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A home addition is a big investment, but it’s worth it. Here’s how you can use a new home addition with the help of Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia:

As a special space.

The best part about a custom home addition is that it can be used for whatever you want. If you’re more practical, think about bumping out your kitchen, adding a yoga sanctuary or mudroom. Add a screened-in porch or a sunroom for a better outdoor view when sipping steaming coffee on a Sunday.

If you enjoy a life of luxury, consider a wine cellar, trophy room, walk-out bar, or in-home movie theater in your basement. These additions make life a little better — and definitely more luxurious.

No matter what you’re looking for and investing in, home additions (especially an all-season addition) offer an aesthetically functional space for you to decorate, design, and live the way you’ve always wanted to.

As an extra source of income.

You’re remodeling your home to meet your families specific needs. Eventually those needs may change as the kids get older, and family dynamics change. You may find yourself with some extra space in your home that you can use to put a little money in your pocket, consider investing in a custom addition. It’ll cost a bit to put it together, but you can use this room as a rentable space on travel websites like Airbnb and HomeAway. People around the world are looking to save money when taking a vacation. That means travelers are ditching hotels for hostels and rentable homes.

Get in on the travel trend by listing your new space as a rentable property. It becomes an extra source of income for your family, so you can take a vacation next time!

As a home resale value increaser.

Your home is a financial asset that typically appreciates over time, especially if you put in the TLC to keep it updated. But, did you know that custom home additions add value to your long-term homey investment? 

Some future homebuyers want more bedrooms and bathrooms, a larger kitchen, and/or an additional sun or mudroom — anything that qualifies as usable space. This can drive up the resale value of your home (if you use a reputable contractor and do the project right) when you’re ready to move to another home.

As an alternative to moving.

Moving into a new home is a hassle and takes the greater part of a year to complete, from financing to home tours to closing dates. A custom addition is a great alternative to moving. Here’s why: 

• Custom home additions are less expensive than new construction homes, especially if you’re in a fixer upper that’s below potential market value. An addition provides the coziness and comfortability of your own home while still having a feeling of newness.
• An addition gives you the freedom to design it how you’ve always envisioned and creates more square footage, whether you go up or out, to tailor this new space to your liking.
• If you love your neighborhood, schools and general area, an addition is a great choice for you. If you are tight on yard space consider building up instead of out. You will still get all the space you need without sacrificing any of your yard. 

Whichever reason convinces you to get a home addition, Moss Building & Design can help make your dream a reality.

If you’re ready to commit to this type of home renovation project, call Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Few words describe this amazing home remodel in McLean, Virginia, by Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s top remodeler.

Buoyed by the vision of the homeowner and fulfilled by our team of interior designers and project managers, this renovation truly demonstrates the capabilities of Moss Building & Design — not only in structural changes, but in listening to our clients and providing them with the home remodel of their dreams. 

This McLean, Virginia, home, purchased by our client to be nearer to family, was beautiful to begin with. Our client, however, wanted the space to feel differently for them.

In addition to major updates to the kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom, MOSS provided new floors on the main level, redid the living room mantle, painted the entire home, and installed a new front door. 

Kitchen Renovation

To fulfill our client’s vision for their kitchen, MOSS opened up walls into the dining room, creating a more open and fluid space. In traditional design style, this kitchen remodel included new quartzite countertops and custom-made Ken Mason Tile backsplash. Semi-custom Hampshire cabinets and new appliances, including a second dishwasher, were installed. 

Master Suite Remodel

Renovating a master bedroom is very personal. Our client wanted a more open space and to utilize additional room from other nearby bedrooms. MOSS created a new walk-in closet for the master bedroom from a smaller bedroom, and then transformed the original closet into a small seating area.

In addition, MOSS installed a tray ceiling, which made the master bedroom appear larger and more light-filled. The master bedroom, therefore, became more of a master suite. 

Master Bathroom Remodel

Our client had a specific vision for their master bathroom: To create a larger space with a “wet room.” MOSS took on the challenge and combined the original master bathroom with an adjoining hallway bath to create a truly incredible bathroom.

