Top 3 Common Mistakes Made During A DIY Bathroom Remodeling Project

You may be tempted to perform your bathroom remodel yourself in an attempt to save money. However, this can be a short-sighted idea as DIY projects like this can cause costly problems that could have otherwise been avoided with an Alexandria Bathroom Remodeling contractor. Often times there are many factors DIYers overlook, forget about, or simply neglect and these mistakes can have serious consequences. You can avoid costly mistakes and the headache of a bathroom remodel by hiring professionals to do the job right.

1. Forgetting About Ventilation

When making decisions for a bathroom remodel, many homeowners make the mistake of not considering their ventilation system. Proper ventilation is necessary to help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Neglecting ventilation can have serious and extremely expensive consequences. There’s also a lot to consider when it comes to selecting an exhaust fan, you have to take into account the size of the room, the CFM (cubic feet per minute) capability of the fan, how far the duct will have to travel to reach the outside of your home, how many turns the duct has to make, and how loud the fan will be. A professional will be well versed in dealing with proper ventilation.

2. Choosing The Wrong Material

In an attempt to save money, many DIY bathroom remodelers will try to cut down on how much they spend on materials. Unfortunately, it’s extremely easy to choose a material that is not suitable for a bathroom which will result in repairs with high costs.

Including metal into your bathroom remodel is a very popular trend currently, however, most people don’t have the proper knowledge to include it the right way. If you put a metal finish on top of plastic parts, you’re asking for trouble. Bathrooms are exceptionally moist environments that can cause metals you wouldn’t expect to begin to rust and peel. Many homeowners want to jump on the marble bandwagon, but they don’t consider the reality of having a marble or other natural stone in a bathroom. If you use marble around your sink where water is often splashed and left sitting, the marble can begin to darken as it is a very porous surface.

These are only some of the problems that can occur! There are many other types of materials that just aren’t suitable for a bathroom, and you may accidentally make a costly mistake. This is why you should have a professional home remodeling company do the work for you, as they are aware of what works and what doesn’t.

3. Permits

When doing to a DIY bathroom remodel project most people forget they need permits! Local building departments usually require permits for plumbing and electrical work, and they can also sometimes require one for building. If you’re tempted to do the remodel yourself and you think you can get around permits, think again. Permits are still required for your DIY bathroom remodel and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be challenging to meet all the codes and requirements. If you don’t file you risk the chance of work stoppage or worse, and you certainly will have problems when you try to sell your house in the future.

Top Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Trends in Alexandria

Looking for ideas to remodel your Alexandria kitchen? Look no further. Below are some of the top trends and ideas that are prevalent right now. In 2018, we’re looking to incorporate more technology and ease into our kitchen, while also maintaining a sleek and modern look. Here are some specific ideas that are on trend and can help you achieve this aesthetic.

1. The More Technology The Better

Technology can now be fully integrated into almost every aspect of your kitchen. Not only do they make your kitchen extremely modern, they also provide undeniable convince. Consider small appliances like a coffee maker that can be set to fresh coffee ready to go when you wake up. For a new sink, it is a great idea to get a motion activated sink or one that has a one-touch feature. Fridges are no longer restricted to just keeping your food cold.

Invest in a smart fridge and you will be opened to a world of opportunity. They can play your music, your favorite TV shows, and they can even alert you to when your groceries are running low. You can also sync up your lighting with a smartphone or tablet so you can easily control it.
Not only are these upgrades impressive, they also will make your life significantly easier.

2. Keep It Simple

Without a doubt, one of the top trends we see in kitchens in 2018 is a sleek and simple look. Whites, greys and warm browns are the color palette to go with. They give a clean, fresh look without being overpowering and distracting. Don’t overpower your kitchen with decorations, rather choose a few modern pieces that have a large impact. This will maintain the sleek and simple look. You can’t go wrong with a simple look, it is timeless and will certainly be a favorite for years to come.

