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!

The Apples and Oranges of Remodeling Estimates

It’s typical when writing about a particular subject or creating a blog, such as this one, to use a meaningful quote to support your argument and shed wisdom or possibly add some humor. Meaningful quotes are found on inspirational banners, on most every desk and on most every calendar a person will use at some point in their life. But what gives a quote meaning in the remodeling world? No, I’m not talking about some witty observation about blueprints, concrete or “studs”. The question is- What makes an estimate for construction work truly informative and substantive?

It is a common mindset that most homeowners have- “I must get three or more bids for my proposed project to find the best builder”. The inferred goal here is that getting three bids (or more for that matter) will result in the homeowner receiving a wealth of information, highly detailed and well-presented, that fully covers all the phases of work. This will then allow them to choose the least expensive one and live happily ever after while their project moves forward without problems, delays or cost overruns. Most people “assume” that an estimate for construction work is all-inclusive and factors in all aspects of their proposed project. After all, the homeowner met with the contractor, told them what they wanted, and the contractor seemed pretty knowledgeable and sounded like a good guy.

The problem with this scenario is that it is left to the homeowner to become a professional proposal reader and to be able to understand multiple different quotes presented in multiple levels of detail with probably multiple impressions of what the project is actually supposed to include. Comparing these proposals to determine who the best contractor for the project would be is akin to throwing a dart at a board. Many homeowners will immediately dismiss the highest quote because the contractor must simply be too expensive. The truth is that in many cases the contractor with the highest quote may actually be the best choice. Why is that? Because he may be the only contractor who actually quoted the project you desire.

Foster Remodeling Solutions believes a comprehensive estimate should include: quantities and detailed description of materials; permits and any required plans; identification of the complete scope of the project including any work or materials to be supplied by the homeowner; finish and colors of materials used as the basis for the estimate; costs of all trades and their associated permits and insurance/licenses; and information detailing the actual construction process and projected amount of time to complete the project. There are other factors to consider when comparing “apples to apples” including each contractor’s warranty period for their work; how change orders are handled; and identifying any materials or labor on “allowance”. “Allowance” is usually a contractor’s code for “I’m not sure what this item will cost but if you should choose something over the amount I estimated then I want to make sure I get paid for it”. Allowances generally do not reflect a client’s true choice in the end and typically result in money out of pocket after signing a contract.

Finally, a good construction estimate should include details about the contractor themselves including copies of their licensing, insurance and any other required certifications; references from other recent and past clients; and a point of contact to answer questions about the proposal. It might also be good to know if any of the prospective contractors conduct drug screening and background investigations of their employees and whether they are members of any professional organizations which typically monitor their members for quality and customer service.

An apples to apples comparison of remodeling proposals may be hard to achieve without detailed plans and specifications up front. But, an educated homeowner who knows what to ask for and what to look for when seeking estimates for work can find success and avoid headaches later. At Foster Remodeling Solutions our goal is to provide a detailed and comprehensive proposal for work so that a client can feel comfortable moving into the design stage that the project scope and budget are clear and realistic.

~ article by Dave Guy, Design Consultant – Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

The Greeks had bathrooms with water supply and drainage systems, and vase paintings indicate that the Greeks even used shower systems. However, it was the Romans who really turned bathing into an art form. They created elaborate bathrooms in the villas and town homes of wealthy Romans, complete with hot running water and heated floors. In modern Europe, the first indoor plumbing did not evolve until the mid 17th century. The first flushing water closet was developed in England in the mid 19th century.  

It is difficult to think that the bathroom as we know it today has been commonplace in our homes for less than 100 years. Before this baths were unwieldy metal lined tubs that were brought into the kitchen for weekly bathes filled with hot water heated on wood burning stoves.

John M. Kohler founder of the Kohler Company was one of the first to see a new market. He modified a horse trough by enameling it and adding legs, then sold it as a bathtub to meet the growing demand for bathroom fixtures around the turn of the century. As plumbing techniques improved and modern bathroom suites were manufactured on a mass scale, bathrooms were made into self contained areas and bathing became an increasingly private affair.

THE MODERN MASTER SUITE�
From a single bathroom in most homes at the turn of the century, bathrooms have grown in size and number over the years. The private master suite with its own bathroom has been a growing trend in housing and in the remodeling industry in particular over the past several years. It is one of the fastest growing trends in our industry. 

The master suite can be as simple as a large bedroom with it’s own private bath to suite of several rooms, which may include an exercise room his and hers bathrooms and a study or sitting room. The typical master suite that we encounter in the remodeling business is in a house that was built 20 or 30 years ago and does not meet the standards that people have come to expect over the past few years. These older master suites usually consist of a small standard 3 piece bath with a tub or shower stall, a dressing room with a separate sink and a walk in closet adjacent to the master bedroom. 

