The saying, “you can’t go home again” might hold true for some, but, in today’s world, it’s actually becoming more and more common for multi-generational families. Almost 1 in 5 Americans now live in a multi-generational household – thus coming back to a trend that was more commonplace several generations ago.

Today, Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s home remodeling expert, is helping many families remodel their homes to accommodate families of all shapes and sizes, whether that means a home addition of an in-law suite, a main level bump out to create a kitchen renovation and larger gathering space, or updating a bathroom with accessibility for all in mind. Our home additions designers and contractors have identified some of the best home design trends for multi-generational living, which include these and others.

Open Concept Home Additions

Moss Building & Design understands that each family is unique and needs to create spaces that work for each member of the household. With a multi-generational home, having more space to relax and unwind is key – not only in a main gathering area, but also in carved out niches for each generation. We love this great room in a home renovation in Oakton, in which walls were removed to create an open concept kitchen and living area. There’s a spot for everyone with additional space for larger family entertaining.

Bathroom Renovation Accessibility

A key component to multi-generational living is remembering that abilities change throughout our lives. An older person cannot access bathroom features as easily as a younger person (and the same can be said of the members of the youngest generation). A bathroom renovation with accessibility in mind is the answer to both. A shower that doesn’t require a step up and a bathtub that isn’t built too high gives everyone a chance to continue independent access yet with the accommodations necessary. This Fairfax whole home remodel included a “shower room” in which access to the shower was placed directly next to the bathtub. A large doorway and safety bar complete the look – creating a beautiful yet safe bathroom renovation.

In-Law Suite Home Addition

For the utmost privacy, many Northern Virginia homeowners choose to add on an entire in-law suite through a home remodel. Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s premier general contractor, has experience adding on an in-law suite with all the specifics that anyone could need to live independently, but also within close proximity of the rest of their multi-generational household. This in-law suite in Fairfax includes a separate entrance, a stand-alone kitchen, and a generously sized bedroom and private bath – thus carving out the space and quiet needed by those who reside there.

Home Additions Contractors in Northern VA

There are so many ways that you can make your home one that works for your multi-generational family household. We realize that the initial process of what to do, how to do it, and how to begin it can be overwhelming. Visit our Additions Portfolio pages on our website to be inspired and understand how Moss Building & Design can help you achieve the home renovation of your dreams.

Ready to get started? Email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com or call us at 703-961-7707 to start the conversation!

The positives outweigh the negatives when considering having your older parents or in-laws move in with your family. The wisdom that is imparted on your children, free childcare, and the extra financial help are some of the most beneficial ways that a multi-generational household can be a wonderful way forward. Harnessing those positives towards a home renovation can, at times, be a challenge, as there are many things to consider, including how to create the perfect space for your new housemates.

Many of Moss Building & Design’s Northern Virginia client homeowners have chosen to add an in-law suite addition as part of a home addition as a solution to the space conundrum– and through their experiences, we have learned that there are five major things to consider when adding on a home addition:

Privacy Makes An In-Law Suite Addition Key

There’s nothing like going from an empty nest household to a full one. Many times, when a family chooses to move into the same home, concerns about maintaining the privacy gained from a quieter home is key. A private entrance from street level is one solution, as is a private sitting area or den created within an in-law suite. Adding an ensuite bathroom and functioning kitchen (or even a pseudo-functioning kitchenette) solves the issue of privacy. This Fairfax home addition included all of these options in the in-law suite and made for a perfect enclave.

Personal Tastes are Personal For In-Law Suite Additions

While there’s no reason to expect that your personal tastes will match your in-laws or parents, that doesn’t mean that there has to be a jarring difference in design style between your home and the new in-law suite addition. Plan for the in-law suite addition to be relatively straightforward and classic in design style, keep wall color to muted neutrals, and allow for personal touches that can be added such as bold artwork or furniture.

Accessibility Is a Conside

ration in In-Law Suite Additions

One key point when creating an in-law suite addition is the need for accessibility. Not necessarily from a private entrance, but, in the bathroom. As we age, our capabilities become more limited. Therefore, keeping accessible showers with ease of entrance (through wide doorways) and having grip bars placed throughout the bathroom (at a lower height) is a consideration to put on the list of “must haves” in an in-law suite addition.

Multi-Functionality in In-Law Suite Addition Design is Crucial

An in-law suite addition doesn’t need to have cookie cutter rooms throughout – think open concept and multi-functional room layout design. Having an eat-in kitchen next to a den or family room, with all necessities close at hand, makes for a living situation that allows for the independence that many still crave later in life.

