Foster Remodeling Solutions Blog

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Building a Deck

Feb 19th, 2010

As nice weather finally approaches, it is time to think about improving your home’s outdoor features.

One of the most popular Northern Virginia home additions is the deck. Not only does it create a social gathering place for friends, family and neighbors, it boosts the resale value of the house.

There are a number of factors to consider before jumping in. Start with the location. Consider whether your deck will be best on the first or second floor. Keep it close to an entrance. Transporting things like food and drinks, books and games in and out of the house should be easy and convenient.

The area should be relatively level. If not, added support beams must be put up. If it’s a second-story structure, it will cost more, but may be worth the investment. The deck should be in an area with a nice view when outdoors. Avoid placing it next to the shed, dog run or woodpile.

How big to make your deck really depends on how much room you have and how it will be used. If you plan to have meals at a picnic table or multiple people will be using it, make it big. On the other hand, this will limit the amount of room to roam in the yard. Make sure the kids and pets will still have an area to run and play.

The avid gardener in your family will be protective over areas with the best soil and sunshine, so think it through and try to come up with a location that will make everybody happy.

The more expensive the materials, the more the project will cost. Remember, skimping on quality may cost more in the long run. Find a happy medium with quality materials that will last a long time. If you plan to stay in your house for the long haul, think about how the deck will look and wear in five or 10 years. You may wish to have a surface that can be stained a different color. Likewise, you may prefer something with as little maintenance as possible.

At Foster Remodeling, we can help you find the right location and materials to suit your needs. With years of experience in Northern Virginia home renovations, we know what works best for remodeling projects. Hot summers, snowy winters, wet springtime and a blustery autumn all affect how a new deck should be built and what materials will suit it best.

Once you have decided on the basics for a new deck, it’s time to focus on some features now available. Awnings, lounge furniture, lighting, dining areas and electricity should all be taken into consideration

As with all home additions, building permits are usually required. We can help you secure which ones you need and make sure you are in compliance during the project. Since we have done new decks for years, we are familiar with all of the steps necessary to complete your home improvement project on time and on budget. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We will help you plan a new deck you can enjoy for years to come.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Custom Remodeling.
Tagged: custom · deck · remodel

Aging In Place Remodeling

Feb 16th, 2010

by dguy.

No comments yet

“Aging In Place”

The comedian George Burns used to open his stand-up act with the line, “I’m very pleased to be here. Let’s face it, at my age I’m very pleased to be anywhere!” It’s a fact many of us try to avoid, but aging is unstoppable. We will hopefully all someday be as George Burns put it – just pleased to be here. This realization brings us to a valid question- wouldn’t you prefer to “be here” in your own home, surrounded by familiar things, and at peace with the knowledge your “golden years” will be spent in a safe and comfortable environment? Aging-In-Place is the ability to live in one’s own home for as long as possible through the incorporation of design principles, telecare and assistive technologies. We at Foster Remodeling Solutions have seen the need for residential design which allows for comfortable aging in one’s own home and have made this is a focus of our design-build firm.

The numbers speak for themselves – in 2008 persons age 65 or older numbered almost 39 million and represented approximately 12.8% of the U.S. population (that’s about one in every eight Americans). It is projected that by the year 2030 this population of 65 plus persons will grow to about 71.5 million or almost 20% of the population. In other words, one in five Americans will be facing the dilemma of how to live out their remaining years in comfort and safety without the trauma associated with being relocated to a family member’s home or an assisted-living facility. This trauma, also known as “relocation stress syndrome”, can lead to health problems and conflicts which could be avoided if the use of Aging-In-Place concepts are able to be incorporated into an aging person’s existing home. What determines the ability to create a functional and livable space for an aging person in their existing home can depend on numerous factors including: the condition of the existing home; the actual health of the individual; the proximity of health services in the local area; the availability of technology for home wiring and systems which will help facilitate an older person living alone in their own home for many years. A professional design-build firm that is trained and up-to-date on the latest products and ideas for Aging-In-Place, such as Foster Remodeling Solutions, is vital to creating a successful project.

