Our second project for a Palo Alto real estate developer was driven by two primary objectives: low construction cost, and quick project turnaround.

We accomplished the cost objective by sticking to standard/affordable building materials and simple exterior and interior detailing. A composition shingle room with all-stucco exterior walls proved to be the most cost-effective exterior approach. We ensured a higher-end feel through special details such as a flared wall base, deeply recessed front windows, thick exterior arches, and glassy smooth stucco finish. Clad wood windows were a premium material, but our use of a more affordable window line with standard shapes and sizes helped keep this line item within budget.

The project was approved (relatively) quickly by both Palo Alto’s Planning and Building Departments, no small feat in this overheated economy.

The plan features 3BR/2BA up, with 2 additional bedrooms and full baths down, plus a powder room. The house has the usual complement of living area, including a LR/DR combo and a great room that opens out onto a gracious covered patio.

The design yielded its intended results for our client, and after a quick and profitable sale to a happy family, we are now working on several new projects with this same developer.