Maribelle is a mom who leads with purpose — prioritizing wellness, relationships, and a home that supports both. With over 3,000 square feet to manage in Castro Valley, she brought in Actualize to handle the details, so she could stay focused on what matters most.
The first project we collaborated on with Maribelle was transforming a space that used to function as a storage room that looked like a man cave. The space had green wallpapered walls, a bar, and a hockey table. It was a leftover space that just didn’t align with the life Maribelle was building.
Her goal was to convert the space to a rental unit, provide housing opportunity and be able to grow her retirement fund.
She had previously hired a construction company to take this vision forward, but they fell short — even struggling to get the permit fully approved. Actualize stepped in, not just to take over the project, but to help her recover what she had lost. We successfully helped Maribelle get a refund from the first company for both the design and permitting fees she had prepaid.
With that reset, we got to work: we fully permitted the space –
converted the existing half bath into a full bathroom,
and added a washer and dryer closet, as well as a clean, L-shaped kitchen layout. We recommended tenant-friendly Hampton Bay shaker cabinets and Lifeproof’s LVP flooring from Home Depot— they’re cost-effective and durable.Â
We turned the old man cave into an 850 sq ft 1-bedroom JADU — smart, efficient, and rental-ready.
Maribelle’s choices always come back to what makes sense — financially, functionally, and for the life she envisions. Every decision she made, from the layout to the finishes, reflects a clear plan: to create a rental that supports her future without compromising on quality.Â
After construction wrapped, we helped Maribelle find the right long-term tenant. It took two months and countless inquiries since we had a clear set of criteria but it was definitely worth the wait!Â
Maribelle didn’t stop there. She asked us to expand the scope to include updates to her own living space.
We refreshed the interior with new paint, updated the light fixtures, and thoughtfully rearranged her furniture. Little by little, her home began to reflect her evolving vision.
Now, she often tells us how much she loves the way her home feels — calm, warm, and completely in tune with her vibe.
She even started hanging her own artwork on the walls, adding a personal touch to every corner. It means so much to us when Maribelle shares that happiness.
Supporting Maribelle in growing her retirement fund and helping her feel truly at home? That’s exactly why we do what we do.
