920 Powell St., San Francisco

Site Conditions

Rented for many years at $12K/mo., now unable to get $10K
Previous property manager attempted but couldn’t sell
Craig signed listing, then home fell into litigation, no funds available for improvements
Small, 80-year-old elevator could fit only people under 6 feet tall
Estate’s attorney went to probate court many times for conflicts between heirs, outcome was very uncertain

Results of Our Work

After a year of delays from litigation, we finally marketed the home
Got creative on upgrading only the most unattractive components, leaving nearly all counters and floors, remediating surrounding materials and elements
Repaired damaged hardwood floors, multiple leaks and more, involving every imaginable tradesperson and discipline

The Numbers

Listed: $3.199M
Sold: $3.6M
Offers: 2
Days on market: 21

In It for the Long Haul

Nearly 18 months from when we were introduced, longtime litigation was resolved and the home sold.

To secure a great return for the estate, we presented the property as well maintained, contemporary and livable. The unique spiral staircase was the centerpiece and pleased many visitors. On the downside, it took up an extraordinary amount of space, causing a choke point in the very narrow hallway. A wall of mirrors on every floor was for more than esthetics, they kept the space from tipping into claustrophobic.

Ultimately, the home was snapped up because of the great location, unique architecture and its high-society flavor.

Craig’s favorite aspect of this project was how hard the probate attorney fought for her client. She didn’t take any guff, period. She appeared before the court, battled with opposing counsel and vehemently protected her client. Craig said, “I admire and am just a little afraid of her fierceness. I’ve never seen anyone so confident in her own abilities, yet eager to leave the details to the experts and seek my input. The family was very happy with the result.”

Exterior (before) The home and its architectural features were hidden behind overgrown trees. Views from inside were blocked and tree branches poked in when a window was opened.

Exterior (after) Arborist found balance between restoring views, inviting in more natural light and maintaining privacy in the front. Home was now recognizable and present from the street, as intended.

Powder Room (before) Not sure of original intent of this remodel gone wild, but I’d call it an overpowering combination of bamboo, copper, chrome, marble and gold finishes.

Powder Room (after) Our designer called for a clean, contemporary finish while maintaining the deep, rich marble flooring and shower surround. Removing wallpaper and installing new finishes went a long way.

Living Room Bar (before) Was not a fan of the original salmon wall color, heavy shutters and overgrown, light-obstructing tree. The chandelier was dated and heavy—extra visual calories with no benefit.

Living Room Bar (after) We went for elegant, clean and contemporary, while still taking advantage of the lovely crown moldings, mirrored wall and hardwood floors..

Eat-In Nook (before) This corner of the kitchen had potential that wasn’t being used.

Eat-In Nook (after) With no budget to replace the bench cushion, we made do. Letting in more light and view made the difference.

Kitchen (before) The counters seemed a bit cold, almost commercial bathroom-like in appearance.

Kitchen (after) Our designer chose a richer color for the walls that accentuated counter tops and brought them to life in a more pleasing contemporary coloration.

Master Bedroom (before) Nothing to get excited about.

Master Bedroom (after) That’s better—staged for relaxation and to highlight the beautiful city view.

Master Bathroom (before) Showing its age and need for a cleaner, brighter look.

Master Bathroom (after)A whole new look after simple refinishing, grout and caulk replacement, removal of shower glass panel.

Master Bath Counter (before) Chipped mirror and outlet, dated countertop

Master Bath Counter (after) Fresh, crisp and clean with new mirror, faucets and counter

Family Room (before) Tenant had used the room as an office with electrical and communication wires crisscrossing the floor, creating a commercial feel to it.

Family Room (after) Now a gracious space with beautiful garden outside the French doors.

Stair Landing On 4th Level (before) A pleasant space in need of brightening and staging.

Stair Landing On 4th Level (after) New lights and decor made the landing a showplace.

Hallway (before) A bit of a nothingness, insignificant space.

Hallway (after) We increased the lighting, removed the window covering and trimmed trees. Now we’re talking.

920 Powell St., Resurfacing Plan

Task	Cost	Description
Exterior Work	$2,900	Arborists trim tree obstructing view. Wash exterior. Paint lower portion of home front and entry gate. Wash front stairs and light fixture. Polish brass components. Clean glass. Apply anti-slip grip to front stairs.
Interior Painting	$8,400	Patch and sand, paint select walls. Some just handwashed and touched-up. Clean and paint throughout all 4 floors of the home, including garage floor, laundry room and more. Designer-chosen colors.
Hardwood Flooring	$3,200	Remove water-damaged boards from entry level. Surgical replacement throughout home in marked areas. Replace damaged wood at two staircase landings.
Plumbing Repairs	$3,200	Investigate leaks along front hall causing floor damage. Replace and repair as needed.
New Interior Lights	$2,920	Install LED recessed cans and track lighting with brushed nickel finish.
Master Bathroom	$2,900	Install new base cabinet, stone counter, undermount sinks and new faucets. Install wall-mounted mirror and LED brushed nickel light fixture (mounted over glass). Remove existing glass enclosure at shower. Paint room.
Elevator Repairs and Servicing	$1,880	During court proceedings, kept service contract for 18 months for initial repairs and ongoing maintenance.
All Bathrooms	$3,900	Replace old caulking. Install new vinyl flooring over existing. Replace baseboards as necessary. Polish all finishes, hardware and glass surfaces. Professionally clean. Check for leaks.
Professional Cleaning, Power Washing	$1,300	Interior cleaning of all appliances, surfaces, bathroom, filters and lights. Wash windows inside and out. Power wash exterior brick staircase, etc.
Total	$30,600	All work completed in 21 business days. Advanced planning of 2 weeks to line-up all work, secure dates.