Full Home Remodel in Willow Glen
What happens when you start with the master bath then consider an expansion and full remodel? This project, a Willow Glen house built in 1956, shows you what’s possible. Hear from the homeowner directly and and see what Thibaut Builders created in the process. Enjoy!
“We’d done patchwork projects over past 16yrs and really needed to reorganize our space. The small bath and closet was just the start; ultimately, we kicked out a full side of house! Paul helped us navigate the expansion and was very transparent about budget. At every phase Paul came to us with the options and we had great communication from the start and through the whole process.” – Homeowner
“I’ve worked with other contractors and there was “fuzziness.” Things weren’t clear. With Paul, it’s all CLEAR. I did not have to chase him. He held to a plan and chunked things down into manageable action items and deadlines per the schedule and punch list. I did not have to micromanage. I could trust he would get it done. And he challenged me in very important ways – the bathroom hardware. ‘Maybe rethink that one,’ he said. And I did.” – Homeowner
See Where the Project Started
“Paul touched every single room. At the end of the day you have to choose someone you can communicate with and trust. He became a friend. He’s a good guy with a good team that rides with him.” – Homeowner
A Conversation with the Homeowner
Q: What used to bug you about the space that you really wanted to change?
I’ve always loved the house but its old, functionally weird, and it needed updated. There was no power in all those functional spots needed today. That really bothered me – accessibility to power. Because the house would be freezing in winter and hot in summer, you could tell insulation had degraded over time. Generally speaking, the original layout was good, but it felt cramped.
Q: What do you love most about your new space?
SO much! I walk in and feel like I’m on vacation – its so “happy.” The La Cantina door that completely folds in and disappears! We LOVE using that and spending time outdoors. We utilize the space so much more because of that. Paul removed a wall to bring the living room and kitchen together and.. Higher Ceilings! We no longer feel cramped and there’s better flow. Over all, it’s better for our family and how we live.
Q: What did you think about work Thibault Builders did for you?
It starts with the communication and intellectual honesty. I realized throughout the process, Paul’s subs really respect him and are The Best! I could trust that Paul made the best decisions on our behalf. You pay for it and it’s WORTH IT. Paul would say, “This is what it is.” He showed costs and mark-ups. Very transparent.
Q: How did you hear about Thibault Builders? Why did you opt to work with Paul?
My sister brought Paul’s name to the table. They connected me to an architect who brought in the builders to review. Paul and my husband hit it off – really connected with him. Paul is not some new, “wiz-bang” contractor. He is a real, true contractor – One who’s been in the business long enough. He interviewed us as much as we interviewed him. I appreciated that. He is understated and would always take his time with us.
Q: What about the process of working with Thibault Builders?
It worked for me. While I manage projects for a living, this was a BIG, very personal project, and it could have felt overwhelming, but it never did. Paul kept me focused on one thing at a time. The chunking down of things and communication – It all worked. I did not have to micromanage. When I had questions, I got answers. No surprises. He just HANDLED it. The comms, the documentation. Much more than just the tactical details. I was able to trust that the money being spent was being spent wisely and would pay off in the long run. We liked ALL the contractors and subs. The kindness of the subs. They were good guests of the neighborhood. Paul definitely went the extra mile with neighbors.
Q: What has changed about living in your home?
Well, there’s no more fighting over the bathroom! And the kids have their own space to hang out. We use the new space very differently.
Q: What is YOUR favorite detail… a little thing you love the most?
My vanity in the bathroom. Also the full conversion of the garage into a living space with sliding doors into the house. We have heating and AC in there too.
Q: What do others have to say about the transformation?
“WOW! This is awesome!” They love the “feel,” the light airiness, and the indoor/outdoor of the back yard. They love the flow… the hardware… the efficiencies of the space… and the flush Sub-Zero. And, we used to have cords EVERYWHERE. Now we have a media closet. All the audio/visual components, the Sonos system, internet, everything flows into ONE place – No Cords!
Q: What surprised you about the experience or process of it all?
The final delivery and walk-through… And The BINDER I received upon completion – It’s nearly four inches thick! Paul’s “close-out binder” has ALL the details: Warrantees… serial numbers… contacts. EVERYTHING you need to know right there at your fingertips!
Project Details
SCOPE
Full Remodel – Willow Glen, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Home Expansion
Tell Us About Your Project
What’s in your imagination right now? Have an idea or question about building a new home or remodeling the one you have? We would love to hear about it. You are welcome to call us at the office – 408-866-6647. Or message us via the form below.