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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.

After a long, cold, and damp winter, temptation lurks to immediately open your windows and doors on the first sunny, warm day of spring. These tips to freshen up your kitchen — perhaps the most used room in your home — make it ship-shape, gleaming, and ready for longer and warmer days and nights.

Let The Light In

Washing your windows in and out is a great start to freshen up your kitchen. Extra points if you also take off all of the screens and spray them down. If you have a curtain on your kitchen window, give it a wash or consider changing it up to a fresh color for spring.

This beautiful arched window in an Oakton, Virginia, kitchen remodel by Moss Building & Design demonstrates how much sunlight affects a room!

Deep Cleaning

Spring is a great time to really deep clean your major appliances in and out. Clear out your freezer of anything outdated or expired (freezer burn isn’t healthy!) and give it a good scrub down. Wash out the vegetable and deli drawers, replace the water filter, and place a new box of baking soda on the shelves of your fridge to neutralize any odors.

Clear Countertops

Amy Slenker-Smith, blogger and owner of Simply Enough LLC (and former Moss Building & Design customer), advises looking at your countertops. Think about how much easier life would be if they were clear and clean!

Start with kitchen cabinets and pantry, and figure out what can be downsized from there. This practice creates room for items currently taking up space on countertops and gives you the space you need to cook and entertain with ease. Read more of Amy’s tips here.

Pictured below is an image of Amy’s gorgeous Oak Hill, Virginia, kitchen remodel by Moss Building & Design:

Feng Shui It

Creating a beneficial energy in your kitchen is a key component to good feng shui. Besides clear kitchen countertops and cleaning discipline, another way to bring positive feelings of health and prosperity is to have a bowl of fresh fruit on the countertops. Nine oranges are considered ideal!

Bring in potted plants or herbs, or fill canisters with nuts, pastas, or other dry foods to show healthy abundance. If feng shui doesn’t appeal to you, the practicality of having fresh fruit and herbs nearby should!

Make A Statement

A fun way to make a statement this spring is to paint a statement wall! If your kitchen feels like it’s hit “middle age,” pick a fun color (Fuschia! Orange! Teal!) and paint a statement wall. If that seems like too much for you, consider using chalkboard paint and letting the kids have fun in the kitchen while you’re cooking.

Another long-term, trendy idea is remove kitchen cabinet doors and create open shelving. Ditch kitchen cabinets altogether, and put in floating shelves. Both of these ideas create a fun rustic look and feel to a kitchen, making it more open and welcoming.

This kitchen in Great Falls, Virginia, showcases gorgeous open shelving, plants, and other knick knacks to really create a special look and feel.

Knobs And Pulls

Another fun way to freshen up your kitchen is to replace the knobs and pulls! Find interesting hardware just about anywhere, like home decor stores, and replace and update as you wish. The cost is minimal, but the refresh is immediate.

If you’d like to speak with an expert at Moss Building & Design about refreshing your kitchen for spring, please call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

When completing a home remodeling project, keeping your home free of allergens may be the last thing on your mind.

However, if you or someone in your family suffers from outdoor or indoor allergies (whether they’re attributed to the changing season or not), an allergy-friendly remodeling plan is something you should definitely consider. We’ve compiled these six tips below and, for more help, refer to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Guide.

Maintain Your Windows and Doors

These entry points to the home are the most common places where outdoor irritants like pollen enter. It’s important to make sure that weather-stripping on windows and doors is replaced when it gets frayed. Condensation on glass is also very common due to the temperature difference between outside and inside your home.

If you notice dark spots that aren’t dirt, you may have mold growing on the window panes. Carefully clean or paint these areas to prevent mold allergies from spreading. Ensure that you’re considering door and window replacements as necessary during your remodeling projects.

This Moss Building & Design addition in Arlington, Virginia, was designed to accommodate a new office space. It required a bump out with a fresh, window upgrade.

Flooring Choices Make a Difference

For allergy sufferers, hardwood or tile floors are overwhelmingly the best options. Carpet notoriously harbors dust mites and other allergens. Talk to your contractor about flooring chemicals, finishes, and stains.

While wood might be your best option, you still need to be wary of formaldehyde, phenyls, urea, and other volatile organic compounds in some wood.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a really hot trend for any room in your home, from kitchens to bathrooms to basements. This is a desirable flooring option because of its versatility and durability. It’s very difficult to scratch or tarnish and holds up well against changing temperatures and moisture levels.

See the picture below of a MOSS-remodeled Arlington, Virginia, bathroom that features plank flooring.

Consider Replacing Whole-House HVAC and Humidity Systems

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation recommends keeping household humidity below 50 percent. One way to monitor this is installing household humidity systems. Individual room humidifiers or portable room air filtration systems are also viable solutions. Find systems that have HEPA filters, and change your filters regularly to avoid dust recirculation in your home.

Reliable contractors ensure that proper ventilation and protection of your home is a priority during the remodeling process, but that doesn’t meant that all particles are captured and cleaned from the air.

After any home remodeling project, consider a thorough air duct cleaning to ensure any dust and debris from the construction process are completely eliminated from your home.

Insulation Can Be Allergy-Friendly

Something behind-the-scenes that you may not even think about is the type of insulation in your home. Allergic Living magazine highlights blown-in cellulose and rigid foam insulation as alternatives to other insulation, since it isn’t made with chemicals like formaldehyde. Insulation is an essential element of any home to maintain temperatures and keep energy costs down.

