Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Replacing your aging windows will reduce your heating and cooling bills, increase the value of your home and improve your home’s appearance. Knowing how to choose the best replacement windows Virginia contractors have to offer will ensure your home improvement project delivers the highest value. Different brands, unique designs and varying installation methods are available, and all of these factors affect the total cost.

Understand Your Needs

You’ll discover a wide variety of replacement windows on the market, from high end composite windows to budget-friendly vinyl replacement windows. Virginia homeowners need to understand the advantages of each type, and align those advantages with their own needs to find the best windows for their home.

There are a few key factors that determine your unique needs, including:

• Budget - always an important part of any home improvement project, your budget will significantly narrow down the playing field.
• Architecture - the style of your home dictates the best style of window, although many styles are available in various materials and structural design.
• Climate or Exposure - seasons in Northern Virginia require double or triple glazed windows to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, but not all homes will benefit in the same way from high end windows.
• Future Plans - if you’re planning on moving within five years, it’s not a good idea to invest in expensive, high end windows that will not necessarily deliver a great return on investment over that period. Consider a cheaper alternative when your short to mid-term future plans include moving.
• Installation Contractor - the scope of your Virginia replacement windows project, and the location of your property, will determine which contractor to hire. Beware of handyman companies that don’t offer the expertise and insurance coverage required for a replacement window project.

Book Estimates

Ask your friends and family for referrals, and check the local listings to find Virginia replacement windows installers. Call a few different contractors and arrange for in-home estimates. They’ll need to physically visit your home to assess the conditions and accurately estimate the cost for removal and replacement.

Make sure you receive a written estimate and obtain a list of references from each contractor under consideration. If you find a big discrepancy in the prices, call in a few more contractors to better gauge the industry.

Ask Questions

Write down a list of questions to ask your contractor, covering vital details like their installation process, scheduling, and payment structure. Don’t assume that the initial quotes will include all of your alternatives. It’s often up to the customer to inquire about the wide range of replacement windows Virginia contractors are offering.

Find out the differences between distinct brands and designs. Ask about the contractor ’s recommendations and then compare that advice to the recommendations given by other professionals. Be diligent in gathering information while always keeping your specific situation in mind (your budget, architecture, exposure and future plans).

You can choose the best replacement windows Virginia contractors have to offer, as long as those windows suit your own circumstances. What’s best for your neighbor or family member may not be best for your home, and a professional replacement window installer can show you the difference.

Renovations include countless small tasks that come together to form a brand new space within your home. And any of those small jobs can get complicated. Responsive Virginia general contractors work hard to communicate with homeowners and tackle every problem efficiently with the customer’s satisfaction in mind.

Why is Responsiveness an Important Trait in a General Contractor?

Most people hire a general contracting firm to take care of major home renovations like kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, roofing, siding and deck construction. These projects must be handled carefully from the design stage to completion, including all of the many steps in between. General contractors have the skills and knowledge to manage these projects well.

Do you really need to be in constant communication with the contractor throughout your project? Maybe not, but it’s important to hire a contracting firm you can trust with your home.

Look for a contractor dedicated to customer service and willing to talk with and listen to their customers. Make sure they’re willing to take the time to meet with you regularly, going over the details of the project and answering any questions or concerns that you have.

Unresponsive contractors leave their clients guessing in terms of scheduling, pricing, and even warranty issues. You’re bound to find it frustrating when your phone calls and emails go unanswered. This is especially true if the contractor does not have an office or showroom you can visit.

Clients also want their contractor to maintain good communication with subtrades, suppliers and the local building department. This helps keep your project moving along quickly. If the company has a track record of responsiveness you can be confident that they’ll stay in touch with all of those involved in the job.

How Virginia General Contractors Should Communicate

Does your preferred contractor have a cell phone, and are they willing to provide you with that number? Can you contact them in the evenings or on the weekend with questions and issues? If not, can you rely on them to respond to phone messages or emails within a reasonable time frame?

