Deck Designs for Extreme Grades (Down)

With the help of a professional contractor decks can be built on nearly any property, even if your house is built into a steep hill, or the grade drops off naturally towards the rear of your property. In many cases a well-built deck allows for better use of the yard, creating a flat space for patio furniture, BBQs and other backyard living features.

Footings are the most important aspect of decks built on extreme grades. These concrete piers need to firmly support the deck frame. Be sure your contractor digs a deep hole that’s wide enough to allow for a stable footing. Think about the effects of erosion and consult your municipal building department to ensure that your footings meet local building codes for safety and stability.

Railings are another essential element, protecting those on the deck from falls and injuries. All railing posts should be spaced fairly close together (around 4 feet apart is a good measure) and made from materials that have been tested for strength and durability.

Deck Designs for Extreme Grades (Up)

When your home sits at the base of a steep hill the design challenges are vastly different from other situations. You don’t need to worry as much about footings, but may have to design your deck to suit the natural layout of the hill. Plan for curved edges and smaller platforms incorporated together into a large deck design.

Excavation is another option when your yard grades up to the rear. Move the soil away to create a flat space and install heavy-duty retaining walls around your deck or patio area. This creates a private oasis, often quiet and shady. But those retaining walls must be built correctly or the natural power of gravity will have that space looking run down in just a few seasons.

Deck Designs for Swampy Yards

Perhaps you live in a low-lying area, or have experienced several issues with drainage. Assess the water problems before installing your Northern Virginia deck, to be sure those concrete footings will not heave or sink. In swampy or wet areas, the concrete footings need to be installed deep into the ground, providing solid support. Building codes may have standards regarding minimum footing depth on swampy lots.

Be sure to use treated lumber for this deck design as well, since moisture takes a toll on cedar and other wood species in a short period of time. Even treated lumber will rot over the years, but you can opt for composite or vinyl deck boards to reduce maintenance and increase longevity.

Deck Designs for Waterfront Properties

Waterfront homes generally provide fantastic views and direct sun. That means your deck design needs to incorporate shade without blocking the views and creating a fishbowl effect void of privacy. Deck designs for waterfront cottages and homes often hug the side of the building, stretching around the corners for a wrap-around look. Overhang a roof for easy shade or build a gazebo into the corner for seclusion and shade.

Railings need to be sturdy and safe, unless the deck is close to the ground. In that case, consider incorporating wrap-around stairs as well, allowing traffic to flow off of the deck at any point and adding impromptu seating for larger gatherings.

These Northern Virginia deck designs address the specific problems of unique properties. Call your local deck contractor to discuss your own needs and keep dreaming of that ideal outdoor living space.

On the Surface

Many homeowners are happy with the general layout of their bathroom, including the location of major fixtures like tub, shower, toilet and sink. Is the size of your bathroom adequate for your family’s needs? Does traffic flow through the room smoothly? These conditions make surface alterations the most sensible choice.

Projects involved in this Virginia bathroom remodeling stage often cover or replace the existing elements. This type of reno tends to cost less and can be completed within a fairly short period of time, or spread out in stages without interrupting daily life. When you want to improve the look and feel of your bathroom, consider these surface renovation projects:

• repaint the walls, trim and door
• hang new mirrors and art work
• choose new light fixtures and window treatments
• change the shower curtain
• add storage units and shelves
• reface the existing vanity or change hardware and drawer pulls
• replace the existing countertop
• replace bath mats, towels and bathroom accessories

Layout Modifications

Perhaps the size of your bathroom works, and the structural framing and walls remain stable and in good condition. But when surface alterations do not address traffic flow issues and you’re dreaming of new bathroom fixtures, your home improvement project needs to move to the next level.

