Welcome to CrampedQuarters.com – Thank you for taking a minute…
Hi, I’m Keith Bennett, and for nearly five decades, I’ve dedicated my life to working with property owners—measuring and photographing their spaces, drafting simple plans by hand and complex projects in AutoCAD, navigating planning regulations, pulling 1,000’s of building permits in dozens of SoCAL cities, managing construction projects, and helping people transform their residential and commercial properties to better suit their needs. Now, my wife and I find ourselves at a crossroads with our own California home. It’s a modest home perched on a spacious parcel in the hills, where we raised three children. Our youngest son, a YouTube content creator, still lives with us, our middle son lives in Wyoming and wants to move to Montana, while our daughter remains nearby, building a busy telehealth therapy practice here in California.
Once upon a time, Cramped Quarters was all about expansion—transforming California homes, businesses, and restaurants into bigger, more functional spaces. Back then, my construction companies operated under California Contractors State License Board licenses, helping hundreds of clients realize their property’s potential. However, in 2012, in the unfolding aftermath of the 2008 ‘Great Recession’ that hit property owners particularly hard, I made the decision to step away from construction. Transitioning to focus on our digital marketing agency, I left this website dormant for years, waiting for the right moment to reimagine its purpose.
Now, Cramped Quarters isn’t back in business in the traditional sense—it’s an old website we’ve dusted off to serve more as a personal endeavor. My wife and I are looking to share our knowledge and experience with a few folks, close by, in our local community, connecting with those who might benefit from what we’ve learned over the years. We’re excited to meet new friends and offer guidance to neighbors grappling with similar challenges. Whether it’s advice on downsizing, connecting you with trusted tradespeople, or exploring creative solutions to make your home work better for your life, we might be able to help.
If a project arises close by and simply needs someone to provide oversight, I’d also be open to assisting in that capacity. At this stage in my life, it’s about making meaningful connections and helping others navigate the complexities of homeownership and property planning.
If your “too-big” home feels more like a burden than a blessing, we’re here to offer solutions. From evaluating the benefits of selling to creating rental spaces that generate additional cash flow, we bring decades of construction expertise, financial insights, and a deep understanding of real estate—all tailored to help you make informed, impactful decisions.
We understand the California real estate market and the unique challenges today’s property owners face. With our experience and insights, we might be able to help you explore strategies that turn overwhelm into opportunity. Whether it’s reimagining your space or finding ways to make your property work better for you, we’re here to offer guidance if it’s the right fit for your needs.”
Photo Gallery
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of 80 project images (4 sets of 20 images), showcasing just a fraction of the over 1,500 images available on this site. These photos represent decades of work across a wide range of trades, including B1 General Contracting and specialty contracting areas such as C5 Framing, C6 Cabinets, C8 Concrete & Hardscape, C9 Drywall, C10 Electrical, C20 HVAC, C23 Ornamental Wrought Iron, C27 Landscaping, C36 Plumbing, and C39 Roofing.
Click on Images for better viewing
If your project could benefit from seeing additional examples, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to provide links to more photos. While I’m proud to share my work, I’ve unfortunately encountered instances where tradespeople and companies across the country have stolen these copyrighted images to misrepresent them as their own. Protecting the integrity of my work remains important, even as I step away from full time actively managing projects.
Our Current California Homeowner Circumstances
Like many California homeowners, we’re grappling with the question of whether to stay in a home that has served us well or explore options that better align with our future goals. We cherish the weather and familiarity of this state, but with our middle son now settled in Wyoming, a growing desire to spend time near him, a dream of owning a vacation home on Galveston Island, and the importance of staying close to our daughter near our current home, we find ourselves pondering creative solutions.
Should we move out of state, or could we create a hybrid solution—something we’ve helped others achieve over the years—where we maintain a California anchor property that essentially pays for itself? Balancing the security of a nearly debt-free home with California’s rising costs and the excitement of starting a new chapter elsewhere is a challenge we know many of you face as well.
