Author: Dawn Reed

Home Renovation Contractor Palo Alto Area

Written on September 30, 2018.

Expert Home Renovation Contractor Serving the Palo Alto Area

Treat Yourself to a Quality Home Makeover

Are you planning to upgrade your kitchen, modernize your bathroom or expand your living space outdoors? Finding the right professional will make all the difference. Consult our remodeling specialists for creative ways to make a statement and reflect your personal style. Homeowners across Palo Alto trust Flegel’s Construction Co. as their expert home renovation contractor.

Advantages of Consulting Our Professional Remodelers

Working with our dedicated team is guaranteed to be an exciting and stress-free experience. From design advice to obtaining necessary permissions and supervising tradespeople, we efficiently manage the entire project for you and deliver it on time and on budget.

Experience: Navigating all the available choices and making the right decisions can be overwhelming. When renovating an Eichler home or a building constructed with another distinct architectural style, this can be even more challenging. Having successfully remodeled hundreds of Eichlers and other period homes, we are equipped to steer you through the maze of layout plans, building material choices, cost estimates, city requirements and building permits.
Creative ideas: Are you looking forward to a gourmet kitchen or spa-like master bath? Perhaps you need a room addition for more space to entertain or to accommodate a growing family. We can offer practical design ideas to enhance your lifestyle and increase the value of your property.
Industry connections: Every tradesperson and architect you consider might claim to be the best. How do you decide whom to hire? With years of experience and strong relations in the industry, we can point you in the right direction. We are also happy to collaborate with the architect of your choice to help realize your dream project.
End-to-end service: In addition to quality work, our customers enjoy peace of mind. Our valuable insights into project viability, scope and timelines can help you make informed decisions. Through regular monitoring and site inspections, we keep you informed at every stage and ensure the project is successfully completed.

Over the past 30 years, first-class craftsmanship and customer service have been the hallmarks of our company. Discuss your home building or remodeling project with an experienced renovation contractor to earn a solid return on your investment.

Hire a Home Building and Remodeling Expert

At Flegel’s Construction Co., our experienced professionals work with you to create the perfect home for you and your family. These testimonials from our happy clients in Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto, Santa Clara, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA speak for our exceptional work and customer service.

Speak to a trusted home renovation contractor serving Palo Alto and other cities in the Bay Area. Contact us online.

Challenges in Renovating an Older Home

Written on September 19, 2018.

Overcome the Challenges of Renovating an Older Home

Hire the Right Remodeling Contractor in the Bay Area

Is your charming 1900s home feeling a bit cramped or outdated these days? With rising real estate prices, extending the footprint of your house, adding another floor, or making new use of an existing outside structure might be more affordable than moving to a larger or newer property outside the Bay Area. Old houses have character, history and detail that is often lacking in modern construction. You want to preserve this distinct charm and yet, accomplish a satisfying makeover. Here are some useful tips on how to avoid common challenges when renovating an older home.

Steer Clear of Frequent Home Remodeling Mistakes

Find the right contractor: The key to a successful renovation is finding the right team to upgrade your Eichler, Victorian or Spanish Colonial home. In addition to checking the contractors’ credentials, make sure they have relevant experience. While you want to preserve the traditional look, your contractor must also be adept at resolving any challenges with permits, obtaining materials and tradespeople or changes to the initial plan.
Check work references: Before signing a contract, ask for recent references of similar work completed by the company and make sure you check them out. There are plenty of instances of botched renovations, incomplete work and contractors disappearing in the middle of the project. It’s the last thing you want to deal with!
Establish a budget: Without proper planning, it is easy to spend on unnecessary upgrades or overrun your renovation budget. First, determine how much your dream renovations will cost. Then, set your spending limit and priorities. Experienced remodeling specialists can help you properly assess your project’s feasibility, scope and cost.
Price is important, but not the only factor: The lowest price may be tempting but is not necessarily the best choice. Some companies take short cuts; so, you pay less upfront but more in the long run to fill in the gaps. If budget constraints are limiting the realization of your complete renovation plan, consider scaling back or discuss possible alternatives with your contractor to bring down the overall price.
Trust your instincts: If the company representatives are evasive, unable to provide references or take days and weeks to respond, be cautious and move on. Your contractor should be easily reachable and willing to answer all your questions.

