Author Archives: Kyle Foley

Time for an Upgrade? Kitchens and Bathrooms are Top Remodeling Projects in Fairfax County

Year in and year out, bathroom and kitchen makeovers are the most popular remodeling projects, with homeowners updating their look and upgrading the rooms with newer and better features. According to the National Association of Home Builders, most of those homeowners use professional help, whether it’s a design-build firm like ours, an interior designer, or both.

Better appliances, great flooring, and beautiful counters are being used to take kitchens from their dated traditional style to something more current, while large showers and spa-like fixtures are two of today’s biggest trends in bathroom design.

If you’re looking to shake things up design-wise in the kitchen or bath, there are plenty of available option to choose from.

Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Trends

One of the biggest changes in bathrooms can be found in tub and shower options. Freestanding tubs and curbless showers, which incorporate aging-in-place design, are replacing the old combo units, adding more comfort, elegance, and appeal to the room. Heated tile floors and towel warmers can also add a more luxurious feel to your bathroom space.

Bathroom Remodeling in Fairfax County

Some current bathroom trends expected to stand the test of time include:

  • Mediterranean-Inspired Design. Old-world style tiles that invoke countries like Portugal and Spain are an elegant look that are perfectly complemented by modern metallic faucets. They add a rich look and you don’t need to use a lot to make a beautiful statement – try using them as an accent in the shower or tub area.

  • Ease of Use. Curbless showers are easy to clean and make a bathroom look bigger. Floating vanities are popular with homeowners embracing universal design, because their height can be customized. They also add a stylish look to the room.
  • Smart Storage. A design trend with incredible staying power in both bathrooms and kitchens? White cabinets that keep a room well-organized and uncluttered. When built-in cabinets aren’t an option, many homeowners incorporate an antique or vintage-look piece of furniture. Open shelving has always been a popular trend that is also practical.

Kitchen Remodeling in Fairfax County

A kitchen remodel is a huge commitment and investment, making it vital to make smart choices that will last. Here are a few trends we believe have staying power.

  • White Cabinetry. Just like in bathrooms, you won’t go wrong by choosing white cabinets. Nearly 70% of NKBA members say that white cabinets are the top choice for their clients. They work great with stainless or matte black appliances and easily blend into transitional or contemporary styles.·        
  • Smaller Appliances. Micro living is big for millennials and retirees. Typical appliance choices for those wanting to scale down are two-burner cooktops, microwave/convection oven combos, 18” dishwashers, and 60” refrigerator.        
  • LED Lighting. LED ribbons are showing up all over the kitchen: along toe kicks, on the inside of cabinets, concealed in crown molding, and more. Homeowners love that they come in a variety of colors, offer a creative way to use lighting, and emit virtually no heat. They’re also incredibly energy efficient, lasting five times longer than CFLs.

One design element that continues to gain in popularity: deep drawer organizers that keep everything neat and tidy. Drawers are being customized with:

  • Slots that hold plates and store knives.
  • Stackable trays to keep utensils separated.
  • Removable containers that let you easily reorganize your drawers.

Ready to Remodel Your Home’s Kitchen or Bath?

When remodeling your Fairfax County home’s kitchen or bathroom, it’s a good idea to be careful about “trendy” choices. Both remodels represent a substantial investment and you don’t want either to be out-of-sync in a few years. Be sure to consider any trend in terms of the value it will bring to your family’s lifestyle and your home.

If you’re ready to explore more kitchen and bathroom design ideas for your Fairfax County home, why not schedule an in-home consultation with us today? We look forward to meeting you!

Do You Need a Permit for Your Kitchen Remodel in Northern VA? Probably.

Do you need a permit if you’re “simply” remodeling your kitchen? A lot depends on the work you want to have done. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of picking out new flooring, countertops, and appliances, it’s important to remember that most Northern VA kitchen remodels do, in fact, require a permit before you can begin work.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn they must obtain a permit first, but many, if not nearly all, kitchen remodels or renovations require three permits: building, mechanical, and electrical.

Permits are a required to ensure your kitchen remodel is safe and up to code. By obtaining the proper permits up front, you ensure your remodeling project is a fully-sanctioned success and avoid any future safety, legal, or resale problems.