Good communication skills also mean clear and consistent paperwork. Did your general contractor provide you with a detailed estimate of the project and/or an easy to read design? When the project is done experienced contractors will provide a thorough bill detailing any extras, deposits, and draws on the project. They should also offer documentation that spells out your warranty coverage.

You can gauge the responsiveness of a general contractor by following a few easy steps. Be sure to ask for references and give those past clients a call. Ask them whether the contractor stayed in touch and how often.

It’s a good idea to check with the local Better Business Bureau as well. This organization records customer disputes and the contractor’s response, allowing you to check their track record in just a few minutes. Find out whether the contractor is involved in any local construction associations as well.

Responsive Virginia general contractors will make your home improvement project run smoothly. You’ll still need to compare price, experience and relational skills, but the contractor’s level of responsiveness is important to your level of satisfaction with the renovation.

TruWood siding

Replacing your Northern Virginia siding can be an expensive project. Many homeowners tackling this home improvement are looking for affordable options that deliver the same level of durability and visual appeal of traditional siding products. Engineered wood siding offers homeowners a familiar look and relatively good quality, but most people are initially attracted to the lower price.
Compared to traditional solid wood siding, engineered wood is more affordable. You’ll find many of the same patterns and styles across a wide range of manufacturers, including TruWood and SmartSide. But how does this man-made product stack up against the natural strength and durability found in traditional wood siding? Would you be better to make the switch to vinyl siding and enjoy a maintenance-free solution?

How Is Engineered Wood Siding Made?

Manufacturers combine wood by-products, such as sawdust, chips and flakes, with adhesive to make textured sheets of engineered wood siding in various styles. Both vertical and horizontal designs are available, and the appearance mimics wood species traditionally used for siding including cedar, pine and redwood.

Engineered wood siding goes up quickly, reducing the labor costs of your Northern Virginia siding project. It may or may not offer the same level of insulation that traditional wood does, but engineered wood can be easily installed over various insulation products.

Maintenance Specifications

Just like traditional wood, engineered wood siding will require a coat of paint or stain every five to ten years. It’s difficult to sand down and refinish, so be sure to choose a finish color and stick with that. Some brands come pre-finished from the factory, but that finish will fade and wear away with time. Repainting helps to extends the life of this product, as well as keeping the appearance fresh and clean.

The biggest issue with engineered wood siding is moisture. Because this product contains wood by-products that tend to absorb moisture, as well as adhesives that may breakdown in moisture, you may run into difficulty with excessive exposure. Paints and stains repel rain, snow and sleet, but if engineered wood siding is left in standing water it will deteriorate and create serious problems.

Proper installation remains the most important factor when choosing this type of siding. Ask your siding contractor whether they have dealt with engineered products before, and be sure their installation procedures follow the manufacturer’s direction. Hire a company that offers a solid warranty on the installation, as well as good warranty coverage on the product.

Engineered wood siding provides value for the money. Costs are similar to fiber cement board siding and vinyl siding products, but engineered wood offers a more rustic, traditional appeal. If you are longing for that look but cannot afford to invest in traditional wood, a high quality engineered siding product may be right for you. Be aware of the maintenance required and hire an experienced installer.

For a more solid product with a longer lifespan and less chance of damage, opt for solid wood siding or consider installing vinyl Northern Virginia siding. In any case, do your homework before making a final decision and you’re bound to be happier with the final product.

Sellers need to decide on a fair market price before putting their Washington DC real estate up for sale. This vital figure plays a major role in determining the quality of buyers, how quickly the house sells and the resulting profit. It takes time and thought to come up with a fair figure, and your Washington DC realtor should be there to offer valuable help.

Tip 1 – Look Around the Neighborhood

Check out the properties for sale on your street and in the surrounding neighborhood. Pay special attention to those that have sold, including how long they were on the market. Those statistics offer one of best gauges for setting the fair market price of your property.

You’ll want to position your property properly in the local market. Too high and buyers will bypass your home for that bungalow down the street; too low and you’ll lose out on potential profits. Ask your realtor to look into the features and specs of other properties up for sale, then compare yours to help decide where it stands against the competition.