Trust the Bay Area’s Top-Rated Company for Renovating Your Older Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co. our have been building and renovating homes of all styles and sizes for more than 30 years. Our clients enjoy responsive service, expert advice, quality craftsmanship and a stress-free remodeling process. Count on us for a quality makeover that you and your family will love.

With a firm commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across the Bay Area, including in Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino, CA.

Let’s discuss the challenges in renovating an older home, contact us online.

What Does it Take to Be a Trusted Home Builder

Written on August 27, 2018.

Depth of Experience and Customer Satisfaction Count

Building a new house is an important and expensive project; mistakes can be costly and stressful. Choosing the right construction team is critical to realizing your dream home within the stipulated time and budget. Here is some valuable advice on selecting a trusted home builder.

How to Select a Reliable Builder for Your Dream Home

Experience: Consult family and friends to create a potential list. Builders with years of experience constructing homes know what works and can help you steer clear of common mistakes. They are also more adept at troubleshooting and resolving issues involving permits, building materials, tradespeople, construction and plan changes.
Specialization: When building a custom homeor remodeling an Eichler, you want to be sure your builders know what they are doing, or more importantly, that they have done it successfully in the past. Assessing their company credentials and experience will give you a better idea of their skills and suitability for your project.
Customer testimonials: Talk to their recent clients to gauge what you can expect when working with the team. You want to know if the homeowners are happy with the results and if problems were promptly attended to. The critical question to ask is whether they would use this builder’s services again or refer them to family and friends. If possible, visit one of their current construction sites to see work in progress.
Communication and transparency: The ideal builder will answer all your queries satisfactorily from the start. Also make sure that your communication styles are in sync (email, phone, etc.) to avoid unnecessary project delays. Trust your instincts and avoid a company if their representatives are evasive or difficult to reach.

Hire the Bay Area’s Most Trusted Home Building Company

Having successfully built hundreds of new homes and performed countless minor and major remodels and additions, we offer an exciting and seamless construction experience. Our clients enjoy quality craftsmanship, exceptional project management, open communication and a stress-free building process. Count on us to make your dreams come true; we treat your home like our own!

With an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across the Bay Area, including in Palo Alto and San Jose, CA.

Contact us online to learn more about what it takes to be a trusted home builder.

How to Start Building a New Home

Written on August 20, 2018.

Begin by Choosing the Right Builder

Constructing a custom home is both an exciting and fulfilling experience if you know how to go about it. Determining what you want, creating a budget and choosing the right builder are critical steps to ensure the seamless execution of your dream project. Our team at Flegel’s Construction offers a useful guide for building your new home.

7 Steps for Successful New Home Construction

Define your goals: Think about what you want to achieve, whether it is practical and possible, and how much it will cost you. Make lists of ‘essential’ and ‘nice to have’ features so that you can strike a balance. Always have a plan B to avoid disappointment.
Make a budget: This will help determine what you can afford. Include the cost of land, local fees and taxes, design and engineering, home construction and landscaping. You should also think about interior décor, furnishings and furniture expenses. Remember to keep a 10% margin in your budget for contingency.
Find the right area: Before purchasing land, drive around the area and see if it will suit your immediate and long-term lifestyle needs. Investigate the zoning on your potential property and make sure that your chosen design will fit onto the lot considering orientation, setbacks and such. Evaluate local conveniences and amenities such as public transit, parking, schools, hospitals, parks, shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, leisure activities and entertainment. Recent statistics about the crime rate are good indicators of a safe neighborhood. If you want to go a step further, spend some time in a local park and talk to willing area residents who may offer insights into the community.
Choose wisely when hiring your architect and builder: Find the right professionals to execute the design and construction of your dream home. ‘Cheap’ is often cheap for a reason, but ‘expensive’ does not guarantee the best quality either. Therefore, it’s important to carefully evaluate a company’s credentials, work experience and customer references.
Think ahead: Consider your future needs when making building plans. Do you intend to spend the rest of your life here? A bedroom on the ground floor will make it convenient to continue living in your home as you age. Is your family growing? Do family and friends visit often? An extra bedroom might be a good idea. Do you want space to entertain and host large gatherings? An open concept kitchen and living space would be useful. Plan the layout of your home by addressing these and similar questions at the start.
Trends and technology: Stay on top of the latest trends and advancements, but don’t follow them blindly. Green building technologies, water-saving features and energy-efficient fixtures will help you save in the long run. However, color choices and creative designs are easily outdated, so choose a style that will stand the test of time.
Avoid making changes mid-way: Consult an experienced construction company in the pre-construction stage to identify any issues with your overall plan. Cost analysis and better alternatives can help value engineer your project before construction begins rather than paying more to revise plans later.

