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What They Say About Us...

"You are extremely knowledgeable, incredible hard working and dependable. You and your team showed up every day and did not stop until the job was completed. Finding someone that you could trust to be in your home when you are not there is unheard of in this day and age and I never once doubted our trust."

T. Runyon
Oakton,. VA

 

The Art of a Successful Project

Fast Facts about Thomas Custom Builders

  • Licensed in all of VA BBB accredited business logo
  • Class A General Contractor since 1984 - over 25 years
  • Proud Member of the Better Business Bureau

Meet Our Happy Homeowners

At Thomas Custom Builders, we focus not on doing more, but on doing better. Our high standards and principles are why our clients are among the most-satisfied in the industry. We encourage you to read just a few of the dozens of testimonials we receive from satisfied clients.

Thomas Custom Builders Cares!

Thomas Custom Builders is proud to be a volunteer service provider for the Prince William County Habitat for Humanity. If you're interested in finding out how you can help this worthwhile organization, visit their Web site at http://www.habitatpwc.org/.

The Art of a Successful Project

The Art of Value Engineering

You may hear the term "value engineering" used to describe the Thomas Custom Builders approach. But what does that really mean?

Simply, value engineering is a system we use to improve the ratio of function to cost. There are four basic steps in the value engineering process:

  1. Information gathering. Here, we look at existing conditions (for instance, your current structure for a remodeling project or the site for a new home) and pinpoint your budget and requirements for the project in terms of both function and style.
  2. Idea generation. In this step, we brainstorm creative and innovative ways to reconcile your vision with what you can afford.
  3. Evaluation. Each option is carefully evaluated for impact, cost and performance, from choosing designers and suppliers to material selection and scheduling.
  4. Selection. In the final step, we work with you to finalize the best alternative that meets your requirements while maximizing cost savings to you.

TCB Tips Blog

Countertop Encounter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Are you keeping a file of all your remodeling ideas? If so, you've probably made a section just for countertops. Whether you're doing a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, countertops can be the focal point of your room. But what to choose? Granite, Silestone, solid surface, laminate... the choices can seem endless and confusing. If you consider your habits and family lifestyle, you'll be able to narrow the material choices.

For your kitchen, evaluate the extent to which you actually cook. If you do a lot of food preparation, you may want to consider material with antimicrobial protection, like Silestone. If you hate using pot holders or trivets, preferring to put hot plates or pots directly on countertops, look for heat-resistant surfaces like granite, concrete or Silestone. For both kitchen and bath countertops, low-maintenance and stain-resistant surfaces are often a good choice for families with children. Cambria, Silestone, Lexton solid surface and laminate are all scratch-resistant and stain resistant for families who are hard on their countertops. These are, for the most part, low maintenance and easy to clean.

After you've chosen the material, there are still more decisions - edging, color, consistency. For color and design, you can actually go to the top fabricator to choose your slab of material that will become your countertop. If you see inconsistency in a piece, you can request that the pattern not cover that particular part. Edging finishes your countertop, reflecting a little personality. From flat or bullnose to beveled or triple waterfall, the edge makes yet another design statement.

The best words of advice: Consider what compliments your home best, and choose what you'll love when your remodeling project is complete.

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