3. Quartz Continues to Reign Supreme

A quartz countertop is a great choice for your modern high-tech kitchen. Forget all about granite, quartz is much easier to maintain and will last you until just about the end of time. It’s that durable. It also comes in a variety of colors that can serve as an accent to your kitchen, or fit into the simple and sleek style. A quartz countertop is by far the way to go if your remodeling your kitchen this year.

4. Smart Storage

Being smart with your storage space can increase the ease and effectivity of your kitchen. This can be done by optimizing every space available to you. Consider the size of small appliances and kitchen tools you will have to store. Custom cabinets are a great way to get the most use out of your storage space by designing them to accommodate items of a specific size. Don’t overlook the power of a divider in a drawer, they make it seem like you have double the space you thought you had. They also are a quick and easy way to stay super organized.

5. Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

One of the top trends this year is utilizing our kitchen islands to become the focal point of the kitchen. You can have your kitchen island serve just about any purpose you want. You can use it for effective storage, it can house appliances like your dishwasher or stove, and they serve as a casual dining space by simply adding room for seating.

Alexandria Small Bathroom Ideas on a Budget

If you are dealing with a small bathroom remodel in Alexandria, don’t worry, we are focusing on efficiency and small-scale luxury at an affordable price to give you the bathroom of your dreams. Forget gutting your whole bathroom and starting over, pick certain key elements to upgrade that will make it feel like a brand new space. Smart decisions can save you money while also delivering a high impact on the appearance of your bathroom.

Limit the Amount of Changes You Make

This seems like a simple tip, but over don’t overlook its importance. The fewer changes you make the more money you will wind up saving. Take a careful examination of your bathroom and decide what specific elements are holding it back from being the bathroom of your dreams. Prioritize which changes are the most important and find ways to upgrade them cheaply without compromising quality.

Don’t Doubt The Power of a Fresh Coat of Paint

By far the cheapest and most effective way to give your bathroom a new look is to apply a fresh coat of paint. Considering the size of your bathroom, if you are dealing with a small space it might be wise to go with light colors to give it a more open and airy feeling. A crisp, clean paint job can help make your bathroom look brand new. Deciding to dramatically change the color of your bathroom will also give the room a completely new and different feel.

Consider Upgrading Bathroom Fixtures

Sink faucets, towel racks, and light fixtures are a relatively cheap way to update the look of your bathroom. These things can seem insignificant, but the fixtures you choose to go with can set the tone for your entire bathroom. Perhaps finding used ones can give your bathroom a vintage feel. Or if a modern look is more in line with your vision, consider going with all black fixtures which on currently on trend. Focusing on the details of this allow for you to make changes that won’t break the bank.

Lighting Can Change Everything

Lighting affects the way every room looks. Don’t overlook how important lighting is, especially when you are dealing with a small space. Consider a chandelier to serve as not only a source of light but also as a decorative accent piece. Vanity lighting and shower lighting can give your bathroom a much more expensive and luxurious feel.

Wisley Choose What Tile to Replace

The cost of tile can add up quickly, so limit the amount of tile you are replacing in your bathroom and focus on the areas that need it the most. While an exciting and creative tile design may be tempting, you have to understand that will certainly cost more money. Try to go with tile that is simple and classic. However, if you are dead set on a unique tile, perhaps use it as an accent and use in a small quantity so you are only paying a fraction of the cost.

2018 Bathroom Remodeling Ideas in Alexandria

If you looking to undergo bathroom remodeling in Alexandria this year and you have no idea where to start, look no further than these top seven trends.

1. Underfloor Heating Systems

You no longer have to worry about the feeling of bare feet on a cold tile floor, an underfloor heating system is your solution. Forget slippers and socks, in 2018 we are enjoying heated floors that offer a new kind of luxury to a bathroom. Heated floors are another way to heat your home while also reducing noise levels and preventing possible allergic reactions that can result from a traditional heating system that blows around dust. Try something new and give you feet a treat on a cold winter morning.

