Home Renovation - Flegels Construction Palo Alto CA

Lumber Price Trends Are Difficult to Predict!

Written on October 28, 2021.

Is Another Lumber Price Hike in the Offing?

After reaching an all-time high of $1,500 per thousand board feet (MBF) in May this year, lumber prices fell precipitously to an August low of $483 MBF. Then, prices began to creep up, causing some economists to cry inflation. In September, lumber prices hit $628 MBF, leaving homebuilders, consumers, and others wondering how far prices will continue to climb. Clearly, lumber price trends are difficult to predict.

While some analysts predict rising prices as supply catches up to demand, others are saying this won’t happen, citing a few reasons, such as:

As supply and demand level off, prices will go down
Homeowners are beginning DIY projects they put off over the summer
The rush back into hardware stores will probably drive prices higher in the short term, then level off, according to a Fortune.com article
With families returning from vacation and the start of the school year behind them, homeowners are likely to begin more home remodeling projects

The fact remains that in the short term, lumber price trends are difficult to predict for the remainder of 2021 and beginning of 2022. If lumber mills continue to shut down every time prices fall, it could be a very bumpy ride for construction companies and home builders trying to time their purchase to save money.

Flegel’s Construction Co. Helps You Find Cost-Effective Alternatives to Lumber

If you’re looking for a homebuilder or remodeling company in the Bay Area, Flegel’s Construction Co. has you covered. When lumber prices are on the rise, we look closely at concrete, composite, steel, and other alternatives that can cut down the amount of lumber needed to frame and build your home.

The same holds true for remodeling projects. From out-of-the-box thinking such as straw bale or shipping container framing to reducing lumber waste, our construction team will do everything possible to keep your project within budget.

There’s enough evidence showing lumber price trends are difficult to predict. Short of investing in a crystal ball and watching the lumber market closely, there’s little homeowners can do about the cost of lumber. Instead, you can partner with industry professionals that can help you find suitable alternatives that can save you money on remodeling projects for your classic, modern, or Eichler home.

Contact Flegel’s today to discuss your remodeling project or new build in the Bay Area. We shop around to find the best materials at the best prices for your home construction project.

Creative Ideas on Updating Floor Plans

Written on September 20, 2021.

From the Home Remodeling Pros in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley

Many clients come to us frustrated with their home renovation plans. While you may want to create a beautiful, modern open floor plan, a load bearing wall, an inconveniently placed fireplace, and other structures in your home make it seem impossible. Don’t lose heart; there are many creative ideas on updating floor plans, and there will be one that’s just right for you!

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we pride ourselves on coming up with innovative ways to give clients a better flow from room to room. Let’s discuss different options that allow you to get creative and enjoy the process while maintaining your budget and the structural integrity of your home!

Improve Flow and Visibility with An Updated Floor Plan

If you feel constrained by the layout and structure of your older home, it might be time to partner with experienced remodelers in the San Jose area. Whether you’re already working with an architect or need the assistance of a structural engineer, we can help provide expert advice and feasibility checks to ensure your plan works for you today and into the future.

Open floor plans improve visibility, make entertaining easier, and improve the natural flow of your home. So, if you have an older home with walls separating your kitchen, living room, dining room, and other communal spaces, it’s time to get creative and open things up a bit.

Here are some ideas for overcoming structural issues that prevent you from just knocking down walls:

“You’re going to need a column to keep the roof up.” No one wants to hear that their dream of an open floor plan will be intersected by a floor to ceiling column. However, it’s not the end of the world. Use it as a design element. For example, instead of one column, add two and put in some shelves for storage and display purposes.
Load-bearing beams. Nothing makes a homeowner cringe more than hearing that they can’t get rid of a wall due to load bearing beams. However, our construction team can improve the existing load beams or replace them with stronger material, such as steel beams. You may even get a more attractive, contemporary look by exposing newer materials.
Open your fireplace between two rooms. Keep your existing fireplace but open it up as part of your remodel. You can even add a two-sided fireplace to create separate zones for the living room and dining room, kitchen and living room, and so on. By using gas fixtures and glass surrounds, you keep the warmth and comfort of your fireplace without heavy traditional materials such as brick or cast iron. Alternately, you can use the fireplace as a focal point, surrounded on all four sides with river rock, brick, or other materials that fit the style of your home.
Opening doorways. If you’re looking for a more subtle update, consider opening doorways by replacing them with arches, glass panels, or pocket doors. You can browse through our online portfolio for more ideas and inspiration.
Flooring transitions. You can put tile in your kitchen, wood floors in the living room, and concrete in the entryway without breaking the feel of an open floor plan. We’ll work with you to create fun transitions between unique materials.

