October 31, 2025
When San Diego homeowners start dreaming about adding more livable space, they often think of big additions or complex renovations. But here at Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling, we love to show how you can transform those underused corners of your home—like an old garage—into amazing new zones of comfort and entertainment.
In this post, I walk you through one of our most unique transformations—from an unused garage to a livable ADU, a custom man cave, and a poolside tiki house. I’ll show you how we approached each space with purpose, solved real homeowner challenges, and created a design that’s not just beautiful, but deeply functional. Whether you’re thinking about a garage conversion, outdoor amenities, or just want fresh remodeling ideas, this project has something for you.
🎧 Prefer to listen? Hear the story behind this remodel on our podcast. Perfect for tuning in while driving, cooking, or planning your own dream project.
🎬 Prefer to watch? This short video walks you through the transformation—before and after.
Sometimes, the space you need is already there—you just haven’t seen its full potential yet. In one of our favorite projects, we started with a simple, unused garage. The goal? To create not just extra space, but a whole new way for the homeowners to live and enjoy their home.
Now that you’ve seen how we spot those hidden opportunities, let’s dive into the first transformation: the ADU.
One of the biggest problems San Diego homeowners face is the need for more livable space for guests, extended family, or even rental income. In this project, we turned that garage into a fully functional ADU, giving the family a flexible, comfortable living area that could evolve with their needs over time.
Client Testimonial:
“Kaminskiy took a dark, dusty garage and turned it into a bright, beautiful living space that we now use for visiting family. It feels like a natural extension of our home—not an afterthought.”
— Phil & Zoe, San Diego
With that extra livable space established, let’s see how we added a whole new layer of entertainment.
We know that having a space to unwind and entertain can transform a house into a true home. That’s why we carved out a man cave, complete with a pool table, a custom-built mini bar, surround sound, and space for all sorts of game-day and movie-night fun.
It’s a perfect example of how we at Kaminskiy can design a space tailored to your lifestyle while still increasing your home’s overall value.
Beyond just living and entertaining, we wanted to give this family the ultimate outdoor convenience. We built a poolside tiki house with a changing room, full bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Now, they can rinse off after a swim or change without ever having to trek through the house.
This kind of smart addition is especially popular in San Diego, where outdoor living is a year-round reality.
When you look at the final result of this project—a converted garage turned ADU, an entertainment-ready man cave, and a breezy poolside tiki house—it’s more than just a remodel. It’s a lifestyle upgrade. Each element was carefully planned and designed not just to look good, but to solve a specific challenge for the homeowner.
We often tell homeowners that remodeling isn’t about adding square footage for the sake of it—it’s about improving how your home works for you. This project is a perfect example of how a creative, design-forward approach can unlock hidden potential in unexpected places.
Curious what it would take to complete a transformation like this in your own home? Here’s what San Diego homeowners should know about pricing and timelines.
The cost to transform underused spaces varies depending on the size of the project, design complexity, and the types of spaces being added (like kitchens or bathrooms). Here’s what homeowners can generally expect in San Diego:
ADU Garage Conversion
Room Additions / Expanding Your Home
Every project is customized, but these ranges help homeowners budget confidently and understand what drives cost differences.
Using our streamlined design-build approach, we guide you step‑by‑step through each phase:
Here’s what a typical ADU or home addition timeline looks like when working with our design‑build team:
⏱️ Total Estimated Duration:
12–18 months, depending on permitting timelines and project complexity
We believe a well‑informed homeowner is a confident homeowner.
By outlining realistic budgets and timelines upfront, we:
✔ prevent surprises
✔ create a smoother experience
✔ keep everyone aligned from day one
In San Diego, where property values are high and space is at a premium, thinking strategically about how to use every square foot matters. Whether it’s converting a garage, upgrading a backyard, or adding more usable outdoor amenities, the goal is always the same: to help homeowners live more comfortably, efficiently, and joyfully.
At Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling, we specialize in spotting these opportunities—and making the entire remodeling process smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs.
Yes. Most ADUs and garage conversions require permits, and Kaminskiy handles the entire permitting process for you.
Absolutely. Every project is fully customized to your goals, lifestyle, and design preferences.
Yes—especially when done professionally. Adding livable square footage and functional outdoor amenities often brings a strong ROI.
If you’ve got a space that’s underused—or a vision you’re not quite sure how to bring to life—let’s talk. Our award-winning San Diego remodeling team is ready to help you create something remarkable.
We love helping San Diego families get more out of the homes they already love. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’d be honored to be your design-build partner.
📞 Schedule your complimentary in-home design consultation today
Call us at 858-271-1005 or contact us online to get started.
Kimberly Villa is a recognized expert in the Home Design and Remodeling industry. Her passion for the industry is matched only by her love for sharing insights, new trends, and design ideas. Kimberly’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through in her contributions to the Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling website blog, where she regularly shares valuable information with readers.
