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.
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:
Here are two kitchen remodels that display different design styles beautifully.
Our customers built their Ashburn home many years ago, and over time, realized that their kitchen lacked the amenities, layout, and selections that suited their current lifestyle and busy family. The homeowners are amazing home chefs and wanted professional-grade appliances and storage options that would support their hobby. Along with that, they wanted a wine refrigerator that would be more useful than the original small home desk/office area on one side wall of the kitchen.
Finally, they also wanted a better entryway to and from the kitchen along with a more functional pantry. MOSS delivered on all accounts and more. Brand new cabinets on the perimeter and center island, all new quartz countertops throughout, double ovens in the island itself, a massive range with six gas burners and an incredible hood, a fully built-in wine fridge and associated storage, an upgraded mudroom and pantry, and much, much more. Now, the kitchen is the dream spot for these lovers of fine food and wine and provides the entire family with the room and organization to function with ease.
Beautiful Herndon Kitchen Remodel Inspired by Travels to Williamsburg
Our MOSS customers came to us knowing that they wanted to update their original 1980s style kitchen in a specific and inspired manner, plus provide themselves with a better space to be with family and entertain friends. A bonus? Creating a kitchen that would allow their children to do homework and play nearby as well.
Inspired by their favorite vacation spot, Colonial Williamsburg, our customers wanted to incorporate the rich colonial blues that are commonly showcased in that region into the kitchen remodel. Our MOSS design team recommended a stunning Williamsburg blue for their semi-custom cabinetry color. Topped with a gorgeous soapstone countertop, which has natural veins and a rustic look, created an overall look and feel that made the homeowners feel truly at home and yet transported to Williamsburg at the same time.
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:
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.
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?
This flooring effortlessly matches the cabinet colors
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:
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.
MOSS designers worked closely with the homeowners, who are avid home chefs, to create a kitchen that was incredibly functional. The choice to install several cabinet pull outs, with room for kitchen utensil storage, spices, and more, was a key decision. The pot filler behind the range provides easy water access for cooking. And the center island is the perfect place to roll out dough and have pizza night at home.
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:
“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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
When our customers purchased their Northern Virginia home, they knew that they wanted to enjoy their large basement for entertaining family and friends. However, not only had it been finished poorly by a previous owner, but it also didn’t have the wow factors that our customers wanted. With the help of our designers and MOSS 360, our proprietary virtual reality architectural design tool, the remodeled basement design came together to include a stunning glass-enclosed and temperature-controlled wine room, full bar with seating, a separate dining table area and seating area, full guest bedroom, full bathroom, and, to top it off, an enormous media room with a gorgeous ceiling complete with off-set lighting to set any mood.
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.
Our MOSS customers loved their Arlington home but knew that updating and finishing their basement was a priority for their growing family. The newly remodeled space now has plenty of room for relaxation, a fun "kid" corner, built in bookshelves, storage, and a full bath/laundry room combo. By focusing on the homeowners needs, MOSS was able to create a practical yet beautiful update that will serve this family well for years to come.
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
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12435932/list/know-your-house-the-steps-in-finishing-a-basement
https://www.mancavemaster.net/the-main-steps-for-finishing-a-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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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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.
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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.
At MOSS, we love to show off the beautiful work that our teams accomplish in Northern Virginia and Montgomery County – but even more impressive? The progression of the projects from before to after (including “during” photos and proposed renderings). This Herndon home received multiple updates to the main and second levels, including an incredible new kitchen and two gorgeous full baths and our team was able to completely transform how this family functions in and enjoys their space. Follow along on the journey from before to after...
Kitchen Transformation
MOSS completely opened the kitchen by eliminating a center wall that cut the space in half and changing the original dining room partially into the new pantry. Because the family didn’t use the dining room much, it made sense to create a larger, eat-in kitchen that was both elegant and with an open floor plan for the homeowners.
