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Guidelines for Eichler Homes in Palo Alto

Expert Advice from a Trusted, Local Home Improvement Contractor

Guidelines to Preserve Your Palo Alto Eichler Home

eichler homes

Undertaking maintenance or remodeling of your aging Palo Alto Eichler home? The Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines, issued by the Palo Alto City Council, are a good starting point. Whether you are replacing expired materials, or adding lifestyle-enhancing elements, these guidelines will help you retain the characteristic features of your Eichler home.

Key Suggestions for Maintaining and Repairing Palo Alto Eichler Homes

The extensive guidelines issued by the Palo Alto City Council cover a variety of aspects important for preserving the design and ethos of Eichler communities. These include:

  • Recommendations on placement and design of doors, windows, roof forms and chimneys.
  • Advice on cladding materials, form and massing, and other exterior materials.
  • Suggestions for constructing basements, first-story additions, carports or garages, in keeping with the privacy requirements of the community.
  • Visible impact of upgrades related to mechanical systems, ducting, plumbing, and more.

Here are a few key maintenance tips to help preserve and maintain the characteristic features of your Eichler home.

  1. Fenestration: Doors and windows are among the most noticeable features of any home. While the guidelines encourage homeowners to improve energy efficiency, they recommend treating or repairing the original windows and doors in place, if possible.
  • Consider options, such as adding high-quality clear films, or changing the weather stripping to reduce air infiltration and heat gain.
  • If you are replacing a deteriorating window trim or swapping out your single-pane windows for insulated ones, try to maintain the same size, profile and configuration as the original window.
  • While replacing entry doors or garage doors, opt for simple, flat appearances and minimal to no glazing, in order to blend into the signature Eichler community look.
  • Roof Repairs and Maintenance: The characteristic patterns of fascia, slopes and rafter ends give Eichler home roofs a degree of visual variety while retaining their modernist architectural style. If you are replacing your roof:
  • Try to retain the original design, height and profile of the roof, along with a relatively plain appearance.
  • Use roofing materials like single ply, foam, tar and gravel, or composite shingles.
  • Try to retain the overhanging eaves, exposed beams and soffits or the fascia boards, all of which are defining elements of Eichler homes.
  • If you are installing skylights or solar panels on the roof, try to minimize the visual impact of these features to preserve the Eichler look.
  • Replacing Exterior Cladding Materials or Paint: While repairing or replacing the existing cladding materials, maintain the vertical wood board or plywood siding. Avoid adding other materials, such as brick, stone, shingles, or vinyl to the exterior walls, as these are not in line with the typical look of Eichler homes. To repaint your home’s exterior, select colors that support the broad, mid-century modern characteristics of Eichler neighborhoods. As far as possible, use only one primary color, along with an additional trim / accent color.

While these are only guidelines, they can help you make informed decisions when you undertake repairs, maintenance or upgrades for your Palo Alto Eichler home.

Hire Palo Alto’s Trusted Construction Contractor for your Eichler Home Repairs or Remodeling

As Palo Alto’s premier home improvement contractors, the team at Flegel’s is well-acquainted with the guidelines for preserving and maintaining Eichler communities. We have extensive experience in repairing and reviving Eichler homes, without detracting from their overall character. With creative designs and skilled craftsmanship, we can transform your Eichler home into a more attractive, functional space that is better suited to your lifestyle and preferences.

Check out our many Eichler home remodeling projects across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA. A growing base of happy customers vouches for our consistent service and superior finishes.

Need repairs, upgrades or remodeling for your Palo Alto Eichler home? Set up a consultation with one of the experts at Flegel’s Construction. Contact us online.

Six Tips to Select Custom Home Builder

Qualities to Look for in a Custom Home Builder

How to Separate the Best from the Rest

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

Tips to Select the Ideal Custom Home Builder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore 2019’s New Home and Renovation Trends

Hire an Experienced Remodeling Contractor for Your Project

remodeling contractor

Remodeling your home or designing a new one can be exciting. You started with an exhaustive wish list and have taken the time to separate the must-haves from the would-be-nice. Did you check out what styles are ‘in’ this year?