Our construction consulting team for home remodeling often jumps in to salvage open floor plan remodels. Let us tackle your toughest conundrums with creative ideas on updating floor plans.

Contact us today for open floor remodeling for your traditional home. We can also suggest flooring and zone transition ideas to update your Eichler home in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Campbell, and Palo Alto.

High Lumber Prices Increasing Home Building Costs

Written on May 26, 2021.

Choose an Experienced San Jose Homebuilder

Creating an accurate budget for your home construction project has become more complicated in 2021. The rising price of lumber is increasing the cost of home building and renovations. In fact, the volatile lumber prices and short supply are making it difficult to avoid cost overruns and supply delays.

As you plan your new home construction or renovation, it’s important to choose a San Jose Area homebuilder with years of experience. To stay within your budget, you want to ensure that your construction company has a strong network of suppliers and vendors, and the skill to avoid costly errors. At Flegel’s Construction, we are working hard to expand our list of reliable suppliers. Our goal is to keep costs down and projects on track for homeowners in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Mountain View.

Anticipate Higher Costs for Home Building and Renovations in 2021

According to the Wall Street Journal, the cost of lumber is four times that of historic prices. Lumber prices have exceeded $1,500 per thousand board feet (mbf), a square foot of wood one inch thick. What does this mean for homebuyers?

Let’s look at how the cost increase impacts your construction budget:

Although the prices vary by region, at $400 per mbf, it might cost about $9,800 for the framing lumber and structural panels for a 2,000 square foot home. At $1,600 per mbf, the cost of lumber for the same project skyrockets to over $39,000.
Surging lumber prices have resulted in an average price increase of $35,872 for single-family homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
According to a recent CNN article, the March median home price rose by 17.2%. At $329,100, that’s the highest price since 1999 when the National Association of Realtors started tracking home prices nationally.

What’s Causing the Lumber Price Spike?

Several factors contribute to recent high prices and the volatility of lumber in general. People held off buying or building homes during the pandemic. This led to a drop in lumber prices and the closure of several sawmills. Now that the housing market has heated up again, there’s an unprecedented demand accompanied by extremely short supplies of lumber.

As lumber production ramps back up, you can expect to see a drop in lumber prices at some point, but it is not likely to happen soon. At Flegel’s Construction, we’re looking for innovative ways to keep the total cost of construction down by looking at the following options:

Using alternative materials where possible
Providing highly experienced construction managers to help avoid cost overruns
Scaling down the complexity and scope of renovation and construction projects by focusing on the essentials

We can help you save money on your remodel by planning for realistic timelines and budgets

At Flegel’s Construction, we manage projects with time and cost saving measures in mind. Despite the rising prices for lumber driving up costs of home building and renovations, we can help you realize your dream home. Check out our portfolio of remodeling projects for inspiration.

Contact us to expedite your construction or home renovation project in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Mountain View.

15 Steps for Planning for a Major Home Renovation

Written on April 25, 2021.

Experts Suggest 15 Steps for Planning for a Major Home Renovation

Identify Your Goals, Decide on a Budget and Hire the Right Contractor

As you plan and execute your home renovation project, it’s important to know your end goal, set a budget, and consider how the renovation will impact your daily routine. Partnering with the right construction company can put your mind at ease about the details and the quality of the end result. To ensure a successful remodel, follow these 15 steps for planning for a major home renovation in the San Jose area.

