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The homeowners worked closely with our consultants to create a scope of work and budget for a fully remodeled kitchen and laundry room.  There were clear allowances within the contract so our customers knew exactly the range of budget that was included and could be worked within. 

Vision 

The homeowners wanted to completely renovate their existing kitchen, as well as their existing laundry room to modernize the kitchen (including appliances, cabinetry, and flooring) and to make the laundry room more accessible and functional. 

Scope 

The entire kitchen had to be demolished, including removing framing, cabinetry, lighting, and flooring.  All cabinets and trim within the laundry room were also disposed.  Framing for the new kitchen was installed.  Plumbing and gas lines were run, as well as electrical lights for appliances and lighting.  The new kitchen had insulation and drywall hung, and then the interior trim was added.  All new cabinetry and countertops were installed, and lastly the entire new area was painted and hardwood flooring was installed. 

Budget 

Our team helped the homeowners determine a final overall investment and facilitated the financing of the project.  They also determine the final scope for the work to provide the largest impact on living space.   

Timeline 

This was a relatively quick job, with the entire process taking about a month.  The pre-construction meeting started in April of 2020, and the remodel was finished by the end of May, 2020. 

Master Plan 

We took the time to understand the exact needs of the homeowner.  Their big picture plan was a complete remodel of their kitchen and laundry room. 

Kitchen 

The entire kitchen was demolished, including framing walls, drywall, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lights.  After demolition, the walls were framed for the new dimensions of the kitchen.  Rough-in plumbing was added for the kitchen sink, faucet, hot water dispenser, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and refrigerator.  Circuitry for all electrical outlets was installed, as well as for multiple lights, including 12 LED recessed lights and LED under cabinet lights. 

Next, insulation and drywall were hung in the kitchen.  Interior trim, including around windows and doors, was added, and cabinets and granite countertops were installed as well.  Lastly, the new kitchen was painted, and Oak hardwood flooring was installed throughout. 

Laundry Room 

In the laundry room, all cabinets, flooring, and trim were disposed of.  New cabinets and trim were added, and finally luxury vinyl tile was installed. 

Complexity 

Even though this was a relatively small scope of work, the project was completed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic which caused significant changes to communication strategy. 

Are you looking to transform your basement into a functional and stylish living space? Basement remodeling offers endless possibilities for enhancing both the value and comfort of your home. Whether you need additional living areas or want to create the ultimate entertainment hub, MOSS Building & Design is here for all your basement remodeling needs.  Here are some basement remodeling ideas to inspire you: 

Home Theater 

Imagine transforming your basement into a state-of-the-art movie theater. With plush, reclining seats, surround sound, and a high-definition projector, your family can enjoy the cinema experience from the comfort of home. Install blackout curtains or use a dark paint scheme to create that theater-like ambiance. Add a snack station or mini-fridge to keep movie treats handy, and don’t forget to include acoustic treatments for sound quality. This is a perfect option for movie buffs or families who love hosting movie nights. 

Guest Suite 

A basement guest suite provides the perfect mix of comfort and privacy for visitors. You can transform a portion of your basement into a fully functional living space, complete with a bedroom, a full bathroom, and even a kitchenette. This not only gives your guests their own space but also adds a touch of luxury. Consider adding storage options like a wardrobe or built-in shelves to ensure your guests have everything they need. A guest suite can also serve as a future in-law suite or even a rental unit, making it a flexible remodeling option. 

Home Office 

With more people working from home, converting a basement into a quiet, professional space is a smart move. A basement office gives you the seclusion needed to focus without distractions. Install proper lighting—both natural and artificial—since basements tend to lack windows. Soundproofing can ensure calls and meetings aren’t interrupted by household noise. Personalize the space with modern ergonomic furniture, shelves for books, and a dedicated area for computer equipment. With the right setup, you can create a workspace that enhances productivity and comfort. 

