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What is a Home Renovation Specialist

Know What to Expect When You Hire One

If you’re scouring websites and seeking referrals of reputable contractors for your home improvement project, the task can seem overwhelming. Perhaps you’re evaluating general contractors and remodelers, but not quite sure what exactly a home renovation specialist is. Although most people use these terms interchangeably, at Flegel’s, we believe that specialists offer more holistic designs and hassle-free project completion. Read on to know what makes us a leading home renovation specialist in the Bay Area.

Custom Renovations by Flegel’s

A home renovation specialist, such as Flegel’s, can add value to your home improvement project in more ways than you may imagine. Here are the top three advantages of hiring us for transforming your homes.

1. Stress-free home remodeling:

  • We have the experience and expertise to create functional, luxurious spaces that reflect your lifestyle and preferences. With an integrated team of passionate designers and master craftsmen, we aim to deliver a seamless remodeling experience for you.
  • Our designers spend quality time mapping your requirements, understanding your lifestyle, and working out detailed proposals that cater to your renovation goals.
  • We provide step-by-step project tracking and timely updates to ensure transparency in communication, keeping you in the loop on all aspects of the project.
  • You can count on us for innovative features and amenities, quality finishes, and project delivery that matches your timelines and budgets.

2. Flexible approach: What exactly do you need assistance with?

home renovation
  • Comprehensive project management from design to execution?
  • Standalone project coordination to oversee the subcontractors?
  • Ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of the design prepared by your chosen architect?
  • Pre-build consultative services for controlling costs, shortening timelines, or assessing the plans submitted by other contractors or architects?
  • We can address assignments of any scope, scale and complexity. Whether it is end-to-end project management, or third-party liaising for managing your project timelines and budgets, we are happy to participate in any stage of your home improvement journey.

3. Specialists in Eichler home renovations: Looking to restore the beauty of your old Eichler home while also making it more energy-efficient?

  • We specialize in repairing and modernizing Eichler homes without detracting from their characteristic charm. From adding rooms and reinforcing roofing or insulation, to building gourmet kitchens, or updating living spaces, we can bring your Eichler home into the 21st century, while remaining fully compliant with the applicable guidelines.

Bay Area’s Trusted Home Renovation Specialist—Translating Your Vision to Reality

At Flegel’s Construction Co. we have over 30 years of design-build and project management experience, creating spaces that are compatible with your lifestyle and budget. With creative solutions and quality execution, our professional designers and skilled craftsmen add tremendous value to a range of home renovation and custom home building projects.

We have improved the homes and transformed the lifestyles of hundreds of happy clients across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, and San Jose, CA.

Looking to hire a home renovation specialist for your Bay Area home remodeling project? Contact us online.

Eichlers in Mountain View

Be the Proud Owner of an Eichler in Mountain View

Buy, Remodel, or Custom Build a Characteristically Charming Home

Exploring options to buy and remodel an Eichler? Planning a custom build for your Eichler-style home? These architectural gems feature an abundance of charm and character, along with other features that you typically look for in modern homes. Here’s a quick rundown on Eichlers in Mountain View, an area that offers exciting opportunities to buy, build or own this style of home.

Eichler Homes are Full of Charm, Style and Amenities

eichler homes

Symbolizing the mid-century modern style, Eichler homes upstaged several other architectural ideologies to become one of the most popular and affordable residences in the 1950s and 60s. Spread across Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Eichlers represented a new breed of construction that:

  • Featured a minimalist design with flat roof lines and open concept layouts.
  • Promoted indoor-outdoor living and plenty of natural light by incorporating skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Offered distinctive façades with a characteristic pattern making Eichler homes easily recognizable.

With modern aesthetics, visionary design, and the ability to build entire Eichler communities, architect Joseph Eichler created legendary homes that remain highly desirable even today. With a few modifications and upgrades, an expertly remodeled Eichler could give contemporary home styles stiff competition in every aspect of design and functionality.

Where Can You Find Eichlers in Mountain View?

