One of the biggest worries builders hear from homeowners building a new custom home or remodeling their existing one has to do with the dreaded change order. Every construction project requires some changes due to unexpected situations or scope of work adjustments. At Foley, we understand how stressful it can be for our clients to make a change in their home building project.

As our client, we want you to feel you are in control throughout the process, so we offer you a way of tracking expenses using software developed specifically for home construction projects. Before we talk about that, let’s discuss what is and isn’t fair when it comes to change orders.

What’s Fair (And What’s Not) About Change Orders

Change orders are a sensitive subject in the construction process, and they frequently cause breakdowns in the homeowner/builder relationship. It’s often the case that the blame for this breakdown can be attributed to both parties, with the homeowner feeling they’ve been overcharged.

The majority of professional design build firms strive to avoid change orders, as they are disruptive to scheduling. One of the most common reasons change orders occur is poor planning, which is why it’s so important for homeowners to work with a reputable firm that values communication throughout a project, but particularly during the planning stage. Design build firms often forget that many homeowners are unable to fully visualize their finished project and this is where change order problems begin.

Homeowners who choose to modify the plans during the course of construction must bear responsibility for those change orders. It’s not unusual for homeowners to change their minds on certain details, but they should expect to pay for the process of making those changes. It’s important to keep in mind that the design build firm you’re working with based its estimates on specific materials and tasks, so any changes are your financial responsibility.

As a homeowner, you can minimize change orders – and any cost increases – a number of ways:

• Take the time to think through all aspects of your project.
• If you’re not sure how something will look, discuss it with your design builder.
• When choosing fixtures and finishes, spend as much time as possible at showrooms and ask plenty of questions.
• Consider setting up a contingency fund to cover any change orders.

It’s extremely important to be proactive on your own behalf. It’s always in your best interest to bring up potential “what ifs” or changes before the actual work begins.

Tracking Projects Using Software

Many homeowners appreciate the ability to track both their expenses and change orders using software. At Foley we use a software program called Co-Construct that offers homeowners some terrific benefits through the entire construction process:

• It keeps the selections process simple, fun, and flexible while ensuring on-time decisions, accurate financials, and a comprehensive paper trail.
• Offers you 24/7 access to all selections, costs, and conversations, allowing you to make better decisions.
• Change orders and expense tracking show you where things stand.

Watch a quick video about using Co-Construct with us:

The Bottom Line

Your home construction or remodeling project is an important endeavor, but we want it to be a fun and stress-free one as well. Co-Construct is the number one custom home builder and remodeler software. It allows you to access all of the details of your project, and puts information about your selections, upgrades, financials, documents, questions, photos, and more at your fingertips. To learn more, schedule a conversation with us – we look forward to meeting you!

One of life’s greatest joys is finding the perfect home in which to build a family history.

Traditional holiday celebrations and important life events come together to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for an existing home or hope to design and build the home of your dreams, we understand that finding the right home for your family isn’t as easy as it may seem. You want to find a safe area that also offers great schools, easy transportation options, and family-friendly conveniences.

Unfamiliarity with a location can be stressful, but a Fairfax County relocation does not have to be overwhelming. As you begin your research, you’ll soon discover that the neighborhood you choose is very important, since it typically determines where your children will attend school. If you want to find the perfect home that offers work and school proximity, we’ll help you solve the relocation puzzle.

What to Know Before a Fairfax County Relocation

While residents grumble about the high cost of living and the congested traffic, there is more to love about living in Fairfax County. It’s an area rich in history and boasts one of the best public school systems in the country. Many people who live here work for the government or for a company that is government related.

• Fairfax County is home to over a million people, making it the 37th largest county in the country.
• It has a high standard of living and was the first county in the U.S. to reach a six-figure median income.
• Education is a top priority here. Many Fairfax County schools have been ranked among the best in the country.

Urban Lifestyle in a Suburban Location

Fairfax County commuters spend a lot of time in their cars. Traffic reports covering the “inner and outer loops” refer to the I-495 Beltway that circles Washington D.C.  I-66, the I-95, and the I-395 are all popular routes to work, with the 66 and 395 having dedicated HOV lanes during peak hours. Fairfax county is known for “freaking out” when it snows, with schools closing at the merest hint of snowfall – which often doesn’t come!

