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Home remodeling is about making you love the home you live in, but the added benefit to remodeling projects is raising the value of your home with each addition or remodel.  There are many ways to add value to your home, but three of the most popular in today’s market are finished basements, creating a backyard oasis, and installing energy-efficient appliances throughout the home.  With MOSS Building & Design, you can rest assured that all your remodeling projects will not only bring value to your current living situation but will also create future value for your home if you decide to sell.  Below are examples of projects where MOSS has added value to our customers’ homes. 

Finished Basement 

The most popular way to add value to your home is by finishing your basement.  Finished basements, especially when they include a bedroom and bathroom, bring so much value to the house because they create an additional level of living space.  Home values jump up when the functional square footage increases.  In addition, home values skyrocket as homes add extra bedrooms and bathrooms. 

MOSS has a ton of experience with basement remodels.  Here are just a few examples of basement remodel ideas: 

• A Mother-In-Law suite  

• An entertainment center with a theater room and projector screen 

• A man cave with built-in bar and gaming area 

• A dedicated work/study area for those who work from home or for students 

No matter how you choose to utilize your finished basement, there is no doubt that it will boost the value of your property. 

Backyard Oasis 

Another excellent way to add a ton of value to your home is to create a backyard oasis.  Backyard amenities are a major selling point, so they add future value as well as current value.  Some ideas to create a backyard oasis include decks and/or porches, pools, and patios. 

Decks/Porches 

Decks and porches are so customizable and are a very attractive option for backyards because they create an area to congregate outside.  The porch and deck's dimensions are customizable, as well as whether they are open or enclosed.  The possibilities are endless and are only limited by your imagination! 

Pools 

While pools will always be a huge hit for families with children, the fact that above ground pools are becoming more and more popular and elegant is a huge plus for homeowners, as these pools are usually much less expensive than the traditional underground pools.  Underground pools are still amazing and add a massive luxury to the home, but any type of professionally built pool is a great way to add value to your home. 

Patios 

Patios are another great way to add value to your home.  Patios are usually less expensive than other outdoor amenities, but they can add both functional and aesthetic value to the home.  Firepits are becoming more and more popular, and even hot tubs can be built on top of patios.  Patios are extremely customizable and are a great addition to any backyard. 

Energy-Efficient Appliances 

Functional and aesthetic value will always be important for any type of remodel or addition, but being environmentally friendly is critical in today’s world of excess energy consumption.  Energy-efficient appliances not only help the environment by utilizing less energy, but they will cut down on the cost of utility bills as well.  Here is a list of appliances with energy-efficient options you can add to your home during a remodel: 

• Refrigerators 

• Dishwashers 

• Wine coolers 

• Washing machines 

• Dryers 

• HVAC systems 

Being cognizant of your own carbon footprint is commendable, and always will save you money in the long run! 

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

When people think of home remodels, many think of creating a luxurious master bathroom or a spacious, open kitchen. While those upgrades are amazing, another area where Moss Building and Design has years of experience is transforming backyards. Moss has an extensive history of transforming backyards in McLean. Below are some ideas on how you can turn your own backyard into a dream getaway destination. 

Screened In Porches and Sunrooms 

One of the most special parts about the Northern Virginia area is that its residents get to experience all four seasons. There are a lot of days of gorgeous weather, but the area can also see its fair share of toasty summer days and winter wonderlands. What better way to enjoy nature year-round than with a screened-in porch or a sunroom? 

Moss has helped to create a backyard oasis for many clients in the McLean area. Screened-in porches are one of the best additions to a backyard because they can be enjoyed even in the elements. It is the perfect combination of enjoying the outdoors while still having some protection from the sun, rain, or wind. However, a sunroom offers supreme protection against the elements. Sunrooms are classy and unique, and they are exceptionally functional. Sunrooms can be enjoyed at all times of the year, allowing you a view of the outdoors while still being completely temperature controlled. Both are amazing additions to any backyard. 

Patios  

Another backyard enhancement that is popular among our Northern Virginia clients are patios. Patios are perfect for providing a space to roast marshmallows over a firepit, to have lounge chairs, and to set up outdoor equipment (such as water tables) for children to play with. The beautiful thing about patios is that they are so versatile, and they are functional no matter what size. Moss has built patios that have come in all shapes, sizes, and textures.  

Patios are a great “starter” project for building an outdoor area for play and relaxation. It is a relatively quick process that will not impact your day-to-day life during construction. Patios are a great way to start creating the backyard of your dreams without the stress and uncertainty typically associated with remodeling. 

Decks 

The most popular backyard addition in the McLean area is a deck. Decks are extremely versatile and are coveted by many in the area. Moss has built countless decks across Northern Virginia. Why are decks such a hot option right now? Because they can be used for so many different activities. Below are some ideas clients have had to utilize their new decks: 

• An outdoor cooking area, equipped with seating and an outdoor griddle 

• A play place for families with young children 

• An area where dogs can be outside 

• An outdoor bar with a television mounted to watch the big games 

• A cozy nook with a fireplace to be able to enjoy the outdoors when the temperature starts to drop 

With a brand-new deck, the possibilities are endless. At Moss, we believe that everyone deserves to love where they live, and we are here to turn our customers' houses into their dream home – one project at a time. 

Interested in backyard additions in the Northern Virginia area?  Reach out to Moss Building and Design today to inquire! 

