DESIGN BLOG
Renovation Survival Guide: Prepare for Ups, Downs, and Everything In Between
Are you ready to start a renovation? Take a deep breath. This journey will have its ups and downs, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for your home.
We’re here to make sure you get through it with your sanity intact, your budget in check, and a home that feels just right for you.
But before diving in, let’s talk about why it’s worth it: whether it's more space for your family, a layout that finally works, or a design that reflects your style, the end result is a home you’ll truly love living in.
So, let’s get real about what’s going to keep you grounded, how to manage the costs, and how to navigate the process with ease.
Prepare for a (Tiny) Rollercoaster
Renovating your home isn’t just a construction—it’s deeply personal. You’re not just reshaping your space; you’re redefining how you’ll live in it. And that kind of change? It can stir up a whole lot of emotions.
Here’s what you can expect:
Excitement: In the beginning, everything feels new and thrilling. You’re choosing finishes, envisioning the final space, and imagining how it’ll all come together. But it’s important to remember that excitement can come with a dose of reality, some of those beautiful choices may come with a bigger price tag than you anticipated.
Frustration: Then come the rough days. Maybe an unexpected plumbing issue eats into your contingency fund, or material delays push back your timeline. Renovations are rarely smooth sailing. The key is staying flexible and adjusting your plan without feeling overwhelmed.
Relief and Joy: Finally, when the dust settles (both literally and figuratively), your vision is realized, and the sense of accomplishment makes every frustration worth it.
Knowing these emotional and financial highs and lows helps you stay grounded during the process. Renovations are inherently messy and costly, but understanding and planning for this upfront makes a world of difference.
Staircase: In Progress
Staircase: After
Emotions Matter…
Emotions influence your decision-making. When stress builds up—like when a surprise plumbing issue throws your kitchen renovation off track—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even regret starting the project. But by preparing emotionally and setting expectations early on, you can make decisions with a clear head instead of reacting to the chaos.
Our advice:
Plan with clarity (and contingency): We help you develop a clear design and financial roadmap from the start. Expect the unexpected by building in a 10-20% contingency to cover surprise costs without derailing your vision. When surprises pop up (and they will), you’ll have the resources to handle them.
Stay connected: Open communication throughout the project helps minimize surprises. We’ll keep you updated about the progress and any changes that could impact both the timeline and the budget. This keeps you in control and prevents costs from spiraling out of hand.
Focus on progress, not perfection: Renovations rarely go exactly as planned—especially in the Bay Area, where labor and materials can be expensive. What’s important is moving forward, even when costs shift slightly. With a flexible approach, you’ll end up with a space that’s worth every penny.
When you’re in the thick of the renovation, remember that the end goal is what matters. The stress and delays will fade, and what you’ll be left with is a space that feels just right for you. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
Balancing Your Vision with Reality
Now, let’s get real about the numbers. We can’t avoid it—renovations are a major investment, and they don’t just reshape your home; they reshape how you live in it. So yes, talking money can feel daunting, but the payoff is worth it when done right.
In the Bay Area, where construction costs are high due to skilled labor shortages, expensive materials, and long permitting processes, your dollars need to be working wisely. But the good news? Planning smartly from the start helps you avoid those unwelcome surprises. Knowing where to spend and where to save is key.
It’s industry standard for renovation projects to cost more than initially estimated—especially in San Francisco, where everything from permits to materials tends to come at a premium. That’s where we come in. We’ll guide you through the tricky decisions, helping you understand where it’s worth splurging and where you can scale back without sacrificing the overall vision.
Let’s paint a common scenario: You’re dreaming of an open-concept living space with high-end finishes, but as the budget starts to stretch, it’s time to prioritize.
We help you focus on the upgrades that make the most impact—like custom cabinetry or quality flooring—while finding more affordable options for less visible areas. With smart choices, you’ll still get the polished, high-end look you want without breaking the bank.
