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Transitional design is a combination of traditional and modern home design, taking elements of each to create a unique and timeless look. The interior design style is defined by a neutral color palette, simple decor, and a mix of curved and straight lines.

Remodeling a home in the transitional design style is one of Moss Building & Design’s favorite requests since the style allows you to blend elements of both traditional and modern design until you find a look that you like best. For example, you can consider traditional wainscoting (wood paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a room) and sharp-lined modern furniture to create a design style that’s all your own.

How To Create A Transitional Kitchen

Transitional kitchens create a harmonious space, which is vital for the room that most families spend the largest portion of their time in. Transitional kitchens take elements of modern and traditional design to develop a polished and smooth look that’s not overly ornate, embellished, stark, or sharp.

To make your kitchen transitional, consider the following tips from Houzz:

• Streamlined cabinets with sleek hardware
• Marble, granite, or limestone countertops and breakfast islands
• Minimal countertop accessories
• Gridded backsplash tiles
• Mixed man-made and natural materials
• Stainless steel appliances
• Hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring
• Neutral colors, such as white or beige
• Smooth, rounded corners
• Highly selective accents, such as a corbel, decorative millwork, or paneled cabinets

This Leesburg, Virginia, kitchen is a prime example of a transitional kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of modern and traditional home styles because it pairs each design seamlessly and evenly. The wood floor stands out against traditional white countertops on the islands, and modern, stainless steel appliances expertly complement the darker, more traditional perimeter countertops.

Overall, this kitchen blends modern and traditional elements without fully committing to either design style. It focuses on hardwood, natural materials on the floor, cabinets, and moldings, while continuing to feature modern stainless steel appliances and sharp-edged double islands.

How To Create A Transitional Living Room

Incorporate traditional elements like trim, crown molding, wainscoting, and floor-length drapes in a transitional living room. However, balance each element with modern qualities, such as a neutral color palette, textural variety, and furniture that contains a mix of curves and straight lines.

If you’re looking to make your living room more transitional, try adding the following features:

• Fabrics, such as suede, chenille, and leather
• Neutral colors, such as cream, taupe, and black
• A pop of color in a statement piece of art
• Furniture with simple lines and curves
• Contrasting textures and tones

This Ashburn, Virginia, remodel is inspiration for a clear transitional living room. The focal wall with the cozy fireplace stands out but isn’t overly embellished. The white frame and stonework give the living room a clean and structured look, while the large windows allow a touch of nature to seep into the home. The coffered ceiling gives the room a final, contrasting element to the design as well.  

This fireplace offers another transitional option for a living room. Its decorative mantle nods to traditional design style while the white, painted brick gives it a more modern, updated look.

How To Create A Transitional Bedroom

A transitional bedroom can be decorated according to your style, because it’s your space instead of a common area in your home. By mixing a traditional element, like a grand headboard, with more modern elements, like round light fixtures and lamps or a curved accent chair, you achieve the seamless blend that you’re looking for.

Window treatments should also be simpler in a transitional bedroom. While you may be tempted to install long, floor-length valances or drapes, consider using a more neutral color and ensuring the curtain rods lack ornate embellishments. Transitional bedrooms are typically very bright and relaxing with lots of natural light from large windows or skylights.

Other things to consider to make your bedroom more attuned to a transitional style include the following from Houzz:

• A statement lighting fixture in a spherical or orb shape
• A mix of furniture textures
• Leather or tufted cushioned benches with metal frames
• Neutral colors like brown, gray, and white
• One statement art piece

The above photo of this Ashburn, Virginia home is a perfect example of a transitional space, combining colors and textures to create a bedroom that is both relaxing yet stylish.

How To Create A Transitional Bathroom

Even transitional bathrooms offer the best elements of both traditional and modern design. In order stay balanced on the spectrum, use the following design elements from HGTV in moderation in your bathroom:

• Freestanding (but not clawfoot) tubs
• Sleek vanities that are made with dark wood or antique accents
• Natural wood benches
• Classic pedestal sink
• Tan, beige, white, or gray color palette
• Stone or marble flooring and countertops
• Clean lines and rounded shapes
• Round or square sinks
• Frameless shower doors
• Herringbone floors
• Brass light fixtures and cabinet hardware

This bathroom in Alexandria, Virginia, elicits a transitional feel -- particularly through its tub. Though not a clawfoot tub, which is common in traditional home design style, notice that the tub is freestanding. The wall art behind the tub adds a trendy focal point to the room, a hallmark of modern design.