Compromise Is Part of the In-Law Suite Addition Process

Before heading into any conversation about a home addition or home renovation, jot down a list of priorities that each family member has for the home, then rank them in order of importance. This isn’t a weekend visit that you’ll be enjoying, after all. Take the time to work as a family and then with Moss Building & Design and our designers and contractors to create the vision of the in-law suite addition that works best for your family. The end result will be a beautiful one that everyone will agree was worth the time, energy, and effort.

Home Additions Contractors in Northern VA

An in-law suite addition is a home renovation that is a big decision for your family, and we realize that the initial process of what to do, how to do it, and how to begin it can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you achieve the in-law suite addition of your dreams.

Ready to get started? Email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com or call us at 703-961-7707 to start the conversation!

As families grow and transition from having young babies and toddlers to elementary-aged children and teenagers, they often find that the home that once seemed large initially becomes barely big enough. And since there is still plenty of time left for children to be living in the home (and possibly returning home as part of the boomerang population of young adults post-college), it might be time for your family to discuss a partial or full home renovation.

Home Remodeling Ideas - Why is MOSS qualified?

Moss Building & Design is Northern Virginia’s most highly experienced home remodeling company, and has worked with many families to re-design and transition their homes from their original layouts to ones they want to reside in well into retirement. Overwhelmed at the thought of a major home transformation? Don’t be. We share some ideas and ways home remodeling can work for you and your family to help you get started on the right path.

Open Kitchen Concept Kitchen Design

Tired of bumping into one another in your current kitchen? Consider a kitchen remodel. Opening up walls (especially into low-used formal living and dining rooms) and creating an open concept kitchen design with eat-in capabilities, such as large kitchen islands, can transform your kitchen. With a growing family that has children who are able to fend for themselves, having plenty of space to cook, eat, and be together as a family might be the answer.

This kitchen remodel in Arlington showcases this idea beautifully, with a long dining table located near an incredible kitchen island, with seating at both, allowing for conversation and flow.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Sure, we all love our families. But sometimes, privacy is especially important. Are your home’s bathrooms serving all your family members well? What about in five years? A bathroom remodel (or two) might be the best solution. Creating a “Jack and Jill” bathroom for your children to easily share a bathroom is one idea as your children get older and will want to close off a door for privacy.

Another idea would be to renovate your master bathroom. In this home in McLean, Moss Building & Design created a bathroom remodel that included a “shower room”, in which the tub and shower were placed together behind glass walls. The tub is lower to the ground for easier access for both older persons as well as younger ones. Being able to keep an eye on little ones is helpful, especially for splashes and spills, but also thinking ahead to when getting in and out of tub might require more assistance (with the addition of a safety bar, for example).

Home Additions…

Perhaps the answer to it all is a home addition! Additions can come in all shapes and sizes, from a main level kitchen bump out, to a full three story addition. The perfect solution for your family is as unique as you are. Moss Building & Design, Northern VA’s best home additions contractor, has many clients who chose to do a bump-out off the back of their main level, finish out their basements with the addition of a private exit, create a two level addition for more bedrooms and/or office space, or add a four season room off their family room. The options really depend on your family’s needs and how you see them changing and growing over time. A client in Herndon chose to add on a media room with a bar to their basement level and add a screened porch over top, both of which created more entertainment space for their family.

Home Additions Contractors in Northern VA

There are so many home remodeling ideas for growing families! We realize that the initial process of what to do, how to do it, and how to begin it can be overwhelming. Download our Beginners Guide to Remodeling to begin the process and understand how Moss Building & Design can ensure you have the home renovation of your dreams.

Ready to get started? Email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com or call us at 703-961-7707 to start the conversation!

Your home should be designed for living and enjoyment. The best way to do this is by creating different types of gathering spaces in your home, so everyone can be together and spend more time together!

Whether your goal is to create a space for your family or to look for spaces for family and friends to come together, these are some great ideas to get you started. Help everyone spend quality time together!

Family Room

A family room is a great space to really bring people together. It’s a space for everyone to enjoy!

Keep it simple by adding a television or stacking up old-fashioned board or card games for everyone to play. It’s even versatile enough to change with the seasons using different decor throughout the year. Add a string of hearts across the mantle for Valentine’s Day, or include a few floral accents for the spring. There are a lot of possibilities for a family room!

Game Room/Playroom

Everyone loves a game room or a playroom. This is a spot to enjoy with your competitive family and friends. In this room, place retro video games, foosball, or ping-pong.