Fascinated with the idea of owning a bright, airy Eichler home, and updating it with luxurious designs and modern conveniences? Check out the two large developments in Mountain View, CA that together feature over 275 Eichler residences.

eichler homes
  • The Fairview tract: There are over 200 Eichlers, built in the mid-1950s in the Monta Loma neighborhood. Find them on Quincy Drive, Emmons Drive, Richard Court, Thaddeus Drive, Nedson Court, Thompson Avenue, Benjamin Drive, Victory Avenue, Dell Avenue, and Alvin Street. Most homes feature 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. In this subdivision, you may also find Mackay Homes and Mardell homes that have a certain resemblance to Eichlers, since one of their designers was originally an Eichler architect.
  • The Bell Meadows tract: This area houses around 75 Eichlers, most of them along Eichler Court, Trophy Drive, and Eichler Drive. Built in the early 1970s, these homes are relatively larger, and offer an extra bedroom as compared to the ones in the Monta Loma neighborhood.

Bay Area’s Premier Remodeling Contractor for Eichler Home Upgrades

The team of passionate designers and skilled craftsmen at Flegel’s Construction Co. have over 30 years of experience in building and remodeling homes. We specialize in repairing and upgrading Eichlers, and comply with the applicable guidelines for retaining their characteristic charm. From adding or upgrading rooms, to improving energy efficiency, and repairing structural elements, we can meet the renovation goals for your Eichler home.

Happy Eichler home owners across Mountain View, CA admire our creative solutions, professional touches, and unparalleled customer service.

Upgrading an Eichler home in Mountain View or other areas in the Bay Area? Hire the trusted Eichler remodeling experts at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online to discuss your custom home renovation project.

Should You Stay or Go During a Home Remodeling Project?

Should You Stay or Should You Go During a Home Remodeling Project? Can’t Decide?

home renovation

Understand the Pros and Cons of Both Options

Getting ready for a major home renovation is never easy. You may have to prepare your home and family for weeks of ongoing work involving tearing down walls, building additional rooms, replacing cabinetry and countertops, installing new flooring, and so on. Along with the eagerness to see your dream renovation take shape, you’ll also have to face the noise, dust and mess. It’s a common dilemma for homeowners—should you stay, or should you go during a home remodeling project? You’ll need to decide whether to start looking for temporary accommodations or reorganize your home and routine to manage the inconvenience. It’s best to know the pros and cons of both options.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying Home During a Renovation

Statistics from the National Association of Home Remodeling (NARI) show that 90 to 95% of homeowners prefer to remain in place during home renovations.

It may be akin to ‘camping out’ in your own home, but the advantages include:

  • Saving the time and hassle of finding temporary lodging, such as a short-term rental, a hotel, or friends and family willing to share their homes with you.
  • Saving the added costs and time associated with packing, moving out, rent or room charges and meals.
  • Closer supervision of the renovation project, improving your chances of avoiding expensive rework.

Here are the key disadvantages of staying home during the renovation:

  • The expense of ‘phasing out’ work can add as much as 5 to 20% to your overall renovation costs. Often, electricians, plumbers, or other subcontractors will have to make multiple trips to your site, especially if you have closed off some portions of the home for your stay and needs.
  • Staying home would entail additional activities, such as daily cleanups, installation and removal of dust barriers, and frequent resealing of rooms. This will hike up the overall completion time and could add around 10 to 15% to the project’s cost.
  • A family with children, seniors or pets may find it challenging to live through the dirt and dust, especially if you have allergies, respiratory issues, or other chronic health problems. 
  • The space crunch and constraints in carrying out routine activities can be disruptive for you and your family. Rising frustration and tempers may impact the quality of relationships, until familiar routines and lifestyle are back to normal.

