Attic
When you first bought your home, you probably thought that someday you would finish the attic. Someday might be now. If you have pull-down steps, you will need to create more permanent and sturdy access with a full stairway. Heating, air conditioning, electricity and insulation are other considerations. Aside from that, you could create a few bedrooms upstairs in the attic, essentially doubling the number you have now. Not only does this help reduce tension, it also increases your home’s value.

Basement
Sectioning off the basement is one of the most straightforward ways to create another bedroom. Start your home remodeling project by considering how many rooms you need and what changes can be made by adding walls and a ceiling. Upgrades to flooring, electrical wiring and plumbing allow for great creativity and personalization.

Garage
While your garage may have been an absolute necessity at one time, it may have lost some of its appeal. Maybe you don’t have as many cars as you used to, or maybe it’s the last versatile piece of space in your home. Consider transforming your garage into another bedroom or two, depending on its size. This is an ideal Northern Virginia custom remodeling project that works for homes that cannot be built outward or upward due to zoning regulations. Another option is to add a room over the garage. The main remodeling focus would be on refinishing the walls, floor and ceiling.

If you are having bedroom space issues in your home, you might consider changing one of these areas into something more useful. In many cases, there is more than enough room to build not only a bedroom, but to use some of that space for other purposes, as well.

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.

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

Remodeling a kitchen can be as simple as replacing the cabinets and countertops where they are and while this may represent a smaller investment in your home, will it be the best investment? The best investment is the one that hits your goals without compromises. When the remodeling process is not thorough you may not realize the compromises until after it is done.

To avoid the compromises, consider the following before remodeling:

First, how old is the kitchen? If it is more than 20 years old, in addition to new cabinets and countertops it may necessitate changes in the electrical for your appliances and lighting. Many older kitchens have only a centered light fixture that creates shadows in the main work areas. In addition, we now have more electrical devices in the kitchen. I have heard many times from clients about lights dimming when the garbage disposal is turned on.

Second, make a list of the things you like and don’t like in how the kitchen works now. This will ensure that you have a sense of the goals. If your contractor isn’t addressing your concerns without you bringing them up are they working towards your goals or theirs? With more than 27 years of experience at Foster Remodeling Solutions “Our Process Makes It Perfect”. We ask questions and listen to our clients and constantly look for ways to improve.

Third, Do you have enough storage? How are my work areas? Is it possible for two or more people to work in the kitchen at the same time?

In older kitchens most wall cabinets are only 30” tall either with open dust catching space above them or a soffit over the cabinets. In either case taller cabinets can create more storage space, keeping in mind that the upper space is best for infrequently used items. How does the storage work in your base cabinets? Older cabinets usually have half depth shelves minimizing what can be stored. Full depth roll out shelves can dramatically improve the storage without increasing the space. Cabinet layouts today can implement specific storage items such as pots and pans, spices, canned goods, or countertop appliances. Many of today’s cabinet manufacturers implement adjustable height shelves in wall cabinets and the shelves themselves are thicker than older versions. This feature by itself can maximize the designed function of your kitchen.

Your kitchen remodel should consider the impact on adjoining rooms and possibly look at the opportunities that designing changes to those spaces may have to the final outcome. Professional Design Build Remodeling firms such as Foster Remodeling Solutions will look at the options with you prior to committing to construction so you know what the expected end result is. This is important because no matter what the initial investment is, nothing is more expensive than changing it after it was done.

Get R Done – so you can enjoy it for years to come. If you have questions please call us at Foster Remodeling Solutions or visit us at our upcoming Open House in our office on October 23, 2010 between 2-5 PM.

As times change so do houses, and the way we use them! Nowadays many of us live in homes built during an older generation. These traditional homes have a more formal layout in which the different functions of a house are compartmentalized into different areas. So there are formal living rooms, dining rooms, etc. all separated and divided per function. As times have changed we have seen trends emerge in the field of interiors and here are just a few areas we can highlight when thinking of remodeling your current home to fit your needs and the needs of your modern family.

