Evelyn’s kitchen makeover

"Realm gave me peace of mind from day one"

Outgrowing a dated kitchen

Evelyn, a real estate agent in Santa Monica, had been living with a dark, dated 1980s kitchen for years. The wood cabinetry felt heavy, the tile floor was cracked, and the single-pane windows leaked heat in the summer and warmth in the winter.

A friend’s tip about building an ADU sparked an idea: convert their cluttered garage into a livable unit for family or rental income. But they’d never done major construction before and didn’t know where to start.

“I used my kitchen every day, and the flaws started to bother me, cracks in the floor, chipped sink, energy loss from the windows. It was time for a change.”

Past renovations were a headache

Evelyn wasn’t new to home improvement, but her previous projects were stressful. Vetting and selecting contractors took weeks, and she dreaded the back-and-forth of comparing bids and ensuring quality.

Discovering Realm

At a home show in Pasadena, she came across Realm’s booth. She was drawn in by the promise of expert guidance and support throughout the renovation process.

Guidance from start to finish

Realm advisor Charlotte became Evelyn’s go-to partner, helping her:

Vet and select the right contractor who understood her vision and was open to reusing her existing cabinetry.
Coordinate with specialty vendors, including a local California-based window company that met her energy-efficiency goals.
Problem-solve on the fly, ensuring window heights aligned perfectly with new countertops despite installation hiccups.

Making smart design choices

Evelyn’s renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics. By installing double-pane, locally made windows, she reduced energy loss and improved comfort year-round. She also embraced a creative backsplash choice, vinyl beadboard instead of traditional tile, saving thousands in labor and adding a timeless, beach-bungalow charm.

Overcoming challanges

Like any renovation, surprises popped up. Miscommunication with window installers required adjustments, and delays meant waiting several months for certain steps. But with Charlotte’s coordination and her contractor’s network of trusted trades, each obstacle was solved quickly.

The payoff

The finished kitchen is brighter, more open, and energy-efficient. The extended countertops create more workspace, and the refreshed cabinetry feels brand new thanks to expert painting and finishing.From a real estate perspective, Evelyn estimates the $60,000 renovation boosted her home’s value by at least $200,000.

Evelyn’s Advice to Other Homeowners

Choose a contractor you trust and learn who their subcontractors are.
Don’t be afraid to make creative choices that fit your style and budget.
Work with a partner like Realm to save time and reduce stress — Evelyn estimates Realm shaved at least 30 days off her project timeline.ensuring window heights aligned perfectly with new countertops despite installation hiccups.

“Realm gave me peace of mind from day one. I’ve already referred a friend, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”