bethesda: Interior Decor in the New Year: How To Start Fresh - 01/03/12 12:49 AM
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 … (2 comments)

bethesda: Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - Basement Finishing for Financial Gains - 08/30/11 06:46 AM
 

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, … (2 comments)

bethesda: Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1) - 08/24/11 03:54 PM
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 … (2 comments)

bethesda: Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2) - 08/24/11 03:14 PM
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 … (0 comments)

bethesda: How to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2) - 08/09/11 12:28 PM
How to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2)
It’s no surprise that deer around this area love to indulge in our abundant gardens and landscaping; clearing out our favorite plants and destroying all of the time and effort we’ve put into our outdoor living environments.
In part 1 of this series, we noted how important a short-term plan could be to eradicating deer from your property. This included using plants and flowers that deer tend to ignore, rather than the ones they seem to favor.
 The next step in achieving a … (0 comments)

bethesda: How to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1) - 08/09/11 12:20 PM
How to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase  (Part 1)
If you’ve been a homeowner in this area (DC, MD, VA) for more than a few years, you’ve probably seen your fair share of deer in the yard. (the picture on the left was taken in Washington DC, in my backyard, about 10 min. drive from the White House).
Pretty as they may be, these creatures can do (and may have already done) significant damage to your plants. Even more alarming is the fact they usually carry Lyme disease ticks, a potential threat … (3 comments)

bethesda: The Stress-Free Home Improvement Plan (Part 1) - 06/24/11 03:49 AM
The Stress-Free Home Improvement Plan (Part 1) 
Typically when people consider home improvement, they daydream about the blissful end result: how it will improve their home, upgrade their lifestyle, or accommodate a growing family. But it’s what comes before the fruition of these dreams that makes them perfectly possible.
To conduct a stress-free home improvement project, it’s important to understand the amount of time and energy required from you and your family. A successful remodel depends on good planning. When you anticipate spending a sizeable amount of time in planning, you can manage expectations and diffuse a stressful experience.
In this … (2 comments)

bethesda: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 4) - 06/14/11 02:29 PM
4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 4)
Still looking for ways to spend less on utility bills? Improving the rate at which your home uses energy is one of the most important concepts you can put into action right now, especially as demand and prices increase.
If you’ve been following our series on 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now, you’ve learned about reducing energy consumption in three major areas of the home:
• Air leakages, insulation, and HVAC
• Water … (2 comments)

bethesda: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 2) - 05/27/11 04:11 PM
4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 2)
Creating a more energy-efficient home is the best way to save money on your utility bills by reducing the amount of resources consumed. But it isn’t just about replacing older fixtures and appliances; much of the saving can begin today with simple, do-it-yourself tasks.
In Part 1, we laid out four main areas of energy efficiency improvements for the home, which included: air leakage, insulation, and HVAC; water heating and conservation; appliances; and windows, doors, and lighting.
In addressing the first area – … (2 comments)

bethesda: How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 3) - 05/20/11 01:50 PM
How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 3)
In 2011, the first Americans born to the baby boomer generation will begin the advancement toward retirement. Long-awaited travel and relaxation plans will commence, and the concern over future living arrangements will also gain momentum.
In parts 1 and 2 of the Aging in Place series, we discussed the physical and emotional health benefits of staying in the home as well as available safety and security modifications. Part 3 will describe the financial advantages of staying in the home versus moving to an institutional … (3 comments)

bethesda: How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2) - 05/19/11 11:15 AM
How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2)
If you can believe it, death is not the biggest fear of senior citizens. According to a study commissioned by Clarity® and The EAR Foundation, those in their golden years have a far greater fear of moving into a nursing home and losing their independence. So how can you, or those you love, remain at home even when health and physical abilities decline? Many baby boomers, those with chronic illnesses, and children of aging parents are using an approach known as Aging in Place.
… (0 comments)

bethesda: How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1) - 04/27/11 05:05 AM
How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1)
In 2011, baby boomers will be retiring at a rate of 10,700 per day. That’s according to a study conducted by AARP, which also revealed that 70-80% of respondents would prefer to live out their days in their own homes. Who can blame them, with the crippling effects of the economy and the seemingly uncertainty of life after entering into a nursing home or assisted living program.
The good news? Baby boomers are discovering an alternative way to enjoy the golden years, and … (2 comments)

