Tag: design

Kitchen Makeovers Are a Big Part of Home Renovations

Written on July 17, 2021.

Don’t Limit Your Remodeling to a Kitchen Contractor

As you plan your kitchen update, have you considered how to coordinate the changes with connecting rooms — or your whole home for that matter? Architectural details, colors, and materials can pull together a cohesive look, even if their design inspirations are decades apart. At Flegel’s Construction, we go beyond what a kitchen contractor can do, by facilitating comfortable family lifestyles. While they tend to be the most popular, kitchen makeovers are a big part of home renovations. So, when you partner with our design team, we consider nearby rooms, the outdoors, and the rest of your home.

How to Rethink the Kitchen with Your Whole Home in Mind

Often, homeowners hire a kitchen contractor to change cabinetry, install new appliances and change the flooring. While these may be part of your remodeling task list, why limit your kitchen makeover to these changes? For a true transformation, think beyond the space within your kitchen. You can blend your new kitchen design with elements in connecting rooms for greater impact.

Here are a few considerations we take into account to ensure your dream kitchen matches the form and functionality your family needs:

Add elements that match the architectural detail of the adjacent rooms. Custom cabinets and countertops that coordinate with woodwork in your adjoining living room or family room minimize differences to create consistency in the overall look of the space.
Do you have a traditional fireplace? Kitchen wall and floor tiles with a similar look and feel can help ensure a seamless look. For example, vintage ceramic floor tiles convey a rustic look in the most modern kitchen.
Enjoy custom kitchen remodeling for Eichler homes. If you own an Eichler home, we can integrate a kitchen design that won’t mar the distinctive open concept feel. Glass backsplashes, white marble counters, and white or neutral cabinets update your kitchen while blending in with distinctive Eichler architectural elements. We’ll also take advantage of natural light streaming through your floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Consider statement lighting fixtures. Match the pendant lights that hang over new countertops and islands with the lighting scheme in your living room or dining room. Statement lighting can help tie together an open floor plan.
Plan for a spacious look. Kitchens designed in the 70s and 80s often feel isolated and restricting to modern families. Our licensed contractors can execute a more efficient layout that doesn’t cut off the chef from conversations and social activity in adjoining rooms.
Do you need more storage? You don’t have to double the size of your kitchen for more storage opportunities. However, our experienced contractors can add on space to expand your kitchen or blend it in with your outdoor living area. You can have a place for everything and everything in its place!

Let’s Think Beyond Your Kitchen for a Stunning Home Makeover

Get the help you need for a kitchen that fits your lifestyle. At Flegel’s Construction, we can help you achieve an Insta-worthy kitchen with improved functionality, luxurious aesthetics, and homey elements that make your guests feel welcome.

Contact us when you need a contractor who understands that kitchen makeovers are a big part of home renovations. We serve customers throughout San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Campbell, and Palo Alto.

Finding Alternatives to Building with Lumber

Written on June 11, 2021.

Explore Substitutes for Lumber Framing During the Shortage

Home prices have risen by around $36,000[1] thanks to a protracted lumber shortage constraining the production of new homes. The lumber shortage clashes with a rising demand for new homes as the economy opens and consumers return to their pre-COVID 19 goals to build their own homes. Builders are looking for alternative construction materials that can reduce their dependence on lumber.

Two options have gained traction following a focus on them at a recent National Association of Homebuilders webinar. Cost-effective, energy-conserving structural insulated panels (SIPs) and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) may become long-term alternatives to building with lumber.

Are you eager to build a new home or renovate your existing one? It’s important to find the right homebuilder in the San Jose area. Look for contractors willing to explore innovative ideas to help you stay on budget and finish your construction project on time. Flegel’s Construction is working on finding new lumber suppliers and using alternative materials to keep projects going for clients in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Palo Alto.

Two Alternatives to Lumber Framing for Your New Construction

Here is a brief overview of how ICFs and SIPs could act as framing materials in place of lumber:

ICFs are 48” x 16” Styrofoam blocks that interlock like Lego. The blocks have hollow centers to leave room for steel and concrete reinforcement. ICFs are energy efficient, with an R-value of 23, which is at the high end of the recommended value for walls. In comparison, walls using batt insulation have an R-value of 15. ICFs are only used in walls but similar products are developed for roofs and floors.
SIPs are oriented strand board (OSB) with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core. SIPs require a small percentage of the lumber used for traditional framing. Further, SIPs facilitate construction, resulting in faster build times and reduced waste. SIPs made of fast-growing hardwoods can reduce the overall cost of home construction projects. They have an R-value of 23 to 48, making them one of the most energy efficient building materials available.