On the recreational front, the county is home to a wide variety of international restaurants and urban areas like Tysons Corner, a major office and shopping area. Fairfax has its share of rural areas, such as Clifton, with lots starting at five acres. Youth sports are big here – particularly the Northern Virginia Swim League, but adults like to play, too, taking part in the Adult Software League, hockey, soccer, and cricket.

Nearby Washington D.C. not only offers a huge boost to Fairfax County’s economy, it also provides plenty of activities for families to enjoy. The Smithsonian Museums, our nation’s capital, the White House, national sports teams, and the Kennedy Center are just a short drive across the Potomac River.

Fairfax County Relocation Resources

You’ll find a lot of great information at the county’s official site, which also contains information on many of the awards the area’s recently won, including:

• Fairfax County Tops in the Country for “Best Workplaces for Commuters.”
• Winner of the 2015 Environmental Excellence Awards presented by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council in recoginition of individuals and groups who dedicate their time and energy in ways that benefit the environment.

Make your Fairfax County relocation a dream come true. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you in your search for a lot that will create a history of wonderful memories that your entire family will cherish and enjoy for years to come.

Not all home improvements in Fairfax, Prince William, and the surrounding area bring in the same return on investment. And while ROI alone should not determine whether you move forward with a home addition or remodel, it’s nice to know which improvements are likely to be the best financially speaking.

If you’re looking to make the best home improvements to increase the value of your Northern VA home, you may be surprised to learn that it’s often the basic maintenance items, such as the roof, exterior painting and landscaping, and modern plumbing and electrical systems that really pay off.

What Northern VA Homeowners Want

Every homeowner has a unique vision for their own home, but there are some common themes we see here at Foley. A large number of clients want open concept floorplans, kitchen islands for casual gatherings, up-to-date bathrooms and plenty of good storage.

To enhance the value of your home, you can’t go wrong with kitchens and baths. But according to Remodeling Magazine, you will still recoup more of your investment in items such as an entry door replacement (98%) or attic insulation (130%). If your roof is leaking, potential buyers will filter everything else about your home through that lens. It won’t matter how awesome your kitchen is, or the spa-like features you’ve added to the master bath.

Kitchens and Baths Still Pay Off

That doesn’t mean new counter tops and walk-in showers don’t pay off. In fact, minor kitchen remodels have a ROI of 87% and bathroom remodels a nice 71% return, making them two of the best investments in your home.

Here’s the scoop on other home improvements that will give you the biggest bang for your buck:

• Home Maintenance: Your top priority should be in keeping your existing structure sound. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel if the basement has water problems? You’ll spend a lot more fixing a foundation, so if forced to choose, a practical improvement trumps a floor-to-ceiling steam shower every time.
• Curb Appeal: A strong curb appeal is always a good investment. Whether you add a front porch to create interest, or a flagstone path, the goal is to create a sense of welcome. And a new color scheme can add instant value.  
• More Space: If you live in a hot housing market, a home addition can be a particular good investment. From adding a family room, to substantially increasing your home’s square footage, a more livable home is always worth it.

Poptop Remodeling

One of the most popular improvements Northern VA homeowners are now requesting is poptop renovations. If you’re unable to build outward on your lot, or just want to retain its size and landscaping, a poptop may be your best solution. Building upward lets you improve your home by adding a new floor or multiple levels. It’s a great way to add master suites, new baths, a home office, or a media room, transforming your home without increasing its footprint.

The Happiness Factor

What you get back on your home improvement investments depends on a lot of factors, including the value of your existing home and the homes around it, as well as the quality of the project itself. For example, don’t put commercial grade appliances into your kitchen if you’re the only house on the block with one bathroom. The bottom line is you can’t put a dollar figure on the enjoyment you and your family receive from whatever home improvements you make.

This past weekend’s Parade of Homes was a huge success.  Despite a rainy start on Saturday morning, we saw attendance of about 200 – 250 guests throughout the two day event. 

The whole crew pitched in getting the house ready including our sub contractors putting in the final touchs late Friday night and our gracious home owners bringing potted plants, table cloths, and refreshments Saturday morning.

