Cost vs. Value of Your Next Home Project

Before Second Story Addition

Have you considered adding an addition to your home, but were not sure if it would add enough value to your house to make it worth doing? Would adding more space improve the quality of life in your home? There are several ways to consider the “value” of a home.  This blog is about the financial value that can come from improving your home and adding quality usable space.  

After Second Story Addition

In our last blog we talked about some of the ways home additions and remodeling add value to the space by improving your lifestyle in your home. For example, we added a master bedroom suite and remodeled the kitchen/living room in a home for a retiring couple in the Washington DC area. They wanted to stay in the home where they raised their children, but redesign it to accommodate visiting family as it expands. It was also important for them to have their room on the first floor to avoid the need to climb stairs in their later years. The value that this home addition/remodel brought to this family goes well beyond any financial gain they stand to receive. It allowed them to remain in a house they love, though their needs and lifestyle has changed dramatically since they bought it. Though it may not be a priority right now, this couple and their family will likely benefit from these upgrades to their home in terms of its monetary value as well. 

In a study published by www.costvsvalue.com, house values in the Washington DC area increased at varying rates based on the type of project completed. The study looked at the cost of the job, increased resale value of the home, and the percentage of the amount spent that was recouped through the increased value. With of all the projects listed, such as two-story addition, deck addition, and major kitchen renovation, all of the projects resulted in an increased resale value. For demonstration purposes, the two story addition project noted in the study cost $156,673 to complete and increased the value of the home by $115,743. The homeowners recouped 73.9% of the money they spent upgrading their house, through the increased value of their home. This value, which now may be in theory, will be realized when they refinance, take a line of credit against it, or sell the house. 

We do a lot of deck additions, which has a high rate of cost recouped. For example, a sunroom with the cost of $73,521 may increase the value of the home by $42,870. This means 58.3% of the cost to do the project is added back into the value of the house. Not all of the projects will have such a high rate of return, but nearly all of the possibilities for home improvements will have at least a 50% cost recoup. Another type of renovation we frequently complete, such as the one for the couple who wanted to stay in their home after their children moved out, is the bedroom master suite. A cost of $105,518 may increase the value of the home by $75,774, or 71.8% recoup. 

When you consider the value created by having your home just the way you want it, to meet your lifestyle needs, the difference between the cost of the project and the increased value makes doing the project much more attractive. It is easy to dismiss home remodeling based on costs, but when you factor in the added resale value, the actual costs are not as high as the project costs. It takes a bit of a long term approach to see the value that updating, upgrading, and expanding your house can have on your life and the lives of  your family members. Project and recoup costs are just one factor; enhanced quality of life and having a comfortable home to suit your lifestyle are also considerations that weigh in on the decision about home improvements. 

Take a look at the Cost vs. Value Report and contact us for a consultation. The projects listed in the report are our area of expertise. We can show you how to turn your existing house into your dream home, and recoup a percentage of the costs by increasing the value. 

Is it Time to Consider an Extension or Remodel?

You may not be interested in moving, but your current house may need an upgrade

There are a lot of reasons for people not wanting to stay in the house you own now. You may love the neighborhood or the area is perfect for a growing family. You may be retiring and planning to move in the future, but you’ve outgrown your current home. Because our family lives, careers, and lifestyles change over time, the needs we have from our living spaces also change. 

Does your current house meet your needs for the way you live your life? Would you be more comfortable with more space or the existing areas redesigned to better suit your current lifestyle? Do you have enough room for the kinds of activities associated with entertaining, having overnight guests, working from home, having babies, small children, or teenagers? If the answer is no, but you are not inclined to move in the near future, we can create a new space, either by adding to your existing house (extension) or by changing and reconfiguring your existing space (remodeling). Here are some example of recent jobs we completed and how our customers have benefitted from this modification to their homes. 

We came into the house of this wonderful couple who have made the decision to stay in their current home for the rest of their lives. Their children were grown and it was just the two of them. Some might think this would be the time to downsize, but this couple realized that their family’s changing configuration meant their house needed more space for grandchildren and overnight guests. What had been a great house for raising a family was not going to meet their needs as their family and personal lifestyles were changing. 