Any alterations or replacement of the existing bathroom fixtures will push the price of this renovation up. But you’ll end up with a more functional room and newer fixtures. When you need to update or move bathroom fixtures consider these layout modification projects:

• install new soaker tub and shower enclosure to replace existing tub/shower combo
• move toilet
• install bidet or low-flow toilet
• install double sink or move the existing sink
• replace the vanity
• upgrade to frameless shower enclosure
• upgrade to a countertop vessel sink

Complete Bathroom Remodel

Rotten framing, moldy drywall and water-damaged flooring need to be removed before any other renovations can begin. Bathroom expansions also require major demolition and framing work, including installation of new doors and windows. Gutting your bathroom is a major undertaking and requires careful planning, a big budget and the help of an experienced contractor.

Make sure you have access to another bathroom during complete renovations, as this work takes time. Fixtures need to be removed entirely while the flooring, framing and walls are replaced or repaired. Tiling is another time-consuming part of the project.

When moisture problems arise or your bathroom needs to be expanded complete renovations are the wisest course of action. Think about planning for these elements of a major bathroom renovation:

• enlarge the bathroom to include a separate shower & tub or double sink
• add another window or skylight
• transform the bathroom into a cheater ensuite with a new door
• replace rotted flooring, framing, ceiling and drywall
• retile the existing shower

What level of bathroom renovations are you dreaming about? Budget, timeline and construction options depend on what stage of Virginia bathroom remodeling you’re planning. Consider your vision and get moving on this home improvement adventure.

You love your home, but maybe those cramped spaces are becoming a problem and you’ve been considering a move. Perhaps your growing family requires more space or your home business is taking up too much room. Think beyond the current state of the housing market and consider how Northern Virginia additions can help expand your living space affordably and efficiently.

Home Additions Cost Much Less Than a New Home

Compare the time and expenses of moving with the time and expenses of a home addition project. Assuming you’re happy with your neighborhood and the structure of your home, adding to your home costs much less than constructing a new one.

Moving incurs many costs, including legal fees, taxes, real estate agent fees and other miscellaneous expenses. Hidden costs and super-tight budgets create serious stress during a move. Although home improvements come with a significant amount of costs and stresses as well, you’re likely to find a better level of control with an experienced contractor on your side.

Planning for Northern Virginia additions means working with familiar factors. You’ve probably lived in your house for some time, and know what to expect from the soil, neighborhood and structure. Pull out the maintenance history for clues to would-be issues and talk to contractors that have worked at your home in the past. These measures help you to reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprises and additional costs creeping up during the process.

Dealing With Market Volatility

You may be able to nab a great deal on property in the current real estate market, but those conditions also affect the asking price of your current home. Will you realistically be able to recoup all of the investments you’ve made in your property? Or will you need to take a loss to make the move?

Professional real estate agents can help you to find the right sized home within your preferred area, but prices are dictated by market demand and you may end up paying out more than you have realized from your existing home. Although the cost of building materials and contractors does fluctuate with time, there is more certainty. The industry is somewhat predictable and much steadier than the housing market, making accurate home addition budgets possible to prepare, even months beforehand.

Daily Life Carries On

In most cases homeowners can continue on with daily life during a home addition project. Depending on the rooms affected by demolition and construction, you may need to relocate certain furniture or handle your day-to-day tasks differently, but for the most part life goes on. Careful planning helps reduce relocation costs.

Some home addition projects may be tax deductible, such as building a home office or commercially equipped kitchen. This helps to defray costs even further, putting more money back into your pocket while expanding your living space.

Assess the condition of your current home. Is it structurally sound with a basic layout that suits your family? Do your appreciate the view from your yard and the benefits of your neighborhood? Is the commute to and from work manageable, with schools, shopping and professional services close enough for your convenience?

If the main issue with your current home has more to do with space and less to do with structure and location, home additions present an affordable option. Be sure to investigate the possibility of Northern Virginia additions before contacting your real estate agent. You may be surprised at how affordable this option can be.

Move the Play Room Downstairs

Kids have toys, and throughout the course of each day those toys inevitably end up on the floor. Why not create a more comfortable main floor by moving toys to a dedicated spot downstairs?