Playroom 

Parents know the struggle of keeping toys and games organized. A basement playroom is a great solution, providing a dedicated space where kids can let their imaginations run wild. You can design the room with durable flooring, such as carpet or rubber mats, for safety. Bright, playful colors on the walls and storage cubbies or shelves for easy organization will make it both functional and fun. Add a craft station, reading nook, or small climbing structure to keep kids engaged and active. It’s a great way to keep the main living areas clutter-free. 

Bar & Entertainment Area 

A basement bar is the ultimate spot for social gatherings, whether it’s family game night or hosting friends for a party. Custom cabinetry, a wine fridge, and stylish bar stools can create an elegant but functional space. Add a flat-screen TV and cozy seating for watching sports or movies, and even consider a pool table or foosball for extra entertainment. With the right design, your basement can become the go-to spot for all your social events, providing a laid-back, fun atmosphere for guests. 

Basement remodeling is a great way to add extra square footage and create a personalized space that fits your needs. Whether your style is modern, rustic, or something in between, there’s a perfect remodeling idea for you!  Interested in a basement remodel in the Northern Virginia area?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire! 

The homeowners worked closely with our consultants to create a scope of work and budget for a first-floor renovation and second-story addition, which included a new master suite, multiple spare bedrooms, and a laundry room.   There were clear allowances within the contract so our customers knew exactly the range of budget that was included and could be worked within. 

Vision 

The homeowners wanted to remodel their kitchen on the first floor, as well as create an entire second-story addition that created much more living space, including a new master suite, as well as three additional bedrooms for their children.  In addition, two additional bathrooms were needed, and the laundry room was relocated to the upstairs addition. 

Scope 

Significant demolition was needed in order to renovate the first floor and add a second-story addition.  The entire kitchen was removed, including framing, doors, flooring, lighting, and appliances.  After demolition was complete, significant framing and other structural work was needed.  Walls, door frames, flooring, and the roof were all framed, and the exterior needed windows, doors, and siding.  Two new HVAC systems were also installed. 

On the inside, water and gas lines were run where applicable, and all the electrical wires were installed as well.  Next, the new and renovated areas were insulated, and drywall was hung.  Interior trim, doors, and shelving were added where appropriate, and new appliances were installed in the kitchen and in each of the bathrooms.  Lastly, new flooring was laid where requested, and the entire house was painted. 

Budget 

Our team helped the homeowners determine a final overall investment and facilitated the financing of the project.  They also determine the final scope for the work to provide the largest impact on living space.   

Timeline 

Pre-construction started in September of 2020, right during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.  This part of the process only took a month, as excavation started in October.  By the end of the year, the structural and framing process was finished.  The interior work began in early 2021, and the project was completed at the end of May, 2021, with a turn-around time of about eight months. 

Master Plan 

We took the time to understand the exact needs of the homeowner.  Their big picture plan was a kitchen renovation and a second-story addition that included a new master suite, three additional children's bedrooms, and a relocation of the laundry room. 

Kitchen 

The existing kitchen had to be completely demolished, including framing and walls, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring.  Next, the new dimensions of the kitchen were framed, and exterior windows were added where necessary.  A door to a proposed future deck was also installed. 

Next, all utility lines were run.  In the kitchen, rough-in plumbing was added for hot and/or cold water lines for the sink, faucet, dishwasher, and refrigerator.  Electrical wires were also run, including for the garbage disposal and for multiple types of lights. 

After all the utility lines were installed, insulation and drywall were hung in the new kitchen.  Multiple internal doors were installed, and trim was added.  Next, the kitchen cabinet structures were installed, along with new countertops and appliances, which included a sink, faucet, and garbage disposal, dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.  Lastly, the entire kitchen was painted and red oak hardwood floor was installed. 

Master Suite 

Since the master suite was a brand-new addition, the old roof had to be demolished to create room for the addition.  After demolition, the entire second-story addition was framed.  Exterior windows were added to allow plenty of natural light to enter into the suite.  Water lines were run in the master bathroom, including rough-in plumbing for multiple sinks, faucets, a shower, tub, and toilet.  Next, electrical lines were installed for vanity lights throughout the master suite.   