Together we created a wonderful floor plan that gave them more living space, greater capacity for overnight guests, and open areas for better entertaining. We added a master bedroom and full bath on the first level, increasing the footprint of the home by about 1,000 square feet. This will make it easier for them to stay in the house as they age, without worrying about going up and down stairs. The upstairs remained in tact with bedrooms for their family to use when they came for visits. 

This project also included a redesign to open up the living room and kitchen area to make it more appealing for entertaining and added a fireplace to really enhance the area. The kitchen got an upgrade to make it modern and beautiful. We also added a patio for better use of the backyard. As you can see, the space is perfect for entertaining, having family visit, and single floor living. Our clients are very happy with the finished project and love their new home. Now staying in this house for the rest of their lives is going to be so much more enjoyable for them. 

Here is what the clients said once the job was complete:

“After seeing the outstanding work they did for one of our neighbors, we chose Rendon Remodeling to build a major addition to our home. Working from our proposal, they designed and built a new family room, master bedroom and master bathroom, added a patio, and remodeled and expanded our kitchen. From our initial contact with the company through completion of the project we were impressed with their professionalism and responsiveness. They provided expert guidance and advice in selecting building materials and they designed an addition that fit within our budget and exceeded our expectations. They completed all work on schedule and at the agreed upon price. Their workmanship was impeccable down to the smallest of details. It was a pleasure having them work with us. We highly recommend them to anyone seeking to remodel or add onto their house.”

Another project involved redesigning the space for a family with changing needs. This family had enough space before we started the project, but it was not able to be used for all of their interests. Because they had an existing basement that was not being adequately utilized, we were able to transform the entire area and meet everyone’s needs. 

The parents wanted a place for the kids to play, with a ping pong and foosball table. They also wanted an area for watching tv and movies. The mother of the house and her daughter love to do crafts and having their own space for that was a dream come true. The father of the house works from home a lot and there was no office space more suitable than the basement. In addition to all of these areas, they wanted a full bedroom/bath for guests to stay. Because they had enough space, this was the perfect place to put a guest bedroom and full bathroom. 

This project was a tremendous success with everyone in the family having space to participate in the activities they enjoy, while spending time together as a family. They are very happy with this finished project and now their home is perfectly suited to grow with them as their family and lifestyles continues to change and develop.   

Here is what the client said about our work:   

“Rendon Remodeling and Design did a complete basement overhaul at our house that included taking out the old ceiling and putting in a new one, installing recessed lighting, renovating a full bath and a half bath, installing cabinetry, replacing windows, and much more. This project could not have been done more smoothly, efficiently and professionally. I would highly recommend Rendon Remodeling and Design to anyone in need of a general contractor. They are outstanding.”

If you want to stay in your home but it is not completely meeting all of your needs, contact us for a consultation. Together we can come up with the perfect extension or remodeling design to suit your wants and needs. 

Use Your Basement for More than Just Storage

Transform the Space Under Your First Floor

Your basement doesn’t have to be just a dark dungeon where you store your Christmas decorations. Finishing your basement can actually give you more benefits than you may think. Not only can you add more living space and increase the market value of your home, it can also increase your home’s energy efficiency! The team Rendon Remodeling can work with you to create the perfect living space in that unfinished basement. Obstacles like low ceilings, water heaters and poor lighting are all issues that Rendon Remodeling were made to overcome.

Deciding how you will use your basement will determine how you approach the design. There is no right or wrong way to set up your space, but you do have to focus on what you want the most out of your basement. You may have your heart set on a home gym, guest bedroom and office. If your budget or space is tight, you’ll need to decide what your priorities are for the space.

Mega Media Rooms

A lot of homeowners choose to create a large multipurpose media area rather than chop up a basement into little rooms. Use these universal tips to get started:

1. Don't put viewing screens near a window.

 2. It isn't necessary to have high ceilings in a media room because you'll mostly be seated when you're there.

3. You can create platform seating to increase visibility just like in a movie theater, with the second row of seats raised up behind the first. Theater seating can get pricey, but the platform won't add much expense to the budget.

4. You'll want to insulate the walls of a media room, not just the exterior walls, to dampen sound.

Guest Suites

Building code standards consider a room to be a bedroom when it contains a finished closet, meaning the drywall, trim and doors are up. If you have a bedroom in the basement, you must have an egress window no more than 44 inches off the ground. You can create a step up or enlarge the window if necessary to meet code.

