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‘Tis the season for the family invasion. Is your home and gathering space ready to host for Thanksgiving? The Moss Building & Design team is here to help! 

Check out our tips for quick ideas to help you survive and thrive this holiday season.

MOSS Designers Focus On Room Decor

Our designers focus on small touches, like seasonal candles and DIY centerpiece projects, to make your home and holiday table warm and welcoming this season.

An Easy Way To Add Menu Flair

Moss Building & Design Supply Chain Manager Jodi Jameson has tried-and-true tips for making your stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy stand out.

Prepare In Advance

From pre-planning a meal to being organized with decorations, planning ahead is always a good way to make your holiday season go smoothly. Check out these tips to give you more time to spend with family during the day-of celebration and make decorating a breeze.

Northern Virginia Contractor Receives 8th Consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Award

We are very proud to announce that we have received the Angie’s List Super Service Award for the 8th consecutive year. The award honors those professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews throughout 2017. The Northern Virginia remodeling company is proud to have established such a reputation for excellence in the remodeling and home services industry.

The 8th consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Award marks Moss Building and Design’s superior record of service on AngiesList.com, which consumers continually view as a trusted source for home service recommendations. Each year, fewer than 5% of businesses on Angie’s List receive this award.

 “Angie’s List is an unfiltered forum for customers to express their opinion on their MOSS experience. The experiences shared on our Angie’s List profile clearly demonstrate the MOSS team’s commitment to our guiding principles of Safety, High Quality, Customer Focus, Fairness, and High Performance,” said MOSS CEO, Jason Hampel. “We love having the opportunity to improve the quality of our customer’s lives in their home and couldn’t be prouder to be recognized by these same customers for successfully delivering on our guiding principles for the 8th consecutive year.”

About Northern VA’s Top Remodeler

Moss Building & Design is an award-winning remodeling and home services company that serves Northern Virginia.  We specialize in remodeling additions, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations and basement remodeling.  If you would like a free consultation or have questions regarding how to get started call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com

Many homeowners don’t know a lot about HVAC, and that’s OK! Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia offers special heating and cooling services to help you out, and we’re breaking down the importance of this necessity in your home.

Avoid safety issues and home damage.

Properly functioning control panels, safety devices, and other HVAC components are essential for every heating and cooling appliance. The only way to ensure everything is in check is through regular HVAC maintenance, testing, and inspection from Moss Building & Design in Northern Virginia.

Save money on your monthly energy bill.

If you want to save money on your monthly home energy bill, it’s best to invest in proper maintenance and care, especially because most HVAC problems don’t occur suddenly. They develop slowly over a period of time, such as corrosion in the boiler or a super clogged air filter.

This is especially important during the summer. For example, as an air conditioner wears down from use, it consumes more energy as it cools your home. Maintenance slows the aging process and helps the system retain most of its energy efficiency.

If you keep up with HVAC maintenance each year, your air conditioner should only lose around 5 percent of its efficiency over its entire service life, rather than lose 5 percent every year.

Abide by state and city inspection rules.

More improvements are being made to residential HVAC regulations, especially boilers. The Boiler Safety Compliance Division of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry “enforces and oversees the provisions of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act.

The primary objective is to protect life and property through regular inspections of boiler and pressure vessel equipment and to ensure compliance with state laws, rules and regulations governing the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers and pressure vessels.”

Regular HVAC maintenance of boilers ensures that you abide by state (and city) inspection, operation, repair, and other regulations, which keeps your family safe and healthy and your home warm.

Extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment.

Regular HVAC maintenance doesn’t mean only scheduling a professional for a maintenance visit or sign up for a maintenance agreement (though, it is helpful). Regular HVAC maintenance also means performing do-it-yourself tasks to keep your heating and cooling equipment running efficiently in-between visits.

Here are a few tips on performing DIY maintenance tasks for your home HVAC system:

• Run it often. Run your appliances every week in order to keep each component from going rusty. It’s especially important to perform this routine during the summer, so cold-weather appliances (like your heater and ductwork) are ready for winter.

• Look for warning signs. Pay special attention to unfamiliar, odd noises and marks around your heating and cooling equipment. This helps you identify any possible problems with the equipment, so you can schedule timely repair.

