7 Tips for your Whole House Renovation in San Diego

Renovating a whole house in San Diego is no small feat. With year round sunshine, diverse architecture and a hot housing market. It requires thoughtful planning, expert support and a clear vision. In this guide we’ll walk you through 7 smart renovation tips to help you plan, budget and design a successful full home remodel, all by Bessell Design.

1. Start with a Clear Vision & Goal

Every successful home renovation starts with a clear vision. Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this remodel? Are you modernizing your space for personal comfort, preparing to sell or expanding your home for your growing family? Once you know the “why” it’s easier to figure out the “how”.

Create a mood board with styles, colors and layouts that inspire you. Whether you’re looking for an open concept kitchen, a full Living Room Remodel or a floor plan overhaul, documenting your style helps align your vision with your contractors.

Tip: If you need inspiration check out our Gallery to see how other San Diego homeowners transformed their homes.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

San Diego home renovation costs can vary greatly depending on the age of your home, the extent of changes and your desired finishes. On average whole house renovation projects in San Diego range from $100 to $300 per square foot.

Don’t forget to include costs like permits, design fees, temporary housing and a 10-20% contingency buffer for unexpected issues. Investing in quality materials and experienced contractors often means fewer problems down the line.

For help with budgeting your remodel check out our Services to learn what’s included and how we structure our project costs.

3. Hire the Right Professionals

A whole house renovation isn’t a DIY job – it requires collaboration with skilled professionals. Start with a licensed general contractor who knows San Diego’s building codes and has experience with modern and historic home remodeling.

At Bessell Design our in-house team specializes in design-build remodeling, Landscape Architecture and Furniture Design so we can deliver cohesive, customized results from start to finish.

If you’re not sure where to start check out our About Us page to learn more about our background, philosophy and award winning team.

4. Prioritize Structural & Systems Upgrades

Before you get to the fun stuff, take a close look at your home’s bones. Older homes in areas like Bankers Hill may have aging plumbing, electrical systems or foundations that need attention before you can move forward.

Consider having a professional inspection before your renovation begins. Upgrades to your HVAC, insulation or roof not only improve comfort and safety but also increase your home’s energy efficiency and long term value.

We feature some of our structural upgrade work in our Projects – take a look to see how form and function come together.

5. Design with San Diego in Mind

San Diego homeowners love indoor-outdoor living. Think open floor plans, oversized windows, bi-fold doors and backyard patios that blend seamlessly with your interior spaces. Prioritize design choices that maximize natural light, coastal breezes and curb appeal.

Incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy efficient upgrades like solar panels, smart thermostats or tankless water heaters. These are especially valuable in neighborhoods like Kensington and Coronado where modern updates are in high demand.

Looking for local inspiration? Check out our work across various Service Areas to see how we’ve customized homes for different San Diego lifestyles.

6. Know Your Permits & Local Regulations

Each neighborhood in San Diego has its own permitting rules especially for older homes and historic districts. Getting the right permits is key.

Work with a contractor who knows the city regulations to avoid delays, fines or red tape. Permit timelines can vary but experienced professionals can often speed up the process.

Our seasoned team at Bessell Design navigates this process for you – one of many reasons clients throughout San Diego choose us for complex renovations.

7. Be Prepared for Surprises

Even with the best planning, surprises happen. Dry rot, outdated wiring, asbestos and pest damage are common issues in older San Diego homes. Build flexibility into your schedule and budget to avoid unnecessary stress.

Keep communication open with your contractor and ask for weekly updates. Contingency planning ensures you stay on track even when the unexpected occurs.

If you’re renovating in areas like Bankers Hill or Bay Park, experience makes all the difference. Our Projects show how we’ve handled surprises while keeping timelines and quality intact.

Let Bessell Design Help You Renovate with Confidence

Renovate your whole house in San Diego and get the home you’ve always wanted. From space planning to finish selection our team at Bessell Design is client focused on every remodel.

Whether you’re reimagining a bungalow in Kensington or a coastal estate in Coronado we’re here to guide you through the process – every step of the way. Contact us today!