Tip 2 -  Consider Your Own Schedule

If you have plenty of time to sell your home, you also have greater flexibility in terms of price. A home coming in at the bottom of the available price range will sell quickly, whereas overpriced homes may remain on the market for an extended period of time. Days on the market is not the only way to measure the price, but it does give you a good feel for the price expectations of buyers and agents.

On the other hand, if you have to sell your home fast that requirement should be reflected in the price. Knock a few thousand dollars off of the expected price and you’re more likely to close a quick deal. Remember to set your price with wiggle room, since you’re bound to come up against negotiation.

Tip 3 – Leave Emotion Out

Many sellers turn to emotion when setting the fair market price. Some people are very attached to their home, other couples are selling their home due to divorce or family emergencies. While it can be extremely difficult to eradicate emotion from this important event, strong feelings may cloud your reason.

No matter how much your emotion wants to get involved, leave it out. Let observation of the market and logic dictate the best selling price. Your financial needs should also be left out; buyers and agents are not concerned with clearing away your debt or creating a nest egg for your retirement.

It may hurt to hear it, but sentimental memories have no place in price assessments either. Maybe your son took his first steps across the living room floor or the family’s beloved goldfish is buried in the backyard. Those may be valuable memories for your family, but they have no bearing on the asking price.

Your realtor has the knowledge and information available to set the optimum fair market price for your Washington DC real estate. Make this process simple and straightforward and the entire transaction will run smoother.

Large home improvement projects take time to plan. You need to move from the dreams in your head to sketches on paper and then on to designing and troubleshooting with your contractor. But all of that effort is worth it when you get to see the finished product - a Northern Virginia deck that suits your tastes and yard perfectly. Think about the many advantages to planning your deck project early.

Coming Up With the Best Deck Design

Not all decks are created equal. And not all come in a simple shape, with room for your BBQ and a patio table. The best deck designs are built to accommodate your family’s hobbies and lifestyle, as well as the lay of your property. Grading issues, the location of trees and gardens and various other factors need to be considered when designing your deck in order to ensure the area fits well into the space.

You may want to make a few sketches of various deck designs. Be sure to include the house walls in the sketch, along with any permanent fixtures including trees, sheds, driveways and walkways. Some things can be moved if necessary, but it’s best to start designing with those fixtures in mind. Experiment with different shapes and designs, put in multiple layers and think about the various types of railings available. When you begin this stage early, there’s plenty of time to play around before deciding on a final design.

Getting the Best Prices

Taking the time to plan your Northern Virginia deck project will help you secure the best prices as well. Not only will you be able to shop the project around and compare contractor rates, but you can also take advantage of pre-season rates. Many contractors offer early booking programs to help them get their season off to a strong start. You should always hire the best contractor for the job, despite the price, but you stand a better chance at nabbing these discounts by planning ahead.

Many product introductions also occur in the early spring, just in time for the backyard season. Check out what’s newly available; you may just find something that is perfect for your home or lifestyle. New composite decking products pop up almost every year, as well as fastening systems, railing designs and deck accessories. Ask your local contractors what’s appearing in their showrooms or browse the web to get a look at new and innovative products entering the deck industry this year. You may find a deal or be eligible for an introductory price.

Starting the Season Right

One of the biggest advantages to planning your deck early is the jump you’ll get on the season. Early planners are usually one of the first projects in the ground come springtime, providing more days of enjoyment on your new deck. If you’re coordinating the decking project with a new pool, fence or hot tub, scheduling can get a bit tricky. But planning ahead and keeping all of the various contractors up to date will ensure your backyard is ready to play around in as early as possible.

Make sure your Northern Virginia deck is built using the best design by planning early. Get a better price and start the season with a bang by starting the process long before installation. Time is on your side, and thoughtful planning will help you create that relaxing, cozy backyard space.

Although a Virginia window replacement project requires a hefty investment, this home improvement also delivers significant benefits. Take a look at the advantages new windows will offer your family and feel good knowing your hard-earned cash is well spent on replacement windows.

