New Home Build in Monterra

Project completion! Our custom new home build in Monterra, an exclusive community nestled in the hills high above Monterey, is complete.

Prepare to be captivated by the inviting design and craftsmanship of this brand new estate. Take a look in the video above!

As you enter this spacious home you're welcomed with impressive ceiling height and warm wood floors. Formal living and dining rooms feature stone walls, accent lighting and cast stone fireplace surrounds. Extensive windows fill the living spaces with views of the bay through majestic oak trees.

The expansive kitchen features a 10' island, gorgeous quartz counter tops, custom designed plaster range hood and a butler's pantry.

Master retreat features a sitting area with fireplace, sweeping views and a magnificent spa bath.

Multiple French doors connect to the outdoor spaces which feature a covered patio with a wood burning fireplace and a generous tile deck!

Construction during COVID

When the shelter-in-place order went into effect, companies dedicated to building and improving shelters were shut down, mid-hammer swing. But, for Production Manager Blake Stocker, the work didn’t stop there. He and his crew turned their attention to developing the new protocol and procedures that would be required to restart their construction projects.

“A lot of clients had their own ideas of what would make them feel safe and secure as we resumed work in their homes,” Stocker said. “We had our own strict guidelines to follow, but we also needed to listen to what would make people feel at home with us on site. We’ve been on a steep but essential learning curve to figure out that balance.”

Everyone on the job must wear a mask at all times, which can be cumbersome during labor-intensive work. Signs are posted at each job site to remind crew what protocols to follow, including adhering to a social distance while working together.

“It isn’t easy,” said Stocker, “but at least our crew is used to wearing masks and glasses as a safety measure. If only the masks didn’t cause the glasses to fog up.”

Lately, Lewis Builders has received an influx of new construction projects, which Stocker attributes to people becoming accustomed to staying at home.

“People are evaluating how they live in their homes,” he said. “They’re also getting used to working from home and are looking for ways to reconfigure their spaces to accommodate home offices.”

By Lisa Crawford Watson for the Monterey Herald

From Foreclosure to Farmhouse.

Project Completion! 

A two-acre property that had been badly neglected sold just before it was foreclosed upon. And the new homeowners had their hands full with dumpsters full of junk left behind. It took a real visionary to see what was possible...enter Lewis Builders.

We give you our Modern Farmhouse in Carmel Valley.

View from between the double islands in the kitchen featuring black hardware and accents made from reclaimed fence boards.⠀

What's a modern farmhouse without a farm sink? Kitchen also features a barn wood skinned range hood and shelves with puck lights.

Recessed TV and fireplace surrounded by shiplap complete the look and add another layer of contrast to rustic wood and white washed walls.⠀

Guest bathroom features a skylight, under lit cabinets, industrial fixtures and a bathtub for the kiddos!

Back to work!

After a pause due to stay home orders we have been released to get back to work with a few new protocols and all projects are again active. Something we, our clients and our trade partners are very happy about!

Spending a lot of time at home?



So are we! ...and it has reminded us of all the opportunities the outdoor space of our home presents. Take a look at a recently completed yard inspired by the needs and lifestyle of the homeowners in the video above.

The homeowners were perfectly set up for the impacts of COVID-19 and the Shelter-in-Place orders. The CEO's home office was steps away from the master bedroom and removed from the children's noise inside the house. 

Flagstone surrounded, gas start fire pit and built in brick pizza oven, with sink and concrete counter tops, offer entertaining ways to prepare meals and relax.

Other amenities include a putting green, aka a "think tank" just outside the office, that is also entertainment for the whole family. Covered trellises offer outdoor living with protection from the sun and rain.

"Our backyard oasis not only makes me feel like I am on vacation, but it has also been the perfect backdrop to 'sheltering-in-place' with plenty of room for the whole family's needs."

Giving back at Meals on Wheels during COVID-19.

Did you know John is on the board of directors (just to name one of them) at Meals On Wheels? 

A handful of us were given an opportunity to volunteer assembling close to 350 supplemental bags comprised of local donations of toilet paper, crackers, canned soups, juice, apricots, anchovies, and Slim Jims!

If you're interested in helping Meals on Wheels Monterey Peninsula please visitmowmp.org or give them a call at 831-375-4454.

Looking for a feel good moment?

At Lewis Buidlers we both value and take great pride in our community especially during this time of uncertainty. So we share with you a giveback project that we've planned and will execute later this year. 

Click the video above to meet Joesph and Sandy, a son and mother here in Monterey County living with accessibility challenges in their home...something we plan to fix! 

(It's 7 mins but it's a feel good moment, we promise)!

"Giving back is just a part of who we are, it's part of our core values and there are people in our community that really could use our support." 

- John Lewis

Sounds cool...what is it?

Technology is a large part of our process, especially when it comes to design. You very likely have heard us say "we use Chief Architect and Matterport" but what is that exactly? 

Our designers share their screens in the video above to give you a glimpse into the software they use to convey ideas to both clients and trade partners. Ideas that ultimately become your home. Take a look!

These tools facilitate communication and understanding while also increasing efficiency allowing many parts of the build process to happen simultaneously. Learn more about these technologies below.

Home design software.

Chief Architect's software is purpose‑built for residential design. As we draw walls, windows, and doors, the program simultaneously creates a 3D model. These 3D models can be shared with homeowners, structural engineers or trade partners. In the finished digital model the homeowner can see how their selections will look together when it's built and helps the construction team build more efficiently and accurately, exactly to the homeowner's specifications.

Matterport

With specialized equipment we create 3D walk-throughs that allow designers and trade partners to view your space from any angle and get accurate measurements...without having to make additional visits to the home or inconvenience the home owner! We take an initial scan of existing homes to create as-built documentation for remodel designs. We capture another whole-house scan right before the drywall goes up so our builders and clients can see what's inside the walls at any time.

Bringing your design to life with renderings.

With Twinmotion, we transform our Chief Architect models into a compelling real-time experience. Not only can we add static props like furniture and rocks, but we can also breathe life into your scene with accurate sunlight angles and reflections, human characters with animation, and even high-resolution plants that blow in the wind! Watch the video above for examples of this amazing tool.

And just like that the rules have changed...so we pivot.

NEW UPDATES

We've received responses today from Carmel & Monterey Building departments of strict enforcement of the newly implemented Shelter in Place  orders  to stop Lewis Builders construction projects through 5/3/20. We're in the process of securing each of our projects and transitioning to working on the plans, material procurement and design decisions so that we'll be ready when this order is lifted.

Take a glimpse of what our design team is working with in the Matterport scan above! Virtually walk around a showcase created 2 weeks ago. Measurements can be taken with 99% accuracy and we're using them remotely to purchase cabinetry, appliances, bathroom fixtures...you name it! All in an effort to hit the ground running when this is all over and putting our skilled trade partners back to work.

Masks, gloves and eye protection collected from job sites for donation to local Health Workers.

To my friends in the construction trades. I was able to find 50 N95 masks, 250 pairs of gloves, and safety glasses/goggles on our various job sites and at our shop. We plan to donate these to local hospital. Do you have any extra to donate? Anything helps. Message me if you have any extra supplies and I can help coordinate delivery to hospital. - John