Most of the general products and ideas for remodeling or building a home that fosters Aging-In-Place are self-explanatory. In addition, many of the principles used in Aging-In-Place design are also the same used for homes designed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (or A.D.A.) specifications. A.D.A. specifications require minimum hallway and doorway widths as well as required heights for items such as appliances, countertops and toilets. The basic idea is to create a space that allows for: ease of movement; ease of reaching and accessing items in the home; reducing maintenance and care of the home and the yard; creating well-lit spaces; and designing systems within the home for communication, safety and security that are easily operated by the elderly person. Some specific examples are:

Ease of Movement:

5’ turning or clear radius in the living area, kitchen, bedrooms and baths
36” minimum width hallways and doorways
Eliminating steps into the home and within the home and promoting the use of ramps, elevators or lifts
Incorporating non-slip flooring and grab bars
Home designs that feature one-level living or remodeling existing main level space into livable space for an older person

Ease of Reaching and Accessing Items in the Home:

Lowered windows and windows with easy-to-operate hardware
Faucets and door hardware with lever handles versus knobs
Lowered kitchen and vanity countertops with open space below
Shower with curbless entrance, fold down seat and handheld showerhead
Front loaded washer and dryer and kitchen appliances at usable heights

Reducing Maintenance and Care of the Home and Yard:

Low maintenance exterior such as vinyl siding or brick
Low maintenance trees and shrubs with elevated flowerbeds
Shower stall with built-in antibacterial protection
Appliances designed to report trouble back to the manufacturer electronically
Easy to clean surfaces

Creating Well-Lit Spaces:

Sensor light at exterior entry focused on door lock
Light in the shower
Lots of windows for natural light
Task lighting in appropriate places
Lighting in closets

Easily-Operated Communication, Safety and Security Systems:

Entry door sidelight or lowered peephole with doorbell in accessible location
Anti-scald and pressure-balanced faucets
Light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations and not more than 48 inches above the floor
Rocker or touch-activated switches
Home security system direct wired to police, fire and EMS

These are just some of the design ideas that are incorporated into an Aging-In-Place project. A qualified design-build remodeler like Foster Remodeling Solutions can provide the expertise, care and customer attention that a project such as this requires. Aging-In-Place is a concept that will continue to grow and expand as our population ages. It is very likely many of us will be faced with these same challenges in our own homes at some point. For more information visit the National Aging In Place Council’s website at www.ageinplace.org.

Written by Dave Guy-Design Consultant, Foster Remodeling Solutions

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Aging-In-Place Remodeling.

Improve Kitchen Safety With A Remodel

Jan 22nd, 2010

by dfoster.

1 comment

A Northern Virginia kitchen remodeling project isn’t just about updating countertops and appliances for convenience and style. Safety in the kitchen is always something to consider. The number one cause of house fires and related injuries is cooking equipment. Outdated appliances are prone to malfunctions.

Older model stoves take longer to heat up and cool, making unattended hot surfaces a burn and fire hazard. Newer models heat up instantly, speeding up the cooking process. While at a glance waiting for an electric stove may simply be an annoyance, in reality it is a time waster that puts people in a hurry to finish cooking. A delay in getting started creates a delay in getting finished. Rushing around a kitchen with hot pots and pans is never safe.

Consider refrigerators that have been in use for a long time. Doors that stick and must be tugged open are a safety hazard, not to mention an inconvenience. Pulling too hard jars the contents and may cause it to tip over completely. Custom remodeling projects can eliminate these problems.

Appliances are not the only risks that can be improved with a kitchen remodeling project. It seems storage is always a challenge for homeowners, especially in the kitchen. The signs of it are probably there. Are you constantly tripping or bumping into certain items in your kitchen? Maybe that quaint “onions and ‘taters” box that you bought at the craft fair some years ago has become a huge dust collector that people trip on as they round the corner. The cabinet over the stove has great storage space, but trying to reach it is difficult, even with a stepstool. Every time you open the pantry door it squeaks. These are all signs that your storage compartments are out of date.

Having room for everything that is used regularly in a kitchen is crucial. If there are things sitting on the countertops because there is no room for them, this is a sure sign that a kitchen remodel is in order. You will need a custom remodeling contractor that understands how to create a safer kitchen area for your entire family.

At Foster Remodeling, our design-build program will help you find storage space you never realized you had. After taking kitchen measurements, plug in the different elements on the layout. This will help you find more room for bigger cabinets. Replacing bulky items with newer compact ones will conserve space needed for other things and a safer, more pleasant kitchen environment is key.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Custom Remodeling.
Tagged: custom · Design Build · kitchen · remodel

Green Remodeling

Jan 20th, 2010

by sdreist.

