Well, 2012 is finally here, and we’re ready to give our home decor a facelift. Here are some easy ways to change the look of your home and start fresh, helping you keep your new year’s resolutions and make 2012 a great year:

1. Integrate Color

The easiest way to drastically change the look of a room? Pick up a paintbrush and get to it. There are plenty of changes expected for the interior design world in 2012, including a shift from a dull color palette to vibrancy and show. If your new year’s resolution is to be more optimistic, it couldn’t hurt to integrate bright colors into your home. Bright colors are especially wonderful in bathrooms or around bathroom vanities. Don’t be scared to experiment with bold yellow, raspberry, and coral tones. Paint isn’t permanent–if you don’t like it, just change it.

2. Out With the Old

If you want to start fresh, some spring-cleaning might be in order. Go through your house planand get rid of all your old junk, from unused or chipped coffee mugs to paintings and prints you just don’t like anymore. Many homes cram their houses with stuff they don’t need or superfluous furniture. A clean and clear home is much more relaxing and tranquil. If your new year’s resolution is to minimize your stress, this could be the perfect solution.

3. Execute the “Maybe’s”

We all say, “Maybe I’ll clear out that room and make a little gym” or “Maybe I’ll clean the garage.” Stop stalling and take action! If your new year’s resolution is to lose 5 pounds, make the gym you’ve always wanted in the garage, bringing in rowing machines, Pilates machines, free weights, kettle bells, and an old TV to play work out videos.

Who knows? Simply changing your interior decor up may help you keep those New Year’s resolutions.

For those of you that have been considering an update for your home but aren’t sure which areas will give you the best return, here’s an idea: start with the kitchen. Some of the highest recoups are occurring in Washington DC kitchen remodeling.

In a 2009/10 survey conducted by Remodeling magazine, results showed that a major kitchen remodeling project in Washington DC would repay between 64% and 74% of the total investment. That’s higher than a garage or deck addition and even slightly more than a bathroom remodel.

As for the Washington DC area, where returns for kitchen remodeling are higher than the national average, the major differences came down to the complexity and scale of the project.

Typically, homeowners elect for midrange or upscale jobs coordinated through an experienced kitchen remodeling contractor. Here’s how these jobs compare for Washington DC kitchen remodeling:

* Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel [Cost – $53,900; Return – 74.6%]

Includes: updated layout with semi-custom wood cabinets, 3’ x 5’ island, laminate countertops, standard double-tub stainless-steel sink, energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, custom lighting, resilient flooring, painted walls, trim and ceiling.

          * Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel [Cost – $107,430; Return – 64.9%]

Includes: custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and interior accessories, stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash, built-in refrigerator, cooktop, commercial grade range and vent hood, built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, built-in combination microwave and convection oven, high-end undermount sink with designer faucets and built-in water filtration system, general and task lighting including low-voltage under-cabinet lighting, cork flooring, and cherry trim.

As you can see, the cost for upscale Washington DC kitchen remodeling is nearly twice as much as that of a midrange project, when comparing major kitchen remodeling. Of course, the number of features and quality of materials vary greatly.

If you’re not in the market for either of these categories, you might fare better with a project that covers just the basics. A midrange, minor kitchen remodeling job in Washington DC can save you nearly $90K compared to an upscale remodel and offers the highest return of all three.

The cost for midrange minor kitchen remodeling in Washington DC is a more affordable $20,504 with a 77.7% return. Here’s what you can expect to get for your money:

• New cabinetry – Leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers
• Energy-efficient wall oven and cooktop
• New laminate countertops – Replace old laminate surfaces
• Mid-priced sink and faucet
• New paint for trim
• New wall covering
• Removal and replacement of resilient flooring

Need help determining which type of project will accommodate your personal taste and budget? Contact a Washington DC kitchen remodeling expert that can assist you with planning and executing a financially savvy renovation program.

Eco-Friendly Remodeling in 2012

As energy costs rise and the notion of conservation begins to take hold, people are taking the chance when they remodel their homes to increase their water and energy efficiency.  It may not pay for the entire remodel, but it is certainly a good way to subsidize the expense, help save the environment and increase the value of your home in one swoop.

