Jaakko and Miia renovate their 1980s home in Remppa vai muutto Suomi

Jaakko and Miia, a young couple residing in a 1980s brick house in Tapanila, Helsinki, committed 185,000 euros to a major home renovation project.

The 30,000-Euro Structural Discovery

The renovation, featured on the final episode of the fourth season of Remppa vai muutto Suomi, initially focused on modernizing the 160-square-meter family home originally built by Jaakko’s grandfather. The couple identified the kitchen and the bathroom as primary targets for improvement. However, lead contractor Pekka Hietala discovered moisture trapped under the floorboards during the early stages of construction. Hietala warned that without extensive repairs, the structural integrity of the house could be compromised to the point of requiring demolition. This unexpected finding increased the total renovation costs by 30,000 euros, a sum the couple ultimately accepted as a necessary investment in the property’s longevity.

Renovation Results in Tapanila

Despite the financial strain caused by the structural issues, the final renovation results impressed the homeowners. The kitchen, which had previously featured original 1980s-era cabinets and a malfunctioning ventilation hood, was completely transformed with modern integrated appliances. Miia described the new space as exceptionally well-designed, specifically praising the induction cooktop with integrated ventilation. The couple expressed similar enthusiasm for the completely remodeled downstairs bathroom, which included a bathtub and a newly designed laundry room, noting it was the most sophisticated bathroom they had ever used.

Renovations Raise Tapanila Property Value to 525,000 Euros

The extensive renovations successfully increased the market value of the Tapanila property to 525,000 euros. Throughout the process, the couple balanced the emotional connection to Jaakko’s family home against the practicalities of maintaining a large house and yard. While they expressed deep satisfaction with the quality of the work completed by interior architect Tero Pennanen, the project highlighted the ongoing maintenance demands that Miia had initially cited as a concern. Ultimately, the couple decided to sell the home rather than move back into it, concluding that the property offered significant value for a future buyer while they explored other housing options that better suited their lifestyle.

Market Realities for Large-Scale Home Improvements

The experience of Jaakko and Miia, who discovered moisture issues during the renovation of their 1980s home, illustrates the challenges owners of aging properties can face.

As Jaakko noted, the home remains a well-built structure, and the improvements have ensured it remains a viable, modern residence for its next occupants.