You can turn any room in your home into a game room or playroom, but one of the most common rooms that people turn into a game room or playroom is the basement. Of course, you’re limited here, so choose the right space that makes sense for your overall design idea and the space available in your home!

This MOSS design idea on Houzz showcases the ultimate basement game room with a nice pool table.

Living Room

The living room is a lot like the family room. People tend to naturally gather here because it’s typically the biggest space. Make this space even more welcoming with the right design components. Set out comfortable blankets, pillows, and various seating options.

This room is also a lot like the family room in that you can change your overall design throughout the year with small home decor changes or additions, like pumpkins in the fall or small Christmas trees in the winter.

Dining Room

The dining room is a place that people always gather in when you have food on the table. Who doesn’t love a nice meal that’s warm and ready to eat? Bring the two ideas together by creating a welcoming room and making sure that your family eats there as much as possible.

In a world where we’re constantly moving, this is a refreshing concept – and one that should be focused on as a gathering space. Check out this beautiful dining room in Northern Virginia for traditional design ideas.

Sunroom

No matter the time of the year, spending time in a sunroom provides added light to your life and those that you love. No matter what the season is, you can enjoy the change in the weather from the comfort of your own home.

With the right design aspect and idea, everyone will gather here in no time. To get started, add comfortable chairs or an outdoor couch. Consider a small indoor fire pit or a vertical garden to add natural elements and bring the outside inside.

Home Addition

If you don’t have the ideal space already in your home, you can always add exactly what you want with a home addition. This is especially true if you’re running out of existing space in your home and are looking for just a bit more space to accommodate your growing family and friends. Make this space exactly what you want and need it to be by letting MOSS help you.

Media Room

A media room is an ideal space because you can bring people together for a movie, TV show, sporting event, or streaming option. Complete the room with cozy chairs and a snack and drink area. If you’re looking for a great design idea, check out this at-home theater from MOSS.

Not only that, but you can use the space to get people together before and after you finish with the big screen. Set out a popcorn buffet before binge-watching, or play a post-movie quiz game to see who found the most hidden Easter eggs.

These are just a few ideas to get you started for your home design plans for gathering spaces. You can start with one room, and then build from there to create more gathering spaces to entertain.

If you’re looking for more ideas and help with your gathering spaces, contact Moss Building & Design at 703-961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Need some design inspiration? Look at the before-and-after transformation of this beautiful home in Reston, Virginia. The kitchen showcases gorgeous views of the nearby lake. The wall removal and additions of specific features in first-floor cabinetry, ceilings, and lighting achieved a final remodel that made the homeowners’ vision a reality.

Knowing the kitchen cabinets and appliances needed replacements, the homeowners realized that an expansive kitchen remodel required tackling other first-floor issues, too. This was to better use the space and make it more functional. Working with Moss Building & Design, Northern Virginia’s top home remodeler, the homeowners needs and wants were met.

An Updated Entryway

With dated chair rail moulding and a lack of natural light, the home’s entryway needed an update. By adding new a railing, front door, and an incredible chandelier, the entryway became modern, welcoming, and warm.

Kitchen Remodel In Reston, VA

The original kitchen layout didn’t have great flow. We knocked down a wall between the kitchen and formal living room and added gorgeous open shelving on an incredible hand-laid stone wall. Also, we replaced the original double-hung windows with large panes of glass. This resulted in beautiful views of the lake and a much larger kitchen area.

The kitchen remodel included a large island that the family could sit at. It also included a custom appliance garage to house appliances and to reduce countertop clutter!

Updating Your Family Room

Lack of light was a big concern for the homeowners. New windows helped a great deal, but the addition of ambient lighting throughout the room, especially over the fireplace, provided a level of warmth the homeowners were looking for.

Trim work was updated and matched throughout the entire first floor. We also added a built-in wet bar, wine fridge, and an extra dishwasher for overflow.

Are you inspired now? Contact Moss Building & Design to discuss the remodel of your dreams at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

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

As a special space.

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

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

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

As an extra source of income.

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

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

As a home resale value increaser.

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

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

As an alternative to moving.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A luxury Northern Virginia addition.

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

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

An in-home oasis.

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

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

A deck extension.

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

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

A bungalow.

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

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

An in-law suite.

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

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

A wine cellar.

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

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

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

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

Find your design style.

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

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

Choose the right remodeling company.

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

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

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

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

Understand the true terms of your contract.

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

Finance your addition.

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

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

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

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

Patios, Porches, And Decks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additions

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

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

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

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

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

HVAC Repairs

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

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

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

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

Northern Virginia’s Premier Remodeling Company

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