Bathroom updates are the best way to conserve water in 2012 and beyond.  If your toilet is from before 1994, then it’s probably a water waster.  Update the look of your toilet and reap the benefit of a lower water bill.  A new showerhead is also a very quick, easy, and cost-effective way to save on water usage as well as improve your shower experience.  The difference between a good showerhead and a bad one is pretty significant.

Ceiling fans come in an array of styles, stains, colors, shapes and materials.  They are another relatively easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your home.  Remote controls can replace the dangling pull chains for a sleeker look and no matter how nice of an area fan you buy—it still looks like clutter.  Cut hefty A/C bills in the summer and stave off mustiness with a little circulation instead.

Doors and Windows are the biggest energy wasters in the house.  Warm air escapes in the winter and invades in the summer.  Exorbitant energy bills, even for a 4-bedroom house, are usually the result of a lack of proper barrier between the outside elements and the indoor haven against them. A new front and/or back door can be a great facelift for the façade of your home and this change can increase security and lower energy bills.  Windows are in the same boat with doors, especially if you have several.

When contractors and private homeowners consult architects and designers for a building project, the value of a well-designed space is often overlooked. However, a well-designed space can have a significant impact on the occupants of a home, office building, school, or other public space. As discussed in the report, The Value of Good Design, from the UK Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, numerous statistics show that a well-designed space improves quality of life for all individuals.

1. A well-designed house will have higher real estate value.

Homes with well-designed exteriors and interiors have more appeal on the real estate market and often sell quicker and at higher values. A well-designed home will also make you more likely to have guests over and will provide a space where you can relax and escape from outside stress. Living in a well-designed space also increases one’s own feeling of self-worth, since they are living somewhere that has clear value to them and others.

2. A well-designed offices leads to more productive employees.

Several studies have shown that businesses that invest in high-quality designs for their buildings will see more success in the long run, mainly because the employees enjoy working in an appealing space. Offices can also be designed in such a way as to increase open communication, organization, and functionality.

3. A well-designed hospital or clinic can have an impact on patients’ recovery time.

A study performed by Sheffield University in England found that patients in a newly refurbished ward required less medication and were discharged sooner than patients staying in a ward designed in the 1960s. Another study performed by the University of Nottingham compared various healthcare environments before and after renovation. Improvements such as better views, more space between beds, more lighting, and better seating. The renovations caused patients to have lower heart rates and was perceived as more pleasant by both patients and staff.

4. A well-designed neighborhood has lower crime rates.

Well-designed neighborhoods tend to have increased public support for development, higher levels of rent and regeneration. Such areas can also see increased outdoor public activity, especially in neighborhoods that include an intentional shared space like a park. Features such as street lighting and integrated spaces for pedestrians increase the safety of a neighborhood, thus decreasing the crime rate.

5. A well-designed school improves children’s education.

Various U.S. studies have found that students test scores improve in well-designed buildings (with other socio-economic factors controlled). Classrooms with more natural lighting, more space, and effective integration of information and communication technology has also been reported to improve students’ performance.

Home remodeling is a maturing industry. That means that truly professional firms that specialize in remodeling are becoming the norm. Now homeowners can draw from a greater pool of reliable remodeling contractors in whom they can have confidence.

The shift to more professional remodeling firms, however, necessitates a change in how homeowners should best select a contractor. Specifically, the old practice of collecting three bids for the work and using the low bid to select a contractor no longer makes much sense.

The three-bid rule appears to work because it assumes everything to be equal except the cost estimates (or bids) from the three competing contractors. In other words, the underlying premise is that the three bidders have assessed and calculated the scope of work, blueprints, and specifications in exactly the same way so that the owner can compare 'apples-to-apples.'

In reality, however, such assumptions are dangerous and rarely accurate. Every contractor, professional or not, analyzes a project and estimates costs differently. As a result, the three bids are not apples-to-apples comparisons. Some differences are subtle, but their existence means that bid comparison is deceptive regarding costs.

