Virginia Remodeling Blog

Light Up A Room – Naturally

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:49:00 GMT

With the warmer weather coming in Manassas, Fairfax, Alexandria and Arlington, VA, if you can’t be outdoors, try bringing the outdoors inside. One way to lighten up a room naturally is through a skylight. But, you say, aren’t they a lot of trouble? We say, no way! They’re worth it.

If you’re doing a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, this is an ideal time to add a skylight. This way, it can be installed by your custom remodeler, who will make sure it is properly positioned for maximum light as well as mounted securely. The custom remodeler will work with you to evaluate your roof pitch, decide whether or not the skylight must be accessible for opening, choose glass type and accessories, and select a manual or electronic control option. Then, the custom remodeler or installer will choose the best mounting method based on your geographic location. Skylights can be deck mounted directly to the roof deck, curb mounted to a site-built curb, or pan-flashed, also mounted to a site-built curb. Skylight manufacturers like Velux provide many choices and their products are warrantied for guaranteed satisfaction. Any of the options provide heat and light naturally, so they are considered “green” home additions.

A solar tube is a less expensive way to achieve light in a bathroom when you are remodeling. A cylindrical tube that comes from the roof and lets light in like a small spotlight, the solar tube doesn’t require electricity. It uses reflective material inside the tube and a diffuser on the end of the tube to spread light in the room. Ask your custom remodeler about tax credits in your area for both skylights and solar tubes.

If you’re worried about cleaning and maintenance of your skylight or roof window, check back next week for some tips.

Good Morning, Room!

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:44:00 GMT

You’ve probably heard it called a breakfast room, a sun room, or a drawing room. Today, it’s called a morning room. It’s a place to sit and eat, read, relax and enjoy a quiet time during the day. Morning room additions are a great way to expand a kitchen or family room. They are usually placed where the natural light in the morning hours can spill into the room through large windows. Whether they are floor-to-ceiling, bay or picture windows, they create an ambiance of bringing the outdoors inside. The morning room is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and the change of seasons. If you live in northern Virginia, relaxing in your morning room will afford you a view of the delicate spring buds on the trees, the rich, greenery in the summer, the fiery foliage in the autumn and the pristine white snow in the winter.

Since the morning room is positioned on the house for the best light all day long, the room will feel pleasant and natural. Maintain that essence by trying natural materials such as slate, stone or wood flooring. Keep walls light colored, both to make the room brighter and to give the illusion of a larger room. The lighter the walls and floor, the more the light will be reflected, keeping the room bright, even on a dreary day.

Your custom remodeler can identify the location that will offer the best natural light, and advise you on a good size – the room should be big enough to handle average size furniture, especially if it’s an addition to your kitchen or family room. It can also be an extension of your master suite. What better way to wake up and say, “Good Morning!”

Home Office Room Addition

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:58:00 GMT

Instead of a small, catch-all desk in the kitchen or family room, or a cabinet full of papers next to your bed, consider a room addition of a home office. Even if your family’s jobs take them to a remote office or on the road most days, there will always be some type of work to be done at home – from tax filing to school forms, baseball rosters to thank you notes.

A home office room addition creates a great place for the computer and all of today’s electronic gadgetry, including charging stations. Make sure your home remodeling contractor knows what type of electrical outlets and cable outlets you’ll need throughout the room. Built-in filing cabinets and book shelves are great custom features, and they also add a “wow” factor. Good natural lighting is a must, and it can be achieved with a window seat or floor-to-ceiling windows. The home office can become a cozy, pleasant area with the addition of a fireplace and comfortable seating area.

You might even consider conducting business there!

Trendy, Practical Room Additions

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:52:00 GMT

Last week we talked about practical remodeling options. As you find more and more ways to organize your home, you can probably come up with just as many ideas for useful rooms. The fitness room, tool room, craft room or mud room are all great choices. They serve specific purposes and help to ease the space issue for all those things that never seem to find a home. Rooms like a study lounge or computer room give the young people in your house their own cool space. A sports landing zone in the mud room also assigns a space for sports equipment and lets the kids enjoy their own area.

