The clients requested better functionality in an open plan that would combine the kitchen and adjacent living area.
Facts + Stats
USA Cabinet Store has been in business for 10 years and supports a staff of 21. The company completes about 140 projects a year, with costs ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 per job.
5701 General Washington Dr. #L Alexandria, VA 22312
703-822-7326 | usacabinetstore.com
Facts + Stats
Marks-Woods Construction Services has been in business for 18 years. They specialize in residential renovation projects. From concept to construction, they create beautiful home design solutions customized for each client’s unique lifestyle and necessities.
205 S. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-9788 | markswoods.com
A rustic structure, designed by Soe Lin Architects, feels like a natural extension of the forested property.
Facts + Stats
FineCraft Contractors, Inc., has been in business for 35 years. A staff of 25 to 35 people completes 45 projects a year ranging in price from $50,000 to $1.5 million.
104 Summit Hall Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-330-7633 | finecraftcontractors.com
Designed by Hickok Cole and Studios Architecture, Pierce at The Highlands stretches 27 stories with views of the Potomac River and DC skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Its 104 units range from one-and-a-half to three bedrooms, most with large private balconies, and span 1,270 to 2,500 square feet. Kitchens offer Thermador appliances (including wine refrigerators), Snaidero cabinetry, quartz countertops and oversized islands. Sleek owners’ bathrooms boast heated flooring. Common amenities include a rooftop deck and pool, fitness center and residents’ club.
AJ Madison Appliances opened a 5,000-square-foot Tysons showroom—its first in the DC area—in March 2020. The location offers a vast selection of indoor and outdoor appliances by brands such as Miele, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Viking and Gaggenau. 8500 Leesburg Pike, Vienna; ajmadison.com
Architectural Ceramics is a local tile mecca touting 40-plus brands in everything from ceramic to glass to cement, along with complimentary design services. 172 Maple Avenue West, Vienna; architecturalceramics.com
Arhaus spotlights recycled woods and metals, handmade antique reproductions and Old World-style pieces crafted in Italy. In-house designers are on hand to help customers. 7871 Tysons Corner Center, McLean; arhaus.com
Ballard Designs’ 12,000-square-foot showroom is one of the catalog giant’s 15 U.S. storefronts. It puts a European spin on furniture, lighting, accessories and garden décor. 8084L Tysons Corner Center, Suite K7L, Tysons Corner; ballarddesigns.com
Bassett Furniture offers classic home furnishings and accessories at affordable price points. 7505 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; bassettfurniture.com
Boconcept, a former tenant of Tysons Galleria, has reopened in the mall. The Danish manufacturer offers an inventory of modern and Scandinavian-style furniture. Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean; boconcept.com
Boss Design Remodelers & Architects launched a McLean location in spring 2019. Bath and kitchen installations inspire clients embarking on kitchen, bath and basement remodels. 1389 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; bossdesigncenter.com
Capitol Closet Design's 2,000-square-foot Tysons showroom houses innovative displays showcasing the latest walk-in and reach-in closets, pantries, laundry rooms, home offices and more. A wide selection of cabinet door, drawer and hardware styles is on view. 8027 Leesburg Pike, Suite 304, Vienna; capitolclosetdesign.net
Calligaris’ Tysons-area outpost features sleek, Italian-made modern furniture, lighting and accessories. 1825-U Galleria at Tysons II, Suite 3220, McLean; calligaris.com
The Container Store is a one-stop shop devoted to stylish storage solutions, closet systems and clever gift-packaging options. 8549 Leesburg Pike, Vienna; containerstore.com
Ethan Allen manufactures a massive inventory of furnishings in a variety of finishes and custom fabrics—along with accessories and outdoor furniture. 1622 Boro Place, McLean; ethanallen.com