Benefit # 1 – A More Energy Efficient Home

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of installing replacement windows is an improvement in your home’s energy efficiency. Double-glazed window panes and improved frame design make today’s windows much more airtight. This provides an effective heat barrier and insulator, allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature using less energy.

Experts suggest that installing replacement windows will result in energy bills at least 10 percent lower than your current billing levels. Imagine how those savings will add up over the years, insulating your home from rising energy costs as well.

Benefit # 2 – A More Attractive Home

Aging windows present a less than spectacular façade, with peeling frames and dated styling. Newer windows dress up your home from the inside and out, allowing for a cleaner, more finished appearance.

It may seem strange to think that windows can have a noticeable effect on the look of your home, but the texture and brightness of new vinyl windows are unmistakable and easy to spot. Replacement windows also allow greater amounts of light into your home, creating a brighter interior that seems spacious and open.

Benefit # 3 – A Quieter Home

Road noise and the sounds of neighbors can invade your home at any time, eroding the sense of peace that should be present inside those walls. Although new windows can’t provide a complete solution in every circumstance, today’s product designs help to create a much more peaceful atmosphere inside your home.

Block out the sounds of foot and road traffic with double or triple glazed windows. The air space between glass window panes works as an insulator against sound as well as heat. Add some heavy drapes and your interior space will be almost completely insulated from intrusive noises. Enjoy a quieter home with a Virginia window replacement project.

Benefit # 4 – A More Valuable Home

If you are considering a move in the next few years, upgrading your existing windows is a wise idea. Not only will you enjoy cheaper energy bills and a quieter, nicer looking home, that house will also increase in value thanks to those new windows.

Modern windows offer greater security and easier, maintenance-free operation. Consider those benefits along with all of the others mentioned above and you’ll see how this home improvement project can add value. Buyers will look for a house in move-in condition, meaning new windows will make your home more attractive and more likely to capture the full asking price.

On the flip side of that equation, buyers tend to steer clear of homes that require substantial upgrades right away or soon after the purchase. If your windows are dated and worn out any offers to buy will take that into consideration. Most often buyers knock a certain amount off of the asking price, at least equal to the cost of the home improvement. Take care of that upgrade yourself before the home goes up for sale and you won’t need to deal with that issue at all.

A Virginia window replacement project presents homeowners with a wide variety of benefits. From lower energy bills to higher home values, a quieter atmosphere and a better looking facade, this home improvement is well worth the investment.

Many homeowners use their garage exclusively for storage, never realizing the full potential of this space. Garage conversions transform the area into usable living space. Your home value surges with the creation of another bedroom, bathroom or playroom. When considering a garage conversion project it’s best to hire a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust. Their experience and knowledge will drive this unique project to completion.

The Challenges of a Garage Conversion Renovation

Transforming your garage from its current state into safe and comfortable living space presents certain challenges. Many garages are not built to include the same standards of comfort that interior spaces include. A remodel project requires additions, repairs and replacements, all of which are best handled by a seasoned professional.

The garage door presents the first challenge. Once this component is removed, the empty space needs to be enclosed and insulated. Many times this is the ideal area for a window or exterior door, although that will depend on the design of your new living space.

The foundation of your garage may need work as well. Often the garage is built on a slab, which may or may not be sufficient to support all of the walls. Your general contractor will assess the foundation depth and soil condition in order to discover whether any initial repairs or additions are required.

Insulation and Damp Proofing

Wall construction in the garage is significantly different than the design and construction of walls around your home. Building standards ensure your house remains comfortable and energy efficient by specifying the amount and style of insulation used around your living space. The newly converted garage space often requires a second wall be erected, with thermal insulation between the existing and new wall.

Vapor barrier and other forms of damp proofing are added to either the new wall or the existing structure, based on your contractor’s preferred method. Hiring a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust gives you assurance and confidence, knowing the conversion process will run smoothly and efficiently resulting in a warm, affordable home.

Can You DIY a Garage Conversion?

