Top Five Budget Tips for Virginia Bathroom Remodeling Projects

Budgeting is the very first step in your Virginia bathroom remodeling project, and helps to direct the décor theme and scope of the renovation. These budget tips offer simple advice that pertains to any type of bathroom project. So whether you’re creating a powder room on the main floor, re-doing the master bath or ripping out the family bathroom for a complete overhaul, these budget tips help you to start off well.

 

Tip # 1 – Know What You Can Afford

Decide on a basic price range. This amount should include any savings you might have earmarked for this bathroom renovation, as well as any credit currently available. Consider all of your options, but try not to spread yourself too thin. An impressive bathroom remodel can be done with limited funds, and you don’t necessarily want to sacrifice on other areas of your lifestyle just to pay for a stylish update.

Tip # 2 – Make a List of Priorities

Keeping the entire household in mind and considering the next five to ten years, what are your priorities for the bathroom? Do you need more space or are you dreaming of a style makeover? Does the tub need to be replaced or would you prefer to add a window or skylight?
Consider how you use the space and what kind of changes could improve efficiency, atmosphere and function. Aesthetics come last; once you have decided on your priorities for the space, making it look good is easy.

Tip # 3 – Shop Around In Person and Online

You can find plumbing retailers in major cities and across the Internet. Shopping both sources for sales and clearance items makes the most sense, as it more than doubles your chances of snagging a good deal.
If your Virginia bathroom remodeling contractor is purchasing the fixtures and furniture, you’ll likely pay an up-charge for the middleman’s administration. Talk to your contractor about sourcing the items directly. It may be more work for you, but the substantial cost savings add up.

Tip # 4 – Be Realistic About DIY

Many homeowners assume that DIY options will help them shave down the bathroom renovation budget, but the reality can end up very different. When you need to hire a contractor to fix DIY mistakes or repair the damage resulting from shoddy work, all of those savings go out the window.
Be honest with yourself about DIY and do not make assumptions for the sake of your budget. If you cannot complete the work up to professional standards, it’s wise to recognize the value of hiring a real pro.

Tip # 5 – Write It All Down

The easiest way to blow your bathroom renovation budget is by spending without keeping an accurate record. Keep a notebook or computer document that contains all of the original budgeted information. Use this to remind you of the limitations set in place when shopping or making decisions with your contractor.
Many budgeting apps work on your mobile device and keep all of this vital information close at hand. Input your actual spending or ask for detailed billing from the contractor to compare once the project is complete.
Although the finished product plays the most important role in a Virginia bathroom remodeling project, budgeting helps to start the renovation off well and keeps costs in line for the duration. Take the time to budget and your home improvement project will turn out well.

How to Design Functional Garages with Northern Virginia Additions

A single-family dwelling holds its value in the marketplace and provides a comfortable home for your family. But your property will be more functional and valuable with a garage, and well-designed Northern Virginia additions help you to create this important space. Check out these design and construction tips to ensure your garage addition works well for your family.

The Mechanics of a Garage

Garages play a unique role on any property, and must be designed to suit that role. A professional home addition contractor handles all special considerations and safety factors must be handled in the design stage.
Certain building materials must be used in the construction process, mainly due to the items typically stored in a garage, including vehicles and lawn equipment. Self-closing doors and a gas-tight wall and ceiling help to contain odors and dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide. Insulation also helps to keep the balance of your home warm and quiet.
Many garage Northern Virginia additions are built on a concrete slab, which provides a stable and functional surface. Be sure the slab slopes away from your house for drainage purposes, and grade around the garage addition to help maintain that concrete over the long-term.

Questions to Ask During the Planning Stage

Unlike a standard home addition that includes living space, garage additions can be designed to different standards. The size and use of this space determines whether to include heat, and dictates the location of lighting and electrical outlets. Talk to your contractor and answer the following questions to get a better grip on optimum design:

• Do you want a Detached or Attached Garage? – One of the most important questions, this depends on your preferences and the available land on your property. Find out about local bylaws regarding setbacks and driveway access before deciding one way or the other.
• What Size of Garage would you like? – Property limitations may have an effect on the size, but the choice between single garage, double garage or car-and-a-half should be addressed from the beginning. Think about height as well, and account for higher garage ceilings and doors if larger trucks and recreational equipment will be stored in this space.
• What will you Store in the Garage? – Many homes include a workshop in the garage, complete with tool storage, while others use this space for overflow storage of household items, sporting equipment and gardening tools. Think about what you will keep in the garage and include storage solutions that work. Cabinets, workbenches, overhead shelving and other options will keep this area neat and tidy long after the home addition contractor finishes up.