We had about two dozen folks return to the house for a second and sometimes a third visit bringing their friends and family to show them their favorite features of the project.  Most of the people mentioned that this was one of their top two houses on the Tour.

An added benefit of participating in this annual charity event (put on by the NVBIA and our various sponsors) is the amount of qualified potential clients who would like to further discuss having us build them a home or help with a remodeling project in the near future.

We hope to bring any one of those projects online for next year’s Parade of Homes.

We’ll be writing up a brand new case study about how we tackled the problems and challenges we encountered, but for now you can view some photos of the various phases of construction for this beautiful home:

Foley Development is excited and proud to be a part of this year’s Parade of Homes, taking place on April 23rd and 24th. The event, presented by The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), is an opportunity not only for designers, builders and craftsman to advertise their services, but for the public to see some beautiful custom homes. Whether you’re in the market for a newly designed and built custom home or thinking of remodeling your existing one, come out and get inspired by the latest innovations and award-winning design elements sure to be on view.

Over the course of the 2-day event, the public will tour new homes, get sneak peeks at home trends, and have the opportunity to meet NVBIA builder members to discuss their own home building or remodeling plans. The homes included in this year’s Parade reflect current ideas in architectural styles, floorplans, and building materials, including the latest in green building techniques.

This year, we will be showcasing a beautiful custom new home, featuring 5,315 square feet of living space including 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 2 half baths. This stunning yet family-friendly home is designed to fit in with all your lifestyle needs and we hope it will motivate you to move forward with designing the home of your dreams!

2834 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124, #23 on the Tour Map

About Foley

Foley Development Group is an award-winning family-owned design build firm whose name is synonymous with quality and integrity. For over 30 years we have specialized in the design and construction of the finest Northern VA custom homes, whole house renovations, additions and remodels. We are proud of the personal relationships we have built with our clients and would love to welcome you into the family.

Our design team is dedicated to creating homes that span the gap between beauty and function, and we work closely together with our clients to make sure the design they envision is one they are ultimately proud to call home.

About the 2016 Northern Virginia Parade of Homes

This year’s Parade is scheduled for April 23rd and 24th, and once again 100% of the donated proceeds will benefit HomeAid Northern Virginia which builds and renovates shelters for the area’s homeless. Over the past year, NVBIA builder members have completed 11 projects, donating their time, services and materials in an effort to ensure that everyone in Northern VA has a safe and stable place to call home. Since 1998, the Builders on Parade events have raised over $6,500,000!

The self-guided tour runs from 11am to 5pm both days and admission is free. Check the official site often for updates on the event itself and to learn when new homes and builders are added.

You can visit the Foley home on display at 2834 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124, #23 on the Tour Map. You can also schedule a conversation with us to learn more about our Parade of Homes entry and all the custom home design services we offer. We look forward to meeting you – and hope to see you at the Parade!

“How much will my kitchen remodel cost?” It’s the number one question we hear from homeowners who want to update or enlarge their kitchen, but worry about the hit their bank account will take. At Foley, we understand. We tell our clients they are justified in their concern, as a kitchen remodel is usually one of the most expensive home improvement jobs.  

The 2016 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report estimates that, depending on a project’s scope, a Northern VA kitchen remodel will range from $18,907 to $56,901, making the average cost of a kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia $38,000. The good news is that those same kitchen remodels tend to recoup a large percentage of that spend at resale – nearly 87% for minor remodels and 65% for major ones.

Scope of Kitchen Remodel

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, keep in mind there are a number of variables that affect your final costs, so there’s no universal one-price-fits-all answer. Here are the major factors that will have an impact on your kitchen remodel budget:

Original and anticipated square footage

Whether it will be a newly designed space, or just upgrades to appliances and cabinets

Choosing custom cabinetry over stock cabinets

The materials you choose for countertops and flooring as well as the appliances

Your personal wants and needs, including backsplash, lighting fixtures, finishes, and crown molding

Key Considerations for a Kitchen Remodel

It (almost) goes without saying that a budget is your first consideration. Everything else you decide to do with your kitchen remodel depends on it. Once you have a figure in mind, ask yourself these questions:

-What don’t you like about your current kitchen? Make a list of everything, even if you think the work required will exceed your budget. Later you can start to remove items, but making an extensive list will help you figure out what is really important to you.

