Home Renovation - Flegels Construction Palo Alto CA

What is a Home Renovation Specialist

Written on December 20, 2019.

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?

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 21^st 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

Written on December 11, 2019.

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

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.

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?

Written on November 16, 2019.

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

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?

Written on October 18, 2019.

Question: Why Were Eichler Homes Popular?

Answer: Minimalist, Modern, Distinctive Style

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 21^st 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

Written on October 11, 2019.

Remodeling for Energy Efficiency Goes Beyond Weatherization

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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?

Written on September 25, 2019.

Get Answers for the Big Dilemma in Home Improvement Projects

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.

5 Keys to Keeping Within Your Renovation Budget

Written on August 10, 2019.

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:

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.

How to Integrate Exterior Remodeling as Part of a Home Renovation

Written on March 21, 2019.

Important Advice from an Experienced Home Improvement Contractor

New floors and stylish lighting in your foyer will look great but how about adding a new flagstone driveway or redesigning your landscape? Increasingly, homeowners are realizing the value of ensuring their properties look attractive inside and out. The home improvement experts at Flegel’s share the why and how of making exterior remodeling part of your home renovation project.

3 Important Reasons to Renovate Your Home’s Exterior

While the focus of your project may be on the kitchen and bathrooms, or perhaps the living and dining rooms, don’t ignore the benefits of achieving an attractive “street view” of your Bay Area home.

Not convinced? Consider these benefits:

Property appeal and value: Industry studies indicate that greater curb appeal can increase your home’s value by more than 10%. First impressions make a huge difference in a competitive real estate market.While it may not be the first thing a potential buyer might look for, there is no denying that a visually-appealing exterior is what attracts prospects to your property.

Investing in a stylish front door, installing a stamped concrete or flagstone driveway, dressing up your cobbled pathway with colorful flowerbeds or planters and adding a variety of lighting options, are some ideas to enhance your home’s street view.

A professionally-landscaped backyard with designated relaxation and entertainment areas (an outdoor kitchen, perhaps?) and serene water features also add appeal to your home.

Whether you plan to sell in the near future or not, an attractive exterior is always inviting and welcoming. When you come home after a tiring day or your guests and neighbors admire your impeccable property, the satisfaction is worth it.

Energy-efficiency: Energy saving is a hidden benefit of exterior upgrades. Air leaks from windows and doors are a common cause of high energy bills. New windows and siding can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20 to 30%. Further savings are possible with strategic placement of trees around your home. You may also consider a new roof with better insulation.

Additionally, these upgrades give you the opportunity to change the look of your home. There are many different textures in shingles, siding and stucco, for instance, that can make your house stand out.

Reduced maintenance: Exterior repairs for older homes can be time consuming and costly. New roofing and siding that will last for 20 to 30 years is well worth the investment. Many of the latest windows on the market do not require painting and caulking. Overall, newer materials require less maintenance and efficient designs make them easier to clean. It’s a win-win!

Tip: When selecting trim for your front door, windows or patio, remember to choose low maintenance material and finishes, and a style that complements the architecture of the house.

Hire a Trusted Bay Area Contractor for Quality Exterior Renovations

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience with interior and exterior home renovations. Count on our skilled team to make your property the envy of the neighborhood. Get ready to fall in love with your home all over again.

With exceptional craftsmanship and quality, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across the Bay Area. You can see many of our successful projects in Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino, CA.

Discover how to make exterior remodeling part of your Bay Area home renovation project. Contact us online.

Explore 2019’s New Home and Renovation Trends

Written on March 15, 2019.

Hire an Experienced Remodeling Contractor for Your Project

Remodeling your home or designing a new one can be exciting. You started with an exhaustive wish list and have taken the time to separate the must-haves from the would-be-nice. Did you check out what styles are ‘in’ this year?

For instance, experts say that while grey and beige will still be around, a warmer palette with more vibrant accent colors is trending in 2019. With more homeowners looking to express their unique personalities through home décor, you can also explore your colorful, whimsical side, and have fun with your remodel or home design.

Not sure how or where to begin? Our home improvement contractors have listed the top new home and renovation trends in 2019 to help guide your decisions.