Key Steps for Planning your Home Remodel

Our construction team put together a list of steps to help you avoid the struggles many homeowners find themselves in during a home renovation. Get ahead of the game with proper planning when you follow the steps below:

Know Your End Goal. Are you selling your house or fixing it up for your family to enjoy? Also, consider what other homes in the neighborhood are like. Scale your renovation to achieve your goal.
Set a budget. Outlining a budget can help you prioritize changes you wish to make. You should also include at least a 10% contingency fund for incidentals and unexpected costs.
Map out the construction schedule. Pad in a few extra weeks to ensure you complete the project before the holidays or other important events.
Conduct the necessary research. Find out as much as you can for every stage of the project, beginning with these tips for the planning stage. The designers and craftsmen at Flegel’s Construction have successfully completed many renovations in the San Jose area. So, feel free to pick their brains.
Know when to ask for help. Perhaps your DIY home renovation hasn’t panned out the way you thought. After you decide which projects you could do yourself, determine whether you have the time to take them on. If you need help recovering from a DIY nightmare, the team at Flegel’s can provide a free quote on what it would take to get back on track.
Ask your contractor for references. Even if you have already shortlisted a remodeling company, take that extra step to check their references. Reputable construction companies will be happy to share reviews and customer testimonials.
Declutter and pack. Renting a storage pod to store and protect your belongings can help you declutter your home and make the renovation go more smoothly.
Kid-proof and pet-proof construction areas. If you plan to live in your home during the renovation, take steps to keep your family safe. Installing child gates can prevent your children from getting hurt. Do you have pets? Loud, busy construction sites can stress out your cat or dog. Consider crating them or getting a trusted friend to keep them until the project is finished.
Make a master to-do list. Keeping a comprehensive list can help you stay on task and adjust your budget or renovation plan as required. Work with your remodeling company’s project manager to ensure that you don’t forget items such as permits and supplies.
Create drawings of your finished renovation. Whether you use software to mockup your desired changes or hire an architect, drawings help you and your construction team visualize the result. Work with a construction company that’s familiar with working with architectural drawings. This ensures that your finished project will look as good as it did on paper.
Apply for permits as early as possible. Obtaining the proper building permits ensures that your remodeling project doesn’t violate structural and safety requirements. Choose a remodeling partner that understands local building codes and how to work with the appropriate authorities in your jurisdiction.
Schedule cleanup time. Work with your construction team to establish starting and closing times that allow for daily cleanup. That gives you enough time to wind down at the end of the day if you live in your home during the renovation.
Take the opportunity to make basic improvements. If you are stripping a room down to the studs, it might be a good time to consider whether to include electrical upgrades or improve the plumbing in your home. Although it adds to the project budget, improvements to the infrastructure of your property will increase the overall value, and they are cheaper to do during a renovation rather than at a later stage.
Hire Your construction company well in advance. Book the help you need to complete your renovation ahead of time to ensure that you can finish the project on schedule.
Check weather conditions. Your home renovation may include interior and exterior changes. Plan ahead to complete projects at the most advantageous time of the year.

At Flegel’s Construction, our team gives the appropriate care and attention to every aspect of your home remodeling project, from the first consultation to the final cleanup. We serve the entire Bay Area, including San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara and Mountain View.

To understand the key steps in planning for a major home renovation, you can rely on the courteous professionals at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online with your questions and to book a consultation.

Time to Bring in a Home Renovation Consultant?

Written on March 24, 2021.

Get the Help You Need to Manage Your Home Remodeling Plans

Many homeowners are multi-tasking more than ever before with the new work-from-home culture. While it’s a welcome change from the traditional home-office-home routine, it may not always be the best idea to DIY tasks that are best left to professionals. For instance, planning and project managing your home remodel can be exciting, until timelines, budgets, and even the renovations start going awry. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps it’s time to bring in a home renovation consultant.

Unfortunately, we hear horrible stories of planning and communication issues that result in home renovation disasters. Scott Flegel at Flegel’s Construction Co. is frequently called in to help homeowners save their remodeling projects (and their sanity)!

Avoid cost overruns and misunderstandings by hiring Flegel’s Construction Co. to manage your home renovation in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Jose, Sunnyvale, or Los Altos. Owner Scott Flegel is an experienced custom home builder who has overseen many, many home renovation projects over the years. Ideally, we start at the beginning, but our experts can also rescue your mid-project renovation, if needed. Have you started a home renovation project that just can’t seem to get done? Let’s talk.

Need Mid-Project Help with Your Home Renovation?

If you have realized that you’re in over your head early in the project, make a change, now. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether to hire a professional remodeling company to plan and complete the work:

Do I have the time?
Can I plan and execute the project from start to finish?
Do I know the local regulations?
Do I have the right tools?
Do I have the necessary experience?