Just by adding a room to your home, you can bring a sense of organization and completeness. A simple room addition is practical and adds value. It serves as a bonus room, and it’s easy to modify if your interest changes in a few years, or someone buys your home and is a sports buff instead of a craft buff. After a few months of this new room, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Practical vs. Luxurious – Making the Remodeling Decision

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:46:00 GMT

You already know that remodeling is winning out over moving to a new location in today’s economy. It’s a sensible way to get what you want in your home, and recoup the costs when the real estate market rebounds. The fact is, trends in remodeling are focusing on practicality before luxury. If you’re thinking of remodeling, be realistic about what can be done now, and pay attention to the basics. Be reasonable and take a long-term view of what you’ll need in the future.

Determine what you don’t like about your home. For example, do you need to upgrade your current bathroom or add a new one? Is your kitchen great or barely functional? How about your family room and living space – do you like to entertain and want to interact with people while preparing food? Think about where you plan to be a few years from now, and how your home will wear until then.

You can select a practical option, like a kitchen remodel, then add luxurious touches. Once you’ve decided to remodel or build an addition, seek valid professional advice. Custom builders and remodelers see it all, and they can tell you what’s hot in the market. They can also advise on what’s realistic for your budget. Then you can make a rational decision based on good facts. It’s not a matter of whether or not to be practical, it’s a matter of whether or not the home remodel is going to benefit your lifestyle – now and in the future.

Recession Remodeling – Debunking the Myth

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:35:00 GMT

A recent article from US News and World Report names the top three “recession remodeling trends.” Despite the recession, people are still doing custom remodeling. In fact, the article reports that the National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index (RMI) hit a five-year high in the fourth quarter of 2011. But the custom remodeling projects are taking on a different twist. People are opting to stay put and make their homes more livable, both for themselves and for extended family.

Top trends include suites for long-term care at home, outdoor retreats, and smarter kitchens. The need for in-law suites or room additions is prevalent – many are thinking about “aging in place” designs. These custom additions can be second-floor additions, but more often they are bump outs from the original home in order to avoid stairs for the new occupants. If stairs are not an issue, they can even be apartments over the garage. The point is practicality and convenience, both for the aging person and the care giver.

In addition, decks, sun rooms and Florida rooms have seen a strong demand in the custom remodeling business. People are trying to get back to nature and spend more time outdoors.

Finally, the “wow” kitchen is probably the most popular custom remodeling job – both for the homeowner and the custom builder. We spend so much time in the kitchen, and socially, we gravitate to the kitchen. The US News and World Report article contends that people are customizing their kitchens more, with more emphasis on pantries and utility rooms. They are also opting for larger eating areas and family room areas. A kitchen addition becomes an extension of the living area – open, airy, and friendly.

If you decide to remodel, your custom remodeler can give you tips and ideas on how to meet your lifestyle needs and get the most for your money.

Lifestyle Spaces

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:24:00 GMT

One of the biggest home remodeling trends is creating a lifestyle space. Gone are the days when we had a formal living room that housed mom’s crystal vases and was off-limits to children. Custom remodelers are literally tearing down walls to make more open, airy spaces -- spaces designed to fit your personal lifestyle. For most of us, that’s multi-tasking: cooking dinner while watching the news while helping with homework. Or, it’s entertaining guests while serving appetizers while watching the big game on TV. Thus, we’ve discovered the open floor plan of the kitchen, eating area and family room.

Add a lifestyle space that includes the computer and a built-in desk/office area. It’s out in the open so that parents can supervise computer use. The family can interact with each other. It’s also a home for the family’s electronic gadgetry – from cell phone chargers to iPod docking stations. Some people need an exclusive electronics room. So, if it fits your lifestyle, go ahead and have your custom remodeler build it!