Our most common master bath remodeling project is to make the existing master bath larger and more luxurious. Sometimes this can be accomplished within the confines of the existing bathroom, but usually a small addition or using space from another room or closet is required. Sometimes the project consists of a large addition with an entire new master suite; a new bedroom, large master bath and his and hers walk in closets, even his and hers baths.

As the one place in the house that is designed specifically as a quiet retreat, today’s master bath must give home owners a sense of peace , a place to rejuvenate and a sense of gaining power over their stressful lives. All of the details in the master bath are what makes the space comfortable and supportive and helpful in relieving the stress of their daily lives.

STYLE TRENDS
Because the bath is such a personal space, designers feel that current trends are not as important as what makes the consumer comfortable. Transitional styling is probably the most common and the safest way to go. It works well in almost every style house.

SHOWERS AND TUBS
 The single most requested addition to the remodeled master bath is for a large custom shower with multiple shower functions. This may be in conjunction with a whirlpool or soaking tub, or depending on space constrictions may replace the tub entirely. These showers can be quite elaborate and sizable with bench seats. Multiple shower heads and body sprays and rain showers thermostatic valves and even steam showers. 

There is a gender gap on preferences: Women tend to request bench seats and hand held showers were as men are more interested in body sprays, rain showers and steam showers. These elaborate shower systems can put out a large volume of water and existing water supplies, pressure and water heaters capacity should be investigated before they are added to existing homes. 

A newer trend in tubs is towards air jets and systems that can provide hydro therapy, chromo therapy and even aroma therapy.

VANITIES
His and hers vanities are a must in master bath remodeling. Usually vanity cabinets are used with tall cabinets for linen storage and other larger items included. Another option is to do two pedestal sinks which provides a cleaner and more open look, but limits storage options.

LIGHTING
Good lighting is always a necessity and in the master bath it is particularly important. Consumers need to accomplish such items as shaving, applying makeup and other grooming tasks.

The lighting can be as simple as recessed can lighting in the ceiling, to elaborate retro style light fixtures for a vintage look. The best lighting at vanities is to provide both overhead lighting and lighting from the side usually provided by fixtures or sconces. A luxurious feeling may be added with a chandelier over the tub or in the center of the room. The addition of dimmer switches can provide a nice romantic ambience. 

FINISHES
A dynamic master bath remodel also requires the right finishing touches. This seems to be a time when anything goes in fixture styles and finishes from standard polished chrome and nickel finishes to brushed nickel and bronze to gold and brass which are making a comeback. Brushed or rubbed nickel is still the most popular fixture finish, but there is also a market for darker finishes such as aged copper and distressed pewter and bronze. 
Faucet styles vary from contemporary single control minimalist styles, usually in polished finishes, to very traditional copies of historic f three hole fixtures, which provide more of a statement. These can both be deck or wall mounted .The matching of all fixture styles throughout the room is still the most common option used. �

There are many options for floor and wall finishes from ceramic and porcelain tile to natural stones such as limestone, marble, granite and slate. The most common finish at this time is honed rather than polished, this is a softer look and easier to maintain. A very luxurious touch is to install heated electric floor blankets under the floors to keep them nice and warm.  

The most common colors used are neutrals such as white biscuit and beige. Soft greens are also popular and can be very soothing.

 COSTS
 The average cost of a master suite/ bath addition varies of course based on size and the level of finishes used. According to remodeling Magazine the average cost in the Washington, DC metropolitan area in 2009 was $71,284 for a midrange project to $136,703 for an upscale remodeling project.

OUR GOAL
Our goal at Foster Remodeling Solutions is to provide our clients with a well designed and soothing space where they can relax and enjoy private time away from the distractions of the hectic world around them.

Is your basement a hidden gold mine of space? Imagine it with more walls. Maybe it’s time for you to do some custom remodeling. Divide the basement into two or three more rooms. There would still be plenty of room for storage and appliances, but the wide-open space can probably be used much more efficiently. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but never seem to get to.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Bedroom

Who needs their own bedroom? Has your family expanded since you bought the house? Maybe your children are sharing a room. Things might be a little more peaceful if they had their own rooms. Teen-agers would definitely agree with that.

Bathroom

Has someone in your home been dubbed a “bathroom hog”? This might be one way to solve the problem. Improve the one you have with a remodel to add a shower or tub. If there is no bathroom downstairs, adding one is probably easier than you think.