This basement remodeling project includes a wide open space finished with durable walls, carpeting and plenty of storage. Think drywall covered with semi-gloss paint, easily cleaned and simple to paint over later. Build closet space into the room to give those toys a home, or simply use shelves and toy boxes to keep the area tidy.

Install berber carpet or something with similar levels of durability. Stain resistant brands are well worth any extra cost, and be sure to ask about closed cell underlayment. This product provides sound and heat insulation, as well as providing a moisture barrier to reduce mold and mildew in the basement.

Games for the Whole Family

No matter the age of your children, families love playing games together. And having an area dedicated to this type of family time makes it convenient to have fun together, even at a moment’s notice.

Install engineered wood flooring over a level subfloor, perfect for the pool table and air hockey table. Include room for seating and storage of the billiard equipment, as well as bright lighting to make game play easier. Natural lighting is important as well; you might consider enlarging the windows or installing a sliding patio door to create a brighter atmosphere in the basement.

If video games are your family’s favorite, make room for a flat screen television and an entertainment console with the latest gaming systems tucked inside. If board games are up your alley, set up large tables with plenty of extra seating and shelving to store your preferred games.

Create a Teen Hangout

While your teens may be happy hanging out just about anywhere, why not create a comfortable, inviting place with your Northern Virginia basement remodeling project? This area should include an entertainment center, complete with computer station, telephones and plenty of durable seating for a crowd.

Think about creating bedrooms downstairs as well, to allow your teens the privacy they crave. Always be sure the windows are large enough to be considered a fire escape and take pains to make the basement dry and odor-free. Your teen will appreciate having their own space, and if their bedrooms are close to an all-purpose hang out area complete with TV and computer, you may have to food or car keys to coax them upstairs.

For some families multiple rooms might suit this layout better. Leave the main area open to the upstairs, allowing minimal supervision and a more inviting atmosphere. And a bathroom with another shower is a must with teens living in the space.

However you design this Northern Virginia basement remodeling project, be sure to cater to your family’s lifestyle. Basement renovations are a fantastic value and can be easily and affordably altered as family dynamics change. Right now, make the most of your space with a finished basement custom made for your family.

Are you considering building a deck this summer? Find out why it may be wiser (and cheaper) to hire the pros for this particular backyard project.

The Importance of Posts and Framing

Setting solid deck posts and constructing a stable deck frame are essential for durable, safe decks. Although the big box building supply store may offer deck blocks – floating piers made to hold 4×4 deck posts – these products won’t always offer the support your deck requires.

Concrete deck piers set well below the frost line provide adequate support for any size deck. Are you prepared to dig several footings that deep – as much as 48-inches down?
Mixing the concrete is a chore as well. Many DIY enthusiasts are surprised by the difficulty of setting deck posts. Virginia deck builders have the equipment and skills to make short work of your deck posts. Efficient and affordable, you can always be sure that deck posts installed by the pros are deep and solid.

Constructing a stable frame involves precise measuring and assembly. All the weight of your deck will sit on this frame, and strong fasteners must be used to ensure safety and durability. Beams are mounted to the posts, and a series of joists are nailed or screwed together to sit on top of those joists.

Blocking and hardware connect the deck frame together, and all local building codes must be taken into account. This stage tends to be the most complicated, and can mean the difference between a steady deck and an unstable surface. Professionals have the experience to design and construct a solid deck frame on any property.

Railings and Stairs

Assembling and installing deck railing takes a fair bit of time. Wood railing posts must be mounted to the deck frame, while aluminum railing posts are available with surface mounting brackets. Composite railing products often come with post sleeves that fit carefully over an existing wood railing post.

Professional deck builders know exactly how to assemble and construct deck railings for optimum safety. Maintain a clear view with tempered glass railing and make the deck secure with railing gates at the top of your stairs and across any entrances. Post spacing and picket spacing need to be properly calculated, and sleepers under the bottom rails will prevent sagging. Dress up your deck with a well designed railing installed by the pros.