10 Home Design Trends to Transform Your Space

Bold flooring with bigger tiles: Update your home, starting with the flooring. In 2019, you will see large tiles replicating the rich and warm wood look taking center stage. Eye-catching patterns, shapes like fish scales and designs such as herringbone, will gain popularity. This year, it’s all about getting creative and having fun.
Warm paint colors: Spicier and warmer colors are set to rule. With Living Coral being the Pantone color of the year, rich and lively shades of orange and pink will energize home décor. Millennial pink, a hit in 2018, continues to gain attention in creative ways. Tonal reds are a great way to make your home more warm and inviting. You can also opt for bold and burnt yellows or organic greens to give previously muted furnishings and accents a new pop.
Matte finishes: From cars to furniture, kitchen appliances and bath accessories, matte finishes are here to stay. Warmer tones and their ability to hide dirt and water spots might have something to do with it. Those shiny surfaces, they are passé!
Automated kitchens: Appliances with touch and swipe controls are hot. Bluetooth technology is also gaining popularity. It allows you to synchronize cooking times for the microwave, range and oven so that all your dishes are ready at the same time. Would you like to automatically turn on the lights and vents when cooking? You can! Black, white, dark blue and even gold (with matte finish) are trending colors for appliances.
Statement quartz countertops: Move over granite, quartz is taking over. It is hardier and easier to maintain. The latter’s resemblance to natural stone and availability in several colors also account for its growing popularity. Opt for warm and energetic tones like terracotta for a rich look. If there is one thing to splurge on, it is your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Impressive bathrooms: We’re not talking size but attitude. From small powder rooms to master baths and guest washrooms, it is all about making a big style statement. And bathtubs are making a huge comeback with many homeowners expanding the size of the room to accommodate it. Despite the preference for a warmer palette, bold black bathrooms are all the rage. Another trend is statement walls with vibrant geometric and floral patterns that add drama to the space. Add a sophisticated piece of fine art to create a focal point in your personal spa if you don’t want to go all out.
Natural elements: Wood, stone, copper, concrete and granite replace the tech-obsessed décor that was a shout-out to the Jetsons in 2018. Geometric concrete tiles will be a hot trend as will copper and brass accents. Say goodbye to rose gold.
70’s décor: Warm palettes, velvet furnishings, funky textures and floral and geometric patterns all give a nod to the 70’s décor. Four-poster or canopy beds bring a sense of comfort and coziness to your bedroom and are also in demand.
Glass and steel room dividers: Open floor plans will continue to be popular but with glass and metal divisions that provide light and an illusion of space. Both materials are favored because they add visual interest and define space without making it feel cramped.
Dream outdoor spaces: With homeowners looking to spend more time outdoors, many are focusing on their backyards first. Expanding your living space out into your patio or garden means decorating it with comfortable and stylish furnishings, just as you would indoors. Natural materials like wood, stone and concrete and nature-inspired tones will dominate the outdoor retreat. Metal-inspired styles will contrast the natural backyard scenery.

Hire the Bay Area’s Top Contractor for Quality Home Renovations

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience with remodeling and new home construction. Count on us to create stylish and comfortable personalized spaces in which you can relax with family and enjoy entertaining friends. Our quality touches will make your home truly one of a kind. With unmatched craftsmanship and consistent customer service, we continue to serve a growing roster of delighted customers in Palo Alto and across the Bay Area.

Criteria for Evaluating a Quality Home Improvement Contractor in the Bay Area

Written on February 19, 2019.

Key Criteria for Evaluating a Bay Area Home Improvement Contractor

Experience and Quality Are Critical Considerations

Planning a room addition to expand your space? Eager to modernize your Eichler but keep its’ classic style intact? Dreaming of your dream home right where you live? Hiring the right remodeling company can mean the difference between money well spent and many sleepless nights. Before you begin tearing down walls, learn about important criteria for evaluating a home improvement contractor in the Bay Area.

5 Tips for Selecting the Right Remodeling Company

Arrange a face-to-face meeting: After you have your initial shortlist of contractors, schedule an in-person appointment with each to determine how well they communicate. Being on the same page is essential to realizing your vision. Ask how you will keep in touch throughout the project. Check if they will provide you with regular progress updates rather than only reporting when there are problems during the project.
Examine their credentials: Always select a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. This will protect you from liabilities such as crew members getting injured on the job. In addition to their credentials, ask how long they have been in business. A company that has stood the test of time for decades has a reputation to maintain. You can expect a high quality of service and workmanship.
Look for relevant experience: A contractor who upgraded your neighbor’s bathroom may not be equipped to remodel your Eichler. The right company is the one with sufficient experience handling the type of project you want done.
Do not be afraid to ask questions: Educate yourself about the scope of your home improvement job. Understand what it might require in terms of permits and who is responsible for obtaining them. If you run into surprises like needing a new foundation to support a second floor or having to replace old wiring, for example, these can increase your project’s cost and extend the timeline.
Understand what the quote includes: Examine the proposal closely to understand what you are paying for, such as specific products and materials.Make sure it lists all the details of your project including the start and completion dates. Get everything in writing, especially any fee waivers and discounts you are promised verbally. Miscommunication and hidden costs can significantly increase the final amount you have to pay.Be aware that the lowest bid is not necessarily the best choice. Some contractors may use inferior materials or take other short cuts.Ask for and check references for customer satisfaction before making a decision on whom to hire.

Finally, do not sign off on the project as “complete” until you are fully satisfied.

Hire a Trusted Bay Area Contractor for Quality Renovations to Your Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience with remodeling and new home construction. We offer something else that’s unique—a 12-month post-build support plan. This ensures we will return in a timely manner to make any adjustments required as you settle into your updated home. Count on our dedicated team of designers, construction experts and home building consultants to make you fall in love with your home all over again.

With outstanding craftsmanship and quality, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across the Bay Area. You can see many of our successful projects in Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino, CA.

Discover more ways to evaluate a quality home improvement contractor in the Bay Area. Contact us online.