Tag: home renovation

Time to Bring in a Home Renovation Consultant?

Written on March 24, 2021.

Get the Help You Need to Manage Your Home Remodeling Plans

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

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

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

Need Mid-Project Help with Your Home Renovation?

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

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

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

Signs that Your Home Renovation is in Serious Trouble:

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

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

How the Home Remodel Process Works…in a Perfect World

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

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

Initiating a Home Renovation Project During COVID-19

Written on November 17, 2020.

Stay Safe and Remain Patient

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Things to Look for in a Home Remodeling Contractor

Written on May 20, 2020.

Quality Makeovers require Competent and Reliable Partners

Undertaking any type of home renovation is a big decision for every homeowner. Whether you’re planning a minor refresh for a couple of rooms, or a complete overhaul for your home, you need a partner who understands and executes your vision. You also want your project to be completed on time and within your budget. Consider these 7 things to look for in a home remodeling contractor, to achieve a seamless and stunning transformation.

Top Traits of an Exceptional Renovation Specialist

Home remodeling projects involve a number of complexities. Drawing up innovative plans, carrying out the demolition and reconstruction, sourcing the right materials, and managing the crew are just some of the tasks. Every activity needs to work in an organized manner to stay within the agreed timelines and budget. Your contractor will also need to account for other logistical aspects, depending on whether you stay or leave home during the renovation.

This handy checklist of traits reiterates what to expect from a home remodeling contractor, and may help you narrow down your choices.

Professionalism: In addition to checking the necessary qualifications and licenses, evaluate how the contractors conduct themselves. How effectively do they communicate? How meticulous is their initial assessment or quote? Do they have the skills and efficiency to manage the entire operation?

Experience: Expertise alone is not sufficient, experience counts. Does the contractor have time-tested methods and proven results in this field? Can they provide testimonials, references or site walk-throughs? Do they have sufficient knowledge of the local building codes? Can they obtain the permits that may be necessary for large remodeling projects?

Coordination and management: From designers, carpenters and masons, to plumbers, electricians, and painters, you may need a number of specialists depending on the nature of your project. An integrated network will not only enable a seamless flow of different activities, but also help you save time and money. It’s important to check whether the contractor has the ability to gather, schedule, manage, and oversee the various professionals needed for the renovation project.

Visualization and delivery: Besides a strong work ethic in your hired contractor, the success of your project largely depends on their ability to understand your vision and bring it to fruition. It’s possible you may not have a clear vision to start with, but it is the contractor’s responsibility to learn about your lifestyle and needs and steer you towards ideas that meet your overall renovation goals. You can gauge this trait by the way the contractor handles the initial assessment. What questions did they ask? Could they break down the overall requirements into smaller projects that address your priorities? How well did they involve you in the discussion? Did they exhibit a client-first attitude or try to push their own design concepts?

Resourcefulness: Another important trait for a good contractor is the ability to identify and address potential issues, as well as prepare for the unexpected ones. From weather, labor shortages, and budgetary concerns, to structural complications, material delivery delays, or on-site mishaps, your remodeling project could face numerous obstacles. Assess the contractor’s ability to provide alternative solutions and find out how they plan to keep your project on track if they encounter unforeseen challenges.

Transparency in dealings: No matter how small or large your project, your contractor should be able to keep you abreast of every development. Find out how often they will provide progress updates. Are they transparent and proactive in informing you about any hurdles that may be interfering with your agreed timelines or budget? Will they assign a single point of contact? It will be beneficial for you to have an assigned project manager or a site supervisor who will liaise with you on all aspects of the makeover with complete honesty and integrity.

Service quality: Ultimately, the goal is to make your home remodeling project as smooth and hassle-free as possible. While you may do your due diligence, credibility checks, and initial assessments, they may not give you sufficient insights into a contractor’s service levels. However, some aspects could give you a fair indication of what to expect. For example, how diligently did they prepare and present the initial designs or quotes? Were their submitted plans reflective of your priorities and lifestyle requirements? Did they promptly respond to any queries or concerns that you raised on the proposals?

Hire an Experienced and Dependable Home Remodeling Contractor

Renovating your home can be a challenging process, especially if you are initiating a complex or full-scale makeover. Choosing the right home remodeling contractor will minimize stress and maximize your return on investment. At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have over two decades of experience in custom home remodeling projects. You can count on us for functional yet luxurious designs, top-notch workmanship, and flawless execution.

Happy homeowners across the Bay Area vouch for our attractive makeovers, effective customer service, and consistent delivery.

Looking for a capable home remodeling contractor to transform your Bay Area home? Get in touch with the renovation experts at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online.

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.

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.

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.

When Home Renovation is More than a Kitchen Makeover

Written on October 22, 2018.

Choose an Experienced Remodeling Contractor in the Bay Area

Modernizing a few rooms in your home, such as the kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom is often just the start of a project that quickly explodes into a whole house makeover. How smoothly the project goes will depend on the capabilities of your remodeling contractor. Here is some expert advice on how to achieve the desired results when your home renovation is more than just a kitchen makeover.

3 Tips for Remodeling Your Home

Choose the right remodeler: It may seem like the obvious first step, but surprisingly, it is the one that many homeowners take lightly, and regret later. It is important to hire a contractor with an excellent track record and credentials. Look for more than 5 years of experience and positive customer reviews. Check that the team can handle the size of your project and not just a single room expansion or renovation. Ask for references and speak to previous clients about their experience. If possible, request to see the finished work. It is also important that you feel comfortable working with the team as they will be in your home for a long period. Evaluate the contractor’s communications process. They should be reachable and willing to answer all your questions. Remember: if the price is unbelievably low, you’ll probably pay more later to rebuild and repair shoddy work.
Hire professionals to manage the entire renovation project: Architects, tradespeople, suppliers, and many others are involved in rebuilding a home. This makes accountability difficult. Having a building or remodeling professional to manage the entire project will save you time, money and stress. At Flegel’s, our customers enjoy peace of mind knowing we keep a close check on quality, timelines and their budget. We are happy to work with an architect and/or contractor of your choice to make your renovation dreams a reality. If you need references for architects and designers, we can help connect you with suitable service providers.
Get written confirmation: Jumping into a renovation project without a detailed scope and cost estimate is a recipe for disaster. Make sure everything is in writing and crystal clear before you sign on the dotted line and start work. This must include what will and will not be done, timelines, expenses and any special discounts or services the contractor has promised.

Hire the Bay Area’s Trusted Construction Company to Renovate Your Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we consider renovating your home to be a privilege. Our experienced contractors work closely with you to create personalized spaces you will enjoy with your family and friends. Over 30 years of experience in building and renovating goes into realizing your renovation dreams. Count on us to create the home of your dreams.

We serve customers across the Bay Area, including in Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino, CA.

Let’s discuss your home renovation project that involves more than a kitchen makeover, contact us online.