
It had been left abandoned for 20 years and was in complete shambles. But since he is a carpenter and builder he knew he could fix it.
To buy it he needed to put 10% down ($14,000) which was his entire life savings at the time. Boldly, he went for it anyway. From 1987 until today the house has made quite the comeback thanks to Tim’s ingenuity.
One of the interesting things to learn from Seggerman and his Brooklyn house project is how his home has evolved over the years just as he has. His house is always changing with him according to his needs.
Even though this isn’t a tiny house, I believe you’ll enjoy and learn a lot from this project (and video) below.
Man Rehabilitates Abandoned Brooklyn Home

Images © Faircompanies













Images © Faircompanies
Video: Man’s Brooklyn Home Grows Wiser with Him
Resources
Related: 240 Sq. Ft. Micro Apartment in NYC with Book Library Designed by Tim Seggerman
Our big thanks to Kirsten Dirksen and Nicolás Boullosa of Faircompanies for this inspiring story!
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Alex
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I love this story!! What an amazing renovation, and what a beautiful family to enjoy it. Great job! All the best to you!
I love the shoji door and the slatted drawers. Definitely some good small house ideas here.
I spent too much time dusting books and moving them was a heavy weight, too. So, I sold all but a shelf or two (tucked out of sight and away from dust in an Ikea 3′ tall book shelf/Cabinet) And I made enough money to buy a good, used car. Now, I am an avid supporter of my local library where I can rent new DVD movies for one week free, read all the books I want for free and they do all the dusting for me. Less housework, no money spent, and no clutter. Win/win/win.