2. Unique Tile Shapes

Color, texture and boring shapes are not are only options for tiles this year. New technology is allowing for manufacturers to easily create all sorts of tile designs, which means you can get even more creative with your bathroom. Consider a hexagon, diamond, or chevron tile that will turn your boring floors into a decoration. Unique tile shapes easily give your bathroom a unique and modern flare.

3. Marble

While marble has always been a trend, using white marble on a large scale is rapidly emerging as a hot new trend. It can be used for showers, bathtubs, and sinks to create a clean and elegant design. If your not looking to spend the big bucks for authentic marble, then consider using marble wallpaper or decorations for a similar aesthetic. The bottom line is, we love the look of white marble and can’t get enough of it.

4. Blood Accent Walls & Floors

Many people remodeling their bathrooms are going for a simple and sleek look. However, that can get boring after a while. A great way to add a twist to a simple bathroom is to consider adding an accent wall, or even going with a bold floor (perhaps a unique tile shape in a bold color) to add a special and personal touch to your bathroom. Accents draw your eyes to them and become the focus of the room. When used right, they can quickly turn your bathroom into a design masterpiece.

5. Darker Tones

For a long time neutral whites and light woods dominated the bathroom trends, but now we’re starting to see dark tones start to pop up. This is particularly true with floors, cabinets and and plumbing fixtures. Finding the right balance between dark and light colors can be tricky, however if your looking to dabble in this trend consider using a dark color to serve as an accent. We expect to see darker tones becoming a bigger trend in the future.

6. Neutral Colors With Organic Undertones Are Here to Stay

While dark tones might be starting to pop up on our radar, there is no denying the power of a white, grey, and warm brown color palette. With this color scheme you should consider adding a natural, organic flare to your bathroom. This can be done by adding hints of aged wood and greenery. This is a classic modern look that everyone can appreciate.

Qualities To Look For In An Alexandria Home Remodeling Contractor

Look Through Their Portfolio

When looking for an Alexandria home remodeling contractor, it is important to consider their past work. Take a look through their portfolio to get a sense of the contractor’s individual design and building styles to make sure it aligns with your vision. Contractor’s should provide a portfolio that contains high-definition photographs that show you the overall result of their work, as well as photographs that show smaller finishing touches. These photos will help you get a sense of the kind of work the contractor is capable of. The contractor may even include a video gallery to allow you to experience the home remodeling process from start to finish in a matter of minutes. With the combination of photos and videos, you should be able to determine which contractor will be the best fit for you.

Research Their Credentials

Take a look over the contractor’s credentials before deciding to commit to their firm. Find out if the contractor holds all the necessary required licenses from state and local municipalities that will be essential when remodeling your home. Another credential to consider is, whether or not the contractor has any special designations from professional associations, such as The National Association of Home Builders, American Institute of Architects, or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. You may also find that the contractor has won awards due to their impeccable work in the industry. Strong references can also serve as a way to evaluate a contractor’s credentials.These credentials will help you decide which contractor is the most qualified to remodel your home.

Read Their Reviews

One of the best ways to see if a contractor’s work is up to your expectations is to check out their customer reviews. You should look at the contractor’s own website, as well as other authorized review sites such as Houzz, Google and Yelp. These will give you insight into customer’s overall satisfaction with the work they received. Positive reviews may sway you to choose that contractor, whereas negative reviews might be an indication you should check out other firms. When reading through reviews you’re looking for a contractor who uses quality materials, shows up on time, and performs excellent work within the time and financial estimates. Word of mouth is another great way to learn more about a contractor. Ask friends, family and acquaintances who they have had positive experiences with. You can even ask local businesses, such as hardware stores or suppliers. While these reviews may give you a considerable amount of insight, they are no substitution for checking references.

Choosing An Alexandria Home Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Alexandria home remodeling contractor is crucial in achieving your desired outcome. The right contractor can make the difference between a successful experience and a renovation nightmare. You should be asking for estimates, performing phone and face-to-face interviews, and carefully reading through the contract. By looking at a contractor’s portfolio, credentials, and online reviews, you will be able to gauge which firm will have your best interest at heart and give you the best quality work.