Flegel’s Construction is always ready to incorporate new materials to create more cost-effective homes and renovations. Finding alternatives to building with lumber is a huge priority currently!

What’s Causing the Spike in Lumber Prices?

Several factors have contributed to rising lumber costs, including the following:

Many mills decreased production during the pandemic due to reduced demand
Lumber yards didn’t immediately ramp up production when the housing market rebounded
The volatile price of lumber has made it hard to secure supplies from Canada and other alternative markets

Choose an Experienced, Savvy Builder for Your New Home Construction

At Flegel’s Construction, we constantly seek out alternative building materials. Our resourceful construction managers use their years of experience to keep your costs within budget.

Contact Flegel’s Construction for more ideas on finding alternatives to building with lumber in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, or Palo Alto.

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.

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.

2020’s Impact on Home Makeovers

Written on September 23, 2020.

A Glimpse into Interior Design Trends in the COVID-19 Era

2020’s impact on home makeovers is nearly as significant as its impact on our lives, livelihoods, and economies. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, staying home as much as possible remains a key priority in most households. While many families have adapted to the remote learning and working environments, the definitions of dream homes or functional spaces has changed significantly during this year. The evolving wish lists are also driving a rapid change in interior design and home remodeling goals. The experts at Flegel’s Construction offer useful insights into 2020’s impact on home makeovers and design trends.

Top Stay-at-Home Renovation Projects for 2020

Being able to spend more time at home has inspired many homeowners to reassess various aspects of their home interiors. Whether it is furniture, fixtures, wall colors, or repurposing of rooms, homeowners are analyzing the function and appeal of every space in light of their pandemic-driven lifestyle. In fact, it is not just about space maximization alone. Homeowners are also evaluating small details that can add quality touches and high end finishes to the home.

Here are some of the evolving trends that indicate 2020’s impact on home interiors:

Swapping open floor plans for demarcated spaces: With the entire family spending time indoors, there is an increasing need for dedicated spaces for various activities. This means saying goodbye to open floor plans that lack good acoustics and privacy. Instead, homeowners are keen on adding walls and doors that create defined areas for working, studying, entertaining, and sleeping. Other trends include:
- Adding utilitarian spaces, such as laundry rooms, mudrooms, or a walk-in pantry
- Using solid wood doors for better soundproofing
- Custom built-in storage for accommodating increasing storage needs and reducing clutter

Creating a dedicated home office space: There is a high demand for carving out some space or repurposing less-utilized areas of the home to create a home office. Whether it is an extension of the living area, a spare bedroom, an attic, or a nook on the staircase landing, home offices are now a popular remodeling trend. While the room itself could double up for other activities, the idea is to ensure a well-lit, private, soundproofed space that allows the peace and quiet you need while you work from home.

Improving outdoor spaces: Homeowners are prioritizing makeovers for patios or exterior spaces with screened-in porches, better outdoor seating, improvements in landscaping and hardscaping elements, and more. These changes primarily focus on:
- Creating a seamless connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces to bring the outside in and add a touch of greenery to your home
- Building functional features for safely entertaining friends and family, without compromising on the pandemic-related physical distancing protocols

Adding designer elements: Homeowners are also aiming to create better-looking spaces that add a warm, welcoming vibe to the home. This includes adding a few designer elements as well, such as:
- Brass adorned cabinetry
- Natural wood accents throughout the living areas
- Funky floor tiles and bold wallpapers
- Thoughtfully chosen wall colors, art pieces and statement lighting

2020’s impact on home makeovers has also led to increased spending on non-visible areas, such as installing top-of-the-line HVAC systems for greater comfort and safety indoors.

Quality Makeovers by the Bay Area’s Leading Home Building and Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we are passionate about designing and delivering attractive and functional spaces that meet your evolving needs and lifestyle choices. You can count on our skilled and experienced home remodeling specialists for clever, space maximizing solutions, outstanding craftsmanship, and consistent customer service.

Our renovation experts have delivered several fabulous home makeovers across the Bay Area.