Hästens, a Swedish manufacturer of luxury beds, mattresses, pillows and linens, offers its wares in a 1,186-square-foot Tysons Galleria showroom. Beds are crafted with natural materials, including pine, wool, cotton and flax. 2001 International Drive, Suite 1156, McLean; hastens.com
Hamiltons Sofa & Leather Gallery sells furniture, lighting and fireplaces from two Tysons-area locations. 8461 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, and 5857-B Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; hamiltonssofagallery.com
The Kellogg Collection features elegant traditional décor. Start with a classic sofa and polish with an Aubusson rug, Chinese ginger jars and painted-wood accents. 1353 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; kelloggcollection.com
Miele in The Shops at Fairfax Square is the German appliance company’s only dedicated area showroom. Large appliances add style and function, while state-of-the-art coffeemakers do everything but drink the brew. 8065 Leesburg Pike, Suite 110, Vienna; mieleusa.com
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showcases its American-made, contemporary-classic sofas, chairs, beds and accessories in an 8,170-square-foot showroom in Tysons Galleria. 2001 International Drive, Level 3, McLean; mgbwhome.com
Pella Windows & Doors of Northern Virginia offers an Experience Center where customers have an opportunity to try out products for themselves via functioning windows and doors. 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 140, Vienna; pellabranch.com/northern-virginia
Posh! Inc. is a 10,000-square-foot-plus emporium of marble-topped chests, chandeliers and sofas—punctuated with floral arrangements created in-house. 200 Dominion Road NE, Vienna; 703-319-7674
RH, known for linen sofas and creative bed-and-bath collections, showcases its Interiors, Modern and Outdoor collections in this Tysons location. 7926 Tysons Corner Center, McLean; rh.com
Stuart Kitchens, in business since 1955, features appliances, countertops and more. Rutt, Aristokraft and Downsview cabinetry lines are available, along with the company’s own collection. The showroom also designs home offices, bedrooms and baths. 1359 Beverly Road, McLean; stuartkitchens.com
Stylish Patina offers an eclectic mix of vintage and modern chests, servers and tables, along with classes for the aspiring DIY-er. 410 South Maple Avenue, Suite 114, Falls Church; stylishpatina.com
Some locations may be open by appointment only.
Architectural Ceramics, a local tile mecca, carries 40-plus brands in everything from ceramic to glass to cement, and offers complimentary design services. 6807 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; architecturalceramics.com
Bray & Scarff proffers appliances by Bosch, GE, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero and Whirlpool, as well as cabinetry and design help. 6801 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; brayandscarff.com
Contemporaria now occupies a 100-year-old Potomac house where founder Deborah Kalkstein offers modern European brands and design, remodeling and construction services.
10030 Falls Road, Potomac; contemporaria.com
Country Floors boasts a wide selection of tiles in porcelain, ceramic, glass, terracotta, cement and stone—including decorative glazed brick and Delft. 6931 Arlington Road, Suite C2, Bethesda; countryfloors.com
Framebridge, a purveyor of custom frames, complements its online presence in this showroom where customers can peruse frames and matting options and schedule consultations. 4806 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda; framebridge.com
Hardwood Artisans imparts a contemporary spin to Shaker and Craftsman furniture styles. 4828 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda; hardwoodartisans.com
Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, LTD., carries cabinetry from Premier, Artcraft, Decor and Zonavita. The award-winning proprietor has been revamping kitchens since 1997. 6935 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; gilmerkitchens.com
Kitchen & Bath Studios offers sustainable cabinet lines such as Christiana, Crystal and Executive Kitchens. 7001 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; kitchenbathstudios.com
Kohler Signature Store by GROF USA houses kitchen and bath vignettes showcasing collections by KOHLER, Ann Sacks, Kallista and Robern. 7626 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda; kohlersignaturestorebethesda.com