Even if all three contractors based their bids on precisely the same interpretation of the project, the three-bid rule still reduces each remodeler to a number, when the most relevant factors for the owner's satisfaction are the builder's skill, experience, personality, record of success, and ability to do the work.

For this reason, an increasing number of the best remodeling companies simply refuse to bid competitively, opting out of such opportunities because they know they will be evaluated only in terms of cost, rather than whether they are the best firm for the job.

Such remodeling contractors prefer a different approach: the negotiated contract. In that scenario, a remodeling firm is selected based on its abilities and its personality fit with the homeowner. Considering how closely contractors interact with homeowners during a typical remodeling project, these criteria are the best predictors of client satisfaction. The negotiated contract also takes the guesswork out of the project's cost.

In this process, each of two or three contractors receives a budget from the homeowner based on what the homeowner wants to spend, not on what the remodeler thinks the project will cost. Sharing the homeowner's budget not only removes assumptions and misleading comparisons of cost, but also builds trust and facilitates honest communication about actual costs. If necessary, the builder and homeowner can then negotiate choices and prices in order to match the project's scope with the client's budget.

Not only does the negotiated contract process result in a more accurate estimate of cost, it is also far superior to the three-bid rule in matching the personalities of the client and the remodeler during the negotiation process. The process also reveals the best match between a particular project and a contractor's skills and experience. By first narrowing the field, and then by selecting one remodeling firm based on everything except the cost of the project, a homeowner can better ensure that the project will remain on budget and schedule. Both homeowner and contractor are on track for a finished project that meets or exceeds expectations.

As the remodeling industry continues to evolve into a recognized profession, it is adopting new and more effective methods of conducting that business. The negotiated contract reflects the new age of home remodeling to the benefit of every homeowner.

My dear clients, friends and colleagues,

May joy and fun, wish fulfillment and blessing,

Come to your home this Thanksgiving!

Budgeting Your Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Bathroom Remodeling Project

 Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase bathroom remodeling carries one of the highest returns on investment, so it’s a smart way to add value to your property, get more on resale, and give your home a deserving facelift.

 Knowing how to budget for renovations will help you establish priorities for your project and set reasonable expectations. Bathroom remodeling in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase will cost slightly more than in some other parts of the country, such as the south or Midwest.

According to Remodeling magazine’s 2009/2010 Cost vs. Value Report, the differences between a mid-range and upscale remodel are considerable. For example, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase bathroom remodeling could look like the following:

• A mid-range remodel costs nearly $15K and will recoup just over 71% of its cost at resale. This type of renovation updates an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom with all new fixtures, including: porcelain-on-steel tub with ceramic tile surround, temperature and pressure-balanced shower control, standard white toilet, solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink, recessed medicine cabinet with light, ceramic tile floor, and vinyl wallpaper.

• An upscale version will run around $48.5K and is expected to recoup about 64% of that on resale. Upscale renovations include the expansion of the existing bathroom and relocation of all fixtures. Common features include ceramic-tile shower with body-spray fixtures and frameless glass enclosure, customized whirlpool tub, stone countertop with dual sinks, ceramic tile flooring, custom cabinetry and lighting, HVAC system extension, in-floor heating and heated towel bars.

 Now, apply this knowledge to your current budget for Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase bathroom remodeling. If you don’t have enough to spend on an upscale project, here are five major areas that you can prioritize for a project that accommodates your situation:

• Construction zone: Compare the cost of a general contractor with doing the project on your own. For bathroom remodeling in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase this includes the demolition, buying materials, and the time it will take to get permits and oversee the work. If you decide to employ a contractor, be sure to check the company’s experience of successfully delivering similar projects.
• Labor: In the case of Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase bathroom remodeling, changing the layout of the room will cost more money than sticking with the original plan. Switch the plumbing, lights, or other fixtures of the bathroom and you’ll drive up costs. However, by making even small layout adjustments, you can have a better looking and more comfortable bathroom.

