'Inspired' NorCal Home Tour - Page 2

"The second remodel was bigger, completely reworking the kitchen and living room into a single open space, as well as a remodel of the other master bedroom and adding a new roof," said Hastings, who actually grew up in a similar Eichler elsewhere in Palo Alto before buying this one.

"I wish that I had grown up in one," smiles Longo, a refugee to Eichler Nation from Massachusetts, adding of the second remodel, "We really made the kitchen the center of our lives since we cook and eat [at home] a lot, and made it extremely computer- and mobile device-friendly, with charging built into the kitchen table and inside the island."

A new kitchen was obviously a major component of what Key terms "a whole house remodel" Keycon did in three phases over four years for Palo Alto's Katie and Kyle Gentry. During that entire process, the couple never moved out of their Carlson Court Eichler, and in fact had two babies during that span.

"We took most of the home down to the studs to do earthquake retrofitting, add insulation, new siding, and new windows and doors. We were also able to remove walls and reconfigure the main living and eating areas to promote a more open space," says Katie.

"The one area where we deviated from," said Katie, "the roofline included parapets to hide our HVAC system." Key noted that the home's radiant heat had died, and the adding of the parapets "allowed them to get a heating system that was more economical and is also A/C."

"It's an incredible house," he said with tradesman's pride. "It's really gorgeous."

And showing off all that gorgeousness is one of the attractions of the upcoming tour, similar to the one staged by the same three companies in 2015. For fans of mid-century modern, there's potential through these five homes to spark passion and inspiration.

"It gives other Eichler owners an idea of what they can do with their own homes," said Key, who will be on one of five teams on tour day greeting visitors. So will Klopf and Erdal representatives, and some of the owners too.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the May 4th 'Eichler Inspired Home Tour,' click here.