No comments yet

Green 101

With all that’s been in the news lately about “green” and “environmental and energy efficient” building how can you keep it all straight? We know here at Foster Remodeling Solutions how important these issues can be for our clients so we wanted to provide you some definitions of terminology so you can know exactly what you are getting and what all this new information means.

Below are some of the terms frequently used and what they mean to you:

• Green: This term is thrown around a lot these days, and many people have different definitions of what this means, all in all at Foster Remodeling Solutions our opinion is a green product should be one that should be more environmentally or energy conscious. Many products use this word as a marketing tool without actively fulfilling that consciousness so make sure to ask what makes the product green and how is it more efficient or environmentally safe.

• VOCs: This is an abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compounds. Basically VOCs are vaporous chemicals that can offgas (see definition below) and provide harmful fumes. These are typically found in paints, stains, glues, or sealants. Many manufacturers now offer paint lines with low-VOC content though check and see because sometimes colors may be limited.

• Off-Gassing: The slow release of gas from a product or material, affects the quality of air in the space where product is located, which can be particularly harmful in kitchens.

• FSC: Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit, non-government rating agency. You will often see “FSC Rated” on wood products, this means that there has been a “Chain of Custody” from when the wood what planted, farmed, cut, and transported to your site. They actively promote responsible forest management; rapidly renewable (see definitely below) woods and try to avoid rare or endangered species, as well as replanting techniques for farms. At Foster Remodeling Solutions we have access to both cabinetry and molding companies that can provide FSC certification for products in your remodeling project.

• Rapidly Renewable Materials: Materials harvested from fast growing sources, those that go from seed to full grown in less than 10 years, bamboo is a great example which can be used as flooring or for cabinets.

• Greywater: is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing, this water can be reused for grass watering and other non-consumable uses in your remodel.

• EnergyStar Ratings: A government backed program that rates household products under strict guidelines set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to protect the environment and promote energy efficient products and practices while saving consumers on lower energy bills.

• Compact Fluorescent: An energy efficient light bulb which uses 20-40% less energy than a standard incandescent light bulb, with many green products these were very costly a few years ago, but with more and more demand and manufacturers prices have come down significantly.

• Low Flow: Plumbing fixtures including faucets, toilets and shower heads that use less water than standard plumbing fixtures, generally without compromising on performance, obviously some manufacturers have been more successful than others on the performance, but these are generally a great way to become more efficient and save money. Also, considering water heaters typically use about 25% of a home’s energy, this is a great way to easily save money in the long term by investing in higher quality products during your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Certain areas of the country have low-flow requirements already in place.

• LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, this is a third party certification designed by the USGBC (see below) which has rating systems for Homes, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, New Construction, Schools, Healthcare, Retail and a pilot program for Neighborhood Development. Projects can become LEED Certified (at different levels) by gaining a certain amount of points (dependent on which system used) filing with the USGBC and having a LEED Accredited Professional work on their project.

• USGBC: United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. www.usgbc.com

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Green Remodeling.
Tagged: building · efficiency · environment · green · remodeling

Ten easy ways to decorate your home…..

Jan 20th, 2010

by admin.

No comments yet

Organization

Organization. Clutter affects our emotional sense of well-being. Decide how you live and work to determine storage needs based on lifestyle, hobbies and needs before considering changes to the room or furniture. Eliminating clutter removes a major obstacle standing in the way of good room design.

Furniture. Group sofas and chairs into conversation areas using the room’s entire space, not just areas against the walls. Remember, it’s OK if things don’t match. Furniture color and furniture style are key for blending pieces from different collections.

Painting

Painting. Painting can be the least expensive, highest impact change in a room. If painting the whole room a bold color seems daunting, paint one wall and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there to create a unique vignette.

Plants. Plants always add a breath of fresh air to a room. Those born without green thumbs can try silk plants and trees. These days, the quality of these items makes it difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.

Area Rugs

Area Rugs. An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Lay it at an angle beneath a coffee table or try a runner along a hallway to add color and warmth! This is true even over wall-to-wall carpet.

Hang pictures or mirrors. Hang pieces reflecting your personality, family, interests or travels. A mirror will both brighten a room and make it seem bigger. Position mirrors to capture nice views or interesting architectural elements.

Collectibles

Group collectibles. Dust off those knick-knacks. Create a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five in varying shape. Rotate pieces from season to season to keep it fresh!