The next step was installing insulation and drywall.  Interior doors were added where necessary, and shelving was added in the walk-in closet.  Trim was also added throughout the new addition.  In the master bathroom, all appliances and features were installed, including a Wedi shower system, vanity cabinets, countertops, two sinks, a toilet, a mirror, and a glass shower enclosure.  Lastly, the entire suite was painted, and flooring was added (tile in the bathroom and carpet throughout the rest of the suite). 

Additional Bedrooms 

Three additional bedrooms were also included in the second-story addition.  After the necessary demolition, the bedrooms were framed.  Exterior windows were installed, and electrical lines were run throughout each bedroom.  Next, all three bedrooms had insulation and drywall installed, and interior doors and trim were added.  Lastly, the bedrooms were painted, and carpet was installed. 

Complexity 

There were multiple complexities associated with this project.  First, this project was completed during the Covid-19 pandemic which caused multiple complications.  Next, some structural work was needed for the house in general, and lastly the homeowners had already hired an architect, which added another voice to the project. 

Interested in an addition in Arlington?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire!

The homeowners worked closely with our consultants to create a scope of work and budget for a “pop top” addition above the garage, that included an entire new master suite and covered deck area.  There were clear allowances within the contract so our customers knew exactly the range of budget that was included and could be worked within. 

Vision 

The homeowners wanted to create an additional master suite on top of their existing garage.  This addition included a master bedroom, master bathroom, and walk-in closet, as well as a covered deck area in the backyard. 

Scope 

The project first required demolition of the roof and drywall ceiling above the garage.  Next, the entire new addition area was framed, and roofing, gutters, and downspouts were added.  Windows and a new garage door were installed, and exterior finish and trim, including vinyl siding, shutters, soffit, and fascia were added.  A new HVAC system was installed and then attention was turned to interior work. 

Water supply lines were run for the new bathroom, as well as rough-in plumbing.  All electrical wires were run, including lighting, AV cables, and new smoke detectors.  The entire new addition had insulation and drywall installed, and interior trim, doors, and shelving were added where appropriate.  All the bathroom appliances were installed, and then the entire master suite was painted.  Lastly, flooring was added in the master suite. 

Budget 

Our team helped the homeowners determine a final overall investment and facilitated the financing of the project.  They also determine the final scope for the work to provide the largest impact on living space.   

Timeline 

Pre-project planning commenced in late July of 2019.  Everything was finalized for construction to begin at the beginning of 2020.  Construction started shortly thereafter in January of 2020, and final walkthrough occurred in late March of 2020.   

Master Plan 

We took the time to understand the exact needs of the homeowner.  Their big picture plan was a “pop top” addition above the garage, that included a new master suite, as well as a new roof for the back covered deck. 

Master Bedroom 

The new master bedroom was framed and insulated, and drywall was hung and primed for painting.  Interior doors were added where necessary, including the entrance to the master bedroom, to the closet, and to the master bathroom.  Trim was added to the doors, windows, and base of the bedroom.  Shelving was installed in the closet.  Lastly, the walls were painted and padding and carpet were laid down for the flooring. 

Master Bathroom 

The new master bathroom was also framed and insulated, and drywall was hung and primed for painting.  The door to the bathroom was installed, and trim was added throughout the area.  A Wedi shower system was installed, which included one shower faucet and one shower head.  Vanity cabinets, two countertops, and two undermount sinks and sink faucets were installed.  A toilet and two mirrors were installed, and lastly, ceramic tile flooring and trim were installed throughout. 

Covered Deck 

While part of the covered deck was already in place, the homeowners added an addendum to the contract for a new roof structure in the backyard (among other minor additions).  This process included building new pier structures for the back deck and removing and replacing the existing pavers.  The new structure was framed with posts and beams, and vinyl siding and decorative gable trim were installed.   