Konst Union presents high-end bath fixtures and furniture by top European brands including SieMatic, Fantini and Noorth. 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda; konstunion.com
Poggenpohl specializes in modern cabinetry and innovative kitchen-storage solutions in an array of sleek materials. 6809 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase; poggenpohl.com
Random Harvest blends its own upholstered furnishings with refurbished antiques from around the world. 7766 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda; randomharvesthome.com
Serena & Lily, the California retailer, brings laid-back, coastal style to Bethesda Row with furniture, bedding, rugs, lighting, upholstery and accessories—including items not found online. 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda; serenaandlily.com
Stuart Kitchens, in business since 1955, features cabinetry by Rutt, Aristokraft and Downsview, along with its own cabinet line. 8203 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda; stuartkitchens.com
The Shade Store sells custom window coverings and drapes, solar shades and blinds at its two area locations. 7116 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, and 7717 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac; theshadestore.com
The Somerville Bath & Kitchen Store distributes a range of kitchen and bath products by KOHLER, Moen, Rohl, Grohe, Victoria & Albert and many more. 8530 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase; thesomerville bathandkitchenstore.com
Urban Country is packed with furniture, bedding and accessories. Brands include Lee Industries, Michael Aram and MacKenzie-Childs. 7121 Arlington Road, Bethesda; urbancountrydesigns.com
Wool & Knots is a boutique-style rug shop located in the Woodmont Triangle section of Bethesda selling hand-woven tribal and Persian rugs in transitional and contemporary designs.
The three-color line is intended to soothe weary souls in a period of high anxiety. “These comfort colors are similar to comfort foods, offering a sense of familiarity and normalcy when facing the unknown,” says Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager.
Be Well shades include Transcend, a cozy neutral reminiscent of warm sand; Big Cypress, a shaded ginger with hints of persimmon; and Misty Aqua, a cerulean blue that imparts freshness against the earthy tones.
 | Stone itself is art and can be used to create an incredible graphic wall surrounding a fireplace. —Cathy Purple Cherry, Purple Cherry Architects |
 | Considering the proportion of a room is critical. Perhaps a fireplace needs to be taller or wider depending on the room size, ceiling height and furniture layout. This can be achieved through millwork and paneling or integrating the fireplace with bookshelves. —Sarita Simpson and Jason Claire, Interior Matter |
 | The opportunity for a two-sided fireplace is often overlooked. It can serve as dual focal points and as a room divider, without detracting from the openness of a space. —Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd. |
 | We have given brick and stone fireplaces a totally new look by whitewashing them. This faux finish can totally transform a space. —Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC |
 | Large pieces of natural stone or stunning tile arranged in an interesting pattern can turn a boring fireplace into a showstopper. Built-ins with a matching mantel add to the drama and architecture of the fireplace. —Laura Hildebrandt, IFDA, NKBA, Interiors by LH, LLC |
 | When putting a television over a fireplace is the only option, we recommend the Samsung Frame as a solution to deliver entertainment and eye-catching art in the same space. —Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio |
 | Selecting a non-combustible material such as natural stone or tile that brings in the colors of the surrounding space can be the perfect way to turn a mundane fireplace into a focal point.Light My Fire - Andrea Maaseide, Allied ASID, Studio 320 Interior Design |
 | Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors bonnieammoninteriors.com, 703-778-5755 |
 | Light My Fire - Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors jamiemerida.com, 410-819-8666 |
 | DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design, LLC duvalreynolds.com, 703-989-0521 |
AJ Madison Appliances opened its first DC-area location in March 2020. The 5,000-square-foot Tysons showroom offers appliances by brands such as Miele, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Viking and Gaggenau, with an emphasis on the best products for multi-generational living and aging-in-place. Factory-trained staff members provide expertise for consumers seeking advice, from planning to installation. 8500 Leesburg Pike; ajmadison.com
Anna Kemper Atelier, designer Anna Kemper’s 2,430-square-foot boutique, made its debut in DC’s Union Market district in July 2020. Kemper, who previously designed interiors and ran a shop in Columbia, South Carolina, brings a global aesthetic to her first eponymous brick-and-mortar store with furniture, lighting, vintage rugs and accessories. Also look for art by international and DC-based artists. 1266 5th Street, NE; annakemperatelier.com
Baker, a go-to, to-the-trade source for furniture and couture-level fabric and upholstery, has traded its longtime location in Cady’s Alley for a 6,000-square-foot showroom in the Washington Design Center. In addition to Baker’s Milling Road and McGuire brands, collections by such local design icons as Thomas Pheasant and Darryl Carter are sold. 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 400;bakerfurniture.com
BLU DOT, a source for modern furniture, lighting and accessories best known for its online emporium, has expanded its retail presence with a ninth U.S. location—this one in Georgetown. Opened in September 2020, the 6,100-square-foot showroom spotlights the full range of Blu Dot’s wares, all designed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Minneapolis. bludot.com
Braemar Cabinetry opened its 800-square-foot showroom in Old Town Alexandria in September 2020. Two kitchen-and-bath designers on staff offer design consultations, guidance on material selection and product ordering, and the showroom features visual-rendering technology that allows clients to see their designs on a big screen. Cabinet lines include Decora, Schrock and KitchenCraft. 205 South Union Street; braemarcabinetry.com
Case Architects & Remodelers’ location in Alexandria sets it apart. The showroom, which debuted in May 2020, is housed in an historic building—with a meeting room inside a former bank vault. Featuring a coffee bar and vignettes of kitchens, baths and mudrooms, the 2,400-square-foot space also displays outdoor kitchens with tile and countertop combinations. 119 North Washington Street; casedesign.com
Contemporaria traded its industrial-chic Georgetown showroom for an updated, 100-year-old house in Potomac in March 2020. While founder Deborah Kalkstein has shifted her focus towards design, remodeling and construction services, the new 2,000-square-foot location still showcases such modern European brands as Minotti, Cappellini, Flos, Foscarini, Ingo Maurer and Kartell in three floors of retail space. 10030 Falls Road; contemporaria.com
David Sutherland Showroom, Sutherland Furniture’s first DC outpost, opened in the Washington Design Center in July 2020. The 5,000-square-foot space offers fabrics from Perennials—part of the Dallas-based company’s brand—and Sutherland outdoor furniture; other vendors include Hellman-Chang, Ochre, Mattaliano, Pavoni and Bradford Stewart. 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 410; sutherlandfurniture.com
Gramophone’s new location in Gaithersburg encompasses two adjacent showrooms totaling 6,000 square feet. One houses a lab where consumers learn about lighting, circadian rhythms and color temperature in residential-style spaces. The other, an audio/visual design center, showcases outdoor A/V systems, high-performance music systems, surround sound, custom theaters and more. 8513 Grovemont Circle; gramophone.com
Grof USA Showroom & Distribution Center opened its doors in November 2019 in a 2,970-square-foot outpost in Chantilly. At this one-stop shop for kitchen-and-bath remodeling, design consultants offer inspiration and advice. The showroom boasts such brands as KOHLER, Kallista, Robern and Sterling, as well as Italian manufacturers Vives, Barausse and Stosa Cucine. 3656 Centerview Drive, Suite 7; grofusa.com
