Repurposing Your Home to Create Functional Space

HDR Remodeling’s clients have increasingly come to us with requests to optimize the use of space in their home to improve their home life. They rely on our team for our expertise in technically challenging residential remodel projects and our experience in navigating local permitting processes.

Our philosophy includes utilizing creative design solutions to maximize functionality and joy in the finished project. We’ve recently completed several kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects that reimagined existing and underutilized space in the home to engineer more functional space for these families.

Here are a few examples:

Panama Kitchen, Richmond, California

Our clients have a 1920s Richmond residence and were looking to convert their home’s walled off floor plan—a grouping of small rooms and cramped storage spaces and an outdated kitchen—into an open concept floor plan for entertaining. 

To accomplish this, HDR Remodeling’s Architects planned for the removal of load-bearing walls and planned to fix some existing structural issues. 8’x16’ natural wood beams were installed over the previously existing load-bearing walls to provide support and offer a naturally stunning focal point. The well-appointed chef’s kitchen sits in the heart of this light-filled room, creating a harmonious communal space to spend with family and friends. 

Sacramento Kitchen, Berkeley, California

A timeless kitchen and dining room in this 1930s Berkeley home was expanded into what was once a small underutilized office space. Our team maximized the existing office space, which accommodated for a new ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom and an increased kitchen space.

The new sunny kitchen offers a spacious and functional cooking area centered with Carrera marble countertops atop a dine-in island. Black matte finishes accent provided contrast against an unexpected pop of cabinet color in a wonderful shade of Farrow & Ball “De Nimes” blue. 

Our clients may have lost a cramped underused office, but gained a new master bathroom and a new kitchen floor plan that flowed seamlessly into the formal dining room, perfect for entertaining. 



Chabot Home Remodel, Oakland, California

What began as a window and re-roofing project on a 1920’s Oakland home, transformed into one of the most creative and custom home remodels HDR Remodeling has ever done. 

Our clients invested in their 101 year-old home by borrowing underutilized basement space to add an additional 700 square feet of living space to the home. Nestled below grade, the clients gained a private bedroom suite with direct access to the outdoors. 

Our client’s goal was to create an open concept space. The original layout was broken up and closed off with walls between rooms. We created an archway between the kitchen and dining room that flowed into the living room to open up space and create a seamless flow from one area to the next. WIth all said and done, the home’s interior livable space increased by over 30% without changing its original footprint.

“Our project was quite massive for a relatively small Rockridge home. In 2017, we bought a 2 bed, 1 bathroom, 1500 sqft, split-story home that had significant damage requiring remedy (we were fully aware of upon purchase!). 

“Roughly 1 year later, we moved back into our 3 bed, 2 bath, 1900 sq ft home with the polish and preferences we always dreamed of.”

- Michael R.

Have a challenging home project? Contact us to see what innovative solutions we have for you.