Work with the Bay Area’s Preferred Home Building Company

Over 30 years of home building and remodeling experience, quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service have made us the preferred choice of Bay area home owners. We consider it a privilege to construct your dream home and look forward to realizing your vision.

With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Contact us online to learn more about how to start building your new home.

Proper Outdoor Furnishings for Eichlers

Written on July 25, 2018.

Tips to Help You Choose Proper Outdoor Furnishings for Eichlers

Decorate Your Patio and Garden in Style!

Are you planning to update the atrium, patio or garden of your Eichler home? When selecting furniture and accessories, it is important to (a) maintain a good balance between old and new, and (b) keep the flow between indoor and outdoor living. The size, scale, materials and colors of your outdoor furniture and accessories are critical to preserving the integrity of the mid-century modern design. Choose with the same care as you would for rooms inside your house. Here is some valuable advice from our team on selecting proper outdoor furnishings for Eichlers.

5 Key Considerations for Furnishing Eichler Atriums, Patios and Gardens

Function: First, determine how you will use the outdoor space. Are you looking to entertain guests or create a tranquil spot for you and your family to relax? Perhaps it’s both! Do you have the space to create distinct areas or will you need to add seating when entertaining a group? Answering these important questions will make it easier to decide on what type of furniture to look for.
Space: The amount of space available will impact how much furniture you can accommodate and indicate appropriate sizing. Keep in mind that there should be enough room to move around. After all, Eichler homes are known for their unmistakable ‘less is more’ design.
Scale: Bulky pieces will overwhelm and crowd a compact space while small ones will get lost in a large area. Big furniture also seems out of place in an intimate setting. Take a moment to reflect on the surrounding landscape before you select chairs, tables and other accessories. For instance, square and rectangular tables are ideal for spaces located close to your home. Oval and round ones, on the other hand, are better suited to irregular-shaped areas and can seat more people. Remember that chairs and side tables must have some degree of mobility as you are likely to move them around.
Style and material: New or vintage—which look is better? The answer is subjective and depends on your personal style. However, note that period pieces can be expensive and difficult to maintain. Modern vintage creations offer the best of both worlds with classic designs in low-maintenance materials. Smart and playful contemporary furniture is also a stylish option. Whatever you choose, keep it simple and casual. Cast aluminum, fiberglass, wire mesh, etc., there are a host of materials that look elegant, complement the Eichler design and can be used indoors and outdoors.
Accessories: Go for a splash of color and a little whimsy in your planters and outdoor art. For example, pottery with architectural forms will make a handsome addition to your patio or garden and accent the simple lines of your furniture.

Hire Eichler Home Remodeling Experts to Revitalize Your Outdoors

As Eichler remodeling specialists, we are adept at maintaining a fine balance between the mid-century modern charm and contemporary luxuries. Whether you are upgrading your entire home or renovating the outdoor area, you can count on us to make your dreams come true.

Contact us online to learn more about proper outdoor furnishings for Eichlers.

How Architects Work with Home Remodelers

Written on June 29, 2018.

Consider How Architects Work with Home Remodelers

Tips to Make Your Renovation Project A Success

Are you planning a home makeover? Whether you are thinking about building reconstruction, a change of layout and floor plans, room additions, or other changes, your Silicon Valley home deserves the expert skills of an architect and a remodeling contractor. Homeowners are often unsure about hiring a professional to design the remodel as they may consider it unnecessary. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand how architects work with home remodelers.

3 Reasons You May Require an Architect to Remodel Your Home

Design expertise: The bigger the remodeling project, the more likely you will require a building design professional to bring your dream home to life. In addition to providing designs based on your vision and needs, an architect can ensure that the upcoming changes harmonize with the existing structure. Simply put, you can expect that aesthetics, functionality and safety are all integral to the remodeling plan.
Paperwork: Many municipalities require special permits for changes to building structure and floorplans. Adhering to building codes is critical for your safety and for protecting your home investment. An architect can help you prepare the necessary documentation for acquiring building permits. More importantly, you have expert help on hand to resolve any design or structural issues that may arise.
Project management: You can hire an architect to prepare the design plans and obtain the required permits or to manage the entire rebuild/renovation project. This can include hiring contractors to work on the remodel and overseeing the project to completion. End to end services will cost you more and may not always be necessary. To save money and ensure the best results, look for an experienced remodeling company who will work with your architectural plans.