Adding to the complexity are the deferred maintenance needs of our own home. Like many homeowners, we’ve realized that maintaining a property requires ongoing attention. In the coming year, we need to address the competition of a seven foot tall wrought iron fenced, coyote-proof, secure yard for our three puppies, a new driveway and replace aging doors and windows—projects that can feel daunting in both scope and cost. These realities resonate with the struggles many of you face in keeping your homes functional, efficient, and livable.
This repurposed 20-year-old business website isn’t just an introduction—it’s now an invitation to connect. If you’re navigating complex decisions about your home and future, my wife and I would love to hear from you. Together, we can explore creative ideas for downsizing, repurposing your property for additional income, planning a potential move, or simply making homeownership less stressful.
What’s more, if we hear from enough local homeowners, we can help foster connections. With explicit permission, we’d be happy to introduce you to others facing similar challenges or exploring similar opportunities. Sometimes, the best solutions come from sharing experiences and collaborating with others in the same boat.
My personal goal here at the the start of 2025 is to meet local homeowners who, like me and my wife, may be questioning whether their home still serves their needs. Perhaps the space feels too big, the rooms too empty, or the upkeep and energy bills just don’t make sense anymore. Maybe you find yourself thinking, This house—as it is today—is just too much. Whether it’s downsizing, creating manageable income options, or simply finding ways to make your space more livable, I’m here to help you figure out what’s possible.
I’m Here to Connect, Share, Support, and Learn
Over nearly 50 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with property owners across a spectrum of challenges—commercial buildings, industrial spaces, restaurants, and nearly 1,000 homeowner projects. Each of these experiences has taught me invaluable lessons about what it means to truly plan and implement changes to a property, not just for the present, but with an eye on long-term goals: maintaining compliance with local building regulations, improving functionality, and preserving or even enhancing the property’s future marketability.
These 1,000+ interactions with property owners weren’t just projects—they were collaborations with people from all walks of life: successful entrepreneurs, hardworking W2 earners, and everyone in between. Each commercial building owner and homeowner had a unique story, a set of goals, and a vision for their future, with their property playing a significant role. I’ve learned so much from these experiences, and now I’m here to share those stories, insights, and ideas to help others navigate their own journeys. In return, I suspect we’ll gain new insights and ideas that will impact our plan and our future.
“Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.”
For most homeowners, their home is the single largest financial investment of their lives. I’ve had the honor of helping young families create spaces for new beginnings, supporting empty nesters as they adjusted to a quieter house, and assisting retirees in making cost-effective alterations to generate income or better suit their needs. These projects weren’t just about blueprints and permits; they were about understanding and respecting the diverse motivations, challenges, and stories of each client. From solving immediate issues to shaping long-term plans, every interaction has left me with a profound sense of the importance of thoughtful, informed decision-making when it comes to a home.
Today, my life remains full. I have a family I adore, and as founder and shareholder of LSI, an active ad agency, my professional responsibilities keep me busy. But I also feel a deep calling to give back, to share the knowledge and wisdom I’ve accumulated over decades of working alongside property owners. My wife and I want to make time to connect with new people in our community—to meet neighbors, to share experiences, and to help brainstorm solutions to the dilemmas that come with homeownership.
This isn’t a business venture. It’s a late-in-life avocation—a way to combine my love of problem-solving with my desire to make new friends and be of service. I’ve re-purposed this old website as a tool to connect, to listen, and to provide guidance where I can. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by your property situation, let’s talk. Together, we can explore what’s possible and create a path forward.
Wrapping Up
The NEW story of CrampedQuarters.com isn’t just about my 45+ years of experience—it’s a way for me and my bride of 35 years to connect with local homeowners who resonate with our journey and values. We’re not looking to be a catch-all resource; instead, we’re seeking to build meaningful connections with a few like-minded individuals who are open to brainstorming and exploring new possibilities for their homes, their goals, and their future.
