When Denis invited Actualize into his family home on Madeline Street in Oakland, we knew this was no ordinary renovation. This was a place filled with history—where Denis grew up and where every corner holds a personal story.
Previously a rental, the kitchen and bathroom both needed care. Our focus was to renovate these spaces with the attention they deserved, preparing the home for its next chapter.
Project goal: Restore with TLC
From day one, Katy and Katie of California 24 were more than listing agents—they were essential collaborators. Their insight contributed not only to the successful $1,111,000 sale—$116K over asking—but also to shaping the home’s transformation.
Throughout the process, we held several on-site huddles with Denis, listening closely, asking intentional questions, and aligning on Katy & Katie and Actualize’s recommendations. Each walkthrough became a design dialogue where choices—from layout to materials—were guided by both livability and market appeal.
Here’s a glimpse of how the process unfolded, using the kitchen as an example (played at 1.5x speed).
From early conversations…
to layout sketches…
and material selections…
Once Denis gave his approval, we moved forward—ordering materials and managing installation to bring the vision to life, step by step.
This guided approach carried through the entire scope: remodeling the kitchen, retiling the bathroom, installing new insulation and drywall, finishing with a smooth, modern texture, and painting the exterior and garage. In addition, Denis installed solar panels, replaced worn hardwood floors, and upgraded the HVAC and water heater. Plumbing and electrical systems were modernized, and high-quality appliances were added. Outside, the yard was refreshed with native plants, new sod, and a serene patio tucked beneath the trees. Even the garage was updated with EV readiness, rounding out the modern enhancements.
Working with Denis was a true pleasure. Though he wasn’t moving back in, he approached the home with care and dedication, investing fully in every detail. For Actualize, partnering with someone so engaged and purposeful made this project especially rewarding. The six-month timeline reflects a shared commitment to quality over speed. 3136 Madeline Street wasn’t treated as a flip—it was a respectful reimagining of a home with deep roots, prepared for its next chapter.
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