Tips for your summer remodeling

With summer’s arrival soon, many of us our geared up to do some remodeling. We feel energized and may run the risk of getting carried away. So here are a few tips to help you stay on course and get the remodel you are dreaming of.

Don’t get overwhelmed

We’ve mentioned this one before but it’s worth repeating. Be realistic about what can be accomplished and what you can manage. Remodeling usually involves disruption and some handle it better than others. Know what you are comfortable with and plan accordingly.

Budget 

Similar to the tip above about not getting overwhelmed by the project, be sure you don’t take on something you can’t realistically afford. Budgets are one of the keys to all successful remodeling projects.


Quality materials

Be sure to consult with professionals (like those at Michael Nash) and get a clear idea of what you can expect from the materials you choose. Costlier materials are often more durable, require less upkeep, repair or replacement. If your budget can’t accommodate the materials you really need, consider postponing the project till a time when you can. Cheaper materials can often cost you more over time.


Don’t create work for yourself 

Check with professionals and get a clear idea of what kind of upkeep may or may not be required with the materials you’ve chosen. For example, stainless steel is easy to clean but it also shows smudges easily. Some materials may be easy to clean but require cleaning more often. Get a good idea of what your chosen materials will mean in terms of longevity and in terms of upkeep.

Lighting

The colors of your home will only work if they receive the proper lighting. During the day, this will usually be natural light from windows and other sources. In the evening and at night, the lamps and fixtures will determine the look. So when you are making your changes, be sure you take time to determine how you will light your room.

Choose with “you” in mind 

Your home should reflect who you are. In other words, no matter how wonderful it may look, if it isn’t “you” it’s unlikely you’ll be happy with it for long. It won’t feel like your home. So concern yourself with what appeals to you first.

Summer home improvement ideas

Summer officially starts in just a few weeks so we thought it might be time to list some remodeling ideas that are worth considering at this time of year. You’ll notice that they focus on the outside of your home. The reason is simple: the warm weather months are the best time to consider upgrading the outside of your house!
So here are a few things to consider for projects:
Deck:
Nothing says “summer” like a deck. There are many different types but most people go with wood. However, there are also many types of wood, including some that may be more environmentally friendly. So take your time in planning and choosing before making a decision.
Paint or siding:
The most basic of all outdoor remodels is the outside of the house – a new paint color or a new colored siding. And don’t forget, especially where siding is concerned, new siding is a great opportunity to upgrade your insulation to make your home more energy efficient.
Irrigation system (lawn & garden):
Your home is more than your house. It’s also the land it is on including the yards surrounding it. When it comes to selling and “curb appeal” these can become very important.
Even if selling isn’t on your mind, attractive grounds make your home more welcoming while also saying something about who you are. So consider irrigation systems. There are a number of types and they can serve different purposes. Some are more about your lawn (like sprinklers) and some are more about parts of your garden (like a drip system).
Landscaping:
Overall landscaping is about more than cutting the lawn. It’s about the lawn and gardens, where they are and how they are maintained. If you are giving the outside of your home “a makeover” consider starting with a plan.
Windows:
While windows allow light in and can add a stylish aspect to the interior of your home, they also add style to the outside. Windows are where indoor and outdoor meet. So a great summer remodeling project is replacing or upgrading existing windows. It could also be adding new windows, or a dormer or even a skylight. You might also consider installing patio doors.
Summer is a beautiful season. Windows help bring that beauty inside!

A primary palette of c

by admin on Friday, May 21st, 2010 | No Comments

When it comes to kitchen décor, “there are two categories of people,” explains Sonny Nazemian of Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes, Inc. “Those who love stain and those who love color.” In this case, clients Jane and Alan Luba of Centreville, Virginia, fell emphatically into the latter category. The homeowners, who have a modern sensibility, approached him to design a sleek, minimalist kitchen with strong colors and finishes.

