This before-and-after illustrates that even a well kept, attractive home can be a viable teardown candidate. Linda Ritter, of Tiburon Homes, says her company does 10 to 12 teardowns a year in the area. The original home looked good, but the foundation and walls were beginning to deteriorate. The basement was unfinished and the ceilings there were very low, and it was short on amenities.

The new house has a grand, open floor plan, fireplaces in both the living and dining rooms, oak floors and walnut cabinets, a breakfast room and sun porch.