Here’s the strategy: We’ll ask the important questions. Do you really need those imported Italian tiles, or can a well-crafted, affordable alternative deliver the same aesthetic impact? Does it make sense to splurge on appliances that will last a decade or more? We’ll balance your wishlist with reality and ensure that every dollar counts.
Embracing Chaos, But Staying in Control
Let’s be real: renovations—especially in San Francisco—come with chaos. One of the biggest misconceptions is that detailed planning eliminates all obstacles.
The truth? Delays are inevitable, particularly in the Bay Area, where permitting regulations can stretch timelines far beyond expectations.
You’ll also face supply chain disruptions—those custom cabinets might not arrive exactly when planned. But that’s why you hire professionals who know how to navigate these complexities and keep the project on track, even when things go sideways.
Navigating Permitting in San Francisco
What helps? We recommend starting the permitting process as early as possible, sometimes even before the final design is set. By keeping a close eye on the process and maintaining proactive communication with local agencies, we avoid unnecessary bottlenecks and move things forward more efficiently.
Permitting delays are one of the biggest hurdles in SF. The city’s regulations are notoriously complex, and securing approvals can take months, especially for homes with historical elements or major structural changes. This is often one of the biggest sources of stress and delay for homeowners.
Living Through the Renovation: It's No Small Feat
Living through a renovation is tough, especially in space-limited San Francisco homes. While some contractors allow it, the disruption is significant, particularly for families with kids or pets. We generally don’t recommend it. Ultimately, whether you stay or relocate is a decision that needs to be carefully considered with your contractor, keeping in mind the disruption to your routines and the safety of everyone in the home.
Common issue:
Permitting delays and logistical challenges with living arrangements. When SF permits drag on due to local regulations, we work to stay proactive and keep the project moving. If you’re living in the home during the renovation, it can get tricky, especially in smaller city homes. We make sure you have access to essential areas like a bathroom or a temporary kitchen to keep things running smoothly.
For major renovations, securing temporary housing early is key. SF’s rental market is competitive, and it can take time to find short-term options that work for you and your family, so this should be part of your early planning.
Our Advice for Staying Ahead of the Chaos
Expect delays: In San Francisco, it’s not unusual for projects to take 20% longer than initially planned due to permitting and supply chain factors. Build in extra time at the outset so that delays don’t feel like a crisis when they happen.
Stay proactive: Permitting is one of the biggest culprits for delays, but we stay on top of the process, communicating with officials and keeping approvals moving. Our deep experience with SF’s unique regulations gives us a distinct advantage in navigating these challenges.
Plan for temporary living: For larger projects, plan ahead for where you’ll live during construction. We’ll work with you to ensure your daily life is minimally disrupted, whether you’re staying in the home or moving out temporarily.
The Upside: Creating Your Dream Home
Despite the challenges, the best part of any renovation is the transformation. In the end, your home will be more than just a space, it will be a reflection of how you live, tailored to your needs and style.
Yes, there will be emotional highs and lows, unexpected costs, and logistical headaches. But with the right team by your side, every step, no matter how challenging, brings you closer to a home you’ll love for years to come.
At Studio Maven, we don’t just design spaces; we build lasting partnerships with our clients. Our role isn’t just to create something beautiful—it’s to ensure the experience is smooth and enjoyable. When the dust settles, you’ll have a space that feels like home.
Project Spotlight: Revival on Haight
Sustainability, Technology, and Three Generations Meet on the “Wiggle…”
This project was a collaboration between our principal Architect and her husband. The goal with this renovation was to create a multi-generational home with an expanded footprint. Accessibility and independent spaces were a big priority.
Since the home is located in a significant historic district, the city’s process required them to keep the original façade of the home. For the rear of the home, they decided a more modern home was a much better fit.
The upstairs living space was originally laid out with the living room at the front of the home and a bedroom & bathroom at the rear. We flipped the orientation to get the western light for the shared living space and make it accessible from the downstairs suite.
The lemon yellow front door opens up into a bright vaulted hallway where the original hand-cut redwood ceiling joists are exposed. Walking through the corridor past the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms, you end up in the great room of the house.