Choose a Trusted Bay Area Contractor for Stress-Free Home Remodeling

Choosing the right contractor is the first step in ensuring a home renovation project without unnecessary stress and hassle. At Flegel’s Construction Co. we have extensive experience in home remodeling projects that enhance your lifestyle and suit your budget. With creative design solutions, skilled craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer service, we ensure that you truly enjoy the process of transforming your living spaces. Whether you choose to stay at home or move out during the remodel, you can count on us to deliver superior finishes, on time, and to your exact specifications.

Check out what our past clients across the Bay Area have to say about their completed home renovation projects.

Still unsure whether to stay or go during a home remodeling project? Discuss your concerns with the experts at Flegel’s Construction and learn more about our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Contact us online.

Why Were Eichler Homes Popular?

Question: Why Were Eichler Homes Popular?

Answer: Minimalist, Modern, Distinctive Style

eichler homes

If you are a modernist who identifies with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and bright, open plan living, then you may already be a big fan of Eichler homes. For those who are wondering why Eichler homes were so popular, Flegel’s Construction Co. offers some insights.

Eichler Homes: The Epitome of Mid-Century Modern Style Homes

Eichler homes were modern, affordable homes that changed the reigning architectural ideology in the 1950s and 60s. With over 11,000 residences built all over Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, these homes got their name from the primary architect, Joseph Eichler.

Here are some of the key features that made Eichler homes popular:

  • Fresh, modern, budget friendly style: Most homes at that time were compact brick houses, with small windows and asphalt shingles. In contrast, Eichler homes introduced indoor-outdoor living by featuring huge windows, open-air foyers and open concept layouts. However, the modern, innovative design style remained budget friendly and affordable, making it very popular with the suburban middle class.
  • Bringing the outside in: One of the key philosophies behind Eichler homes was to bring the outside in, while retaining an optimum sense of privacy. So, you may find floor-to-ceiling windows (glass walls) looking out on private outdoor areas at the rear of these homes. While most houses did not have any front facing windows, some featured small, discreet, frosted glass ones.
  • Distinctive exteriors: Eichler homes are all about post-and-beam construction and flat or low-sloping A-framed roofs featuring vertical 2-inch pattern wood siding. The simple, minimalistic façades and clean geometric lines gave these structures very distinctive exteriors, making them easily recognizable as Eichler homes.
  • Community living: Eichler’s vision went far beyond building standalone homes. He designed entire Eichler communities, integrating sidewalks, parks, community centers, and other community living features that many homebuyers seek even today.

A visionary, Joseph Eichler’s modern aesthetics continue to be inspirational and desirable in the 21st century. Both homeowners and potential buyers consider these homes to be architectural gems. After all, who wouldn’t want to own a bright, airy home that offers an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape without compromising privacy?

Bay Area’s Top Renovation Contractor for Your Eichler Home Upgrades

As the Bay Area’s top renovation contractors, Flegel’s Construction Co. specializes in repairing and remodeling Eichler homes. From updating living spaces and building gourmet kitchens, to adding rooms and improving roofing or insulation, we cater to a range of requirements for making Eichler homes more energy efficient, functional and luxurious. Our creative designers and skilled craftsmen can modernize your home without detracting from its characteristic charm. We also ensure that our designs and construction are fully compliant with the Eichler home guidelines.

Our team has successfully completed many Eichler home renovation projects across the Bay Area, including in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Campbell, and San Jose, CA.

Looking to upgrade your Eichler home? Exploring the possibility of buying and renovating an old Eichler property? Speak to the remodeling experts at Flegel’s Construction today. Contact us online.

Energy Saving Ideas for Bay Area Home Renovation

Remodeling for Energy Efficiency Goes Beyond Weatherization

Energy Saving Ideas

Are you considering a home improvement project for adding a room, upgrading a kitchen, or specifically, for trimming your energy bills? No matter what the primary goal of your remodeling project, it is always a good idea to make your home more energy efficient. Explore some of these energy saving ideas for your Bay Area home renovation.

Top Methods to Conserve Energy through Home Remodeling

Your home’s energy efficiency is a factor of various aspects. This includes the type and age of construction, local weather conditions, number of home occupants, your overall energy conservation habits, and so on. Adding a home extension or increasing the appliances in your new gourmet kitchen could further kick up the energy bills.

