design build remodeling: Washington DC Kitchen Remodeling Giving Some of the Highest Returns - 12/23/11 11:03 AM
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 … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: Eco-Friendly Remodeling in 2012 - 12/23/11 06:09 AM
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 … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: The Benefits of a Well-Designed Space - 12/23/11 05:57 AM
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 … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: Remodeling Myth: The Three-Bid Rule - 12/23/11 05:51 AM
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) … (4 comments)

design build remodeling: Budgeting Your Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Bathroom Remodeling Project - 09/29/11 07:36 AM
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 … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - Basement Finishing for Financial Gains - 08/29/11 11:46 PM
 

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)

design build remodeling: Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1) - 08/24/11 08:54 AM
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)

design build remodeling: Conserving Water In Your Home, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 2) - 08/24/11 08:14 AM
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)

design build remodeling: The Stress-Free Home Improvement Plan (Part 1) - 06/23/11 08:49 PM
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)

design build remodeling: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 4) - 06/14/11 07:29 AM
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)

design build remodeling: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 3) - 06/07/11 02:21 PM
4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 3)
Over the last decade, the rising cost of energy has been the inspiration for some rather interesting concepts: shag carpet refrigerator insulation, foil-umbrella solar stoves, and growing your own furniture using backyard trees (we’re not kidding!).
But what about ways in which you can improve your home’s energy efficiency today, without altering the products you’re currently using?
In part 3 of 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now, we’re looking at how household appliances … (4 comments)

design build remodeling: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 2) - 05/27/11 09:11 AM
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)

design build remodeling: 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 1) - 05/24/11 06:47 AM
4 Ways You Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Now (Part 1)
With gas prices hitting record levels this summer, there’s never been a better time to make some changes to the way your home consumes energy. Not only will it reduce energy demand by cutting the amount of resources it takes to create energy; enabling your home to be more efficient will also save you money on utility bills and increase energy security on a national level.
The best way to approach this is by developing a whole-house energy efficiency plan, which will allow … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 4) - 05/21/11 09:14 AM
How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 4)
Aging in Place – the ability to make modifications that allow senior citizens to stay in their homes as they age – provides many different benefits to homeowners. As we revealed in part 1, part 2 and part 3, there are physical and emotional benefits, safety and security benefits, and financial benefits that result from Aging in Place.
In part 4, we want to focus on how Aging in Place supports the environment for future generations. In the 21st century, green home design and … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: How Aging in Place Keeps You in Your Home, in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 3) - 05/20/11 06:50 AM
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)

design build remodeling: Six Ways to Save a Client Today - 03/16/10 07:17 AM
This article is written for CPA's but aplicable for any business.
Authour - Rick Telberg http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2010/CPA/Mar/6WaysSaveClient.jsp
Six Ways to Save a Client Today
Local accounting firm redefines "R&D" for client retention and business development. How to keep clients happy and build your business. March 15, 2010 by Rick Telberg/At Large At most companies, “R&D” means “research and development.” But at Dugan & Lopatka CPAs in Wheaton, Ill., every staffer knows it means client “retention and development,” as in business development.
Like many firms faced a couple years ago with the credit crash and ensuing Great Recession, Dugan & Lopatka’s attention was … (0 comments)

design build remodeling: How to Remove and Ovoid Mildew in your Bathroom in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase - 03/10/10 11:27 PM
How to Remove and Ovoid Mildew in your Bathroom in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase
Mildew is a thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold. Molds are always present in the air but those that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures to grow. They commonly develop in humid, especially in closed spaces.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions, Things You'll Need: * Cleaning supplies, lemon juice, salt, bleach,
Step 1 As we all know, mildew likes heat and moisture. Bathroom is usually the place where heat and moisture are combined to create an ideal conditions for mildew grows.
Step 2 … (6 comments)

design build remodeling: Obama's federal government can weatherize your home for only $57,362 each - 02/19/10 06:03 AM
As a remodeling contractor I am very interested in weatherization and provide this service to my clients.
Here is a very interestin article from LA Times regarding it:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/02/obama-stimulus-weatherization.html
(0 comments)

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

design build remodeling: What is your confidence level? This winter is going to be tough. - 11/03/09 03:20 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)

 
Alex Shekhtman, Design Build Remodeling, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc.)

Alex Shekhtman

Design Build Remodeling, Washington DC, Bethesda,...

Chevy Chase, DC

More about me…

A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc.

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

Office: (202) 684-7979

Mobile: (202) 713-5513



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