Try to place the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom with a direct entrance from inside. If you install a shower there needs to be enough ceiling clearance to lift your arms without hitting anything, and you need a fan to exhaust to the outside.

Personal Gyms

These spaces tend to trip up homeowners. You will need to be careful and measure all your exercise equipment to make sure you have the necessary space to work-out, especially if you have a basement with a lower ceiling. You will need to account for your own height on certain machines like pull-up machines or treadmills. Also you will need to check your exercise equipment to see if it is welded together or bolted together to make sure it will fit down any stairs or turns into the basement.

Home Offices

This should ideally be the same size as a bedroom, but keep in mind that if you add a closet, it actually is a bedroom according to code and will need an egress window. Because home offices don't have the same privacy needs as a bedroom, using a double set of French doors on basement offices can maximize light and keep a feeling of openness.

Bars and Wine Cellars

Keep in mind that installing a bar is the same as installing a new kitchen without appliances, so your expense will be comparable.

If you don't need the full bar, a less pricey alternative is to put in a horizontal bank of cabinets that you can use as a buffet and add a fridge. But if you pine for a classic basement bar or wine cellar, determine your maximum budget and work backward to determine what features you can and can't live without. The sky's the limit on bar budgets

The possibilities are truly limitless! Contact the team at Rendon Remodeling and let us work with you on creating the space of your dreams. Rendon Remodeling & Design, LLC can help you design a plan that works best for your family’s needs.

Financing Your Home Remodeling Project

Construction loans are a great way to secure the funds needed for home improvement

Have you been considering an upgrade to you home or turning a fixer-upper into your dream home, but haven’t followed through because you don’t have the cash? Have you considered a construction loan? You may even want to find a great deal on an old house and turn it into the perfect home for your family. You can do it with a construction loan. 

Construction loans are considered ‘story’ loans. This means that you are essentially purchasing an idea. Since the lender is investing their money on something that does not exist in that form yet, they must know the 'story' behind your idea. This 'story' must make financial sense to them before they will loan you the money for the construction. A good case for a construction loan is where the property is substantially improved at least as much or more than the cost of the construction. 

A construction loan is like a line of credit. You are approved to spend up to a certain amount of money to fix up your home. These type of loans usually require interest-only payments during the construction and become due upon completion. The balance due is then 'converted' into a typical 30 year mortgage. Construction loans usually have a higher interest rate than the permanent loan. Some lenders may refinance your home to include the construction loan, thereby causing a single higher mortgage. 

“The landscape for construction loans has changed drastically over the past two years, just as they have for regular mortgages,” says Tim Jarvis of e-constructionloans.com. “But with the right conditions, it’s an option if you’re considering a house that needs some major work.”

Here are some expert tips on getting a construction loan:

Use it for owner-occupied property. Construction loan lenders have become sticklers about making sure the people they are loaning money to are not just trying to rehab a house that they intend to sell for a quick profit. The lenders will even scrutinize the source of your income from a few years ago during the real estate boom. If you were making money flipping houses then and now you are looking for a construction loan you may be out of luck.

Try Fannie Mae. The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Loan is a loan to help borrowers with good credit (over 660 FICO) and solid documentation to fix up their homes. “You’re able to borrow up to 95 percent for the mortgage and construction work combined,” says Christine Bell, president of Allegiance Mortgage Services. Loan limits for these products depend on the local real estate values and your location.

Buy and wait. If the fixer upper you are looking at is livable for a while, you could contemplate buying it and waiting at least a year before applying for a construction loan. Living with it for a while could give you more specific ideas on how you would like to renovate. Many lenders are more likely to fund a loan to people who have been in their house for a while because they know they are not just going to flip the home.

Make sure your income is stable. Credit scores are critical to getting a construction loan, but not the final say. If someone has a decent credit score but they have a good work history and seem to be on the way up, there's a good chance they will get the loan. But if someone has a good credit score with unstable work history the lender may take a closer look.

