The Laguna Beach Renovation Series — Follow Along As We Rebuild 1640 Hillcrest Drive

Two and a half years ago, my mom Pam and I decided to stop just advising clients on renovations and take one on ourselves. We're documenting the entire process — start to finish — as we transform a 1,600 square foot 1940s home at 1640 Hillcrest Drive in Laguna Beach into a 2,500 square foot finished home, set to hit the market in January 2027.

This page is the home base for the series. Every episode gets its own deep-dive post and video, and we'll keep adding to this list as the project moves forward — from demo, through framing, and all the way to the final reveal.

Watch the Full Playlist

All episodes of the Laguna Beach Renovation Series, updated as new ones go live:

The Series So Far

Prequel — What It Actually Takes to Renovate a Home in Laguna Beach
Before demo day even arrives, there's abatement, permitting, and a level of city regulation unlike anywhere else in Orange County. This episode covers why the process took 2.5 years to reach demo day — and why that same rigor is exactly why remodeled Laguna Beach homes sell at a premium.
Watch the video · Read the full post

Episode 1 — Demo Day Is Finally Here
The moment the series has been building to. We meet Michael, founder of our renovation partner Revive, and get the full scope of the project: 1,600 square feet becoming 2,500, on track for a January 2027 market date.
Watch the video · Read the full post

Episode 2 — What Full Demo Looks Like
Every wall stripped to studs. This episode is a real look at what a fully demoed 1940s Laguna Beach home reveals — plus the one detail we're intentionally preserving, and what's coming next in grading, the garage build, and the foundation.
Watch the video · Read the full post

Episode 3 — Coming Soon
Grading and the foundation are next. Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss it, and check back here — this post will be updated with each new episode as it goes live.

Why We're Sharing All of It

Most renovation content skips straight from "before" to "after." We wanted to show the real version — the permitting delays, the regulatory hurdles, the decisions that don't show up in a finished listing photo but absolutely shape the outcome and the value. Whether you're considering a renovation of your own or just curious what a project like this really involves, this series is meant to give you the honest, unfiltered version.

Thinking About a Renovation of Your Own — or Buying in Laguna Beach?

Twenty-one years of selling real estate in Orange County has taught me a lot about renovations from the outside. Going through one myself, alongside my mom, has taught me even more. If you're weighing a renovation, a remodel-and-sell strategy, or just want to talk through what a home like this could be worth once finished, I'm happy to walk through it with you.

Call or text me at 949-216-8565
Book a call: calendly.com/danaeaballimecham
Visit: AballiGroup.com

About Danae

I'm Danae Aballi-Mecham, an Orange County Realtor with over 21 years of experience helping buyers and sellers make informed real estate decisions in one of California's most complex and sought-after markets. I hold multiple professional designations including the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation — advanced training in real estate decisions later in life, such as downsizing, aging in place, and long-term planning — as well as Certified Probate & Trust Specialist certification for navigating estate-related sales.

I specialize in working with buyers relocating to Irvine from across Southern California, out of state, and internationally, as well as locals who are ready to make their first purchase. I also work throughout Irvine, Laguna Woods Village, and South Orange County, offering thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and a strategy-first approach.

Danae Aballi-Mecham, Realtor | SFR, e-PRO, AHWD, C2EX, SRES | Certified Probate & Trust Specialist | DRE #01414653 | Est. 2004
The Aballi Group at Real Broker
949-216-8565 | Danae@AballiGroup.com | AballiGroup.com