Getting In The Zone

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:19:00 GMT

Spring is a time to get organized. Custom remodeling is one way to do that. Whether it’s adding built-in cabinets and shelving or creating a whole new room, you can make your home a haven for all the wayward “stuff” that never seems to have a place. Get creative. Bump out your laundry room and make a “drop zone” or mud room. This is a simple addition that can save time and money. Shoes, jackets, sporting equipment and more can find their places in the drop zone. From cubbies to cabinets, the built-in organizational possibilities are endless. The key: stuff will be handy when the kids are on their way out the door, and it will be left in one central location on the way into the house. Add a closet with shelves and baskets so that laundry can be sorted in one step – with each load in its own basket. Have a bench built in, with storage underneath for shoe changing. The mud will stay in the mud room, and you’ll wonder how you lived without the “drop zone.”

Beauty and the Bath

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:53:00 GMT

A bathroom remodel as part of the master suite or as the main bath can be beastly, but it will add comfort to your lifestyle and resale value to your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2011, you can recoup a majority of the cost at resale for remodeling a bathroom in the section of the country that includes the Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria areas here in Virginia. A total bathroom addition can get you a significant return as well.

Bathroom remodeling must-haves: a double sink. Add a mirror that opens for a 360-degree view and houses a medicine chest or storage area, include some soft, natural lighting, and you have your own salon atmosphere.

Other popular additions: the steam shower. These have therapeutic benefits and can also be energy saving. All-tile showers with frameless glass have become a trend. They lend a seamless, upscale look to the bath. Fixtures are also part of the detail that can make or break a bathroom. First, they need to work for you. If you like a removable shower head, then get one. Little luxuries like a waterfall fixture add a “wow” factor, and they do the job if you really want it done right.

Wallow in warmth: just about everything can be heated, from the toilet seat to the ceiling. While the overhead heat lamp in the shower or bath has become the norm, the indulgences have spread to heated flooring and heated towel racks. If you have a smaller area, you can have a heated floor without much expense by having your custom remodeler install a heat mat. Heated towel racks can be built-in or free-standing. These things feel like an extravagance, but they can be done reasonably and create a comfortable, cozy bath experience.

A “Suite” Treat – Add a Little Luxury

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:44:00 GMT

If you’re planning to stay in your home for decades, or even if you’re anticipating a sale in the next few years, a master bedroom suite addition can be a valuable asset. If nothing else, it’s a little bit of luxury just for you in an otherwise practical world. Your bedroom is where you relax and unwind. It’s your own private sanctuary. And, it can add value to your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2011, adding a master suite can garner a majority of your investment in return at resale – with the added advantage of living well prior to resale – in areas like Fairfax, Manassas and Alexandria (all considered part of the Southeast USA by the magazine).

When planning your addition, look at the high-end homes in the area. What they’re incorporating today will set the trend for the future in mid-range homes. A basic master suite upgrade must include a bathroom – think spa – and a walk-in closet or two. Be careful not to eliminate any basics, such as a tub or a shower. This will devalue the home for future buyers. More on the bathroom upgrade in our next post...

The suite itself might include tray ceilings, nooks or window seats. Any design that lets in lots of natural light is appealing – skylights are ideal for master suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a panoramic view of the great outdoors are very popular. A sitting area with fireplace and big screen TV is also common and not only adds a little luxury now, it can be creatively marketed as an in-law suite later, if necessary. Built-in cabinets and innovative storage space is a practical bonus. Some of those cabinets might also include tie racks, shoe racks and rotating wardrobes.

Whatever your bedroom remodeling ideas, consider them a “suite” way to indulge yourself just a little.

Going Up!

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:48:00 GMT

Challenge: You want to add on to your home but don't have the space on your lot.

Solution: Build up!

A second floor addition is a great way to incorporate a bedroom, bathroom, in-law suite or office. While it is not without headaches and risks, it can also be a good solution. A second floor addition is usually not a zoning concern in Fairfax. If in Arlington or Alexandria, do have your custom builder check your local laws and get the right permits.

If you live in an older home and have an attic, your custom builder might be able to turn it into the room of your dreams. Building up will also save you some aggravation and money. With a second floor custom remodel, there will be no need for excavation and no new foundation. However, if the roof is coming off, you'll have to make plans to stay somewhere else during this period of construction -- usually for about a week. In the end, you'll end up with a great new addition and a taller house!

