The San Rafael Home remodel by BMV Construction is a classic example of how a strong renovation can change not only the layout of a house, but the energy and livability of the interior. Bud Villalobos, owner of BMV Construction, and his team approached the project as a full transformation, combining demolition, custom detailing, and a major addition to bring the home into a more modern and intentional form. From the beginning, the relationship between client and builder was rooted in trust. As Maricruz recalls, the homeowners first met BMV at the Pasadena Home Show, and the client later joked their booth was “a crappy one,” but what stood out was that BMV “didn’t try to sell me something,” they simply answered questions. That early honesty shaped the entire working dynamic.
One of the defining architectural moves in the remodel was removing what had become an oversized, intrusive element: a massive brick fireplace that dominated the house. Bud describes it as a “monster brick fireplace right in the middle of the living room,” and the removal itself was a project, taking “about 3 men… about 4 days” to demolish and clear the structure from bottom to top. This wasn’t only an aesthetic change. It was a spatial correction that opened circulation and allowed the living and dining areas to function properly again. The fireplace had been so physically overwhelming that the dining room connection felt cramped and awkward, so reclaiming that volume fundamentally improved the interior flow.
Rather than stopping at subtraction, the remodel also introduced meaningful expansion through a second-story addition. Bud explains that the new upper level was essentially built “from the stairs,” forming a complete private suite above: “the master room, master bathroom,” anchored by what he calls a “nice tile shower.” This kind of addition is significant because it does not just add square footage. It changes the house’s hierarchy, creating a clear separation between public and private spaces and allowing the home to feel more composed. It also speaks to the client’s desire to “add the top” and give the house “a different energy,” which is often the real objective in a renovation that goes beyond cosmetic upgrades.
The project also highlights BMV Construction’s emphasis on craftsmanship and customization, especially in the interior finish details. The staircase became a personal design moment where the homeowner literally drew the ironwork concept herself: “she was the one who actually draw what she wanted on the stairs, the iron work,” Bud notes, so that the iron fabricator could build it exactly as envisioned. The bathroom design carried that same precision. Even something as specific as the window placement at the sinks required custom decisions, including a tailored mirror solution. Bud remembers how stressed she was about it, worrying “those mirrors are not going to look good,” and then the relief once installed: “oh my God they look great.” That moment captures what a good remodel really delivers: not just better materials, but confidence that every detail belongs where it is.