Basic weatherization is an important part of making your home more energy efficient:

  • Ensure that the insulation levels in your floors, walls, attic, basement and crawl spaces are at least at the minimum recommended values.
  • Ask your contractors to check for air leakage, especially around doors and windows, and reinforce the air sealing where required.
  • Undertake necessary roof repairs if it is in poor condition.
  • Replace your incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. Explore sensor-based or other smart lighting options.
  • Install or replace the vapor barrier to improve airtightness and contain moisture levels.
  • Change the weather-stripping on your doors and windows.
  • Get regular tune-ups for your air conditioner, furnace and water heater.

Here are 5 energy saving ideas that go beyond the basics:

  1. Complete re-insulation: Consider increasing the insulation in all spaces to optimum performance values. You could also consider complete envelope air sealing, which involves removing and replacing all the existing insulation.
  2. Appliances overhaul: Your heating, cooling and water heating systems account for the largest portion of your energy bills. Depending on the age of your current systems, explore the possibility of investing in a new HVAC system or water heater. A properly sized, high-efficiency system with smart features will not only reduce your energy consumption, but also add significant value to your home.
  3. Structural replacements: What is the age of your current roof, doors and windows? While some homes come with lifetime warranties for these fixtures, have you considered investing in more energy-efficient options? Over time, this investment will pay for itself.
  4. Window placement and treatments: While the Bay Area does not get snow, winters can be damp and cold and summers extremely hot. With proper planning and placement of glass and window coverings, you can control sun exposure in a way that reduces your home’s heating, cooling and lighting costs.
  5. Soft furnishings: Think about small changes to the interior of your home. The right choice of rugs, carpets and drapes can help keep your walls, floors and windows warm and cozy, or cool and light, as you prefer. This will reduce the load on your heating and cooling systems and help lower your energy costs.

When it comes to home renovation, there is huge potential to minimize your carbon footprint. From switching to solar energy and adopting smart technology, to installing water recycling systems and heated flooring, the possibilities are endless.

Experienced Remodelers for Energy Efficient Home Renovation

At Flegel’s Construction Co. we have extensive experience in remodeling homes to reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Our innovative designers and master craftsmen are passionate about creating functional and luxurious spaces personalized to the last detail. You can also count on us for exciting and cost-effective ideas that improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Happy customers across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Cupertino, and Campbell, CA vouch for our quality workmanship and consistent service.

Exploring cost-effective solutions for your home? We can discuss several energy saving ideas for your Bay Area home renovation. Contact us online.

Should You Add a New Room or Rebuild?

Get Answers for the Big Dilemma in Home Improvement Projects

home improvement

If you are facing the ‘should I add a new room or rebuild?’ dilemma, you are not alone. When it comes to home improvement projects, many of us ask the same question and need to decide between remodeling and rebuilding. While each option has its own pros and cons, the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. offer some insights on what may work best for you.

Remodel Versus Rebuild: What Will You Choose?

  • Timeline: The physical elements of your home come with an expiry date. For example, repainting the exteriors of your home could be a planned expense. However, costs escalate if that comes up in the same year as an unexpected replacement of the roof, gutters or HVAC system. If you plan to stay in the home for the next several years, building a custom home will allow you to reset the clock on the structure, integrity and materials of your new construction. In the long run, building a new house is more cost-effective than remodeling.
  • Budget: Do you have a tight budget and want to make small improvements in a piecemeal manner? Or can you scale up your spend for a big bang rebuild? If your bathroom needs some TLC, or your kitchen needs a refresh, you can plan each project as and when your financial situation allows. You get to control the costs in drips and gushes, as per your comfort and convenience. Besides, in a remodel, the basic elements of your house are already in place and paid for. On the other hand, building a custom home is a big leap that comes with its own share of challenges. The unknown or uncontrollable elements of rebuilding translate into less control over costs, and unpredictable completion dates.
  • Better versus cheaper: For the most part, remodeling is cheaper, rebuilding is better. Constructing a new build from the ground up gives you the opportunity to change the architectural style, opt for eco-friendly updates, and create a strong and functional design. New systems, ducting, plumbing, electricals and energy-efficient fittings could vastly improve your living space and future maintenance expenses. As well, the ability to personalize the home to your lifestyle and preferences makes rebuilding a highly attractive option when you want better instead of cheaper.
  • External factors: The only outside influence on your rebuild versus remodel decision comes in the form of community restrictions. Although some building and zoning restrictions have always existed, in recent years, many communities have become less lenient towards a tear-down-and-rebuild approach. This is because local building departments are intent on preserving the character of cities, by preserving its housing stock.