Once you have answered these questions, you’ll need to decide on the exterior finish and roofing. Match the existing materials or choose a complementary style—neutral vinyl siding matches most types of exterior finish. On attached garage additions, roofing must blend into the existing structure. In some cases a large-scale roof replacement is required.
Designing functional garages with Northern Virginia additions takes careful consideration. Plan well and hire an experienced contractor to be sure this addition adds value to your property. Your family will enjoy the convenience of a new garage, and appreciate the benefits on a daily basis.

How to Achieve the Beauty and Grace of a Curved Virginia Deck

You’ve seen the design in magazines and on television shows, now you want to capture the distinct look in your own yard. But a curved Virginia deck is much more challenging than it sounds, and transitioning from an on-paper design to an in-the-yard structure requires careful planning. Find out whether or not a curved deck is feasible for your outdoor living area.

Basics of a Curved Deck Design

It’s difficult to install a curved wooden deck due to the angular dimensions of lumber. Treated lumber provides the durability and strength necessary for an outdoor application, but creating a round frame with rectangular lumber is harder than it appears.
Posts, ledger boards and beams can be installed in the same manner as a rectangular deck, running along the outside wall and perpendicular to that line for support. Rim joists, on the other hand, must be curved to produce the desired shape. There are two popular and successful ways to complete this, including:

• Kerf-cutting – it is possible to curve dimensional lumber by scoring the lumber along the back. These slots must go all the way across the lumber, and the amount of curve is dictated by the slot depth. Some installers feel that this type of construction degrades quality and stability, but the structure of your deck remains solid.
• Laminated plywood – pressure treated plywood can be cut into 8- to 10-inch strips and soaked. This allows the plywood to bend, and those curved strips can be laminated with marine-grade adhesive and stainless steel fasteners to form a strong rim joist. The amount of curve is dictated by the length of those strips and the degree of bending achieved.

Composite materials and cedar wood tend to bend easier, and thinner building materials (such as composite facia board) help to cover bent lumber. Talk to your contractor about choosing the right material for your curved Virginia deck.
Install an angled frame underneath the rim joists and attach your decking joists between the ledger board and curved rim joist. Deck boards should be installed perpendicular to the rim joist. The rounded ends can be marked and cut to fit and blocking installed against the curved joist for support.

Curved Railings

Installing curved railing sections can also be challenging, depending on the severity of the curve. Shallow or gentle curves work well, with the top rail cut out of larger pieces of dimensional lumber. Wood pickets can be mounted onto the outside of the rim joist to produce a curve, although this may not pass building code for decks installed more than 24-inches off the ground.
Some styles of railing can be prefabricated in a curved line. This adds significant cost to your deck design, but does provide an unbeatable customized look. Get in touch with a metal fabricator for pricing or consider aluminum or steel railings that can be mounted to wood or composite railing posts.
Building a curved Virginia deck requires a fair amount of planning and forethought. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for this design, as the curved framing requires extra materials and additional installation time. The finished product provides an exceptional, modern outdoor living space that will add value to your property and lifestyle. Consider how building a curved deck could enhance your home.

Architectural Details for Basement Remodeling Northern Virginia Homeowners

Many Northern Virginia residents use architectural details to provide an upscale design in their finished basement. But many others miss the opportunity to create drama and add personal touches with various architectural elements. For basement remodeling Northern Virginia homeowners will truly value, be sure to include these elements.

Crown Molding and Ceiling Details

Basements often have lower ceilings, and your basement renovation may require drop ceilings. Add crown moldings to any ceiling design for extra depth and character. This reverse trim—the thicker portion rests against the ceiling, with a thinner profile below—creates the look of a higher ceiling by drawing the eye up.
Molding can also be used to accentuate certain parts of the ceiling, or create a decorative feature. Are you including an accent wall or art niche? Use crown molding to dress up the area, along with other trim to frame special wall space. Other ceiling details include medallions, paint effects and decorative shapes.