Looking to customize the spaces in your home to make them more functional and future ready in the COVID-19 era? Count on the experienced home remodeling specialists at Flegel’s Construction Co. Schedule a consultation and contact us online.

A New Home Entranceway Makes a Statement

Written on August 23, 2020.

Design Your New Home Entranceway to Make a Statement

Ideas and Inspiration for Your Bay Area Home

A thoughtfully designed home entranceway makes a statement and becomes the showstopper for your property. Not only does it reflect your personality, but it also sets the tone for the rest of your home’s design and décor. At Flegel’s, we have created many such bold and distinctive entryways as part of home exterior makeover projects. Explore some of our transformative work to find great ideas and inspiration for your Bay Area home.

Create Lasting Impressions with a Well-Designed Front Entryway

Choosing the right door color, materials, style, exterior paints, walkways, and landscaping, is all part of planning your home exteriors. Our team at Flegel’s offers useful ideas to help you plan impressive entryways that stand out.

Repeat a material from your home’s interiors into the entrance layout for a beautifully integrated look

Install well-proportioned feature columns in natural stone, for a grand, defined entryway

Consider recessed fences or gates to add a layer of sophistication and detail to the front of your home

Incorporate a sculptural element, such as a large planter, a specially commissioned piece of art, or custom millwork to give your entryway a unique personality

Complement the home’s exteriors with creative paths and plantings highlighted with attractive lighting

As the Bay Area’s leading home remodeling company, we have successfully renovated numerous homes of varying sizes and architectural styles. Our portfolio includes sprawling bungalows, compact apartments, and the mid-century modern style, Eichler homes.

Here are some examples of the entryways from our past projects, which may serve as inspiration for your home.

Bringing the outside in or the inside out

We remodeled this attractive Palo Alto home into a stunning masterpiece, while retaining its many unique features and architectural details. The pop of red on the front door matches with the custom red cabinets in the kitchen, lending this home a chic, modern look.

Tying in the exterior architectural elements

In this project, we incorporated a custom steel-clad front door that complements the wonderful architectural features of this gorgeous Los Altos home. The Dwell Magazine Silicon Valley Home Tour covered this project to showcase how we incorporated a clever blend of traditional and modern elements into the entire home makeover.

Adding a touch of class with a striking fence and door

In this magnificent Palo Alto Eichler home, we installed a warm wooden sliding fence that offers much-needed privacy, along with an electric blue front door that opens into bright, contemporary interiors.

Weaving a story with unusual framing

Another one of our projects to feature on the Dwell Magazine Silicon Valley Home Tour, the entryway of this Greenmeadow Palo Alto home tells a story of its own. While beautiful cedar wood slats frame one side of the elegant glass door, on the other is custom stucco with a striking Reglet trim featuring the house number. These details lend a distinctive personality to this home.

Stunning Home Makeovers by Bay Area’s Trusted Home Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s Construction, we specialize in custom home makeovers through our innovative designs, lifestyle friendly solutions, and impeccable craftsmanship. Happy homeowners across the Bay Area vouch for our superior workmanship, unmatched customer service, and seamless project completion.

For more ideas and inspiration on entryways that make a statement, speak to the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. Contact us online.

Tips for Planning a New Kitchen’s Storage Needs

Written on July 21, 2020.

Top Tips for Planning Your New Kitchen’s Storage Needs

Ensure an Efficient, Cost-Effective Kitchen Remodel

Drawing up a wish list for your dream kitchen may be easy when it comes to your preferred layout, lighting, appliances, or paint color. However, visualizing practical and space-efficient cabinetry can be challenging. The makeover specialists at Flegel’s offer useful tips to help you plan the storage space in your new kitchen.

Boost Your Kitchen’s Function and Appeal with the Right Cabinetry

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most exciting projects in home improvement. A successful remodel involves:

Finding a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor
Communicating your problem areas and wish list, and
Making the all-important design decisions

Kitchen cabinetry is one of the most visible elements in your cook space. At the very least, you will have one wall dedicated to shelving and storage. Which means, cabinetry-related modifications play a significant role in the end-result of your kitchen renovation project.