Both remodeling and rebuilding can give you the bells and whistles that you want in your home improvement project. However, gutting and building a new house may become imperative when:

  • The improvements you desire are not possible within the existing structure.
  • The condition of your house is poor. For example, fixing a foundation problem could drain your finances even before you can start remodeling.
  • The improvement you seek is greater ceiling height. Usually, there is no simple way to achieve that, without removing and reconstructing the upper floor.

Hire the Bay Area’s Trusted Construction and Renovation Contractor

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience in home remodeling, as well as new home construction. Our team of innovative architects and skilled craftsmen are passionate about creating luxurious spaces that are attractive and functional. Whether you choose to remodel or rebuild, you can count on us for quality materials and high-end finishes, on time and on-budget.

Check out what clients have to say about our many successful projects in and around the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Stanford, Sunnyvale, and San Jose, CA.

Still wondering whether you should add a new room or rebuild? Speak to one of the experts at Flegel’s Construction today. Contact us online.

6 Ways to Save Money on a New Home Build

Want to Save Money on a New Home Build?

6 Tips from your Trusted Bay Area Remodeling Contractor

new home builders in the Palo Alto, CA area

Dreaming of constructing your custom home? Learn how to save money on your new home build. There is nothing quite as exciting as constructing your personal haven from the ground up. However, impractical design ideas or other construction elements can quickly lure you down a slippery slope that can eventually bust your budget.

As the Bay Area’s premier construction experts, we know how to focus on cost control, shorten timelines and avoid expensive mistakes while building custom homes. The experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. suggest 6 ways to save money on a new home build.

Useful Tips to Keep Your New Home Building Costs in Check

From approval delays and labor hurdles, to materials availability and design expectations, one thing can lead to another, until your building expenses spiral out of control. Here are some cost-control aspects to consider as you build your custom home:

  • Realistic timelines, practical budgets: Waiting to break ground could be both costly and frustrating. By the time the floor plan approvals, architectural reviews, sub-contractor selection and final contract from the builder come in, your financial arrangements could go haywire. Take into consideration that this is an uncontrolled environment, and let your plan reflect realistic timelines and finances.
  • Account for the hidden costs: Your initial land costs and builder quotes may not be reflective of the all-in budget for your new home build. You may have to account for expenses related to topographical maps, fees and permits, mandatory contribution to local infrastructure funds, pre-construction inspections and more.
  • Prepare for additional contingencies: Although you think you have prepared a comprehensive budget, additional expenses creep up when you least expect them. Set aside a contingency fund that helps you manage these unforeseen construction costs. This fund could also be useful for other living arrangements until your new, custom home is ready to move into.
  • Explore cost-effective design elements: If you choose a floor plan with a smaller footprint but the same square footage, you may be able to save on site prep expenses, as well as costs for roofing or foundations. Similarly, avoiding dormer windows within the roof could save you the cost of additional framing and roofing. Ask your architect for design suggestions that save on building costs, as well as future maintenance.
  • Consider innovative ways to save on the interiors: There are many smart ways to save money on the interior of a new build, without compromising the looks or quality. For example:
  1. Buy pieces of your preferred marble, granite or quartz for the kitchen countertops, instead of full slabs.
  2. Purchase floor model appliances, fittings and accessories that are in great condition and come with full warranty, just like the packed pieces.
  3. Upcycle rich, old, durable hardwood for your cabinetry, while also enhancing its original grain and beauty.
  4. Choose a forgiving aesthetic if that appeals to you. Achieve a chic rustic or industrial vibe by opting for unfinished edges or low-key finishes that are easy on your wallet.
  • Be open to some DIY projects: Rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty building your own home can be exhilarating. Consider a do-it-yourself approach, especially during the finishing stages of the project. For example, why not lend your contractors a hand in laying down the wood flooring, putting up the backsplash or tiles, painting the walls, or even landscaping your backyard. You may achieve substantial savings on labor costs by pitching in at this stage. Not to mention the joy of working on your own home build and upping your handyman skills.

