Every home has a story. In Clairemont, San Diego, many houses built in the 1960s and 1970s still carry their original layouts, finishes, and charm—but also their age. These homes often feature closed-off kitchens, low ceilings, small bathrooms, outdated wiring, and worn finishes. For one Clairemont family, their 1970s split-level had served them well for decades, but it was time to transform it into a modern, open, and comfortable home for multigenerational living.
At Sheiner Construction, we were honored to take on this whole-home remodel. In this case study, we’ll share how we approached the project, the challenges we faced, and the solutions that brought a dated home into 2025.
The Starting Point: A 1970s Clairemont Home
The home was structurally sound but aesthetically stuck in the past. Think: dark wood paneling, popcorn ceilings, linoleum flooring, and a small galley kitchen closed off from the living space. Bathrooms were cramped, storage was scarce, and the electrical panel still carried its original 100-amp capacity—far from adequate for today’s appliances and systems.
The homeowners’ goals were clear:
- Open up the living, dining, and kitchen into a great room.
- Modernize bathrooms for comfort and accessibility.
- Upgrade systems—electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—for safety and efficiency.
- Refresh finishes with durable, timeless materials.
- Create a light, airy atmosphere with improved natural light.
Step One: Planning & Permits
Before swinging a hammer, we created a detailed design plan. Because this was a whole-home remodel, we worked closely with the homeowners to:
- Assess structural walls to determine which could be removed or required beams.
- Coordinate with engineers for load calculations.
- Submit permits for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
- Map out a timeline to minimize disruption for the family.
Planning upfront ensured a smoother build and fewer surprises once walls came down.
Opening the Heart of the Home: Kitchen & Living
The kitchen was originally a narrow galley with minimal counter space. We removed two walls to connect it to the living and dining areas, installing a new LVL beam to carry the load. This created an expansive open-concept great room where the family could gather, cook, and entertain.
Kitchen Upgrades
- Cabinetry: Shaker-style white cabinets paired with a walnut island for warmth.
- Countertops: Durable quartz with waterfall edges.
- Appliances: Energy-efficient induction range, panel-ready dishwasher, and built-in refrigerator.
- Lighting: A mix of recessed LED cans, pendants over the island, and under-cabinet lighting.
- Flooring: Wide-plank luxury vinyl flooring, waterproof and scratch-resistant, tying the open space together.
The result was not just a modern kitchen, but the centerpiece of the home.
Bathrooms: From Cramped to Spa-Like
The original bathrooms were small, with builder-grade vanities, fiberglass tubs, and limited storage. We reconfigured layouts to maximize usability.
- Primary Bath: Converted tub into a walk-in shower with frameless glass, porcelain tile, and a built-in bench. Dual vanities with quartz counters improved functionality.
- Hall Bath: Created a kid-friendly tub/shower combo with bright tile and upgraded storage.
- Powder Room: Designed with bold wallpaper and a floating vanity for style.
Every bathroom received proper waterproofing membranes, GFCI protection, and ventilation upgrades, ensuring longevity and code compliance.
Systems & Infrastructure: Safety First
A remodel of this scale isn’t just about finishes—it’s about infrastructure. We:
- Upgraded the electrical panel from 100A to 200A, ready for induction cooking and future EV charging.
- Replaced old galvanized plumbing with PEX for reliability.
- Installed a high-efficiency heat pump HVAC system, improving comfort while lowering utility bills.
- Added new insulation and energy-efficient windows, cutting drafts and improving noise control.
These hidden upgrades add massive value and peace of mind, even if you don’t notice them at first glance.
Modern Finishes & Final Touches
To bring everything together, we layered in modern finishes that felt timeless:
- Smooth-coated walls (goodbye, popcorn ceilings).
- Matte black door hardware and plumbing fixtures.
- Custom built-ins around the fireplace for storage and display.
- Fresh exterior paint and new lighting to boost curb appeal.
The transformation was dramatic: the home now feels open, bright, efficient, and future-ready, while still rooted in Clairemont’s character.
Challenges We Overcame in this House Remodel in Clairemont
No remodel comes without obstacles. In this project, we faced:
- Asbestos in ceiling texture, which required abatement before demolition.
- Uneven slab floors, leveled before flooring installation.
- Delays with permit review, which we navigated through proactive communication with the city.
Because we expected these possibilities, we built contingencies into the budget and timeline, keeping the project on track.
The Result: A Home Ready for the Next 50-100 Years
The homeowners now have a home that works for today’s lifestyle and tomorrow’s needs. Open spaces encourage family connection. Updated bathrooms improve comfort. New systems reduce worry. Energy-efficient choices cut monthly bills. And the home’s modern finishes add both personal enjoyment and market value.
As the family told us during the final walkthrough: “It feels like a completely new house, but it’s still our home.” That’s the heart of what we do at Sheiner Construction.
Conclusion
Clairemont’s 1970s homes are full of potential. With thoughtful planning, expert craftsmanship, and system upgrades, they can transform into modern, efficient, and valuable homes that serve families for decades to come.
At Sheiner Construction, we specialize in turning dated houses into fresh, functional spaces. Whether it’s a whole-home remodel, a kitchen upgrade, or a bathroom transformation, our mission is to combine beauty, durability, and value in every project.
Who We Are
We are Sheiner Construction, a licensed remodeling contractor serving San Diego. Our team focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodels, and ADUs, blending craftsmanship with compliance and modern design. We’re known for transparency, communication, and treating every project as if it were our own home.
If you’re in Clairemont—or anywhere in San Diego—and your home feels stuck in the past, we’d love to help you bring it into the future.