If you are in the middle of your bathroom or kitchen remodel and things have gone terribly wrong, it’s time to bring in a home renovation consultant from Flegel’s Construction Co. Feel free to browse through our customer testimonials or look through our online portfolio for home remodeling inspiration.

Signs that Your Home Renovation is in Serious Trouble:

It doesn’t look good. This is the simplest test. If you’ve tried to install your own cabinets or lay new tiling, the ultimate test is what it looks like when you’re done. It’s better to hire professional contractors to fix it now than live with renovations that are just not what you envisioned and decrease the value of your home.
You are way overbudget with little to show for it. With a renovation consultant on the job, you can relax and trust that the materials sourced for the job are worth what you pay for them. Although it costs more to have someone else do the work, you’ll be happy when your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen remodel exceeds your expectations.
You get a notice from the code inspector. At Flegel’s Construction Co., our knowledgeable contractors apply for any necessary permits and coordinate with local inspectors to keep your home renovation on schedule.

Do you need a professional to help you pull your design elements together? Our home renovation specialist can produce a cohesive design that works for your family.

How the Home Remodel Process Works…in a Perfect World

To get your project back on schedule, we start with an initial evaluation and note the changes that you would like to achieve. After you agree to the scope of work, we can provide you with an estimate to complete the project. Be prepared to budget time and money for any work that we may need to remove in order to turn your home renovation around. Your consultant works closely with our home remodeling team to make sure that everyone stays on the same page.

Is it time to bring in a home renovation consultant to save your remodeling project? Schedule an initial consultation at your home in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Jose, Sunnyvale, or Los Altos.

Bring in the Sunlight!

Written on February 18, 2021.

Bring in the Light! Treat Your Eichler Home to New Windows

Trust Eichler Remodeling Experts with Window Options for Your Bay Area Home

Eichler homes are lovely mid-century marvels that have withstood the test of time. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in light and create a minimalist exterior with striking A-frame architecture. Some of these distinctive homes have windows covering a third of the exterior. All those windows bring in the light! However, they also bring in or let out the heat. Work with the skilled and experienced team at Flegel’s Construction to update your Eichler home.

Let’s discuss ways to make your home more energy-efficient with new windows and window treatments without compromising the unique architectural design and distinctive charm:

Upgrade the single-pane windows that have little to no insulating properties. We suggest double-pane glass with an airtight space between the panes. When pumped with argon or krypton gas, the new windows will insulate your home 3-4 times better than the original ones.
Coat the exterior window with low-emissivity material to resist heat transfer. Low E windows reflect harmful infrared energy while letting in shorter wavelengths.
Installing triple pane windows is another option. However, they are extremely heavy, and the thicker framing makes them poorly suited for Eichler construction guidelines.

If replacing all your windows exceeds the budget, we can concentrate on improving the leakiest ones, by:

Adding an acrylic insert on the inside surface, or
Replacing the weather-stripping on doors and windows with better insulating materials

Schedule a feasibility analysis with our home construction consultants for affordable ways to improve dated windows and window treatments in your Eichler home.

Window Dressings to Add Privacy and Show Off Your Tall Windows

The expansive windows bring in the light and create a stunning impression. Do you need decorating ideas that won’t detract from the open feel of your Eichler home? Keep window treatments minimal, by:

Using a ceiling-mounted track to hang floor-length drapes in solid colors. The curtain should span the length of the glass wall.
Following the geometry of your home. If the window wall extends to the sloped ceiling, simply mount woven shades across the horizontal line just below where the ceiling slope begins.
Installing motorized shades in neutral tones. This is also a great choice for smaller windows to achieve a cohesive look.

Hire Experienced Eichler Remodelers in the Bay Area to Brighten Up Your Home

Opening up your Eichler home to draw in more natural light involves more than simply choosing new windows and having them installed. You need to consider the orientation of your home, which direction the windows are facing, and how much privacy you need for the space, while allowing in plenty of sunlight.

With years of experience in updating and modernizing gorgeous Eichlers, we know what works, and what doesn’t. Feel free to browse our portfolio of home renovations in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos.

For stress-free improvements to Eichler home window walls, you can rely on the team at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online for assistance with construction projects in your Bay Area home.

