Real home archive
Real homes, real renovation numbers.
Finished kitchens, baths, outdoor rooms, ADUs, driveways, roofs, and hardscape projects with the practical details homeowners need before they plan their own.
The Martinez Family's Kitchen
Seattle (Ballard)
The Martinez family bought their 1958 Ballard craftsman with "everything in working order" according to the inspector — but their 92-sqft galley kitchen was a cramped, dim afterthought. Six months later, after opening the wall to the dining room, adding a 9-foot island, upgrading to semi-custom cabinets, and installing a proper range hood, the kitchen is now the heart of the house. Budget: $142,000, on time and 8% under initial estimate.
Real Projects, Real Homeowners
Every project on this page was built by a Southern California homeowner — no staging, no stock photos. From Pasadena backyards to Irvine pools, these are real transformations with real costs and real contractors.
How to Get Featured
Finished a driveway, deck, turf install, or outdoor kitchen? Submit a photo and a short description. The best projects get featured as our daily spotlight — seen by thousands of homeowners planning their own projects.
Project Types We Cover
Pools & spas, driveways & pavers, artificial turf, hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, ADUs, decks, pergolas, and more. If it improves your outdoor space in SoCal, it belongs here.