Changing the Purpose
The easiest way to create more space is to change the purpose of your existing space. For example, if the number of pots and pans you have no longer seem to fit in your kitchen cabinets, maybe you need more room. A Northern Virginia kitchen remodeling project can add cabinet space to existing walls. Foster Remodeling can add new cabinets or extend the old ones higher and wider. Another option is to convert the upstairs attic or downstairs basement into another bedroom, playroom or entertainment center. If the guest room is rarely used, but the kids are fighting over computer time or television use, it might be time to forego the guest room and add in a new entertainment center or set up a homework and study area.

Redesigning
One way to create more space is to knock down some walls and redesign the existing areas. Consider taking down some walls to create a larger kitchen. You may not have enough room to cook and eat, or the appliances may not be large enough to handle your needs. Another option is to create a great room. One of the more modern innovations in Northern Virginia custom remodeling projects, the great room takes advantage of wide open spaces for a combined kitchen, dining and living area. If your home does not have enough bath and shower space, look at what is around the half bath you have now. Could a closet or two be sacrificed to put in a shower? Is there unused space in the adjoining rooms? The old standby in redesign, of course, is to divide the unused attic or basement space into several usable rooms or storage areas.

Adding More
When all of the existing spaces have been used, added or divided, there is still another option to creating more space. Build an addition on your Northern Virginia home. Your carport could become a garage or double the size of your kitchen. If there is a lot of room in your backyard, what would it look like with one more bedroom extending behind your home? Converting your screened porch into a sunroom would create a recreational place for all weather, not just warm and sunny days.

When you get an idea of what you might like to do and how much you would like to spend, give us a call. We can help you formulate a plan to make better use of the space you have and create new areas you love.

A mother-in-law suite has a much broader term now than it did just 20 years ago. Formerly considered only a small apartment in the backyard, the mother-in-law suite now has a number of different characteristics. It can be a separate structure, such as an apartment in the backyard, or a detached garage with an efficiency or apartment above. An addition to the existing house, either first or second floor, can qualify as an in-law suite.

Some features to the mother-in-law suite should be considered even before the design process begins. These include ADA compliance, entrances, amount of space and what appliances will be needed.

ADA
The local Northern Virginia governments have different restrictions for ADA compliance in home additions. Basically, the area needs to be handicap accessible, and things need to be reachable, such as faucets and handles. Railings in bathrooms and smooth entryways between rooms are other ADA features.

Entrances
When planning a Northern Virginia home addition, keep in mind that whoever is moving in will likely want some semblance of privacy. Create a separate entrance so they can come and go as they please without making a grand entry every time they come home. Having to cross through the house to gain access to their suite may be seen as a threat to their independence, as well.

Space
How much room is needed? Consult our Foster Remodeling design team. We can help you determine how big the rooms can be and how many you will need. Factor in a bedroom, den and/or living room, bathroom, kitchen and entrance.

Appliances
Simple cooking and cleaning requires a refrigerator, dishwasher, range and microwave. A washer and dryer may be optional. Keep in mind electrical and plumbing requirements and how much space is available.

Through our design build program, Foster Remodeling can help you create the ideal sunroom addition for your home. It can be essentially encased in glass or have a traditional ceiling instead. We can help you choose the right location, size and purpose for your sunroom. We specialize in architectural design and building construction as a team project. We handle the concept from beginning to end so that you meet your budget and we meet your time table.

Creating a sunroom has a number of advantages for you as a homeowner beyond being a respite from summer heat and cold winter temperatures. For those with a beautiful yard, the sunroom can enhance the enjoyment. The sunroom, when placed thoughtfully, can have the best view in the house. Walls of glass afford an uninterrupted view of the waterfront, woods or well-decorated landscape.

Keep an eye on your children at play outside when you enjoy the comfort of the indoors without sacrificing supervision or safety. At night, a clear glass ceiling features spectacular stargazing or a rare opportunity to see storms forming above the house as it begins to rain. Add a table or some comfortable furniture for a quiet haven from the rest of the busy household. In the quiet of morning, watch rabbits or deer foraging for food outdoors while you enjoy a cup of coffee.

One key reason for adding a sunroom is to create more space in the home. Sunrooms make a nice place for entertaining where friends and family can gather for a meal or to watch a sunset. For the artistic and creative mind that works at home, a sunroom is the ideal environment to find solitude and a peaceful, productive environment. It can also be a place to add wireless Internet for laptop users or a nice speaker system for musical entertainment buffs.