bethesda: Aging in Place - CAPS certification in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - 06/23/10 10:16 PM
Aging in Place - CAPS certification in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase
CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) is a nationally-recognized accreditation earned through the National Association of Home Builders.
CAPS certificates are granted to building, remodeling and other professionals who complete an intense, approved training program and are dedicated to serving individuals who wish to remain in their homes in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase as they age.
Alex Shekhtman of A&A Design Build Remodeling is honored to announce that he has earned CAPS certification and is working with homeowners in Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD who wish … (0 comments)

bethesda: How to Develop a Budget for Your Remodeling Project in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - 04/08/10 04:05 PM
How to Develop a Budget for Your Remodeling Project in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase
Step 1.
First of all, discuss your needs with the family. It is not uncommon for your spouse to have a different set of priorities. At this point, don’t worry about the real estate market or your neighbors; just write a list of priorities without budget considerations. There are obviously some items that you “must” have and there are others that would be “nice” to have, if the money will allow.
Step 2.
Do a little research on the web. One of the best places to … (1 comments)

bethesda: How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - The Contractor's View - 02/09/10 10:54 AM

How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - The Contractor's View
Things You'll Need:
Pencil and paper, patience, time, Step 1 First of all, do your homework and be prepared. Collect pictures from magazines etc. Write down what you would like to have the contractor accomplish. Be as specific as possible.
Step 2
Get your family together (as appropriate) and discuss how much money you are willing to invest in your remodeling project. Make a list of priorities for the project and share both with the contractor.
Step 3
Ask your friends and neighbors … (2 comments)

bethesda: What is your confidence level? This winter is going to be tough. - 11/03/09 11:20 AM

I don't know how it is in your market, by here in Washington DC and Montgomery County MD area many small contractors are not very optimistic.
As a matter of fact, speaking to my peers, we believe that the winter of 2009 is going to be "make it or break it" for many small remodeling companies. There are more people going after fewer jobs, the price competition is tremendous.
Our customers are either holding their projects on the back burner or scaling down, doing only what is absolutely necessary. I am sure it is nothing new for you, but this … (2 comments)

bethesda: Need help selling your house in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase? - Then remodel well. - 10/28/09 09:13 PM
Need help selling your house in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase? - Then remodel well
I always believed in the power of a good design. We ask our clients a lot of questions about their life style, taste in colors, the way they entertain etc. We usually spend a lot of time with them during the design process making sure that the solution we offer works for them practically and esthetically.
This particular project was designed and build for a young couple in Germantown, MD. Not only they enjoyed it for several years, it also made a difference when they were … (2 comments)

bethesda: Free lunch again? - 10/27/09 10:13 PM
Have you heard this saying: "Free cheese is only in the mouse trap, and only for the second mouse".
Now, when money/credit is tight, the consumers became more price sensitive. Many negociate to such a degree it is not even funny. No matter what is going on with the market, you still need to pay good money for a good craftsman. Yeas, of course we reduced our prices to address the current conditions, but there is a limit.
Many companies that take jobs just to stay busy and make no profit, may not survive this winter. This is what I see … (7 comments)

bethesda: You may want to see this! - 10/27/09 09:34 PM
Over the last 10 years, I have recognized the value of being connected on and off line. I joined LinkedIn, Plaxo, Merchant Circle, Face Book, Twitter, Trulia, Active Rain, Zillow, Naymz and others. I post to these sites periodically.
In the last couple of months, I have attended several presentations focused on using Social Media in business. And while I agree that it is great to be connected online, Finished basement, Home Theater One of our completed projects I still fail to see how my business can benefit from it. We can do beautiful work, but I don’t know if people … (12 comments)

bethesda: Interest rates as low as 3-1/2%?? - 01/03/09 06:58 AM
I am curious to find out the combine opinion of Active Rainers, will we see interest rates for 30 years fixed as low as 3-1/2% or 4%? I think having interest rate so low will jump start the housing and the economy in general.
With this interest rate, housing will be affordable again for so many more people, the housing prices will stop falling and may be even grow again. People will refinance like there is no tomorrow and all that activity will pump money in to economy.
With mortgage payment reduced, people will have money left and will start buying … (1 comments)

 
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Alex Shekhtman - Design Build Remodeling Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase, DC

More about me…

A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc.

Address: 27th street, NW, Washington, DC, 20015

Office Phone: (202) 684-7979

Cell Phone: (202) 713-5513

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