Rental Property Remodel in Coronado: From DIY Disaster into a Coastal Retreat
Nestled near the sandy shores of Coronado, a home that once turned heads for all the wrong reasons has been reimagined into a modern, inviting retreat.
When the homeowners, a couple from Washington State, purchased this property, it was far from the breezy coastal haven they envisioned. Years of disastrous do-it-yourself projects and an outdated, haphazard hippie aesthetic left the home not only unappealing but also unlivable by modern standards.
The house, although solid in structure, was weighed down by a clash of styles and DIY disasters. A floating floor layered clumsily over existing tile, walls covered in sandpaper-like texture with glued-on flowers, and rooms painted in mismatched colors from purple to blue to rusty red made the house feel like a 1970s time capsule.
Yet the bones were good, and the potential for change was undeniable.
Determined to retire in Coronado in a few years, the couple sought out an experienced general contractor in San Diego to give the house a functional facelift that would appeal to renters now and evolve with their own dreams later. Jeff Seals Remodeling was more than ready to rise to the occasion.
The homeowners’ immediate priority was a rental property remodel– to make the home rental-ready without committing to a full overhaul. We prioritized making smart, thoughtful updates that honored their budget without compromising style or durability. In the kitchen, where we would ordinarily suggest a complete gut, we chose to refresh instead. The team regrouted the existing countertop tile, giving the space a cleaner, more modern look, and salvaged pieces of tile from the old window sills to replace damaged sections. The old cabinetry was sanded down and repainted, bringing cohesion and a contemporary feel without a hefty price tag.
Learn more about Jeff’s kitchen remodeling services.
The theme of repurposing extended into the rest of the home as well. Existing built-in cabinetry from the office was carefully removed and redistributed to add storage in the closets, creating multi-functional storage solutions throughout. This approach saved the homeowners money and added practicality—a win for future renters and the homeowners themselves.
Thoughtful changes didn’t stop at the kitchen or storage. One of the homeowners, who’s notably tall, would have had daily run-ins with the outdated track lighting in the main hallway. Anticipating the homeowners’ eventual move-in and understanding the importance of these personal details, we swapped out the track lighting for sleek can lights, ensuring a comfortable space for the homeowner in the years to come.
Throughout the rental property remodel, Jeff Seals Remodeling happily advised on more economical alternatives, such as swapping the pricey vinyl stair renovation for cost-effective carpeting, a change that saved over $6,000. Similarly, we recommended removing a structurally unsupported spa from the upstairs deck, which would have required significant stabilizing and reinforcement work— a project that wouldn’t pay off in rental income.
Beyond the physical transformation, the relationship with our reliable team was a source of reassurance for this out-of-state client. From assisting with a puzzlingly high water bill caused by overly frequent sprinkler settings to consistently providing design choices that balanced quality with affordability, we did our best to deliver construction expertise and peace of mind.
Today, the house feels clean, inviting, and perfectly suited for beachside living. Luxury plank vinyl now stretches across the floors, welcoming sandy feet and easy cleanups, while the neutral color palette and updated walls bring a calming sense of continuity. A strategic railing installation ensures the staircase is now up to code.
As for the homeowners, they’re thrilled to know that the first phase of their home’s transformation has been a success. With their first tenant now happily settled in and a popular listing for future rentals, the couple looks forward to the next chapter with Jeff Seals Remodeling. For now, they’re content knowing that their Coronado retreat will be waiting, stylishly modernized, for the day they make it their own.
If you need general contracting services in San Diego to transform your house for renters, contact us today!
Related Article: Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeling Contractor