The Home Depot Design Center opened in September 2020 at Rockville’s Montrose Crossing. Unlike a typical big-box store, this 36,000-square-foot showroom—only the second of its kind in the U.S.—specializes in custom kitchens and bathrooms, offering in-house design and project-management services. Custom cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, tile and fixtures are on offer. 12087 Rockville Pike; homedepot.com/c/designcenter
John Rosselli & Associates joined the Washington Design Center’s roster in September 2020, moving from a location in Georgetown. A purveyor of antiques, hand-painted reproductions, fabrics, wallpaper and lighting—all curated by antiques maven Rosselli—the new 2,000-square-foot space also represents Glant, Adelphi Paper Hangings, Kathryn M Ireland and John Robshaw, among other vendors. 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 325; johnrosselli.com
KOHLER Signature Store by GROF USA opened its doors in Bethesda in March 2020. The 3,999-square-foot outlet houses kitchen and bath vignettes, while on-site consultants offer in-person and virtual design advice and project planning. The showroom also carries collections by Ann Sacks, Kallista and Robern. 7626 Old Georgetown Road; kohler signaturestorebethesda.com
Pella Windows & Doors of Northern Virginia, which opened in Vienna in October 2019, emphasizes a hands-on approach. The 2,500-square-foot showroom offers what it terms its Experience Center, with functioning windows and doors. Here, customers can curate product selections and try out products for themselves. 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 140; pellabranch.com/northern-virginia
Serena & Lily, the California retailer, brought its laid-back, coastal vibe to a 3,000-square-foot Bethesda Row boutique in August 2020. The company’s first mid-Atlantic location showcases indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, rugs, lighting, upholstery and decorative accessories—including items not found online. A curated gallery wall features works by local artists. Design consultations are available. 7121 Bethesda Lane; serenaandlily.com
Old Town — An excursion to Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria is a chance to soak up the atmosphere as well as the deals. Located on the Potomac River, this historic district of brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets was founded in 1749 and is lined with locally owned boutiques, galleries, antiques stores and national retailers—many in vintage row houses an easy stroll from one another.
Tysons Corner — Virginia’s bustling Tysons Corner encompasses three major shopping areas: Fairfax Square, with select upscale boutiques; and Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria—both sprawling, multi-level indoor malls chock-full of fashion and home-design showrooms. Stand-alone stores also abound, from Crate & Barrel to The Container Store, plus specialty shops tucked away in smaller shopping strips.
Cady’s Alley — This 120,000-square-foot enclave in the heart of Georgetown is mainly comprised of contemporary home-design showrooms sporting lofted ceilings, exposed brick and glass-and-steel stairways. Shops proffer everything from chic bath resources to sleek furnishings and stylish lighting, conveniently centered around a pedestrian-friendly cobblestone alley that makes one-stop shopping easy.
14th Street — Once a shabby neighborhood of warehouses and body shops, this vibrant stretch between Thomas Circle and U Street, NW, is now home to industrial-chic abodes and a hip design district that culminates on L Street at the Washington Design Center. Home-décor showrooms along 14th Street range from a four-story Room & Board to quirky Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot—interspersed with trendy restaurants. The Design Center, in the iconic Franklin Court building, is home to 24 designer showrooms, some of which are to-the-trade only.
Bethesda Area — A construction boom has transformed Bethesda, Maryland, from suburban sprawl to urban metropolis. In Fall 2018, a new Anthropologie with a home-design center joined Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma on Bethesda Avenue; they keep pace with fixtures such as Urban Country and Random Harvest. Nearby Kensington still lures visitors to its Antique Row, a bastion of antiques dealers, galleries and more—just as it has for decades.
