Tip # 1 – Go Big

Who knows how many people will show up for your backyard bash, and it’s much better to have plenty of room for everyone. Design an oversized deck to maximize the opportunities. Standard deck sizes run from 12ft. x 12ft. (just enough to hold an average patio set) to expansive decks wrapping around the back of large homes. Entertainers need to aim for the larger size, and should consider building a multilevel deck for better traffic flow.

Find out how large you can build your deck, taking into account the local building code and any underground wires or pipes. You cannot build your deck over a septic bed, although an experienced contractor can figure out a way to install a larger deck over asphalt, gravel, turf or garden.
Whatever size you decide on, ensure your deck is well supported and built to recent codes regarding structural limitations.

Tip # 2 – Think Barefoot Comfort

Homeowners have several choices of finish for Virginia decks. You can opt for treated wood and stain or paint the product to achieve the look you want. Cedar wood can also be stained or painted, but presents fewer splinters, cracks and splits than treated wood. This type of wood provides a smoother, more comfortable surface for walking and ensures lower risks of injury for your younger guests.

Composite wood provides another option. This product combines plastics and wood byproducts, and creates a comfy surface. It can be manufactured in a wide range of colors that never require staining. Your best bet for barefoot travel on the deck, composite costs at least twice as much as treated wood.

Choose your deck board wisely and consider how the products ages. If your deck is exposed to full sun, drying and cracking present a threat. Decks that rest in the shade for more than a few hours tend to grow mold, mildew and other organics, which can create a slippery deck surface. Consider your comfort level, exposure and budget when choosing the deck board.

Tip # 3 – Include Kitchen Essentials

Outdoor kitchens transform your backyard into a functional space. Think about incorporating a grill, sink and refrigerator into the deck design, providing the perfect space for food prep and serving. Be sure the area is equipped with power and water, as well as natural gas, if applicable.

Build the kitchen in a strategic location, near both the entrance to your home and the outdoor seating. Keep the traffic path free of obstacles and avoid steps or ramps. Create multiple levels to make this design safer and more functional, or consider building the main deck area higher up.

Tip # 4 – Built In Seating Means Less Furniture

Adequate seating makes your deck party more comfortable for everyone. Think about incorporating built in seating by replacing railings with high-back benches or building low, wide-lipped planter boxes that double as seats. These insignificant features make a major difference when you have guests, and leave the balance of your deck open for patio furniture.

Get creative when designing Virginia decks for entertainers. Think about size, comfort, food prep and seating to ensure your outdoor space provides the ideal area for entertaining a crowd.

1 – What Do You Appreciate About the Existing Bathroom?

Take a long look at the current state of your bathroom, and make a list of the positives. Maybe you appreciate the size or how the windows bring in plenty of natural light. Perhaps you like the flooring or can’t imagine a bathroom without your existing shower. Note all of the features that fulfill your needs and wants right now, and ignore everything that you would like to change.

This type of list helps your bathroom renovation contractor to envision the ideal design. Some of these elements may need to be changed over the course of your remodeling project, but noting each positive allows you to move toward an improved space.

Be as specific as you can, and think about each element of the room, including:

• Layout
• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting
• Countertops and Vanities
• Storage
• Paint colors
• Flooring
• Location in your home
• Trim and architectural details
• Tiling

2 – Who Will Use the New Bathroom?

Once you’ve thought about the features and made note of all the existing positives, it’s time to think about function. Consider who will use this space, and when. Is it a powder room reserved mainly for guests and quick bathroom breaks? Or are you planning to renovate the master ensuite, used mainly by a couple? Perhaps you’re renovating the family bathroom, used by anyone and everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Determining who will use this space allows your Virginia bathroom contractor to design for adequate space and function. A busy bathroom needs plenty of floor space and features made for a crowd, such as double sinks, extra large closets and a walk in shower. Virginia bathrooms with limited use or aimed for a more intimate experience should be designed with that function in mind.