At Rendon Remodeling & Design, we work with all kinds of renovation projects in the Northern Virginia area. When our clients have secured a construction loan, they tend to have more resources to create the home they really desire.  We work with the best professionals in the area and recommend Vince Coyle with MVB Mortgage. Vince is a construction loan specialist and can offer the best options for your project. Once you secure your loan through Vince, we can get very creative about coming up with the designs and finishing touches. Consider a construction loan to get the house you want and deserve. Contact us for a consultation and we will also refer you to some local lenders who are construction loan specialists to assist in the process. 

Also, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, and check out our amazing photos on Houzz and Pinterest. Here you will get great information and inspiration on creating your best home possible.  

Types of Home Additions

Since the housing crisis caused many homeowners to decide to stay in their existing home rather than move, home additions and upgrades have been on the rise. It is generally less expensive, assuming one would be trading up, to put money into upgrades on an existing house rather than buy a new one and move. This has been a trend we see as redesigned bathrooms and kitchens, as well as home additions, have been keeping us very busy. This is the first in our series on Home Additions. We will go over many different ideas for how to add to your existing home in ways you may not have thought of before. Future blogs will go into greater detail to really expand on what is possible to enhance your living space. 

As the premier home remodeler in Northern Virginia, Rendon Remodeling & Design works with everything from multi-million dollar homes in McLean to single family dwellings in Reston or luxury town homes in Ashburn, and have worked with a wide variety of design ideas. These are a few options to consider when deciding how to expand and upgrade your residence.

1. Sunroom Addition - The technology for these spaces has improved dramatically over the past few decades, making this option very desirable for many homeowners. The windows and walls are constructed to be rooms that are enjoyed all year around, while maintaining maximum light and an outdoor feeling.  This is often the favorite room for family or relaxing time.

2. Garage Addition - Adding more space for storage, workshop, and of course a dry and secure place to keep your car, is a good option to increase functional space for many homeowners. This is one of the least expensive additions and depending on your needs may offer a good solution to upgrade your home.

3. Finish Basement/Attic - These areas, if not already finished, may be the least expensive and easiest ideas for upgrading your house. There are architectural/permitting considerations which need to be evaluated, but if you have these spaces, you may want to consider finishing them for functional use. This could include recreation areas, such as a bar and pool table, or another bedroom and/or bathroom. The less you have to do to add to or change the existing structure, the more affordable and doable the project becomes. 

4. Master Suite Addition - This is a very common addition and adds a great deal of value to the home. Though these additions tend to cost more, they also have a greater potential to recoup the investment at the time of resale since the house converts, for example from a 2 bedroom/1 bath house to a 3 bedroom/2 bath house. This makes the house more valuable and far more marketable while giving you the ability to enlarge your master bedroom and give you the large master bathroom with custom shower you have always wanted.

5. In-Law Suite Addition – This is the perfect option for when you need more space for a family member or rental to live. This option would normally include a separate entrance and bathroom. It may or may not include a small kitchen, depending on your individual needs. In-law suites may be converted spaces in the basement, an addition onto the house, or a separate unit all together. Generally, the costs go up for each option, as does the functionality and possible resale value. 

6. Second Story Addition – If you don’t have land to build on, you can always build up. This may be the perfect solution if you don’t have enough yard space to increase the home’s footprint. Building a second story will give you a great deal more space, as it doubles the entire square footage of the existing home. This may be more expensive than a ground floor addition, but the rewards may be well worth it. 

7. Kitchen Addition -This is a popular addition option for homes where the kitchen is insufficient for the family needs. Older homes were built with small and confined cooking areas, which often do not suit the needs of the modern family. At Rendon Remodeling & Design, we do a lot of kitchen additions - upgrading lovely homes in the Northern Virginia area.

Making the decision to put an addition on your existing home should include resale investment, but not exclusively. If you are intending to live in the home for a few more years, the decision to improve it should also consider how you will benefit during the years you live there.  We implement the design and construction of all types of home additions and remodeling. 