The shower area and large tub were built in the same area, surrounded by fixed panel glass with no doorway. The “wet room” allows young visitors to splash as they wish without worry of the flooring. MOSS installed a porcelain, marble-like tile on the floors, walls, and shower floor. The chosen vanity top was Mother Of Pearl quartzite. 

See more photos of this beautiful before and after transformation by visiting our gallery of images on Houzz. 

Want to learn more about a home remodel of your own? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

A custom home addition is all about what you want and need. A vision board of Houzz and Pinterest pins is a great place to gather the style inspiration, but think about your true end goal for the project. What is your family dynamic like? What features are going to improve the quality of your life in your home?

Moss Building & Design details some of the most popular home addition options, according to Houzz and our personal project portfolio. Check it out below!

A luxury Northern Virginia addition.

If your tastes err on the side of luxury, Moss Building & Design has you covered. This custom addition with kitchen and bathroom remodel in Fairfax Station, Virginia, reflects a contemporary and elegant blend of interior design.

The classy Mediterranean vibe includes a color palette of green, blue, grey, black, and taupe across all rooms. Accent pieces include crystal chandeliers, thick white curtains, ornate vases and kitchenware, curved furniture, and more. Check out all of the pictures of this project on Houzz.

An in-home oasis.

If you need a little more space for quiet time, think about an in-home oasis (also called a salon) as your home addition. This popular space often includes a couch, set of chairs, and a coffee table adorned with books or magazines for Sunday reading. It’s the getaway you never knew you needed!

Check out this enclosed salon in Illinois with a custom plaster ceiling, dark wood floor, gray walls, no television, and a standard fireplace.

A deck extension.

A covered deck is a great way to get on board with this season’s hottest trend: bringing the outdoors in (without using plain houseplants). This natural home addition is an easy extension of your space and can include everything from cushioned outdoor seating and tables to a firepit and backyard grill.

Check out this Houzz inspiration from a Moss Building & Design project in Annandale, Virginia.

A bungalow.

So chic! Most people think a bungalow is reserved for island or beach homes, but that’s just not the case. You can build a bungalow right in Northern Virginia as a custom home addition project.

Check out this farmhouse chic bungalow in Northern California for design style inspiration. The room includes staple sliding barn doors, cowhide accent chair, woven blinds, statement paintings of nature, and more.

An in-law suite.

Up your guest bedroom game with an in-law suite. This type of custom addition gives visitors their own bedroom and bathroom within the same square footage as your home.

For design style inspiration, check out this remodel in Fairfax, Virginia, that was done by MOSS. The project includes classic interior design with an open concept floor plan, floral chairs, and dark kitchenette cabinets.

A wine cellar.

Whether you’re a pinot grigio connoisseur or a moscato lover, a wine cellar is the perfect custom addition to your home. For inspiration, this wine cellar in South Carolina holds thousands of bottles in dark oak cabinetry and includes a traditional design style color palette of Wenge, Arroyo Red, Delicate Peach, Satchel, and Caramel Apple from Benjamin Moore. The stone walls complete the traditional design look.

Whatever room you’re dreaming about or need for the future, Moss Building & Design has you covered. Before calling us, learn a little more about how to plan the perfect home addition remodel.

If you’re thinking of committing to a home addition, call Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13th. I’m sure many of you have plans for your moms, wives, and grandmas already, right? If not, don’t despair! There are still flowers, cards, and chocolates you can buy, and other lovely ways to show the mom in your life that you care about her. 

But just in case you are looking for some other ideas, we polled the moms at MOSS for what THEY would love to receive for Mother’s Day. Maybe these will give you some ideas…

Liz Lee, Project Designer: “A day at the spa.” 

Jeannine Miller, People Ops Specialist: “I asked for a new apron or an Apple Watch and said, ‘You kids can decide which you think would make me most happy. Keep in mind, I’m the parent who usually picks out your birthday gifts.”

Michelle Moore, Project Coordinator: “A homemade craft project from my girls.”

Julia Kilberg, Community Relations: “I NEED quiet time with a good fiction book.”

Jenn Zschunke, Community Relations Manager: “To sleep late and do as little as possible around the house.”