Kitchen Remodel Permits in Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, a permit is required for most new residential construction. For a kitchen remodel a permit is required when:

  • It involves a home addition and/or movement of a lot line.
  • There are any interior alterations, except for new flooring, carpeting, paint, and/or trim work. Altering existing walls or building new ones always requires a permit. So, too, does installing a door or skylight. Expanding or putting in new windows? A permit is required for that, as well.
  • New and/or replacement gas or electric appliances are installed.
  • New and/or replacement HVAC equipment is installed.
  • Any type of electrical work requires a permit, including updating to GFCI outlets that are distanced according to current building codes.
  • Installing new plumbing fixtures or ventilation. Design plans that include installing, reconstructing, repairing, or otherwise altering any of your home’s ventilation, plumbing, or gas work requires a mechanical permit. This includes things like changing the location of your sink, etc.

A permit is not required if you’re simply replacing kitchen cabinets, repainting, changing the countertops, replacing existing windows, installing a new appliance in the same location, or installing a new sink in the same location without modifying the plumbing line.

Keep in mind that most interior remodeling projects in Northern VA also require that your home’s entire smoke detection system be up to code, unless you are installing an outdoor kitchen.

Obtaining a Permit

You may be required to submit building plans to obtain a permit in Fairfax County. These plans must be designed in accordance with the current building code and local design criteria. A site-related plan may also be required depending on the land disturbance activity of the construction on your property.

Every kitchen remodel is unique. At Foley, we’ll help you determine which permits are needed and take care of the entire permitting process for you before construction begins, including filing the paperwork, collecting fees, and meeting with inspectors..

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At Foley, we believe the custom design-build process includes helping you navigate these challenging waters, steering you clear of tricky or challenging obstacles. From walking the lot, obtaining permits, scheduling inspections and applying for field changes, we’re with you every step of the way towards realizing the completion of your dream kitchen.

If you’re thinking of undertaking a kitchen remodeling project for your Northern VA home, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with us today. Our experienced design-build team is available to discuss your ideas and help you develop and design permit-ready plans for the new space you’re looking to create. We’ll make sure your kitchen remodel is not only highly functional and beautiful, but also compliant with local building ordinances. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your Fairfax County Kitchen Remodel: What Comes First?

Everyone knows that time is money. Remodeling your kitchen in the right order makes for maximum cost savings and efficiency. The more you understand about the order in which things happen with your kitchen remodel, the more prepared you’ll be for what comes up – and the sooner you’ll be enjoying your new space!

It Starts with a Plan

It all begins with thinking about what you need, which is often different from what you want.

  1. How do you use your kitchen? What layout and features best fit your family’s lifestyle? Write down in a journal a week’s worth of kitchen activities – everything from meal prep to kids doing homework, etc.
  2. What are your priorities? How many cooks in the family? Do you entertain large groups? Have big family get-togethers?
  3. Is your existing footprint sufficient? Do you need an addition?

If you haven’t already, start collecting images of kitchens with features that suit your family’s lifestyle. Start a Houzz Ideabook, use color-coded folders for magazine pages, and Pinterest boards to organize your favorite looks.

Once you’re ready to take the plunge, it’s on to formulating the scope of work and figuring out your preliminary budget. At Foley, our remodeling process carefully walks you through these important steps. Budget and scope are intertwined and often go through several changes before the actual design work begins. We also take care of preliminary tasks like contracts and permits, have designers who can help you choose finishes and fixtures, and we even help you set up a temporary kitchen.

After the design is finalized and approved, you can expect your kitchen remodel to proceed in this order:

  • Protection and Demolition involves protecting the work area with plastic, floor mats, paper, and/or plywood. Demolition can be the messiest part of the job, but it can also be exciting to see the work begin. Demo involves tearing out all the old “stuff” and disposing of what will not be repurposed.
  • Rough Framing is exactly what it sounds like: the new kitchen is framed out. Inspectors will come after framing is complete and give the go-ahead for the next step.
  • Rough ins are the piping, ductwork, and electrical wiring that get run after framing. Each trade has their own inspector come in once their work is complete. Once all the rough ins are approved, the walls are closed up.
  • Insulation and Air Sealing is next, followed by Drywall Install and Finishing. This is also an exciting time for homeowners, as they can now see how the room will look when complete.
  • Tile, Paint and Flooring. The finishes phase takes time to do properly, but the results are worth it!
  • Cabinets, Doors, Windows, and Millwork. The cabinets are hung first, followed by the base cabinets.
  • Counters are put in after the base cabinets are installed. The sink and faucet are installed now as well.
  • Plumbing, Electrical and Appliances. The electricians and plumbers now install fixtures, plates, and the HVAC system. At this point in the process, your new kitchen is fully functional, but there are still details to be taken care of.
  • Punch List Preparation. A good punch list defines all items that need to be addressed before final occupancy, and include a plan for completion. You and your project manager do a walkthrough to see what work remains to be finished. A “punch list” is created which typically includes things like paint touch-ups, missing hardware, and installation of parts that haven’t yet arrived.
  • Clean Up and Move Out. The last touchups and cleaning are done. Everything construction-related is packed up and removed, and any dumpsters or portable bathroom facilities are removed.

Learn More

Whether you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel or looking for kitchen design ideas for your Northern VA home, we can help bring your personal vision to life. A kitchen remodel is a big investment, one of the most expensive remodeling projects you can do. Contact us today to learn more about Fairfax kitchen design and our complete home remodeling process.

Kitchen Remodels That Give the Best Return on Your Investment

A well-designed kitchen remodel can make or break the sale of your house, while an upgraded, functional kitchen can make your home irresistible to buyers. Depending on the features you choose and how much you spend, a kitchen makeover is one of the best remodeling investments you can make – many homeowners see well over an 80% return. Whether your priority is to design a beautiful new kitchen for yourself, or one that will appeal to potential buyers, here’s why it’s a worthy and smart investment.

Remodeling Your Kitchen for Resale

How likely are you to get the money back on a kitchen remodel when you sell your house? What a buyer might be willing to pay depends on many factors, including the layout and materials you choose. That’s why many kitchen remodels intended to help sell a home use materials that appeal to the widest number of potential buyers.

It helps if you know which improvements typically get the best return. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual analysis of cost versus value, a minimal kitchen upgrade in Northern VA – painting, refinishing surfaces, and upgrading one or two appliances – will often return more than a full remodel.

  • Start by talking with a local real estate agent about what people in your area are looking for in kitchens. Research what realtors are using as kitchen selling points on their websites and flyers. Ask about things like stainless steel, color palettes, and which floorplans buyers want.
  • Keep things simple for resale. A neutral color scheme doesn’t have to mean white, but try to stay natural and subdued. Both big items like countertops and smaller details like fixtures should blend with whatever style the new homeowners have.
  • Some people decide to go cheap for a resale remodel, but that’s not always your best bet. Yes, new homeowners will most likely make some changes, but knowing the kitchen doesn’t need work right away can be a big selling point. Just don’t indulge in high-end items like exotic woods or chef-style appliances.
  • If your kitchen is currently a contained space, but buyers are looking for open floor plans, it can be worth it to knock down a wall or two.
  • Buyers love modern conveniences like pull-out pantries, under-cabinet lighting, and appliance garages, but stay away from anything that could become obsolete as technology evolves. Swapping out one or two appliances for energy-efficient ones is also a good idea.
  • Granite countertops are a must – everyone loves them. For resale purposes, though, it isn’t necessary to go for the most high-end slab.

Remodeling Your Kitchen for You

Some homeowners are more than willing to invest more than they might hope to recoup because they plan on staying in their home for a long time. If that’s your outlook, too, then what matters is designing a space that best suits your family’s lifestyle and making smart investments in quality materials. It still helps to know where your money is best invested and which changes will boost your home’s value.

There are plenty of reasons to remodel your kitchen: to gain better use of the space, boost its aesthetic value, improve its overall function, or finally tailor it to your own personal style. One of the top reasons people remodel their kitchen is to improve its flow. Here are five upgrades that are nearly always worth the money you put into them:

  1. Modern, energy-efficient appliances like super quiet dishwashers and microwave drawers.
  2. Upgraded cabinets that include pull-out pantries, soft-close doors, and premium hinges.
  3. Improved lighting that enhances the kitchen’s look and provides much needed light to work by. Overhead, task, and undercabinet lighting together with more natural light through skylights or larger windows is ideal.
  4. New flooring can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. Today, more people are choosing the warmth of wood or wood-look floors.
  5. If the kitchen is the hub of the home, the kitchen island is where most of day-to-day life occurs. Consider a bigger island that accommodates 6 to 8 people. Perfect for homework, quick family dinners, or for entertaing!

