Why remodel?

Remodeling your home can modernize the style, make it more comfortable, improve energy-efficiency and home functionality, increase the value of your home, and help with upkeep and maintenance.  Whether it is a two level addition, master bath, kitchen, porch, powder room or basement, remodeling is a wise investment in your home and your family.

When is it time to remodel?

Maybe when you realized that the avocado green and harvest gold appliances are no longer the "in" colors for today's kitchens. Maybe you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it's time to remodel...

Once you decide to remodel, you'll join millions of others who decide to remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include:

• Adding more space with additions; changing kitchen layouts; increasing room for a master bath; finishing a basement;
  or building sunrooms and garages

• Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring and fixtures

• Creating a floor plan that's customized for your lifestyle, maybe making the kitchen the home hub, or a luxurious spa like bathroom or a finished basement for the kids.

• Green remodeling and energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems.

• Increasing the resale value of your home!

How do I select my design build contractor?

There are so many remodeling contractors in Northern Virginia to choose from.  It is important to choose a home improvement contractor with an established business in Northern Virginia.  Check references from past customers in your neighborhood and community, whether you are in Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, Mclean or Falls Church and check with the  better business bureau and NARI (National Association of Remodelers).   Of course your design build firm should be licensed and insured.  These are just the minimum requirements to meet.  Most importantly make sure your design build firm or remodeling contractor understands you and your family’s need and you feel that you are in trusting hands.

Interview Questions to Ask your Design Build Firm or Remodeling Contractor :

• Does your remodeling company specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, universal living, green remodeling, additions, whole house, garages, and sunrooms?

• How long have your been in business?  What areas for Northern Virginia do you work the most in?

• Who will actually be designing our kitchen or bathroom?

• Who will be assigned to manage our remodeling project once construction starts? 

• What awards and recognitions has your remodeling company received, in the Northern Virginia region and national level?

• What associations do they belong too?

• How do you measure customer satisfaction? 

• How will I be able to communicate with the Lead Carpenter, Production Manager, and Design Manager?

• How do I know when things are happening?  Who manages the design schedule and the construction schedule?
  
  • What type of process is in place to help me make decisions within budget and my lifestyle?
  • What is your approach to a project of this scope?  Listen carefully to the answer. This is one of the big indicators of the company's work ethic, systems and processes in place.
  • How is your firm organized? Do you have employees or do you hire subcontractors? If you do have employees, what are their job descriptions? Do you use a project supervisor and a lead carpenter to oversee the project? You should know what parts of your project will be handled by what staff.
  • What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business? This will give you a good indication about the company's customer satisfaction
  • Of the many questions you can ask during an interview, the most important question is one you must ask yourself, "Do I feel comfortable with, feel heard by and trust the person I am about to hire?"
  • Your answer to that last question should make the hiring decision a little easier.

How much should my remodeling project cost?

This really depends on the size and scope of your project. The materials chosen, the size of the room, and age of the infrastructure can all impact the project cost. Remember, when you are comparing bids that you are comparing the exact same scope from each contractor – which is very difficult to do. If a price comes in that looks too good to be true, it probably is.

What is Green Remodeling and what are some of the benefits?

Remodeling a home to make it more environmentally friendly or “green,” is easier than you may think; it gives you a unique opportunity to incorporate cost-saving and earth-sustaining green concepts into their homes. Green Remodeling encompasses making a home healthy, comfortable, and efficient. Consideration is given to indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are better for the environment (and for people).  Bottom line, it’s is easier on the earth, can lower energy cost and it provides a healthier home for your family.  There are some small ways to think about Green Remodeling too:

• Non-toxic paints and sealants
• Programmable thermostats
• Energy efficient appliances
• Natural flooring
• Local building materials
• Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
• Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
• Energy efficient lighting
• Insulated hot water pipes
• Tankless water heaters
• Quality insulation
• Native plants for landscaping