If you’re a Northern Virginia homeowner or renter looking to upgrade to a newly built home, you have three options available to you: buy a home that has already been built on spec; buy a semi-custom development home; or have a custom home designed and built to your specific requirements. The choice is not an easy one, but can often be arrived at through asking questions that ultimately guide you to the option that best suits your family’s needs and current lifestyle.

When we first meet with homeowners, they are often hesitant to commit to one choice or the other. We understand. Your dream home is most likely the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make. It stands to reason you want to research location, price, market trends, and other related house-hunting factors. That’s why at Foley it’s one of our top priorities to make sure homeowners feel confident is making such an important life decision.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each available option, so let’s take a brief look at each type.

Buy a Spec House

Spec homes are usually built with no particular buyer in mind. Most often they are fully completed, though you may find one still under construction, in which case you might have some input on some selections such as paint, countertops and tile. Otherwise, the builder has already made most of the design decisions, and those decisions will tend to be fairly conservative so as to appeal to the widest market.

Assuming the builder is reputable, spec homes are usually well-built, balanced in terms of upgrades and amenities, and located in good neighborhoods. Because they’re completed, they’re ready for immediate occupancy. On the other hand, spec homes are definitely someone else’s idea of what your home should look like. If a spec home does not contain everything on your list of wants and needs, you’ll have to invest in those changes yourself.

Buy a Semi-Custom Development Home

Semi-custom development homes are built from existing blueprints, but you can typically amend the plans to meet your personal preferences. However, once construction begins, there will be less flexibility for changes. You’ll find many modern conveniences and design elements, but your opportunity for expressing your indvidiuality will be limited. And while you’ll be able to choose from a set palette of finishes and upgrades, it’s possible you’ll be stuck with a lesser grade of quality or functionality.

Build a Custom Home

If you’ve long dreamed of someday owning a home with a personal game room, cozy book-filled library, or chef’s kitchen, then a custom home may be your best option. Designing and building your home to your own specification elevates the home buying experience to a whole different level.

Perhaps the biggest advantage to a custom home is that you are much more likely to get exactly the home you want. For many homeowners, this alone is enough to choose a custom home over an existing one, but there are other great advantages. Custom homes tend to be built more efficiently, and the buyer controls the lot purchase, so location is within their control. Some homeowners may worry about their ability to find the perfect builder, the perfect floor plan, the perfect products, etc. The flipside is that they are much more involved in the actual construction process, which many find downright fun.

The Bottom Line

We hope this post has helped you get a clearer picture on the pros and cons of whether to build or buy a custom home in Northern Virginia. In our next post, we’ll go into more detail about situations and questions to ponder if you decide to go the custom home route. No matter what you decide, working with a qualified and experienced professional will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Winter in Fairfax County is a great time for ice skating, hitting the cross-country ski trails or taking in the glorious holiday light shows. Did you know it also can be the perfect time to add on or remodel your home? We’re not recommending December as the month to put in that pool you’ve been dreaming about, but a remodeling project is about much more than the outdoor temperature. Many homeowners believe spring and summer are the best seasons for home improvement, but you can save both money and time by scheduling your project in the winter.

The Wisdom of a Winter Remodel

Choose the right contractor, and the wisdom of remodeling in winter soon makes itself apparent. Here are just some of the top reasons:

• Cost – Subcontractors like painters, electricians and plumbers see fewer remodeling jobs in the colder months, so they’re often willing to discount their rates to stay busy. Prices for materials like lumber and paint are also based on supply and demand, so you may find them less expensive as well. Just as you save when you buy skis in April, remodeling in winter can reap big savings.
• Scheduling – You already know that you can get a whole lot more done when the kids are back in school. Guess what? So can your remodeling company!
• Contractor Availability – As winter is a less busy time, your contractor will have more time to devote to your project.
• Faster Permit Approvals – With fewer homeowners applying for permits during the winter months, obtaining yours will be easier and quicker.
• Vacation Time – If your holidays include an out-of-town trip, you’ll experience less disruption to your family’s daily activities if much of the work can take place while you’re away.