Decorative pillows. This is a no-hassle way to add color, texture and pattern to a room.

Lighting. Illumination makes the biggest difference in our décor. Insufficient lighting means that nice fabric and furnishings won’t be seen to their best advantage. Lamps and fixtures can “age” quickly, but these can be updated to create a bold new look in your home.

Window Treatments

Window Treatments. Window treatments can “make” a room. It’s a place to let imagination take flight — the finishing touch that completes a whole look. If done correctly in harmony with the rest of the room, any fabric from silks and trims to a simple, ribbon-tied sheer drape accentuates your room.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Interior Design.
Tagged: decorate · furniture · lighting · organize · painting

Lowering Construction Costs for Home Remodeling Projects

Dec 17th, 2009

by dfoster.

No comments yet

In the past year, construction costs have gone up, while the needs and wants of most consumers remain the same. For homeowners looking to remodel or upgrade, prices can be intimidating or frustrating. Putting off a project altogether isn’t the answer. The cost of materials is unlikely to decrease, although it may stay the same for a while.

Foster Remodeling knows cost is an important factor in any renovation project. That’s why we offer discount home improvement with our do-it-yourself design program. Choose from a variety of project packages that are 15 to 30% off regular pricing. Our carpentry team will do the installation. The Express Solution package offers materials that have already been delivered to our warehouse, so we have it in stock. This saves time, with an estimated 4 to 6 weeks on project completion. We have also contacted our regular suppliers to receive special discounts on particular products, and then pass on the savings to our discount home improvement clients.

You design the project by using our DIY Estimator on your home computer. First, take the dimensions of the project room. Choose from one of our pre-designed layouts, which will save money on the cost of an architect’s plan. Next, plug in the preferred services package. The third step is the fun part. Choose different fixtures, cabinets, tile and paint color from the assorted selections in the estimator. This is where you can keep track of expenses.

One of the highest costs associated with Northern Virginia home renovations are the materials. Some are more expensive than others. For example, choosing one type of wood over another may have a dramatic effect on the price. Sinks can range in prices depending on fixture and faucet materials. For the most part, the more ornate the design, the more they cost. Different manufacturers’ models offered will change the price as well. You can still build a quality remodel with out spending a fortune. It’s a matter of personal preference. If you like two choices the same amount and one is considerably less, be practical.

Another way to reduce construction costs is to determine what features are must-haves and which are nice-to-haves. If cost is the difference between going with something new or keeping what you have that is falling apart, opt for the new pieces at an affordable price and make additions later, when it’s in your budget.

After choosing all features and options, submit the discount remodeling package to us. We will review the details and start processing. Someone from our staff will review your project and give you a call to discuss the details.

Another way to save money on a remodeling project is by having a reputable company do the installation. At Foster Remodeling, we have the experience and know-how to do the job right the first time with quality workmanship. This saves time and, as a result, money.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: DIY Home Improvement.
Tagged: discount remodeling · diy · home improvement

When Is It Time To Remodel Your Home

Nov 20th, 2009

by dfoster.

No comments yet

One of the most common things to spur changes in the design of a house are changes in a family’s lifestyle. It may be a new child on the way or one leaving the nest and heading off to college. Maybe an older parent is coming to live with you and needs special accommodations.

Safety and Efficiency

These changes may prompt you to make adjustments in the layout of the home. The current setup is no longer efficient for everyone’s purposes and it’s time to redesign. With a new baby on the way, it may mean simply changing the office into the nursery. On the other hand, there may be several safety hazards throughout the home that need to be remedied. For example, staircase railings with wide gaps in between balusters should be replaced with less dangerous ones.

Bringing your mother or father into the home may require something a little more dramatic in interior remodeling, especially if they have difficulty moving about and require a walker or wheelchair. Countertops and doorways may need to be lowered or widened. All floor surfaces should be mobility-friendly. There may be a need for privacy or separate quarters altogether. Consider a home addition or makeover so that living areas will not be cramped and stressful.

Comfort

Are there enough bathrooms in the house to accommodate everyone? There can never be enough storage space. Think about adding an office for working at home, or making an extra kitchen so Mom or Dad can fix something to eat without having to cook for the whole family. We can show you how to make a kitchen remodel cost less.

Whether changing a single room or building an addition, Foster Remodeling can serve as both the architect and builder for these projects, with its Design Build services. Come in and see what it would look like on our virtual model. You may conjure up some ideas you haven’t even thought of yet or we can suggest a few.