Hire Eichler Home Remodeling Experts to Realize Your Dream Space

As home renovators and Eichler remodeling specialists, we work closely with local architects to bring your dream space to life. Whether you are looking to add another level or just a family room, or want to change the layout of the ground floor, our aim is to create a home that you will love and be proud of. How involved you and your architect want to be in the rebuild process is entirely up to you; we follow a flexible approach to suit your preference.

Count on the team at Flegel’s Construction Co. to pay attention to the smallest details and provide quality touches that will distinguish your home. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Contact us online to learn more about how architects work with home remodelers and let’s discuss your renovation project today.

Hiring a Construction Consultant before Building or Renovating

Written on June 22, 2018.

The Importance of Hiring a Construction Consultant before Building or Renovating

Are you thinking about constructing a new home or remodeling your existing one in Palo Alto or other local cities? There are many critical details to consider which could impact (a) the time taken to complete the project, (b) the overall cost and (c) the quality of results. Let us explain how hiring a construction consultant before building or renovating can help reduce costly problems and give you peace of mind.

How Consulting a Construction Expert Reduces Your Risk and Expense

Expert planning: Construction and renovation can be overwhelming for homeowners as most do not know where to start. The first step in a successful build or remodel project is planning. Your building consultant can guide you through the critical steps and provide you with valuable insights into project feasibility, scope and timelines.
Determine costs: The overall investment is a critical factor when building your dream home or upgrading the existing one to match your lifestyle. Underestimating expenses and spending on unnecessary high-end finishes are common pitfalls, but they can be avoided. With the right professional guidance, you will end up making a more realistic estimate and be able to make the smart decisions that save you money and fetch rewarding returns.
Identify requirements: A sound knowledge of local building codes is critical to obtaining the necessary permissions. Having a knowledgeable professional to guide you through the process can help make it seamless and more satisfying.
Flag the risks: Shoddy workmanship and negligence resulting in property damage, cost overruns and prolonged timelines are not uncommon. If you are unaware of what to look out for, it can hurt you. An experienced professional can help you see the bigger picture and ensure your project goes as planned and stays within your budget.
Recommend professionals: In the end, it all comes down to the architect and builder/renovator you decide to work with. Hours of research can leave you confused and frustrated. How do you decide which one to select? Your construction consultant can point you in the right direction.

Building and Remodeling Experts to Create Your Dream Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we pride ourselves on transforming homes into dream spaces. With over 30 years of experience in new home building, renovations and Eichler remodeling, we can guide you every step of the way. Our team will offer useful insights to help you steer clear of costly mistakes. Irrespective of whether we provide pre-construction and renovation advice or complete the entire project for you, our goal is your success.

Our quality workmanship and personalized service has earned us a growing number of customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Let’s discuss your project or contact us online to learn more about hiring a construction consultant before building or renovating.

Flegel’s Construction is a Participant in the 2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour

Written on May 30, 2018.

Join us on June 9^th for the 2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour. Be sure to see our project “Sunnymount Avenue” along the route!

For more information, tickets and a tour map, click here.

About the Modern Architecture + Design Society and Home Tour Series

For a decade, the Modern Architecture + Design Society has been bringing enthusiasts up close and personal with the architects and designers that create these modern masterpieces, and the homeowners that open their doors to share your visions with our communities.

The Modern Architecture + Design Society (MA+DS) Modern Home Tour Series is THE annual showcase of the most innovative and groundbreaking private residences, highlighting unique approaches to modern architecture, design, and art.

Developed, curated, and produced by internationally-recognized architecture and fine art photographer James Leasure and MA+DS partner Kenneth Shallcross, this year’s slate of events promises to be bigger and better than ever!

With thousands of people participating and millions more being exposed through social media, the 2018 Tour Series is one of the best ways to reach modern architecture, design and lifestyle enthusiasts throughout North America.

