Eichler-Friendly Contractors, Remodelers & Architects in the Bay Area
Preserving the Eichler Vision
Eichler homes aren’t just real estate—they’re architectural treasures. Built in the 1950s and 1960s across Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Altos, San Mateo, San Jose, and beyond, these mid-century modern gems remain among the most distinctive homes in California. With their glass walls, open atriums, post-and-beam construction, and seamless indoor/outdoor integration, Eichlers embody a lifestyle of light, openness, and connection.
But along with their beauty comes a challenge: finding the right professionals to remodel or maintain them. Flat roofs, radiant heating, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and expansive panes of glass demand expertise. The wrong contractor can erase an Eichler’s architectural soul, while the right one can enhance its timeless appeal while adding modern livability.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
What makes remodeling Eichler homes unique
Tips for choosing Eichler-friendly contractors and architects
A curated list of Bay Area professionals specializing in Eichlers
The role of preservation and sensitive updating
Why working with the Boyenga Team at Compass gives you access to the best Eichler resources
The Eichler Remodeling Challenge
Eichlers are beloved, but they aren’t always easy to update. Their unique construction presents both opportunities and pitfalls.
Flat & Low-Slope Roofs
Eichlers often have tar-and-gravel or foam roofs with little to no pitch. This minimalist profile is beautiful but requires careful maintenance and roofing contractors who specialize in flat roof systems.
Radiant Heating
Original Eichler radiant heating is embedded in concrete slab floors. Many systems have corroded over decades, leading to uneven heating or leaks. Replacing or upgrading requires a contractor who knows Eichler-specific solutions (like installing new hydronic tubing or radiant-compatible flooring).
Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Walls
The expansive glass walls Eichlers are famous for can be fragile and expensive to replace. Custom glazing, double-pane replacements, and seismic considerations demand skilled window contractors familiar with post-and-beam structures.
Tongue-and-Groove Ceilings & Beams
The exposed post-and-beam construction and wood ceilings define the Eichler look. Contractors must preserve the clean lines and exposed structure, not cover them with drywall or overbuild.
Indoor/Outdoor Integration
Every remodel choice—from landscaping to sliding doors—should preserve Eichler’s intent: a seamless lifestyle blending house and garden.
Bottom line: Remodeling an Eichler isn’t just construction—it’s stewardship.
Tips for Choosing Eichler-Friendly Professionals
Ask About Eichler Experience
Don’t settle for “I’ve remodeled mid-century homes.” Ask specifically how many Eichlers they’ve worked on and request photos.Look for Architectural Sensitivity
Good Eichler remodelers embrace open floor plans, natural materials, and glass. Be wary of anyone pushing second stories or traditional additions that clash with the style.Request References from Eichler Owners
Eichler homeowners are a passionate community—ask for references within it.Balance Preservation with Modern Comforts
A skilled contractor knows how to integrate modern upgrades—like insulation, solar, or new HVAC—without compromising design integrity.Work with Eichler-Savvy Realtors
The Boyenga Team at Compass maintains trusted relationships with Eichler-friendly professionals. Their curated network saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.
Bay Area Eichler-Friendly Contractors & Architects
Below are categories of trusted professionals who work with Eichler homes, along with some Bay Area standouts often praised by Eichler owners.
Eichler Architects & Design Firms
Klopf Architecture (San Francisco)
Specialists in modern and Eichler remodels, Klopf emphasizes blending original Eichler spirit with modern upgrades like energy efficiency, open kitchens, and sustainable features.YamaMar Design (San Francisco)
Known for high-end modern renovations that honor mid-century lines.Ryan Leidner Architecture (San Francisco)
Focuses on light, openness, and clean modernist reinterpretations of Eichlers.Eichler Network Recommended Architects
The Eichler Network maintains a directory of vetted Eichler-focused architects across the Bay.
Eichler General Contractors
Keycon, Inc. (Mountain View)
A top name in Silicon Valley for Eichler remodels and additions. Known for meticulous respect of design elements.Starburst Construction (Sunnyvale)
Experienced with Eichler interiors and sensitive remodels.Sierra Crest Construction (Bay Area-wide)
Specializes in Eichler-friendly updates and whole-home remodels.
Eichler Roofing & Exterior Specialists
McHugh & Sons (Santa Clara)
Eichler flat-roof experts.DeMello Roofing (Peninsula)
Trusted for foam roof replacement and maintenance.
Eichler Window & Glass Specialists
Rasmussen Construction Glass Team
Known for handling custom Eichler window replacements.Custom Glass & Shower (San Jose)
Works frequently on Eichler wall-of-glass replacements.
Eichler Heating & Radiant Specialists
Radiant Heating Systems, Inc.
Experts at retrofitting failing Eichler radiant systems.Warm Floors, Inc.
Specializes in hydronic systems compatible with Eichler slabs.
The Role of Preservation in Remodeling
Eichlers aren’t just houses—they’re California heritage. Entire neighborhoods in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos are petitioning for historic preservation status to protect their mid-century look.
When remodeling:
Preserve Exterior Lines: Flat planes, carports, low rooflines, and minimal ornamentation should remain intact.
Respect Atriums: Don’t enclose them. They’re the heart of the Eichler design.
Choose Compatible Materials: Mahogany paneling, globe lights, and terrazzo are authentic and still available through specialty suppliers.
The best remodels enhance livability—new kitchens, modern bathrooms, updated roofs—while keeping Eichlers unmistakably Eichler.
The Boyenga Team Advantage
As top Compass Realtors®, Eric and Janelle Boyenga aren’t just real estate agents—they’re recognized Eichler home experts.
Decades of Experience: Having represented countless Eichler buyers and sellers in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Cupertino, and beyond, the Boyenga Team deeply understands the Eichler market.
Network of Eichler-Friendly Pros: From architects to roofers, they connect clients with trusted contractors who respect mid-century design.
Next-Gen Agents®: Known as the “Property Nerds”, they leverage data, Compass technology, and lifestyle branding to showcase Eichler homes to the right buyers.
Design Sensibility: They know which remodels enhance value without eroding authenticity.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or remodeling an Eichler, working with the Boyenga Team gives you both market expertise and access to the best Eichler-friendly professionals in the Bay Area.
Building on Eichler’s Legacy
Remodeling an Eichler home is about more than construction—it’s about preserving a vision of modern California living. With the right architects, contractors, and specialists, these homes can evolve gracefully for 21st-century life while keeping their mid-century DNA intact.
By choosing Eichler-friendly professionals and partnering with experts like the Boyenga Team, you ensure your investment honors Eichler’s timeless ideals: light, space, community, and connection.