Update Your Kitchen in Time for the Holidays

Winter is an ideal time to plan a kitchen remodeling project, as the weather is more comfortable for construction, it’s before the holidays, and prices on goods and services begin to go down. If you’ve been dreaming of a more up-to-date kitchen, now’s the time to start planning so you can take advantage of all the seasonal benefits:

• New Appliances – The fall and winter months are a fantastic time to buy new appliances, as new models are being released and last year’s models are being discounted. The weekend following Thanksgiving will find these appliances offered for up to 35% off their original price. Also, newer appliances are more energy efficient, so you’ll save on future utilities costs.
• Spread Good Cheer – Use holiday get-togethers as the incentive to bring your dream kitchen to life. Picture preparing fabulous feasts on your new countertops or island and then cooking them atop your new stove or inside your modern ovens. Design your space so that it complements your inner chef while at the same time offers your friends and family a convivial gathering spot for ringing in the New Year.

Tis the Season

There’s one remodeling adage you can always count on no matter what the season: the perfect time to add on or remodel is always after a project has been thoroughly planned out! Regardless of when you decide to remodel your home, Foley Development Group is happy to help. We’re Northern VA’s home remodeling experts and we’d be thrilled to help you get your remodeling project done. Contact us today for more information and to request a copy of our free e-book, Case Study Windy Knoll.

The story normally goes as follows… A buyer is looking to purchase a lot and build a new custom home.  They start by contacting a local, trusted builder to obtain a good idea of what the process involves and the costs involved.   The builder will engage in this process with the prospective client to see how they can meet the needs and requests of the client.  They discuss design, scope, timelines, costs, permitting, desires, and so on. Eventually the conversation can lead to the prospective client asking themselves,

“Can I afford this project out of pocket with my own savings or will I need to obtain a loan?”

Construction Permanent Loan Needed or Not?

A construction loan is a short-term financing vehicle used to fund the construction of a new home project.  When a buyer realizes the need to secure a construction loan, they start speaking with lenders who provide construction financing to fund the costs that will be incurred during the building stage.   Using a lender that has vast experience in construction lending can help you avoid potential headaches along the process.   

Here are some basic questions and answers that normally come up between the buyer and the lender:

Question: I have a lot purchase contract; how does that work with the construction contract I obtain from my builder?

A. These two contracts are combined into one acquisition cost to help establish the total cost for the project and down payment needed to acquire financing.  

Question: Will I have to do another loan when the new home is completed?

A. The One Time Close construction loan has become more popular over the last several years due to the fact that a customer will close only one time on the construction loan saving money and time.  This loan closing takes place upfront before the construction work begins.

Question: What are draw requests?  Is the builder paid directly from the lender?

A. Draw requests are disbursements made most commonly directly to the builder for work that has been completed.  This can cover such aspects as foundation draw, framing draw, roofing draw, flooring draw, etc…

Question: How many months will I be given to build this new home?

A. Generally up to 12 months is given as a period of time to complete the construction of a new home.

A few additional questions that generally come up in a discussion about the custom home build process:

• How is the deposit I have to give to the builder applied to my construction loan?
  
• What are the estimated down payment and closing costs to do a construction loan?
  
• What penalties will I incur if the builder does not finish within the time constraints of the loan?
  
• What happens to my construction loan when the Occupancy Permit is received by my builder?
  
• Should I work with an Architect before I get serious with a builder?
  

Working with a lender who understands the construction to permanent loan process is very important.  This relationship will allow you to establish a firm yet comfortable budget that does not stretch your income to a place where you do not have the ability to repay the loan.  

