Whatever your budget, remodeling a kitchen, bath, or any other area of your home is definitely a delicate balancing act. There’s a seemingly endless array of choices, and you may find yourself having to scrimp in one area of your budget to make room for the things that are most important to you. And while we always recommend making choices based on your family’s lifestyle first, we understand that you also may want to make choices that positively affect the resale value of your home.

Great Falls Home Remodeling: Scrimp or Splurge?

For over 40 years we’ve worked with Great Falls residents on their home remodeling projects. In all those years, we can’t recall a time when a client said “money’s no object.” The truth is, homeowners feel most secure about the remodeling process when they know upfront what it’s going to cost. That’s why it’s so important to set a realistic budget that you can stick to.

There will be times, though, that you’ll absolutely have to have something, and the only way to get it will be by increasing your budget. Times when cutting corners means saving money, but getting less than what your heart desires. How do you determine the right times to splurge? One way is by prioritizing your spending based on your personal values, as well as how your family will use the space.

Keep in mind that your budget is not set in stone. Yes, it’s there to guide you and keep you on an even financial keel, but there actually are times when spending more is a smart move. For example, if you love preparing gourmet meals, a professional range is likely worth the investment. For young, busy families, a large island might be more important. Or you may want a high-tech family room, so a solid sound system, lighting and Ethernet wiring are vital.

Your design team is an excellent resource for helping you determine a realistic budget for your remodeling project. They will help you see where you can safely scrimp or save and, through give-and-take communication, will help you understand what your priorities should be.

When to Splurge

Our experience has been that there tends to be at least one or two items on which more money will be spent than originally budgeted for. Here are some circumstances we believe you should never cut corners on, because the extra bit of money you pay for them will benefit you and your family in the long run.

• Quality Materials. There are certain materials that simply hold up better than others. From cabinets to countertops and windows to flooring, they represent real, top value for the dollar. When you opt for lesser-quality materials, it can actually cost you more in the long run, as they’ll need to be replaced more quickly and more often.
• Professional Designers and Contractors. Most remodels can benefit from professional design advice, and a high-quality professional contractor understands the ins and outs of a successful remodeling project. A design build firm like Foley brings both design and remodeling experience in one complete package.
• Space. Increasing your home’s useable space is almost always a good investment. Spend a little more now to get the space your family needs for the foreseeable future, as it can be far more expensive to expand later.
• Convenience. A good designer will help you understand the difference between a “face-lift” and a functional remodel. You can replace the kitchen cabinets or the bathroom fixtures, but if the layouts don’t work, you won’t be happy – or fully enjoy your remodeled home.

The Bottom Line

Budgets matter, but the additional money you spend now on extras that give you a more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable home are worth it. It’s the reason you chose to remodel in the first place. We are a custom home builder and remodeling firm that designs, builds, and remodels homes in Great Falls and all of Northern Virginia. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more about properly budgeting your next remodeling project.

If you’re looking to either install a new, or remodel an existing master bathroom in your Great Falls, VA home, you may be confused as to whether you need a soaker tub, a shower, or both. Bathtubs are great if you have kids, or if you yourself love the relaxation that comes with jetted hydrotherapy.

If your bathroom has ample space, a separate shower and bathtub can be ideal. For smaller rooms, a shower-tub combo might be best. There’s an art to selecting the right bath product that offers the function you and your family need. But choosing the perfect shower or soaker tub for your new bathroom can be a fun and simple task.

Master Bathroom Bathtub or Soaker?

One of the most important elements of any master bathroom is, of course, the tub and/or shower. There’s no hard and fast rules as to which is best, and it mostly comes down to your personal preference. Up until recently, the majority of master bathrooms included a large soaking tub, creating a spa-like oasis where homeowners could relax and get away from it all.

Today, the trend is moving towards larger showers with multiple massaging showerheads and steam options.

• Showers: Large, walk-in showers are today’s number one choice, and they’re perfect for a hectic lifestyle. Busy moms, in particular, have stated that a master suite bathtub is something they don’t really want, as they rarely have time for long soaks in a tub.

Many homeowners are instead getting the same spa-like feel of a tub with shower design elements such as floor to ceiling tile, shower seats, and benches.

• Soaker Tubs: Some homeowners can’t imagine a master bathroom without a tub. For them, nothing matches soaking in a nice hot bath with a glass of wine. Or they see their tub as therapy, perfect for soothing aching joints or back pain. Large tubs often act as the focal point of new master bath. The most popular tubs today are free-standing, but jetted tubs are still a favorite choice for many.