They began with the cabinetry. “We went through four colors before Jane saw the one she wanted,” Nazemian says. “She was after this particular shade of blue.” The cabinets are wood—their final finish: cobalt blue, high-gloss lacquer and acrylic. The design team added a row of stainless-steel and frosted-glass cabinets at ceiling level to create a visual connection with the kitchen’s stainless-steel appliances and backsplash.Jane Luba, who owns her own cateringbusiness, also wanted to reconfigure the layout of her kitchen for better flow. Nazemian’s team opened up the space between the kitchen and family room, created a door to the dining room, and transformed the peninsula into an island. They also introduced much larger appliances, relocated them and added better lighting. “When you work with colors, you need proper lighting,” Nazemian says. “Semi-warm halogen lights showed the blue best.”

A primary palette of cheerful blues and reds provides inspiration for an unusual contemporary kitchen

by admin on Friday, May 21st, 2010 | No Comments

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When it comes to kitchen décor, “there are two categories of people,” explains Sonny Nazemian of Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes, Inc. “Those who love stain and those who love color.” In this case, clients Jane and Alan Luba of Centreville, Virginia, fell emphatically into the latter category. The homeowners, who have a modern sensibility, approached him to design a sleek, minimalist kitchen with strong colors and finishes.

They began with the cabinetry. “We went through four colors before Jane saw the one she wanted,” Nazemian says. “She was after this particular shade of blue.” The cabinets are wood—their final finish: cobalt blue, high-gloss lacquer and acrylic. The design team added a row of stainless-steel and frosted-glass cabinets at ceiling level to create a visual connection with the kitchen’s stainless-steel appliances and backsplash.Jane Luba, who owns her own cateringbusiness, also wanted to reconfigure the layout of her kitchen for better flow. Nazemian’s team opened up the space between the kitchen and family room, created a door to the dining room, and transformed the peninsula into an island. They also introduced much larger appliances, relocated them and added better lighting. “When you work with colors, you need proper lighting,” Nazemian says. “Semi-warm halogen lights showed the blue best.”

Born and bred in Alabama, Gina Jones is drawn to the stately demeanor of many traditional Southern homes. When she and her husband, Dennis Porter, purchased their Oakton, Virginia, house, however, it was sorely lacking in stateliness. "The house had great bones but not much personality," Jones recalls. One of a row of model homes belonging to an adjacent development, it was positioned sideways on its one-acre lot, without a formal front entrance. After living in the house for some years, Jones, an Internet publisher, and Porter, an Air Force officer, were ready to renovate.
They tapped Sonny Nazemian of Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes, Inc., for the job, which originally entailed pushing out the back of the house to get extra space. "I drew up plans," Nazemian says, "but none of it satisfied what Gina really wanted. When we sug­gested adding onto the front instead, it all fell into place."

Jones had long been frustrated by her home's uninspired front facade. "I wanted a Southern, antebellum look like what I grew up with," she says. She requested a two-level porch, and once Nazemian and his team re-oriented the entry to the front and painted the HardiePlank siding a vivid, inviting blue, the gracious, Southern-style home Jones had always wanted began to emerge.
Inside, the two-story addition includes a spacious foyer that has been embellished with wide crown molding and pillars to commu­nicate traditional elegance. The foyer opens seamlessly into an open-plan living room/dining room that is more contemporary in style, and injects a welcome formality to the rest of the house.
Adjacent to the foyer, Nazemian added a guest suite with a private entrance and a Brazilian slate-tiled bath that boasts granite countertops and cherry cabinetry. This convenient guest suite is intended to accommodate long-term visits from Jones's aging parents.

Old for new – replacing windows

Spring is the time we think again about the outdoors and many people start to think about bringing it inside the house with windows. Their remodeling ideas include replacing old ones with new.

Windows are about two things: beauty and function.

The variety of windows available to us today just seems to grow. Here are a few of the standard kinds available:

• Fixed – a basic window, one that does not open.
• Double hung – a traditional window found in older homes where only the lower half opens.
• Casement – these windows swing open and closed usually with a crank.
• Awning – these windows are like casement windows but swing up and down.
• Sliding – another traditional window, these slide to either side on tracks.

Windows provide us with a wide variety of options, even the standard, traditional style can be anything but standard depending on the options you choose.

When planning your remodel, consider doing something a little more. For example, you might choose:

• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Accent windows
• Garden windows

These can also allow for a window seat because of their style.