Longer sets of deck stairs are built using traditional stair stringers made from wood or metal. Small box steps (one step down) are simple to construct, but can’t be used on decks more than 1-foot off the ground. Professional deck contractors know all building codes governing the height of stair rises and width of the run, ensuring your new deck stairs are safe and comfortable. DIY enthusiasts have access to that information, but deciphering, calculating and constructing properly built stairs takes time and practice.

If you want to invest in a beautiful deck that adds value to your home and lifestyle, call your local Virginia deck builders for a quotation. Create the ideal backyard living space with the help of the pros, and let your DIY passions loose on another project.

Traditional Bathroom Flooring Options

In terms of affordability and durability vinyl flooring remains the top option for bathroom renos. Vinyl comes in a wide range of colors and styles, often mimicking the more expensive types of flooring while providing optimum protection from moisture.

Vinyl is low maintenance and, when installed properly, can last a few decades without any major repairs. If the vinyl rips or gets damaged, replacement is straightforward and fairly inexpensive.

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are also commonly seen in the bathroom, providing an upscale look in several styles. Marble tiling can be carried across the floor and around the tub and shower for a classic Romanesque look. And both ceramic and porcelain come in nearly any color imaginable, with patterns, accent tiles and mosaics used to create a unique look in your new bathroom.

Modern Flooring Options for Bathroom Remodeling in Virginia

While vinyl and tiling remain solid and dependable options for your new bathroom floor, consider others that have made a mark in the home improvement industry. From eco friendly alternatives to natural stone and manufactured laminate, your options for bathroom flooring have expanded.

Cork flooring delivers comfort and durability, along with the reassurance that you’re making a green choice. Since cork is derived from the tree’s bark, the environmental impact of this product is minimal. But the longevity is out of this world! Cork tiles are nailed, glued down or installed as a floating floor (preferable for the bathroom) and when properly sealed this material will withstand heat and moisture as well as many other flooring materials.

Some laminates are also made for use in the bathroom. Where hardwood or engineered wood flooring may be risky in a room where water puddles happen every day, laminates offer a decent alternative. Floating above a high quality underlayment, laminates made to withstand wetness have a thick layer of sealant on top. You’ll still need to be quick about wiping up puddles, but high end laminate should last for years without issue.

Flooding or excessive water in the bathroom could seriously damage any organic flooring, resulting in rot, swelling or mold. Cork and laminate are both more expensive to replace than vinyl, but many vinyl floors will twist, warp and detach when exposed to excessive amounts of water or heat.

Natural stone tiles present a perfect solution. Unique and full of character, natural stone tiles are the ideal flooring upgrade for your new bathroom. Available in a wide range of sizes, types, colors and textures, your bathroom will look absolutely stunning with natural stone tiles on the floors. Many homeowners opt to install the same stones, or complementary stone tiles, around the tub and shower. Depending on the style chosen, stones can create a classic look, evoke a rustic style or make this room look ultra modern.

Talk to your contractor about the optimum type of flooring for bathroom remodeling in Virginia. Invest in high quality building materials all over the room to ensure your renovation adds value to your home and lifestyle.

Why Building Permits Are Necessary

Although they may seem like just a paper trail or another expense to budget for, building permits play an important role in home renovations. The process and requirements are specific to your county, but the purpose behind permits is the same.

Simply put, building permits ensure that your home addition (and any other structural project) is built to code. The federally regulated building codes are formulated and put into practice in order to ensure safety and durability. Violating the building codes could quickly lead to injuries, and even fatalities.

This process is especially important for large-scale projects like Virginia additions, where several stages of construction include structural framing, electrical, plumbing and roofing – all presenting potential dangers to both homeowners and contractors.

Steps to the Building Permit Process

The Inspection Service division at your county office will review your project plans, looking at details such as floor joists, framing, plumbing and electrical design, materials specifications and loads. If all of those elements follow code, the drawings will be approved and a permit will be issued. Some counties issue temporary building permits for the duration of the project.

