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.

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.

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.

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.

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.