 If you must move some things, pick and choose which are most important.

• Fixtures: It’s tempting to upgrade all of your fixtures to high-end models, but try to compromise. That must-have spa shower is much more affordable if you go with a lower-end sink or toilet.

• Tiling: There are two costs associated with tiling in bathroom remodeling, especially in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase: the tile itself and the amount of labor it takes to install it. Consider using expensive tiles as accent pieces, or limit tile to the tub surround and floor. This will give you the look you want, but at a lower overall cost.
• Countertops: The choices in modern-day countertops are enormous, which means there are some exquisite materials at affordable prices, too. If you’re smart about it, you can cover a lot of surface for much less than you would be able to do in a larger area of the home, such as the kitchen.

 Bathroom remodeling in the Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase area can be a fun and exciting experience, but you must plan for it financially. Be honest with yourself about how much you can spend, arrange your priorities, and then speak with a knowledgeable, Washington DC contractor that can not only design a beautiful bathroom but orchestrate a successful project.

Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - Basement Finishing for Financial Gains

The area under your home is a moneymaker. That’s right; that earthy terrain is a return on investment waiting to be realized, and with Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing you can start earning your way toward important gains

Whether you own a one- or two-story home, an unfinished basement translates to three things:

Untapped potential value from your biggest asset

·         Unused living space

·         Spending too much on heating and cooling

 ·         Paying a part of your mortgage for the unused space

 With Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing services from an experienced builder, you can remedy these issues. Not only will you save money, but you will start making money, too. Here’s how:  Increase the value of your home

While much emphasis has been placed on this concept for kitchens and bathrooms, many people forget about the potential value of the basement. Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing has helped many homeowners increase the value of their home, dollar for dollar.

Basement finishing in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase is a smart way to stand out among other homes on the market while allowing you to justify an increase in asking price.

Maximize unused living space

An unfinished basement means you receive very little lifestyle benefit or value out of that portion of the home.

Think of it this way: if you live in a two-story home, about one-third of your living space is unused; if you live in a one-story home, you lose about one-half.

In Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing not only appeals to more buyers; it also allows you to enhance the comfort of your home. If you are planning on staying in your home for a while, consider how you can benefit from the extra space or work with a professional contractor that can help you figure it out.

In Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing can help you create additional areas for:

 ·        Family room

·         Entertainment area

·        Wine cellar/bar

·         Theater

·         Or a rental unit that produces income

Reduce heating and cooling

If your basement is unfinished, chances are it’s also not insulated – or at least, under-insulated. With Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing you can install the proper amount of energy-efficient insulation and drastically reduce the amount you’re spending on heating and cooling each year.

This allows you to save money for other important expenses while maintaining a comfortable area to relax and enjoy.

When it comes to Washington D, Bethesda, Chevy Chase basement finishing, you’ll want to understand all of the financial gains that can benefit you. Finishing your basement can increase the base price of your home, but is contingent on the quality of materials and construction.

To ensure that you are getting the most value from your basement, speak to a qualified design build contractor.

If you are in Washington, DC Bethesda, Chevy Chase, please contact us if you need any assistance with custom basement design and finishing. We will be happy to help or refer a service provider we know and trust with our own homes.

www.aadesignbuild.com  202-713-5513 or info@aadesignbuild.

Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

Conserving water means conserving energy. To process, pump, and heat water imposes a heavy burden on our already-pressured energy system. The more water we use, the more energy we demand, and the less we have of both to go around.

Implementing just a few small changes to your home can dramatically influence water supply, and it may even save you a few bucks as a result. So why wait, let’s get started on ways you can save water indoors.

Install a water meter. This handy device indicates how much water your home is using, often a very surprising number. Water meters are also helpful in detecting leaks, which can cost you a sizeable amount over the course of a year.

Check for leaking toilets and faucets. Did you know a silent leak can waste anywhere from 30 to 500 gallons every day? Fix leaks without delay.