Ultimately, the choice between a tub, shower, or both, comes down to what works best for your family. There will always be “tub people” and “shower people,” so there’s no right or wrong decision. When deciding, think about things such as age, accessibility, room size, and personal taste. At Foley, our goal is to help you design and create the master bathroom that best suits your family’s particular needs.

Showers, Soaker Tubs, and Resale Value

Does the product you choose affect the resale value of your home? The experts differ in their opinion. Some feel the lack of a tub in the master bathroom hurts resale, while others feel as long as there’s a tub elsewhere in the house, it’s not that big a deal. They say today’s buyers care more about having an oversized shower in the master bath. The choice is yours. We believe it’s always best to design your home with your own best interests in mind.

Planning a Master Bathroom

The top three considerations in planning your new master bath are space, needs, and budget. There are endless customization options to choose from, but there are a few basic elements each master bathroom requires:

• Circulation: How much space do you need, and what is the ideal layout? Pathways should be at least 36 inches, and it’s best to allow at least 42 inches in front of sinks for maintaining optimal personal space. Work with your designer to make creative use of the available square footage and give the room a spacious feel.
• Tub Placement: Beautiful soaker tubs are focal features that should be featured prominently in the room. Leave enough floor space in front of them for easy entering and exiting. The space needed for your tub depends on how you will configure the bathroom layout.
• Shower Placement: Position showers in such a way that moisture and overspray remain in water-resistant areas, and devote a section of floor space in front of the shower for handling any water spill. Most showers are 36 inches or more in width or depth, but there really is no limit, and the final choice comes down to homeowner preference.

If you’re ready to get started designing your new Great Falls VA master bathroom, we invite you to contact us to learn how we can help you create the updated bath of your dreams.

Picking the perfect neighborhood to raise a family is always a challenge – but if you’re relocating to Fairfax County, you’ll have an easier time than most. That’s because it’s full of wonderful, family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. It may be a large area, with over a million residents, but its communities are close-knit, friendly, and fun-loving. A family-oriented region where your children will have access to great schools, parks, libraries, and recreational activities.

Northern Virginia residents love spending times outdoors. There’s biking, hiking, water sports, and more. In the summer, two of the most popular activities are the Fairfax County outdoor movies series and picking up fresh produce at the various farmers’ markets. Here’s a rundown on where you can enjoy both this summer.

Fairfax County Outdoor Movies

Fairfax County families looking to enjoy both fresh air and great free entertainment are in luck. Forget being cooped up in the multiplex – outdoor movie season is in full swing and there’s something for everyone. Family classics, noir, romance, action, comedy, sci-fi, or animation, these unique locations are sure to please all types of film buffs. So grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and popcorn and head out for a fun night of film under the stars. Be sure to check the websites for current news and updates.

• On the third Saturday of each month, The Mount Vernon Rec Center Fields hosts Cinema Del Rey. Shows begin at dusk but get there by 7pm to enjoy all the fun.

• Saturdays, it’s Penrose Square, and Thursdays, it’s Arlington Mill. From June to September you can take your own chair to see some of your favorite films at the Columbia Pike Movie Nights. Seating is first-come, first-served.

• Pack a picnic and head over to Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) for their lakeside summer movie season that takes place on the second and fourth Fridays in July and August.

• It’s free movies every other Wednesday at Leesburg Movies Under the Stars. You can preorder food and popcorn from one of the Village restaurants and they’ll bring it right to your blanket.

You can also see some great flix at the Mosaic District Films in the Park, the National Harbor Movies on the Potomac, The Rossyln Outdoor Film Festival with its special family nights, and the South Riding Movie Night. And if you want to make the summer movie magic last into September, check out the City of Falls Church Sunset Cinema series.

Fairfax County Farmers Markets

Fill your bags with perfect home-grown ingredients from Fairfax County farmers’ markets. From vine-ripe veggies to freshly-picked fruits, there’s a wealth of delicious foods and specialty items to choose from. Here are some favorites, listed by the day of the week. Some have craft areas, clinics, and various other family activities, so be sure to click on the links to learn more.

• Wednesdays: McCutcheon/Mount Vernon at the Sherwood Library; Oak Marr Recreation Center on Jermantown Road; Reston Smart Markets Farmers Market at Reston Station Plaza; and Wakefield Park on Braddock Road.