An oversized skylight washes the kitchen in light and the stacked staircase connects the room to both the upstairs roof deck and the downstairs.
The dining room is perched at the rear of the home. It showcases a huge sliding pocket door that opens up to a Juliet balcony with custom metal fabricated railing.
Adding a roof deck at the rear of the house retained the historic front façade and allowed for additional hosting space during parties. The parapet of the roof deck (clad in dark Shou Sugi Ban siding) blocks much of the San Francisco winds. The heated furniture from Galanter & Jones provides warmth for evening gatherings.
Repurposing the original house, we built a series of outside tables and benches with the salvaged wood, which are now the gathering tables.
The entire backyard is fed by greywater from their bathroom sinks and showers, sustaining a lush and low-maintenance meadow-lawn of native California grasses.
We also built a small office shed in the backyard, with leftover materials from the renovation. Using salvaged doors and windows to create the Studio Maven home office.
See the complete project here. Interested in your own renovation?
Feel free to contact us at hello@studiomaven.com or 415-494-8255.
Photographer: Cesar Rubio
Project Spotlight: Urban Homestead
California Bungalow Renovation in the South Bay…
Simple changes can have the biggest impact, and when it comes to renovating a home with a history, understanding the original architectural style is paramount.
Nestled under an old Acacia tree on a quiet corner near downtown Mountain View, the bright yellow exterior and shady front porch of a sweet 1920 California bungalow caught our client's eye. However, its postage-sized backyard and a meandering front yard felt underutilized and disconnected from the house, the existing bedrooms were small, and the placement of the back door created a too-busy path through the kitchen.
The couple wanted to live in the Bay Area long-term, but also knew that as their lifestyle needs changed over the years, they would need to upgrade the home for longevity, beauty, and comfort. Our design approach begins with getting to know the people, and digging deep to really understand how their home needs to function now and into the future.
We removed the existing dining room windows to make way for a new outdoor connection with gorgeous French doors, and now the owners can make use of their lovely corner yard.
We created a small porch for outdoor cooking that connects to the shaded patio so family and friends have outdoor space to gather year ‘round, taking advantage of the temperate Silicon Valley climate.
We rethought and reconfigured the back of the house to allow for a primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Now the warm-toned, light-filled space opens onto the new back patio with beautiful views of the garden outside.
By repositioning the kitchen and adding an island, we created more of an intimate and dedicated space for whipping up creative recipes in the kitchen, a beloved pastime for the homeowners, while still allowing easy passage to the relocated backdoor and adjacent sunroom.
Throughout the design process, we kept the character of this charming 1920 California bungalow top of mind to ensure that the renovation felt true to the character of the house. Attention to detail and warm finishes give the home—including the new spaces—an air of permanence, as though they had always been there.
Interested in your own ADU or renovation?
Feel free to contact us at hello@studiomaven.com or 415-494-8255.
Photographer: Gillian Walsworth
Ask Audrey: Women in Architecture Q&A
What it boils down to for me, is that being a female architect is more about how others perceive me. It's less about how I perceive myself. I am always reminded of this scrutiny while in the field, in the office, or interacting with a client. My interactions might be interpreted in a certain way because I am a woman - good, bad or otherwise.
What does it mean to be a female in architecture?
What a question! For me, a female in architecture is a paradox. It's a title that I routinely forget about having because I don't equate my competency to my gender. At the same time, it's a badge that I fight to have, in every interaction, am proud to wear, and will never, ever forget.
What it boils down to for me, is that being a female architect is more about how others perceive me. It's less about how I perceive myself. I am always reminded of this scrutiny while in the field, in the office, or interacting with a client. My interactions might be interpreted in a certain way because I am a woman - good, bad or otherwise.
What has your experience working in the industry been like so far? Why do you think there are less women than men?
In many of my jobs, prior to starting my own firm, I was made to feel “small” in some way or another - physical, verbal, or emotional. Dealing with uncomfortable (or worse yet, compromising) situations is also difficult. That’s no way for anyone to work or succeed in their craft. All the subtle & overt comments become exhausting.