Questions To Ask Your Alexandria Home Remodeling Contractor

What Is The Timeline For My Project

Your contractor will do their best to give you an accurate timeline for how long the project will take to complete. However, there is a large amount of variance that is involved when predicting how long any phase of the project will take. Even the most well thought out timeline from an honest and skilled contractor could experience delays. This is because projects are often faced with a variety of changing variables, which can affect the project’s completion during the initial time frame given. Weather, permitting issues, zoning issues, subcontractor conflicts, and material availability are just a few of the variety of complications that may arise. You should go into your Alexandria, VA home remodeling project knowing that obstacles may emerge which could impact your completion date. Being prepared for these potential setbacks will keep your expectations from getting too high and allow you to be better equipped to deal with them.

Have You Performed Similar Projects?

It is important to ask your contractor if they have performed similar projects before. You should seek a contractor that specializes in the type of work you seek. Some contractor’s dabble in a little bit of everything, however that does not mean they are the best equipped for your specific project. Finding a contractor who specializes in what you are looking for can help ensure the best results. A good way to determine this is to ask how many similar projects they have completed in the last year. You may want to ask if you can see the results of their work to determine if it is what you’re looking for. It is also a good idea to ask for references to get a sense of what other customers have experienced. You want a contractor who is well qualified and adept at what they are doing so that you can achieve the results you want.

What Should I Expect During My Home Remodel?

Remodeling your home is no small task and therefore, you should be prepared to encounter a lot of changes in your home. The remodeling process will disrupt your day-to-day life as your construction team will be working in your home. There will be a lot of noise, so you should anticipate being in a loud environment while the team is actively at work. However, even after the team leaves for the day, your normal life may not be able to resume completely. With construction comes a lot of mess and you may find that sawdust gets everywhere, despite how careful your contractor is.

Even if they cover floors and set up tarps, it is inevitable that sawdust will escape. It is likely that the rooms your getting remodeled will be blocked off and you will not have access to them on a regular basis. This is crucial to account for, particularly if you are remodeling important rooms you frequently use, like the kitchen or bathrooms. It is possible that obstacles will arise during the remodeling process. You should anticipate your project taking longer than was expected and costing more than originally predicted. Making sure your expectations of your home remodel are reasonable is a great way to ensure a positive experience.

How to Budget for Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling

If you’re not prepared for the primary and then hidden costs of of an Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling project, then be ready to take a huge blow to your finances. It’s very important that you understand the costs up front before you’re ready to hire an Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor. You must first consider all the things that factor into your final payment and include them in the budget that you’ve drafted.

Many unknown factors like a botched project design, additional material costs, and additional labor fees could yield a higher bill and bigger chunk out of your wallet. If you are ready to get your home remodeling underway, make sure to prepare yourself for the costs of the project by budgeting effectively.

Here is a list of the 8 best ways you can design a budget for designing your dream home.

Be Prepared From the Very Start

Many homeowners are clueless as to how much the cost of home remodeling will amount to. Novices who go to get an estimate on the project costs, are shocked to find a projected bill that could run 3 times higher than they expected. Drafting a budget with your expectations first, and then sharing it with your Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor, will benefit both you and them. They can come up with a project plan that meets your budget. But also don’t forget factors like the material quality and labor costs.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

Factor in the disparity in prices for the project. Your home’s location, as well as its condition, what materials are needed, and other variables can increase costs. Don’t trust the prices advertised on HGTV. Approach your contractor with what you want in terms of design plans and budget, here him out on other external costs, and form a realistic budget and realistic expectation on the project’s cost and quality. Don’t aim too low on price though. The quality will suffer and your dream home will be dashed.

3. Know the Details

Make sure to incorporate additional costs to your final budget. This is because although the contractor will give a solid estimate, he usually has not included all the added costs. Knowing this, you can add to your budget because you know that the details of the project require more labor/materials expense. Have open communication with your contractor as well so you can get a better sense of the costs.

