'We bought a 1930s property that was like a dust pit - nine years later we've created our dream family home'

Buying a house that is in need of renovation is not something to be taken lightly. Many homeowners who take on renovation projects can vouch for the amount of time, money and patience it takes - as you'll often come across unprecedented problems that hinder your progress and add to the cost along the way.

Nevertheless, renovating a property can be hugely worthwhile, as not only can you create the home of your dreams, but it can boost your house value when you eventually come to selling it. But, as most homeowners know, it can take years before your vision comes to life - especially if your plans are ambitious.

Kirsty Haslam, 42, has recently finished a huge renovation on her family home in Cheshire after buying it around nine years ago. The mum-of-three from Wiltshire purchased the 1930s three-bed property with her husband back in 2014 and, since then, the pair have worked tirelessly to create their dream six-bed sanctuary - whilst using plenty of DIY, design and upcycling hacks.

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Kirsty spoke to the Manchester Evening News as part of our Where I Live series, where each week we chat to a different homeowner about their buying and renovation journey; whilst looking at how they've transformed their house from start to finish.

After living in a flat in Manchester city centre, the couple decided that they wanted to buy a house, as they planned to start a family. But with no requirements for what style of house they wanted or where they wished to live, they began the house-hunting process with an open mind.

"We owned three flats prior to this and have worked our way up the property