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Tag: new home builders

Should You Add a New Room or Rebuild?

Get Answers for the Big Dilemma in Home Improvement Projects

home improvement

If you are facing the ‘should I add a new room or rebuild?’ dilemma, you are not alone. When it comes to home improvement projects, many of us ask the same question and need to decide between remodeling and rebuilding. While each option has its own pros and cons, the experts at Flegel’s Construction Co. offer some insights on what may work best for you.

Remodel Versus Rebuild: What Will You Choose?

  • Timeline: The physical elements of your home come with an expiry date. For example, repainting the exteriors of your home could be a planned expense. However, costs escalate if that comes up in the same year as an unexpected replacement of the roof, gutters or HVAC system. If you plan to stay in the home for the next several years, building a custom home will allow you to reset the clock on the structure, integrity and materials of your new construction. In the long run, building a new house is more cost-effective than remodeling.
  • Budget: Do you have a tight budget and want to make small improvements in a piecemeal manner? Or can you scale up your spend for a big bang rebuild? If your bathroom needs some TLC, or your kitchen needs a refresh, you can plan each project as and when your financial situation allows. You get to control the costs in drips and gushes, as per your comfort and convenience. Besides, in a remodel, the basic elements of your house are already in place and paid for. On the other hand, building a custom home is a big leap that comes with its own share of challenges. The unknown or uncontrollable elements of rebuilding translate into less control over costs, and unpredictable completion dates.
  • Better versus cheaper: For the most part, remodeling is cheaper, rebuilding is better. Constructing a new build from the ground up gives you the opportunity to change the architectural style, opt for eco-friendly updates, and create a strong and functional design. New systems, ducting, plumbing, electricals and energy-efficient fittings could vastly improve your living space and future maintenance expenses. As well, the ability to personalize the home to your lifestyle and preferences makes rebuilding a highly attractive option when you want better instead of cheaper.
  • External factors: The only outside influence on your rebuild versus remodel decision comes in the form of community restrictions. Although some building and zoning restrictions have always existed, in recent years, many communities have become less lenient towards a tear-down-and-rebuild approach. This is because local building departments are intent on preserving the character of cities, by preserving its housing stock.

Both remodeling and rebuilding can give you the bells and whistles that you want in your home improvement project. However, gutting and building a new house may become imperative when:

  • The improvements you desire are not possible within the existing structure.
  • The condition of your house is poor. For example, fixing a foundation problem could drain your finances even before you can start remodeling.
  • The improvement you seek is greater ceiling height. Usually, there is no simple way to achieve that, without removing and reconstructing the upper floor.

Hire the Bay Area’s Trusted Construction and Renovation Contractor

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience in home remodeling, as well as new home construction. Our team of innovative architects and skilled craftsmen are passionate about creating luxurious spaces that are attractive and functional. Whether you choose to remodel or rebuild, you can count on us for quality materials and high-end finishes, on time and on-budget.

Check out what clients have to say about our many successful projects in and around the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Stanford, Sunnyvale, and San Jose, CA.

Still wondering whether you should add a new room or rebuild? Speak to one of the experts at Flegel’s Construction today. Contact us online.

6 Ways to Save Money on a New Home Build

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:
  1. Buy pieces of your preferred marble, granite or quartz for the kitchen countertops, instead of full slabs.
  2. Purchase floor model appliances, fittings and accessories that are in great condition and come with full warranty, just like the packed pieces.
  3. Upcycle rich, old, durable hardwood for your cabinetry, while also enhancing its original grain and beauty.
  4. 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

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.

  1. 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.

IN THE NEWS

2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour

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Join us on June 9th for the 2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour. Be sure to see our project “Sunnymount Avenue” along the route!

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Flegel's Construction Co., Inc. can help you discover "10 Ways to Make the Shared Bathroom Welcoming for Kids."

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TESTIMONIALS

  • Video Testimonial

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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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