You may also need to consider accessibility, depending on who will be using the new space. Flooring, door width, vanity height and shower and toilet design can be altered to create enhanced accessibility and a more comfortable experience for all those using the room.

3 – Where Will You Store Bathroom Essentials?

Most people spend plenty of time deciding on the plumbing fixtures, flooring and décor during a bathroom remodeling project. Storage remains the most overlooked element of modern bathrooms. Think about where you’ll keep bathroom linens, toiletries and cleaning products. What else does your family regularly store in the bathroom? And does the new layout accommodate?

Plan for more storage than you need, as this area can easily be used for overflow. And consider creative storage solutions to take advantage of unusable space. Narrow cabinets, open shelving and other types of storage help to make the most of your remodeling, and provide valuable storage for today and into the future.

These three questions help homeowners to plan better Virginia bathrooms, taking into account their tastes, function and storage needs. Talk to your contractor about each answer and expand from there.

Creating a seamless living space requires careful planning and an expert eye. Virginia additions should complement your existing home, not stick out like a sore thumb. But details like paint, flooring, exterior finishes and lighting present challenges to many homeowners looking to blend their new living area with existing space. Check out these tips and consider how you can make it all happen.

Tip # 1 – Keep Good Records

Did you keep the paint can from your last redecorating project? Do you have a record of the flooring brand and lot installed in your home? Can you find the receipt or packing list for light fixtures and other features currently illuminating your space? Although it may be too late to take advantage of this practice, remember to do so for the next renovation.

Check out your personal household records and see what you can find on the paint, flooring and fixtures. This information allows you to carefully match the same features in your home addition. Visit a local paint retailer to obtain a color match and talk to flooring and lighting stores about sourcing out similar products.

Tip # 2 – Go For Contrast

Sometimes matching the existing décor is nearly impossible. Why not aim for contrast instead? This provides a more realistic target and creates a fair amount of design freedom for your contractor.

You’ll still need to do some legwork and shop for complementary products, but eliminating the need to match opens your project up to various possibilities. Consider installing a lighter hardwood flooring in contrast to the dark stain on your existing space. Or opt for contrasting colors on the walls, while incorporating the existing wall tone into décor accessories and furniture.

Stick with the same theme or style for a cohesive feel, unless you’re aiming for an eclectic look.

Tip # 3 – Consider What’s Behind the Walls

Some Virginia additions place a major load on the existing electrical and plumbing systems. Ask your Virginia contractor to assess the current state and find out whether you’ll need to upgrade wiring, drains or any other mechanical element in your home.

This type of work eats into the home addition budget, but also creates a safe and comfortable living area for today and into the future. Find out about local building codes as well, and be sure your contractor schedules all relevant inspections and applies for permits. Overhauls and upgrades provide the wisest course of action when your new addition puts a strain on existing systems. Patches and mismatched systems only result in hassles.

Tip # 4 – Price Out Replacements

Assess the condition of your existing walls, flooring and lighting. Is it time to redecorate or update the look and finish of your home? Home addition projects offer an opportunity to spruce up the balance of your living space, as long as time and budget allow.

Talk to your contractor about pricing for replacements in the existing space. Consider DIY or stretching out the project. But remember that this investment in your home will create valuable returns for your lifestyle and property value.

Whether you opt to match, contrast or redecorate the existing living space features, Virginia additions transform your home in a good way.

Good Planning Reduces Mistakes

No doubt about it—mistakes cost money. Errors or accidents often require replacement materials or extend the renovation schedule, adding to overall labor costs. Sometimes mistakes show up after the remodel is complete, while others arise during construction. No matter when the homeowner or contractor becomes aware of them, mistakes push the budget higher.

Plan your basement remodeling project well to avoid these errors. A detailed sketch of the framing, electrical and mechanical features allows for efficiency and accuracy during installation. Access to local building codes also cuts down on errors and omissions in that area. Even the simple rule of “measure twice, cut once” helps to reduce the risk of wasted materials and wasted time.