• Thursdays: Annandale, Mason District Park on Columbia Pike; Chantilly Smart Markets; Herndon in Old Town Herndon; and Fairfax County Government Center.
• Fridays: Kingstowne and McLean in Lewinsville Park.
• Saturdays: Burke in the VRE parking Lot; Fairfax Community Farmers Market on West and Main; Falls Church Farmers Market in the City Hall Parking Lot; Great Falls Farmers Market at the Village Center. Also, Oakton Smart Markets located on Hunter Mill Road; Reston at the Lake Anne Village Center; Springfield Smart Markets Farmer’s Market; and the Vienna Farmer’s Market.
• Sundays: The Community Farmers Market behind the Wells Fargo; Lorton in the VRE parking lot; Mosaic Central Farm Market; and Tysons Smart Markets Farmer Markets.

The greatest places to live are the ones where the communities thrive. If you’re relocating to Fairfax County and looking to buy or build a custom home, we’d love to meet you. At Foley, we believe Fairfax County is one of the most beautiful places to live and raise a family. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more, and we think you’ll soon agree!

Sure, it’s tons of fun looking through home and garden magazines, watching home improvement reality shows, and perusing thousands of Pinterest boards on trending kitchen designs. But sometimes wouldn’t you really like to check out what your actual neighbors are doing inside their kitchens?

The hugely popular home remodeling and design platform Houzz recently released a survey of more than 2,400 U.S. homeowners in which they asked them what choices they were making for their kitchen renovation projects. Here are the top four responses. And who knows, maybe one of them was one of your neighbors!

Fairfax Kitchen Design Trends

At Foley, we’ve found that the majority of our kitchen remodeling clients are choosing trends they believe will last for years to come.

“Super Kitchens” are In. Houzz coined the term “super kitchens” to describe a multi-purpose, all-in-one hub of the home. Nearly half of the homeowners they surveyed made the decision to open up their kitchen to the rest of the house and, in some cases, to the outdoors. Today’s kitchens continue to evolve beyond a place where meals are prepared. Entertaining, socializing, homework, or just hanging out – 60% of homeowners are now spending three or more hours a day in their kitchens.

Customized features such as coffee stations, pastry counters, and wine refrigerators are becoming more common, as are high-tech work stations. The super kitchen of today is now a true family room, with layouts and design elements that blur the line between where the kitchen ends and the rest of home begins.

A Vintage Flavor. Homeowners are moving away from ultra-sleek kitchens and embracing designs that blend contemporary style with vintage flair. Designers see it as looking to the past for a sense of comfort, and welcome it as a way to introduce a cozy and welcoming vibe. There’s been a recent resurgence of designing a kitchen that is functional yet timeless and, most importantly, reflects a family’s true lifestyle. This is a trend that works well with Fairfax kitchen design, as Northern VA is an area steeped in history and tradition.

Homeowners are choosing retro-style countertop appliances that add a nostalgic air to their contemporary cooking area. And while vintage used to mean the 1920s, today it can refer to the 1960s Nordic style kitchen that some people are embracing, or to the color-clad appliances of the same time period. Whatever trend they choose, homeowners are having fun taking a trip to the past to help them design their kitchen of the future.

Muted Color Palettes. Though white motifs continue to rule, there’s a move towards soft, muted color palettes. Bold primary colors will be put on the back burner as neutral pastels, grays, and tinted whites get used for everything from cabinets to backsplashes. Homeowners are also choosing lighter wood tones, including white oak, walnuts, and whitewashed woods. Neutrals are both soothing and versatile, making them a trend that’s likely to last for quite some time.

Engineered Materials. So realistic that they almost rival the real thing, engineered materials are taking their place in the spotlight. Gone are the manufactured materials of the past that looked fake and drab. Today’s engineered stone, board, and tile look nearly as good as their natural counterparts. Better yet, they’re often more durable, easier to maintain, and less expensive than the originals.

Designers and homeowners are choosing engineered stone that looks like marble for countertops and backsplashes. For flooring, there are vinyl floor tiles that mimic premium stone and timber that are ideal for kitchens that see a lot of foot traffic.