Steps in Building a New Bay Area Home

Written on January 28, 2021.

Custom Home Construction Starts with a Solid Plan

As exciting as it is to design and construct your dream home, building a new home from the ground up is a complex project that requires a comprehensive construction plan. Finding suitable land and a trusted contractor is just the beginning of your new home construction journey. The experts at Flegel’s Construction share the key steps in building a new Bay Area home.

Top Considerations for a New Build in the Bay Area

Land and contractor selection: If you are considering a teardown to rebuild your luxury dream home, you may already be a few steps ahead in your new home construction journey. However, if you are looking for a piece of land in the high-demand Bay Area, it is no easy task. The processes around regulatory compliances, land development regulations, and building permits can be tedious and time consuming. Hiring a knowledgeable and competent custom home contractor is one of the most crucial steps in building a new home in the Bay Area.

Design considerations: Seeing your dream home come to life can be an extremely satisfying process, especially when every aspect of the home caters to your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. While going through the design and planning process with your new build contractors, it is important to consider:

Architectural styles: Selecting your preferred architectural style is a critical aspect of planning your new build. Whether it is Craftsman, Queen Anne, Monterey-Revival, Eichler-inspired Mid Century Modern, Contemporary or some other style, your custom home can be exactly what you want it to be.

Privacy elements and views: Plan for practical layouts and natural light-maximizing solutions, without compromising on views, safety or privacy. Think skylights, atriums, sunrooms, or indoor – outdoor living with glass walls, outdoor kitchens and so on.

Aesthetic elements: Finalizing the aesthetic elements for a long list of features and fixtures in your home interiors and exteriors is exciting. It involves making color choices, materials, finishes, décor themes and various other aspects.

Fixtures and amenities: Plan for lifestyle-friendly solutions that enhance your quality of living. Think about modern conveniences and smart, Wi-Fi-enabled homes where you can remotely control lighting, entry-exit points, and appliances.

Hire the Bay Area’s Trusted Contractors for Your Custom New Build

Whether it is the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas or outdoor spaces and home exteriors, every part of your new build requires careful planning and execution. At Flegel’s we have over three decades of experience in constructing attractive, high-quality, custom homes to the exact specifications of our clients. Whether it is a tear-down and re-build, new construction, or a home addition, we take on projects of any scale and complexity.

Our new home building team consists of skilled and qualified architects, engineers, designers, and tradespeople who offer:

Comprehensive design-build services: We can partner with you from start to finish or at any point in your new home construction journey. We also offer construction consulting services to maximize the efficiency of your project.

High quality construction: We promise creative designs, superior craftsmanship, and professional finishes. Our 12-month post-build plan promptly addresses any adjustments required while your newly built home settles.

Efficient project management and execution: We have the local knowledge and expertise to ensure hassle-free permits and approvals. We are always mindful of your timelines and budget.

Check out how our past luxury custom home projects delivered on style, comfort and appeal. We offer design-build services throughout the Bay Area, including, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos, CA.

For well-planned, stress-free custom home construction, partner with the creative and experienced new home contractors at Flegel’s. Contact us online to discuss your requirements. We can guide you on all the steps in building a new Bay Area home.

Now is the Time to Plan your Home Renovation Project

Written on December 20, 2020.

Design Changes to Meet your Evolving Lifestyle

Months of staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic has given most of us the opportunity to reevaluate our living spaces in the context of our evolving lifestyles. Watching your family members use the existing living spaces may have given you better insight into making your home more functional. The remodeling experts at Flegel’s believe now is the time to plan your home renovation projects and create distinctive spaces to match your future living and working styles.

Key Renovation Projects to Transform Your Home

Whether it is repurposing rooms for new virtual learning and working arrangements or enhancing indoor and outdoor entertainment options for your family, identify the key projects that can truly transform your home.

Refresh your kitchen or give it a complete facelift
- Is your kitchen layout flawed and inconvenient? Installing a center island or a movable cart or changing the location of your appliances may allow you to make your cook space more efficient.
- Does your kitchen look dull or tired? A simple refresh, such as upgrading the hardware, light fixtures, and appliances, along with a change in the wall or cabinetry colors could transform your room into an attractive and welcoming space.
- Is your kitchen too cramped or impacting sight lines to the rest of the home? Getting rid of a wall or two and creating an open layout will increase your prep space and help you engage better with the rest of the family while you cook.

