New Construction - 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.

Build Your New Home in Santa Clara

Written on September 15, 2021.

Build Your New Home in Santa Clara—Experience Matters!

Hire Flegel’s Construction Co. for Bare Lot or Tear-Down Construction

While some homeowners are happy to purchase the beautiful, historic homes already built in Santa Clara, you’ve decided to go another way. With its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and cosmopolitan San Francisco, you and your family have decided that the Santa Clara Valley is the perfect place to build your forever home. The first official task is finding an available lot, rare in the sought-after Santa Clara real estate market. Next, you must find a contractor to turn your bare lot into your dream home, tear down (or partially tear down) the existing structure to build your new home in Santa Clara.

You Supply the Vision, We’ll Handle the Compliance Details

Flegel’s Construction Co. has expertise in new home construction throughout the Bay Area. Our construction consultants can help you determine the best way to transform your land purchase into a blank slate for your custom home build. We want you to enjoy the exciting and limitless possibilities for your future house, and so, our pros take care of all the important details. You can trust us to check off all the boxes and investigate matters related to city ordinances, height limits, neighborhood designations, lot line limits, fire protection requirements, and drought-friendly landscaping, in the building plans.

When we build your new home in Santa Clara, we hope to start a lifelong relationship for all your construction needs.

Flegel’s Construction and Consultation Services in Santa Clara

From slope and drainage to where to place your pool, we can help you solidify every major decision by considering the full scope of the surrounding terrain and, of course, the needs of your family.

Here are some of the services we offer on your journey to creating a home that serves as the center of your family’s universe:

Project viability services: Our construction consultants help you determine the scope of your new build. They also act as the voice of reason or encourage you to dream bigger when you feel that constraints are weighing down your plans. You can also count on us for timely, accurate feedback regarding the feasibility and expense of proposed changes.
Pre-build consultation: Prior to putting any shovels in the dirt, we’ll have a detailed consultation to help you avoid costly mistakes. We can also help you wade through estimates from other contractors to shortlist the most promising, realistic proposals.
Hassle-free compliance: Our experts have a deep understanding of local building codes which helps us cut through the red tape on many requirements by remaining organized and proactive. This also smooths out the permit process to minimize or eliminate costly reworks.
Project management: When it comes to managing subcontractors and suppliers, you can count on our construction management team. We keep a close eye on the project’s progress to make sure that quality remains high and true to your instructions. You will receive regular progress updates, so you stay excited rather than anxious!

We want to be your construction contractors for life and can also offer advice on whether to remodel your current house or build your new home in Santa Clara.

Contact us today to schedule a pre-build consultation and ask any questions you have. We look forward to helping you build your new home in Santa Clara. We also handle remodeling jobs for your traditional or Eichler home in San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View, Campbell, and Palo Alto.

Living in Place Home Renovation Ideas

Written on April 10, 2020.

Stylish, Functional, Living in Place Home Renovation Ideas

Add Safety and Comfort to Your Forever Home

Remodeling your home to address your own or an elderly family member’s needs? A few thoughtful modifications will help make your home safe and comfortable for seniors. The makeover specialists at Flegel’s offer some living in place home renovation ideas to enhance the style and functionality of your home.

Home Design for Older Generations

An AARP study shows that around 76% of Americans (aged 50+) prefer to remain in their current residences for as long as possible. Although aging at home is a popular choice, it comes with several challenges. Designing homes for older generations requires careful thinking and meticulous planning.

Today, an increasing number of newer homes feature the principles of universal design. Essentially, these homes offer function and accessibility for occupants of all ages, sizes and abilities. While relocating or building a new home may not be your preferred option, you can apply these principles while remodeling your current home.

Here are some modifications that will allow you to continue living in place comfortably.

Improve visibility: Well-lit spaces will not only help in preventing trips, slips and falls, but also offer enhanced visibility for those who have age-induced diminishing eyesight. Ensure that your hallways, stairways and task areas have adequate light fixtures and high-wattage bulbs. If your structure allows it, consider installing a skylight to bring additional natural light into your home.

Facilitate ease of movement: Slippery surfaces or other obstacles on the floor present multiple risks, especially in a home with aging adults.

Upgrade to slip-resistant flooring in high traffic zones and bathrooms.

Widen your entryways and internal doors to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, now, or in the future.

Eliminate any thresholds between rooms and install a curb-less, wide-entrance shower stall or a walk-in tub.