-How much storage will you need? If your current kitchen design lacks sufficient storage, or if you want a pantry, include those on your wants list.

-Who will use the kitchen? Is there one chef in the family, or is meal preparation a family affair?

-Will you want to include universal design – or aging in place – principles in your kitchen remodel? It’s a smart choice and one that many homeowners are now choosing.

The Practical Aspects of a Kitchen Remodel

Homeowners often have a lot of remodeling questions. Here are the top three we hear for kitchen remodels:

1. How long will it take? Like most things, it depends. A quick search on the Internet will tell you about four to five weeks, but that is usually just the construction phase. The actual time from initial consultation to completion will be longer and the entire job may take three months or more.

2. How can I reduce the final cost? Product selection is where you can really save money. Cabinetry alone makes up to 30% of the budget, so think about whether you really need custom ones, or if they need pull-out shelves. Appliance choice is also a category where you can realize savings, but don’t give up those items you consider must-haves, such as a five-burner stove.

3. Why should I remodel? If you’re unhappy with your current kitchen and are ready to build the kitchen of your dreams, go for it! Yes, it will add value to your home, but you can’t attach a price tag to the joy it brings your family.

To learn more about the Foley remodeling process, schedule an in-home consultation today. We look forward to meeting you!

When meeting with a custom builder for the first time it is a good idea to have information gathered beforehand so that the meeting can be as productive and useful to you as possible.  

During your first meeting the builder should be able to explain how the process works, the types of costs associated with home construction and how long you can expect the process to take.  The more information you can provide your builder, the better he can inform you of what to expect.  

If you have already purchased a lot, hired a civil engineer to design a site plan, or hired an architect/designer to design your custom home you should bring a copy of all of this with you for the builder to keep.  

Purchased a Lot?

If you purchased a lot you should have a received a plat when you closed on the property.  A plat contains a lot of basic information the builder will need to assess your lot.  A title search should have also been performed and information within that report will tell us if there are any restrictions, easements or other impediments that may affect the construction of your home.  

Spoken With a Civil Engineer?

Although we do not recommend that a client engage a civil engineer before meeting with a builder in some cases a client has started or completed a site plan, which consist of plans needed to complete the land development work.  If you have had any work done it is important you bring a copy of these drawings with you.

Spoken With an Architect?

Often times clients come to us after having hired an architect to design the home they wish to build.  Weather or not these plans are completed, if you have any, you should bring a copy for the builder.  

Now don’t worry if you don’t have some or all of the above completed before you meet with a builder.  We actually prefer that you don’t.  The earlier we are involved in the design process the better for everyone.  

If you don’t have any of the plans above and/or haven’t purchased a lot here is some information that you will need in order to provide you the best feedback in regards to overall estimated costs, timing and a path to move forward with designing and building your home.

Locating a Lot For You To Purchase

If you haven’t purchased a lot yet we can help locate one for you.  We do have a licensed real estate agent on staff or we can work with an agent of your choosing.  Here is what we will need to know.  

-Where do you want to live?  

-Is there a specific county, city or town that you would like to live?

-Is there a specific school district you want your home located in?

– Do you want to live in an established neighborhood or a more secluded area?

-How much land do you want? ½ acre or 5 acres or in-between?

-Do you want lots of trees on your property?

-Do you want to live near commute corridors like route 66 or route 7 for your commute to work?

The cost of land in Northern Virginia varies greatly depending on what school district or town/city you want to live in so knowing this information is critical in establishing a budget.  

Architectural designs

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish we may recommend using our in-house designer or engaging an Architect to complete the design of your custom home.  In order to determine the best course of action and approximate costs of this work we will need to know the following:

-Size of home?  How many sq. ft. roughly do you want your home to be?  If you are having trouble determining this we can help.

-How many bedrooms and bathrooms would you like?

-What style home are you interested in?  Traditional? Contemporary? Craftsman? Just to name a few…

-What types of finishings are you looking for?  Siding or stone?  Hardwood or carpet?