Inspections occur throughout the home renovation, at various intervals and covering different elements of the project. Electrical and plumbing inspections are important, as are structural inspections. All deficiencies recorded by the certified, professional inspectors must be addressed before the process can continue.

A final inspection is often scheduled, and all relevant paperwork is handed over to the homeowner. Most Virginia counties will deal with homeowners or contractors, and many place time limits on the permit application. Typically, work must start within six months of the application date and any breaks in the work must not stretch beyond a six-month period.

Obscure or Unusual Permits

Home additions require a standard building permit and, depending on the county, may also require a separate electrical permit. The location of your property, as well as the location and scope of your new addition, could require additional, more obscure permits.

Homes within the local flood plain or located in a buffer zone are subject to specific guidelines and building limitations. Also, if any element of your home addition involves the county’s right-of-way, an additional permit is required. Your contractor is familiar with these special circumstances and will likely take care of the additional applications. As the homeowner, you are responsible for the additional fees.

Building permits provide assurance and proof that your home improvement project meets federal building codes, as well as local standards. Professional contractors deal with permit applications on a regular basis and know the ropes when it comes to Virginia additions. Trust their knowledge, and trust in the county building permit system in place to ensure safety for all.

Carpet in the Basement?

Many homeowners still opt for traditional carpet in living areas and bedrooms. Since Virginia basement remodelling projects often include living space and a bedroom or home office, carpeting seems a natural choice. But unless you install the proper underlayment, you may soon face problems with mold and mildew.

Concrete is porous, meaning moisture penetrates your basement foundation naturally. Some homeowners apply concrete sealant to the foundation to block moisture, but condensation is unavoidable given the temperature and location of your lowest floor. Without applying a waterproof barrier between your foundation and carpet, the fabric will quickly become a saturated breeding ground for mold.

Ask your basement renovation contractor to install a layer of plastic vapor barrier on the concrete subfloor. You may also want to plan for a plywood subfloor underneath the carpet, providing additional insulation between cool concrete and your warm basement.

Another option for carpet installations is closed cell underlayment. Providing a dependable moisture barrier and soft cushion, this synthetic product also creates a warmer basement floor. Floating wood floors and laminate can also be installed over closed cell underlayment, and this quality product costs just a few hundred dollars more than standard underlayment (for an average sized basement project).

Wood Flooring in Your Virginia Basement Remodeling Project?

Many people assume that wood flooring is a bad choice for the basement. Although hardwood flooring works better on rooms above grade, floating wood floors (otherwise known as engineered wood floors) and laminate products can be installed in the basement for a warm, classic atmosphere.

Proper underlayment must be used to protect the wood from moisture – either poly and foam underpadding combinations or closed cell underlayment products are best. Floating flooring comes in click lock or glue down designs. Your basement contractor will most likely recommend click lock products, since glue down wood floors tend to be messier and more difficult to repair. Click lock floating wood floors go in fast, reducing labor costs.

Laminate flooring floats over your subfloor as well, and may stand up better to moisture and cooler temperatures typically found in basements. If long term durability is a concern, invest in a high quality engineered wood floor and closed cell underlayment, since the thickness and wear layer of this flooring lasts longer than standard laminate products.

Install the most durable flooring available and your Virginia basement remodeling project will deliver maximum returns in terms of comfort and value. Whether you use the basement for additional living space, bedrooms, home entertainment or a home office, high quality flooring creates an area where you can truly relax.

Privacy Screens

These tall, fence-like structures are the most common way to create privacy on a backyard deck. Install them in place of a railing and in locations that create the most amount of privacy without overshadowing deck space and leaving you with that ‘boxed in’ feeling.

Privacy screens provide the option of dressing up and personalizing your Virginia deck as well. Include a scalloped top plate on a wooden privacy screen or a higher beam to hang potted plants from. Or how about installing a decorative panel into a portion of the screen, to add color and style? Consider the screen’s shape, height, and direction of the boards to create a privacy screen that’s as individual as your home.