Work at the plan before construction starts, and keep the plan updated during your project. Changes and alterations happen, but smart homeowners alter the plan and trace how far those changes spread to help avoid problems later on.

The Affordability of Drywall

Some people assume that drywall costs more than other wall-finishing options. You’ll need to budget for framing behind the drywall sheets, as well as mudding, primer and paint to properly finish the walls. But this basement renovation package is often cheaper than other alternatives.

In past decades, wood paneling was used for cheap Northern Virginia basement remodeling. Modern quality wood paneling has gone up in price and you’ll still need to budget for framing and possibly insulation.

Quality drywall runs at $4 to $8 per sheet. The cost for drywall mud and painting supplies adds to that figure, and installation rates drive it even higher. But attractive wood paneling comes in at $15 to $20 per sheet and higher.

Drywall also creates a more comfortable, livable area downstairs. Decorating is easy and using this building material often helps to increase property value, as the basement is considered valuable living space.

Use drywall on the ceiling to cut costs. You’ll need to plan the electrical and mechanical design well and provide access for repairs. Drop ceilings allow for simpler access, but cost double the price of drywall ceilings. Plan and compare to discover how affordable drywall can be when finishing the basement.

Remember the Value of Light Fixtures

Lighting is vital in the basement. Quality lighting provides illumination and creates a more inviting, open space in the lower floors. Remember to allow for adequate lighting and opt for fixtures that blend into the ceiling and walls.

This is not the place for expensive, trendy lighting. Look for simple builder’s grade styles that provide decent coverage at a good value. It’s important to include enough lights, or else this space feels cramped and gloomy. And adding a few lights and mirrors in strategic places costs much less than adding a new window.

DIY may seem like a smart way to save money on your Northern Virginia basement remodeling project. But unless you have the skills and experience to make this space comfortable, safe and inviting, it makes sense to hire an experienced contractor. They will provide ways to shave the budget without sacrificing the quality your family deserves.

# 1 – Cedar Weathers Well

Cedar heartwood is used for decking materials and provides natural resistance to rot. Although decking contractors recommend using treated wood for the in-ground applications (framing and posts), cedar deck boards, stairs and railing materials should last 15 to 20 years without major structural decay. And that’s without applying any stain or treatment products–a good quality cedar stain could extend that life by a decade or more.

Left to weather naturally, cedar turns a silver color. This attractive appearance matches well with modern and traditional homes and provides a casual atmosphere for your outdoor living space. Many Virginia homeowners want this look and cedar delivers with minimal effort. For those consumers who want to maintain the rich red color of new cedar, annual cleaning and staining are required.

# 2 – Cedar Presents Fewer Splinters

Many deck installers prefer to handle cedar, as it tends to present fewer splinters. This may appeal to young families and pet owners in particular. Cedar decking surfaces remain smooth and comfortable for years.

Cedar sawdust may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, but it does not contain any chemicals and can be safely composted. Scrap cedar can be burned (where allowed by local bylaws) and this wood can be safely used for indoor and outdoor applications.

# 3 – Cedar Costs Less Than Other Premium Products

Cedar decks are more expensive than those designed using standard treated lumber. Expect to pay about 40 to 50 percent more to finish your Virginia deck in cedar wood. But this added cost is much less than composite wood, which runs closer to double or even triple the cost of standard treated lumber.

# 4 – Cedar Allows for Flexible Deck Designs

Are you dreaming of a round deck design or something with a little personal flare? Cedar is fairly flexible and can be used to construct decks of varying sizes, shapes and designs. A soft wood that allows for bending and cutting, cedar provides a skilled craftsman with hundreds of design possibilities. When compared to hardwoods, treated wood and composite products, cedar allows for more variation in your design.

# 5 – Cedar Presents Less Cupping and Warping

Cedar does not absorb moisture as much as spruce, pine or fir (woods used in treated lumber). This natural property means that cedar does not split or crack as readily and quickly as treated wood. You’ll find less cupping and warping on a cedar deck, allowing for a more professional appearance now and over time. Cedar may grow mold or mildew, when left in the shade, but it will perform very well in all other areas.

