Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Building a patio is a great way to create that beautiful yard that your house needs. Whether you BBQ, entertain friends and family or just like to relax at home, a patio will provide much use and functionality for the years to come. Below are some do’s and don’ts when building your patio. Remember, a qualified Virginia patio contractor is recommended for installation…

DO conceptualize your design, measurements and decide on colors before you start work.
DON’T start digging and design as you go. You will end up destroying your yard.

DO call miss utility, or your local utility administrator before digging.
DON’T start digging without knowledge of your utility placement.

DO put compactable crushed stone at the base of the patio to allow water drainage.
DON’T use cement as a base. Water will not drain and might cause flooding.

DO use a sand based product to be based in between all pavers.
DON’T use cement in between pavers. Again, water will not drain.

It is very important that you thoroughly plan out the construction of your patio. Make sure you are familiar with the entire install process before you begin. For your local Virginia patio builder call 703-426-5555.

A sunroom is a great way to add some extra space to your house, without the hassles of constructing an addition. Although easier than an addition, it still requires a lot of work. Here are some things to keep in mind when starting your sunroom project.

• You will need to have your contractor pull all necessary building permits for this. These permits are a little harder to get and require an engineer’s approval stamp.
• Since your sunroom is majority glass, make sure you go with triple pane windows. You need to have argon gas in between the panes at the very least.
• Your glass should all be tempered ensuring safety.
• Make sure that your contractor pulls all necessary electrical (and plumbing if you require) permits and licenses.
• You should get insulated vinyl or aluminum around the entire sunroom. This will ensure maximum energy efficiency.

Keep in mind that sunrooms are still a hefty investment. Make sure you get exactly what you want in a sunroom and take your time when deciding on your options and contractor. For a specialized Virginia sunroom contractor call 703-426-5555.

Basement remodeling is a great way to turn that bland empty shell of yours, into an entertainment dream. There are plenty of things you can do to dress up that basement, regardless of your budget. A qualified, Virginia basement remodeling company can assist you with every step…

1. Basement Bar: If entertaining is your forte, then building a bar is the first thing you should do. You can either make this the center piece of your basement, or build it off into a corner so you can maximize space. If you have a limited budget, then stay away from granite. There are many alternatives that are inexpensive.
2. Pool Table: Get a pool table! Next to a bar, this is the most important aspect to an entertaining basement. Make sure you place this in a part of the basement where the pool cues wont knick the walls. You can get a cheaper pool table a little used from your local billiards shop.
3. Theatre Room: Watching sports and movies have never been better. A home theatre room is a great way to entertain, but it takes up appropriate space and provides a lot of seating. Shop for projection screens and projectors over the internet and provide the equipment to your basement remodeling company. You will save a lot of money this way.
4. Colors: Use a light color as the backdrop of the basement to create the allusion of a large space. You can detail the corners and what not with theme colors of your choice. Beige, olive and white are great backdrop colors. Having a splash wall on a few walls will really help your basement pop too.

Check out the closest Virginia basement remodeling company near you, and start designing the basement that you and your family have been dreaming of!

With the scare of global warming escalating and energy costs rising, our current generation is increasing its awareness on going Green. We can all do our part, even when remodeling our house. Here are some steps on how to complete a kitchen remodeling project in an energy efficient, environmental friendly manner.

Energy systems:
1. Install LED or compact fluorescent lamps.
2. Install lights that dim automatically when room is empty.
3. Replace appliances with Energy Star models. Any model prior to 1990 won’t suffice.
4. Replace windows with new energy efficient windows.
5. Take advantage of natural lighting with skylights or sun tubes.
Water systems:
1. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes.
2. Add flow reducers to all faucets.
3. Add a water filter to the sink or whole house.

Implementing the measures above is definitely a great step in the right direction. Do your part in turning the planet green. Click here to view the portfolio of a green Virginia kitchen remodeling company