No matter what the shortcomings of your kitchen, an experienced renovation specialist can offer lifestyle-friendly solutions that meet your requirements and make your home more functional.

Upgrade your backyard into a bright and welcoming space
- Limited access to public spaces and social venues has meant putting your own home and outdoor spaces to better use to gather safely with family and friends. It is also a great way to fight the pandemic claustrophobia during the colder months. Is your backyard equipped to handle the increased focus on in-home entertainment? Consider useful improvements and additions, such as:
  - Hardscaping features for better seating and ambience
  - Covered patio space and radiant heating options
  - Outdoor kitchen, hot tub, heated pool

Add or enhance the bedrooms and bathrooms
- Do you feel a lack of privacy due to a main floor primary bedroom? How about adding an entirely new level to your home with an exclusive ensuite bedroom that becomes your personal haven?
- Are the existing number and size of bedrooms and bathrooms suited to your family’s changing needs and lifestyles? Why not consider converting that guest bedroom into a dedicated space for work or virtual schooling?

Hire the Bay Area’s Top Remodeling Contractors for Your Next Home Renovation Project

At Flegel’s, we are passionate about remodeling living spaces to make them more luxurious, yet functional. Our creative designers provide innovative designs that meet your lifestyle requirements and budget. Our master craftsmen deliver these plans on time and to your complete satisfaction. With over three decades of design-build and project management experience, we can undertake projects of any scale, including simple makeovers and complex home additions.

Check out some of our past projects to learn more about clever design solutions and skilled workmanship. We build and renovate homes across the Bay Area including in Palo Alto, Redwood City, Mountain View, Redwood Shores, San Jose, Sunnyvale and Los Altos, CA.

When you are ready to plan your custom home renovations, get in touch with the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. Contact us online to discuss your project scope and requirements.

Technical Innovations for the High-Tech Home

Written on December 10, 2020.

Explore the Future of Smart Homes

Remodeling your home or building your dream home from the ground up? Why not make your life easier, more convenient, and ultra-efficient by bringing your home into the digital age? From tunable mood lighting and smartphone-controlled appliances, to robot chefs and self-cleaning toilets, there are numerous ways to smarten up your living spaces, improve your lifestyle, and become more energy efficient. The experts at Flegel’s explore some of the most interesting technical innovations for the high-tech home.

Top Ideas to Convert Your Home into a Smart Home

Smart home technology has been around for several years. However, the advances in touchless technology, voice automation, sensor-based controls, and seamless AI-integration capabilities are giving a completely new dimension to the future of smart homes.

Here are some key technical innovations for the high-tech home that are already available on the market:

Washing machines that send prompts to your smartphone to reorder detergent when they are running low

Dishwashers that use a specialized mineral compound to dry plastic items more efficiently

Refrigerators with cameras that allow you a peek at the contents while you are in the middle of grocery shopping, or suggest recipes based on your in-stock contents

Touchless or voice activated faucets and antimicrobial surfaces that keep your cooking areas sanitized

Kitchen islands outfitted with induction stoves that sense pan sizes and modify the temperature

An app-enhanced bed system that collects sleep data and adjusts your mattress or pillows to improve your future ‘sleeping experience’

Touchscreen toasters that flash-toast and evenly brown, without making that slice of bread chewy or dry.

Sensor-based coffee machines that measure cup sizes to create the perfect cup of your favorite brew.

Powerful, self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners that make home cleaning a breeze, even in homes with furry friends. Some smart cleaners also switch between mop and vacuum mode based on different floor surfaces.

Voice monitored smart tech that connects with digital assistants for warming up toilet seats.

TV walls that let you assemble your own display to any size on any surface.

Furniture pieces integrated with wireless charging technology that helps you do away with portable chargers and trailing cables.

Smart mirrors that convert to touchscreen devices, letting you browse, check emails, watch videos, or use apps directly on the surfaces.

Smartphone apps that allow you to control indoor temperatures, appliances, lights, locks, and even outdoor irrigation systems.

With appliance manufacturers heavily focusing on robotics research, here are some of the technical innovations that are in the works:

Kitchen robots that can take care of menial tasks, such as loading or unloading dishwashers.

