Before & After: New Homeowners Join the Eichler Fan Club With Their First Remodel

In March of 2021, Eric and Audrey started an Instagram account to document the remodel of their newly purchased East Bay Eichler home, and soon after got a DM from the Eichler Network saying "congratulations!" Fitting, as these days owning and remodeling an Eichler can feel like joining a club, one where its members take pleasure in sweating the nitty gritty details.

That much is obvious from the comments on Eric and Audrey’s posts about their new old home. For every heart-eyed emoji, there’s just as likely to be a question about the flooring, or how they added a ceiling light in the bathroom with no visible wiring. (Hint: the previous owners made some additional changes when they redid the roof.)

Eric and Audrey’s house was built in 1965 by Jones & Emmons, but had been altered significantly since then. All of the original mahogany paneling was gone. Window patterns were significantly altered when the garage was converted to living space in the ’90s and two vinyl units were added below a row of clerestories. "That would make Mr. Joseph Eichler turn in his grave," posted one Instagram in response. Inch-thick terra-cotta tile was laid over the floors in the main living spaces.

Before: Entry

After: Entry