Bay Area’s Premier Contractor Delivers Cost-Effective New Home Builds

Choosing the right contractor is one of the first steps to saving money on your new home build. At Flegel’s Construction, we believe that delivering your custom new home within the agreed timelines and budget can truly help you enjoy the process of new home construction. With a team of highly skilled architects and master craftsmen, we ensure impeccable designs and flawless finishes for the luxurious new home of your dreams. Check out our portfolio of home renovations and new home builds in the Palo Alto, San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and San Jose areas.

Want to save money on your new home build? Contact us online.

The Best Luxury New Home Building Experience is Hard to Come By

custom home builder in Mountain View area

Your Choice of Contractor Makes All the Difference

Planning your custom luxury new home building project? What should you expect? It’s possible you’ve heard some horror stories from family and friends. Some well-wishers may even advise you to choose a fully constructed home versus building one from scratch, but there’s nothing like seeing your dream turn into reality. Getting the best luxury new home building experience starts with choosing a trusted contractor with a stellar reputation for custom home construction.

How to Get the Best Luxury New Home Building Experience – Useful Tips

What can be more exciting than watching the home of your dreams taking shape right before your eyes? With a little research and careful planning, you can nail your chance of enjoying a great experience.

  1. Build or buy: When you are in the market for a luxury home, it’s important to take your time and consider all aspects. Even after you think you have decided to build, it is wise to pause and rethink. After all, building a new home isn’t just the contractor and architect’s responsibility; it requires a huge commitment of time, money and effort on your part as well. Think carefully about whether you want to buy a previously owned property and remodel it instead of commissioning a new build.
  • Plan, plan, plan: Give plenty of thought to every minute detail of your new luxury home. From the site plan and floor plan, to the amenities, features and other elements of interior design, create a list that reflects your individual style and preferences. Think of everything that you need in your new home, today and in the future.

Choose the right contractor:

  • Make sure that you extensively research the contractors in your chosen area and ask for referrals from family and friends.
  • Look for contractors who have firsthand experience building the kind of luxury home you envision.
  • Review the credentials of your shortlisted contractors. Don’t hesitate to ask for client testimonials or site visits to completed projects.
  • Get a sense of the design and construction team that will work with you through the lengthy process of building a new home. Ensure that the people you will be interacting with are experienced, trustworthy, and easy to work with.
  • Review your contract: Don’t just read through the contract; review all terms and conditions in detail before signing. Check that all your specifications are included in the contract and cost estimate. Assess all the clauses for project completion and delays. Speak to the contractor about any grey areas and ask for necessary modifications. Setting the right expectations at the beginning of the process is important for ensuring a smooth home building experience.
  • Make informed decisions: Building a custom, luxury home needs your focus and attention, even after you have signed on a contractor. From time to time, you need to make decisions on design changes, ongoing construction activity, choice of materials, and so on. Carve out time from your schedule to consider all the alternatives and make decisions wisely. Getting it right the first time will save you time and money, instead of changing your mind subsequently.
  • Carefully inspect the completed project: Most custom home builders provide an inspection and walk-through once the construction is complete. Pay attention to the details and review whether every aspect of the plan is in place. Invest in a home inspection to make sure that everything is in working order. Review your warranties with the builder and make a list of the coverages available from the builder or product manufacturers. This list will be very handy in the future.