Who Should Use Transitional Design

If you like elements of both modern and traditional design styles, but can’t see yourself fully committing to either the bold starkness of a modern room or the embellished ornamentation of a traditional room, a transitional home design style is for you.

A perfect mixture of both interior design worlds, a transitional home can truly be customized to your personal style and preferences. Choose accents that are right for you, and don’t get bogged down by sticking to sharp design rules. 

The Best Remodelers In Northern VA

If you’re in the market for home remodeling or if you’d like to talk to a professional about a transitional home interior, call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Kitchens have long been regarded as the central gathering place for families, but, for years, in more of a utilitarian sense. For the past 20 to 30 years, though, homeowners have begun regarding their kitchens as more than just the place to cook and serve meals – kitchens have become integral parts of the home, being designed to portray not just a style and aesthetic but also a feeling of completeness to the home’s overall design. We spoke to Denise Dermody, MOSS Project Designer, about recent kitchen design trends that she’s been seeing with our customers and learned the following.  

Dedicated Cabinetry 

Many of our MOSS customers enjoy cooking and baking in their kitchens and long to use every square inch of their space efficiently. A popular trend these days is dedicated and specific cabinetry choices, whether that’s a cabinet with a built-in stand mixer, cabinets with built-in dividers for various cutting boards or cookie sheets, full cabinets dedicated to baking supplies and spices, or pull-out drawers with built-in holders for kitchen utensils and more. Individuals aren’t cookie cutters, and these days, neither is cabinetry!  

Moving Away from White Kitchens 

The trend for an all-white kitchen is slowly fading (although plenty of customers still appreciate a clean, all-white space). Nowadays, our customers are looking at their kitchen as part of their entire home, and how the selections and colors therein flow well with the rest of their home’s design. Customers are choosing colorful or warm tones for cabinetry and adding in touches of home such as leather handles and lacquered brash finishes. Overall, finishes such as fixtures and knobs are trending towards more comfortable and warmer versus clean and cold.  

Natural Finishes 

Many kitchen designs are trending toward natural finishes, including concrete, natural stone and natural wood countertops, for example. A lean towards things you’d find in nature and various types of woods are also a trend for customers. Customers are adding open space and open upper cabinets to their kitchen designs in order to showcase books, pottery, and other personal items, creating spaces that are welcoming and cozy.  

Are you interested in remodeling your kitchen? Perhaps these recent trends can provide the inspiration you’re looking for to begin the project! Reach out to MOSS today to schedule your initial, complimentary consultation.  

We spoke to one of our MOSS designers, Marta Layton, about guiding customers through the bathroom remodeling process at MOSS. Layton is a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer, as well as a Universal Design Certified Professional, and has been guiding customers through bathroom remodels for many years.  

According to Layton, customers remodel bathrooms for a variety of reasons. Primary bathrooms are often remodeled to create a more relaxing space for unwinding at the end of a long day.  

Guest Bathrooms

Guest and hallway bathrooms are remodeled to improve the overall look of the home. And, lately, more and more ADA accessible bathrooms are being designed and built on the main floor of a home for those customers who want to age in place.  

Bathroom Remodeling for Style & Function

One beautiful example of a primary bathroom remodel is shown here, wherein a customer in Arlington wanted their bathroom remodeled to accommodate their style as well as to include a custom sauna for relaxation and health purposes.  

The MOSS Process for Bathroom Remodeling

Layton shared that the MOSS process for any remodel, and especially with bathrooms, is deliberately planned to develop a very personalized concept during the design forward stage of the partnership with the customers. No designs are “cookie cutter” unless that is the homeowners’ request. Bathrooms are some of the most daunting projects for designers as there are many selections that need to coordinate perfectly to create the finished product. For example, fixtures, multiple types and styles of tile, cabinets, countertops, accessories, hardware, lighting, etc. are all typical selections needed in what is a relatively small space.  