“…we might be the resource you didn’t know you were looking for.”
Whether you’re facing an oversized property that no longer fits your needs, considering changes to generate extra income, or simply seeking ideas to make your home more livable, we might be the resource you didn’t know you were looking for. Our hope is to share our knowledge and perspective in a way that helps you hammer out your next steps with clarity and confidence.
If your situation aligns with challenges I’ve tackled in the past, let’s explore it together. With decades of hands-on experience in construction and a network of trusted professionals, I’m in a position to be selective about the projects and people I assist. While I’m mostly focused on offering advice and guidance, I’m open to stepping in for an oversight role if the circumstances are close by and the need is significant. My goal is simple: to help deserving homeowners like you craft a workable plan that fits your life, your finances, and your future. This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about finding what’s uniquely right for you.
Let’s connect. Maybe we can be a good match to tackle your challenges and make your home work better for your life.
Let’s Explore California Homeownership Options Together
We’re retired from the home improvement business. No more whole-house makeovers, new tile roofs, new HVAC heat pump installs, no more getting plans past city planning and permitting, no more beach house remodels, mountain cabin improvements, no more restaurant meeting rooms or gorgeous wine cellars—as fun and exciting as those projects truly were, those days are behind us. Instead, my wife and I want to share what we’ve learned and connect with others in our community who are exploring how to make their homes work better for their lives – or get out of the way of having a life!
“We want to connect with others in our community who are exploring how to make their homes work better for their lives – or get out of the way of having a life!“
Over the years, we’ve developed strategies that truly make a difference for homeowners. Take a moment to explore my Photo Gallery above (there are 80 images that expand to full-screen). These photos capture the faces of many workers and homeowners I’ve had the privilege to work with. Beyond that one gallery of 80 images, this site features over 1,500 images—all taken by me, documenting projects I’ve personally been involved in, hands-on. These experiences have grown into a vast library of knowledge and insights that I’m eager to share. If you reach out and share a bit about your situation, I’d be happy to guide you to the photos and examples most relevant to your needs.
Many homeowners have had frustrating or costly experiences with local contractors and handymen. If all you’re looking for is help finding someone trustworthy, I might be able to help. I’ve built a decades-long bulging Rolodex (well, an iPhone these days) of reliable professionals—licensed contractors, handymen, real estate attorneys, estate planners, and more. If it would be helpful, my wife and I are happy to connect you with tried-and-true experts who’ve consistently delivered great results.
More than that, we can help you create a plan at our place, your place or over a quick bite at Mimi’s, El Cholo, Il Gatto, or other local eatery.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve collaborated with over numerous homeowners, crafting numerous designs and solutions, and assisting in navigating city planning and building regulations. We’ve also learned how to avoid pitfalls that could create problems when it comes time to sell your home. For instance, are you aware of California’s new full disclosure laws that can be a hornet nest for home sellers? These can be intimidating, and have legal and financial land mines for many home sellers. If that’s an issue for you, we’re here to help you stay on solid ground.
This isn’t just about fixing up houses—it’s about reducing the stress of homeownership and finding ways to make it more enjoyable. Maybe you’re curious about saving on maintenance, creating flexibility to spend time in another state (to be near kids, grandkids, or parents), or even generating cash flow without taking on roommates or sacrificing you personal privacy and security. Whatever your questions or challenges, let’s explore the possibilities together.
Feeling Overwhelmed as a Homeowner but Can’t Quite Pinpoint Why?
We’ve created a short questionnaire to help you identify what’s troubling you about property ownership. It’s a great starting point to bring clarity to your challenges and spark ideas for solutions. And if we missed something, there’s a spot at the end where you can share what’s on your mind—your feedback helps us improve.
This isn’t about committing to a project—it’s simply an opportunity to share your thoughts, explore possibilities, and start a conversation. Whether you’re seeking advice, looking for connections, or just wanting to brainstorm, we’d love to hear your story.