A Kitchen Remodel with Staying Power

At Foley, we like to remind our clients that there’s a difference between trends and fads, and not to worry about adapting the latest trends into their own kitchen remodel. The key is to use only those trends you and your family truly love and that reflect your personal taste and lifestyle. It’s the sure way to end up with a kitchen that will serve you well for many years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about Fairfax kitchen design and our complete home remodeling process.

It can come from out of the blue. As you sit and have your morning coffee, you look around and realize – this house isn’t working any more. Maybe your family has grown since you first built or moved in, or perhaps you no longer care for the floorplan, flooring and cabinets. Those quirks you once found so charming? Now, not so much. Whatever it is – your Northern VA home no longer fits your family’s need and there’s no point denying it.

Whether to build or remodel is never an easy decision. So what do you do? Would your family be better off building a custom home, buying a newly built one with semi-customizations, or staying put and remodeling the home you now live in?  

At Foley, we know how hard it can be for our clients to make that choice. Not only are there emotional factors involved, but the financial consequences can be enormous. You may think your only solution is to build, but here are some considerations to help you see all your options.

Northern VA Home Remodeling

If you’ve decided your Northern VA home no longer meets your family’s needs – be it for style, space, energy efficiency, or convenience – it’s time to make some well-considered choices. To start, ask yourself these questions:

• How much do you love your neighborhood? If you love your community, have good relationships with your neighbors, and have easy access to everything your family needs, you might want to consider renovating or buying a home in the same neighborhood.
• How are your finances? Do you have the budget to make a move to a larger or more ideal home? In many cases, it’s often less expensive to remodel.
• Do you like your home’s current floor plan? If you don’t want to change the structural elements of your home, it can be up to 50% less expensive to remodel.

3 Good Reasons to Choose Remodeling

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons you’ll probably find you’re leaning more towards one choice over another. But if you’re still on the fence, here are three good reasons to seriously consider Northern VA home remodeling.

1. There Are Some Things Money Can’t Buy. The vast majority of our clients love their Northern VA neighborhoods and they enjoy the sense of community that comes from living there. They’ve invested a lot of time developing good relationships with their neighbors, and there’s no putting a price tag on friendship. Yes, you’ll most likely make new friends wherever you go, but there are no guarantees, particularly for the kids.
2. Land is Expensive. When they decide to build new, homeowners often forget to factor in the cost of both the land itself and land development. That’s understandable, because it’s not something you often hear about. It’s one of your largest expenses, though, and one look at this animated map will show you just how much the price has risen in Northern VA. So keep in mind that a big part of your budget will be spent way before you even start designing the plans and choosing materials, furnishings and fixtures.
3. Room for Improvement. Remodeling the space you have can give you the best of both worlds – an updated, better functioning home that allows your family to stay in the area they love. Even if you buy or build a custom home that includes all your current desires, the chances are somewhere down the road you’ll be craving some new features. Why spend a lot of money on a new home that will eventually need updates? Remodel the one you have a little bit at a time, and you’ll soon have the home of your dreams.

Learn More

If your family needs more space, we invite you to download a one of our free case studies that exhibit how we overcame remodeling challenges for a family . At Foley, we believe that no matter which path you choose – a new home or a remodel – working with a custom design build firm such as ours will make the end result well worth the journey.

If you’re making the move to Fairfax County, choosing the right neighborhood for your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Where your children go to school, how far of a daily commute you’ll have, and the (offline) social networks you’ll build all play a part in where you ultimately decide to buy or build a home. The neighborhood you choose will have a big impact on your family’s overall quality of life, as will the outdoor opportunities that exist in the surrounding area.

Fairfax County Outdoor Activities

The great outdoors has a way of pulling families closer together, and Fairfax County offers some of the best outdoor activities in the country. From boating to amusement parks and outdoor concerts, Fairfax County has you covered. Here are some highlights.

Eat Healthy and Support Local Growers

Farmers markets have become one of the most popular places for neighbors to meet and catch up on local news. Most of the markets in Fairfax County run from early May until November. Besides the farm fresh fruits and veggies, you find vendors selling plants, baked goods, meats, fresh eggs, and other treats. Many have plant clinics where you can speak to a pro about issues you might be having with your own garden. There are also many sustainable farms in the area where you can pick your own produce.

Parks and Recreation

Whether your family is into fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or all of the above, there’s plenty of locations and fun activities to choose from. Fairfax County has 10 major parks, and 10 nature and historic sites, including The Sully, which offers a look back into the area’s past with original buildings and guided tours that highlight early 19th century life.