Are you considering a bathroom remodel for your home? Request a consultation with MOSS today!  

The kitchen is often considered the centerpiece of a home, acting as a gathering place for family and friends for meals, holidays or get togethers, yet also commonly serves as a functional space that allows for entertaining and everyday comfort.

Our kitchen remodeling services range from complete kitchen transformations, where walls and windows are moved to open your space, to simple kitchen upgrades, in which cabinets and counter tops are replaced with new versions. Updated kitchen backsplashes, tiles, and patterns can also be used to change the look and feel of your space and as part of any remodeling project.

Uncommon Placement - Unique Backsplash Kitchen Tile

This Arlington kitchen’s backsplash, in both the coffee bar area and behind the range, is made up of 2x8” and 2x16” glass subway tiles placed in a vertical, rather than horizontal, pattern. It is a unique design element that is a complement to the more commonly used horizontally placed subway tiles in the kitchen as seen on the opposing wall. Beautiful quality design and installation work can be seen here. These design choices add a standout feature in the kitchen but also tie it into a more modern look and feel.

Floral Pattern – Unique Kitchen Pattern

At first glance, this Herndon kitchen’s backsplash is clean and white. Upon closer examination, however, the backsplash design actually showcases a small floral pattern. This unique pattern keeps the kitchen clean and consistent, but also gives it a touch of whimsy. A backsplash design can be as simple or as extravagant as the homeowner wishes, with designs either blending into the background or standing on their own. Either way, choosing a unique tile is up to the customer and their personal likes and dislikes.

Unique Backsplash Color & Design

These Centreville customers’ renovated their kitchen to include an open concept design achieved through the removal of a wall between the kitchen and adjacent dining room. Included in the design was a massive, curved kitchen island that included ample seating options as well as storage and meal prep areas. Most unique of their selections was the choice of this green backsplash tile that showcases dramatic, non-linear white lines throughout. Placing the unique tile on the bar area and behind the range make it so that it’s not overwhelming but is a definite conversation starter.

While all of our kitchen remodels vary in color, design, and shape these kitchens were extremely unique with their tiles & patterns. How did you feel about them? If you’re in the market for a kitchen remodel call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Once a year, our MOSS team and families come together to relax and enjoy a summer afternoon of food and fun in celebration of the hard work that each person contributes to the company’s continued success. For 2022, a Scottish Highland Games themed event was created with a variety of games and challenges for all ages to enjoy – the revelry included a mobile axe throwing room by Axe Addicts, lifting feats of strength, tug of war, and more. Along with a margarita bar featuring freshly squeezed juices and barbeque from Mountaineer Meat Smokers, the day was a positive and fun way to thank all our employees for their accomplishments over the past year and acknowledge the support that families provide on the home front. Special thanks go out to the MOSS partners who helped to sponsor the event, including Ferguson, Dulles Glass, Insperity, and Euro Stone Craft. Cheers to another great year!

Remodeling a kitchen is an exciting undertaking, but daunting for some if you don’t know where to start. At Moss Building & Design, we want to make it an enjoyable process. When complete, you should be marveling at your final product and enjoying more time in the space that’s the center of so many family activities.

 The kitchen remodeling process is one that explores both design and function. You’ll want to spend time determining what overall design and look you’d like, along with thinking through how you’d actually want your new kitchen to function best for your needs.

 Our step-by-step remodeling guide has everything you need to know to be at the helm of your successful kitchen remodel project.

 Step 1: Planning

The first step in your kitchen remodel process should be brainstorming ideas for how you’d like your kitchen to look. Do you have more of a traditional style or would you like something more contemporary or farmhouse chic? Do you have specific colors in mind?

 Go through this checklist during your planning process to get a good start on your kitchen remodel:

• Create a Pinterest board to collect your favorite kitchen styles
• Hire a trusted remodeler to create design options for you ahead of demolition
• Think about what works in your existing kitchen versus what you absolutely need changed to enhance the space
• Determine what you’re missing that would improve how you function, such as outlets in convenient spaces, recessed spice racks, more storage, etc.
• Prioritize your needs (a large cooking stove and range hood are a must, but a big island is a nice-to-have, for example)
• Set your budget with some wiggle room for unexpected expenses

 Here are two kitchen remodels that display different design styles beautifully.