I’ve had plenty of women bosses, supervisors, and mentors- and my experience has varied widely. I had one boss that was merely playing the part of Woman Architect, she claimed to support women in architecture and then routinely made decisions that would suggest otherwise. I had another supervisor that had a much more democratic approach and did offer sincere support. However, she offered it to anyone, and I quickly realized that if I were to have kids while there, I would get passed up by my male peers. Another firm loudly claimed to support women. My female mentor there was the best in our office. While hiring a new grad, he was offered the same salary as her. They apologized and adjusted the salaries of those involved, but knowing what a discrepancy there was made me deeply doubt that they would ever truly value a woman in the same position.
For all of those reasons, I can see why women don’t pursue careers in our field after school. And as a white woman with financial security, I can easily see why minorities also have abysmal representation. It's no shock that women minorities are unicorns in architecture and construction.
The ratio of women in your firm is higher than average in firms across the building industry, has this affected studio culture or project work in any significant way?
While I did not set out to have a firm that is 75% women, I have no problem with it. As a team, we understand that flexibility is a part of everyone’s work. It doesn’t mean that professionalism is gone, it's actually quite the opposite. It makes Studio Maven a welcoming place where anyone can ask questions and grow. Our emphasis is on a safe, healthy work culture where everyone contributes.
Plus, there are also men who pursue a flexible work environment! They are often the ones striving to have a more equal relationship with their partner. This work flexibility grants them the ability to share duties of the home and parenting.
Currently, there are 502 licensed women architects in the US, are you licensed or on the path to getting licensed?
I am a Licensed Architect. It took me over 5,000 internship hours, 7 national exams, and 1 state exam. The exams each last about 4 hours (2 of which I had to retake after failing my first attempts). Each one had to be scheduled on a weekday, which meant taking time off work. Plus, the exams cost $250 each, pass or fail.
It’s been written about before, but the sheer hours and financial investment required for licensure is astounding. This process is time consuming and costly. It creates additional hardship for the graduate with student loans, the working Mother, or professionals who cannot miss work or afford to pay for the exams.
I’m lucky. I had the financial reserves to cover the cost of my exams. I was also able to find jobs that I could take a day off from, but not everyone has that luxury. Addressing those disparities around licensing will close the noticeable gap in this industry.
What are your thoughts on the efforts to increase the number of women in the industry?
I get frustrated at the question of “why aren’t there more women in the field.” The question we should ask is “why aren’t there more underrepresented populations staying in our field?” but that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue in the same way… The answer is very clear. We don’t set women, minorities, or underrepresented populations up for success. The system itself is sabotaging us.
Time and again, I hear podcasts or read articles from women who left the field of architecture, and are now heralded for their work in another field. They wax poetic about their love of architecture and the skills from their training that they now use elsewhere. What a testament to their talents! Their own industry has failed them, and thus, we all suffer.
What are some tips or advice you have for young women interested in a career in architecture?
So much progress has been made in our field, and while I am frustrated by many of the experiences I’ve had, I’m so grateful to those women who have gone before me. I hope that my approach will make it easier for another woman, and I think there are more women like me. I am hopeful. If you love architecture- go for it. Just remember that the bias of others doesn’t determine what you’re capable of doing.
Project Spotlight: Rose Garden Escape
The Story of Rose Garden Escape…
ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, seem to be all the rage right now. Perhaps it’s a result of cabin fever due to the lockdowns, or just a great way to capitalize on your existing site and add either extra space for your family or extra income from renting out a guest house.
In the case of our recent Rose Garden Escape project, we helped our clients create more value and usability in their existing residence with the creation of a multi-purpose ADU. The project is located in the historic Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose, where it got its name.
The clients, who wish to remain anonymous, loved their existing house and the location, but they knew that a traditional addition to their home would change the intimate feel that they appreciated about the home. They needed space for working from home, and to host visiting family. With the house situated on a smaller lot, the clients didn’t want to build up from their bungalow, so they looked to their garage and the creation of an ADU as a key solution.