Consider knocking down a few walls to create an open floor plan and choose innovative customizations that reflect your needs and lifestyle.
Make it easy on the hands: Most of us may not think much about a routine activity such as turning a doorknob. However, it could be quite tedious or inconvenient for those with limited mobility or chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Replace knobs with simple lever-style hardware.

Swap out old faucets for easy-turning ones and update your cabinetry hardware with handles and drawer pulls that offer a good grip.

Install grab bars near the toilet, and in the tub and shower stall. Add handrails to both sides of your staircase, if possible.

Raise electrical outlets that are too close to the ground to make them more easily accessible. This is critical in preventing any potential injuries caused by excessive bending or stretching.

Create resting spots: Whether it is a bench near the doorway or a built-in seat in the shower stall, add landing spots that may come in handy if an older adult loses balance or feels exhausted during routine tasks.

Bank on technology: There is no shortage of new technologies that you can incorporate in your home. From sensor-based lights, faucets and doors, to intelligent appliances and self-cleaning toilets, choose the features that best meet your requirements.

Redesign Your Living Spaces with Bay Area’s Premier Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we are passionate about delivering quality home makeovers to your exact specifications and complete satisfaction. Our creative team has the experience to design for older generations, while our master craftsmen skillfully execute these designs to perfection. Count on us to create accessible spaces that serve your current and future aging needs while also reflecting your personal style.

Happy customers across the Bay Area vouch for our consistent customer service and seamless project delivery. We are committed to deadlines and work within your budget.

For more living in place home renovation ideas and designs to suit older generations, get in touch with the remodeling experts at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online.

6 Ways to Save Money on a New Home Build

Written on September 14, 2019.

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:

Buy pieces of your preferred marble, granite or quartz for the kitchen countertops, instead of full slabs.
Purchase floor model appliances, fittings and accessories that are in great condition and come with full warranty, just like the packed pieces.
Upcycle rich, old, durable hardwood for your cabinetry, while also enhancing its original grain and beauty.
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

Written on August 21, 2019.

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.

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.

New Home Building Starts with a Plan

Written on July 24, 2019.

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.

Building a Home in California is Expensive – Part 3

Written on June 28, 2019.

You Ask: “Why is Building a Home in California so Expensive?”

We Answer: “Housing Permits Play a Big Role”

Can’t wait to customize your personal haven in the Golden State? Need insights on why building a home in California is so expensive? Between the availability of land, labor and resources, to weather conditions, permits and taxes, several local factors will influence your construction costs.

As Silicon Valley’s premier construction experts, we closely monitor the housing market, and understand the industry’s dynamics inside and out. In our 3-part series on factors that magnify construction costs in California, we shared our insights on (1) rising costs of labor and (2) escalating material costs.

In this concluding page, our experts shed light on how housing permits can make building a home in California so expensive.

Part 3: Housing Permits May Hinder Your California Custom Home Build

As one of the top 3 most expensive states in which to build a custom home, California’s average construction cost of $439k is 40% higher than other, less expensive states. Building costs in our sprawling state vary by city and location, with certain pockets being far more expensive than others.

Moreover, land development fees and building permits are costly, and the process of getting approvals is extremely tedious and time-consuming. This is particularly true in a highly regulated state, such as California, where there are multiple conditional reviews to determine allotment of permits.

Many review committees: In addition to two distinct entities, the zoning commission and the environmental review board, you need permits and approvals from several other government agencies. These include the building department, fire department, health department, city council and more.

Density control regulations: For the purpose of density control, in some communities there are stringent lot size restrictions, such as the ownership of a minimum one or one-half acre plot. The bigger the minimum lot size, the higher the upfront costs of land acquisition.

Environmental regulations: The California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) has several strict conditions that consider the environmental impact of new home construction. However, many approvers misquote or misuse this law, causing a 2-2.5 year delay in housing permits for even those projects that comply with environment protection regulations. Additionally, starting in 2020, all newly built homes in the state must be solar-powered. According to the Energy Commission, this will lead to an upfront cost of $8,400 for installing solar panels for a single family home.

Political and community involvement: The higher the state regulations, the more intense the community and political involvement in land use and control processes. For residents who fear that new construction will change the character of their neighborhoods or hurt their property values, there are plenty of avenues to express opposition. This can lead to expensive delays in permits, inspections and approvals.

There is no specific research study showing exactly how much delayed building permits adds to housing costs. However, the typical approval time for new projects in the Bay Area is 12 months, whereas, in Los Angeles, it is 8 months. This excludes the time it takes to rezone land for residential use.