Learn More

Are you ready to move forward with your Northern VA kitchen remodeling project? Contact us today to schedule a conversation – we look forward to meeting you!

building custom sloped lot northern va

5 Tips For Building A Custom Home On A Sloped Lot In Northern VA

Building on a sloped lot is actually fairly common, but it does come with some special considerations. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright had his own take on the idea: “No house should ever be on any hill. It should be of the hill … so hill and house can live together.” In other words, you want to let the sloping land itself inspire the design of your new custom built home.

The Benefits and Challenges of Building on a Sloped Lot

Slopes often come with beautiful views and offer the opportunity to build a much more interesting home. Some pros and cons to consider include:

Benefits:

  • A sloping lot can provide greater privacy from neighbors.
  • From landscaping to exterior and interior space, a sloped lot allows for unique design options.
  • Your new home design can include a walkout or lookout lower level, which means much more natural light instead of a dark and dreary basement.

Challenges:

  • A sloped lot might require specialized equipment to navigate in the available space and build the foundation.
  • It could add time to the total project. Building up the land and/or adding retaining walls is extra work that doesn’t occur when constructing on a level lot.
  • Sloped lots can present drainage challenges, particularly if you’re building on the side of a slope, not the top.

Tips for Building a House on a Sloped Lot

These tips will help you understand more about sloping sites and introduce you to some design solutions.

1. Adjust Your Budget. Reinforced suspended concrete floors, additional drainage, and more complicated hard landscaping all cost extra. Each sloped lot is different, so planning a workable budget will heavily rely on good design and detailed drawings.

2. Retaining Walls and Plinths. To overcome the issues that come with building on a sloped lot, some designs will carve out a level plinth on which to build a home designed for a level site. The plinth raises the floor above ground level, which prevents surface water from entering the structure. The spoil cut away from the bank is then used to make up the levels on the lower edge, which saves you money by not having to cart away the removed soil. Retaining walls can also be built to hold back banks of ground.

3. Unique Configurations. Sloped lots often mean wonderful views. You can take advantage of this by reversing your living areas, placing bedrooms below and kitchen, great room, and living room on the upper level. Basements are not a necessity for every family, so think about whether you must have one. Some people choose to build on a series of stilts or columns, which removes the need for extensive foundations. The area below can then be used for storage, instead of building a basement.

4. Landscaping. Landscaping on sloped lots requires some attention to detail, but offers a world of design possibilities. You’ll want to think about plant species that can easily establish roots in sloped areas. Short retaining walls can also be constructed to hold plantings. Think, too, about raised decks and patios to create useable living space.

5. Curb Appeal. There is still a need to maintain your home’s good visual impact on a sloped lot. If the garage and entrance will be located on the ground floor, there are ways to break up the purely utilitarian look. Garage doors can be set back under upper level balconies or decks, and more doors and windows on the upper levels will add visual appeal.

You don’t have to compromise on your dream home because you’re worried about the challenges and difficulties of sloped lot construction. Working with a design-build firm like Foley who can give you expert advice allows you the peace of mind you need to know your new custom home will be built to the highest safety and quality standards.

We have over 30 years of experience constructing custom homes on sloped lots throughout the greater Northern VA area. We know how to design and deliver in the most structurally sound and cost-effective way while gaining all the benefits your home site has to offer. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more.

build or remodel northern va

Should You Build or Remodel in Northern VA? Evaluating Your Options

It’s an age-old question: should you build a new custom home or remodel the one you already have? It may come as a surprise that you can often get a new home for the price of a used one, and that remodeling, on a cost-per-square-foot basis, is usually more expensive than new construction. Deciding whether you should build or remodel your Northern VA home should not be based, then, on construction costs alone. There are a host of other factors to consider.