Converting raw, often underserviced garage space into cozy living quarters is difficult. Imagine the amount of research required just to figure out whether the foundation is adequate. Not to mention that additional insulation and moisture resistance is required and code specifies that a licensed electrician install any necessary wiring. A subfloor may need to be installed in order to bring the floor level up and provide a moisture barrier. Proper ventilation may also present an issue and renovations to the ceiling and roof could be required.

If you have extensive experience with a wide range of home improvement projects, tackling a garage conversion yourself may be possible. Otherwise it only makes sense to contact a local general contracting firm. Look for one that has experience with this type of project and arrange for a few different estimates to compare prices, experience and overall design.

Expand your living space without changing the footprint of your home through garage conversion. This type of project requires a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust, with the expertise and skills to make your renovation dreams a reality.

Vinyl siding is designed to last for years, providing an attractive and durable exterior finish for your home. But certain conditions and circumstances can easily damage your Virginia siding. From melted panels to discoloration and problems with nearby vegetation, many of these situations can be avoided.

How To Avoid Melting Your Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding can hold up to extreme climate conditions, including hot summer days and frozen winter nights. But it is a combustible material. When direct flames or extreme concentrated sunlight is applied to the material, damage will occur.

Keep your BBQ grill and backyard fireplace away from the siding in order to reduce the risk of heat damage. Check the owner’s manual for recommended clearances and use non-combustible materials as a barrier. Remember that the fascia and soffits above your BBQ or fireplace are also made from vinyl and can be subject to warping and damage when exposed to heat.

Direct sunlight is rarely a problem with vinyl siding, unless the rays are concentrated due to reflection. Use shade trees and screens to break up concentrated rays before they hit your siding. Many energy efficient windows are designed to reflect light away from your home, but those same reflections may cause a problem on the neighbor’s vinyl siding. Screens, awnings or leafy branches can be strategically placed to break up the rays and avoid any siding damage.

How to Avoid Discoloration on Your Virginia Siding

Most quality vinyl siding products are manufactured to resist discoloration. You may notice some fading on the surface , but the color penetrates right through the siding materials offering an even finish. Dents and scratches will be less noticeable.

But discoloration can still be a problem if the vinyl is exposed to chemicals and other substances. Some insecticides and herbicides contain harsh chemicals that will stain the surface of your siding. Take care to protect areas around your garden, especially when using a sprayer or applying products on a windy day.

Remember to cover your siding when staining and painting exterior features of your home. Stain can easily splash onto the siding when you’re coating a deck or railing. Removing excessive stain or paint right away could help to avoid discoloration, but hanging up a thin plastic covering will work well to protect the entire area from overspray and splashing.

How To Avoid Damage From Vegetation

Many different plants pose a threat to your siding if left to grow unchecked. Vines, bushes and trees present the greatest danger. Branches, stems and vines can grow around, under and even through siding panels given the right conditions. If a particularly strong species of plant grows into your siding and establishes itself, further growth could warp the panels resulting in gaps.

The best solution is to keep vegetation off of your vinyl siding. Trim any vines and branches that make their way onto the wall, or keep a close watch on the plant if you don’t want to cut it down entirely. Many climbing vines stick to siding and cause discoloration. Cutting these away is your only option.

Your Virginia siding is designed for durability. With the proper protection and professional installation, vinyl siding provides a virtually maintenance free exterior finish. Use common sense and a keen eye to keep your vinyl siding looking its best for years to come.

Have you heard of the term “fixer upper?” This type of home is in need of some TLC, and often sits a little lower on the price scale as a result. Virginia realtors tend to agree that fixer uppers are a tougher sell. Many advise sellers to complete home improvement tasks before putting their home up for sale. Why is buying and selling fixer uppers a challenging task and can these transactions turn out well?

The Fixer Upper Challenge

Most home buyers want a house that delivers a comfortable, safe standard of living from day one. Fixer uppers often require a significant amount of work to be done before that standard of living can be achieved. We’re not talking about finishing the basement for additional living space; a fixer upper may be missing doors, have inoperable appliances or need extensive plumbing and electrical work before residents can reach a state of comfort.