Hire a Dependable Contractor to Build Your California Dream Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we specialize in building attractive, functional, high-quality custom homes. Our new home construction team includes experts who can navigate the permits and approvals process to minimize your wait times and building costs. You can count on us for superior craftsmanship, honest communication and timely completion of projects.

We continue to build and deliver stylish, comfortable dream homes to happy customers in and around the Bay Area.

Building a home in California is expensive, but isn’t your dream home worth it? Contact us online to discuss your project.

Earthquake Protection for New Home Builds

Written on June 20, 2019.

Why It’s Important to Get Earthquake Protection for Your New Home Build

Expert Advice for California Homeowners

While earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, California is more prone to this natural phenomenon and has experienced numerous devastating tremors in the past. If you are exploring the idea of a custom home in the Bay Area, you’d be wise to consider getting earthquake protection for your new home build. Ensure a strong structure that keeps you and your family safe.

Building Earthquake-Resistant Custom Homes

At Flegel’s, we know that building earthquake-resistant homes is not just a cosmetic enhancement. It involves drawing up the right structural design, laying the correct foundation and choosing appropriate building materials that can withstand the stresses of a seismic event. Our engineers and architects follow the structural building practices and regulations defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

Here are some aspects that we consider while designing and building a custom, earthquake-resistant home:

Vertical and lateral stiffness: The directional forces of earthquakes may shake your home not just vertically, but also horizontally. We design a structure with the right amount of vertical and lateral stiffness to ensure minimal damage when a quake occurs.

Building regularity: Regularity is the movement of the building when pushed laterally by the forces of an earthquake. In our quake-resistant designs, the building sways along with the push, to dissipate the energy and prevent any compromise to the structure.

Redundancy: A critical safety characteristic, redundancy is the fail-safe feature of your home’s foundation. By creating an equal distribution of mass and strength, we ensure that there are multiple strategies in place. If one fails, the next one auto-activates to protect your home against the forces of tremors and aftershocks.

Foundation: Deep, connected foundations and driven piles are essential for any home to withstand violent earthquakes. Our experts study ground reactions and movements before drawing up plans for a strong, stable foundation.

Continuous load paths: Properly interconnected structural and non-structural building components create multiple points of strength and redundancies. These put up a united front to dissipate inertial forces and protect the foundation of your home. By ensuring that the components do not move independently, we help in maintaining the same lateral and vertical path as the quake. Achieving this continuous load path goes a long way in protecting the structural integrity of your home.

Hire the Bay Area’s Top Contractor for Earthquake-Resistant New Builds

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience in earthquake protection for new home builds. We create quake-resistant structures with attractive, functional spaces, personalized to your lifestyle and budget. Our superior design capabilities, unmatched craftsmanship and quality touches will make your home truly one-of-a-kind.

You can check out our many successful projects across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and Redwood City, CA.

Interested to learn more about earthquake protection for your custom new build in the Bay Area? Contact us online.

Building a Home in California is Expensive – Part 2

Written on May 29, 2019.

Building a Home in California Has Many Expensive Obstacles

Cost of Materials is a Key Factor

If you are exploring the idea of a personal haven in the Golden State, you’re probably wondering why building a home in California is so expensive. Creating your dream abode is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, the continually increasing cost of labor, materials and permits can make building a home in California very expensive.

As Silicon Valley’s premier construction experts, we are well-versed with the factors that impede new construction in this region. In the first of our 3-part series on this subject, we shared the issues that contribute to rising labor costs. We now investigate the second barrier: the escalating cost of materials.

Part 2: Expensive Materials Making Your California Dream Home Project Challenging?

Almost everything in California is more expensive than the rest of the country. The same holds true for labor, construction materials, permits and government fees for building a home. A study by Terner Center for Housing Innovation suggests that overall construction costs across the U.S. increased by 11.8% from 2011 to 2016. However, during the same period, construction costs in San Francisco grew by 12.6% and in Los Angeles by 13.6%.

Here are some factors that impact material costs in California.

Basic price fluctuations: Many commonly used construction materials have seen a significant price rise in recent years. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2019 release, overall construction input prices are up by 2.5% in the twelve months from March 2018 to March 2019. This includes:
- 5.9% increase in fabricated structures and metal products
- 4.7% increase in iron and steel
- 4.5% increase in plumbing fixtures and fittings
- 8.4% increase in asphalt, tar roofing and siding products
- While softwood lumber showed a marginal increase during this period, it had a price escalation of 23% between June 2017 and June 2018.