Hire a Trusted Contractor to Build Your Luxury New Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have over 30 years of experience in constructing new homes to your exact specifications. We build and deliver stylish homes with quality materials and high-end finishes, on-time and on-budget. Our innovative architects and master craftsmen offer superior designs and flawless execution to make your luxury new build truly one-of-a-kind.

You can check out some of the luxury custom homes that we have constructed in and around the Bay Area including the Palo Alto, San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and San Jose areas.

Want to get the best luxury new home building experience? Contact us online.

5 Keys to Keeping Within Your Renovation Budget

Advice from Your Trusted Bay Area Remodeling Contractor

home renovation services in Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Cupertino, CA

Keeping within your renovation budget is never easy. No matter how meticulously you plan, a sudden design change or an unexpected discovery may compel or tempt you to spend more. As the Bay Area’s premier remodeling experts, we know that setting a budget and sticking to it is harder than most people imagine. Our renovation experts offer some tips and suggestions to ensure that you don’t go beyond your budget in the middle of a renovation.

Don’t Bust Your Renovation Budget! Here’s How to do it…

Following a thorough process of listing what you want versus what you can afford usually culminates in a well-prepared renovation budget. Once you go through this process and set a figure, follow these 5 keys to keeping within your renovation budget:

  1. Plan and compare bids: Once you have decided to go forward with a remodeling project, don’t settle for the first contractor you find. Ask for referrals from family and friends, do your own research, and invite a few quotes. While evaluating quotes, avoid focusing on the bottom line alone. Instead, discuss the proposals with each contractor, understand the exclusions or hidden costs, and check whether they have:
    1. Set aside some funds for contingencies
    2. Priced your project on square footage or an assembly-based approach
    3. Considered materials that are top-of-the-line, least expensive variety, or somewhere in between
  • Plan carefully, look ahead: Combine small projects within the same area, instead of several independent projects in different parts of the home. For example, if your end goal is hardwood flooring throughout your kitchen and dining room, cover both at the same time. Don’t leave one room for later; this will not only be inefficient and costly, but you may also find it hard to procure the same shade or material in the future.
  • Communicate: Integrating your construction contractors into the design phase will give you a better understanding of material alternatives, construction challenges and timelines. This will help you make design tweaks early in the process. Moreover, you can reiterate your budget to both teams and maintain adequate checks and balances between design and construction. After all, over communicating is better than potential misunderstandings about your needs or expectations.
  • Expect the unexpected, and manage it: Almost every renovation, big or small, will have some setbacks that could potentially derail your budget. Don’t be surprised if issues, such as a hidden termite infestation, mold, water damage, or inadequate electricals come to light during the project. If your contingency funds do not cover these added expenses, consider some trade-offs in your original plan. Go for less expensive, yet quality materials, or reduce a few design elements and stay within your set cost.
  • Avoid last-minute design changes: When you are in the renovation mindset, every relevant ad, flyer, or social media pop-up will catch your attention and inspire you with more design ideas. However, the idea is to put things on paper during the design phase, so that the associated timelines and cost of materials and labor is a near-accurate estimate. Try to curb your impulses to make last minute design changes which are likely to balloon your renovation budget.

Stay on Budget with the Bay Area’s Top Remodeling Contractor

With 20 years of experience in quality home improvement projects, Flegel’s Construction understands the importance of keeping within your renovation budget. We offer a seamless remodeling experience that includes:

  • An integrated approach involving our clients, designers and contractors
  • Detailed mapping of client needs, preferences, budgets and timelines
  • Thorough proposals with a breakdown of costs and systematic assembly-line pricing for accurate estimates
  • Innovative designs, including features and amenities that meet your renovation goals and budget
  • Meticulous project tracking, with timely updates
  • Professional touch, superior finish, project completion on-time and on-budget

Happy customers across the Bay Area vouch for our outstanding craftsmanship and consistent customer service.