 | Home Improvement - LIVING COLORTwenty-one hues, ranging from quiet neutral to lavish bold, make up BEHR Paint Company’s Color Trends 2021 Palette. Organized into themes—Casual Comfort, Optimistic View, Subtle Focus and more—the shades are all complementary. Pictured here, a bedroom in Kalahari Sunset and Almond Wisp, both part of Optimistic View. behr.com |
 | VERY VERSATILE The Paxton Collection storage system from California Closets can be configured to create entertainment units, vanities, closets, a wine bar and more. Modules come in a range of finishes and hardware; decorative elements include faux-leather linings, glass fronts and metal trim. californiaclosets.com |
 | The Paxton Collection storage system from California Closets The Heavy Metal Pendant by Buster + Punch makes an industrial statement, combining a base of solid steel, brass, smoked bronze or matte black with knurled satin-metal and matte-rubber detailing. Vintage-look LED bulbs are also available. busterandpunch.com |
 | SUMMER SCENE Atrafloor conjures holidays in sunny climes with a summer-inspired collection of vinyl flooring. Some motifs depict a pool’s surface, lush lawn or lazy clouds, while others mimic tiles found in southern European villas. Pictured: Azulejos, a Portuguese tile pattern printed on vinyl. atrafloor.com |
 | STRONG IMPRESSION Dramatic swirls of cream, green and aqua characterize Louise Blue, a natural quartzite surface available through Italian stone company Antolini as part of its Exclusive Stone Collection. The eye-catching quartzite slabs come in matte, polished and leathered finishes. antolini.com |
 | NOT JUST FOOD The Summit Appliance BeautiFridge gives face creams, serums and masks a longer shelf life. Perfect for bathrooms, the 14-by-18-inch fridge features tinted doors that eliminate UV light and removable trays for easy transport. Available at AJ Madison Appliances. ajmadison.com |
 | SANITARY SURFACE Durable and non-porous, Lapitec repels dirt, mold and bacteria—making it a good match for today’s health-safety needs. Made of compressed natural minerals, the engineered surface comes in large slabs and is suitable forindoor and outdoor use. Pictured here as a pool surround. lapitec.com |
 | PATTERN PLAY Interior designer Pietta Donovan’s collection of handmade ceramic tile for Walker Zanger offers nine solid colors and five geometric shapes that can be combined to create a host of patterns. A complementary collection of cement tile by the designer is also available. walkerzanger.com |
 | STEEL STYLE Maiden, a San Diego-based architectural-products company, is emphatically on trend with its collection of modern steel doors for both interior and exterior use. Pivot doors (pictured), wine-room doors and modern barn-door systems are on offer, along with another in-vogue item: a sanitizing station. maidensteel.com |
 | CRYSTAL TOUCH Haute Déco’s Signature Collection elevates hardware into jewelry for the home. Conceived by company founder Marie-Véronique Swannell, the line’s door knobs and pulls combine brass elements in a variety of finishes and a layer of cristalle glass. Available at The Brass Center in New York. hautedeco.com; thebrasscenter.com |
 | Home Improvement - BUILDING BLOCKSAlside, a manufacturer of exterior building products, has debuted the ASCEND Composite Cladding System, which combines a glass-reinforced polymer and graphite-infused polystyrene to create the look of traditional wood siding. Light-weight, easy to install and maintenance-free, it’s available in 20 on-trend, fade-resistant colors. alside.com |
Below, FineCraft Contractors offers a rundown of current popular options.
HARDWOOD
PROS—Versatile, great look, easy maintenance, high resale value.
CONS—Loud to walk on, cold in winter.
Cost—$3 to $12 a square foot
LAMINATE
PROS—Can look like real wood or tile, but is scratch-resistant, durable, easy to clean and great for pets and high-traffic areas.
CONS—If it gets damaged, it can’t be refinished.
Cost—50 cents to $3 per square foot
VINYL
PROS—Quiet and easy on your feet. A great option for laundry rooms as it can reduce the noise from the washer and dryer.
CONS—Tends to dent and tear easily.
Cost—$1 to $5 per square foot
PROS—Durability, scratch- and water-resistance. Available in a variety of sizes and materials. Easy to clean.
CONS—Very loud to walk on and cold in the winter. When tile cracks, it can be difficult to repair.
Cost—$1 to $20 per square foot
While working with Balaton Builders and residential development and design firm Lukors, the owner and design team made a discovery: The empty roof, with views of the Capitol, could be converted into an expansive deck. “The owner envisioned being able to enjoy the outdoors in the middle of a busy area,” recounts Balaton principal Javier Baldiviezo. Accessible only from the penthouse via a spiral staircase, the new roof is clad in Brazilian tigerwood siding and decking. It features plenty of seating—including a long bench incorporated into the siding—and a shower with a riverstone floor, positioned for privacy. A kitchen unit with a grill, refrigerator and workspace is tucked into one corner; a living wall beyond it conceals the building’s mechanical systems.
