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

We have the technology.

How do you keep moving, keep clients satisfied, keep employees working (and getting paid) during a pandemic?

Shelter being an essential service in Monterey County we've been able to continue working safely on a few projects that allow for social distancing or require full PPE (personal protection equipment, lead and asbestos removal). 

For other tasks we've turned to one of our very good friends technology.

Matterport for inspections!

Matterport allows our inspectors to visit sites virtually to verify and sign off on completed work...from the convenience of their home or office! 

These showcases are something we are already creating to document our projects and remote inspections are now added the increasing list of benefits.

Virtual meetings

Team collaboration continues using Zoom meeting and this includes getting permits remotely! 

This will allow us to start projects immediately when state and local orders are lifted.

Client design projects continue with 3D renderings

Again using Zoom meeting we continue to have initial and ongoing design consults offering 3D virtual design renderings that can be shared electronically.

Carmel Chamber Award of Excellence for Large Professional Service 2019 goes to... Lewis Builders!

"I appreciate the chamber for being the glue that holds us individual businesses together from different industries in the small little town of Carmel. We really rely on each other because it's the shared experiences we all provide that make people fall in love with Carmel. 

Carmel is really protective; protective of it's history, protective of it's architecture and protective of our environment, which means a lot to me, while also being very accepting. Carmel is accepting of innovation, they're accepting of new green policies and new industries such cannabis and it just makes me really love Carmel." - John Lewis

Want to know the latest trends in homebuilding?

So do we!  So we sent the team to Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas. Click above to go on a video tour of the products and ideas our CEO John Lewis was drawn to (it's short, we promise)!

Here are just a few of the our favorite takeaways we're sure to see in our future projects....

Smart Home Technology Consolidation.

A smart home operating system (OS) connects virtually all of the technology in your home. With Control4 Smart Home OS 3, you and your family can control nearly every device and system in the house in ways that are easy and fun to use.

Printed Ceramic Slabs!

Emilgroup has drawn on over a decade of experience to create Level, a line of ceramic slabs in 62" x 125" that deliver the beauty of large surfaces and the high performance of stoneware.

Door and Window Innovation! 

VELUX CABRIO balcony opens in seconds to give your loft space a place in the sun. The innovative balcony adds air, light and a great view to your home. For added convenience, the VELUX CABRIO balcony fits flush with the roof when closed.

Lopez and Second SOLD!

Our investment property on Lopez in Carmel-by-the-Sea has sold! A beautiful Lewis Builder new construction project that we trusted Zak Freedman to sell and he delivered. Take a look at the video he and his team produced for his regular segment on American Dream Network.

Aging-in-Place Design is a Family Affair.

"So here's the deal...never in a million years did I think I would need to reach out to an "aging in place" specialist as a 40-something..."

A friend and now client of ours Kimbley Craig came to us with unfortunate news that her mother had a very serious fall and was now confined to a wheelchair. She realized very quickly that the bathroom in their home "HAD to be redone" as her mother "certainly didn't have the capability (or the dexterity) to step over a tub".

"They came in and gave recommendations for small changes that our family could make, and also gave recommendations for ease of access throughout the home".

Our recommendations are time tested concepts we incorporate into all our designs because simply put they make sense functionally and esthetically, many of which you probably wouldn't recognize as Aging-in-Place. Check out these examples of simple solutions for aging that look beautiful!

In the Bathroom: Curbless shower, heated bench & hand wand, widened doorways, LED lighting and single lever faucets.

In the Kitchen: Natural light, LED lighting, wide walkways, single lever faucet, and hard surface flooring.

Everywhere Else: No step entryways, natural light, LED lighting, wide walkways, and hard surface flooring (are you picking up what we're laying down?).

“Don't let your home dictate what you can and cannot do everyday.” - John Lewis

"They have literally changed my parents lives, with the work they've done to make my parents living quarters more manageable and comfortable."

Thank you Kimbley for your trust and for sharing your experience with us. Change Your Space. Change Your Life. is not just a slogan, it's our creed.

Lewis Builders Receive Business Excellence Award!

Special thanks to the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and our community for the 2019 Business Excellence Award in Construction & Building Services.

It fuels our passion for what we do and inspires us to continue our efforts. Thank you!

John Lewis, Kenny Boyd and Scott Julian at the Monterey Chamber of Commerce 33rd Business Excellence Awards.