The initial hurdles were determining the right design and putting something on paper that could be affordable to build. My initial estimates were very close to what I was hearing from prospective contractors who I had scoped out for the work. The next hurdle was selecting the contractor to do the work.

I met with some very talented and experienced patio and wall installers who had been referred to me by other people or who I had sought out myself from doing some general searching on websites and through trade associations. I ran through my own mind all the things that were important to me in who would be doing this work- fair price; ability to meet my schedule; quality of work and overall professionalism. Then it struck me that all these companies had these qualities. Stuck in the back of my mind after all the reviewing of estimates, designs, referrals and insurance paperwork was the fact that I was going to require the work be done by the person I felt I could trust the most.

So, after conducting my research – including checking references; seeing examples of their work and following up with consumer advocacy groups like the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and Angie’s List – I narrowed my pool of choices down to two. I had one last meeting with each contractor and asked them why I should trust them to do this project.

Contractor “A” replied with statements about their experience, the great price they were giving me and the fact they were a large company with plenty of manpower to get the job done. This all made me feel very good but not necessarily any more trusting in this company.

When I met with Contractor “B” and asked the same question, the response was straight forward- “I’ve been in business for almost ten years and, in that time, I’ve built my reputation with lots of very satisfied clients. I will not tell you that every project went off without a hitch or that there has never been a minor delay but I always kept the client abreast of what was going on and, in the end, I always made it right. I will not tarnish my reputation that I’ve worked so hard to build by doing one client wrong.” My search had ended. This contractor realized the importance a little personal reassurance and communication would have in keeping me happy as a client.

That is why I enjoy working for a company like Foster Remodeling Solutions. There is no project worth sacrificing 28 years of satisfied clients and stellar reputation to cut corners or do less than what we said we would do. Every happy client is a referral to the next prospect and no matter what experience, manpower or cost a company can provide nothing can replace the feeling of trust in the contractor you choose- Trust to do the right thing and do it well every time.

Foster Remodeling is familiar with the area requirements when it comes to zoning and codes for electrical, water, easements and building materials. Our design build team can help you create a plan for your custom home addition that complies with zoning regulations and building requirements. We also have a do-it-yourself remodeling project where you pick a package and size before you configure the features. Once you have completed these steps, we will give you an estimate for your project.

Before you map out a plan, let’s take a look at the possibilities. You may need to upgrade your electrical wiring to conform with modern standards. You may have lead paint on the walls or asbestos in the insulation that must be properly removed. You may also be required to build new structures according to American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, depending upon the types of changes or Northern Virginia home additions you are making.

Some of the newer requirements affect the distance you can build from the edge of the property, how high you can build in certain zoning areas and the quality of building materials that must be used. When you are ready to take the first step in designing your Northern Virginia custom remodeling project, we will guide you through the process. Whether you are planning a do-it-yourself project design that we will complete for you or Foster Remodeling is doing the design and the home addition, we can help you come up with a safe, efficient and beautiful home remodeling project that you love, is on budget and makes sense.

Do you dream of cooking in a modern kitchen or watching the Redskins in your new sunroom?  Does your bathroom do little to make you feel refreshed?  If so, you may be thinking about remodeling your home, but where do you start?  Finding the right designer or contractor can be daunting, and it is a big investment to make, so how do you know if you are making the right decision?  Here are a few pointers in helping you select the right remodeler for you and your family.

The number one thing we always tell our clients is to check references.  This is the best way to find out about the company you may be working with.

There are two main questions to ask:

1)     Did your remodeling project end up costing what the contractor told you it would cost?

• Foster Remodeling Solutions gives you a fixed price contract so you know what you are paying before entering into contract.  The only changes that affect the end price during construction should be client driven.  For example, a contractor should never come to you during construction to ask for more money unless you have made a change added something after the contract has been signed or a hidden condition is found.

2)     Did the contractor finish your remodeling project when they said they would?