If you have been inspired by this blog and you are ready to move forward on creating the house of your dreams or just increase the overall value of your home, contact Rendon Remodeling & Design for a complimentary consultation and let us assist you with what will work best to fit your family needs.  (703) 444-3127 or info@rendonremodeling.com

10 Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Bathroom

The bathroom is an area of the house that should be comfortable, but doesn’t need to be flashy or fancy, unless that is what you want. There are many new trends in bathroom design that can really give your house an upgraded look and feel. Bathrooms are one of the more expensive rooms to renovate. All of the options - fixtures, shower/tub options, mirrors, tile, counters, etc., make for a lot of variance in pricing and style. They are also surprisingly important in the selling of a house. When someone is looking to buy a house, they do not want to have to fix up or upgrade areas like the bathroom - it should already be attractive and functional.  In this blog we are going to go over some things to consider when remodeling this small but important part of your home. 

As with other areas of your home, if you are going to remodel, think about what will work best to suit your needs, keeping in mind the potential for resale. For example, double sinks are very popular in modern bathrooms, as well as walk-in showers, extra large tubs and storage cabinets. These will give your home an advantage over another when you are ready to sell. 

Space is the biggest challenge when planning your bathroom redesign. There are fantastic ideas and fixtures for any size space, but clearly the larger rooms offer more options for creative form and function. The size of the space is not the only factor when preparing to upgrade your bathroom.  Consider the following questions:

1. How many people will be using this bathroom?

2. Do you prefer to shower or take a bath?

3. Do you need space for storage?

4. Is there space to have two sinks and is that useful for your family?

5. How is the existing plumbing?

6. Are there structural changes required?

7. What is your color scheme and tile preference? 

8. What is your budget?

9. Are you looking to and able to enlarge the space? 

10. What is the style of your home - contemporary, classic, etc. This should influence the style of your bathroom to maintain consistency in the space.

Look at these pictures from bathroom remodeling jobs we have completed. Here you can get a sense of the quality work we do as well as the beautiful materials available for your new bathroom. As a Northern Virginia remodeling company, Rendon Remodeling & Design has the highest quality fixtures and materials to help you create your dream bathroom. 

As a client of our company, we’ll not only guide you through the design of your new bathroom, but personally assist you through the entire selection process to be certain you are obtaining the look and function of your new bathroom while maintaining respect of the budget. 

Here are some images of the amazing bathrooms we have created for our customers in Northern Virginia:

Home Improvement Projects in Northern Virginia on the Rise

Are You Staying in Your Home Longer Than Expected? How About an Upgrade?

According to an article in Forbes.com, home improvement projects are on the rise in 2013. The article sites research conducted by Houzz.com in which 100,000 people responded to a survey regarding home improvements. The research indicated a 12% increase in planned decorating and redecorating projects from last year and 7% decrease in respondents delaying home remodeling projects since last year.  There is a trend toward people living in their homes longer, rather than moving in and out within a few years. This is resulting in greater resources put toward fixing up and improving existing houses, and accounts for the increase in home projects this year.

This map shows the top markets for homeowners who plan to do some sort of home remodeling or custom home build in the next 2 years. As you can see, our area of Washington DC is the highest in the nation (tying with San Diego). This means that homeowners in the Washington Metropolitan area are very interested in and motivated to improve their homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are still the number one area of the house to get an upgrade. Of all the home upgrade professionals, such as contractors for windows, floors, countertops, etc., General Contractors are the ones most sought after.  

The survey conducted by Houzz also indicated that 58% of homeowners agree that now is a good time to renovate your house. This, among other indicators, suggests that consumer confidence is increasing. The Commerce Department data shows that single family home construction is at the highest level it has been in 4.5 years - another sign the economy is on the upswing. 

Now that the summer season is in full swing, you may be wondering what types of projects are the most common, and possibly consider doing some upgrades to your own home. We get a lot of requests to build and remodel decks as well as screen in porches for maximum outdoor enjoyment. You may also consider installing new windows and storm doors during this time of potential storms, which are often quite serious and damaging in this area. Summer is the perfect time to start planning large construction and re-design projects since you don’t have to worry about snow and freezing weather. 

With home improvement projects on the rise, the economy picking up, and homeowners living in their houses longer, now is the time to consider making some improvements to your home. At Rendon Remodeling & Design, we specialize in all types of home improvements, reconstruction, and upgrades. We have been serving the Northern Virginia area for almost 30 years, with hundreds of happy homeowners as clients. Contact us for an estimate on your next home improvement project. 