Take (shorter) showers rather than baths. Showering uses less than a third of the amount of water it takes to fill a bathtub. Turn off the shower while you shave, or install a valve that fits behind the showerhead. This preserves the temperature of the water while you soap up, so you can turn on again to rinse.

Catch the cold water while waiting for the hot. Whether from a faucet, tap or shower, use that cold water for plants or to pour into your toilet reservoir after flushing.

Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, or faucet aerators. At just $10-$20 for a showerhead and less than $5 for a faucet aerator, these low-flow devices are an inexpensive way to maintain the pressure and feel of the flow you’re used to while using less than half the water of conventional units.

Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands, doing dishes, etc. This step costs no money, but saves a tremendous amount of water in just minutes.

Wash full loads. Whether using the dishwasher or the washing machine, wait until you have a full load. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, choose a front loader instead of a top loader as it uses far less water.

Reuse water on the garden. Keep water after rinsing vegetables or boiling pasta to use on your garden. You can even repurpose bath water if you use garden-compatible soaps and cleaning products.

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Save the solids for the trash can since they require more water and energy to dispose.

Be mindful of flushing. Every time you flush the toilet, you use up to 9 liters of clean water. Consider upgrading to a low-flush toilet, which uses 6 liters of water or less.  are equipped with a half-flush button, or you can make your current toilet perform similarly by installing a dual flush conversion kit.

Whether you take some or all of these measures, you can make a noticeable impact on the way water is used in your community and around the globe.

In part 2 of this series, we’ll discuss several ways in which you can conserve water outside your home, an even greater way to help preserve one of the most scarce and limited natural resources on the planet.

If you are in Washington, DC Bethesda, Chevy Chase, please contact us if you need any assistance conserving water. We will be happy to help or refer a service provider we know and trust with our own homes.

www.aadesignbuild.com  202-713-5513 or info@aadesignbuild.com

Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

As one of our most precious natural resources, water needs to be used conservatively outside the home just as much as inside. There are many aspects of outdoor living that require water, so being smart about using it can ensure that you and your neighbors get what you need.

If we’re lucky enough, rainwater provides ample supply to care for our yards and landscaping. Simply set a rain collection barrel under a gutter, and use the water that you acquire to water your plants, lawn or garden.

What else can you do to conserve water outdoors? Here are a few other ideas:

Water the garden and lawn at night. Daytime heat evaporates water, so doing this activity at night gives water more time to soak in. Only water areas that need it, too.

Water deeply, less often. This method encourages plants to grow deeper roots, so you can water less frequently. Try a soaker hose, drip irrigation, or micro sprinklers, which eliminate the evaporation of water.

Dig furrows and basins. Low areas allow you to water only the roots of plants, requiring less water.

Distribute mulch on your garden. Hay, manure, leaves, wood chips, bark, and newspaper are all good choices for mulch, which help plants and trees retain moisture.

Grow longer grass, or – better yet – no grass. If you have grass, raise the height of your mower blade or let it grow longer between mowing. If you can, reduce the amount of grass and use plants or ground covers instead, which need much less water.

Put plants under big trees. Ideally, plants that thrive in the shade should be placed under big trees to prevent evaporation.

Install a timer. Inexpensive timers on your sprinkler and outdoor faucets can control the amount of water used, and help you water at the best times.

Choose drought-resistant landscaping. This setup will require less water to remain healthy and attractive. 

Keep the swimming pool covered. Prevent water evaporation with this simple step, and you can avoid refilling the pool.

Switch to environmentally friendly cleansers. By using these types of products indoors, you can reuse wastewater from baths/showers to water the outdoors.

Wash the car at a car wash. These facilities use less water, and collect and filter wastewater in a safe manner.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can help preserve water supply by being mindful with your outdoor tasks. Employ some or all of these ideas today, and you might even notice your water bill growing smaller. This is the link to Part 1 of Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

If you are in Washington, DC Bethesda, Chevy Chase, please contact us if you need any assistance conserving water. We will be happy to help or refer a service provider we know and trust with our own homes.

www.aadesignbuild.com  202-713-5513 or info@aadesignbuild.com