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June 7, 2025
The Story Behind Bicycle Bungalows: Bill Riley’s Path to Building Houston’s Beloved Bungalows
Hi—I’m Bill Riley, founder of Bicycle Bungalows. My journey started aboard a passenger ship cruising the Hawaiian Islands, where I worked as an engineer after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
I’d bring my bike along and explore each island, falling in love with the architecture—from plantation-style homes to sleek modern designs. That’s where the dream of building my own home began.
Later, I took a job with a Houston-based oil company, working 72 days on and 72 off. During my time off, I bought and remodeled a Heights bungalow with a garage apartment—learning everything the hard way, before HGTV or YouTube tutorials. I fell in love with the process of restoring old homes.
After earning my chief engineer license, I left life at sea and spent two summers volunteering as a wilderness guide while earning my MBA at the University of Texas. That’s where I met my wife, Cathie. We moved back to Houston just before our first child was born and began searching for a long-term home.
Eventually, we found a 1902 house on Harvard that hadn’t been touched in decades—no HVAC, no insulation, broken windows... it was perfect. I restored every detail by hand, from rebuilding 32 original windows to replicating historic moldings. With help from an architect and licensed trades, we added on, and I spent years completing the work after hours and on weekends.
Three kids and countless projects later, that passion turned into Bicycle Bungalows. A love letter to Houston’s historic homes and the process of bringing them back to life.
Bill Riley
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August 12, 2026
Understanding the Home Building Timeline: What to Expect From Start to FinishBuilding a custom home or completing a major renovation is an exciting journey, but for many homeowners, it can also feel overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it's natural to wonder what happens next and how everything fits together. While every project is unique, most follow a similar sequence. Understanding the construction process ahead of time helps set realistic expectations and makes the experience more enjoyable. At Bicycle Bungalows, we believe informed homeowners make confident decisions. Here's a high-level look at what you can expect from the first conversation to the day you move into your completed home.
August 5, 2026
What Does A Builder Actually Do?When most people think about building or renovating a home, they picture the visible parts of construction—framers raising walls, electricians wiring a home, or painters putting on the finishing touches. But behind every successful project is someone coordinating all of those moving pieces: the general contractor. A general contractor does much more than hire subcontractors or oversee construction. They manage the countless details, decisions, and logistics that keep a project moving from concept to completion. At Bicycle Bungalows, we believe understanding a builder's role helps homeowners feel more confident throughout the construction process. Here's a closer look at what a general contractor actually does—and why that role is so important.
July 29, 2026
10 Features Homeowners Wish They Had Included During ConstructionWhen planning a custom home, renovation, or addition, it's easy to focus on the big decisions—floor plans, countertops, cabinetry, and finishes. But after construction is complete and homeowners have lived in the space for a while, it's often the smaller details that make the biggest difference in day-to-day life. At Bicycle Bungalows, we've seen firsthand which features homeowners appreciate years after moving in—and which ones they wish they had considered before construction began. Here are ten upgrades that consistently deliver long-term value, convenience, and functionality.
July 22, 2026
Why Home Projects Start Months Before ConstructionOne of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "When can we start building?" It's an exciting question, but the answer often surprises people. The reality is that the most successful projects begin long before construction crews arrive on site. The months leading up to breaking ground are where many of the most important decisions are made—decisions that directly impact the budget, schedule, and overall success of the project. At Bicycle Bungalows, we believe investing time in planning isn't a delay—it's one of the best ways to ensure a smoother construction experience and a better finished home.
July 15, 2026
Designing Outdoor Living Spaces You'll Actually UseA great backyard is about more than a beautiful patio or a built-in grill. The best outdoor living spaces are thoughtfully designed to fit the way you and your family actually live. Whether you're hosting neighborhood cookouts, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or spending evenings around a fire pit, every element should work together to create an inviting and functional extension of your home. At Bicycle Bungalows, we encourage homeowners to think beyond individual features and instead consider how their entire outdoor space will function. With the right planning, your backyard can become one of the most enjoyable "rooms" of your home.
July 8, 2026
Building for the Houston Heat: Designing a Home That Stays Comfortable Year-RoundHouston's climate presents unique challenges for homeowners. Long summers, high humidity, intense sun, and frequent storms all place added demands on a home's performance. While air conditioning plays an important role, true comfort begins long before the HVAC system is turned on. It starts with thoughtful design and smart construction decisions.At Bicycle Bungalows, we believe a well-designed home should work with its environment—not against it. By considering how a home responds to Houston's climate from the earliest stages of design, homeowners can enjoy greater comfort, lower energy costs, and improved long-term durability.
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