If you love boating and fishing, Fairfax County water venues such as Burke Lake are free to county residents and offer a peaceful and natural environment for the entire family. The marina there rents canoes and row boats. The lake is well-stocked with fish that include walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, and perch.

Looking for a place to pull the plug, set up house in a tent, eat dinner under the stars, and toast marshmallows over an open fire? Try one of Fairfax County’s beautiful campgrounds.

Music and Sports

Just about everyone’s heard of the Wolf Trap in Vienna, but Fairfax County has some other wonderful outdoor concert venues. You can bring the entire family to the free summer concerts, shows and movies in the parks. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and head out to enjoy some of Fairfax County’s brightest local and regional entertainers. The series also includes the special Arts in the Parks which introduces children to the joy of live entertainment in an outdoor setting.

Whether your sport of choic is baseball, soccer, or field hockey, Fairfax County has what you’re looking for. The County Park Authority also has a number of golf courses that offer something for everyone from beginners through to par-three championship length. And, weather permitting, they’re open all year round.

Hit the Beach

Last but not least, nothing says the outdoors like the beach. Some are located in Fairfax County, while others are just a short worth-the-while drive away. Choose from a classic family week at the beach in Ocean City Maryland, or check out the distinct characteristics and beach vibes of Chesapeake Bay, Resort Area, and Sandbridge, which make up the 35 miles of Virginia Beach.

For more great suggestions and up-to-the-minute information on Fairfax County outdoor activities, you can check out the official Fairfax County tourism site. Enjoy!

Year of Remodel: 2016

Designed: Wayne Foley, Foley Construction

Construction: Foley Construction

Length of Project: 32 days

The owners purchased this production home about two years before they were referred to us by one of our previous clients. While the original kitchen was perfectly “nice,” the existing maple front cabinets and Corian countertops gave it a rather dated look. The clients felt the kitchen didn’t meet their current lifestyle needs, so they wanted us to give it an update that remained true to the home’s character.

Pre-construction: The original kitchen

Our kitchen designer came up with a plan that resulted in not only a more beautiful and functional kitchen, but one that was better suited to the homeowners’ lifestyle. Because this was a relatively small job, one of our main challenges was to get the homeowners to choose all the materials and have them delivered to the site before beginning demo or installation work. In our experience, jobs that should take weeks to complete can often turn into months-long projects due to change orders and homeowner indecision. For these smaller jobs, we believe it’s best to have everything selected upfront.

The clients chose their new appliances and countertops and orders were placed for all the other necessary construction materials. Granite slabs were chosen from in-stock material and were tagged and held at the supplier’s showroom. New cabinets, which took about five weeks to arrive, were stored in the client’s garage. The appliances were delivered in about three weeks and were kept at the wholesaler’s warehouse until we were ready to install them.

The kitchen remodel construction process.

Demo and reframing work, including capping off electrical, plumbing and gas lines, took about two days to complete. Once framed, our mechanical, electrical and plumbing crews stepped in. The kitchen’s new layout included changing the location of the appliances, so they had to re-run the necessary lines. After that, it only took about three days to complete the re-installation and finishing of the drywall.

There weren’t a large number of cabinets to install, but there were complexities to the kitchen design. It took about nine working days to complete the installation of the cabinets, with multiple trips out to the site to complete the work between job phases. Once the new cabinets were in, we created the countertop templates.

During the design phase, the homeowners decided to have us refinish all of the first floor hardwood, which we did after the cabinets were in. We then painted the kitchen, installed the countertops and put in a few new electrical fixtures. Due to the staining and polyurethane fumes, the homeowners chose to leave the house with their two-year old son while the floors were being refinished.

The newly remodeled kitchen.

With a focus on smart functionality and timeless design, the new kitchen provided the homeowners with an improved layout that suited their lifestyle “to a T.” The homeowners report they love their new kitchen, and we’re happy and proud to say that since the work was completed earlier this year, they have referred several new clients to us.

Special Challenges: We felt it was important to get the work completed in as compressed a time period as possible. With the exception of when the floors were being refinished, the young family lived in the house the entire time the work was being done. Without a functioning kitchen, they gamely adapted by living off of a microwave and toaster oven they set up in the basement wet bar.

Perhaps it’s time for that new master suite you’ve always dreamed about. Or maybe you have a growing family that no longer fits in your tiny kitchen. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided the time is now for adding some much needed square footage to your home.