Talk to your contractor about using cedar wood for your Virginia deck. This building material provides several benefits and is well worth the additional investment.

Accessible shower room with circular drain

Understand What Barrier-Free Actually Means

Construction specs differ based on the experience and understanding of the contractor. When you ask your bathroom renovation contractor for a “barrier-free” shower room, he/she may design and install an attractive, modern shower room without fulfilling that all important label.

Standard shower rooms include a tiled lip or ridge around the outer walls of the shower, often 4 to 5-inches in height off the ground. This may not seem like a big issue, but that slight lip can be very difficult to manage for those with mobility issues. And that’s where a “barrier-free” shower room comes into play.

This shower design often has glass or tiled walls, much like a standard shower room. It may or may not include a door–true walk-in shower rooms use a dry passage to avoid the need for a door, but this design requires more floor space and significantly greater materials. Your contractor will seal the bottom and side edges of the walls to minimize leakage, and should help you choose a shower style that suits your needs and limitations.

In order to contain water and create a safe bathing area, a barrier-free shower uses trench drains or strip drains around the outer edges of the shower. Some trench drains may have a slight ridge–much like an s-bend–to help deter water runoff. Others are merely a long, narrow drain cut into the floor and topped with a stainless steel or heavy duty plastic grate.

How Drainage Comes Into Play

Your accessible shower needs to be designed with purpose, in order to be fully functional and meet current safety standards. Drainage makes a difference.

Shower rooms have a tiled floor, and generally come with a tiled lip around the edges. Transform this standard shower room into an accessible shower by removing the lip from the entrance and installing a trench drain. But remember that the floor must slope to the drain.

Your contractor may include another drain along the rear wall of the shower, with the floor sloped that way. In that case, the entrance trench drain is merely a backup. Other designs allow the floor to slope toward the entrance trench drain. Circular drains in the middle of the shower room also work, although runoff can pose a safety issue.

Talk to your contractor about which style suits your Virginia bathroom remodeling project, taking into account the space and existing conditions.

Think about investing in an upgraded trench drain that includes LED lighting to indicate the presence of water. This helps to reduce the risk of falling when slippery conditions exist, and also adds a bit of modern style to your new bathroom.

Be sure to add grab bars and accessible storage for toiletries. A detachable shower head makes the most sense, and easy access to towels is vital to creating a comfortable environment.

Installing an accessible shower in your bathroom makes sense, and adds to your property value. Be sure to handle this aspect of your Virginia bathroom remodeling project well, in order to achieve the functionality and appearance you need.

Understanding the Additional Costs of Additions

New construction avoids several steps, including demolition and retrofitting. These steps drive the cost of home additions higher. Most contractors agree that the construction costs of house additions can be anywhere from 25 to 50 percent higher than new construction costs.

Architect fees should be included in any construction budget, and the services of this professional help to overcome many of the obstacles common to home additions. Blending rooflines, structural walls, landscaping and elevations requires skill and an eye for the overall design. Architects fit the bill perfectly. Expect their fees to reach between 5 to 15 percent of the total construction budget.

Although it is difficult to narrow down the cost of a typical home addition in Northern Virginia, expect to pay between $80 and $150 per square foot for basic construction. Remember that several key elements influence this price range.

Electrical and Plumbing

The cost of simple Northern Virginia additions, living rooms and bedrooms for example, is significantly lower than the construction cost of a kitchen or bathroom addition. Electrical and plumbing drive up estimates, depending on your tastes and the work required to install these elements.