This isn’t the case for every home labeled as a fixer upper. In some instances the finishes may require updating or improvement projects like new windows and roofing are required to boost the energy efficiency. Seniors moving into a retirement home may be looking to list a property in this condition, and Virginia realtors are happy to connect their clients with potential buyers. But sellers need to be aware of the disadvantages that come with selling a home in this state.

Fix It Up First

Unless time and physical conditions make it impossible, your realtor should recommend that some of the issues in your home be fixed up before the property goes on the market. Doing that will allow you to set a better price for your home, as well as attract more qualified buyers.

Two things flash through the minds of potential buyers as they tour through a home that requires an extensive amount of work. In the face of both major and minor house problems, buyers will wonder whether the home has been maintained properly. Those buyers are more likely to pass on the house due to a cautious nature and worries about hidden problems.

The second reaction of potential buyers is to knock thousands of dollars from the asking price to cover the necessary repairs and upgrades.

Sellers may come out ahead by fixing the problems within their house and sticking to a higher asking price. Otherwise they are at the mercy of buyers, who will use the issues as a bargaining tool to reduce the price.

It Is Possible

It’s important to note that buying and selling fixer uppers works for many people across the country. When time and economical circumstances do not allow for the repairs and upgrades to be done before the transaction, buyers snag a good deal and sellers offload their property. As long as everyone is aware of the circumstances and full disclosure has been practiced, this type of transaction can go through smoothly.

Virginia realtors are here to help, whether you’re selling a fixer upper or looking for an affordable way to move into the market. Their expertise and industry knowledge will guide the transaction, protecting the interests of both parties. Contact a local real estate professional to ensure your fixer upper sale is handled well.

Whether you are in the thick of raising your kids or enjoying being a grandparent, backyard fun is a major part of your life. Designing that outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and safety takes careful consideration and these top Virginia deck ideas are the ideal place to start.

Deck Designs For Young Families

With babies and toddlers moving around out on the deck, texture and safety become the two most important issues in design. Think about composite materials that eliminate splinters and require very little maintenance. And be sure that railings are made from durable materials as well, such as aluminum or tempered glass. Building codes specify the spacing and height required for optimum safety, but don’t forget to include railing gates at the stairs to keep your little ones from falling.

Design your deck to have one level only and be sure it is installed just below the patio door sill. This flat, open space provides plenty of area for your kids to play safely. Avoiding a big step down also makes it easy for short legs to move in and out of the house.

Deck Designs For Multi-Generation Families

Family gatherings that include all of the generations create priceless memories. Design your Virginia deck to allow for maximum comfort when the whole family is over and these events will be better than ever. Include an open area for the dining table, at least 14 feet square and close to the patio doors. Then consider designing supplemental seating areas around that main deck, perhaps on upper or lower levels.

Plan your deck like your interior living space. Arrange various seating areas where smaller groups can gather and place the largest area close to the food. An outdoor kitchen provides the perfect spot for grilling and serving drinks, while a grouping of comfy lounge chairs will attract everyone at one time or another. Be sure to include a few private nooks as well, spots where couples can snuggle under a shady canopy or kids can grab a short nap in the breeze.

Deck Designs For Small Yards

Many suburban family homes have limited backyards. In most cases a bit of grass and a garden leaves very little space for a deck. But family homes need an area for outdoor eating, grilling and relaxing. Patios work for ground level homes and those houses with a walkout design need to install a deck. Maximize your space by designing a single-level deck with glass railings for a clear view and open atmosphere.

Leave off the stairs if possible, or design them with a landing to avoid taking up too much room in the yard. Ask a decking contractor to come over and take a look. At that time you can go over a few different ways to make the most of your limited backyard space.

Families need to have an outdoor area at home, the ideal place for play and making memories. These Virginia deck ideas will give you direction on how to design space that provides the area and function that your family needs. Creating a comfortable outdoor room is important and allows your family to spend valuable time together.