Tariffs and trade policies: The imposition of tariffs and possibility of trade wars, combined with rising interest rates is a potent combination that causes construction material costs to skyrocket. For example, the trade policies of the current government have put a hefty price tag on steel, aluminum and lumber. As per the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), after the levy of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, supply falls short of the demand. A tight inventory leads to steep prices. They estimate that rising lumber prices alone contribute to a $4,000 increase in the cost of building a single-family home. While talks of trade deals for steel and aluminum are still underway with the European Union, California’s building material costs have yet to see their impact.

Prescriptive building standards: California’s building standards and codes are stringent. Contractors must use a specific quality of building materials for windows, heating or cooling systems and insulation, in keeping with the state’s energy efficiency goals. Meeting these standards and codes means sourcing higher quality, usually more expensive materials.

Hire an Experienced Contractor to Build Your Dream Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we specialize in constructing new homes that are attractive, functional, and most importantly, built with high quality materials. We are aware that several builders use sub-standard or replacement materials to help clients save thousands of dollars in upfront construction costs. However, in our experience, such homes face several long-term issues, including warped walls, cracked plaster on internal and external walls, warped decks and uneven floors.

Our skilled team works to your exact specifications to deliver your dream home with speed, efficiency and quality. Happy customers in and around the Bay Area are enjoying stylish, comfortable spaces, suited to their lifestyle. Now, it’s your turn!

Building a home in California is expensive, but isn’t that true of any dream home? Don’t give up on your dream. Contact us online to discuss your project.

Six Tips to Select Custom Home Builder

Written on May 15, 2019.

Qualities to Look for in a Custom Home Builder

How to Separate the Best from the Rest

When you’re looking for a custom home builder for your new construction, there are thousands of contractors to choose from in San Jose and Palo Alto. How will you narrow down your options? The experienced team at Flegel’s Construction Co. offers six points to look for in a custom home builder. These factors will help you identify the best match for your new home construction project.

Tips to Select the Ideal Custom Home Builder

Local knowledge and experience: Building a home in California can be both tricky and expensive. Hence, it is important to find a contractor who has expertise in managing local requirements, such as:
- Land acquisition costs, taxation, building permits and government fees
  Structure and construction materials that are best suited to Californian weather conditions and the topography of your building site
  Compliance with local construction codes and standards
  Sourcing quality materials, arranging timely and cost-efficient labor and obtaining the required building permits
Design ideas: Check out the range of design ideas in the contractor’s completed projects. Are their plans in keeping with the general look and feel of the area? Do they maximize the benefits of the natural surroundings? Have they used custom products and fittings that cater to the owners’ lifestyle requirements?
Project track record: Assess the reliability of potential builders by evaluating their track record. Did they deliver past projects on time and within the agreed budget? Did they make detailed plans and organize the labor and materials in a timely manner? Have they built quality homes that offer design as well as functionality?
Service quality: When you are researching potential builders, look for aspects related to service quality. Do they present detailed construction plans? Are they transparent in their dealings? Do they offer diligent, periodic project status with detailed explanation of any delays or cost increases? Are they prompt in responding to your queries and open to undertaking modifications during the course of the project?
Warranties: Most reputed custom home builders are confident of the quality of their work and offer upfront warranties to protect your investment. For example, many contractors offer ten years of structural coverage on the foundation of your home, load bearing walls, beams, girders and such.
Communication: When you interact with potential builders, think about ongoing interaction. After all, you will be working closely with them for the period of your project. Based on the way they communicate with you from the start, you will know which contractors you feel comfortable working with.

While looking for a custom home builder that best meets your requirements, don’t skimp on the research.

Read their online testimonials, and speak to friends, relatives or local real estate agents for recommendations.
Interview potential builders to your satisfaction. Request them to organize site walk-throughs and interaction with past clients.
While visiting their completed projects, pay attention to construction features and the quality of materials and finish.
While talking to past clients, don’t hesitate to ask them about problem areas to watch out for.

Hire a Reliable Custom Home Builder for a Stress-Free Experience

Building a custom home can be stressful on your wallet and your emotions. At Flegel’s Construction Co., we help you to truly enjoy the process of new home construction. Whether you are planning to rebuild an existing home, extend the current structure, or start a completely new construction, we offer consultation on a range of new-build projects. Our skilled team will design the home of your dreams and impeccably execute the job, in-time and on-budget.

Check out what our past clients have to say about our many successful projects in and around the Bay Area.

For reliable, stress-free new home construction, count on the experts at Flegel’s. Contact us online.