Master Bathroom and Hallway Bathroom Transformations
Both of the home’s upstairs bathrooms were completely transformed during the remodel process in order to make space for an upstairs laundry room and walk-in closet as well as to update the bathrooms’ design and look. The master bathroom originally was connected to the master bedroom by a hallway with mirrored, sliding doors fronting closets, which were decidedly out of date, and the hallway bathroom was located at the end of the upstairs hallway.
Our designers took space from the original master bathroom to create a new hallway bathroom located on the back wall of the house and took space from the original closets to create the new master bathroom. The master bedroom space was reduced in size to accommodate the new walk-in closets located near the front of the home.
Special features in the new master bathroom include the waterfall tile section behind the showerhead and faucet and the stone bench at one end.
The hallway bathroom is a stunning change! Originally, it was small and cramped but without any privacy. Not helpful when you have multiple users! Our designers shifted the bathroom area to still have a bathtub (always nice to have one in a home!) but to have the vanity separate from the toilet/tub area so more than one person could use the space at once. The bathroom’s window, part of the original master bathroom, has tile surround to match the tile on the tub walls, in addition to the beautiful green tile that is a design element both on the tub wall and the vanity backsplash.
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Mudroom Transformation
A fun feature of this remodel was the update of the home’s mudroom and playroom. You can see from the during and after shots what a shift it was from crowded and disorganized to clean, contemporary, and functional
You can see more photos of this beautiful Herndon home on our Facebook page or on our website!
Spring is the perfect time of year to start tackling home improvement projects. Many people opt for a spring cleaning, but it’s also a great time for some building. Let the new season motivate you to give your home a bright, cheerful makeover inside and out. So where should you start and which project comes first? That depends on your priorities, and sometimes trying to juggle too many projects at once can get overwhelming. Focusing on some key features or improvements you want, and seeing those though can not only give you a great sense of accomplishment but allow you to revel in your new-and-improved home! Here are a few suggestions to get your creativity flowing.
Leaving behind the often dark and gloomy color pallet of winter, incorporating some fresh and vibrant colors into your home is a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring. This can range from using some new and trendy cabinet colors to adding some warm bedroom colors to help you doze off on some cozy spring nights. While using darker colors such as blues and grays is a perfectly acceptable choice, opting for these warmer colors, especially in places with lower amounts of natural light, can be a great way to make a room more inviting.
Building an enclosed porch is a great way to be able to enjoy the beauty of spring without any of the minor annoyances that may come with it. And yes, I’m referring to you mosquitos. There’s a lot to be said for soaking in the sun on your porch, but a project of this size might need a bit more of a financial lift. Many homeowners choose to use a home equity line of credit which allows them to leverage the value of their home. This is a great way to get a larger amount of cash, and in addition, you can reap some tax benefits if the money is used to improve your home. While this option might be more climate-dependent, it’s a great way to enjoy the weather while still feeling more safe and secure.
As the warmer months approach, it’s a great time to make sure your air conditioning system is alive and well. The last thing you want to deal with is a broken air conditioner while you're already actively sweating. While there are a few common air conditioner problems that you might encounter, having a company give it a once over can save you a lot of trouble and stress down the line. In addition, if you feel you’re mechanically inclined enough, reviewing those common issues can help you better address any potential issues yourself. Ensuring your system is up and running before the heat waves of summer will keep you from sweating, both literally and figuratively.
Moving into spring means that the ground is no longer frozen solid (fingers crossed), and you can start working on a planting area or garden again! Not everyone is born with a green thumb, but there are many easy-to-grow spring plants available that can help boost your curb appeal and give you something nice to look at. Flowers and plants often vary in the level of effort and attention required, so keep that in mind when choosing some new floral companions this spring. Creating a plan for your future landscaping endeavors can not only help keep you on track, but allow you to better visualize what the end result might look like!