For instance, experts say that while grey and beige will still be around, a warmer palette with more vibrant accent colors is trending in 2019. With more homeowners looking to express their unique personalities through home décor, you can also explore your colorful, whimsical side, and have fun with your remodel or home design.

Not sure how or where to begin? Our home improvement contractors have listed the top new home and renovation trends in 2019 to help guide your decisions.

10 Home Design Trends to Transform Your Space

  1. Bold flooring with bigger tiles: Update your home, starting with the flooring. In 2019, you will see large tiles replicating the rich and warm wood look taking center stage. Eye-catching patterns, shapes like fish scales and designs such as herringbone, will gain popularity. This year, it’s all about getting creative and having fun.
  2. Warm paint colors: Spicier and warmer colors are set to rule. With Living Coral being the Pantone color of the year, rich and lively shades of orange and pink will energize home décor. Millennial pink, a hit in 2018, continues to gain attention in creative ways. Tonal reds are a great way to make your home more warm and inviting. You can also opt for bold and burnt yellows or organic greens to give previously muted furnishings and accents a new pop.
  3. Matte finishes: From cars to furniture, kitchen appliances and bath accessories, matte finishes are here to stay. Warmer tones and their ability to hide dirt and water spots might have something to do with it. Those shiny surfaces, they are passé!
  4. Automated kitchens: Appliances with touch and swipe controls are hot. Bluetooth technology is also gaining popularity. It allows you to synchronize cooking times for the microwave, range and oven so that all your dishes are ready at the same time. Would you like to automatically turn on the lights and vents when cooking? You can! Black, white, dark blue and even gold (with matte finish) are trending colors for appliances. 
  5. Statement quartz countertops: Move over granite, quartz is taking over. It is hardier and easier to maintain. The latter’s resemblance to natural stone and availability in several colors also account for its growing popularity. Opt for warm and energetic tones like terracotta for a rich look. If there is one thing to splurge on, it is your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
  6. Impressive bathrooms: We’re not talking size but attitude. From small powder rooms to master baths and guest washrooms, it is all about making a big style statement. And bathtubs are making a huge comeback with many homeowners expanding the size of the room to accommodate it. Despite the preference for a warmer palette, bold black bathrooms are all the rage. Another trend is statement walls with vibrant geometric and floral patterns that add drama to the space. Add a sophisticated piece of fine art to create a focal point in your personal spa if you don’t want to go all out.
  7. Natural elements: Wood, stone, copper, concrete and granite replace the tech-obsessed décor that was a shout-out to the Jetsons in 2018. Geometric concrete tiles will be a hot trend as will copper and brass accents. Say goodbye to rose gold.
  8. 70’s décor: Warm palettes, velvet furnishings, funky textures and floral and geometric patterns all give a nod to the 70’s décor. Four-poster or canopy beds bring a sense of comfort and coziness to your bedroom and are also in demand.
  9. Glass and steel room dividers: Open floor plans will continue to be popular but with glass and metal divisions that provide light and an illusion of space. Both materials are favored because they add visual interest and define space without making it feel cramped.
  10. Dream outdoor spaces: With homeowners looking to spend more time outdoors, many are focusing on their backyards first. Expanding your living space out into your patio or garden means decorating it with comfortable and stylish furnishings, just as you would indoors. Natural materials like wood, stone and concrete and nature-inspired tones will dominate the outdoor retreat. Metal-inspired styles will contrast the natural backyard scenery.

Hire the Bay Area’s Top Contractor for Quality Home Renovations  

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we have extensive experience with remodeling and new home construction. Count on us to create stylish and comfortable personalized spaces in which you can relax with family and enjoy entertaining friends. Our quality touches will make your home truly one of a kind. With unmatched craftsmanship and consistent customer service, we continue to serve a growing roster of delighted customers in Palo Alto and across the Bay Area.

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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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