Needs Change

The choice between remodeling or building new is not a clear-cut one. Every family’s situation is different. Over time, your home may no longer work for your family’s lifestyle or needs. You may require more or less space, and the floorplans and appliances may be outdated. Families evolve, expanding through the birth of children, or shrinking as those children grow up and move into homes of their own. Maybe you just want a change of pace, or you want to incorporate future needs. Whatever the reason, at some point you may look around and ask yourself, should we remodel or build the home we really need and want?

Evaluate Motivations

At Foley Development, we’ve learned that a good first course of action is to evaluate your reasons for making a change. Once you understand what is driving your decision, you are in a better position to decide whether a remodel or new construction is in your future. Do you:

  • Think your home is old and just needs too much work?
  • Think you’d like to live in a more desirable neighborhood?
  • Think a smaller or larger yard will better suit your present needs?
  • Want to go from a two-story house to one-level living, or vice versa?
  • Want to be nearer to (or further from) family?

Questions like these are a great jumping of point, as they help reveal you have more choices than you thought.

Discover What’s Possible

Now’s the time for information gathering. Besides the wealth of written material available online, it’s a good idea to seek out the professional opinion of a design-build firm or contractor. They are your perfect source for finding out what you can or cannot change about your current home, as well as the logistics of building a new home. Talk to a local realtor, too, about what your home is currently worth and what impact a remodel might have.

Weigh the Costs

There are two types of costs associated with building and remodeling: obvious and hidden ones. Obvious costs are things like materials, fixtures, and labor. Our design-build process walks you through all the steps involved in both building a new custom home or remodeling your existing home.  Hidden costs are often overlooked, but are very real just the same. For remodeling, they include:

  • Change orders
  • The cost of structural changes or repair of unseen problems
  • Interior design, furniture, and furnishings
  • The costs associated with temporary housing, dining out, or ordering take-out

These hidden costs may seem insignificant when considered on their own, but they can quickly add up.

It’s also important to consider your return on investment, which depends on several factors. The value of homes in your neighborhood, the current housing market, and the inherent quality of the project itself should all be taken into account. A great source for this information is Remodeling Magazine’s online cost vs. value report. Since there’s simply no way to put a dollar figure on the long-term value you’ll receive from a new home or a remodel, think about how each option will benefit your family the most.  

Make a Decision

The choice between a custom build or home remodel is a major decision that is based on factors specific to your family’s needs. Intangibles like how attached you are to your current home, neighborhood, and local amenities should all be considered. Financial options need to be explored and it’s a good idea to get cost estimates for both a remodel and new construction.

There’s no right or wrong answer that applies to every homeowner. By evaluating the above factors, though, you can confidently make a decision that is best for your family’s needs. Our design-build process begins with a consultation that can help you make the remodeling vs. custom build decision an easier one. No matter what you decide, we believe the design-build approach is the smart choice, and we’d love to meet you and discuss your new home options.

custom home northern virginia

How To Find A Lot To Build On In Northern VA

After weighing all the options, you’ve finally decided the best route for your growing family is to build a custom home from the ground up on your own lot. The first challenge? Finding a lot that meets all the needs of your family’s lifestyle. While you’d think it would be a fairly simple thing to do – there’s a lot of lands out there! – it’s not that easy. It’s true there a plenty of lots available, but not all of them are ready to build on or are best-suited for the home you have in mind.

The Right Lot for Your Fairfax County Custom Home

When choosing a lot in Fairfax County, there are some must-dos and things to consider before you put your money down on a residential lot.