This has been a guest post contributed by Scott Shelton of Academy Mortgage Corporation:

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=afdeee3aeb&view=fimg&th=1511b1e54c1eba12&attid=0.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ99MaxsNin7-FyUiCXXfNfl1bz_oFhYpCgabP59JygPjbvBWK_AsIhsF_pZVzFyvsAA-TgwVt60owHBZI-DPTD2K8lzmG4uu-IjKEs6OMiMYVbO12peLmlTyQs&sz=w252-h304&ats=1448004945613&rm=1511b1e54c1eba12&zw&atsh=1[/author_image] [author_info]Over my 22 years of mortgage banking I have helped many families achieve the dream of home-ownership. Whether you want to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage, I will provide a customized solution for you at competitive rates. No hassle and no surprises. For any questions you may have on construction financing please do not hesitate to give me a call, my direct line is 703-880-1841.
View Website Here. [/author_info] [/author]

When the home you live in simply doesn’t meet your family’s needs, you have two options to make a change: move or remodel. Moving may seem a less nerve-wracking choice at first, but a whole house remodel is actually less stressful than a move, and has its upside:

• It’s rare to find a new home that will also meet all your needs. A whole house remodel allows you to customize the home you already know and love
• You won’t have to leave a familiar neighborhood
• It can be a much more efficient use of your financial resources

We don’t mean to imply that a whole house remodel is entirely stress-free, but we do believe it can be an excellent solution to your less-than-perfect home predicament. A whole house gut and remodel may not be for the faint-of-heart, but at Foley we do our best to help relieve any fears you may have about diving in. We go into a much more detailed breakdown on our website, but here are 5 easy whole house remodel steps to help you understand the process.

Budget & Financing

Without a realistic budget that accurately reflects what you hope to accomplish, it isn’t possible to help you prioritize your needs or help you allocate your financial resources in a way that makes goals attainable. Hand-in-hand with your budget is the financing. Remodeling is a specialty field in the lending industry, and we help you identify lenders who are experienced in financing whole house remodels.

Project Scope and Scheduling

The scope of your project has a direct tie to your budget and will dictate the amount of work that can be done and the timeframe in which it can be completed. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to do a whole house gut and remodel all at once, as it is more cost effective and time saving. This is also the time to think about finishing touches such as plumbing, lighting, flooring and cabinets, so that your budget takes these personal touches into consideration.

There are no quick answers to as to how much an involved project will cost, or how long it will take, but a good designer and builder should be able to come up with plans and specifications that are within your budget and a schedule that is well thought out and efficient.

Home Analysis and New Plans

A walkthrough of your existing home will give your design-builder a good feel for what can be done, but until it’s put in our CAD program as “as-built,” we are limited in our ability to come up with a plan that makes your remodel feasible. From there, we can start playing with various overlays to show you possible new layouts. From there, initial plans are then computer generated.

Design Philosophy & Green Building

If you’re interested in taking your home green, doing it at the time of a whole house remodel makes great sense. How much can be converted depends on your existing structure, but we urge our clients to look into all their green options, including the tax credits available. Our design philosophy is simple: what would we do if this were our own home? Then through honest communication with the client, we reach an agreement on what best serves their needs and budget.

Contracts and Warranties

With over 30 years of experience in the business, we’ve come up with what we think is a contract that is clear, concise and fair to all parties, but we encourage our clients to have a third party review for their own peace of mind. Each contract we enter into is specifically drafted for the project at hand. We also provide our clients with an up-front warranty that is part of the contract, so there are no surprises at completion time.

We hope these whole house remodel steps show that, with the experience and skills of a good professional, your whole house remodel can be an exciting adventure with a highly satisfactory outcome. Take a look at this example of a full house renovation we did of a 1970s 5-level home and then contact us so we can further discuss your own remodel needs.

In our over 39 years as custom home builders, we’ve seen it happen more often than we like, and more frequently than it needs to. The somber truth is that over 50% of custom builds never get off the ground, including those where the client has already purchased their lot, and may even had plans drawn. The number one reason for this vision deferred is that so many people do not, before anything else, prepare a realistic, comprehensive budget.