• Check the ventilation. If your heating and/or cooling equipment is in a closed, compact area, keep it as clutter-free as possible. HVAC equipment needs a lot of ventilation to work in its best condition, and you can help by keeping it clean and clear.

By extending the life of your equipment, you’ll spend less on repairs and replacement parts, which means more money to spend on your dream home!

If you’re looking to learn more about the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance, sign up for MOSS’ new HVAC Service Agreement.

To see how Moss Building & Design can help create your dream addition, contact us at 703.961.7707 or Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Northern Virginia’s Best Remodeler Will be at the Arlington Home Show this Weekend

The Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo is this Saturday, April 14th from 10am-4pm at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA.

Last year Arlington’s prime home improvement and remodeling event gathered more than 75 home builders, contractors and specialist vendors, architects, inspectors, landscape designers, realtors, master gardeners, banks, nonprofit organizations and Arlington County housing, zoning and inspection representatives.

Northern Virginia’s premier remodeler, Moss Building & Design, is proud to once again be a part of the show. Located in booth 218 Moss will have design and remodeling professionals available to answer all of your home improvement questions.

Home show attendees are encouraged to bring pictures of their home, as well as any remodeling plans they may have. In addition to remodeling professionals, attendees of the Arlington Home Show and Garden Expo can expect to see a variety of specialist vendors, including master gardeners.

Join us this Saturday from 10am-4pm at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA. We look forward to answering all of your home improvement questions.

Design & Remodeling Contractors in Northern VA

Moss Building & Design is happy to answer your remodeling questions. From design related questions, remodeling questions and anything in between, we’re here to help. Contact us at 703-961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com. 

It always seems like it’s a constant struggle to keep up with the mess at home and spring sure brings its own unique challenges. With the introduction of rain boots, sneakers, sports equipment, and sandals (boy, I can’t wait to whip those out again!) also comes an increasing amount of clutter for the spring and summer season. One way to keep the clutter from extending into your home would be to create a mudroom. 

Mudrooms are great because they allow you to keep things like jackets, umbrellas, backpacks, boots, and sports equipment handy, while still giving them their proper place that’s not on the living room or entryway floor. Many mudrooms have built-in cubbies with hooks so each family member can have their own designated space. A built-in bench serves as a place to sit and remove dirty outerwear items. Drawers are also a great way to hide more seasonal pieces like scarves or gloves when the weather changes.

This Oakton, VA mudroom designed by Moss Building & Design uses removable baskets instead of permanent drawers to hide the clutter. 

Some people add even more character to their mudrooms. If your family is full of sports buffs, you could model your mudroom after a locker room and install cubbies that resemble lockers. Or, if you’d like to hide the space — out of sight, out of mind! — and you appreciate more of a rustic look, you could use sliding barn doors to shield the clutter like in this MOSS project in Herndon.

If building a mudroom isn’t an option for you, there are still a number of great tips to keep you organized and kick off spring cleaning season. To help store some of that clutter, check out small bench options that include drawers and cubbies. As opposed to a mudroom that might take up a lot of precious space, the bench can be placed by almost any entryway. Alternatively, simply invest in some decorative bins that can be labeled by child or article of clothing.

For even more space-conscious storage options, think about how you can utilize your walls. You may have space to add coat hooks by the door that could replace a floor-hogging coat rack. For containing the smaller messes, hang small boxes, folders or mesh bags on the walls to collect things like keys, mail and school announcements. Pair that with a chalkboard or family calendar to jot down important reminders and events. This wall organizer on the blog Simply Organized has gotten me inspired to keep things tidy. 

If you’re interested in building a mudroom in your house, simply call us at (703) 961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com to learn more!

We’re excited to highlight a few of our favorite home décor and design trends for 2018. This year, we’re starting to see a pattern of “old is new again” with some of the new trends harkening back to previous design eras. Which of the following trends do you think you can you incorporate into your home this year?

Use of Bright Colors

In 2018, homeowners and designers will be thinking more about how to incorporate a pop of color into each room. In kitchens, bold color choices are often reflected in special appliances or fixture accents, such as a deep red sink or bright blue range hood. Carrying your favorite color throughout the house will be important as well. Some of 2018’s hottest color trends are tonal, warm reds in the living room as well as statement pinks and yellows. You may have seen “millennial pink” and rosegold colors used quite a bit in fashion and interior design in 2017. While rosegold’s popularity may take more of a backseat this year, pink, in general, is still going to be popular.