If you’re a Northern VA homeowner thinking about building an addition to your home, it can be an excellent, cost-effective option that is tailor-made to your family’s needs. Many of our clients love the homes and the neighborhoods they live in, but need more space. A house addition is a major undertaking, so it’s important to plan ahead in order to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Before You Begin

It can be exciting and fun to begin the design process of an addition, but hold off committing to any particular aspirations before asking yourself these questions.

• Do you really need an addition, or will a remodel do? Are you best served by a combination of the two?
• Does the addition add value to your home? Not just for resale purposes, added value also helps you refinance or take out a home equity line of credit. Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report will give you a good idea of how much value an addition will add to your home.
• Are there any zoning and/or permit restrictions you need to consider? Your design build firm can help you find out.
• Are your design ideas financially sound? Every family’s wish list is different, but discuss the costs of those wishes with an experienced builder. Don’t forget about added utility costs and increased property taxes.
• Will your addition tie into the overall architectural style of your home? Think about rooflines, interior and exterior finishes, windows, etc. An experienced design build firm will help you create the best possible plan.

Planning a Room Addition in Northern VA

There are four basic steps you can use as guide when planning your room addition in Northern VA.

1. Make your wish list by identifying your key objectives such as traffic flow or indoor/outdoor access. Look for inspiration in magazines, on TV shows and online. Narrow down your special features – start out with everything you’d like and then pare it back to meet your budget.
2. Think about the structure of your addition. For example, will a single addition or multiple small ones best meet your needs? Is it best to build up or out?
3. Hire the right professionals for the scale and scope of your project. You want a team that will professionally and courteously complete your project to your desired specifications. Consider building your winning team by using a design build firm that can provide you a complete package of services that include design consultation, drawings, 3D visualizations, and project management.
4. Choose the right materials that blend seamlessly with your original structure. Selecting the right details and finishes should be planned out in the initial stages if you want to get the maximum impact out of the completed project. An experienced design team has the knowledge and expertise you need to make the choices that best complement your home’s existing style.

The Bottom Line

Planning a room addition in Northern VA that meets your family’s needs is a big undertaking, but if you develop a well-thought-out strategy ahead of time, it will pay for itself many times over. Best of all, your family will have a new space to enjoy for many years to come. Schedule a conversation with us today to learn more about how Foley can add the perfect addition to your home.

“But they make it look so easy on TV!” Like a lot of other people in the U.S., many of our Northern VA home remodeling clients loves watching home improvement shows. While veteran broadcasts like This Old House often show the amount of work involved in even the simplest tasks, newer ones lean more towards the “shiny stuff” of finished projects and decorating styles.

The simple truth is that home remodeling is a messy, invasive, time-consuming, and often expensive process. The good news is that, when the work is properly done, the results make it all worthwhile.

At Foley, we understand that homeowners want the remodeling process to be as painless as possible – and over with as quickly as possible. So we work hard to not only help you design the perfect remodel, but to deliver it in a cost-effective and timely manner.

What the TV Remodeling Shows Don’t Tell You

Probably the biggest misconceptions TV remodeling shows promote are their low budgets (they’re paid to promote products), and the amount of time it takes to complete a job (two weeks to do a whole-house remodel!). No wonder so many homeowners feel let down or worse, duped, when their design build firm gives them a much more realistic timeframe and estimated cost to complete the job.   

The Foley Process

Our remodeling process is extensive, but also pretty easy to understand. It focuses on the way diverse elements come together to create well-designed and built remodels for our clients.

• The Budget – everyone has one and it’s what drives the project. We want to hear your budget constraints so that we can help you realize the remodel you’ve long dreamed of. We pride ourselves on giving our clients the most value for their invested dollar.
• The Project Scope comes from an honest appraisal and educated opinion as to what we believe is best for you – not what is best for Foley. Our years of experience will help you make the most cost-effective choices for your project.
• Existing Home Analysis. From rough sketches to final drawings, we efficiently put to paper your existing home’s layout so that the remodeling design plans can be as accurate as possible.
• The New Plans. While the cost of new design plans varies, the budget is always front and center as we begin your drawings. Our state-of-the-art CAD program allows our design team to easily try out different ways to create new layouts.
• Design Philosophy. At Foley, we take enormous pride is what we do, and we strongly believe that any Northern VA home remodel we do should seamlessly blend with the existing home and the surrounding neighborhood.
• The Shiny Stuff. Specs and selections are necessary to put your home remodel together. Choosing fixtures, cabinets, countertops and more are important decisions that affect the budget and final look of your home.
• Green Building. Not all homeowners think green, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s more complicated in a remodeling job as opposed to a new build. We offer green options to homeowners and encourage them to learn about the tax credits available for them.
• Financing. Financing should always be the first thing you thing about. Though you’re perfectly free to obtain your financing from whatever lender you like, we do have a list of lenders we’ve worked with who are experienced at financing remodels.
• Scheduling. Since our clients typically remain in the home while a remodeling project is underway, it’s important to have a well thought out and efficient schedule. Whenever possible, we work with our clients to accommodate their schedule.