So from everyone at MOSS to all of you, Happy Mother’s Day to those moms out there who give their all, all the time. We’re grateful for you and all you do!  And if Mom asks for a few projects around the house, don’t hesitate to contact Moss Building & Design for a free estimate at 703.961.7707 or hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com. 

As a home remodeling company in Northern Virginia, we’ve seen and done a lot of home additions. It’s a tough road for homeowners to trek alone, but, with the help of MOSS, it’s easy to achieve your dream addition. Here’s how to plan the perfect home remodel:

Find your design style.

This is the most fun part of a home remodeling project! Browse through Pinterest and interior design magazines to choose your preferred home design style. Turn to Houzz for expert inspiration from architects and interior designers to solidify your idea of a dream addition.

Remember that every design style is interpreted differently by those involved in your addition project like interior designers and painters. Before you break ground, you need to identify what problems you want to fix in your home, and then discuss solutions with your chosen remodeler. 

Choose the right remodeling company.

Chip and Joanna Gaines make it look easy to perform a do-it-yourself remodel, but it’s best to find an expert in your local area.

First, determine your requirements. Narrow down your vision board according to your Houzz saves, Pinterest pins, and magazine cut-outs. Afterward, let the remodeler offer you solutions to get there.

Second, ask the right questions about the remodeling company (permits, history in the business, licenses, proof of insurance), an outline and timeframe for your project, contract options, project plans, and more.

Lastly, hire a legitimate company that cares. After seeing if their project portfolio looks similar to your dream addition, ask the right questions about the legitimacy of the company and project scope. If they answer everything to your liking, book them!

Understand the true terms of your contract.

A lot of people don’t like to talk about the ins and outs of their contract, but it’s super important! It’s encouraged to discuss payment, delivery, materials, and subcontractors throughout the duration of the project to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you signed up for. 

Finance your addition.

While everyone has dreams of an addition for extra square footage, it often costs more than most home improvement budgets allow. To finance your home addition, think about the following tips from Moss Building & Design:

• Demand specifics from your remodeler. In terms of contract and final price, project scope, and other factors of your home addition, ensure that your remodeling company gives you specific numbers instead of estimates.
  
• Do it now. Don’t overplan the timing! We don’t suggest waiting until a specific time of year for financing deals or before or after a major life event.
  
  When you’re ready with the resources and feel good about the remodeler and contract, go for it! The sooner you do it, the longer you get to enjoy your addition.
  
• Understand price point. You’ll get a wide variety of cost estimates for a similar scope. Some are too high, others too low (and good to be true). Most of the time, the right price falls somewhere in the middle.
  
  Remember: it’s the final price — not the contract price — that matters most. 
  
  Be sure that you’re comparing companies with similar capabilities and expectations. The price range for similar companies makes the evaluation easier than comparing a company with full design and construction services to a guy in a pickup truck.
  
• Put value above price. While price is a factor, value is most important. To get the right value for your money, consider the services, company, and other qualities before committing to financing a project or signing with a remodeler.   

If you’re thinking of committing to a home addition, call Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Spring is the perfect time for exterior home remodeling projects. As you focus more of your free time outside, also think about which home projects you’d like to check off before fall and winter set in again. Read on for MOSS’ picks for the best remodeling projects this season.

Patios, Porches, And Decks

There is no better project for spring than working on your outdoor space. That’s why building a patio, porch, or deck is at the top of our list of home remodeling projects for you to tackle in the coming months.

Don’t know which outdoor structure to get? Many people use “patio,” “porch,” and “deck” interchangeably, so, what’s really the difference?

A patio is on the ground level and uncovered (though some people choose to cover their patios with a trellis or other roof structure). A porch and deck are more synonymous, as both are above-ground structures that are attached to a house.

While a deck is generally uncovered, a porch is covered or enclosed with a roof and screens. A deck is a structure found in the back of a house, but a porch is found in the front or back. If you’re from the South, you might call the front porch a veranda. This is structure that’s on the ground level, covered by a roof, and adorned with a front railing.