Professional Advice

The experts at Foster Remodeling are familiar with the requirements for expanding and adjusting space and securing building permits in Northern Virginia. Home renovations may include moving walls, changing plumbing pipe layouts and electrical wiring are projects we do regularly. ADA recommendations are easily met by our designers and we can help you learn the right height and width needs for doorways, railings and living spaces.

Rather than making further changes in your lifestyle by moving, keep the home you have and make some adjustments. Changing your existing home to suit your needs is easier than finding a new one with all of the creature comforts you are seeking.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Custom Remodeling.
Tagged: additions · Design Build · home remodel

Things To Consider For Bathroom Remodeling Projects

Oct 21st, 2009

by dfoster.

No comments yet

Is your bathroom a place of beauty or something you hope to hide from your house guests?

If it embarrasses or annoys you, now is the time to consider remodeling. Consult with Foster Remodeling, a leading design build contractor to help you find the products you want and need for this plan. Think about what you wish you had, what really needs to be changed and what features you already have that you cannot live without. Some things to consider are color, material, features and budget.

Color

Color schemes in custom remodeling projects do not only cover fixtures, but coordination with walls, floors and ceilings. Paint is easy to match to fixture colors. Wallpaper is another option. Try coordinating or contrasting basic colors with neutral or softer tones. Consider the color of towels and accessories that will be used in the bathroom. See what color towel sets are available in your favorite department store. Finding the right shade of aqua or burgundy can be frustrating. By using neutrals in your color scheme, white, beige or pastels it will be easier to match your new décor.

Material

Gone are the days when all floors are made of tile and all bathtubs are made of porcelain. Modern materials are more durable, easier to clean and do not have moisture problems. Options include stone, ceramic or vinyl flooring. Special grout is now available to prevent cracking and popping with everyday use. Bathtubs and showers come in a variety of materials as well. The popularity of acrylic is increasing, since it is not cold to the touch when you step in and it keeps bathwater hot longer. The material is light and works well in an upstairs bathroom area. Heavier materials, such as cast iron or stone, are more appropriate for downstairs bathrooms.

Features

Choosing between a shower or bathtub can be a difficult decision, often depending on your personal preference and on how much room you have. Remodeling your bathroom should create a place a comfort and privacy. Add whirlpools, heat lamps, fans, dressing tables and accessories to create a place of luxury and comfort. Proper lighting in a bathroom is essential in a remodeling project. Use more than one light source to enhance the room. Utility is important, as well. When using the area to apply cosmetics or shave, you need to be able to see what you are doing.

Budget

While some features may cost more than others, making changes all at once while doing interior remodeling can be more cost effective than making additional changes later. Prices vary greatly on fixtures and faucets. Select those that match the style and mood of the pieces in the bathroom. High quality materials require elegant faucets. They do not have to be expensive to look nice, but better quality plumbing products last longer. Foster Remodeling Solutions uses only the finest quality fixtures from the top brands so that our work will last a long time.

Foster Remodeling Solutions has been doing Northern Virginia bathroom remodeling for more than 25 years and knows the ins and outs of getting the job done right the first time. We can help you choose the right features and materials to suit your budget, your style and your needs.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Bathroom Remodeling.
Tagged: Bathroom Remodeling · custom remodel · Design Build

What Is A Design Build Contractor and How Can One Reduce Custom Remodeling Costs?

Sep 22nd, 2009

by dfoster.

2 comments

When a homeowner decides to start a custom remodeling project for their home, most choose to hire a contractor for the job. Many homeowners are not aware of a type of contractor called a design build contractor that is ideal for a custom remodeling project. A typical contractor usually only handles the construction part of a project and hires a designer to create a unique design. A design build contractor combines both the design and the actual construction into one step, working with the homeowner to create and implement their desires.

For Northern Virginia home renovations, Foster Remodeling is the ideal choice for making a homeowner’s vision come true. By combining a designer with a builder, any custom remodeling project becomes easier.