Complexity 

There were multiple complexities for this project.  First, an addendum to the contract added additional work that needed to be completed, including working around the existing back porch structure.  In addition, this project was completed during the uncertainty of the global Covid-19 pandemic, which complicated facilitating the last few weeks of construction. 

Interested in an addition to your Herndon home?  Contact MOSS Building & Design today!

Flooring is an integral part of any home remodeling project.  It is part of the bones of the house; an area that is constantly walked on and a place where furniture and other household items will sit for many years.  For this reason, it is extremely important to select the best flooring options for your Northern Virginia home.  The area of the house will depend on what type of flooring is best – some areas are best suited for hardwood, others are best suited for carpet, and epoxy is an option for certain areas as well.  Below are the best flooring options for those types of materials. 

Hardwood  

Hardwood is a sought-after luxury in many homes.  It is sophisticated, yet it also serves a very tangible function – it is much easier to clean than carpet.  Let’s be honest – children, pets, houseguests – they all make messes over time, and when a spill happens, hardwood is a surface that can easily be wiped clean.  The most common areas of the home where hardwood makes sense are the living areas, hallways, and steps.  Below are some of the best types of hardwood: 

• Bamboo – sturdy and eco-friendly 

• Cypress – unique and strong 

• Birch – versatile and affordable 

• Mahogany – exotic and luxurious 

The type of hardwood depends on many factors, including price per square inch, color, and availability.  Your dedicated MOSS team will be happy to walk through all the options for your hardwood flooring. 

Carpet 

Carpet may not be as desirable as some of the other flooring options, but it is extremely functional and serves a variety of purposes.  First, carpet is a soft surface that is more comfortable to walk on in bare feet.  It also has better temperature control, so it will not heat up or cool down depending on the weather outside like some flooring material will. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and is a more affordable option to cover homes with a larger surface area.  Lastly, carpet is readily available and easy to acquire, meaning that there will be no logistical issues that might push back your remodel project timeline. 

Epoxy 

Epoxy is another great flooring option, especially for harder surface areas such as garages or unfinished basements.  Epoxy technically isn’t a standalone flooring – rather, it is a type of synthetic resin that is laid on top of concrete to create a protective film.  It can also be used to “spruce up” the look of the concrete floor.  Garages and unfinished basements aren’t exactly luxurious areas, but with an epoxy floor, those areas are more functional and more aesthetically pleasing. 

Interested in new flooring in your Northern Virginia home?  Reach out to Moss Building and Design today to inquire! 

Home accessibility is becoming more of a consideration during home renovations in Loudoun County.  Many of our Loudoun County clients want to be able to age in place in their current residence, so including accessibility considerations in renovation discussions is something MOSS is prepared to do.  At MOSS, we believe every homeowner deserves to love their house, and we want to ensure that clients who may need accessibility upgrades can continue to love their house as they age.  Below are three ways to make your home more accessible in Loudoun County. 

Outdoor Ramps 

Stairs can be a challenge for small children, older people, and anyone in between.  Falls on stairs are common and can result in significant injury.  Building an outdoor ramp on the porch can help to mitigate issues with concrete steps going up to the front door.  While ramps on the front porch are common, ramps can always be placed in the garage or on a back deck.  All stairs have the potential to be dangerous, but outdoor stairs are made from concrete or wood and cannot be cushioned with carpet.  By installing ramps, the chances of a devastating fall outside are minimalized. 

Shower Benches 

Another amazing way to make the house more accessible is to add a shower bench into the master bath.  Stairs aren’t the only place where falls are common.  Showers are another area where falls are common and can result in significant injury.  With a shower bench, our older clients will be able to shower/bath in comfort without worrying about trying to balance in a slippery shower. 