Geometric and Floral Patterns

Floral wallpapers, furniture, and even sinks will rise in popularity in 2018 along with the use of geometric patterns. Accent walls and ceilings may display more patterns to catch the eye. A less intrusive way to incorporate this trend into your home might be through backsplashes or tile accents. At the very least, you can always incorporate a geometric-patterned throw blanket into your living room.

This tile backsplash in a kitchen remodel done by MOSS in Oakton, VA shows off how eye-catching geometric patterns can be.

Vintage Lighting

We predict that vintage pendants or sconces with copper or brass finishes will make a comeback this year. But, really anything, from crystal chandeliers to 60s and 70s modern-looking pendants, will give your space an updated 2018 look. Think old is new again.

Rich Textures and Materials

Earthy and industrial materials will be high on redecorators’ wish lists this year when it comes to anything from lighting upgrades to appliances and accent walls. Some of 2018’s most popular materials will be concrete, brass, stone, copper, and granite in darker hues. In the kitchen, the farmhouse sink will still be popular, but think less of the deep, white or stainless steel variety, and perhaps opt for a copper one. You might also see concrete being used in countertops and on floors. Not only is concrete a cheaper design material, but it also creates a rustic, raw look.

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse, bucket, or trough sinks continue to be very popular. Over the past year, these have mostly been used in kitchens, but in 2018, you’ll see a shift to their usage in bathrooms as well. They can also replace common utility sinks in laundry rooms for a much-needed upgrade in that room you use so much.

The beautiful, deep farmhouse sink in this MOSS remodel in Great Falls, VA pulls together the farmhouse chic look for the entire kitchen. For this year’s trend, think beyond the kitchen and incorporate farmhouse elements in other rooms as well.

If you’re in the market for a home remodel, simply call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com to kick off your next project!

It’s hard to believe, but Moss Building & Design has been creating and presenting HandyMOM 101 workshops for the Northern Virginia community for over five years. That’s hundreds of women (and a few men!) that we have educated and empowered to tackle home improvement projects on their own. And this is something we are very proud of.

Have you ever been invited to an event with the promise that it’s not a sales pitch? Me, too, and I do NOT like it! That’s how HandyMOM 101 workshops are different. We charge no fee for the workshop, we bring the materials and experts to groups, we invite questions, and we allow hands-on practice. We definitely do NOT force you to purchase anything! FYI, our most popular workshops are our Patch It, Tile It, and now, our Design It workshop.

We have developed workshops for specific groups, we have come up with new topics on the fly, and we have created lasting memories for many people. What we love the most is how unique the HandyMOM 101 workshops are.

MOSS would love to reach more and more community members with our workshops — we even now have a Facebook group dedicated to HandyMOM 101! You can visit and join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1997174410542966/.

So have I convinced you yet? No obligation. No fees. Just a fun time with your group of mom friends, church pals, neighborhood social group, or anybody! Email us at community@mossbuildinganddesign.com to learn more and to schedule your HandyMOM 101 workshop today! Or, if you’re in the market for home remodelng or would like to speak with a professional, call us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Transitional home design ideas for your kitchen

Transitional design is one of the most popular design styles. Combining modern and traditional design, transitional interior design is the best of both worlds.

When designing your transitional kitchen, you’ll find the clean, sophisticated look of modern design with beautiful decorative accent pieces, typically seen in traditional homes. It’s important to maintain a good balance of modern and traditional design so that one does not overpower the other. You also want to ensure that your kitchen is one nice, cohesive space, as opposed to a mismatched clash of design styles.

Here are some things to keep in mind when designing your transitional kitchen:

• Streamlined cabinets with sleek hardware
• Marble, granite, or limestone countertops
• Minimal clutter on countertops
• A nice mix of man-made and natural materials
• Stainless steel appliances
• Hardwood flooring
• Neutral colors, such as white and beige
• Stacked grid backsplashes

Here are 6 examples of beautiful transitional kitchens:

Kitchen Remodel in Chantilly, Virginia

This gorgeous kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia is a great example of a transitional kitchen. The cabinets are streamlined and sleek without being too modern. The homeowner went with white and gray kitchen cabinets, which is a unique feature. The white cabinets and the open floor plan make the space feel clean and airy. You’ll also notice the clean, straight lines often found in modern design.