 Step 2: Choose Your Appliances & Other Selections

Once you have an overall look and feel for your kitchen picked out, you’ll want to get a little more specific on the types of appliances you’ll want your contractor to install. You will also need to make a number of other selections such as sink and faucet designs, lighting, and backsplashes.

 Consider the following when choosing these features:

• Choose the cabinets first, because these kitchen necessities have the longest lead time.
• Choose the types of appliances and brands (Viking, Samsung, GE, Miele, etc.) you’d like to have in your kitchen. Depending on your style you could have:
  • Stainless Steel
  • Glossy
  • Matte
  • Slate
  • Colored or Retro
• Match the look of your sink to the rest of your design choices. Here are some options you will consider when choosing your sink:
  • Stainless steel, granite composite, or fireclay materials
  • Top-mount or under-mount (refers to the placement of the sink lip on the countertops)
  • Single-bowl, double-bowl, or farmhouse
• Determine the type of countertop material you’d like and discuss costs with your designer or contractor
  • Quartz
  • Granite
  • Soapstone
  • Marble
  • Butcher Block
• Take a sample of your countertops to a tile distributor and find the best match for your color and style when choosing your backsplash

 You’re welcome to mix and match patterns and textures to really make your kitchen pop, such as this backsplash-countertop combination in a remodeled Herndon, VA kitchen. The interlocking, oblong tile contrasts with the marble look of the countertop, but the colors are complementary.

 This combination really draws your eye into the kitchen, particularly when used as a statement wall behind the main range area.

 Step 3: Install Kitchen Flooring and Baseboards

Once your kitchen has been demoed and any needed plumbing and electrical repairs, moves, or replacements have been made to prepare for your new kitchen, your flooring will need to be installed. This literally sets the “foundation” for your kitchen.

 What should you think about when choosing and laying flooring for your new kitchen?

• Vinyl is the least expensive if budget is a concern
• Tile is beautiful, but can be costly because of the labor and skill involved in laying and grouting
• Solid hardwood could be a good choice to match and flow into any adjacent rooms
• Engineered wood resembles real hardwood, but is more moisture-resistant
• Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is moisture and scratch resistant

This flooring effortlessly matches the cabinet colors

Step 4: Kitchen Cabinet Checklist

Kitchen cabinets literally pull together the entire look of your kitchen. There are lots of design choices you can make when deciding on what type of cabinets to use. Basically, you’ll have a combination of wall cabinets, that are attached to your walls, and base cabinets, that are attached to the wall cabinets and your floor.

 Here is a checklist of some items to decide on when choosing cabinets:

• Do you want your cabinets to be flush with the ceiling or end with a space above?
• Would you like under-cabinet, above the countertop or floorboard lighting installed?
• Is your style more sleek and modern or would you like to add beadboard, decorative molding, or raised panels to your cabinets?
• Do you prefer knobs or pulls on cabinets and drawers?
• Should there be any specially-sized cabinets for oversized items like cutting boards and trays or small-nook cabinets with built-in spice racks?
• How would you like to balance enclosing cabinets with doors versus the open cabinet trend?

MOSS’s expert designers re-configured the space for better usage, replacing the original cabinetry, appliances, countertops, and the highly un-useable original island as well as changing the layout of the room’s footprint. In a unique twist, Jenn and Raad hoped to make the far wall of kitchen cabinetry appear to be one seamless wall – when in fact it houses the kitchen’s pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, as well as a garage entry door. MOSS curated a black fenix material from Italy as the perfect canvas to create a wall that essentially “disappeared”. To complete the illusion, all cabinet and appliance doors on the back wall operate via a touch system to open and close without the use of pulls or handles.  

 No matter your style, from contemporary to traditional, our designers can help you build the kitchen of your dreams.