Playroom

Do the kids have a safe place to play where they can be a little noisy? Give them their own haven with soft floors and cozy furniture. Make a playroom big enough for the train set, the Barbie dolls and the Wii.

Storage Room

Are things piled up in the basement? Use shelving to make the most of all that space. Line the walls with storage units or rows of shelves to store paint cans, small appliances and sports gear. Anything that is in boxes or piled up in a corner can be neatly stowed away until it is needed.

Entertainment

Do you need a comfortable place for another TV or are you ready for a new entertainment center? Put sound proofing in the walls and move Aunt Mary’s couch in here. Add a small fridge and a bar with a sink for cold drinks and refreshments during the game or a movie. This can become a room for rest, relaxation and enjoyment.

Computer Room

Do you have a computer room? This might be a good place to put one. Maybe your office upstairs is too noisy or distracting. Move it downstairs to the basement and convert the room upstairs into something else, like a bedroom. Consider installing wireless networking to make it compatible with your laptop.

When you are ready to remodel your basement, give Foster Remodeling a call. We specialize in Northern Virginia home renovations. We can help you with interior remodeling for your basement and help you do it on budget and on time.

One of the most popular Northern Virginia home additions is the deck. Not only does it create a social gathering place for friends, family and neighbors, it boosts the resale value of the house.

There are a number of factors to consider before jumping in. Start with the location. Consider whether your deck will be best on the first or second floor. Keep it close to an entrance. Transporting things like food and drinks, books and games in and out of the house should be easy and convenient.

The area should be relatively level. If not, added support beams must be put up. If it’s a second-story structure, it will cost more, but may be worth the investment. The deck should be in an area with a nice view when outdoors. Avoid placing it next to the shed, dog run or woodpile.

How big to make your deck really depends on how much room you have and how it will be used. If you plan to have meals at a picnic table or multiple people will be using it, make it big. On the other hand, this will limit the amount of room to roam in the yard. Make sure the kids and pets will still have an area to run and play.

The avid gardener in your family will be protective over areas with the best soil and sunshine, so think it through and try to come up with a location that will make everybody happy.

The more expensive the materials, the more the project will cost. Remember, skimping on quality may cost more in the long run. Find a happy medium with quality materials that will last a long time. If you plan to stay in your house for the long haul, think about how the deck will look and wear in five or 10 years. You may wish to have a surface that can be stained a different color. Likewise, you may prefer something with as little maintenance as possible.

At Foster Remodeling, we can help you find the right location and materials to suit your needs. With years of experience in Northern Virginia home renovations, we know what works best for remodeling projects. Hot summers, snowy winters, wet springtime and a blustery autumn all affect how a new deck should be built and what materials will suit it best.

Once you have decided on the basics for a new deck, it’s time to focus on some features now available. Awnings, lounge furniture, lighting, dining areas and electricity should all be taken into consideration

As with all home additions, building permits are usually required. We can help you secure which ones you need and make sure you are in compliance during the project. Since we have done new decks for years, we are familiar with all of the steps necessary to complete your home improvement project on time and on budget. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We will help you plan a new deck you can enjoy for years to come.

Older model stoves take longer to heat up and cool, making unattended hot surfaces a burn and fire hazard. Newer models heat up instantly, speeding up the cooking process. While at a glance waiting for an electric stove may simply be an annoyance, in reality it is a time waster that puts people in a hurry to finish cooking. A delay in getting started creates a delay in getting finished. Rushing around a kitchen with hot pots and pans is never safe.

Consider refrigerators that have been in use for a long time. Doors that stick and must be tugged open are a safety hazard, not to mention an inconvenience. Pulling too hard jars the contents and may cause it to tip over completely. Custom remodeling projects can eliminate these problems.

Appliances are not the only risks that can be improved with a kitchen remodeling project. It seems storage is always a challenge for homeowners, especially in the kitchen. The signs of it are probably there. Are you constantly tripping or bumping into certain items in your kitchen? Maybe that quaint “onions and ‘taters” box that you bought at the craft fair some years ago has become a huge dust collector that people trip on as they round the corner. The cabinet over the stove has great storage space, but trying to reach it is difficult, even with a stepstool. Every time you open the pantry door it squeaks. These are all signs that your storage compartments are out of date.

Having room for everything that is used regularly in a kitchen is crucial. If there are things sitting on the countertops because there is no room for them, this is a sure sign that a kitchen remodel is in order. You will need a custom remodeling contractor that understands how to create a safer kitchen area for your entire family.

