Tag: remodeling

Creative Ideas on Updating Floor Plans

Written on September 20, 2021.

From the Home Remodeling Pros in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley

Many clients come to us frustrated with their home renovation plans. While you may want to create a beautiful, modern open floor plan, a load bearing wall, an inconveniently placed fireplace, and other structures in your home make it seem impossible. Don’t lose heart; there are many creative ideas on updating floor plans, and there will be one that’s just right for you!

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we pride ourselves on coming up with innovative ways to give clients a better flow from room to room. Let’s discuss different options that allow you to get creative and enjoy the process while maintaining your budget and the structural integrity of your home!

Improve Flow and Visibility with An Updated Floor Plan

If you feel constrained by the layout and structure of your older home, it might be time to partner with experienced remodelers in the San Jose area. Whether you’re already working with an architect or need the assistance of a structural engineer, we can help provide expert advice and feasibility checks to ensure your plan works for you today and into the future.

Open floor plans improve visibility, make entertaining easier, and improve the natural flow of your home. So, if you have an older home with walls separating your kitchen, living room, dining room, and other communal spaces, it’s time to get creative and open things up a bit.

Here are some ideas for overcoming structural issues that prevent you from just knocking down walls:

“You’re going to need a column to keep the roof up.” No one wants to hear that their dream of an open floor plan will be intersected by a floor to ceiling column. However, it’s not the end of the world. Use it as a design element. For example, instead of one column, add two and put in some shelves for storage and display purposes.
Load-bearing beams. Nothing makes a homeowner cringe more than hearing that they can’t get rid of a wall due to load bearing beams. However, our construction team can improve the existing load beams or replace them with stronger material, such as steel beams. You may even get a more attractive, contemporary look by exposing newer materials.
Open your fireplace between two rooms. Keep your existing fireplace but open it up as part of your remodel. You can even add a two-sided fireplace to create separate zones for the living room and dining room, kitchen and living room, and so on. By using gas fixtures and glass surrounds, you keep the warmth and comfort of your fireplace without heavy traditional materials such as brick or cast iron. Alternately, you can use the fireplace as a focal point, surrounded on all four sides with river rock, brick, or other materials that fit the style of your home.
Opening doorways. If you’re looking for a more subtle update, consider opening doorways by replacing them with arches, glass panels, or pocket doors. You can browse through our online portfolio for more ideas and inspiration.
Flooring transitions. You can put tile in your kitchen, wood floors in the living room, and concrete in the entryway without breaking the feel of an open floor plan. We’ll work with you to create fun transitions between unique materials.

Our construction consulting team for home remodeling often jumps in to salvage open floor plan remodels. Let us tackle your toughest conundrums with creative ideas on updating floor plans.

Contact us today for open floor remodeling for your traditional home. We can also suggest flooring and zone transition ideas to update your Eichler home in San Jose, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Campbell, and Palo Alto.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exciting Ideas for Home Remodeling in 2019

Written on January 23, 2019.

Enhance Energy Efficiency and Save More!

Is reducing energy usage an important goal in your upcoming home renovation or new home construction project? There are plenty of functional upgrades to help you save on utilities that are also aesthetically pleasing. With sustainable home designs gaining popularity among homeowners, smart improvements can significantly increase the value of your property. Before you begin, read the top home remodeling energy efficiency ideas for 2019.

5 Energy-Saving Home Renovations

Enjoy a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment by implementing these remodeling ideas.

Switch to solar energy: We have abundant sunshine throughout the year, so why not harness the sun’s energy to power your home? Solar panels are increasingly in demand among Bay Area homeowners. Research shows that depending on the size of the system, you can save close to $200 every month on electricity, starting from the first year. With newer technology, solar panels are now more affordable and design-friendly. Local rebates can further increase your savings. Many homeowners opt for double-sided panels which harness more sunlight and deliver more power.
Replace your windows: Windows can account for heat loss and gain of around 50%. Older homes are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations because of less efficient windows. Energy Star qualified windows with lower U-values offer sustained energy savings and pay for themselves in a short time. If your energy bills are high or windows are drafty, it may be time for new, energy-efficient windows.
Upgrade your insulation: Increasing or replacing it can bring your older home up to modern standards and reward you with significantly lower energy bills. There are a few different types available, such as spray foam, blown-in, fiberglass batts, reflective (radiant) barriers, etc. Consider the R-value (ability to resist heat transfer) of each type before making your choice. According to the EPA, you can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs with better insulation and air sealing for home improvement.
Install a cool roof: The biggest benefit of this feature is that it will reduce your cooling bills. Just like wearing light colors on a sunny day keeps you cool; these roofing systems absorb less heat than traditional ones and reflect heat away from your home. Consider retrofitting the roof with specialized heat-reflective material, recovering tiles with a new waterproofing surface, painting a metal roof or replacing it with a cool one. Green roofs (flat roofs with a garden or plant cover) are also a good option.
Adopt smart technology: Certain technologically-advanced products can deliver great savings in terms of energy efficient home design. These include motion sensor lighting controls, smart meters for water heaters and programmable thermostats that let you lower and raise temperatures to prevent energy wastage when no one is home.

Hire an Experienced Builder for Energy-Efficient Renovations to Your Home

At Flegel’s Construction Co., we offer modern upgrades to improve your home comfort and add value to your property. We’ll work with you to transform your home into a true reflection of your lifestyle. Count on our experienced team of designers, construction experts and home building consultants to help you decide on the most cost-effective renovations for your home.

With our trademark quality and emphasis on customer satisfaction, 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, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino, CA.

To discuss more home remodeling energy efficiency ideas for 2019, Contact us online.