Smart apps that help cooks perfect their slicing, dicing, basting, or braising skills by tracking your existing techniques and offering voice-enabled pointers for improvement.

Virtual touchscreens that can project on any surface including kitchen storage shelves or wardrobes.

Updating your home in keeping with the latest digital technology trends translates to higher energy efficiency, heightened home security, greater flexibility in routine, improved appliance functionality, and better home management insights. Are you ready to convert your home to a smart home?

Go Digital with Bay Area’s Leading Home Building and Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we have decades of experience in new home building and remodeling throughout the Bay Area. Innovative designs, meticulous planning, and quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of all our projects. Whether it is home automation systems, motion sensors, smart security options, automated climate control or other innovative technologies, we can incorporate a wide range of smart features into your home.

Contact us online to discuss your smart home projects. Our team will help you choose the best options to meet your safety needs, enhance your lifestyle and update your home with technical innovations for the digital era.

Initiating a Home Renovation Project During COVID-19

Written on November 17, 2020.

Stay Safe and Remain Patient

While the coronavirus pandemic continues, initiating your home renovation project necessitates several key considerations. How will you finalize a suitable home remodeling contractor, without meeting them in person or doing site walkthroughs of their completed projects? How will you minimize the risks associated with people outside your bubble entering your home? The experts at Flegel’s Construction offer some tips for managing potential obstacles and staying safe throughout your home makeover process.

Tips for a Safe, Cost-Efficient Home Makeover in the Era of COVID-19

The ongoing coronavirus crisis has led to several innovative business practices that one would never have imagined until a year ago. From home delivery of items that you could only ever buy at bricks-and-mortar stores, to purchasing vehicles and homes via virtual walkthroughs, COVID-19 has led to a complete transformation of how we shop and conduct business. The pandemic has also compelled many homeowners to modify their homes and make them more suitable for the stay-at-home and work-from-home lifestyle.

If you are thinking of initiating a home renovation project during COVID-19, here are some aspects to consider:

Assess and finalize a contractor virtually: Many professional home remodeling contractors now offer introductory meetings through Facetime or Zoom. This is a great opportunity for you to assess their portfolios and capabilities and ‘walk’ them through your home to explain your renovation goals or discuss your ideas. Use the virtual call as an opportunity to understand a few important things, such as:

How do they operate in light of COVID-19 related restrictions and challenges?

What kind of questions do they ask? Do their queries reflect their ability to design and deliver to your specifications?

What type of work have they done in the past? Can they connect you with past customers virtually?

How will they ensure that every crew member working in your home follows the basic protocols of hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and physical distancing?

Expect certain COVID-19 related limitations:In light of the pandemic related logistical challenges, production issues, and added safety measures, some aspects of your project may need continuous monitoring and creative solutions. Home remodeling companies that have a dedicated project consultation team are better equipped to handle such situations efficiently. Whether it is labor shortages, price hikes, or delays in material deliveries or city permits, project management specialists can help in addressing all aspects of your home renovation project through:
- Proactive planning of backup solutions
- Quick problem-solving for unexpected issues
- Efficient coordination between contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers
- Prompt reallocation of on-site resources

Remember, when you are initiating a home renovation project during COVID-19, it is all about resourceful planning and constant communication between you and your chosen home remodeling specialist.

Fabulous Home Makeovers by the Bay Area’s Trusted Home Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we specialize in designing and delivering luxurious and functional spaces in line with your lifestyle, preferences and budget. Innovative designs, outstanding craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer service are the hallmarks of our custom home remodeling projects throughout the Bay Area.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have modified our processes and approach to prioritize safety for our employees, contractors and clients.

Our rigorous hygiene protocols align with public health and safety guidelines, as well as other industry-specific regulations in the context of COVID-19.
We take the utmost care and precautions to minimize any risks. Our goal is to ensure the safe and efficient completion of every home remodeling project that we undertake during these challenging times.
Our teams maintain an open and transparent line of communication throughout the project lifecycle. We will keep you updated on the progress of your project every step of the way.

Ready to customize your Palo Alto/ Bay Area home and initiate your home renovation project? For reliable and quality makeovers, hire the home renovation experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. Request a virtual home renovation walkthrough today.