Here are our top tips for planning a new kitchen’s storage needs:

Choose cabinetry according to function: Once you finalize the kitchen layout with your remodeling contractor, you will have a general idea of the available storage space and the location of your major appliances. This is the time to decide on the cabinetry according to your lifestyle and kitchen usage. What do you want within an arm’s reach? For example, wouldn’t it be practical to plan storage for the cooking utensils and supplies closer to the stove, and wine glass shelves closer to the refrigerator? Basing your decisions on better functionality will make your work in the kitchen quick, easy, and efficient.

Plan cabinetry types: Whether it is open shelves, closed door cabinetry, tall pullouts, drawers, or corner cabinets, each accommodates different types of storage. While some may need static shelves or racks, others could house revolving racks or some other useful features. Deciding the split between different types of cabinetry and internal arrangements will help you enhance the functionality of your kitchen. For example, consider adding trash pullouts, silverware organizers, sponge racks, and other such handy features while planning your new kitchen’s storage needs.

Maximize space: Determine your basic storage requirements based on:
- Your cooking style
- Typical ingredients and the number and size of the utensils you use
- Appliances, tools, and equipment that you work with

Detailing your storage needs will help you take advantage of every available inch. For example, an extra 6 to 8 inches available on the side or corner of your cabinetry wall could make for a great wine bottle rack. You could compartmentalize the same space a little differently to store baking sheets, cookbooks, or recipe cards.

Make Your Kitchen Cabinetry Work for You

In addition to storage decisions, your kitchen remodeling specialists will help you make design decisions on cabinetry paneling, door styles, colors, materials, hardware, and other related components. As experts in their field, they will also propose options for usage, flow, physical infrastructure, and other aesthetic aspects. However, as homeowners, you know your requirements best. Detailing your wish list and providing timely feedback will help your contractor deliver a truly functional space that meets your vision and lifestyle.

Quality Kitchen Makeovers with Bay Area’s Top Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have decades of experience in delivering custom kitchen makeovers. We build cook spaces that are luxurious, lifestyle-friendly, and practical. Our team of skilled architects and master craftsmen deliver impeccable designs and superior finishes to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Happy homeowners across the Bay Area count on us for our systematic project planning, outstanding craftsmanship, and consistent customer service. If you’re looking for inspiring ideas, talk to our team about the latest trends in kitchen remodeling.

For an efficient, stress-free kitchen renovation, count on Flegel’s Construction, Silicon Valley’s premier home remodeling contractors. Contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Designing a Home Office into your Home Renovation Plans

Written on July 11, 2020.

Integrate Home Office Design into Your Overall Home Renovation Plans

Create a Comfortable, Luxurious Workspace at Home

Designing a home office as you finalize your home renovation plans is an excellent way to upgrade your Santa Clara Valley home. A bright, comfortable space dedicated to temporary or permanent work-from-home scenarios will help you function in style and comfort, without any distractions. The custom home renovation specialists at Flegel’s offer useful tips for creating an inspiring and efficient home office.

Top Considerations for Designing Your Home Office

Fitting a tiny desk into a spare bedroom or a staircase landing may work as a makeshift office for a few hours of work. However, if you spend long hours working from home, think about designing a home office into your home renovation plans.

Here are some considerations for creating an ergonomic and efficient workspace.

Select the right spot: Location is one of the primary aspects in a well-designed home office.
- Don’t restrict yourself on space. Look for an area that gets adequate natural light and can accommodate a full-sized desk.
- Try to limit distractions. If you work best in a quiet space, creating a home office right next to a children’s playroom or a busy hallway may not be a great plan.
- If the only suitable location that you find for your home office is a noisy one, consider adding soundproofing and echo reduction materials while remodeling this space.
- If your clients are going to stop by, a space with a separate entrance would be ideal. However, if that is not an option, consider locating your office in an area that is closest to the entry and exit points of your home.