“How long will my project take?” As a home-remodeling specialist, Jonathan Lerner of Meridian Homes hears this question all the time. The answer, he says, is that each renovation is unique and therefore has its own timeframe. Lerner helps clients understand the process from start to finish, and recommends the following timeline:
The first step is to develop clear objectives for functionality and aesthetics. Determine the true purpose of your renovation and how you want your home to function and look once it is finished.
DEVELOP YOUR BUDGET—Whether you’re remodeling a room or two or embarking on a whole-house renovation, you’ll need to develop a budget and stick to it. Make a prioritized wish list that can be accomplished in stages in case your budget will not allow you to do everything at once.
CONSIDER THE IMPACT—Think about how the timing of your renovation will impact your life. Unanticipated snags can occur during construction, so build some flexibility into your schedule.
CHOOSE YOUR BUILDER—Do your homework. Interview each prospective candidate about their process and how they plan to stay within an agreed-upon budget and timeline. Understand the scope of your project and what it will cost. Once you’ve identified your builder, it’s time to determine if your goals are achievable.
AGREE ON A TIMELINE—Listen to your builder; are your expectations reasonable? If you have a certain date in mind for completion, be clear about that. You should arrive at a timeline that makes you happy and to which your builder can realistically adhere.
NAIL DOWN THE DESIGN—Some builders have in-house architects. Others work with outside professionals. You should expect to be very involved in every aspect of the design process either way. To adhere toyour budget and timeline, you’ll need to select all finishes and materials at this point.
UNDERSTAND PERMITTING AND LOCAL REGULATIONS—Every local jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations. An experienced builder will understand local permitting processes and regulations and will know how your project will be impacted.
MINIMIZE CHANGES—Changes cost time and money. Think carefully about your choices before construction begins.
ENTER INTO A DETAILED CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT—Your construction agreement should include approved architectural plans, detailed specifications and selections, finalized pricing and timeline. Be prepared to move out of certain areas—or, in the case of a whole-house renovation, to move out of your home completely.
“When a total rebuild of your home exceeds the cost of remodeling, it makes more sense to renovate. Renovation experts add creativity and craftsmanship to perfect the home you love.” —Kevin Gilday, Gilday Renovations
“After 20 years in commercial and institutional architecture, we are glad to see residential windows catching up in size and energy-efficiency, as innovations in framing allow for greater expanses of glass.” —Eric Carle, AIA, runningdog Architects
Built in 1960, the structure had fallen into disrepair; much of its plate glass was broken and the indoor pool was moldy. “The clients didn’t know what to do with it,” recounts architect Wayne Adams of BarnesVanze Architects, who was tasked with solving the quandary.
He and his team soon discovered that though the building was a mess, its riveted-steel structure was sound. “It had great details and we felt it was worth saving and repurposing,” Adams says. “We moved the pool outside and refurbished the interior as a living space.”
Anchoring one end of the structure, a disused shed was renovated and now holds a kitchenette, changing room and steam shower. Folding NanaWalls open to the pool house’s main glassed-in interior; a basement below the shed houses pool equipment. A stacked-stone spa occupies the other end of the pool house, and a fireplace is centered on one wall.
To combat heat, the design team added a metal roof on the building’s south-facing side, cladding the ceiling beneath it with mahogany slats that convey the feel of a sauna and soften the metal framework. The plate glass has been replaced by glazed, laminated glass—a safer choice in case of breakage. NanaWalls fold open to the pool; opposite, mahogany slats around the fireplace are flanked with sliding-glass doors. Operable clerestory windows on both sides let in the breeze.
Renovation Design: Wayne R. Adams, principal, BarnesVanze Architects, Washington, DC. Interior Design: Andrew Law, Andrew Law Interior Design, Washington, DC. Contractor: Gibson Builders, Washington, DC. Landscape Design: Amy Mills, DCA Landscape Architects, Washington, DC.