Heating Options Matter 

In-floor radiating heat is a good alternative to a forced-air heating system for people with allergies. A forced-air heating system blows those allergens through the air while heating your home. Radiator heat reduces this movement and also gives a consistently warm feeling to your home.

Bonus Room!

If budget allows, bring the “outdoors” into your home. In this MOSS project in McLean, Virginia, featured below, the homeowner’s addition involved a lovely indoor/outdoor patio space.

Windows can be fully sealed, depending on the season and your level of allergy tolerance, or kept open with screens. This designated space allows you to keep your outdoor furniture free from pollen and other outdoor irritants, while giving you the feeling of being close to nature.

Learn More About Northern Virginia’s Top Remodeler

If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, call Moss Building & Design for your next project at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com

Giving back to the local Northern Virginia community is a core part of Moss Building & Design‘s values. We employ a team specifically to research local organizations and give volunteer time, monetary contributions, handyman labor, or materials to help make a difference. In 2017, MOSS’ contributed to a record 100 local organizations! 

Recently, we wanted to take this outreach even further and utilize the strength in numbers of individuals who attend the Capital Remodel & Garden Show, held in February. We shared with those who stopped by our booth about our charitable work and what it means to us. We wore t-shirts with the names of the organizations we have supported. And we promised to make a donation on behalf of those individuals, who took the time to have an appointment with MOSS, to one of three specific local charities. 

It’s amazing what a small group of individuals can do. It is a proud day when you can say that donations were made to the following three organizations which do so much good in the Northern Virginia community. We thank those people who took the time to spend more time with MOSS, and thank the organizations for allowing us to contribute to them. 

If you would like to learn more about MOSS and our charitable work, please email Jenn Zschunke, Community Relations Manager, at jzschunke@mossbuildinganddesign.com. 

Northern Virginia’s Best Remodeler Will be at the Arlington Home Show this Weekend

The Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo is this Saturday, April 14th from 10am-4pm at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA.

Last year Arlington’s prime home improvement and remodeling event gathered more than 75 home builders, contractors and specialist vendors, architects, inspectors, landscape designers, realtors, master gardeners, banks, nonprofit organizations and Arlington County housing, zoning and inspection representatives.

Northern Virginia’s premier remodeler, Moss Building & Design, is proud to once again be a part of the show. Located in booth 218 Moss will have design and remodeling professionals available to answer all of your home improvement questions.

Home show attendees are encouraged to bring pictures of their home, as well as any remodeling plans they may have. In addition to remodeling professionals, attendees of the Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo can expect to see a variety of specialist vendors, including master gardeners.

Join us this Saturday from 10am-4pm at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA. We look forward to answering all of your home improvement questions.

Design & Remodeling Contractors in Northern VA

Moss Building & Design is happy to answer your remodeling questions. From design related questions, remodeling questions and anything in between, we’re here to help. Contact us at 703-961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com. 

People often wonder if it’s worth it to build a custom home addition. Should you just pack up your house and move to a better space? Will this home addition add value to your property?

Moss Building & Design talks about why custom home additions are the way to go:

Building A Custom Home Addition In Northern VA

The pros of building a custom home addition outweigh any cons. Check out our comprehensive list of reasons why:

• Initial Price. Custom home additions are remarkably less expensive than new construction homes, especially if you’re in a fixer upper that’s below potential market value. This great alternative provides the coziness and comfortability of your own home with the feeling of newness.
  
• Value. It’s true than buying a new home provides you with a valuable asset that typically appreciates in value over time. It’s a great way to begin long-term financial stability, but it’s a huge decision that affects more than your living situation.
  
  However, if you’re looking to add value without affecting the distance to your workplace or where your kids go to school, a custom home addition is a great solution.
  
  Your existing home is an already solid financial investment that you’re comfortable in. When you include a home addition, your home becomes more valuable. If you want to enhance your financial foundation without changing your entire life, a remodeling project is a near-perfect way to get the best of both worlds.
  
• Customization. A custom home addition is a blank canvas. You have the freedom to design this room how you’ve always envisioned it, whether it’s a mudroom or an outdoor living space. A home addition also creates more square footage, whether you go up or out, and you can tailor this new space to your liking.
  
  On the flip side, home builders often offer design choices within their small portfolio of options for new construction homes. This gives you little to no wiggle room, and you might not be able to install farmhouse doors or a brick oven for pizza like you dreamed.
  
• Commitment. While a home addition is still a long-term commitment, you’re adding only a few hundred extra square feet. If you purchase a brand-new home, you now have thousands of square feet to take care of. That’s a risky game to play!

• Location. Love your neighborhood and school district? We definitely understand. Adding to your home is a great way to get the space you need without relocating the family. You’ve made a lot of memories in your home. Considering adding space before moving is absolutely worth it.Additionally, if you’re tight on yard space (Arlington and Alexandria), you should consider building up instead of out. Adding a second level to your home or master suite above your garage is a great way to get the space you need without sacrificing any of your yard!

Moss takes great care of you and your family during the remodel. We work with your family’s schedule to ensure that your family is comfortable and able to live day to day while we stay on schedule.

Will the contractor take care of any surprises? How will they communicate solutions?

We’re a little biased toward custom home additions, because the remodeling project is less expensive and time-consuming than buying a new home. It offers more customization, too, which means you can make your “Kitchen Goals” a reality without reservation.

To see how Moss Building & Design can help create your dream addition, contact us at 703.961.7707 or Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.