Don’t compromise on furniture or décor: For a dedicated home office, comfort is paramount.
- Invest in ergonomic settings, including a suitable office chair and desk, along with additional seating as required. Choose your furniture based on your preferences and work habits.
- Ensure sufficient storage within the desk or through built-in shelves and cabinets.
- Consider your workflow and the items that you need at your fingertips while planning your room layout and furniture placement.
- Dress the walls in a paint or pattern of your choice, and sprinkle in artistic pieces that reflect your personality.
- Add interesting accessories and stationery to create a productive and inspiring space. Decorative vases, fun mugs and sticky notes, and trendy notepads and bulletin boards provide a cozy touch to your home office.
- Add interesting accessories and stationery to create a productive and inspiring space. Decorative vases, fun mugs and sticky notes, and trendy notepads and bulletin boards provide a cozy touch to your home office.
- Look for clever solutions to tame the cord jungle. Some office desks feature options with concealed tubing or wire organizers that keep the cords off the floors.
- Choose appropriate light fixtures and task lighting to ensure that your late-night work is not a strain on the eyes.
- For smaller homes, the home office may still double as a space for house guests. In such cases, it is even more critical to choose the right furniture. For example, adding a Murphy bed or a smart pullout couch will help your office look spacious, uncluttered, and less like a bedroom.

Equip your office with the essentials: Ensure that your home renovation plans provide for:
- A steady internet connection
- Enough electrical outlets
- Any other special requirements related to your office equipment or communication requirements

Hire Santa Clara Valley’s Trusted Home Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s Construction, we are passionate about transforming old, tired spaces into beautiful, functional ones. Whether you need to refresh a few rooms, repurpose rarely used spaces to accommodate a home office, or give your entire home a makeover, we take on custom home remodeling projects of any scale and complexity. You can count on us for thoughtful, space-saving designs and flawless finishes, delivered on time and on budget.

Delighted homeowners across the Santa Clara Valley, including Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View, and Los Altos, CA vouch for our innovative design solutions, top-notch workmanship, and excellent customer service.

For creative ideas on home office design and budget-friendly customizations, count on the home remodeling experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. Contact us online to discuss your home renovation goals.

Things to Do to Get Ready for a Home Renovation

Written on June 26, 2020.

Get Ready for Your Upcoming Home Renovation

Begin with Your “Things to Do” List

You’ve done the dreaming and visualizing, even the arguing and agreeing; now it’s time to get ready for your home renovation. With so many things to do, where do you start? Be smart; come up with a proactive plan that allows for a stress-free, efficient, and cost-effective remodel. The makeover specialists at Flegel’s offer useful suggestions to help you enjoy a positive remodeling experience.

Tips to Prepare for a Home Improvement Project

When you are contemplating a home improvement project, you already know ‘why’ you want to modify, expand, add, rebuild, or refresh certain areas of your home. However, chances are that you may not be sure of ‘what’ to change, or ‘how’ to make your home serve your needs and complement your lifestyle. It’s important to think about these details so you can look forward to a smooth renovation with minimal inconvenience.

With years of experience in a variety of remodeling projects, the Flegel’s team offers a handy list of the top things to do to get ready for a home renovation.

Get ideas and inspiration: Look for inspiration in home improvement magazines, websites of remodeling firms, or other online resources, such as Pinterest and Houzz. If yours is an Eichler home, learn more about the history of this mid-century modern style architecture that is unique to its’ time. It may be worth visiting some of the Eichler neighborhoods in the Bay Area to check out how other homeowners have upgraded their homes while still retaining their characteristic charm.

Find your style: Start tracking, collecting, or bookmarking ideas and images. The more you look, the more clarity you may have on your preferred style, which is especially useful when you meet with your chosen home renovation specialist.

Collaborate with the right contractor: Find an experienced custom home renovation contractor who has the skills, vision, and resources to deliver clever design solutions and comprehensive services and make your dream home a reality.

Map out a plan: After your chosen home remodeling contractor gives you a preliminary quote, take a pause. Consider the proposed timelines and budget and re-evaluate your priorities. For example, in times of the current coronavirus pandemic, when physical distancing guidelines are still in place, you may want to start with the outdoor projects on your list.

Building or renovating a patio
- Adding a pool house
- Setting up an outdoor kitchen and grill
- Creating a separate entrance to the basement, or adding a room above the garage

These are the type of projects where the contractor and crew can complete most of the job externally, without stepping inside your home.

Finalize the details: Once you are clear about the scope of work and choice of materials and finishes, sign a formal contract defining costs and timelines. This is also the time to arrange your finances and check about home improvement loans, if required.

Decide whether to stay or leave: Depending on the magnitude of the project and the number of spaces that you are renovating, decide whether to ‘camp out’ in your home or move into temporary living arrangements. There are pros and cons to staying put during a renovation, so think carefully!