New home construction is never a smooth-sailing venture in the best of circumstances. Along the way you encounter bumps and surprises in the form of changes and unexpected costs, but careful planning with your builder from day one will greatly increase your odds of living in your dream home. To avoid future disappointments, discuss with your builder budget line items like site work costs, surveys, engineering, septic recommendations, house plans and builder permits and fees. Here is a step-by-step guide that dives deeper into the elements to consider when budgeting for a custom home.

Early consultation with an experienced and professional design-build firm significantly reduces costs. From walking the potential lot to final fixtures, your design builder is a valuable partner in avoiding obvious pitfalls, can offer plan alternatives that keep your costs in line, and helps bring whatever you imagine to life.

It’s the relationship between a client and their design-builder, along with the support of talented tradespeople and suppliers, that makes for a successful project. Take advantage of their expert advice and you’ll find that the home of your dreams, in the area you desire, with the style, quality and features you envision, is all within reach.

This infographic will help you gain a broader perspective of where your budget is allocated throughout the process of building a custom home. Enjoy!

Summer’s a fond memory and we’ve officially entered into fall, so now’s the perfect time to introduce your kitchen to the beautiful colors and textures that give autumn its cozy reputation. It’s the perfect season for bringing nature indoors. Displays of fresh fall gourds, collected acorns and gorgeous snips from colorful trees all add a simple elegance to kitchen islands, shelves and counters. Here are some other great ways to add rich colors, new materials and inspired storage ideas to your fall kitchen.

Rich Textural Elements Reflect the Season

One doesn’t tend to think of metal as a warm material, but using a touch of brass or rose gold in the form of fixtures, cabinet pulls or appliance handles can do so much to add an inviting atmosphere to your fall kitchen. As these gorgeous fixtures from Dornbracht show, there’s no need to worry – these are not your blast from the past fixtures circa 1988! They also mix perfectly with stainless steel and the cooler kitchen palettes so popular right now.

If you’ve always loved the idea of marble in the kitchen, but feared the stains this porous stone absorbs such as red wine, olive oil and yes, even water, there are now quartz replicas that are incredibly realistic. They’re offered by all the major quartz manufacturers and let you get a classic look that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Mirrors are a wonderful way to create a stunning interior space as they spread light and reflect the outdoors into your home’s interior. They add an inviting aesthetic to your kitchen all year long, but even more so during this gorgeous changing leaves season. Consider adding a mirrored backsplash above a countertop that faces a window. Adding a mirrored cabinet door or two is a quick change that doesn’t need to be permanent.

Remember, the best choices you make are those that speak to your personal style. Define “classic,” “traditional,” or “modern” your own way and decorate accordingly. You’ll experience a sense of satisfaction and joy every time you enter your fall kitchen and that feeling will reflect back onto your family and guests.

New Season, New Look

Fall brings to mind pumpkins, turkeys and warm baked bread and pies. To welcome the new season and start preparing for the holidays, give your kitchen a few updates that will get you in the spirit.

• Stock up on the legumes, beans and grains you’ll need for those hearty fall dishes. Instead of hiding them behind the pantry door, use vintage style glass jars to store them on a counter or shelf.
• Pick up some glass mason jars. Yes, they’re all the rage right now for sipping everything from tea to bourbon, but they’re also perfect for their intended use of canning delicious fruits and veggies.
• Is there anything more inviting than a pot of hot tea shared between friends in the kitchen? Besides being a great way to keep you warm, there are beautiful wooden tea bag boxes that are inexpensive yet look lovely sitting on a counter or island.

Fall All Year Long

If you want to choose a palette that embraces fall but will work for more than one season, think rich oranges, vibrant reds, and deep browns and golds. Nature’s true colors always work year-round. If you want a less permanent look, choose floral arrangements, seat cushions, and pillows or throw blankets in one or all of these shades.