Gazebos and Screened In Porches

Incorporate a gazebo into the corner of your deck to create a nook for a dining table or lounge chair. Screen in the side walls for semi-private viewing and protection from bugs and pests, or grow greenery and vines to create natural privacy. Having a roof over this portion of your deck also blocks the view from above – a common issue with suburban houses packed tightly together.

Think about how a gazebo could be used to create an outdoor room, and how you could creatively cover one of the walls, or block in most of the structure to ensure privacy. Pergolas also provide an overhead structure suitable for vines, shades and other impromptu set ups.

Moving Up in the World

If you have a walkout elevation, or your home has a sliding glass door on the second floor, consider building a deck in that location as opposed to on the ground. The height actually creates more privacy, as long as your neighbor’s windows are not in the line of sight. Elevated decks also provide a lovely view from your patio furniture, and make good use of space.

Designing a walkout deck involves longer posts, higher railings and more stairs than a standard ground level project. But these challenges are easily handled by a professional decking contractor, who’ll also have suggestions about railing styles and landings that will keep that opening feeling in your yard, while providing a private deck space up above.

Will Planting Trees Work for Privacy?

You can also plant thick evergreen trees at the property lines to create an effective wind barrier that also blocks the view. But these trees will spread as time goes by, and landscaping requires more maintenance than a simple privacy screen or gazebo.

You need privacy in your outdoor living space, allowing for relaxation and peace on the property. Consider incorporating some of these top Virginia deck designs to create privacy in the backyard. From screens to upper levels and gorgeous gazebos, deck features that craft solitude in your yard are well worth the investment.

Typical Costs of Bathroom Renovations

The steps of a bathroom remodel Virginia homeowners typically need to plan for include:

• demolition and removal of existing bathroom
• install plumbing and electrical
• preparation of structural components, such as installing water resistant drywall on the walls and ceiling, adding support to the floors and leveling the subfloor
• finishing and painting of the walls and ceiling
• installation of bathroom fixtures, such as the shower enclosure, bathtub, toilet, vanity and sink
• installation of flooring (may happen before some bathroom fixtures go in)
• hanging accessories, such as mirror, towel holders, shower curtains, window treatments, etc

Each of these stages incur additional costs. Some require the skills of a professional bathroom contractor or licensed plumbers and electricians, while others can be tackled as a DIY project.

Many homeowners consider removing the existing bathroom before bringing in the contractor. As long as you understand that removal costs will apply, and damage that occurs during the removal stage adds to the costs later on, this route may shave some dollars off of the final budget.

Paying for the Pros

Maybe you’re considering installing the entire room. Comparing the costs of a professional contractor with the cost of materials from a local building supplies store convinces some homeowners that DIY is the only way. But stop and consider the value an experienced professional delivers.

A DIY bathroom remodeling project will take up most of your free time; you may even need to book time off work, using valuable vacation hours. Hiring a professional to handle the work allows you to make better use of your own time, and speeds up the entire process. While contractors can complete a typical bathroom renovation in a week or so, DIY enthusiasts may take a month or more to get the job done.

The professionals will also be sure to install plumbing and electrical properly, following local building codes and providing a safe, reliable system. Faulty electrical wiring causes fires and dangerous conditions in the bathroom, while improperly designed and incorrectly installed plumbing can cause leaks and floods, destroying much of your home and possessions. Why take the chance just to save a few dollars? Hire the pros and rest assured that your new bathroom is well designed and properly installed for years of use.

Financing Options

Talk to your banker about home renovation loans. A bathroom remodel project increases the resale value of your home, and often improves your home equity. Financing could help you complete the project today, while paying for the work in affordable monthly payments.

Some local contractors offer in-house financing as well, and most accept credit card payments. Take advantage of seasonal sales and promotions to get the best deal on your new bathroom project by having the financing available ahead of time.

Budgeting for a bathroom remodel Virginia homeowners want takes careful planning. Consider how much you can complete on your own and which elements of the job need to be handled by the pros. Then discuss financing options and watch for local promotions. Your dream bathroom renovation is possible.