The Joy of a Well Designed Kitchen by Rendon Remodeling and Design

The Kitchen is Where it Happens

It is no mystery that the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. Have you noticed when you have a party or just some friends over, everyone ends up congregating in the kitchen. The delicious smells, the hope of something inviting, and that is usually where the hosts are preparing food and drinks, all make the kitchen the space where people want to be. This is true for most family lifestyles as well. Kids to their homework at the kitchen table and this is where we hear the stories of the day. Having a kitchen space that is welcoming and comfortable is one of the deciding factors in choosing a new home. This blog we are discussing the various aspects of kitchen design to create that special feel we all want in our home.

A good layout is critical to not only to form but function. “The Golden Triangle” is an interior design concept that focusses on the connection between the three most used appliances in the kitchen - refrigerator, sink, and stove. It doesn’t matter how nice it looks, if you have an obstacles between these three areas, you will likely be frustrated in your own kitchen. Remember, the kitchen is a work space, also for socializing and congregating, but work happens there and ease of use is critical to the entire experience of the kitchen. 

Kitchen islands can be an excellent use of floor space and look very sharp. It allows for additional work space, extra storage, and a place to socialize. It is critical that the placement of the island in no way impedes the flow of movement between the sink, refrigerator, and stove. One way to deal with this is to add a sink or stove to the island, incorporating it into the “golden triangle”. There are specific dimensions recommended for the amount of space needed in the room, placement, and size of the island, which we will help you in the design phase. 

Lighting is another consideration that can add a great deal of value to the space. There are generally three types of lighting - overall illumination, task lighting, and accent lighting. You want to make sure there is sufficient task lighting around the prep areas, sink and stove. Accent lighting is very attractive and helps set the mood in the kitchen 

The other areas of attention include countertop appliance placement, the trash area, area to sit aside from the table (space permitting), food service area, and storage. All of these are important considerations when designing the perfect kitchen for your family. Most of us are impressed by the look of top quality materials, as we should be, they are lovely. But don’t make the mistake of sacrificing how well your kitchen functions for an impressive look. You can have both if you pay attention to these details. At Rendon Remodeling and Design, we are experts at helping you create the perfect kitchen for your family.

What’s So Great About a Screened-In Porch

Are you considering adding a screened-in porch to your home or screening in the porch that is already on your home? If you aren’t sure if it’s a logical decision or a smart idea financially, you need to know the many benefits of having a porch enclosure. Knowing these benefits will help you make your decision because you will be able to see why so many people are opting for a screened-in porch design over one that is open to the outdoors completely.

Here are the greatest benefits to having a screened-in porch:

• Entertain friends and family - Your friends and family can use it as a place to get together and enjoy the outdoors. Have a small get together on your porch and you will be amazed at how much everyone enjoys it.
• Spend quiet time - If you like to read or nap outdoors, the enclosed porch gives you a way to do that easily. You can spend as much quiet time as you can manage to get on your porch to help you relax and unwind. In fact, it can act as a sleeping porch for you.
• Safe place for kids to play - If you have kids, letting them play on the porch is great for rainy days and inclement weather. Toddlers enjoy playing on the porch, too, and it may be safer than the backyard at times.       
•  Adds value and curb appeal - Most people do not realize that an enclosed porch adds value to their home and also adds wonderful curb appeal. This is very helpful when your home goes on the market.
• Extra Recreation Space - An enclosed porch is one of the most affordable ways to add space to your house. It allows you and your family to spend quality time together playing games or eating dinner together. There are a lot of different things your family can enjoy together on your enclosed porch, even in a warm summer rain.
• Enjoy the outdoors without the insects and bugs - Being outdoors is very enjoyable until you start dealing with all of the flying and crawling insects and bugs. Nothing ruins an outdoor party like mosquitoes, bees, gnats, and flies.  Having a porch that is enclosed allows you to enjoy the outdoors - bug free.

Now that you know the benefits of having a screened porch, you can see why they are popular with so many people. You can now also make a smart decision about this affordable home improvement option.  Having an enclosed porch definitely provides you with many enjoyable benefits. At Rendon Remodeling and Design, we specialize in all aspects of remodeling the exterior or interior of your home, and would be delighted to add a screened-in porch or deck to your home. Contact us for a consultation and get the process started!