Décor Swaps for a Great Fall Look

Other small changes you can make include switching out accessories for those with a fall theme. Use fall kitchen towels in warm fall colors or that sport seasonal motifs like Indian corn or pumpkins. Bring out the Thanksgiving inspired salt and pepper shakers and fridge magnets. The possibilities are truly limitless!

An open concept kitchen is considered by many to be the Great Room, but for others, well, their motto might be: what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen. Long touted by home improvement shows, magazines and realtors as a must have feature, for some families it runs counter to their needs and lifestyle. What really matters is weighing the pros and cons as they apply to your taste and preferences.

The Open Concept Allure

It seems like everywhere you turn homeowners are busting through walls to open up the kitchen to the family and the dining rooms, all in pursuit of some idealized vision of family life and grand entertaining. In fact, entertaining and keeping an eye on the kids are the top two reasons given for choosing the open concept kitchen design. The concept has been around since the 1990s and its popularity remains strong. Advocates of the approach of integrating kitchens with other living spaces point out that it keeps families in touch, invites guests into the heart of the home, adds a sense of space to modestly sized homes, and eliminates walls that reduce natural light.

A 1990’s open concept kitchen separated from the rest of the house

Non-believers see it differently. Who wants everyone in the kitchen while they’re trying to cook, they query. And how on earth do I whip up a soufflé, babysit and keep my guests entertained all at the same time? Much like perfect sun-dappled lives of Facebook friends, the reality of an open kitchen is usually something altogether different. Where are the dirty pots and pans, you might ask. And the 3-second rule? Forget about it, someone just tweeted the dropped roast.

The Charm of Closed Kitchens

You may be as tidy as the next person, but when it comes to meal prep, all bets are off. Dirty dishes in the sink and food scraps on the counters aren’t too many people’s idea of inviting home décor. The truth is, having a kitchen that is quite separate from the dining and living areas brings along plenty of benefits.

A closed kitchen does not have to mean a claustrophobic one. Besides the obvious advantages of a door that blocks off kitchen messes and cooking odors, the additional wall space means more cabinet storage and room for appliances. Some cooks actually prefer privacy and silence as they prepare that special meal for their guests and, sometimes, too many cooks really do spoil the soup. Moreover, many home chefs derive a great joy from surprising their guests with their latest culinary masterpieces.

As to the argument that open concept kitchens are more homey and inviting, these photos and homeowner comments give testament to the idea that closed kitchens have a warmth and charm all their own.

How to Choose the Best Layout

If, after weighing the pros and cons of each design, your heart’s set on an open concept kitchen, there are some important things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Keep views unobstructed. Successful open floor plans are all about spaciousness, so to promote harmony and balance, try to keep the upper cabinets simple and unobtrusive.
• Divide the space wisely. Whether you choose an island, breakfast bar or dining table, make sure the sense of flow is harmonious and well-designed.
• Avoid a cluttered look by keeping open shelving to a minimum. A place to display a pottery collection or library of cookbooks can add interest and warmth, but less is more definitely applies here.
• Color coordination is key and promotes unity and flow. Light colors look fresh and give the illusion of spaciousness, so keep this in mind if you’re working with a smaller space.

At the end of the day, an open concept kitchen can be a fabulous look, but maintaining separate spaces has many benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. Just be sure to consider your lifestyle and the home’s architectural integrity before busting out the sledgehammer to knock down those walls.

If you’re contemplating a change to your home’s kitchen floor plan, contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free in-home design consultation.

Every season brings with it a checklist of home maintenance chores. Autumn in Virginia is all about pumpkins, hot apple cider and country fairs, but it’s also the time to prepare your home for the coming winter months.

Today, most people use the word “Fall” for the most colorful of the seasons, and you might find it interesting that the name stems from “falling leaves,” which typically need to be raked or blown this time of year. Which takes us to the first of 10 items on our Fall home maintenance checklist . . .