This Oakton, Virginia, deck is one of the more straightforward outdoor home additions that you can do to add more seating space. Room for additional features, such as screened-in areas, fans, outdoor entertainment systems, and fire pits, is available, if your interest and budget allows.

For more tips on creating the perfect blend of an indoor-outdoor area for your home, read our recent blog post here.

Additions

A custom home addition is another project that’s great to tackle in the spring, because you might be a little more willing to forgo indoor space while construction is going on.

Think about what makes the most sense for your family before embarking on an addition. Do you need more bedroom space for another child on the way? Is your kitchen cramped and in need of a bump-out to give you the space you need to enjoy large family dinners?

Check out all the reasons why an addition could be an excellent project for you in our recent blog post.

This addition in Burke, Virginia, features a beautiful, completely remodeled in-law suite. For the family that tends to have extended-stay visitors, the in-law suite is a great way to make guest space feel like a second home. It also creates separation for much-needed privacy when more bodies are in the house.

Adding kitchenette areas and accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers to your multi-room home addition is an important part of building an in-law suite.

HVAC Repairs

Nothing is worse than your air conditioning going on the fritz on a hot day. That’s why nipping any HVAC replacement issues or repairs in the bud should be high on your priority list in the spring.

If you’re not ditching your old system for a completely new unit, hire a technician to service the HVAC and perform the following essential tasks:

• Replace the air filter.
• Tighten loose wires, hoses, or fasteners.
• Inspect fan belt.
• Check refrigerant levels.
• Inspect for leaks and blockages in the ductwork.

Check back on our blog in a couple of weeks for more tips on maintaining your HVAC system.

Northern Virginia’s Premier Remodeling Company

If you’re looking for a remodeling company to tackle your spring to-do list, call Moss Building & Design at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

It is with great excitement that we can announce that Moss Building & Design was recently awarded the 2017 National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC’s Chapter Community Service Award. The award is presented to a NARI member who has donated time, materials, and energy to help area individuals and groups in need. 

Awards were presented at NARI’s third annual Education Day on April 18, 2018, where attendees were also able to participate in training exercises and listen to speakers discussing the latest industry trends.

Throughout 2017, the MOSS Community Relations team coordinated the donation of funds, volunteer hours, handyman services, food, gift cards, and other items to over 100 organizations, schools, and other good causes in Northern Virginia. Some of the organizations we have worked with include The Women’s Center of Fairfax, Share of McLean, Arlington Free Clinic, Chantilly High School, Bridges to Independence and much more. 

It is a privilege for the MOSS Community Relations team to continue working towards helping those in need in Northern Virginia. To be publicly acknowledged in such a way is truly an honor. To learn more about our community outreach, please contact Jenn Zschunke, Community Relations Manager, at jzschunke@mossbuildinganddesign.com or call us at 703.961.7707. 

Custom home additions offer a special room that you can turn into whatever you want. Whether it’s a work-from-home office, a yoga sanctuary, a rentable bedroom, or a huge playroom, a home addition is a great decision for your home. The space also adds market value to your home, as long as you use a reputable contractor to do the project right.

Check out these unique custom home addition ideas from around the United States that ooze luxury, tasteful interior design, and fresh ideas. Get your home design inspiration on!

A family room in Oak Hill, Virginia

If you’re looking for a dual space for family and friends, check out this inspirational home with a traditional design style in Oak Hill.

This MOSS custom home addition has coffered ceilings, custom trim work, and durable hardwood floors to complete the versatility of this space.

It also includes gorgeous paint that made all the difference. The walls are Benjamin Moore Aura Matte, Stone House 1039. The wood trim, including the wood on the ceiling, is Benjamin Moore Regal Select Semi Gloss, Simply White OC-117. The ceiling dry wall is Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Ultra Flat, AF-45 Collectors Item.
 

A morningside bungalow in Minneapolis

This 1919 bungalow, according to Houzz, “was lovingly taken care of but just needed a few things to make it complete.” The owner was an avid gardener that wanted a home for their plants during the winter season. This potting room, a custom home addition designed by Meriwether Inc of Edina, Minnesota, is just off the dining room and doubles as a mudroom.

