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.

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.

In years past when the “I need more space” demand came up in conversation the immediate solution would be “let’s build an addition”.  In today’s economy along with declining housing values building an addition may not be feasible or a cost effective solution.  The addition may not have been the best option all along.  The existing space, if configured correctly, could be more than sufficient.

Planning Strategies

• Perform a spatial study outside of the existing kitchen or bathroom defined parameters.
  • If by removing an interior wall can we gain additional storage space by adding an island or coffee/wet bar?
  • Replacing the Walk-in Pantry with a series of 18-24” deep floor to ceiling pantry cabinets.
  • Does the Laundry Room need to be separate from the Kitchen or can we integrate the spaces?
  • Are there too many cooks in the kitchen due to poor travel routes?
  • If the refrigerator was on the other side of the space would that elevate the traffic back up when the kids come home from school and while I prepare dinner?
  • Can the existing Master Bedroom walk-in closet be reduced in sized to increase the size of the shower? 18” in order to add that bench seat?
  • Do we use the vanity in between the Master Bathroom and the Walk-in closet?
  • The standard 5’ long vanity with double bowls requires his and her shifts in order to get ready at the same time.
• Capture existing spaces:
  • Banquet seating or built-in bench seating as apposed to a free standing table and chair can save space by eliminating one or more travel routes.
  • Replacing the breakfast table with peninsula seating.
  • Reconfigure the L shaped kitchen with island into a U shaped kitchen with a peninsula to again eliminate 36”-48” of travel routes.
  • Downsize the existing laundry room by replacing the side-by-side models with the more energy efficient stackable units.
  • Capturing a portion or all of the sitting area adjoining the Master Bathroom or Walk-in Closet in order to expand two spaces.
  • By removing the spacing eating never used soaking tub the existing space can be reconfigured to increase the size of the shower or divide into his and hers vanity area.
• Form and function of Installed items:
  • Adjust depth of cabinetry from the standard 24” to 18” to accommodate travel routes.
  • After the design has met the necessary countertop or food prep area explore using 12”-15” deep wall cabinet which come down to the countertop.  The bottom portion of these cabinets to be additional drawers, glass front doors for display pieces, or appliance garages.
  • Pull out trays and dividers inside of the cabinetry will increase it’s function.
  • Adding a small bay or bow window in the Kitchen or the Master Bathroom.  The unit can act as a plant shelf or ledge in the Kitchen or it can be used to expand the foot print of the existing Bathroom in order to add the jetted or soaking tub by incorporating the tub into the bay area.
  • Avoid purchasing and installing appliances that are too large for the space.  A 10’x10’ Kitchen can not accommodate a cook top and a double oven.  Conversely, it can not support a 48” free standing range and its hood.
  • Think vertically by adding tall linen cabinets or again wall cabinets which rest on the countertop in the bathrooms.  The wall cabinets can define and divide spaces (his and hers) as well as replace medicine cabinets.
  • Master Closet:
    • Can I replace the existing freestanding dresser with built-in shelving in the existing closet?
    • Replace single rods and shelf with a double rods and shelf.

As you can see there maybe ways to             reconfigure the existing spaces without   adding the additional space.  Sit down and think about how you and your family use the adjacent spaces not just the Kitchen or the Bathroom.  You may find that we can elevate the concerns by addressing the other areas.  In many cases the space is sufficient, but the traffic flow is causing the pile up.

Lead; Renovation Repair and Painting Program 

Beginning April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin enforcing its new Lead; Renovation Repair and Painting Program.  This program was designed to decrease the risk of lead poisoning in children living in homes under renovation.  In 1978, the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned the sale of lead paint to prevent complications from lead paint contamination in homes and schools.  Lead paint and specifically dust from lead paint created during renovation projects is extremely hazardous to children under 6 years of age as well as pregnant women.  In children, lead has been proven to cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys as well as speech, language and developmental disorders.  Pregnant women are at a higher risk of lead exposure and contamination can be passed along to the fetus resulting in miscarriages, low birth weight, premature births and brain damage. 

Beginning on this date; Contractors working in homes constructed prior to 1978 when more than 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior painted areas are removed or disturbed, must follow the new regulations the new regulations.  In addition, all companies working on a project where lead paint has be indentified must be certified through the EPA and have at least one Certified Renovator on staff. Below are the necessary steps to properly work on homes constructed prior to 1978: 

1. Identify the age of the home
2. Test painted surfaces for lead or renovate assuming that lead is present
3. Post warning signs indicating that lead paint will be disturbed.
4. Set up plastic containment walls to prevent dust from entering unaffected work areas
5. Cover all heating and cooling registers with plastic as well as any items left in the space
6. Commence demolition while protecting workers with Tyvek suites, gloves and N100 HEPA filter masks or respirators.
7. Remove all debris in 6 mil trash bags sealed with duct tape and folded in a “Goose Neck” fashion.
8. Vacuum entire contained area with a HEPA vacuum
9. Wet mop and dry the remaining plastic and dispose of properly
10. Provide visual inspection by “Certified Renovator”
11. Maintain project documents in house for a minimum of 3 years

 In Addition to the above steps, the “Certified Renovator” must keep the following information on site in a job file and maintain these records off site for a minimum of 3 years:

1.  Copy of testing results
2. Signed copy of the EPA Pamphlet “Renovate Right”
3. Names of “Certified Renovator” and workers performing the renovation
4. Job Site checklist showing all procedures to be followed
5. Test results of clearance using either a visual inspection, or a third party inspection

 It is important to understand that “Certified Renovators” are not trained or certified to be “Abatement Contractors” who can provide lead specific removal but are trained and certified to work safely on projects that may contain lead paint covered materials as part of a renovation or remodeling project.

When searching for contractors to renovate you home, please ask for a copy of their Environmental Protection Agency “Lead-Safe Certified Firm” certificate.

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.

No matter the reason you have, projects always have to be done on a strict budget. Discount remodeling is a key factor in home improvement when you want to feel good about the money spent on improving a home as well as realizing a positive net investment in your home. In order to get the most benefit at the right cost, the best option is to consult a design build contractor.

The Typical Contractor

You probably have had experiences with a contractor before. A contractor usually offers a quote on an arrangement known as “wage plus materials.” If this is ringing a bell, you know that the quote offered is just for the cost of labor; the cost of materials is not included and the price will be added on at the end of the project.

You’ve had the experience before of receiving an attractive quote, only to be thrown off budget before your so-called discount remodeling project was over. Keeping yourself on budget during home improvement projects is now easier and more reliable when working with a design build contractor.

The Solution

A design build contractor is an improvement over your typical contractor and is the best option for discount home improvement. A design build contractor does it the right way and gives you a quote for an entire project up front. This type of contractor works with you to design your discount remodeling plan.

This makes budgeting a home improvement project much easier because the design build contractor will work with you to draw up the plan for the entire project, both wage and materials, in order to ensure that the particulars are covered within your specified price range. These unique benefits will even lower costs since your design build contractor will not be hiring a consultant to create a detailed plan to work from, instead you do it together.

Today’s Trend

With the glut of Do-It-Yourself TV shows being broadcast, many people think that the best solution for discount remodeling is the DIY method. While it might seem that DIY remodeling would be the most cost effective plan, there are still many perils that usually render this untrue. DIY mistakes tend to be costly and can easily throw you off budget. For those of us who are truly not mechanically inclined, long hours will have to be put in to master the learning curve. Sometimes a project is too complicated, or special equipment is required, so outside help might still be needed.

You have options for your discount home improvement projects. The crafty spendthrifts love to take a chance on DIY, but a design build contractor gets the work done at the right price quickly.