From 1970s to Modern House Remodel in Clairemont: Whole-Home Remodel Case Study — Attributed to Sheiner Construction

Back in the 1970s, Clairemont was known for its mid-century single-story ranch homes — simple layouts, low-sloped roofs, and modest square footage. The property in this case study sat on a quiet cul-de-sac, with mature landscaping but outdated everything inside. The home’s original floor plan featured a compartmentalized design: closed-off kitchen, narrow hallways, and a small family room separated from the dining area by a structural wall. This layout was typical of the era but no longer fit the lifestyle of modern homeowners who crave open, bright, and connected living spaces.

The existing materials told their age — aluminum single-pane windows, popcorn ceilings, and thin wall insulation that failed to hold heat during cooler San Diego nights. Electrical systems were still operating on original 1970s wiring, with limited capacity for modern appliances or EV charging. Plumbing had corrosion in the galvanized pipes, and HVAC consisted of a single inefficient furnace. The original roof trusses and foundation were still structurally sound but required reinforcement to meet current California seismic and energy codes.

Neighborhood context played an important role, too. Clairemont, being centrally located between the coast and downtown San Diego, has seen a surge in property value due to modernization projects like this one. Preserving curb appeal while upgrading performance became a key design challenge for Sheiner Construction’s team. The project aimed to respect the community’s architectural roots while delivering a true 21st-century living experience — a balance between nostalgia and innovation that makes this whole home remodel in Clairemont particularly special.

Scope of the House Remodel

This Clairemont remodel wasn’t just about updating finishes — it was a complete reimagining of how the home functioned. The project lead from Sheiner Construction worked closely with both the homeowners and a licensed architect to outline a clear set of goals: open up the living spaces, modernize outdated systems, improve energy efficiency, and add long-term value through structural and aesthetic upgrades. The final vision was to blend California’s light-filled coastal style with a practical, family-friendly layout.

The scope covered every inch of the property — inside and out. Interior walls were reconfigured to create an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area. A small, unused den was converted into a home office, reflecting today’s remote work needs. The outdated bathrooms were gutted and rebuilt with water-saving fixtures and natural stone finishes. In total, the remodel spanned over 1,800 square feet, transforming what was once a dark, enclosed home into a bright, airy, and highly functional space.

Budget-wise, the homeowners set clear priorities. While they wanted premium materials in high-traffic areas, they opted for cost-efficient options elsewhere, guided by the architect’s advice. This value-engineering approach kept the project within realistic financial limits without sacrificing quality. Key program changes included a new roofline extension, the addition of a kitchen island, larger energy-efficient windows, and a complete electrical panel upgrade to handle future solar installation.

Throughout the remodel, Sheiner Construction ensured full compliance with City of San Diego building permits and inspection protocols — a transparency step that builds homeowner trust. The final approved plans, complete with engineer and architect stamps, became the backbone of the remodel, ensuring that every detail was structurally and legally sound.

Structural Upgrades & Engineering with Sheiner Construction

Transforming a 1970s home into a modern, open-concept space is never as simple as knocking down a few walls. The Sheiner Construction structural team, in collaboration with a licensed engineer and project architect, approached this Clairemont remodel with precision. The home’s original load-bearing walls restricted natural flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. To open up the floor plan safely, engineers calculated new load paths and introduced two laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams to redistribute roof and ceiling loads. These beams were installed flush with the ceiling joists, creating a seamless transition that preserved ceiling height while adding significant structural integrity.

The foundation was also inspected and partially retrofitted. Minor cracking along the perimeter stem wall was addressed through epoxy injection and rebar reinforcement, ensuring long-term stability — a must for San Diego’s seismic zone requirements. Where new posts were added, Simpson Strong-Tie connectors were used for maximum uplift resistance. The remodel also replaced older roof trusses with energy-rated, pre-engineered trusses to accommodate skylights and solar-ready mounting systems.

Architectural and engineering callouts were included directly in the stamped construction plans. Each major structural change — from new header placements to the relocation of the kitchen plumbing stack — was meticulously documented and approved by both city inspectors and the project engineer. (In the full article, we’d insert screenshots of key stamped plan excerpts to show transparency and technical rigor.)

The collaboration between Sheiner Construction and the design team was a standout element of this whole home remodel in Clairemont. Their integrated workflow meant every beam, footing, and shear wall served both functional and aesthetic goals. This structural backbone set the stage for the next phase: bringing energy efficiency and modern comfort to every corner of the home.

Energy & Electrical Modernization for This House Remodel in Clairemont

Upgrading a 1970s Clairemont home to meet modern efficiency standards required a full overhaul of its energy and electrical systems. The project’s engineering team approached this phase with a “future-proof” mindset — designing a system that not only met current California Title 24 requirements but also positioned the home for future sustainability upgrades like solar panels and smart home integration.

The original HVAC system was replaced with a high-efficiency heat pump and ductwork redesigned to ensure balanced air distribution. All exterior walls and attic spaces were reinsulated with closed-cell spray foam, which drastically reduced heat loss and outside noise. The result? A more consistent indoor climate and up to a 35% reduction in monthly utility bills. Low-E dual-pane windows replaced the old aluminum ones, boosting comfort while filtering UV rays that fade flooring and furniture.

