Client Success Story
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel for Aging in Place · San Diego, CA
Ron and Christine first came to Lars with an ADU idea. They were exploring whether a backyard unit could create more flexibility for the future, but as the team listened, the real priority became clearer: their main home needed to work better for daily life. The kitchen and living room felt dark and divided, and the home’s only small bathroom no longer matched the comfort, access, and long-term usability they wanted.
Because both Ron and Christine work in healthcare, aging-in-place was a meaningful part of the conversation from the start. They were not looking for a remodel that felt clinical or purely practical. They wanted to age in place gracefully, with a brighter kitchen for gathering, a more connected living area, and a primary bathroom that could support independence, comfort, and ease over time.
The final direction brought those priorities together: open the heart of the home, improve the flow of the kitchen and living room, and create a primary suite experience with thoughtful accessibility built in. What began as a question about adding space became a more personal answer about living better in the home they already loved.
|
“These renderings are great and they will really help us visualize what the project will look like.” — Christine, during design development |
The remodel focused on the spaces that would most improve everyday life: a brighter, more open kitchen and living area, plus a primary bathroom designed for comfort, access, and aging-in-place gracefully.
Together, these changes turned a dark, compartmentalized home into a more connected, accessible, and personal place to live, host, and move through with confidence.
Ron and Christine found Lars through Google Search while researching what was possible for an ADU and larger home improvements. Their search began with a specific idea, but the process quickly became a broader conversation about how their home could support the next stage of life.
That first search mattered because it connected them with a design-build team that could help them evaluate possibilities instead of forcing a premature decision. From the early consultation through showroom exploration, Lars helped turn a wide-open question into a clear and buildable plan.
The project moved from an initial ADU inquiry into a focused remodel through a structured, step-by-step process that gave Ron and Christine confidence at each decision point.
Case Study
Ron and Christine first reached out after searching online, initially exploring an ADU and broader options for making their home work better for the future.
The Lars team documented the home, discussed two possible project paths, and invited them into the showroom to explore ideas and gain clarity.
The homeowners committed to the design process so the team could study the possibilities carefully instead of asking them to make a major decision on guesswork.
The project focus sharpened around opening the kitchen and living area, improving daily function, and creating a primary bathroom suited for aging-in-place.
Permit approval moved the project closer to construction while Lars coordinated the details behind the scenes.
A project manager introduction and pre-construction meeting helped Ron and Christine understand what to expect before the build phase began.
Construction transformed the kitchen, living area, and primary bathroom, including a field discovery where the team corrected missing structural support behind the opened wall.
The final inspection, photography, and closing meeting marked the completion of a home designed for brighter daily living and long-term confidence.
Ron and Christine came to Lars with an ADU idea, but the early conversations revealed a deeper need: they wanted their existing home to work better for the way they live now and the way they expect to live in the future. The discovery process captured the emotional brief beneath the room list: a brighter kitchen and living area, a more functional primary suite, and a bathroom designed for aging-in-place without feeling clinical.
Their showroom visit became a turning point. They were considering multiple directions, and Lars helped them slow the decision down, see examples, review possibilities, and understand what each path would mean. Renderings later became another confidence-builder; Christine said they would “really help us decide,” showing how visual tools made the design process less abstract and more reassuring.
The project required architecture, design, selections, permitting, construction planning, trade coordination, and project management to move together. Lars kept those pieces connected through formal scope review, selections meetings, permit planning, the project manager introduction, and closeout communication. When a missing structural post was discovered during demolition, the team absorbed the complexity, corrected the condition, and kept the project moving safely.
Because both homeowners work in healthcare, long-term accessibility was not an afterthought. The bathroom included a no-threshold shower, a generous opening, wider access, future grab-bar blocking, reinforced wall areas, and a pocket door to reduce swing conflicts. The result supports future mobility needs while still feeling like a warm, custom primary suite.