    • What’s Your Style? Community style, that is. Just like when you buy an existing home, you need to think about the type of community you want to live in. Do you want sidewalks? Do you have school-age children? Do you want to be able to walk to Main Street, or do you prefer something farther out?
    • Check Out the Neighborhood. You can drive around the area to check out an area, but you can get a bird’s eye view by using a site like Google Street View, where you get to a see a much wider area. Your beautiful lot may be a great bargain because it isn’t far from the freight train line or industrial complex that operates 24/7.
    • Easy Access. Take a look at roads and access. You most likely want a lot that fronts on or has access to a public road. Make sure the proper rights of way and easements are in place if it doesn’t.
    • Site Visit. You absolutely must check and recheck the lot’s condition. The only way to do that is with a site visit where you walk the entire property. You may know exactly where you want to place the backyard deck, but it won’t happen if it’s in a wetland. Does the lot have a stream? It may turn into a river during a storm. Is anything growing on the lot? If not, there might be environmental problems.
    • Are You Hooked Up? Make sure there are no surprise fees in store for water and sewer connections. If you’ll be installing the septic system, be certain it passes a perc test. Will you want cable TV and high-speed internet access? Do your homework and save yourself a lot of time and angst after the fact.
  • Site Limitations. Check the lot’s use restrictions to make sure you can build the home you have in mind. HOA rules, environmental conditions, restrictive covenants, and historic district designations can all affect what you can and cannot do on a lot. Don’t forget to ask about front and side setbacks. For example, in the City of Falls Church, your new custom-built home’s footprint can’t be more than 25% of the square footage of the lot, and you can’t cover more than 35% of the lot with an impervious area, such as patios, walkways, and driveways.
  • Seek Professional Guidance. Don’t rely on advice from family and friends who don’t have experience in helping buyers of residential property. Instead, meet with a real estate agent or broker with expertise in vacant land in the area you want to build. Even better, have your design-build firm come out and check the property before you commit.

How We Can Help You Find a Lot to Build On

Many of the homeowners we talk to have a vision of the perfect lot and home they want to build, but they’re unsure about finding the land. At Foley, we specialize in helping you find the perfect spot to build on. If you need help finding a lot, or have questions about a lot you’re considering or have already bought, we’re here to guide and support you and help you make the right decisions.

Lot selection is about much more than buying a vacant piece of land. There are zoning and building regulations, demolition requirements, utility considerations, permits, and more. We have years of experience in building and remodeling Fairfax County homes and are familiar with local ordinances.

Learn More

Does the perfect lot exist? Probably not, as every piece of land will have its special challenges. But the lot that’s perfect for you and your family does exist and we can help you find it. If you’re ready to find a lot in Fairfax County and get started on building your new custom home, contact us today to schedule a conversation. We’ll be glad to help you sort out your options and show you just how enjoyable the custom home building process can be.

custom home northern va

How To Build A Custom Home In Northern VA Before Selling Yours

It’s the custom home building industry’s version of the chicken-or-egg dilemma. What should you do first: sell your existing home before you start building your custom home, or build first, sell later? It’s a good question, and one we often get asked. There’s no right or wrong decision. Instead, it mostly comes down to your own comfort level with risk. Consider these options before moving forward with your dream to build a new custom home.  

Sell Your Northern VA Home Before Construction Starts

Selling your Northern VA home before you start construction is a good option if you want to know exactly how much money you’ll have on hand for your new custom home. The downside? Unless you can delay closing and moving out until the new house is ready, you will have the expense of renting a temporary location, as well as moving and/or storage costs. You could also ask if the buyer is willing to let you rent back the house until construction is complete. While it’s possible to find such a buyer, in the “real” world, few are willing to wait months before moving into their new home.

Today, finding short-term rentals isn’t difficult. It may be worth the time and effort because:

  • It can save you the stress and uncertainty of starting construction before the buyer of your current home has wrapped up financing.
  • There are no self-imposed deadlines and you can wait for the right buyer at the right price.

Build First, Sell Second

The immediate benefit of building your custom home first and then selling your current home is that you remove the need for temporary housing. You pack and unpack your household goods once, and you avoid storage charges and double moving charges. The risks lie in not knowing the price you will get for your current house ahead of time, or how long it will take to the sell it.

Whether you’re able to quickly sell your home as moving day approaches has a lot to do with the vibrancy of your area’s housing market. If homes in your neighborhood have been selling quickly, you should be okay waiting. You can talk to a local realtor about your own situation, but today’s market is in better shape than in recent years, which means you stand a good chance of making it work.

The Mortgage Lending Perspective

From a strictly financial point of view, the question comes down to whether you have the funds to carry multiple mortgages. Keep in mind, though, that with a construction loan, you only pay the interest on the mortgage amount as it is advanced. Since you’re only drawing money to cover the various stages of construction, you’re not making full monthly mortgage payments until construction is complete. This means less of a financial burden than carrying two full principal plus interest mortgages.

Some lenders do offer a blanket mortgage that covers your present home and the new custom home you’re building. Then, once you well your existing home, the amount of your new mortgage is reduced via the sales proceeds.  