The Great Room

The Great Room Concept is one that has really become quite popular in current day remodeling whether the style of the home is traditional or modern. This is a concept that originated in modern architecture with the idea of having a large open multi-functional space. This one large room can often incorporate the kitchen, dining and living room areas. Many times this room can also include raised or cathedral ceilings to accentuate the grand size of the space. By organizing popular functions of the home together you save square footage but gain functionality.

This is a popular trend in design now because of it’s inclusively. No longer is the mother or father relegated off to an enclosed kitchen where the food prep is completed and then everything must be brought out to the formal dining area and after dinner everything must be taking back to the kitchen and cleaned while guests go to a formal sitting room. Most people that I know who still have formal dining areas rarely use the spaces with the exception of holiday times. Now days’, including guests and the host in a large space has just become more practical. Dad can be cooking, while Mom pays bills and the kids are doing their homework, all in the same room with the family pet, it’s a concept that many are trending too.

“Sounds great! How do I create a great room?”

Remodeling an older home can be tricky, but with Foster Remodeling Solutions we can help you every step of the way. Whether it’s as simple as taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining or a full renovation we can work with you to develop the best design possible. Here’s few quick tips: When thinking of designing a great room is always a good idea to incorporate as much light as possible, through windows and/or skylights, this will brighten the space to emphasize how open and airy it is. It is also a good idea to keep overall paint choices brighter, this will keep the room from feeling too heavy. If you do want something darker, choose an accent wall so that you can get in that rich color without overwhelming the space.

Give us a call and let us create a great room for you!

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.

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.

Regardless of the size of your home or your budget, a reputable custom remodeling company can design home improvements that will help you sell your home faster and for more money. There are many northern Virginia custom remodeling companies from which to choose, so it is important for homeowners to know what to look for when shopping for a contractor.

Add Or Convert A Room For Maximum Benefit

Many homes have living spaces that have gone unused. Basements, attics and garages can all be converted into additional bedrooms, entertainment rooms or office space within the home, expanding the home’s market appeal. Even if your budget is modest, you can significantly improve the look and usefulness of a room with well thought out renovations such as new cabinets, new fixtures or new wall and window treatments.

Other commonly overlooked areas for renovation and improved home values are the addition of another room or a sunroom off the back of the house. The extra square footage can secure a deal that might otherwise have failed. Energy saving windows and doors promising decreased energy costs are another popular renovation that offers long-term benefits and increased value to your home.

Understand The Process Before You Sign

Once you and your family have determined your home renovation budget, interests, ideas and concerns, ask around to learn about the custom remodeling experiences of your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. You will want to hire a custom remodeling company with a solid reputation and years of experience. Home renovations can be inconvenient enough to the residents without complicating the project with unskilled workmanship and poor planning.

Your reputable northern Virginia home remodeling company should provide you with a customer contact list, and you should make a point of contacting some of their customers to learn about the experience. Companies such as Foster Remodeling even go so far as to provide you with a 3D image of the design before it has even begun. This can go a long way to ensuring that everyone is “on the same page” about converting the plan to reality. Be sure to discuss and agree upon a detailed job schedule with your custom remodeling company, as well as the materials to be used. Additionally, be sure that all building permits have been applied for and issued before construction begins.

A Little Patience Goes A Long Way

As the resident of a home undergoing custom remodeling, you are bound to experience some inconveniences. Dust, equipment and lack of access can become tiresome. A well-managed project will be done more quickly with less disruption, which is what makes finding the right custom remodeling company so important. Take the time before you sign a contract to consider all of your options. Find a remodeling company that is willing to work with you through the design phase to create a customized improvement of your home, instead of a standardized, one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter treatment that suits the builder.

Your professional home remodeling company should be hard-working, ethical and open to home owner input. They will adhere to the custom remodeling schedule, clean up when they are done and leave your home better looking, more valuable and easier to sell.