4. Cutbacks

If your budget is a little bit tight, you may have to sacrifice all the aspects and features of your dream home, as the costs will add up. But that’s okay. You can still have a quality home remodel design you’re happy with, without sacrificing top quality. Try a DIY project on the side that can help with the home remodel and save you money, and then leave the rest to your Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling Contractor.

5. Get Quotes

You can bid other home remodeling contractors by comparing design prices you get from each one and their quality of work after you’ve created your initial budget. Seek out referrals from family, friends, and previous customers. Then, choose the best one for your dream design.

6. Make Important Decisions ASAP

Don’t delay on making important decisions for your home remodeling, it will hurt you financially long term. If you wait on making decisions like getting an electrician to fix your lights, it will interfere with your project and drag its duration out longer. Also, don’t flip flop on your design plans. This can add costs and time onto the project.

7. You May Have to Move

If your remodeling project is a big one, you might not be able to live in your home while it is going on. If your entire house is being remodeled, then you should consider the expenses of a hotel and eating out in your budget.

8. Make Compromises

Though you’re envisioning the perfect dream home completion at the end of the project, you might not entirely be able to live that fantasy. Because of the budget you’ve created you may have to live without all the features you wanted to enjoy. This requires a willingness to compromise on things or end up blowing your budget. However, you can still get top quality aesthetics without cancelling the whole project entirely because you won’t get entirely what you want. For example, if you can’t afford to furnish your entire home with wood flooring, then maybe pick the two top rooms you use consistently and put in wood flooring in them only. Make sure to find the best, most trusted Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor, and with their help, create together the best budget that will meet your desires and match up with their quality work.

Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling Trends

No one wants to be the eyesore of the neighborhood with an outdated home that looks in shambles. If you bought a house built in the 80’s or maybe even decades before, you are probably living in one that is in desperate need of home remodeling. Not only do you want your house to look better inside and out to keep up with the Jones’ new additions next door, but you also don’t want mold or mildew. It’s a delight having the trendiest home in the neighborhood, and especially for the right reasons; your family’s health, safety, and comfort.

Many people want to remodel their home because they want to enjoy new aesthetics, and live more safely, but also for another two key reasons: they want to increase its market value when it comes time for selling their home, and because they want to live more comfortably. When considering undergoing a home remodeling project, begin by taking a look at the different areas of your home that are in a real need of repairs. If you don’t, and just hastily hire an Alexandria VA, home remodeling contractor, you’ll just be wasting your money on an unnecessary project.

But if you’re ready to remodel your home then you’re starting the new year off right. 2018 is projected to be a prime year for home remodeling after significant growth in the industry. So you’re not only making the right decision for you and your family, but it’s a great one too! But before you get started, here’s a list of the top Alexandria VA, home remodeling trends of 2018 that will have you saying “Wow, I made a great decision!”

1. Richer Shades of Kitchen Colors

Out with the classic, but bland white colors to paint your kitchen, and in with the new trend of splashing bolder, richer colors onto your kitchen cabinets and walls like mahogany, and stylish neutral colors like shades of blue and gray to make your new kitchen space feel comfortably unique. Check out social media like instagram and design/style sites like Pinterest for great ideas from original and risk-taking minds.

2. Richer Colors All Through the Home

Personalize your entire home’s color scheme with different shades of browns and blacks or strong shades of red, yellow, green or blue. Take a permanent vacation away from the old and odd color schemes of the 60’s and 70’s. New colors aren’t expected to go out of style too quickly. They will be a trend-setter for years to come.

3. Rid Yourself of Stainless Steel Sinks

Ditch the white sink frame and stainless steel sink. Replace it with some new trending materials like stone, copper, or even granite to match your kitchen countertops.

4. Add some Vintage Fixtures

Replace common light fixtures with vintage ones like high-quality lanterns or chandeliers to give your home an older, refined look. Take a look online to view the classic lighting fixtures trends for creative ideas.

