I updated the kitchen from original 1980's stained wood cabinets and laminate countertops by reconditioning the cabinets (white, slate, and gold), hand-pouring a white with black marble-type epoxy over the existing countertops, installing white subway tile with black grout, and removing a large section of cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves.I also added a 250 sq. ft. bedroom by heating and insulating the three-season room/office.What was the outcome?

Newer and newer requirements are becoming mandatory slowly in design be it high energy efficiency, material which gives more light-air but blocks noise pollution, unhindered connectivity, better insulation, common areas designed for privacy.Which trends you think will be in future of construction specially in term of Design phase and Materials which will allow designers and developers to deliver future requirements.

Many/most houses in coastal California are very poorly insulated.

Opening wallks means demo, insulation, drywall, mudding, texture, painting,... tasks which adds a lot to the overall project cost.Flooring, painting, cabinets, light fixtures are all pretty straight forward

Condensation in the panel probably is due to a lack of insulation behind the box (ie, the insulation is removed to make room for the box between the studs.)

I wouldn't count on separating utilities as a sole strategy to cashflowfirst thing id do is insulate all of the heating pipes if they are not now.

Insulated vinyl siding is VERY tempting for such a house since it almost certainly has no wall insulation.

The best way is to install insulation over the deck and install the roof over the insulation. 

Insulation and where, to what degree? 

Compare this to any city and the Midwest and it becomes even more impressive that Columbus is exploding right now....we're the only city in the Midwest to experience growth during COVID-19...still retain AAA Bond ratings across the board, have a maxed out rainy day fund and a windfall of tax revenue.Columbus is becoming a hotbed of tech startups to include Olive (AI), Cover My Meds, Root insurance, and Path Robotics...Sequoia Capital has entered our city and providing venture capital for the first time in its history.Bottom lineProperties are still very affordable when compared to national pricesRents are starting to keep pace with purchase priceTop 3 landlord friendly state with no legislation on the horizon to change thisExplosive and sustainable job and population growthUnbelievable appreciation...30% year over price appreciation in entire zip codes is commonOh, and we're insulated from natural disasters...plenty of fresh water...and improving infrastructure