Streamlined Project Management

Custom remodeling projects often involve many different types of specialized labor. Plumbers, carpenters, painters, and stone workers could all be used on the same job. With this many different people and companies on one job, it pays to have a single point of contact. A design build contractor allows homeowners to go through one single person to relay all design and construction information. This makes managing the workforce much more convenient by eliminating unnecessary red tape. Ultimately, projects become more flexible with a single person heading all aspects of the job.
design-build-team

Saving Money And Meeting Budgets

It is estimated that nearly 50% of projects headed by a general contractor go over budget. By comparison, the average design build contractor will only go over budget 5% of the time. That significant savings is achieved through a unique process. Efficiencies are created through comprehensive quotes rather than “wage plus materials” quotes, in-house design work, and effective communication between the homeowner and contractor. Both sides of the project work together to create a plan that uses the materials and methods that will maximize the value added to a home while satisfying the project’s goals.

Responsibility

Many homeowners know that when a small army of contractors and subcontractors are all working in close proximity, there will be finger-pointing when mistakes occur. Each separate company may be more worried about protecting their work than fixing a mistake. An integrated design and build approach assembles an entire team under one umbrella, increasing transparency and accountability. With a clear chain of command and oversight, mistakes are identified and corrected without playing the blame game. This fosters an environment where issues are openly address, rather than trying to hide them from the boss or homeowner.

Open Lines Of Communication

Communication is the foundation of any job. Nearly every plan will require a second look as work gets underway and hidden situations come to light. When information passes through many different people and between different companies, the message usually doesn’t come out the same as when it started. The homeowner can effectively communicate with the entire construction and design team much more easily since they are one and the same.

In the end, the design build contractor utilizes a compressive design and work team to streamline a project, stay on budget, assume responsibility, and keep communications flowing. Foster Remodeling is the best choice to complete custom remodeling projects.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Design Build.
Tagged: Custom Remodeling · Design Build

Build Home Equity Through Custom Remodeling

Aug 18th, 2009

by dfoster.

No comments yet

When homeowners look to increase the equity they have in their homes, they often look to two methods to accomplish their goal. Some homeowners choose to shop up, that is, to move into a new home with a higher value than their current home. They are banking on the hope that the more expensive home will appreciate in value faster. However, the average cost of moving is usually around 10% of your current home’s value, according to the American Homeowner Foundation. This cost is what drives the second, better option for building equity, a custom remodeling of your current home.

When it comes to home improvement, some people swear by the do it yourself approach. In the end, however, the best way to increase the value of a home is to make sure any changes done are well suited for the period and scale of the home as well as adding functionality. This is where a design build contractor comes into play. Using years of experience in home improvements for many types of houses, a design build contractor can not only perform a custom remodeling to build equity, but they also keep the house current and consistent in style.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of where custom remodeling can be done in a home to provide the best return on investment.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the first place that renovations can occur to maximize a home’s value. Kitchens tend to receive the largest share of wear and tear in any home and they also follow current trends in color and style, both of which requires renovation and repair. Modern kitchens are a sound investment and most realtors agree it is the first room that most prospective buyers look at with a critical eye.

A few specific upgrades that your design build contractor will consider are improvements that add functionality to the room. Dual sinks and cooking stations are common renovations. Adding space is always a good choice and can be accomplished with a walk-in pantry or breakfast nook. Some cosmetic changes that are worth the investment include under-cabinet lighting, marble or granite countertops, and ceramic tile backsplashes.

Bathrooms – Upgrades and Additions

After the kitchen, the best way to define a modern home is with multiple baths. A home with more than one bathroom will sell faster and at a better price, so it is a great return on the custom remodeling investment. For homes with more than one bath already, renovations such as skylights, walk-in-showers, glass block windows, and raised ceilings command a great deal of attention.

Added Spaces

In general, you can’t go wrong with adding space to a home. A design build contractor can work with the homeowner to both increase usable space while creating additions that blend into the original home flawlessly. Popular choices here include decks, sunrooms, and finished basements.

When building equity in a home, renovations and upgrades performed by design build contractors provide the most cost effective increase in home value.

Share and Enjoy:

Posted in: Custom Remodeling.
Tagged: contractor · custom · Design Build · remodeling

Foster Remodeling Solutions Blog

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Building a Deck

Aging In Place Remodeling

Improve Kitchen Safety With A Remodel

Green Remodeling

Ten easy ways to decorate your home…..

Lowering Construction Costs for Home Remodeling Projects

When Is It Time To Remodel Your Home

Things To Consider For Bathroom Remodeling Projects

What Is A Design Build Contractor and How Can One Reduce Custom Remodeling Costs?

Build Home Equity Through Custom Remodeling

Foster Links

Archives

Categories

Tools