Pictures speak a thousand words so if you see something online or in a magazine you like bring a copy with you.

Budget

What are you looking to spend in order to complete your dream home?  In order for us to design and complete a custom home that fits within what you are comfortable spending we need to know this upfront.  

Far too often clients don’t share this information and end up spending thousands of dollars designing a home that exceeds what they are willing to spend.  If we know what your budget is upfront we can guide the entire process from purchasing land to designing the home to meet your budget.  

If you follow these guidelines, then you should be well prepared for your meeting with your custom builder in Northern VA. Please feel free to give us a call at 703-359-6880 if you’d like to have a conversation with Kyle, the managing partner at Foley Development Group, LLC and set up your appointment.

Lori and her husband have lived in their production builder tract house for a number of years. They recently found the lot of their dreams and are now looking for a local builder to construct a new home for them. Lori’s the researcher in the family, so she’s taken to the internet looking for inspiration and advice. While searching, she’s come across several inexpensive “build on your lot” type builders offering quotes of $35 to $55 per square foot. Her first reaction is it’s a price too good to be true, especially for a quality Northern Virginia home, but it has her thinking – could she actually find a bargain builder who will give her and her husband a well-built home for a price they can afford?

Lori’s now looking for some input and reassurance from friends, family and online forums. She knows if they go this route they’ll be paying extra for some upgrades like nicer flooring, countertops and fixtures, but the one builder she’s most interested in has a long list of “standard” features included that seem reasonable. Lori’s biggest concern, then, is whether this builder’s work will be of inferior quality. She’s gotten plenty of feedback.

The Pros and Cons of an Inexpensive Builder

The type of home that Lori is considering can be delivered at such a low cost per square foot for one simple reason: builders like this offer limited floor plans that can be built over and over using similar materials. In fact, the floor plans are one design that at times may be reversed, or include different option packages, with those options meeting local codes, but not exceeding them.

Price is often the deciding factor for people choosing these lower-cost build on your lot companies. But the savings realized depend on what the price is being compared to. Yes, there will be a significant per square foot difference when compared to a higher-quality custom built home, as one is meant to be inexpensive and the other is built to appeal to an entirely different market.

• Pros, obviously include the lower price. Other appealing factors are a floor plan that works for many people, and standard finishes and fixtures that meet many homeowner’s needs.  
• Because these homes are built with price-point as their top consideration, the biggest cons would be the quality sacrificed in favor of cost savings. Framing components, carpet grades, shingle weight, and the like also will also be of lesser quality. Lastly, these home have a real disadvantage when it comes to resale value.

Construction Quality

So let’s return to Lori’s biggest concern: will the finished product be of inferior quality? That depends. Some experts don’t recommend focusing on a basic, bottom line price per square foot. Instead, they suggest people consider starting where they want to end up. In other words, think about and add in all those upgrades, as well as what it would cost to have an energy-efficient home that will only increase in value, as you make your decision.

At Foley, we design a range of custom built homes at a competitive price that may surprise you. If you’re thinking about building a custom home on the lot of your dreams, talk to us about how affordable it can really be to own a quality Northern Virginia home. We look forward to meeting you!

At some point in our conversations with homeowners looking to custom build, the topic of financing comes up. The question usually goes something like this: “We really want to have our ideal home built for us, but we’re stressing out on the mortgage loan process. What do we do?”

At Foley, we understand. To help clients put it all in perspective, we start by pointing out that many homeowners before them have gone through the same process and came out on the other side with the home of their dreams.

Building a custom home has some built-in stressors, but financing doesn’t need to be one of them.  Securing a mortgage loan for your Northern Virginia custom home can be a complex process, but financing for a custom home build is easier if you understand what’s involved.  

Know Before You Owe

First, some good news. In October of 2015, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), established a new set of federal rules for mortgage lenders. “Know Before You Owe,” makes it much easier for new homeowners to shop for the best loan.

Under the CFPB rules, now when you apply for a home loan, the lender has three days to in which to send you a written offer. And that offer must contain a lot of details so you can compare competing offers. To use the new rules to your advantage, work with a lender both you and your builder trust.