• No one wants to be without their kitchen or master bathroom for longer than they have to.  No one should have to wait longer than promised.  At Foster Remodeling Solutions we give you a start and end date on your contract that we always stick to.  When we assign a lead carpenter to your project they are not assigned to any other project during that time.  This way they are not trying to juggle more than one project and can stick to a schedule.  Plus, Foster Remodeling Solutions makes sure all materials have arrived to our warehouse undamaged before we start a job.  Making sure there are no surprises during construction is a sure way to stay on schedule.

These are the two biggest complaints we hear about other companies.  So do your homework and call references!

Always ask for a copy of the contractor’s license and make sure the date is current.  If someone is not pulling the permits for you, that probably means they do not have or have lost their contractor’s license.  Doing work without a current license is illegal and should make you wonder why they do not have one.  Without permits, the work being done on your home will not be inspected by a third party.  This means the work being done may not be up to code and you will be probably be very disappointed.  Stay away from contractors without an up to date license!

Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation are two things any upstanding company should have, especially when you are talking about remodeling.  A good remodeler will want to protect themselves, their employees, and their clients.  Make sure to ask and see a copy of their up-to-date insurance papers.  This could save you an arm and a leg!

Be aware of quotes that are too low.  It would be wonderful if you could get all you wanted for a price you were happy to pay, however if a company is quoting you something that is too good to be true, it probably is.  They could be leaving a lot of the work out of the quote in order to get you to sign with them, or they may be skipping out on getting the correct permits and inspections.  Whatever their reason is for quoting something half of another’s, beware!  Something is just not adding up.

How do you know you can trust someone in your home, with your family, and all of your possessions?  Well, I am not trying to scare you, but these are real concerns to have.  Foster Remodeling Solutions does a thorough background check of all their employees.  We also do random drug tests on our employees.  This protects the company and will make sure your remodeling job is being done safe and efficiently.

There are some websites, like Angie’s List, that will also help you in your search.  Make sure to do your due diligence and you will be sure to have a nice remodeling experience.

author: Carin Demmon, Design Consultant

Split-level homes first appeared in the 1930s but became popular after World War II, in the 1950s and 60s. Today, many split-level homes feel dated and in need of remodeling. The classic split-level home generally includes a one-story side and a two-story side. In the single story, you may have the entry, living room, kitchen and dining room. On the two-story side, you usually have bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, and a family room, laundry room and garage downstairs. As a result, you have three (sometimes more) levels in the home, with half-flights of stairs connecting each level. Another common split-level design is the split-entry. This is basically a two-story house with an entry in between. When you enter a split-entry house, you walk onto a landing between two half-flights of stairs. You have to go up or down to get to any part of the house.

Here are a few ways you could change your split level home:
◦    Expand the front entry and create a more distinct porch. Whether you have a classic split-level or a split-entry, one of the most common complaints among split-level owners is the awkward front entry. If you don’t want to expand the entry itself, add a more accentuated approach. This will make the home more inviting. Balconies and covered porches will also break up the boxy design often found in split-level homes.

◦    Add windows. Split-level homes typically don’t have windows on the sides of the house, and if they do, they are small. Adding windows will bring much-needed natural light to an otherwise dark and confined floor plan. Remember that windows change the inside and the outside of a house. Consult with a window designer or an architect to make sure your window choice and placement will add curb appeal.

◦    Open the floor plan. Adjoin the kitchen, formal living room and dining room to create a more open design than the traditional split-entry home. People live a much more casual lifestyle then they did back when traditional split-level homes were popular. For example, today people gather in the kitchen –it is a place to entertain guests. Fifty years ago, the kitchen was rarely, if ever, seen by a guest.