Electrical modernization was just as transformative. The team installed a 200-amp electrical panel, rewired every circuit to meet modern load requirements, and added dedicated lines for kitchen appliances, EV charging, and future solar battery storage. Dimmable LED lighting and smart switches throughout the home provided both energy savings and convenience.

The project also embraced sustainability beyond code compliance. Sheiner Construction partnered with the homeowners to incorporate Energy Star–rated appliances and a tankless water heater, contributing to a greener footprint. The lighting design — a collaboration between the architect and interior designer — emphasized natural daylighting, strategically placing skylights and recessed fixtures to minimize artificial light use during the day.

Every step of this whole home remodel in Clairemont showcased how smart design and technology can transform an aging property into a high-performance home. The electrical and energy upgrades didn’t just improve comfort — they future-proofed the residence for decades to come.

Before & After + Floor Plan Changes (Infographic Section)

Few things capture the impact of a remodel like seeing the transformation side by side. This Clairemont home’s “before and after” tells a story of space reclaimed, light discovered, and function redefined. The original 1970s floor plan was tight and segmented, with a galley kitchen boxed in by load-bearing walls and minimal connection to the living or dining spaces. After the remodel, those boundaries disappeared, replaced by an open-concept layout that flows effortlessly from the entryway to the kitchen island and beyond to the patio.

Here’s a quick visual summary (as an infographic-style breakdown):

🏚️ Before:

Closed-off kitchen with limited counter space and poor natural light
Small family room disconnected from dining area
Narrow hallway with low, textured ceilings
Aluminum single-pane windows and outdated electrical outlets
Inefficient HVAC placement leading to hot and cold zones
Limited storage and awkward traffic flow between rooms

🏡 After:

Open-concept floor plan with engineered LVL beams supporting a unified living area
Custom-built kitchen island with quartz countertops and under-cabinet lighting
Raised ceilings with smooth finishes and LED recessed lighting
Large Low-E windows and French doors opening to a new patio space
Redesigned HVAC zoning and smart thermostat control
Built-in storage wall and hidden laundry nook integrated into hallway
Neutral color palette and natural materials connecting all spaces visually

Architecturally, the updated floor plan increased usable living space by nearly 300 square feet without adding new square footage — achieved through better flow and efficient design. The kitchen now anchors the home as a social hub, framed by sightlines to the living room and backyard.

Remodeling Permits, Inspections & Documentation in San Diego

Behind every successful remodel lies a meticulous paper trail — and this whole home remodel in Clairemont was no exception. Sheiner Construction prioritized transparency and compliance at every step, ensuring the project met (and often exceeded) the City of San Diego’s building standards. All work was performed under approved permits, including those for structural modifications, electrical rewiring, and HVAC replacement. The official documentation was cross-checked against inspection reports to guarantee every milestone — from framing to final — passed without exception.

To build homeowner trust, Sheiner Construction provided direct access to copies of the permit records and inspection sign-offs, linked to the City of San Diego’s online portal The architect and structural engineer’s stamped plans were also archived digitally, allowing future homeowners or appraisers to verify compliance. This level of transparency is a rare but essential trust factor that enhances both credibility and long-term property value.

Project Lead Quote:

“Our mission was to honor the original spirit of the home while elevating its comfort, safety, and energy performance to modern standards,” says [Project Lead Name], Senior Project Manager at Sheiner Construction. “Every beam, every outlet, and every design decision went through our quality checklist — because we treat every home as if it were our own.”

Homeowner Testimonial:

“We were nervous about taking on a full remodel, but Sheiner Construction made it feel effortless. From the first permit to the final inspection, everything was transparent and professional. We can’t believe it’s the same house — it finally feels like home again.”

CONCLUSION

From outdated 1970s ranch to sleek, energy-efficient showpiece, this whole home remodel in Clairemont is a masterclass in blending craftsmanship with modern innovation. What began as a compartmentalized, dimly lit house now shines as an open, connected, and future-ready home — one that reflects both the homeowners’ lifestyle and the best of contemporary design.

Sheiner Construction and their design team didn’t just renovate; they re-engineered the home from the ground up. Structural reinforcements made the open layout possible without sacrificing safety. Advanced insulation, HVAC, and smart electrical systems turned the home into a model of sustainability. Even more impressive is how every change — from the kitchen island to the solar-ready roof — was executed with a deep respect for the home’s original charm and Clairemont’s mid-century character.

Beyond aesthetics and performance, the remodel set a new standard for transparency and trust. By openly sharing stamped plans, inspection approvals, and energy upgrade documentation, Sheiner Construction demonstrated their commitment to quality and accountability. This not only reassures homeowners but also signals to potential clients that every Sheiner Construction Clairemont remodel is handled with the same care and professionalism.

In the end, this project is more than just a case study — it’s a reminder that homes evolve just like the people who live in them. With thoughtful design, precise engineering, and a dedication to sustainability, even a 1970s relic can become a modern sanctuary built to last for generations.