Partner with Flegel’s Construction to enjoy unique designs and quality makeovers, while keeping within your renovation budget.

New Home Building Starts with a Plan

New Home Building is a Complex Project. Do You Have a Plan?

Get Your Basics Right

New Home Building Company Palo Alto, Cupertino, CA

Thinking of constructing your own personal haven, but not sure where to begin? Building a new home starts with a comprehensive plan that helps you navigate the entire project successfully, in time and on budget. As premier construction experts, we know how important it is to get your basics right. After all, it is the quality of your plan that can make or break your dream home project.

Characteristics of a Well-Made, New Home Building Plan

Building a new home is an exciting process, as long as you have a meticulous plan that keeps you on track every step of the way. It is not just about the schematic designs, with layouts and floor plans. From inspections and approvals, to design and materials, a well-made plan considers every aspect of the project. It helps you visualize the desired outcomes, and work out the finer details of structural elements, construction methods, materials, costs and timelines. Moreover, it also accounts for potential obstacles, and provides likely solutions to resolve each problem.

Partner with a trusted construction expert who can help you put together an all-inclusive custom home building plan. Ensure that the plan includes aspects, such as:

  • Approvals and procedural interventions: In older towns, such as Palo Alto, or protected areas, such as Los Altos Hills, you may have to conform to several city, or neighborhood-specific construction requirements. A good plan will list:
    • Various guidelines and local building codes that you need to adhere to
    • Licenses and permits required for construction
    • Inspections that you need to pass for each step of construction to move forward
  • Layout, labor and materials: Did you get a feasibility analysis to check project scope and viability? Do you have rough estimates of the time and cost of labor, permits and building materials? A well-documented plan will help you track progress of all the listed parameters in terms of quality, timelines and budget.
  • Design and lifestyle-based features: Want a layout that integrates the natural surroundings into your home? Do you prefer interiors that make generous use of your favorite hardwood? You may have several design or material preferences, while creating a luxurious and functional new build. Does your plan incorporate the design statement you want to make, or the custom features that suit your lifestyle?

Protect Your Investment with the Bay Area’s Top Construction Contractor

When it comes to building a new home, focus on controlling costs, shortening timelines and avoiding expensive mistakes. With over 30 years of experience, Flegel’s Construction has the local knowledge and expertise to help you plan and build a custom home. From conducting a feasibility analysis and obtaining permits, to providing professional recommendations and project management services, we address all the requirements of new home construction. Our extensive planning ensures seamless, timely and cost-effective completion of each step, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the process of building your dream home. Serving Palo Alto, San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and San Jose areas.

Partner with Flegel’s Construction and let our thoughtfully created plans set you up for success in your new home building project. Contact us online.

IN THE NEWS

2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour

2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour

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

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Make Your Bathroom Kid Friendly

Make Your Bathroom Kid Friendly

Flegel's Construction Co., Inc. can help you discover "10 Ways to Make the Shared Bathroom Welcoming for Kids."

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TESTIMONIALS

  • Video Testimonial

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  • I would hire Scott again in a heartbeat

    I would hire Scott again in a heartbeat. He did our Eichler total remodel from roof to radiant. The workmanship is 5-star. Scott understands the uniqueness of Eichlers and modern design.

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  • I am confident that your expectations will be far exceeded…

    “Our home in Palo Alto was in need of help. Built in the early 1950s and barely updated since, there was a lot to do. Over 12 months and two phases, our home was transformed into the perfect mid-century modern oasis for our

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  • As easy for as us as possible…

    “We interviewed at least 7 contractors for our Eichler remodel and decided on Flegel’s construction and I am so glad we did! Working with Scott and his crew was such an pleasant experience. We had heard so many horror stories

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  • Stands by his work…

    “I cannot say enough about Scott Flegel. He is on the ball. He works on the project with his employees. He has very high standards and his employees follow his example. Our architect has come back to look at the project

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