We moved to the Temecula area in 1979. At that time, the freeway sign stating the population, read 220. I have no doubt it was really more than that, but the point I’m going for is that in those days, everyone knew everyone!
Peter Van Gaale was among those we became acquainted with shortly after our arrival. The Van Gaale name has always been associated with quality and value. Sadly, Peter passed away suddenly in 2004. His sons Paul and Jan have carried on the business with all the great qualities that Pete had established. He taught his sons well.
In 2007, Paul and Jan remodeled our garage into a game room and added a new garage with a loft and balcony over it.
They were wonderful to work with. They communicated on every level so we were never left wondering where we stood… what the next step in the construction process would be, to who was coming and when to expect them. All subcontractors they brought onboard were always superior. They, just like their Dad, over the years, worked with the best…tried and true…not just anyone.
Whenever the job required an inspection by a building inspector, the inspector would ask my husband who the contractor was. When he would tell them it was the Van Gaales, the inspector would say, ”Oh, I don’t have to even inspect this because they do everything right!” (they still would of course)
We’re totally pleased with the garage and loft. It doesn’t look like an addition at all, which was of great concern to us when we started the project.
A few years later, in 2012, Paul and Jan remodeled our kitchen, a total gut job. Again, they were wonderful to work with. The kitchen is a joy to behold. So many decisions had to be made to coordinate its creation, but the boys handled it in such a manner that it all went seamlessly. The cabinets that Jan built are so beautiful.
The cherry on top for the kitchen was that Jan built a table for me out of old recycled wood. He’s a master craftsman of woodworking. All mortise and tenon joinery was used in its construction. It’s truly an object of art. The table is beyond awesome. Everyone comments on how beautiful it is.
The Van Gaales then removed and rebuilt our front porch. It was slanted towards the house, which was not ideal when it rained. They did an amazing job.
Just last year Jan installed a new front door for us. Again, perfection!
Peter Van Gaale & Sons have been wonderful to work with and their resulting creations have been more than I could have ever wished for. I view them as my adopted sons and rather miss them when they’re not working on a project.
Let’s see what can be “fixed” next!