Another option is obtaining a home equity line of credit while building your new custom home. So-called HELOCs can often be interest-only for up to two years, with a maximum loan amount of 85% of your existing home’s value.

Learn More

The custom home building process should be an enjoyable one for your family. The choice to sell and build or build then sell is a highly personal one and should be based on your own comfort level. Need more information about what is the best decision for proceeding with the design and construction of your Northern VA dream home? Contact us today to schedule a conversation. We’ll be glad to help you sort out your options. We also invite you to download our free guide that provides more information on the process of building a new custom home in Northern Virginia.

mclean fairfax

Fairfax County Neighborhood Feature: McLean

Located a convenient 10 miles west of Washington D.C. and 5 miles southwest of Bethesda, MD, McLean is one of Fairfax County’s premier suburbs. Many affluent professionals live here with their families and the quality of life is considered unparalleled within Virginia and the country. Suburban amenities coupled with easy access to downtown D.C. make it a popular choice for commuters. And though peak traffic time can be a challenge, most resident quickly learn how to navigate the best routes to their jobs.

A Closer Look at McLean, VA

Home to just under 50,000 residents, McLean has a diverse population, with nearly 25% of its resident born outside the U.S. Asians make up about 22% and Blacks, Hispanics, and Latinos make up about seven percent. Well-known for its affluence and the upper-class lifestyle that comes with it, the median household income at $180,000 is almost three times the state average. A low unemployment rate of 2.6% is less than half of the national rate, and only slightly over two percent of McLean’s residents live at or below the poverty level. Virtually all of the residents here graduate high school, 80% have a bachelor’s degree, and nearly 50% have a master’s degree.

While many surrounding communities are known for their growing millennial populations, McLean is home to a higher percentage of families with older children. A third of the residents are in the 45-64 age bracket, while 40% of the town is made up of families with children under the age of 18. Approximately 70% of the residents are married, making it easy to see why many of McLean’s amenities are geared towards a family lifestyle.

History of McLean, VA

In 1910, McLean was a sparsely populated farming community. Then Henry Alonzo Storm established a general store which included the area’s post office, an event that is now considered McLean’s unofficial beginning. Located by a stop on the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad named after the Washington Post publisher and owner, John R. McLean, the area was soon home to a village and vibrant community. Area farmers used the electric rail line adjacent to Storm’s store to ship produce, milk, and other dairy products.

In 1914 the first consolidated public school in Fairfax County, The Franklin Sherman School, opened here, and in 1915 the first McLean Day was held to raise money for it. Though McLean doesn’t get the same amount of historical attention as the surrounding area, it is rich in Civil War history, with Camp Griffin, Chain Bridge, and Ft. Marcy all playing important roles. Today the town is home to the CIA’s headquarters, which were established here in 1961.

One of McLean’s notable landmarks is a log structure that dates to the 1700s. Located at the corner of Virginia Avenue and North Nottingham Street, it has been modified over the centuries, but still offers a glimpse into the time period.

A Family-Focused Community

Despite the ritzy homes and nearby CIA HQ, residents see McLean as a laid-back, lovely place to call home. It is a safe community filled with older trees and offers easy access to the Potomac River and its recreational opportunities, making it a popular choice for families with children. The schools are highly ranked nationally, with Langley High School recognized as one of the top in Virginia. Most of the neighborhoods here predate the gated communities boom.

Franklin Park is one of McLean’s oldest neighborhoods and a highly-coveted area for homebuyers. It may be located right next door to Arlington and the D.C. Metro area, but this picturesque neighborhood feels a world apart. Together with Langley Forest, it is one of the two hottest neighborhoods in McLean. But don’t call it snooty. The “Franklin Frolickers” group has for decades been coming together to plan and host such social activities as a Halloween parade and neighborhood potluck.

There’s a big emphasis on arts and education in McLean and weekend festivals and concerts can be found throughout the area just about every weekend. There are regular performances at the Alden Theatre, and the galleries at the McLean Project for the Arts highlight contemporary art. The popular Clemyjontri Park and Playground offers recreational activities for children of all ability levels, including wheelchair accessible swings.

Everyone who lives here would agree that shopping in McLean has been elevated to an art form. Tysons Corner Center is still the largest mall in Virginia, boasting more than 300 stores and a whopping 2.4 million square feet of retail space.