The finished design responded to everyday routines: a brighter kitchen for cooking and hosting, better flow between kitchen and living room, a special wine-storage solution near the refrigerator, and exterior bathroom access for Ron after surfing or biking. Even small decisions, like preserving room for Shasta and making the shower feel spacious, helped the home feel personal rather than generic.
Ron and Christine first came to Lars wondering whether an ADU was the right next step. What they discovered was something more personal: the home they already loved could be opened, brightened, and reimagined to support the way they live now — and the way they want to live for years to come.
Today, their kitchen and living room feel more connected. Their primary bathroom is spacious, accessible, and designed for aging-in-place gracefully. And the home they built a life in now gives them more comfort, confidence, and ease for the future ahead.
If Ron and Christine’s story resonates with you — the idea of making your home work better for the life you’re still building — we’d love to hear yours. Whether you’re planning for aging-in-place, opening up your kitchen, rethinking your bathroom, or simply wondering what’s possible, Lars offers a complimentary in-home Design Consultation with no obligation.
We’ll come to you, listen first, and help you understand the best path forward before you commit to anything. Just like we did for Ron and Christine.
Client Success Story SPENCER & ADIAHA Kitchen & Powder Bath Remodel • Rancho Santa Fe, CA 2 Spaces Transformed 15 Months Total Build Time KITCHEN & BATH Project Type HOME SHOW EVENT How They Found Us Their Story Spencer and Adiaha Donkin came to Lars with a clear sense that the heart of their Rancho […]
TL;DR: Planning and designing a multi-generational home requires balancing privacy, flexibility, and connection for every family member. This guide explores how thoughtful floor plans, separate entrances, and adaptable living spaces can help multiple generations live comfortably together. Key Takeaways: Successful multigenerational home designs prioritize communal living spaces and yet include more private areas for independent […]
How Much Does a Whole-Home Remodel Cost in San Diego? TL;DR: Curious about whole home remodel cost in San Diego? This guide explains what impacts pricing, whether luxury remodeling is worth the investment, and how thoughtful home renovations can improve both lifestyle and long-term value. Key Takeaways: The whole house remodel cost depends on size, […]
See What People Are Saying About Us
What should I expect from a custom home remodel?
When you decide to remodel your home in San Diego, count on our team of experienced builders and talented home design contractors to handle every stage of the design-build process diligently and professionally. We apply a wide range of skills to transform your living space with style and precision:
How long should my whole home remodeling project take?
We’ll discuss the length of your project during an initial consultation. Although the scope of a project will determine its length, we can provide you with an approximate estimate early on.
For more information, get in touch with our home remodeling contractors in San Diego. We’ll ask you a series of detailed questions about the upcoming home remodel, which will help us prepare a preliminary estimate.
How much should I budget for home remodeling?
It’s the complexity of each remodel, as well as the desired goals and needs of each client, that makes each project unique. Besides the type and size of your home improvement in San Diego, the cost of materials needed plays a key role in setting up the budget.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions regarding the final costs of the project and consult with our experts directly. Our home design contractors will be happy to answer all of them and provide you with a more accurate estimate.
What should I know before adding on to my house?
Before adding a room addition to your San Diego property, conduct a thorough inspection of your home and clarify your objectives:
Finally, you should know who to turn to for advanced assistance. Luckily, there’s a reputable local company serving San Diego communities. We at Lars Remodeling & Design would be happy to offer a detailed outline of the key aspects of your project.
Is it safe to live in a house while renovating?
For substantial additions or major renovations, it might be a good idea to think about staying somewhere else. To stick to your budget, you could stay with friends or family, or rent a place nearby so you can easily keep an eye on the remodeling progress. As experienced remodeling contractors, we’re eager to learn more about your project and explore all your options with you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Is renovating an old house worth it?
Absolutely. However, the value of such a renovation largely depends on factors like the property’s location, the extent of work required, and the current market conditions. For any home design or design-build project, it’s advisable to consult directly with our experienced contractors. We’ll access your San Diego residence to identify the type of remodel that would offer you the best return on investment.