1. Care For Your Trees

• Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to replace lost nutrients and improve resistance to disease.
• Hydration: Before Winter strikes, quench your trees’ roots with a healthy dose of water using subsurface watering.
• Planting: Fall is a great time to plant new trees.
• Rake Leaves: Cable, brace and prune your trees before snow and ice hit. Not always recommended as a DIY job, so you might want to consult with a Fairfax County arborist.

2. Clean Your Gutters

• Falling leaves can also contribute to clogged gutters, which lead to water damage. Cleaning the gutters prolongs their lives and minimize other damage. Clean them at the beginning of Fall, as dry leaves are easier to remove.
• Periodically inspect gutters for rust and other damage, which may mean it’s time to install new ones.

3. Do an Exterior Inspection

• Roof: Check for damaged or missing shingles; look for signs of rotting wood; make sure vents and fans are functioning properly; and check that flashing is secure.
• Windows: Check glass panels for cracks and breaks and inspect frames and sills for holes which allow moisture leaks. Old windows are one of the biggest causes of energy inefficiency in homes. Consider upgrading to take advantage of more recent window technology.

4. Seal Gaps To Keep Out Critters

Check entry points in the roof like vents, plumbing stacks and loose tiles. Repair any roof holes and seal off other openings.

5. Clean Dryer Vents

Dryer exhaust duct fires are serious business. Inspect the vent and hose for any blockages and clean if necessary.

6. Deep Clean the Kitchen

Keep the heart of the home healthy and sparkling by following these great tips from Reader’s Digest.

7. Conduct an Energy Audit

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests conducting an annual energy audit of your home. You can hire an expert or they’ll walk you through doing one yourself.

8. Schedule a Chimney Sweep

Regular chimney inspections can help protect your home from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The Chimney Safety Institute of America has some great suggestions for finding a chimney sweep.

9. Add Weather-stripping For Energy Efficiency

Worn out weather-stripping on windows and doors allows cold air to come sneaking in. Replace any old and tired weather-stripping before the winter chill sets in.

10. Stocking Up For Winter

Winter often brings storms that can close roads and leave you housebound for several days or more. Make sure you have the right supplies on hand before a storm hits. Think soups, baby formula and ample bottled water. The National Weather Service has a great list of recommended items.

Get a jump start on your Fall home maintenance checklist today and make sure your home is running in peak condition before winter sets in. All there will be left to do come Winter is throwing a log on the fire, kicking back and sipping your hot chocolate.

Building your dream home should be a fun and enjoyable process, but it can also have its moments of stress. Homeowners might be forgiven for believing that all the anxiety will have been worth it – and be behind them – come moving-in day. At Foley Development, our ultimate goal is to make that belief a reality. But, the truth is, it’s not unusual for defects to surface, both during construction and during the first year you live in your new home.

There may be obvious defects that you catch very early on, but some hidden defects may escape your immediate detection. In times like these, a home builder warranty is meant to give you peace of mind and, as a Northern Virginia homeowner, you are guaranteed certain protections for material defects in a newly constructed home. Builders’ warranties offer varying coverage, so it’s important to take the time to learn and understand what your home builder warranty includes and excludes, how to make a claim and how to resolve any disputes that might arise.

Type of Coverages

The majority of builder warranties cover a new home’s workmanship and material for one to two years, with up to 10-years coverage on major structural elements. Beyond that, warranty exclusions can differ from builder to builder. Typical exclusions include:

• Damage owing to a homeowner’s own neglect, misuse or abuse
• Damage caused by third parties (vandals, animals), “acts of God,” or someone hired to work on the property
• Warpage or shrinkage of construction materials considered to be at a normal level, such as due to local weather conditions or soil settling
• Household appliances
• Any housing costs you incur if you’re forced to move out while repairs are being made

What You Should Know About Common Law Warranties

There are warranties that are implied by law and others that apply only if set forth in a contract.  In Northern Virginia, there is an implied warranty in every construction contract that the work be done in a workmanlike manner and according to accepted practices and building codes for the local area. If a contractor furnishes defective materials or workmanship, this is considered a breach of the implied warranty.