Choosing a Custom Builder

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:45:00 GMT

So you're ready to get that home project under way. Now what? If you're searching for a builder for a new home construction or a home remodel, choose wisely. Here are some tips:

Ask friends for referrals. If a friend has recommended the builder, you can be sure that builder did something right. These days, it's too easy to lose a customer because they will tell you when something is wrong.
Interview the builder. Ask about his experience. Make sure he's focused on residential building and remodeling. Homebuilding requires different contractor skills from commercial building, and home remodeling is even more specialized. Be sure your communications styles are similar and you feel comfortable with him. After all, he's going to be in your home for several weeks - even months, if the project is big.
Get references. Visit some job sites -- both in-progress and completed. Request specific residential jobs that are similar to yours. Talk to the people who have used the builder before. If you like what you see and hear, then you've found yourself a builder. Next step... project estimate!

Add A Deck, Please

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:41:00 GMT

Last week we mentioned the simple addition of a deck to increase the value of your home. The weather is already getting to the point of pleasant in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax, VA. Take advantage of this both from a construction standpoint and the ability to enjoy your outdoor remodeling job by considering a deck as part of a larger Virginia kitchen addition or other family room addition.

Decks have nearly as many choices as kitchens and baths. For materials, all wood decks are traditionally sturdy and good quality. But consider the maintenance: cleaning and staining regularly is a must. Composite materials that are a blend of wood fiber and plastic resin work well for ground-floor decks and built-in deck seating. They need less maintenance than wood, but usually need closer joints and wood supports to prevent sagging. The same goes for plastics and vinyl. Finally, a modern architecture home might look great with an aluminum deck using interlocking metal boards.

Size and shape are also variables. Ask your home remodeling contractor what's best for your needs and home. Whatever your choice, be sure the deck will withstand the outdoor elements to your satisfaction -- a run-down deck will be an eyesore, not an asset.

Which Remodeling Projects Will Add Value To Your Home?

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:38:00 GMT

If you're looking for a home remodeling project that will add value to your Alexandria, Fairfax, Manassas or Arlington, VA, home, think kitchen, attic bedroom, deck. Do your research for your region first. Often, it depends where in the country you live that determines what is the best asset for you.

For interior projects in the Washington, DC area for mid-range homes, the kitchen ranks high on the list. The return on investment for a minor kitchen remodel is about 85 percent in this region, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012. That's higher than the 2011 national average of 72.1 percent. What's a minor remodel? Replacing cabinet faces, appliances, countertops and flooring -- what might be major to you is really considered a minor project.

Consider why the kitchen remodel is so well accepted by buyers. The kitchen is the gathering place in the home. It's a fact that most home purchase decisions are made by women. Where do they look first? The kitchen. You can sell a house on the "wow" factor of the kitchen.

Attic bedrooms were the only area that grew from last year in ROI. In local mid-range homes, the return was 89 percent, vs. a 2011 national average of 75 percent. Remodeling Magazine attributes the popularity of this particular remodeling effort to the fact that it is the most cost-effective way to add a bedroom and a bathroom (frequently creating a large master bedroom suite) within the home's existing footprint.

Finally, how about a deck? Adding a wood deck was among the highest cost returns for outdoor remodeling projects at 91.3 percent. A composite material deck returned 78.8 percent of the cost. Much of the most valuable remodels were in siding replacement, window and door replacement, and anything that improved curb appeal for the home. Sensible -- if the house doesn't look good from the outside, you'll never get inside to see that new kitchen remodel.

The Room Above the Garage

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:30:00 GMT

If you're looking for some extra space for an in-law suite or office area, ask your custom builder for advice! One of the places to consider is the space above your garage. Whether your garage is attached or detached, there's probably some unused space above it, or space that's currently an attic. Most garage foundations and walls can support a room above the garage, but they will require the temporary removal of the garage door, and perhaps the roof so the builder can construct a floor that holds people, not just attic loads. The access to the top floor of the garage would also need to be considered -- inside or outside access, type of stairs and doorways, and walkway areas.

Contact a quality home additions builder serving Fairfax, Alexandria or Arlington who can visit your home and provide a professional consultation. The custom builder should be able to assess the area and provide a good recommendation. If a room can be added, you should get a written design plan. If it can't, get the reasons why not.