Homeowner’s Voices: The Woodruffs
As published in Vacaville Magazine, Jan/Feb 2022 Edition.
When driving through town, you might have noticed a fresh crop of blue and white signs sprinkling the Vacaville landscape. Behind those signs, perhaps you’ve seen backhoes digging a new home foundation, or new walls being framed in. With profound resilience and a perspective of hope, many land owners have begun the process of rebuilding their lives, literally.
Our Story. After over 40 years building communities from Cloverdale to Sacramento, Brenda and Keith Christopherson had built nearly 7,000 new homes. In the wake of the 2017 Tubbs Fire many of the homes lost were originally built by the Christophersons. And many of the folks who needed help were not only past clients, they were also personal friends. To fill that fundamental need Keith and Brenda shifted their business model to help rebuild the communities they love.
Moving Forward. Over the past four years, we’ve been rebuilding homes across multiple North Bay counties including Solano County. And we must say, it’s lovely here. Working with our Vacaville and Winters clients has been a delight. Case in point, meet the Woodruffs. We stopped by to chat, and see how the build was coming along. Here’s their story…
Larry and Maria lost their home in the LNU fire. Poised along rolling hillsides, the Woodruff’s property is surrounded by picturesque, pastoral views sweeping in every direction. Looking out from their building site, it’s easy to see why the Woodruff’s made the decision to rebuild. Long time Vacaville residents, Larry and Maria came across the Christopherson Builders name and appreciated the history of the company as well as the full-service model. When we asked them what made them choose Christopherson Builders, the answer boiled down to one thing. The people. Maria said that, “More than anything, it was a feeling”.
Five months after breaking ground, we walked through their future home. The progress is amazing. Interior walls are up and ready for sheetrock, windows are in and a 16 foot glass door spans the length of the great room, showcasing their stellar views. Maria says that they started with a Plan 22, but changed a few things, like adding on a rear loggia, or covered patio, across the back of the home. “They were very receptive to our ideas”, Maria said. And it’s the little things that turn into the big picture, like the new front entry door that Larry loves – “And it’s standard!”, said Larry. The only problem is, they don’t seem to have worked out who gets the bigger of the two closets in the primary bedroom wing. Our bet’s on Maria.
Not too long into our visit, local Project Manager Eric Rakowski arrived. “Eric will make you feel like yours is the only house he’s building… and all of the people who have worked on our house have been very respectful.” said Larry.
The Woodruffs should be moving into their new home in just a few more months. “It takes about 7-8 months to build a home from the time we break ground to the time we hand over keys”, says Amy Christopherson Bolten, Director and master planner of all things Napa and Solano County. We are able to do this as we have processes in place that support an efficient design and construction cycle.
In addition to having a wide range of architecture to fit nearly any building site, all of the Christopherson Builder’s pre-engineered plans can be designed to suit any style. Spanish? No problem. Modern Farmhouse? Sure! Inside the home our standard selections, as noted by Larry, are anything but standard. In-house Interior Designer and Design Studio Manager, Kelly Gray-Jones helps our clients make design choices that work with their overall style and vision. We have stone veneers, high-end counters, cabinets, tile, hardware, flooring… everything a person needs all in one place.
Working with Christopherson Builders, clients receive a full service, family owned, turn-key concierge building experience – delivered up a neat, tidy and timely package. If you would like to discover what Christopherson Builders can do for you, please feel free to reach out to us by phone at 707-584-6377, or via our website at www.christophersonbuilders.com. Together, we can build your future.