We’ve done both small and large Northern VA home remodeling projects. In our over 39 years in business, we tend to hear some common questions. If you don’t see yours here, don’t hesitate to ask it!

The truth is, for those who are interested in home remodeling in Northern VA, TV reality shows can provide a lot of good ideas for our clients. Just remember that while the shows are fun to watch, your own remodel will not mimic the ones you see on them. Keep your own reality in check and your own home remodel will be just as beautiful as the ones you see on TV – even if does take a bit longer than an hour.

At Foley, we meet with a lot of homeowners who are excited about finally tackling the Northern VA kitchen remodeling project they’ve long dreamed of. That initial excitement often gives way to stress when they’re faced with what feels like an overwhelming choice of kitchen layout options. We do our best to reassure our clients that the large selection design factors can actually make choosing a kitchen layout a lot of fun.

A Few Simple Questions

To determine the best kitchen layout for your family, ask yourself these simple questions:

• How much storage space do I need?
• How will my family use the area?
• What is my budget?

If you dream of a family-focused kitchen, you’ll probably want an island with casual seating as the kitchen’s focal point. If you love throwing parties and preparing gourmet meals, you may want to choose some upscale features like an island cooktop and oversized appliances.

Popular Kitchen Layout Ideas in Northern VA

There are four common kitchen layout designs: galley, one-wall, U-shaped, and L-shaped. Smaller rooms tend to be galley and one-wall designs. U-shapes allow for a lot of cabinet and storage space, while L-shape layouts are perfect for maximizing kitchens with corners. Two other layouts, the peninsula and island, are incorporated into the other four basic designs.

For your own remodeling project, you may need to stick with the layout you have but, depending on space and budget, you can choose to totally remake your kitchen into any style you want.

Galley

Ideal for small spaces, the galley kitchen – also known as a walk-through – is defined by two opposing walls or two parallel countertops that have a walkway between them. Galley kitchen layouts are incredibly efficient and make use of every square inch of available space. No corner cabinets also means a lower budget.  

Galley Kitchen Layout

One-Wall

Because it is the ultimate space saver, a one-wall (or Pullman) kitchen is popular for studios or loft, as appliances and cabinets are placed on a single wall. Today’s modern one-wall kitchen designs often include islands, which can give the kitchen a galley layout look.

One Wall Kitchen Layout

U-Shape

Often referred to as the horseshoe kitchen layout, the U-shape has three walls which hold cabinets and appliances. Today, homeowners often choose the make the third “wall” an island instead. This layout design is ideal for people who want plenty of space for family and guests, and an unobstructed traffic flow for meal prep and cleanup.

U-Shape Kitchen Layout

L-Shape

A good design choice for smaller and medium-sized kitchens, the flexible L-shape layout is made up of countertops on two adjoining walls (the “L”). It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to eliminate traffic. It also allows for the easy addition of a dining area and multiple work zones.

U-Shape Kitchen Layout

Peninsula

The peninsula layout uses a connected island that transforms an L-shaped layout into a U-shaped one, or turns a U-shaped layout into what’s called a G-shape design. The peninsula functions similar to an island, but doesn’t take up as much square footage as a true island might.

Peninsula Kitchen Layout

Island

A kitchen island layout is incredibly functional, but not every kitchen needs one. They tend to work best in larger kitchens. Working kitchen islands typically include prep space, storage cabinetry and seating. Many homeowners choose to include a sink, cooktop or wine cooler into their island.

Island Kitchen Layout

Choosing a layout is probably the most important part of your new kitchen’s design. If you’re ready to get started on your Northern VA kitchen remodel, we would love to talk with you about how to select the best kitchen layout for your family and home.