 If you’re in the market for a kitchen remodel call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Also check out our "Beginners Guide to Remodeling" Video for more information below:

 Sources

 “Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen”

https://www.thebalance.com/steps-to-remodeling-your-kitchen-1798738

 “How to Remodel a Kitchen”

https://www.thespruce.com/steps-to-a-kitchen-remodel-1822229

 “Homeowners Workbook: How to Remodel a Kitchen”

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1198907/list/homeowners-workbook-how-to-remodel-your-kitchen

 “5 Fab Alternatives to Stainless Steel in Appliances in the Kitchen”

https://www.curbed.com/2015/12/7/9893562/stainless-steel-appliances-alternative

 “Types of Kitchen Sinks”

https://www.typesofkitchensinks.com/

 “Kitchen Cabinet Styles”

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/kitchen-remodel/kitchen-cabinet-styles

Remodeling or finishing your basement might be the most fun and rewarding remodel you undertake. Whether you want to update an existing layout or finish an empty space, the possibilities of the remodel include any of the following:

• Office space
• Exercise room
• Additional bedroom
• Playroom
• Media room
• Wet bar
• And more!

Moss Building & Design is an experienced basement remodeler with designers and experts available to transform your space into something that suits your family.  

We recommend a little preparation before diving headfirst into any remodel. Our step-by-step basement remodel checklist helps plan for a smooth experience. Begin by visualizing your dream basement, moving onto construction, and then living and loving a fully functional and enjoyable basement.

Our MOSS customer, returning to our team after the completion of their award-winning kitchen remodel, knew they wanted their Oak Hill basement to be remodeled in an incredibly unique and fun way. With a massive, retro movie print as the inspiration for the space, the basement was designed with a colorful floor, distinct areas for gaming, relaxing, exercising, and more, and a cozy bedroom and fun bathroom tucked away in a corner. The result? A basement that is the perfect reflection of the homeowner’s eclectic and funky design aesthetic.  

Step 1: Planning

As with any remodel, careful planning is the key to success. With a basement remodel, it’s important to consider a few things before starting your journey, including the following:

1. Is your basement foundation intact? Has your home had any cracks or leaks?
2. Do you want to add a bathroom in the basement? If so, is there already a rough-in for plumbing?
3. What’s the basement ceiling like? Is it a drop ceiling or drywall? What is the ceiling’s height? Can it accommodate, for example, larger exercise equipment or a projector screen?
4. Is there an egress window and window well in the basement? If you’re thinking about adding a bedroom, these are necessary for your basement to meet code.
5. Do you have good use of basement storage? Do you want to keep storage options available and/or build those in?

Taking these items into consideration, along with your contractor and budget, helps you prioritize your needs and determine the best course of action for your remodel. 

This family's previous home had a basement which they enjoyed but did not meet all of their needs. When they purchased this beautiful Clifton home in 2017, they loved the fact that the basement was unfinished and provided a blank slate to create what they hoped would become a social hub for the neighborhood. This was a true collaboration between homeowner and contractor and the result is stunning. 

 Step 2: Choices

Once you decide on a general idea of your basement remodel, you can really deep-dive into your inspiration and vision! Keep these thoughts as you browse Houzz, Pinterest, and the broad reaches of magazines for ideas:

1. Children: If you have a family that will be using the basement for a long period of time, consider your children’s ages. Is a playroom a good initial use of space? How about a media room for when they get older? Can a toy-filled playroom be transformed into a teenage space with a pool or ping-pong table?
   
   
2. Visiting Family: Do you have family that visits regularly that needs privacy? If so, a bedroom and bathroom in your basement will benefit everyone!
   
   
3. Work From Home: Do you work from home? Would a quiet home office in your basement be nice? If so, think about light. Basements have a general lack of lighting. Look to add larger windows or more friendly and comfortable ambient lighting.
   
   
4. Comfort Levels: Look at various flooring options available: hardwood, LVT (luxury vinyl tile), carpeting, etc. What appeals to you? What’s your family’s level of activity?
   
   Think about levels of warmth as well. Carpeting keeps feet comfy, but hardwood and LVT are nice, modern alternatives.

