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"We are extremely pleased with the quality of their work, their integrity and their professionalism. On top of that, they are just nice guys! Our addition turned out beautiful and we would use them again for future work. We would also recommend them to anyone looking for a quality contractor. You will not go wrong with Thomas Custom Builders."

J. Watson
Fairfax, 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

Kitchen Flooring -- Beauty Or Function?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

More choices are on the docket this week for your kitchen remodel. When choosing your flooring, which comes first, beauty or function? While we are now gathering where we live and making the kitchen the focal point of entertaining, we certainly want it to be beautiful. Why do we entertain, anyway? To show off to our friends, of course. However, function is important for all the traffic that results in a gathering space.

Ceramic tile is stunning and is low-maintenance. It can be swept, vacuumed or mopped, and a light color does not show the dust or dirt. The grout must be kept clean, though, and this can be a tedious task – picture yourself on the floor with a toothbrush. Ceramic tile flooring is not for the clumsy – it’s an unforgiving surface. Glasses and dishes shatter in thousands of pieces if dropped, and falls on a ceramic tile floor are quite painful.

Wood flooring offers a uniting presence, as well as a softer touch on your feet. It contributes an element of warmth to the room and is also easy to clean. It does, however, scratch easily or become marred from dropped glasses or utensils. Dog owners might think twice about hard wood maintenance, due to scratches from the dog’s nails. Although, if scratches and dents are not deep, they can easily be made to look new with another application of a poly sealant.

For the softest touch on your feet and warmth – cork anyone? Cork offers a resilience unmatched by other flooring, as well as versatility and durability. It’s priced between wood and tile, and cleaning is a bit more challenging. Cork can’t be wet mopped, and spills must be cleaned promptly so they don’t stain or get absorbed by the cork.

All in all, we need both beauty and function in any area of a home addition. With the right materials and design, your kitchen remodel can be everything you hoped it would be.

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