◦    Create a master suite. Remove the wall between two bedrooms to create a master suite. Split-level homes often have small adjacent bedrooms and a small bathroom close by. This could be a perfect setup to easily create a master suite.

article courtesy of www.ehow.com
posted by: Administrator

Now is the time to start thinking about adding a deck to the back yard to enhance your home. It takes some planning and a little time to secure the permits and materials. By spring, you will be ready for us to come in and begin construction. There are many reasons why Foster Remodeling customers want us to build these Northern Virginia home additions. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Value

When given a choice between buying a home with a deck or without, most people will choose the deck. It is aesthetically pleasing and adds a whole new dimension to a house. Especially for homes with very shady spots in the back yard where grass does not grow well, a deck can enhance the landscaping and cover over large areas that are lacking in natural beauty.

Place to Entertain

A deck is an ideal setting for entertaining guests on a warm summer day or a cool autumn one. Rather than packing a crowd of people into your house, there will always be plenty of room on your deck for family and friends. A fire pit, outdoor kitchen and state-of-the-art sound system will add atmosphere to the setting.

Grilling

Every grill needs a home. Is it time to build one for yours? Think about what it would be like to come out through your sliding glass doors and step onto the deck or patio with a platter full of food waiting to be cooked on your grill. With a deck, there will be a level, solid surface to set up your pride and joy. Many homeowners find it easier to use an outdoor workstation when they are able to sit and enjoy themselves at a picnic table while keeping an eye on dinner.

Pool

For those with a pool in the backyard, a deck is a helpful tool. It prevents grass from dying due to chlorine water exposure. It is also more pleasant for bare feet to walk across wooden deck planks than stepping on stones. Another hazard for pool guests without a deck to walk across is the itch of grass, sting of insects and the annoyance of having debris stick to wet feet.

Outdoor Enjoyment

Perhaps the most popular reason people choose to have Foster Remodeling add a deck to their homes for a special home addition is simply so they can better enjoy the outdoors. While sitting in the grass certainly has its moments, it is also more pleasant to sit in clean and comfortable deck chairs. It serves as a nice workspace for projects and doing homework when the weather is nice.

When you are considering making the move toward a deck as your next home improvement project, contact our office. We can help you from the planning stages through completion, making sure that your new deck is completed on budget and on time.

At Foster Remodeling, we do second floor home additions. Depending on the structure of your home, adding on a room or two over the first floor could be pretty straightforward and give you the extra space you need.

A front room over the garage, often referred to as a FROG, is a practical place for an at-home office, extra room for storage, or an additional bedroom for growing family. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your Northern Virginia home renovations.

Your garage or the part of the house beneath the addition will need a firm foundation and sound structure. For garages, the concrete must be thick enough to support the additional weight placed on it from the second floor. The support beams and ceiling structure should also be adequate. If not, it will need to be reinforced first.

Investigate what type of insulation, electrical and plumbing runs through that portion of the house on the first floor. We can advise you on what permits you may need to make improvements, depending on where in Northern Virginia you live.

When doing a second story home addition, a matching roof and roof angle help it to blend in better and look more aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the angle of the roof and the type of shingles, we can likely match both. A steep roof angle will likely reduce the ceiling space in the FROG.

Use our design build technology to get some ideas or meet with one of our consultants to come up with a plan to make your addition fill your needs.

We are a design-build contractor that provides architectural and construction services for garages. Whether you need a place to keep your everyday automobiles, protect your specialty vehicles or a quiet place to work on hobby projects, Foster Remodeling can help you create a haven from the weather. If you need extra storage space for games, toys, sports equipment and infrequently used household supplies, we can help you find the perfect place to keep them without taking away from room for automobiles.

Using our design-build software, we can create Northern Virginia home additions that are tailored to the homeowner. We use the space you have available and help you decide how to best use it. Together we can choose the best materials, colors and construction plan to create something that works for you. Before you give us a call, take a mental survey of what you would like to do with your new garage. Consider the number of vehicles you would like to house, any special height clearance issues, and other objects that will need to “live” in the garage. This includes bicycles, a shelving system, strollers, toolboxes and hobby equipment. If you have a growing family, you may want to think about the future number of drivers and vehicles that will call the garage home.

We can do either attached or detached garages, depending on your needs and space available. We will help you secure the proper permits required and we can make sure your project is completed on budget and on time.

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.