Studio Maven wanted to maintain and extend all of the detail and charm of the built-ins, trim, and the warmth of the clients’ existing home into the ADU. By expanding the garage, the design team was able to give the ADU an expanded footprint and give the garage a bit of extra storage space.
“The clients had so many desires for the space, and at first we tried to meet them all—rental ADU, housing for in-laws, and part-time office—but ended up with an initial design that was infeasible in square footage and approvals,” said Studio Maven principal architect, Audrey Bauer. “It was only after we started to optimize for their most important need—primarily to create a second unit for when they went to sell their house—that the rest of their wants could be brought back into the mix in a meaningful way. We were then able to prioritize keeping the new structure in line with the rest of the house, a modest-sized space with custom built-ins and a large great room.”
The result is a beautiful and useful new ADU that can be enjoyed by the clients for much-needed work-from-home space and by their visitors as a private guest suite. It also fits in nicely with the aesthetics of the neighborhood—by mimicking the front window, the upper level of the garage looks like another house of the same style tucked in the trees of the property.
“We feel so grateful to have been able to work with Audrey, Sarah, and the rest of the Studio Maven team,” the clients said. “From initial daydreaming all the way to giving feedback on furnishings, the team was there for us every step of the way. We weren't sure how we would ultimately use the space, so Audrey went out of her way to design it with a lot of flexibility—home office, extended stay housing for visitors, or even as an eventual rental. Audrey's creation allows for all of these in a comfortable, beautiful way that seamlessly fits into our historic neighborhood and exceeds every expectation we had.”
Discover more about our practice here. Check out our completed projects here. We’d love to partner with you to bring your vision to life—let’s create a beautiful, functional space together. Feel free to contact us at hello@studiomaven.com or 415-494-8255.
Photographer: Gillian Walsworth
Project Spotlight: Hayes Valley Flat
The Story of the Hayes Valley Flat…
At Studio Maven, our goal for designing a space, is to transform it in a unique and useful way. We look for functionality, focusing on creating an environment that supports the needs of the people in it.
Homes can be a reflection of who we are and the values we have. Living spaces are often very personal. This is why we choose to design on the "human level." We account for the emotional aspects of a renovation as much as the technical details.
This was exactly how we approached the Hayes Valley Flat Renovation.
The main problem we saw, was that the bathroom had been specifically designed for a very tall bachelor. Our new home owner was average height male (who was very much interested in not being single forever). Additionally, the bathroom served as an exit to the rear staircase, which was an odd setup, but ultimately a feature we knew would need to stick around.
The living room had been oriented around TV watching, much like an enormous suburban home, with disregard to a dining or entertaining space. The flat needed to revisit its urban roots, to have ample space for dinners with friends, a versatile bathroom for the owner and guests, and a cozy space for reading and the occasional Netflix binge.
Challenge accepted!
Our goal was to design a gracious bathroom, good for daily use, while also providing a sanctuary.
We especially love the shelf running along entire length of bathroom. It provides the shower shelf as well as a perfect spot for daily use items in the bathroom.
The kitchen was an important space for our client. He planned to use it frequently for cooking new foods and gathering with friends. So we designed it to seamlessly transition from the main living space.
After thoughtful deliberation, the client picked a custom dining room table. Built to extend with wooden leaves beautiful enough to display on the wall day-to-day.
Discover more about our practice here. Check out our completed projects here. We’d love to partner with you to bring your vision to life—let’s create a beautiful, functional space together. Reach out today to see how we can help!
Photographer: Gillian Walsworth
Studio Maven Vlog : Episode #2
Why Should I Hire an Architect?
Why should you hire an architect? Does your project fit the scope of work an architect does?
Architects are licensed professionals that have an array of skills to help you. They are specialized in how to take you through the steps of your project. No matter the project type, Architects can help you build a team, design a master plan, and stick to your budget.
Also, Architects work with a team of subcontractors that they help assemble for you. They have a network of engineers, designers, and specialists that they can call on to help. Finally, Architects are trained in dealing with the jurisdiction you're located in. They know how to work with the cities planning department to meet all the requirements.