New Home Construction Loans

The traditional mortgage process is simple and straightforward. Construction loans, though, can be a bit more confusing, particularly for homeowners building their first custom home.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the inner workings of a new construction loan, which we hope will put your mind more at ease.

The major difference between traditional home mortgages and construction loans is that a construction loan is meant to last only for the length of time it takes to complete actual construction.

It might help to think of your construction loan as a temporary credit card the lender issues that is only valid for a fixed time. Construction costs are charged to this separate line of credit and advanced to the builder, with only interest due on what is used.

When construction is completed, the charges roll over into your more traditional fixed-rate mortgage.

There are two ways to finance new construction:

• One-step loans, sometimes referred to as simple close loans; and
• Two-step loans, which are usually the best choice for people building custom homes.

One-step loans are just that – you obtain your construction loan and mortgage from the same lender. While these are perfectly acceptable loans, you need to be certain of the final cost. A Northern Virginia custom home, with all its variables, can make it difficult to know upfront your exact final price.

Two-step loans give you more flexibility with the final cost of your custom home. Changes are common with any home construction, but custom builds come with more than the norm. Splitting up the construction loan and the mortgage allows you to make changes to the scope of construction and builds in protection for any delays that might occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Custom Home Financing in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, homeowners typically obtain a very specialized type of financing called a land acquisition/construction/permanent loan. Over the years, we have established good working relationships with a number of lenders who offer these types of loans, and we are happy to provide you with a list of those who will treat you fairly and explain the process.

Today, at least one in four homebuyers custom build their new home. The reasons for doing so vary, but those who choose the custom route often say they’ve long dreamed of the day they’d build a home from scratch, with every unique detail carefully planned out by them and their builder.

These homebuyers love the choice and flexibility that custom brings. From foundation to doorknobs, it gives them a canvass to express their personalities, and the ability to mix styles and plans that result in a home molded to their specific needs and lifestyle. They look forward to sharing the home with friends and family, and envision nights hanging out in the home movie theater or gourmet kitchen.

The Price of Flexibility and Choice

If you’re dreaming of building a custom home and more than eager to get started, it’s a good idea to pause and think about the extra decisions, setbacks and stress that a custom home brings. It will help you decide if you have the right temperament and resources to see it through. Here are some things to consider:

• Fortitude. It takes patience, and a bit of courage, to work through all the decisions that you’ll need to make. From window frames to floor tile, the choices are endless. It’s also a lengthy process that includes planning, permits, lot assessment and more.
• Know What You Want. Are you prepared to clearly articulate what it is you do – and don’t – want? Don’t assume your builder will know your wishes. It helps to make a binder that includes magazine pages with things like architectural details and furnishings that appeal to you. Houzz.com is also an excellent source for building your idea book.
• Ability to Adapt. Before buying a lot, find out what you can and cannot do with it. Then decide which is more important – location or home. You’ll most likely have to compromise on one or the other.
• The Money Talk. A lot of custom homebuyers have unrealistic budgets. Are you at ease talking honestly about money with your builder? Your builder’s one desire is to give you the home of your dreams, but without a clear idea of what you have to spend, the job is that much more difficult. The average cost to build a custom home in the U.S. is $200-400 per square foot. Are you comfortable with that?
• The Money Talk, Part Two. Even before discussing budget with your builder, talk to your lender. A custom home loan is more complicated than a straight mortgage and typically involves a larger down payment, and more paperwork, including timetables, designs and budgets.
• Collaboration. Are you comfortable being part of team? Building a home takes a lot of cooperation from a diverse group of people. Designers, subcontractors, and other professionals are crucial to the process. Choosing a design/build firm that has a cohesive in-house team and long-standing relationships with subcontractors will help keep things on an even keel.

When Not to Build a Home from Scratch

A homeowner’s lack of decision-making skills is the biggest delay in custom home building. If you’re not comfortable with making a choice and then moving on to the next one (and there will be plenty of them to move on to), building a home from scratch is probably not for you.

If you’re still in it for the gold, don’t forget to have fun! Designing and building your custom home can be an extremely enjoyable experience. Yes, it’s hard work, but at the end of the day, you have a home that is perfectly built just for you.