5. Farmhouse Sinks

Still popular today are the deep trough, bucket sinks. Often used in the laundry room where no one really is looking for aesthetic appeal or in your kids’ bathrooms, these sinks are low-maintenance and uniquely aesthetic and take up less space.

6. Classic Patterns

Geometric patterns are making a comeback from the 60’s and 70’s decades. Bringing these classic designs into your home, and especially into your kitchen will offer a bold and classic look with some modern accents.

7. Reconsider Tiles

If you want to make your kitchen and/or bathroom look totally trendy, then avoid tiles with a subway or hexagon pattern and replace them with a contemporary style that mimics concrete, wood, or wallpaper.

8. The Modern Bedroom

As much as we want to pack the downstairs parts of our house with adornments and interesting colors, forget that mentality when remodeling your bedroom. Use less furnishings in the master bedroom and less bold colors, instead replace them with neutral tones and smaller, simpler furnishings.

9. “Wabi-Sabi” – Imperfections are Okay

When considering Alexandria, VA Home remodeling, we often encounter stress in trying to control the designs to make sure they are absolutely perfect. In this modern era, it is important to drop this anxiety about the perfect home and relax knowing that perhaps a simpler, authentic renovation is okay and won’t take away from the aesthetics of your remodeled home.

10. Remember to Go Green

The trend of going green nowadays definitely can translate into the world of home remodeling. A modern trend is to stay with the green-initiatives by incorporating energy efficient windows, doors, lights, etc. You can protect the environment and still live trendy in your remodeled home.

How To Choose The Top Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling Contractor

As a homeowner, I know how much my home means to me. I have spent countless hours making sure it looks exactly the way I want it, and have spent a lot of money doing so. But if you are like me, there are just some projects that I can’t tackle alone. When planning a home remodeling project, there are many factors to consider. You must think of what you want, how long it is going to take, how much money it is going to cost, just to name a few.

But the most important factor you need to consider is, who is the best home remodeling contractor I can hire to get the job done. After going through this process myself, I have compiled the top 3 areas you should consider before hiring an Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor.

Previous Work Performed

Home remodeling is an art, and should be researched as such. One of the most important factors you want to consider is the past work performed by the contractor. Most Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractors have portfolios of previous work performed, so you can get a good idea of what that contractor brings to the table. Best practice for doing this is to narrow down at least 3 local home remodeling contractors and review their portfolios. This will allow you to get a visual representation of what your remodel could look like and the quality of work the contractor has performed on similar projects.

Estimate Comparisons

Once you have narrowed down the potential Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractors, it is best to contact each one and have them provide an estimate. These estimates should be reviewed and analyzed by the following factors:

• Project completion projection
• Total cost of project
• Quality of work on similar projects

There are many other factors you should also consider, but these are a few that you should heavily consider when choosing the right Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor for your project.

Customer Reviews

Sure, any contractor could boast about their own skills on their website and make themselves look like the top pick. To weed out any contractor that might be skilled at writing about themselves, but lack the quality of work performed, always review what previous clients have said about their completed project by that contractor. The best way to truly determine the skill and quality of work performed by a contractor are people who have been in the same position as you and can provide detailed analysis of the work that was performed for them. Previous clients are in no position to sugar coat facts, they gain no value in writing a positive review if they truly did not believe the work they paid for brought them satisfaction. Customer reviews are a sure fire way to understanding how your home remodeling project could turn out.

Face To Face Meetings

Of course not all contractors have the gift of gab, but when determining the top Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor, you should feel comfortable with them. After all, you will be spending a considerable amount of time with this contractor and inevitably will be suggesting changes or asking questions throughout your home remodeling project. If you find that the contractor resists suggestions you make about your remodel, then it is time to reconsider your choice, as this will lead to a long and stressful home remodeling project.

Alexandria, VA Home Remodeling Contractor Overview

You may find that there are many other important areas to consider when choosing an Alexandria, VA home remodeling contractor, and there are! I have found that these three areas are the most crucial to consider when choosing a contractor for your project. Make sure you take your time when choosing, because in the end, you are paying for what you want and you want it done correctly and to your standards.