Episode #2 is more on what an Architect does and how the different ways they can help you with your project. I hope you gain a better understanding of how an Architect can help you and what skills they bring to your project.
Discover more about our practice here. Check out our completed projects here. We’d love to partner with you to bring your vision to life—let’s create a beautiful, functional space together. Reach out today to see how we can help!
Studio Maven Vlog - Episode #1
What Does an Architect Do?
We live in a world where our homes are essential spaces and can enhance our quality of life. We're spending more time in our house than ever before. Many of us living, working, and schooling from home.
In light of this new focus on our living spaces, we want to help you understand more about your living space. That inspired this vlog series, which we created to help you get a look inside the world of Architecture.
Episode #1 is all about what an Architect does and the different ways they can help you complete a project. I hope you learn something new and have a better sense about how hiring an Architect can help you.
Discover more about our practice here. Check out our completed projects here. We’d love to partner with you to bring your vision to life—let’s create a beautiful, functional space together. Reach out today to see how we can help!
Project Spotlight: Castro Garden Refuge
Located in San Francisco’s vibrant Castro neighborhood, the Castro Garden Refuge project is a beautifully renovated condo that balances historic charm with modern comfort. The upstairs space features two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a fully renovated bathroom that combines contemporary design with classic details. The reconfigured primary suite offers a peaceful retreat, enhanced by the restoration of original crown molding that honors the home’s history. The addition of Warmboard floors throughout the condo ensures cozy, energy-efficient warmth, making this urban escape both stylish and comfortable.
The Story of the Castro Condo…
This renovation project is near and dear to our hearts. Not only was it once the home to Studio Maven’s Founding Principal, Audrey Bauer, and her growing family, but also occupied by two other members of the Studio Maven team as well! (That’s a whole different story for another time.)
At Studio Maven, we understand exactly how special and personal a space can be for the people living in it. No matter if you’re newlyweds, grandparents, or roommates, your house needs to feel like a home. It's the space where you celebrate big milestones, gather together with friends, and have quiet moments with loved ones.
Now, and in future posts, we want to share with you the stories behind some of our favorite finished projects. Much like the Castro Street Condo, we know that a well-done renovation can make a world of difference.
Fortunately, the Castro Condo has always enjoyed a lush, private backyard. The block of connected backyards is an urban jungle on the Eureka Valley hillside, and the lush greenery fills the windows of the condo and blocked any direct lines of sight to neighbors- a one-of-a-kind view that we fell in love with instantly. However, the interior needed some work.
The windows were original and barely functional, likely from before the great earthquake of 1906, when the house was built. The bathroom featured grey & pink tile, and no storage space. The front closets were from another time and too small to be useful. The kitchen was usable but outdated, as if it had been an afterthought when the house was converted from a single-family home to a condo.
When we started design work, the flooring was a top priority. The original redwood subfloor had zero insulation, so you could hear our downstairs neighbors word for word. Though entertaining- it needed to be addressed. Not only did we lay new flooring, but added noise insulation and radiant flooring heat throughout.
Next, we redid the windows with sound-insulated glazing and original trim to match. Then we took down the wall between the kitchen and living room- which would have been a bedroom originally. We also removed the chimney flue from the kitchen below, and created a simple, open kitchen.
For the bedrooms, we repurposed the tiny closet from the second bedroom so the primary bedroom had his and hers closets.
We also created a closet from leftover space in the bathroom and added period-appropriate trim throughout. Plus, the entire space got all new finishes and fixtures.
Finally, we redid the decking with long lasting, thermally modified wood, so that the indoor/outdoor flow was seamless. The transition from the great room to the balcony was seamless, and perfect for soaking in the calm greenery view.
The compact bathroom has ample storage to stay functional for day to day use and survive large gatherings with friends. The simplified kitchen had everything for great cooking and entertaining, despite its size.
We gathered in the Castro Condo many days and nights, enjoying good food and good company.
See the complete project here. Photographer: Cesar Rubio