Choose the following items for your home addition, and add the cost of each to the estimated square footage price above:

• Bath or Shower (or both)
• Toilet
• Sink
• Faucets and Taps
• Lighting
• Exhaust Fans
• Heating Lamps or Radiant Underfloor Heating

High end bathroom fixtures, taps, lighting and heating design add to the construction cost, which is often calculated based on standard fixtures.
Difficult or complicated circumstances require more labor for installation, increasing the project cost. Will your contractor need to rewire the existing electrical system to accommodate your home addition? Or will the plumbing design need to be reworked to maintain flow and proper drainage? An experienced builder can easily handle these situations, but the added time increases your cost.

The Value of a Written Estimate

Whatever the size of your home addition, and whichever electrical and plumbing fixtures chosen, be sure to obtain a written estimate before the project begins. This quote should outline the work in as much detail as possible, including:

• Specifications of the project, such as size and location
• Details of materials, including brand names and product numbers where applicable
• Approximate scheduling
• Labor included
• Warranty
• Payment details, such as deposit and draw details

It helps to discuss the project details with your contractor, but with some discussion and a few key decisions, you should be able to calculate the cost of Northern Virginia additions. Use this figure to create a rough budget and arrange for financing. The numbers may change as your project takes shape, but this basic calculation is a wise first step.

What Causes Cracks in Your Basement?

Cracking is almost inevitable, as shifting soil, water and age take a toll on your concrete foundation. So how do Virginia homeowners know what to do about this issue? And what should be done before you finish the basement?

Hydrostatic pressure is the leading cause of cracks in the basement floor and foundation walls. Pressure from the outside and natural movements of the soil around your foundation cause the concrete to crack and split. Rainwater, groundwater and run off collect around the foundation and apply pressure to the walls. Settling soil and frost movements create even more pressure, often resulting in cracks.

You may notice more cracking in the spring, but this movement and pressure occur all year round. Watch for signs of dampness in the basement and inspect your foundation walls and floor carefully before planning a basement renovation.

Do Small Cracks Cause Problems?

Thin, hairline cracks may not seem threatening, but movement and additional hydrostatic pressure widen cracks and allow for the passage of moisture. Water in the basement creates a myriad of problems today and into the future. You must repair the cracking before closing up the wall and installing flooring.

Small cracks create a point of weakness. If left unrepaired, these thin cracks will open up with additional hydrostatic pressure. You may not notice water seeping in at the moment, but unless you invest in measures to repair cracks, moisture damage could destroy your finished Virginia basement in a short period of time.

What to Do About Foundation Cracks

Incorporate foundation repairs into the budget. Depending on the scale of the problem, the following common repairs could play into your project:

• Drainage Repairs – landscaping, grading and other processes help to redirect water away from the foundation, resulting in less hydrostatic pressure
• Waterproof Membranes – installed on the outside of your foundation, these membranes provide a protective coating that seals existing cracks and helps to minimize the risk of future cracking
• Piering – an excavation process that results in greater levels of support for your foundation, and especially important in newer subdivisions and areas with a high concentration of backfill
• Steel Bracing – installed inside the basement to help minimize movement, often used in older properties with limited access to the exterior foundation walls
• Wall Sealers – applied to the inside of your foundation wall, these paint-like products help to prevent moisture movement
• Crack Sealers – direct application into the existing cracks works well for wider foundation cracking, most often a silicone product or hydraulic cement

Continue with the plans to finish your basement once these cracks have been addressed and drainage improved in your yard. You cannot guarantee against foundation cracking in the future, but with the right systems in place your Virginia basement will be much more comfortable.

Where to Install Deck Lighting

You can find several types of deck lighting on the market, and each style works well in different areas of the structure. Recessed low voltage lights can be mounted flush with the deck surface to create a well lit border or illuminate the stairs. Other styles fit into railing posts and overhead features. Check out this quick primer on possible locations for deck lights and the styles that suit:

• Deck surface – recessed styles provide a low profile look that also prevents tripping, but higher fixtures can be installed around the perimeter of the deck surface without becoming an obstruction.
• Stair tread and Stair face – Smaller recessed fixtures work best in both the stair face and tread, and should always maintain a smooth surface. Be sure to look for brands with high quality lenses to prevent breakage on this high traffic area.
• Railings - Mount globe fixtures or rods onto the handrail or along the railing post to light up this section of your Virginia deck. Railing post caps also provide an excellent spot for deck lighting and many manufacturers offer solar cap lights and lanterns that add beauty with little to no additional maintenance.
• Pergola or Roof – Overhead features provide plenty of space for deck lights, including recessed fixtures within the beams or ceiling, globe fixtures on the rim of your roof or hanging lanterns.
• Walls or Privacy Screens – Mount light fixtures to your house wall or privacy screen for more substantial illumination. These fixtures can be sconces or extend from the vertical surface to provide overhead lighting. Consider units that combine deck lighting and heaters for year-round enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Where to Find Quality Deck Lighting

Deck lights are available at most building supply stores and many specialty stores. Remember that you will get what you pay for, and products with a solid warranty offer the best value.
Pay attention to the specifications. Low voltage lighting requires a transformer, unless the system is hard-wired into your home. Look for transformers with photocells that power up as evening falls and turn off when natural light exists.

Solar lighting is a growing industry, and many big name manufacturers offer solar deck lighting in a variety of styles. Surface-mount, pillars, post cap lights and even lighting strands provide an array of selection for consumers looking to add low cost, environmentally friendly lights to their yard. You may have to bring solar lights in for the winter, although some of the more durable varieties can withstand the freeze and thaw cycle of a Virginia winter.

Add deck lights to your Virginia deck for more opportunities to enjoy this cozy space. Think about where to mount the lighting and find a good quality brand to enhance the value and comfort of your backyard.

While much depends on the speed of your contractor, a typical timeline looks something like this:

Initial Stages

You’ve decided that a bathroom remodeling project is required and in the budget. The first stage of this project involves meeting with potential contractors to go over the design and draw up a quotation. This process takes about one to two weeks from initial contact, depending on your availability and the number of contractors you choose to have quote.

Some contractors ask their clients visit the company showroom to sign a contract or view product samples. This can often be done within the above time period, assuming the contractor delivers their quotation within a reasonable span.

Once the contract has been signed, material selection begins. This process may take one to four weeks, depending on your tastes and preferences. An extensive bathroom remodeling in Virginia involves several types of materials, from flooring and tile, to bathroom fixtures, cabinetry and lighting. You may have to visit several different retailers to view samples, or spend hours online browsing web catalogs.

Delivery and Demolition

The second major stage of a bathroom renovation involves waiting for the materials to arrive. Demolition can be completed simultaneously, but only if the homeowner has reliable and convenient access to another bathroom. If not, the demolition process (which typically lasts between 1 and 5 days) should be done immediately following installation to minimize downtime.

Delivery of materials can stretch for a long time, depending on the type of materials ordered and the jobsite location. Many contractors recommend sourcing local building materials where possible, or ordering from Virginia retailers to cut down on transportation costs and wait time. For standard materials, expect a lead time of 4 to 7 days, and 4 to 6 weeks is not unheard of for special order lead times.

Installation and Clean Up

The final stages of your Virginia bathroom remodeling project are coming up. Things get exciting from here on, with flooring installation, electrical and plumbing work and vanity installation helping to bring the room together.

Depending again on the scope of work, installation time ranges from 2 to 3 weeks. This could happen in stages, with each tradesman requiring a span of time to work in the room. Experienced contractors know how to stage the project in order to optimize efficiency and ensure that work moves smoothly from day to day.

Always allow for wait times during the installation process. Tile grout needs to dry or cure, flooring may need to set and paint needs to dry. All goods things come to those who wait, or in this case, a quality built bathroom comes to homeowners who wait.

Clean up often takes just one or two days. Smart contractors handle this throughout the course of installation and end the project with minimal finishing work and clean up.

Bathroom remodeling in Virginia requires a significant amount of work. Understand the elements of each stage and learn how to value the time spent on quality work. Don’t rush things, but instead allow your Virginia contractor to take the time required for job well done.