Shower benches aren’t necessarily just for our older clients!  Shower benches can offer more benefits than just minimizing the potential for falls in the shower.  They can be combined with a massaging showerhead to create a hydromassage experience.  They are also aesthetically pleasing and raise the value of the house.  Anyone can benefit from a shower bench being installed in the bathroom. 

Smart Appliances 

Last but certainly not least, installing as many smart appliances as possible will help make the home much more accessible.  Instead of having to constantly get up and turn lights on and off, start and stop the oven, or go to your outlet of choice to turn music on and off, smart appliances can utilize your voice to do all of that.  Imagine being able to sit in a recliner, and instead of getting up to do various tedious activities, you could preheat the oven, turn on your favorite music, and brighten the lights without ever having to get up.  With MOSS-installed smart appliances, that dream can become a reality. 

Accessibility is not about being lazy.  It is about making your home more comfortable to live in as you gracefully age with it.  Implementing the above renovations will make your life safer and more enjoyable, so you can enjoy your Golden Years in the comfort of your beloved home. 

Interested in making your home more accessible in the Loudoun County area?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire! 

Loudoun County is one of the most diverse and rewarding places to live in the entire country.  It is home to so much culture, entertainment, and beautiful homes.  A lot of Loudouners have owned their homes for many years and are at the point where they want something new, but also want to live in the home that they love.  MOSS Building & Design will be there every step of the way, as the remodel process can have its pitfalls.  Below are three home renovation mistakes to avoid for your remodel in Loudoun County. 

Create a Realistic Budget 

A remodeling project is a massive investment into the future of your current home.  While the budget is the last thing many clients want to think about, it is vitally important to have a realistic conversation with your remodeling team about the budget you have set.  While MOSS can help create a feasibility plan around your budget, it is ultimately up to the client to create a realistic and manageable budget.    Remodels are not a small undertaking; rather, they are major life investments and should be discussed with much thought.  While there are different payment options, remodels are significant financial investments and not having a realistic budget will set the client up for disappointment. 

Expecting Immediate Completion 

While it would be great if every remodel could be finished within a day, that is not realistic.  Remodels are a process, and the complexity of the remodel will determine how long the project will take to complete.  MOSS strives to have minimal negative impact on your day-to-day life during your remodel, but there are a lot of moving parts that can extend the project completion timeline.  Below are a few factors to consider: 

• Obtaining legal permits 

• Amount of demolition that is needed 

• Availability of requested materials 

• External factors (pandemics, inflation, etc.) 

MOSS will make every effort to make the remodel process as quick and non-cumbersome as possible, but unfortunately sometimes roadblocks do arise.  With the starting mindset that this process is methodical and takes time to do it right, our clients can avoid another mistake in the home renovation journey. 

Not Going Bold 

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with being ambitious and going bold with your remodeling ideas.  You can always pare back your ideas to fit your budget and the feasibility report, so why not start with big ideas?  With so many cookie-cutter new builds popping up in the Loudoun County and Northern Virginia area, having bold ideas for your remodel will help your home stand out from all the others that look the same.   

Interested in a home remodel in the Loudoun County area?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire! 

We spend a lot of solitary time in our bathrooms.  With the proper remodel, you can turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa where every day will feel like you just got pampered at a high-end professional establishment.  By incorporating a floor-to-ceiling shower, a whirlpool bathtub, and gold accents throughout the bathroom, our McLean homeowners can get the luxury bathroom remodel of their dreams. 

Floor-to-Ceiling Showers 

Whether it is to wake you up after a great night's sleep, or to relax after a long day at work, getting a warm shower is one of the best ways to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home.  With a floor-to-ceiling shower, you can get the luxury of a fancy spa in your own home.  Instead of a traditional showerhead, imagine a rainfall showerhead coming from the ceiling of your shower where water can cascade down and massage you from head to toe.  At MOSS Building & Design, we believe that everybody should love the home that they live in. What better way to love your bathroom than to have a floor-to-ceiling shower installed during your home remodel? 

