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.