Beadboard and Paneling

Wood paneling has long been a mainstay in finished basements, but modern paneling provides so much more. Consider using beadboard on walls and ceilings to create a beach theme or cover the bottom of your walls in paneling for an attractive, low maintenance finish.
Paneling can also be used to create texture on expansive walls, or draw visual lines between different spaces. Many basement remodeling Northern Virginia projects include open rooms designed for a variety of functions. Set one area apart with painted out paneling or beadboard, such as a craft corner or reading nook in a larger games room. This type of detail makes your basement living space look coordinated and well designed, adding greater value to your home.

Baseboards

Almost every room in your home includes baseboards, and many homeowners miss the importance of this particular detail. Skimping on baseboards or installing standard styles may save you a few bucks on the basement renovation budget, but larger, more substantial baseboards will truly set off your downstairs living space.
Look at the baseboard offerings at your local building materials supply store. Many offer double and triple profiles, transforming this simple detail into something dramatic. Think about the color as well—white baseboards work well with many different paint colors and finishes, while stained wood trim and baseboard add a sense of style when paired with light, neutral walls. Remember to be consistent across all trim, including those on the doors and windows.
Baseboards also help to cover gaps necessary for engineered wood flooring applications. Use baseboards along the stairs to connect your finished basement with the upper floors, and carry the same or similar trim through the balance of your home for continuity.
Architectural details create the ideal levels of comfort and design for basement remodeling Northern Virginia homeowners love to live in. Be sure to include crown molding, paneling and/or beadboard and unique baseboards in your finished basement. These small touches make a big impression for your family and increase the value of your property in the long run.

Speaking the Language of Your Virginia Bathroom

Did you know your bathroom is speaking to you?  Although we typically attribute languages to humans, every room in our home including our Virginia bathrooms speak their own language.  Like any language, very little if anything can be accomplished if we don’t speak the language or understand what the person is trying to say.  Your bathroom may be telling you a very important message regarding bathroom remodeling in Virginia, but unless you learn the language you’re going to miss out on that important message.  Just in case you don’t speak the unique language of your bathroom, here are just a few tips on seeing the signs.

• Your bathroom mirror always gets cloudy no matter how short your shower time is.  If your mirror or mirrors constantly steam up even though you have the fan on, your Virginia bathroom is trying to tell you that it has poor ventilation.  While missing out on your reflection in the morning might be a good thing, the constant build up of moisture will quickly lead to a serious mold problem and early aging of your bathroom materials.  In order to help fix this language barrier, a full out bathroom renovation in Virginia isn’t needed: you can simply get a new fan.
• Your Virginia bathroom is the coldest room in the house, even when you’ve just gotten out of a long hot shower.  Most people think of heating issues to only happen in areas with a lot of windows or other areas that usually have drafts.  However, much like your living room, your bathroom can get just as cold if it doesn’t have a proper heating source.  Between doing entire Virginia bathroom remodeling or simply adding a wall heater or a heat light to your ceiling, adding a little bit of warmth to your Virginia bathroom will address this language complaint.

• No matter how little you use the bathroom or how short your showers are, your water bills have been at a sky-high level.  Although the water bill has no direct contact with your Virginia bathroom, your bathroom constantly communicates with your water bill by the amount of water that it requires.  There are many ways you can get your Virginia bathroom on better terms with your water bill:  get a low flow energy efficient toilet, replace your old shower head with a high pressure energy efficient shower head, or even just get a good stopper for your tub so it doesn’t drain while you’re in the bath.

Whether your Virginia bathroom is showing you signs of heavy moisture, a chilled temperature, saucing up the water bill, or any other signs like leaky piping, leaking faucets, stains on the ceiling or on your floor, your bathroom is trying to reach out to you.  Just like any language, there are dozens of signals and phrases you should learn in order to communicate with your room.  By taking the time to understand what you Virginia bathroom is saying to you, you can make sure that any Virginia bathroom remodeling project is appropriate for the problem at hand.