Whirlpool Bathtubs 

Showers are a great way to relax, but the ultimate form of relaxation is a whirlpool bathtub.  Traditional bathtubs just aren’t very comfortable.  They do not conform to your body, and most of them are designed to also be a shower.  For many, these types of tubs are for small children, not homeowners.  With a customized whirlpool bathtub, you will get the pampering you deserve in the comfort of your own home.   

Picture this.  You have had a long day of work, running errands, and tending to children and/or pets.  You have an hour to yourself in the evening, and since you worked with MOSS to remodel your bathroom, you can slip into your own customized whirlpool bathtub.  You pour a glass of wine, grab a good book, and slip into a warm bath as the whirlpool jets gently massage your tired body.  This is a reality after you work with MOSS to get the bathroom remodel of your dreams! 

Gold Accents 

What color gives off luxurious vibes more than any other? Gold, or course!  Many builders just install cookie-cutter, standard handles, accents, and trim throughout the house.  Bathrooms are notorious for all looking the same, with silver, boring sink handles, shower door handles, towel holders, etc.  With MOSS, if you want gold accents throughout your renovated bathroom, you will get gold accents throughout.  In a world full of ordinary, make your bathroom extraordinary with MOSS Building & Design! 

Interested in a bathroom remodel in the McLean area?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire! 

As Fall approaches, what two adjectives would you rather use than cozy and inviting to describe your family room?  At MOSS Building & Design, we understand that our clients want to love the home that they live in. During the colder months, many Northern Virginians need to spend more time inside due to the unpredictable nature of the weather in the area.  What better way to combat the winter blues than by having a cozy and inviting family room to share with your loved ones or even for hosting Fall or Winter parties.  Below are a few options to help create a cozy and inviting family room in the Vienna area. 

Add a Fireplace 

One of the best features for a cozy and inviting family room is a fireplace.  While traditional, wood-burning fireplaces are beautiful and add sophistication to the home, many homeowners are opting for electric fireplaces that are safer and more efficient to use.  Depending on the structure of the home, one or both options might be available.  If you want to add a fireplace to your family room, your dedicated MOSS team will make sure that every feasible option is explored and communicated to you. 

Fireplaces are a great feature for warming the house during the colder months, but they are also extremely aesthetically pleasing.  It sets a very cozy and inviting vibe to the house.  With your MOSS team helping every step of the way, your new family room will become cozy and inviting, and the perfect place to enjoy a crisp Fall or Winter day. 

Choose the Right Colors 

An underrated feature of creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your family room is choosing the right colors.  The right colors can set the mood for the entire room.  While the paint color is something that will be discussed during your project, the subsequent decorating of the family room will also play a major part.  Cozy colors are saturated tones, and they tend to be dark shades of a warm hue.  Below are a handful of colors that give off a cozy and inviting feeling: 

• Oranges 

• Yellows 

• Reds 

• Golds 

There are millions of different shades of colors, so there are plenty of options to pick the perfect colors for your cozy and inviting family room. 

Add Privacy Door and Windows 

In some ways, the words “cozy” and “inviting” contradict each other.  A cozy space could be one that is closed off, solitary, and with a finite area.  Inviting spaces, on the other hand, could be wide open with no defined boundaries.  So how can one make their family room both cozy and inviting at the same time?  Add a privacy door and plenty of windows.  Privacy doors, such as swinging barn-style doors, are a great addition to a family room, because they can be opened to create an inviting atmosphere, or they can be closed for that cozier feel. 

In addition to a privacy door, having plenty of windows can also create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.  Windows allow plenty of light to get into the room, which is inviting, but it also allows a cozy feel when a storm or other weather event is occurring.  MOSS fully believes in making sure all remodeling projects are multi-functional, so creating a family room that is both cozy and inviting is a challenge we would love to tackle! 

Interested in a family room remodel in the Vienna area?  Reach out to MOSS Building & Design today to inquire!