Since your house is where you spend a large majority of your time, it is important that you always feel like your home is modern.  Unfortunately, fads and trends change quickly, so the aesthetic of your house can get stale quickly. At Moss, we want our clients to feel like the home they love is brand new. We specialize in contemporary renovations to modernize the living experience of our clients in Virginia. Below are some of the contemporary home renovations we offer to our Virginia clients. 

Bathroom Remodels 

The bathroom is the best place in the house to get quality alone time. Imagine slipping into a warm bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book. Moss can design and build the whirlpool tub of your dreams. Maybe you prefer taking a shower, where warm water cascades down from an overhead rain showerhead. Moss can handle any of your bathroom remodel needs, from modernizing your current bathroom to demolishing your existing bathroom and designing and building a brand new one. Show off your bathroom remodel to all your Virginia neighbors, but do not be surprised if they start asking if you need a house sitter! 

Kitchen Remodels 

One of the best ways to save money is to eat at home instead of constantly eating out. This becomes more enjoyable when you have the kitchen of your dreams to work in. Moss has designed and built dozens of kitchen remodels for our clients, and some of the key features include: 

• Massive center islands for plenty of food prep surface area and eating space 
• Chilled wine coolers and ice makers 
• Modern luxury appliances 
• Wide range of cabinetry options 
• An open floor plan  

We specialize in kitchen remodels at Moss. Our hope is we can work with you to create the kitchen of your dreams in your Virginia home. 

Outdoor Living Remodels 

Nestled in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley and the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia has some of the best outdoor scenery in the country. What better way to enjoy that scenery than from the comfort of your own home. Moss has extensive history with outdoor living remodels. 

A few examples of outdoor living remodels include decks, patios, and sunrooms.  

We can provide much more than just a standard deck. We have worked on roof decks, covered decks, and everything in between. The only limit is your imagination. 

Moss can also design and build the perfect patio for your house. Want something simple? No problem. Want a firepit installed or live on elevation and need a retaining wall built in? We can do that as well! 

Lastly, sunrooms are an amazing component of the house that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors even when the weather is not optimal. Sunrooms are perfect for Maryland, where you can watch all four seasons through the comfort of your own covered area. 

Interested in remodeling services in Virginia? Reach out to Moss today! 

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The seasonal designs and decorations on everything from Starbucks cups to the grocery store shelves always put me in the holiday spirit. Read on for design inspiration that will have you singing “Jingle Bells” in no time.

Perfect Your Gathering Space

The summer and early fall are great times to kick off small renovation projects to get your home ready for holiday hosting. Our blog on living room renovations gives great tips on how to upgrade your gathering space. If it’s too late to get started on a large project, ensure smaller honey-do items are taken care of before guests arrive.

Fix baseboard nicks, patch holes in the drywall, change light bulbs, and fix any cracks on the outdoor steps or walkways before the holidays. This ensures that guests see your home in all its glory. If you need help, give us a call and we can send a MOSS handyman to your home to complete those tasks.

Decorate The Mantel

Almost all my decorations center around the fireplace this season. I like to spruce up the mantel with pre-lit faux evergreens that are battery-operated. These are super easy to turn on and off when we want to light up the space. I also hang our stockings from decorative stocking holders that double as weights to hold the garland decoration down.

If your fireplace needs a little extra TLC, we can help. Many of our Northern Virginia renovations feature upgrades to fireplaces and mantels. A red brick hearth can quickly be updated to a more modern look by painting it white.

Stone masonry paired with a textured wood mantel is a popular renovation choice if you want a complete overhaul of the living room fireplace. For simple decorative upgrades, Ballard Designs online store (and its Tysons Corner mall location) have great pieces to help any hearth look fresh for the season.

Make The Porch Festive

I love all the holiday ideas for porch decorations on Pinterest. Typically, though, I stick to a simple wreath and these pre-lit indoor/outdoor trees from Improvements. The trees are great because they’re easy to set up and battery-operated with a timer, so I can schedule them to go on and off when I want.

Don’t forget to switch out the welcome mat to something more festive this season, too. I have this snowman one from Crate and Barrel. Make sure all the outdoor lights and lanterns have new bulbs that shine bright all night.

Switch Out Paintings & Wall Decor

Look no further for interior design inspiration than your own walls. Instead of storing a ton of knickknack decorations in the attic all year, I have a few larger pieces that I like to hang around the house.

Since nails and picture hangers are already in the walls holding up various family photos and paintings throughout the year, it’s easy to switch out what’s already there with something more seasonal for a month or two. Wayfair is stocked with adorable canvas wall art pieces that feature snowmen, Christmas trucks, deer, and holiday messages.

Make it easy on yourself and buy a few staples that can be stored in the hallway closet for simple decorating next year.

Dining Table Flair

Design inspiration is ever-present when it comes to dining room table holiday flair. In my home, I update my dining room table runner to a red flannel one. Closer to Christmas, I get a nice evergreen centerpiece. Getting a real one helps me infuse my home with a fresh pine smell without having to invest time and frustration in a real tree. (We love the ease of artificial pre-lit trees.)

Something I’ve seen as an interior design trend this season are rustic birch vases and centerpieces from L.L.Bean. They look great in a kitchen, dining room, or living room with the rustic farmhouse chic look like the Moss Building & Design remodel in Ashburn, Virginia.

If a kitchen bump-out, new appliances, or other home remodeling tasks are on your wishlist this season, contact us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Don’t forget to also give the gift of a Handyman For A Day to that tough-to-buy-for family member or friend. Contact us to learn more at 703.961.7707.

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.