At Foster Remodeling, our design-build program will help you find storage space you never realized you had. After taking kitchen measurements, plug in the different elements on the layout. This will help you find more room for bigger cabinets. Replacing bulky items with newer compact ones will conserve space needed for other things and a safer, more pleasant kitchen environment is key.

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.

When it comes to home improvement, some people swear by the do it yourself approach. In the end, however, the best way to increase the value of a home is to make sure any changes done are well suited for the period and scale of the home as well as adding functionality. This is where a design build contractor comes into play. Using years of experience in home improvements for many types of houses, a design build contractor can not only perform a custom remodeling to build equity, but they also keep the house current and consistent in style.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of where custom remodeling can be done in a home to provide the best return on investment.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the first place that renovations can occur to maximize a home’s value. Kitchens tend to receive the largest share of wear and tear in any home and they also follow current trends in color and style, both of which requires renovation and repair. Modern kitchens are a sound investment and most realtors agree it is the first room that most prospective buyers look at with a critical eye.

A few specific upgrades that your design build contractor will consider are improvements that add functionality to the room. Dual sinks and cooking stations are common renovations. Adding space is always a good choice and can be accomplished with a walk-in pantry or breakfast nook. Some cosmetic changes that are worth the investment include under-cabinet lighting, marble or granite countertops, and ceramic tile backsplashes.

Bathrooms – Upgrades and Additions

After the kitchen, the best way to define a modern home is with multiple baths. A home with more than one bathroom will sell faster and at a better price, so it is a great return on the custom remodeling investment. For homes with more than one bath already, renovations such as skylights, walk-in-showers, glass block windows, and raised ceilings command a great deal of attention.

Added Spaces

In general, you can’t go wrong with adding space to a home. A design build contractor can work with the homeowner to both increase usable space while creating additions that blend into the original home flawlessly. Popular choices here include decks, sunrooms, and finished basements.

When building equity in a home, renovations and upgrades performed by design build contractors provide the most cost effective increase in home value.

Professional remodeling companies work closely with homeowners to ensure their home improvement projects fulfill the owner’s vision while meeting their budget. While many people bravely choose to perform the job themselves, others are willing to let professionals streamline the process. Below, you’ll discover four benefits experienced remodeling companies can offer homeowners who want to enjoy the house of their dreams.

#1 – Experience And Expertise

A lack of experience and expertise will always translate into a higher cost for your home improvement plan. Sometimes, this is due to expensive mistakes that are made which must be corrected. Other times, initial job estimates are far too low.

Professional remodelers who bring years – even decades – of experience to a project will avoid making amateur mistakes. They’ll have the experience and expertise to quote a reliable estimate upfront. Whether the estimate is for a garage conversion, room addition, or kitchen remodel cost, you’ll be able to rely upon their numbers without concern about going over budget.

#2 – Enormous Time Savings

Do-it-yourself home improvement jobs require a significant investment of time – often more than homeowners plan. This is due not only to the work involved, but also to the errors committed along the way. It is a rare homeowner who has the knowledge and experience to complete even minor projects without making mistakes. Even hiring a contractor can lead to errors. Unfortunately, mishaps and blunders often cause home improvement plans to dramatically exceed their scheduled timelines.

Experienced remodeling companies will supervise the entire project and keep it on schedule. That allows you to plan around the job while knowing the original timeframe will be met.

#3 – Helps Avoid Costly Mistakes

We touched on this above, but it’s worth emphasizing in a slightly different context. One of the most common regrets of homeowners who have chosen a do-it-yourself approach or hired a low-cost contractor is that mistakes caused projects to outstrip their budgets. For example, the wrong countertops can cause a kitchen remodel cost estimate to become all but irrelevant. The wrong measurements taken at the beginning of a project can carry enormous costs as the work progresses.

When homeowners partner with professional remodeling companies, they minimize their exposure to these types of mistakes. To that end, experienced remodelers who offer complete design build projects can commit to a budget and timeframe precisely because they are far less likely to make such blunders.

#4 – Minimizes Frustration

Millions of people have started home improvement projects only to abandon them later. Whether they were performing the job themselves or hiring a variety of contractors to complete specific tasks, their frustration mounted to the point of exhaustion. Remodeling companies who have spent years meeting the unique design needs of their clients can eliminate this aggravation. By hiring them, you rely upon their experience to bring a job to completion on budget and on schedule.

Some homeowners will always prefer to do the work themselves. While potentially costly and aggravating, do-it-yourself projects can deliver a unique satisfaction to the person performing the job. That said, remodeling companies that bring years of hard-earned experience and proficiency to home improvement jobs can save an enormous amount of time, money, and frustration.

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.