While the winter may have wreaked havoc on your driveway, springtime is a great opportunity to fix up any of those imperfections. There are many benefits to resurfacing your driveway, ranging from increased curb appeal to simply making it safer and less dangerous. Not only can a driveway that’s cracked and full of potholes decrease the value of your home, but it can also potentially damage vehicles. Making sure your driveway is smooth and clean is a relatively short process and can help your home welcome in spring.
The saying “April showers bring May flowers” is often true, which means it’s crucial to make sure your gutters are in top condition. Over the winter months, it is common for gutters to get jammed up with leaves and other objects, in addition to potentially being damaged. Double-checking your gutters might be as simple as getting a ladder and cleaning them out, but if there are any extenuating problems, it’s better to address them quickly. Faulty gutters can allow rainwater to potentially leak into your home or even damage the foundation of your house.
Springtime is a great opportunity to make some improvements to your home. While the sun is shining and the birds are singing, you can be making plans to spruce up your home, and help welcome in some good times.
Whichever room you’re remodeling in your home, if cabinets are a part of the project, then the color or wood tone chosen is highly important to the overall design. Until recently, color has often been just on the walls of rooms and not usually on cabinets. At MOSS Building and Design, we know what a big impact cabinets have on a room and how they can make a remodel stand out. So, while a white kitchen is classic and never goes out of style, for example, we know white cabinets are not necessarily the only option, and the same goes for a bathroom remodel.
Recently, we asked our MOSS design team to share trends they’ve been seeing with cabinet design. Navy is a color that has been used a great deal lately. Not only does it look crisp and beautiful in bathrooms and kitchens as it is such a classic and modern color, it can also quietly hide dirt and dust. In kitchens, a pop of color such as bright yellow or deep espresso are sometimes used for the base cabinets or the island. This is a great choice for those who may not want to do the entire kitchen in colored cabinets but still want to incorporate a unique and complementary color palette. Other popular colors for cabinets are those found in nature such as pale greens, calming taupe, and soft cream. These colors are also quite neutral and can coordinate well with other colors as well as wood tones.
Natural soft wood tones are also currently in vogue. When looking to design a more natural kitchen or mid-century modern kitchen, simple wood cabinets are perfect to set the scene. They add a homey touch that pairs well with other natural design elements such as terra cotta or stone.
Cabinet color is a highly personal decision that adds a good amount of design impact without much of an additional cost. There are many choices on the marketplace that you can browse through to narrow down your decision. Remember it is your home so whatever you choose is a great decision! Have you been considering a bathroom or kitchen remodel? Contact MOSS for a complimentary estimate at Hello@MossBuildingAndDesign.com or at 703.961.7707.
MOSS was thrilled to host a Fall Home & Art Studio Tour at one of our recently remodeled homes in Great Falls, Virginia. Parinaz Bahadori, the homeowner, is an artist and architect with an art studio on her property - guests were invited to tour the remodeled rooms of the home and also to enjoy a tour of the art studio during their visits.
Over 70 guests came through the home at designated times throughout the day on Saturday, November 13th to take in the various rooms of the home that MOSS helped remodel with tours given by members of the MOSS design team. You can read more about the overall remodel and see more photos here. After touring the home, visitors were invited to enjoy light charcuterie and fall-themed beverages on their way to the art studio, where they enjoyed one on one time with Parinaz as well as took in the space where she creates her work. Guests were also invited to purchase artwork for sale – not only paintings, but also coasters, paperweights, and more.
With a shared commitment to charitable outreach and support for the community, MOSS Mission, MOSS’s non-profit 501(c)(3), partnered with Parinaz to purchase two of her paintings that were then raffled off to attendees. Raffle tickets cost $15 each (or $20 for two) with all the proceeds donated to Parinaz’s favorite charities: Project Turquoise and The Arts of Great Falls.
It was a beautiful day to tour the spaces and help others in the process. To learn more about Parinaz's art, please visit her website at www.ParinazArt.com.