Maintain Your Eichler Home’s Architectural Style

Written on May 29, 2018.

Tips to Preserve Your Eichler Home’s Architectural Style

Are you a proud owner of an Eichler home in Silicon Valley? Make sure your upcoming renovation project maintains the authentic, characteristic style you love. Maintaining the characteristic horizontal and vertical planes that offer the best of indoor-outdoor living can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the “California modern” building concept. Look for a renovation contractor with the required experience and expertise in this unique modernist style. Here is a quick overview of this architectural style to help you plan your remodel.

3 Key Features You Want to Protect in Your Eichler Home

Modernist style: Clean lines and minimal ornamentation define these coveted tract homes of the 1950s and 60s. Any ornately carved additions such as crown molding would be out of place with the mid-century modern styling. Careful selection of flooring and ceiling materials, wall colors and furnishings can help update the look of your home without risking a mismatch of distinct styles.
Indoor-outdoor feel: The skylights, glass walls (large windows and doors), a continuous ceiling and low-slung gabled roof are characteristic of the easy California lifestyle. Any renovations to your structure must aim to preserve this original vision and flow.
Spacious floor plan: The open concept kitchen, living and dining areas were meant to create a roomy, airy feel and facilitate interaction. Any room additions to accommodate a growing family should ideally maintain the open concept design. For instance, adding solid walled partitions for privacy will take away the openness. Glass walls and sliding doors are better choices for partitioning living spaces.

Any backyard renovations, including fencing and garden sheds or extra rooms, should also keep in mind clean lines, flat or sloped roofs and large windows for your Silicon Valley home.

Successful Renovations by Eichler Home Remodeling Experts

Whether you plan to add rooms, windows, a gourmet kitchen or a luxurious ensuite, trust that we will seamlessly match the past with the present in your dream home. You can count on us to skillfully incorporate modern floorplans and conveniences into your home while preserving the original features. As Eichler remodeling specialists, we understand the challenges of installing modern comforts and energy-efficient systems into homes without a basement, attic and crawlspace.

We are happy to collaborate with your designer/architect to create a home that meets your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. With a deep commitment to quality workmanship and customer service, we have a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Contact us online to learn more about Eichler homes’ architectural style and discuss your renovation project.

What Makes an Eichler Home an “Eichler”?

Written on May 20, 2018.

Nearly 50 years after the architectural style came into being, modernist “Eichlers” continue to be in high demand among Silicon Valley homebuyers. The unmistakable design exemplifies the indoor-outdoor lifestyle afforded by California’s moderate coastal climate. These homes are remarkable for their clean lines, open spaces and plenty of light. If you are planning a remodel, it might help you to learn more about what makes an Eichler Home an “Eichler” before you discuss the project details with your home renovation company.

10 Characteristic Features of Silicon Valley Homes built by Joseph Eichler

Real estate developer Joseph Eichler created these masterpieces in the 1950s and 60s, celebrating the American dream. Using innovative construction techniques, he broke away from traditional post-war, cookie-cutter designs. Middle-class suburban families were delighted with these elegant, moderately-priced homes. Here are some of the characteristic Eichler features that garnered national and international acclaim.

Mid-century modern style with minimal ornamentation (blank street façade) that came to be known as “California modern”
Constructed from locally sourced materials like redwood and mahogany
Wood exteriors, entrances and paneling
Widely spaced posts and beams
Flat or low-sloped gabled roofs
Functional layout with a blend of public and private spaces
Atrium courtyard or foyer that straddles the indoors and outdoors and is typically lined with plants
Interiors with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that bring in unobstructed views of the outdoors and plenty of natural light
Open concept kitchen, dining and living areas with glass or no partitions
Built-in furnishings

Eichler Remodeling Experts Preserve Your Home’s Original Look

When you decide to update your Eichler home with the latest amenities and furnishings, you want to preserve its characteristic “California modern” style. As Eichler remodeling specialists, we know how to maintain the original vision and improve its functionality and comforts to match your current lifestyle. Whether you are interested in a more efficient floor plan, adding windows to brighten up the space, or installing a flush threshold, we are happy to work with your designer/architect to realize your vision. Give us the opportunity to transform the home you love into the home you’ll never want to leave. Our skills and customer service have earned us customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Learn more about what makes an Eichler home an “Eichler”. Contact us online to discuss your remodeling project.