When the talented MOSS design team sat down with these Vienna homeowners to learn about their vision for a remodeled basement, they learned that they were in desperate need of additional entertaining space. Prior to kicking off the design process, the customers communicated they wanted a cozy and comfortable space to enjoy a game at the pool table while watching a football game and enjoying a cold beverage from the built-in cooler. 

Step 3: Demo & Installation: Framing, Plumbing, Waterproofing/Flooring, Drywall/Ceiling

After deciding on the type of basement remodel you want, hire a contractor, finalize plans (and have the correct permits pulled), and pick out the selections for your basement. For example, flooring, cabinetry, and countertops if you want a wet bar.

The demo of your existing basement depends on the scope of the project you determined. If your contractor has to dig up the floor to run plumbing for a new bathroom, your time frame is longer than if you weren’t adding a bathroom.

These are all considerations of a remodel that your contractor should discuss with you throughout the planning process. 

The main steps involved with a basement remodel, after the demo, include the following: 

1. Frame the space or put up a “skeleton” to the layout of the basement.
2. Run plumbing and pipes for a new bathroom.
3. Build in new windows, if necessary.
4. Waterproof the floors and walls to reduce flooding
5. Fix any leaks or cracks that pre-exist.
6. Install the flooring.
7. Do the drywall and ceiling.

Step 4: Finishing Touches: Paint, Lighting, Decorating

After the main work is finished, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your basement remodel. Choose paint wisely, as a basement’s lighting is different from upper floors. If you have new windows installed, notice how the light filters in throughout the day. Consider a paint color that works well with the light you have to work with.

In that same vein, any lighting you have installed in the ceiling should cast a broad amount of light, especially in your main socializing area. Recessed lights are best spaced carefully to avoid dark shadows. Ambient lighting like wall sconces are helpful to keep a basement bright and light, too.

For decorating, play items, such as pool and ping-pong tables, need a good deal of room around their perimeter. A mini fridge is a fun thing to have for a basement as well, especially if you don’t have a wet bar.

Pick furniture and decor that keep a basement cozy. Consider adding a second thermostat to the basement, so it’s comfortable year-round.

The Best Remodelers In Northern Virginia

No matter your style, from contemporary to traditional, our designers help you build the basement of your dreams. If you’re in the market for a basement remodel, call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com. 

See More: A Beginners Guide to Remodeling

Sources

 Know Your House: The Steps in Finishing a Basement

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12435932/list/know-your-house-the-steps-in-finishing-a-basement

The Main Steps For Finishing A Basement

https://www.mancavemaster.net/the-main-steps-for-finishing-a-basement/

Read This Before Finishing Your Basement

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/read-you-finish-your-basement

So, you’re embarking on a home remodel journey! This is an exciting time! This guide will help you navigate the best course as you move forward in your remodeling journey.  You can also view our video - A Beginners Guide to Remodeling:

Embracing Your Vision

Since you’re remodeling your home, it’s time to develop your design style and envision how the final result will look. 

Online resources, like Pinterest and Houzz, provide you with a great deal of design ideas. By fully embracing what you want for your remodel, you can communicate your list of needs much better to your contractor. Make a vision board, create a list of must-haves, and own your likes and dislikes.  

Deciding On A Budget

When considering a remodel, you will contact multiple contractors. Be careful to not overwhelm yourself by viewing too many options. While making sure you choose the right contractor is a good thing, sometimes too many options can cause confusion and anxiety. You will find a range of price points provided by the contractors, but low cost almost never equals high quality. Choosing a company, like Moss Building & Design, with an established reputation, incredible quality, and competitive value is the best path forward. This checklist is a great way to think about comparing contractors. 

When you select a remodeler, it’s important that they make you feel secure about the price and that it won’t go up throughout your remodel. When you work with MOSS, the price you see in your contract will not change unless you decide on changes. Our fixed-price, flexible contracts give you the knowledge upfront to make budgetary decisions wisely. 

Any proposal from a contractor should list the full scope of the remodel, including labor, selection allowances, change orders, permit costs, materials, and more. If you have questions or concerns, communicate them to your contractor! 

Also, remember that a contractor is much more than what’s on paper. Do your research about each contractor by reading reviews, checking references, looking at their online portfolios, and verifying their licenses and insurance. Ensure that their employees are always background-checked and badged to avoid a less-than-ideal situation. 