Remodeling Your McLean, VA Home

McLean is a family-focused town with excellent schools which despite its proximity to downtown D.C., offers a peaceful retreat from city life. If you’re ready to build or remodel your McLean, VA home, why not schedule an in-home consultation with us today? We’d love to help you bring to life the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Fairfax County Neighborhood Feature Great Falls

Fairfax County Neighborhood Feature: Great Falls

Great Falls, VA is a mid-sized town with three constituent neighborhoods and a population of just over 16,000 people. It is a predominately white-collar town, with nearly 98% of the workforce employed in white collar jobs. The highest number of people who live in Great Falls work in management, followed by careers in business, financial, and computer science and math. In fact, there are more people here who work in computer and math than in 95% of the rest of the country. It is a popular choice for families with children.

A Closer Look at Great Falls, VA

They say knowledge is power, which makes Great Falls one powerful town. As compared to the national average of 22%, over 80% of the adults who live here hold a college, master, MD, law, or PhD degree! The town is one of the most expensive in Virginia to live in and approximately 62% of the population has an annual household income over $150,000. Just over a third of the residents are between the ages of 45 and 64 years old.

The average commute time is about 36 minutes, though getting in and out of D.C. during rush hour can take over an hour or more. A relatively large number of people telecommute to their jobs and others are self-employed, operating small businesses out of their homes. Over a quarter of the residents were born outside of the U.S. and the town is very ethnically diverse. The residents describe themselves as belonging to a wide variety of ethnic and racial group, citing ancestries of English, Asian, Irish, Italian, and Iranian. Though English is by far the most common language, you’ll also hear Chinese and Persian spoken here.

History of Great Falls

It’s generally acknowledged that the first settlers of Great Falls were the early natives identified in archeology reports on sites dating back 9,000 years. However, there’s no evidence of Native American permanent settlements here; rather, the nearest villages were in the Mount Vernon area and just opposite of Washington, D.C.

Modern settlements began not long after Jamestown was established in 1607. What’s currently known as Fairfax County was formed in 1742. The first land grant in Great Falls itself dates to 1709, when Daniel McCarty received approximately 3,000 acres; grants over the next 134 years contributed to Great Falls’ growing population. In the 1800s, a town and three villages were established and eventually grew into the current Great Falls community.

The town was originally known as Forestville to honor the site of the first community fire department built there in 1942. But in 1945, a member of the fire department proposed a switch to Great Falls and, in November 1955, the name was officially changed.

Living in Great Falls, VA

Great Falls is a fabulous place for families with children and, with a great opportunity for strong social ties and family-oriented services. Because so many of the homes are owner-occupied, the community is considered an extremely stable place to live. The town has excellent schools (graded 95) and, together with the high percentage of college-educated adults, provides a wonderful academic environment. It’s overall crime rate is among the lowest in the country, making it one of the safest places to live and raise a family. It’s worth noting that Great Falls is also home to a large community of artists, designers, and media professionals who add something quite special to the town’s character.

Most visitors come to the Great Falls area to experience its main attraction, the Great Falls Park. Overlooking the Great Falls of the Potomac River, the dramatic views, hiking, and rafting available here make it a popular destination. George Washington himself was involved in building the Patowmack Canal around the falls and remnants of the canal and village established there are still visible. The Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad once ran along Old Dominion Drive in 1906.

People also love to hike the over 10 miles of trails at River Bend County Park, as well as attend community celebrations that take place in the Village Green, including the Spring Festival with its Easter egg hunt, the tree lighting at Christmastime, fireworks on the 4th of July, and Halloween and Thanksgiving events in the fall. Outdoor concerts are held here all summer long. The Village Centre is also home to a number of independent shops and restaurants. Every Saturday of the year you can visit the Great Falls Farmer’s Market. The Great Falls Art Organization holds an annual festival as well as other art-related events throughout the year.

Remodeling Your Great Falls, VA Home

Great Falls is a beautiful, family-oriented town with outstanding schools and civic-minded residents, making it a wonderful place to call home. If you’re ready to build or remodel your existing Great Falls home, why not schedule an in-home consultation with us today? We’d love to help you bring to life the home you’ve always dreamed of.