A master bedroom suite in Oakton, Virginia

If you’re looking to up your sleep game, consider a grander bedroom suite like this mid-sized master bedroom by Moss Building & Design of Chantilly, Virginia, that incorporates traditional interior design style with carpet and beige walls. A large walk-in closet, lounge area, and custom built-ins make this master suite a perfect in-home oasis.

A breakfast room in Boston

Done by Howell Custom Building Group of Lawrence, Massachusetts, this breakfast room “addition gives personality and a unique feel to a traditional spec built home,” according to Houzz.

The vaulted ceiling is lined in douglas fir and topped with a cupola to round out the “light, airy feeling to the space.” The home’s original walls were removed to create an open floor plan that incorporated this luxurious breakfast space.

A game room in Austin, Texas

Take inspiration for your dream entertainment addition with this futuristic room done by Realty Restoration LLC of Austin. This large, timeless open floor plan includes a medium-tone wood-floor game room remodel, complete with a pitched ceiling, wall-mounted television set, and futuristic calico and teal walls from Sherwin-Williams Paints.

A trophy room in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

This ideal trophy room was done by Porter Construction LLC of Wilmington, Delaware. Hunters and sports fanatics alike can take inspiration from this 23-square-foot timeless living room and library remodel near Philadelphia.

The home addition is complete with a standard fireplace, built-in painted cabinets, display case, and a pendant light by The Urban Electric Co. of Charleston, South Carolina.

Whether you need a space for family and friends or trophies and entertainment, home additions provide the perfect solution.

If you’re thinking of committing to a custom home addition, call Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com. 

If you’re teetering on getting a custom home addition, we say go for it!

Moss Building & Design has years of experience with this type of project, and we see the benefits every time. Families are happier with the extra space, and homes look more beautiful than they already were.

If you need a few more reasons to jump on a home addition, check out our comprehensive list below:

It offers a special room. 

Bedrooms are made for sleeping, while kitchens are made for cooking. Dining rooms are made for eating, and family rooms are made for entertaining and making memories with your loved ones.

What exactly is a home addition for? Whatever you want!

A custom home addition that’s available during all seasons offers the benefit of a necessary, customizable space. Do you need a work-from-home office? Do you want a yoga sanctuary? Does your growing family require a bigger playroom or extra bedroom? 

This extra square footage is the perfect way to specialize a room in your home for whatever you need without purchasing a brand-new home.

You avoid the fuss of a new home.

Like we mentioned before, an all-season custom home addition gives you extra space without packing up and moving into a brand-new home. Prior to even moving, you have to research which models fit your lifestyle, organize your finances for a down payment, and find a new school or job that’s closer to your new place. 

It’s all too stressful! A custom home addition is a great alternative. It’s an alternative solution that offers the same benefits. 

Home additions can be an extra source of income.

If you have a beautiful extra space, rent it out! Travel companies like Airbnb and HomeAway are taking off, because people around the world are looking for ways to save money when taking a vacation. That means travelers are ditching hotels for hostels and rentable homes.

Get in on the travel trend by listing your custom home addition as a rentable property. It becomes an extra source of income for your family, so you can take a vacation next time!

Custom home additions add value.

It’s no secret that your home is a financial asset that typically appreciates over time. However, it’s a little known fact that custom home additions add value to this long-term investment.

Some future homebuyers want more bedrooms and bathrooms, a larger kitchen, and/or an additional sun or mudroom — anything that qualifies as usable space. This can drive up the market value of your home (if you use a reputable contractor and do the project right) when you’re ready to sell.

It adds a little luxury. 

Are you ready to splurge? Home additions don’t always have to be practical. Install a hot tub in your bathroom or a walk-out bar or at-home movie theater in your basement. Add a screened-in porch or a sunroom for a better outdoor view when sipping steaming coffee on a Sunday.

These additions aren’t necessary, but they do make life a little better — and definitely more luxurious.

Whether you need the space or you want a little piece of luxury in your home, additions are the way to go. You don’t have to pack up your life and move (saving you time and stress), and you add market value to your home. Prior to selling, this space can make a little extra income for you if you choose to rent it out. 

If you’re thinking of committing to a home addition, call Moss Building & Design at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.