The wooden hutch to the left of the kitchen gives the space a more traditional vibe. The chandelier above the dining room table blends traditional accessories with the other modern design components. Transitional kitchen design oftentimes incorporates stainless steel farmhouse sinks, like the one in this remodel.

This kitchen also does a great job at keeping clutter to a minimum, which is a must for transitional kitchen design. There is ample storage space to hide countertop appliances and manage clutter.

Transitional Kitchen Design in Fairfax, Virginia

This transitional kitchen takes a different approach to transitional design. The homeowners went with wooden kitchen cabinets throughout the entire space.

Like the kitchen remodel in Chantilly, this transitional kitchen also incorporates stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring. Additionally, you’ll find a stainless steel farmhouse sink was chosen by these homeowners- yet another transitional design element. The backsplash in this transitional kitchen design adds a unique modern element to the space.

Transitional Kitchen Remodel in Oakton, Virginia

This third example of a transitional kitchen doesn’t disappoint. Similar to our first example, this gorgeous kitchen remodel incorporates white and brown kitchen cabinets. Hardwood was the flooring of choice in this transitional kitchen.

The color scheme is neutral and emphasizes the clean, de-cluttered space. The arch in the window above the kitchen sink is a traditional design element. The wooden coffee credenza off to the side of the kitchen also adds a traditional element to the space. This kitchen is beautifully designed to incorporate both modern and traditional design elements.

Kitchen Renovation in Herndon, Virginia

Our fourth example of a transitional kitchen is in Herndon, Virginia. The large windows in this kitchen create a space that is well lit with natural light, a common element of modern design.

The cabinets and panelled refrigerator create clean, straight lines throughout the kitchen. The backsplash is stone which adds a nice traditional element to the space. This kitchen is a great blend of modern and traditional design.

Transitional Interior Design for Your Kitchen

This fabulous transitional kitchen by Drury Design is a beautiful blend of modern and transitional design. The white and gray cabinets provide straight lines. The stacked grid backsplash is another component of transitional design. The brown cabinets are more embellished, adding a traditional design component to the space. This design also includes three very distinct components of traditional design: the window treatment, the arch in the window, and the intricate crown molding at the top of the white cabinets.         

Transitional Style Home Decor

This beautifully designed kitchen in New York has just enough modern design components to keep it from being a strictly traditional space. The color pallet is neutral and the windows in the space allow for natural light to flow freely. The windows in the kitchen are straight, as opposed to having an arch, which would have made the space even more traditional.

The crown molding on the top of the cabinets and detail in the woodwork of the kitchen island are all components of traditional design. The space is clutter-free and decor is kept to a minimum to make the space more modern.

All in all, this transitional space incorporates both modern and traditional design very well.

Remodelers in Northern Virginia

If you’re thinking about redesigning your home, our talented designers know the latest transitional design tips to transform your space. Call us at 703-961-7707, or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com to get started.

Here at MOSS we love giving back to our local community and that is never more true than now, in the leadup to the holiday season. This fall, our team coordinated a donation of a mud kitchen to The Country Day School in McLean. A mud kitchen is an outdoor structure made from wood, pallets, and a sink, that helps kids explore the many textures of nature through playing with dirt, water, leaves, bark, and anything else they find outside. Often, this leads to children using the kitchen to create grass cakes and mud pies, hence the “mud kitchen” name.

One of our expert contractors, Richard, working with the community relations team and a project manager, designed and built the wonderful kitchen play structure for the kids from scratch. Working indoors, right in our storage room in Chantilly, the kitchen was quickly and beautifully assembled and then transported to McLean this week for installation.  Complete with a sink, faux stovetop and oven, and hooks and shelving for pots, pans, and other kitchen accoutrements, the mud kitchen is fully equipped for all the upcoming learning-through-play adventures.

We loved working with The Country Day School and hope the preschoolers and teachers who use the playgrounds every day enjoy trying out their new outdoor kitchen. We also offer a special thanks to TW Perry, who donated the supplies and materials used to build the kitchen.