For items not covered by common law, an express warranty is needed. You should talk to your builder about coverage that guarantees:

• All materials and equipment will be new, and of good quality
• All work performed will conform to the contract, plans and specifications
• All work will be free from defects

You might also want to ask about additional guarantees, such as one stating that any corrective work will be done promptly after written notice, and that any warranties that were issued by the manufacturers of construction materials be transferred to you by the contractor.

How To Make A Claim

If the need arises to make a claim, the home builder warranty service is intended to provide a convenient, hassle-free way to file a claim. In most instances, there is a number to call and a specialized trade service expert comes to your home to assess the damage. For some claims, multiple inspectors may appear to investigate a claim, so be prepared to present adequate proof of the problem in the form of reports, diagrams and photographs.

Even if a hotline number is used, file your claim and put your repair request in writing and keep a file of all calls and correspondence. The majority of claims are handled to the homeowner’s satisfaction, but it’s always a good idea to have a record of all your dealings with the builder and warranty company.

When Issues Arise Over What Can Be Covered

There may be occasions when a dispute arises between the homeowner and a builder over a defect and whether it is covered. Check to see if your warranty calls for mediation of disputed claims. If mediation is not successful, mandatory binding arbitration is typically the next step, with a neutral third party helping the parties reach an agreement. Arbitration is less formal than court and there is no judge, but most warranties require the parties to abide by the arbitrator’s decision, without appeal.

Arbitration Costs

Arbitration is nearly always less expensive than going to court, but a homeowner can pay up to several thousand dollars to take a claim through the arbitration process. Your warranty should spell out what expenses you are or are not required to pay.

The Bottom Line

It is always to your advantage to thoroughly read through your home builder warranty policy. A reputable builder is your best hedge against problems, and should be willing to answer all questions you have regarding coverage. Taking the time to know your warranty’s coverage before construction begins is the best way to preserve the craftsmanship and quality of your new home for years to come.

Some of our projects at Foley are for previous clients, but this Great Falls, VA remodel was unique in that, although we built the original home back in 2001, it was the home’s second owners who in late 2013 brought us in to design and build an upscale family room addition. The family envisioned a warm and inviting space for entertaining guests, so we worked with them to create a new three seasons room with adjoining outdoor area. The entire project took approximately four and a half months to complete.

The 12’x24’ room was built with a concrete slab floor and a flat roof which, if the homeowners decide to expand further, allows for construction of a second-story master suite. The floor’s herringbone pattern was created using full brick pavers with standard buff mortar joints, and the 3/4” stained pine wainscoting was given a topcoat of semi-gloss polyurethane for a rich, elegant finish.

The 3/4” tongue-and-groove paneled ceiling veneer is accented with three reclaimed heart pine beams, which give the room a timeless, classic look, and provide a beautiful backdrop for the ceiling fan, chandelier and recessed lighting. The changeable framed picture by the outside access doors is actually an LG ArtCool ductless split system heat pump that supplies heating and air conditioning to the room.

The adjacent, spacious outdoor area is perfect for entertaining. The core filled cinder block sitting walls make for great conversation spots and are tied to the concrete patio to prevent moving. The homeowners wanted a masonry mantle above the fireplace opening, so we modified the FireRock kit to accommodate it. Firewood boxes were added to both sides of the fireplace, and the structure’s drystack-pattern stone cladding is Homestead Mosaic supplied by The Stone Center.  Not pictured is the backup generator we installed, which is powered by the home’s existing 1000 gallon propane tank. Two branch lines feed the patio, one for the fireplace’s gas log starter, and the other for the grill hookup.

This family room addition was greatly enhanced by adding the outdoor cooking and dining area, and both will provide the homeowners with many years of entertaining fun. We can create the perfect family and friends gathering space for your home. To learn more about our successful approach to remodeling, we invite you to review our Remodeling Process and our Remodeling Frequently Asked Questions.