Budgeting is crucial to your end result and happiness. Research your options for paying for your remodel, whether it’s from savings, a home equity loan, a line of credit from your bank, or another option. Have a number range when conversing with potential contractors. Once you have a proposal in hand, you can use your research and planning to really understand the financial commitment that you’re agreeing to.

Once that’s done and you’re comfortable with what you and your contractor are bringing to the table, you can relax and enjoy the process of planning the particulars of your remodel. 

Remodeling Timeframes

Timeframes for remodeling projects vary greatly from project to project, based on many factors. Larger remodels, like an addition, generally take the longest amount of time. 

At MOSS, we take our time to listen and understand your goals for your remodel. We work with you to develop the design of your dreams, so rushing this process isn’t recommended!

After a contract is signed, our MOSS professionals develop a project design with renderings for your approval; pull necessary county permits; and develop a project plan in MOSS Online, our proprietary online project management tool. We work with you to make selections for each portion of the remodel, handle all labor details, and remain available at all times. 

You can feel secure going into a remodel with MOSS as we have worked on hundreds of remodels.

Because each remodel is truly unique, it’s difficult to estimate how long a project truly takes. You can generally count on a full addition, especially those that involve adding a basement, to take the longest. This is followed by kitchen, basement, and bathroom remodels, respectively.

Bear in mind that nothing can (or should) happen with too much immediacy. Decisions have to be made by you on your timeframe, and a contractor should support you. 

Getting Organized  

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the remodeling process. Get a plan together to make the process easier, and include the following organization tips:

• Create online folders for all documentation and communication from potential contractors
• Save images and ideas from online resources in a specific online folder
• Create a physical binder with images that you’ve found in magazines or printed 
• Take a field trip to various stores to get an idea of materials and selections
• Go through your finances to get an idea of what you can afford and/or borrow 
• Decide which project to take on first (if you have more than one in mind)
• Talk to friends and neighbors about their experience with nearby contractors 
• Plan ahead of time to be flexible and to choose a contractor who will understand your needs

Next Steps 

A good contractor talks you through your options and budget to find a positive solution for an initial remodel (and maybe another down the road)!

Take the next step and begin your home remodel journey with Moss Building & Design. Remember: Planning ahead only makes the road easier and the end result more satisfying and fulfilling.

As part of our commitment to community service and outreach, MOSS recently partnered with Lowe’s Chantilly to provide the materials and labor needed to repair and update Fairfax County’s Chantilly High School’s concessions stand. Over the course of a week, MOSS professionals were able to build and replace the stand’s interior doors, countertops, and shelving as well as replace siding on all four sides, therefore allowing for future better security, more storage, and increased functionality for those who utilize the space.  

Concessions stands at area public high schools generate much needed funds for school athletic groups and other organizations, as they rotate hosting duties during events and sports functions. These funds help groups attend conventions and competitions, or purchase uniforms, for example.  

After years of use, the Chantilly High School concessions stand had received damage and wear and tear both inside and out that needed to be repaired. The high school Athletic Boosters Club reached out to MOSS to ask for assistance, and, as part of MOSS’s commitment to the community via its non-profit, MOSS Mission, the repairs were undertaken by our team as a donation in-kind and further supported with the donation of the necessary materials from Lowe’s.  

“We’re so grateful to both MOSS and Lowe’s for their donation of time, labor, and materials to make these repairs happen,” said Corey Bowerman, Activities Director at Chantilly High School, “The concessions stand will enjoy many more years of use and help so many students for years.” 

“Lowe’s Chantilly is a big believer in community outreach, and the opportunity to help at Chantilly High School, which is part of our literal neighborhood, just made sense on so many levels,” said Josh Wilner of Lowe’s Chantilly. 

In exchange for the repairs to the concessions stand, MOSS will receive recognition as a premier sponsor at Chantilly High School via its Booster Club through 2027. 

MOSS is committed to community outreach – and thrilled to be able to donate labor and materials in such a way. If your organization or school needs similar types of repairs or support, please reach out to us at commander@mossmission.org for more information or to discuss how we may partner with you.