Prepare your home and your family: While an efficient home remodeling specialist will ensure minimal disruption to your routine, it is important to prepare your home, yourself, and your family for the upcoming project.

Inform your neighbors about the planned work schedule; they will appreciate the courtesy. If you live in a condominium, seek the necessary permits and approvals, or check whether your remodeling contractor will be managing those aspects.

Identify a storage solution and clear out the areas that you are renovating.

Remove any fragile or precious items from the rest of the home to keep them safe and prevent any unexpected loss or damages.

Talk your family members through the various phases of the renovation and the adjustments they will need to make to their routines during that time.

Sometimes, despite everything you do to get ready for a home renovation, unforeseen circumstances affect the project costs and timelines and put a strain on your personal and professional relationships. Pay attention to the details and maintain open lines of communication with your family as well as your renovation contractor, to ensure a smooth and seamless home makeover.

Stress-free Home Renovations with Bay Area’s Top Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we are passionate about creating luxurious and functional spaces to your exact specifications and complete satisfaction. With over 30 years of experience in interior and exterior home renovations, you can count on us for our innovative designs, master craftsmanship, outstanding project planning, and consistent customer service.

Contact us online to discuss your home renovation project with the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co., Silicon Valley’s trusted home remodeling contractors.

Innovative Customizations for New Homes and Renovations

Written on February 10, 2020.

Creative Ideas Fulfilled by Master Craftsmen

There is a certain inexplicable joy in building or renovating personal spaces that mirror your lifestyle and preferences. It is all about making your home an extension of your personality, without compromising on the aesthetics and functionality. At Flegels’ Construction Co., we specialize in innovative customizations for new homes and renovations, to create spaces that are both useful and unique. Our creative architects and master craftsmen are passionate about building outstanding homes that truly enhance the living experience.

Exclusive Designs and Unmatched Functionality for Custom Homes

What makes a home unique? It is not just about choosing an uncommon paint color, or a quirky tile design. When aiming for innovative customizations in your new home or renovating your current home, you want creative ideas that deliver a truly one-of-a-kind result. Here are some aspects to consider as you start planning:

Reassigning function based on lifestyle: One popular trend in custom constructions and renovations is to repurpose infrequently used rooms into more functional and useful spaces. For example,

If your open-concept Californian kitchen serves as the catch-all, do-all area of your home, do you really need a formal dining room?

If you spend most weekends in the family room, and do not entertain a lot, what else could you do with your formal living room?

An experienced home renovation contractor or new home builder can help you reassign existing rooms or newly built spaces with solutions that optimize your square footage and make more efficient use of your budget.

Reconfigure your layout: Every homeowner will agree that the layout is one of the most important aspects of a home. From the size and location of the rooms and furniture, to the kind of movement they demand, the layout can truly elevate or diminish your living experience. Custom layouts will help you achieve smooth flow and movement, without impacting the appeal or functionality of your home. For example, it may be tough to install a huge island in a compact kitchen. However, an on-wheels solution with built-in storage could help you achieve the same functionality, despite the lack of space. Choosing an experienced contractor who has fresh ideas and clever solutions will go a long way in optimizing your budget and ensuring a successful custom new build or remodeling project.

Rethink ‘custom’: Big-box solutions may seem to be the cheaper, easier alternative to furnish your home. However, they usually offer a ripped-from-the-catalogue aesthetic that eventually starts to look similar to several other homes. Custom furniture or furnishings do not have to be expensive. For example, why throw away mismatched furniture that you passionately collected from vintage stores, or inherited over the years? Unify all your treasured pieces with the right selection of paint, stain, or patterns. Properly upcycled furniture will add a ‘custom’ or ‘exclusive’ touch to your home. For innovative, budget-friendly customizations, hire a capable contractor, who can think outside the box, and deliver solutions that are unique to your home and lifestyle.

Hire a Trusted Contractor for Attractive New Homes and Renovations

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have decades of experience in constructing as well as remodeling homes to your exact specifications. Our talented architects offer clever design solutions, including space-saving and energy-efficient options for new builds and renovations. Our team of skilled craftsmen execute these designs to perfection. We aim to combine conveniences and luxuries that match your needs and preferences, delivering each project on time, and on budget.

Check out some of the custom homes that we have constructed in and around the Bay Area.

Looking for an experienced contractor who can deliver innovative customizations for new homes or renovations? Contact us online.