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Top 10 Favorite Features of an Eichler Home

Decoding the Epitome of Mid-Century Modern

Eichler homes have remained a coveted construction style for several decades. With smart design principles that redefine living spaces, Eichlers have many interesting characteristics. The experts at Flegel’s offer some insights into the top 10 favorite features of an Eichler home.

Understanding the Timeless Appeal of Eichler Homes

Built as affordable residences in the 1950s and 60s across Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Eichler homes are full of panache and amenities. No other construction style comes close to the minimalist design, open floor plans, and bright, airy ambience of the Eichler homes. In fact, many cities throughout the Bay Area have introduced guidelines for preserving and upgrading Eichler homes without detracting from their characteristic mid-century modern charm.

Here are the top 10 favorite features of an Eichler home:

  • Exclusive detailing: Whether it is the simple façades, and clean, geometric lines on the exterior, or the innovative open concept living areas and exposed beams on the interiors, Eichlers offer charming details that make them truly unique.
  • Roof references: Featuring distinctive post-and-beam construction, Eichler homes usually have flat roof lines or low-sloping A-frames. The Eichlers that feature a shingled hipped roof, clipped gables, and copious use of glass offer a beautiful modern take on the traditional, thatched English cottage.
  • Indoor-outdoor living: Besides attractive indoor living spaces, Eichler homes bring the outdoors in. Generous-sized private backyards, floor-to-ceiling windows, and abundant skylights add a special touch to the typical Eichler home.
  • Underground utilities: Preserving their clean lines and minimalist look, Eichler homes feature underground utilities. Which means, the vast network of cables and pipes transporting water, gas, or electricity is usually completely hidden.
  • Potential for expansion: Most Eichler homes offer sufficient space and scope for expansions, as well as easy upgradability for 21st century lifestyles and preferences.
  • Indoor-outdoor gardens: Whether it is impressive edible gardens on the inside, or decorative foliage on the outside, the bright and airy structure of Eichler homes have an organic way of encouraging gardening enthusiasts.
  • Visual appeal: The exclusive construction style of Eichlers makes them easily recognizable on a street lined with different types of homes. Their distinctive visual appeal is a special quality in itself.
  • Atrium models: The 1959-built East Bay area atrium-model Eichlers feature a low-slung mid-century post-and-beam profile. Sleek, operable covers on the central atrium allow you to switch between a sun-drenched look and a cool, cozy one by simply closing off the area to the elements.
  • Double ‘A’ frames: Rarely available and highly coveted, the double ‘A’ frame Eichler homes offer a unique design and extra square footage. Soaring tongue-and-groove ceilings and expansive glazing makes these homes truly one-of-a-kind.
  • “Super Eichlers”: These Eichlers are usually oriented around a large tree and offer even more rooms and spaciousness than the regular Eichlers. Also known as Gallery Eichlers, only a handful of these specific models exist throughout the state of California.

For Eichler Home Upgrades, Count on the Bay Area’s Premier Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we specialize in Eichler home repairs or remodels throughout the Bay Area. Our creative designers and skilled craftsmen are well-versed with the local guidelines and building codes that focus on preserving and maintaining Eichler homes. We offer innovative, lifestyle-friendly solutions to update your Eichler home and make it more luxurious and energy efficient, while retaining its distinctive style. When you hire us, expect nothing less than creative design, superior finishes, and consistent customer service.

Check out the Eichler makeovers we have done to understand the scale and complexity of the upgrades that we can deliver.

Upgrading an Eichler home in the Bay Area? Hire the trusted Eichler home renovation specialists at Flegel’s Construction Co. Contact us online to discuss your custom home renovation project.

A Home Redesign Demands Custom Bathroom Features

Planning A Home Redesign? It Demands Custom Bathroom Features!

Make Bathroom Remodeling an Integral Part of Your Home Renovation
bathroom renovation

You may have heard many home improvement contractors say that a home redesign demands custom bathroom features. One of the main reasons for investing in a bathroom remodel is that it yields an average return of 62%. Which means, if you spend $10,000 on a bathroom renovation, the value of your home will likely increase by $6,200. This figure will be even higher for a bathroom with custom features.

At Flegel’s Construction, we believe that including a master bathroom upgrade is a smart way of maximizing your home remodeling budget. It is especially effective if you can achieve a good mix of timeless features and current trends. Our design experts share their top bathroom renovation ideas for creating stylish, relaxing, and distinctive bath spaces.

Custom Features for an Exceptional Bathroom Remodel

Upgrading or refreshing an old bathroom is as much about creating a rejuvenating, spa-like space as increasing the value of your home. Whether it is a powder room, guest bathroom, or ensuite bath, a few custom upgrades can make a big style statement. In fact, you can add a personal touch to one or more elements within your bathroom. It could be the sink, tub, shower, walls, floors, or even the light fixtures. For example:

  • Creative paneling: Using interesting and unusual materials for the flooring or wall paneling will give your bathroom a luxurious look. In one of our Palo Alto Eichler home renovations, we used the premium mirrored Duchateau wood on the flooring, back wall, and tub skirt for a plush, enhanced appearance.
  • Stylish sinks: Despite being one of the smallest elements in your bathroom, a bold, unique sink can make a big visual impact. Explore some of these options:
  • A self-rimming copper vessel sink with iron bracket mounts for a timeless, old-world charm
  • A clear glass pedestal sink to create visual interest in a compact bathroom or powder room
  • A handcrafted hardwood sink in a one-of-a-kind shape with natural resistance to mold or rot
  • An elegant floating washplane sink with no visible drains for a contemporary look 

In our Greenmeadow Palo Alto home redesign, which also featured on the Dwell Magazine Silicon Valley Home Tour, we incorporated a pair of gorgeous stainless-steel vessel sinks in the ensuite bath. These sinks tied in beautifully with the rest of the home’s custom stainless-steel cladding on the fireplace and in the kitchen.

  • Statement tubs: As one of the largest fixtures in your bathroom, a stylish tub can be the highlight of your space. Explore options that are new and unique. For example, a classic, claw-foot tub, a Japanese-style wooden soaking tub, a modern freestanding one, or a whirlpool tub with water or air jets. In one of our recent home remodeling projects in Sunnyvale, we installed a chic white, free standing tub with sleek lines and a slippered rim. Paired with other custom bathroom features, such as a floating sink, a curbless shower, elegant lighting, and soothing white floor tiles, this bathroom epitomizes the modern minimalist style.

From sensor-based ventilation and heating and hidden drains, to smart toilets, or bold accent walls, we have incorporated various other features for making bathrooms as understated or elaborate as the homeowners prefer.

Custom Bathroom Makeovers by Bay Area’s Trusted Home Building and Remodeling Contractors

At Flegel’s, we have decades of experience in building luxurious new custom homes and remodeling and reviving older homes, including Eichler homes. Our innovative designers and master craftsmen are passionate about delivering attractive, functional spaces, personalized to your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Our past projects across the Bay Area will give insight into the quality of our work and the diverse design aesthetics that we can deliver.

For custom bathroom features and superior finishes on new home builds or home remodels, count on the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. Contact us online.

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TESTIMONIALS

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  • I would hire Scott again in a heartbeat

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

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

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

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  • As easy for as us as possible…

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

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  • Stands by his work…

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

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