You may even want to consider replacing a window with something like French swing doors that opened onto your backyard – that would really open up a room.

The window types are many and the variety of decorative styles is wide. And replacing windows is not simply about make your home more beautiful. The right windows can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally sound.

Bathroom remodels – don’t forget to furnish

Whether you are adding a new bathroom or remodeling an existing bathroom, don’t stop when the ‘construction’ part is complete. How you decorate your bathroom will complete your vision and there are many approaches to take.

In fact, if your budget is weighted to physical building and installation, you can save on how you decorate.

The most basic and effective décor change is painting. The color you choose can make or break your project. You may choose a single color for the bathroom but don’t limit yourself to one. You can choose a main color but you can also complement or contrast it by painting one wall or one area another color.

You might want to consider adding tile to one wall, or part of a wall, that would complement the colors you’ve chosen.

An approach many people take is to shop flea markets, online or simply go through their own home for items that aren’t currently being used. Putting their imaginations to work, they often find great (and inexpensive!) pieces to decorate and accessorize the bathroom. They may find materials they can use as storage – you don’t necessarily have to choose pre-made or constructed cabinets.

Mirrors are another accessory that can help give your bathroom a distinct look. They also help a smaller bathroom feel more spacious. Remember, while you need at least one mirror that is large enough and properly placed to be functional, you can also create designs with smaller, cameo sized mirrors placed in designs as décor.

The addition of pictures can give your bathroom character and they don’t have to be expensive. You might find printable images online or have photos of your own you can print. You can simply place them in inexpensive frames.

For counter accessories, low-cost votive candle holders can be a unique and attractive substitute for more costly bathroom-specific sets.

Like any room, a bathroom is not complete until it has been furnished. And doesn’t require breaking the bank to make it stunning!

By: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Fairfax, VA

Ensure you insure your remodeled home

When we remodel we increase the value of our home whether it’s a single room we’ve redone or the entire home. But while we’ve updated our home with the remodel, have we updated our home owner’s insurance?

A remodel, particularly a major remodeling, usually means the replacement value of your home increases. It isn’t something we like to think about, but should you experience some kind of total loss your current policy may not completely cover it. So it is important to be sure you update your home owner’s coverage.

You should also keep in mind that if you have what is known as an Extended Replacement Coverage Endorsement it usually requires that you make your insurance company aware of changes to the value of your home. This normally means changes above a certain amount, like $5,000. You should check your policy or with your insurer for this information.

Along with the remodel of their home, many people make the additional financial commitment of adding or replacing furniture. This may require you to adjust personal property limits on your policy so the true value is covered.

The important thing to keep in mind is: do not forget your insurance. Be certain you update it when you remodel.

With the love and finances you have devoted to your home, not to mention the work you’ve put in, you want be sure your home is cared for, especially for the worst circumstances (which hopefully never occur).

As your home changes, so should your insurance.

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel:(703) 641-9800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (703) 641-9800      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Radiant floor heating a hot new trend

As often happens, the old has become new.  This is true of one of the newest trends in heating – radiant heat, particularly radiant floor heat. Its history literally goes back thousands of years to Rome and Asia.

Yet radiant heating is also new given current technological and design changes. It has now become an attractive heating alternative by building on its history and combining that with new approaches.

The trend is specifically toward radiant floor heat.

One of its most appealing features is the warm floor it offers us when we get up in the morning. The cold floor is gone! Now our bare feet are met by warmth.

More significant, however, is the way radiant floor heat works. Coming up from the floor, it heats people and objects in a room rather than just the room’s air. It also makes for a more consistent temperature in a room – one part of a room doesn’t feel warmer than another.

There is no forced air with radiant floor heating so the systems are quieter than other heating systems and they usually translate into considerably lower utility costs. Radiant floor heating is also a more efficient system than baseboard and forced air systems because no energy is lost through ducts.

It is a form of heating that can also be beneficial to allergy sufferers because there is no moving air. Heat radiates up from the floor.

You also won’t have to arrange furniture around this heating system. There are no heat ducts or heating units you’ll need to leave open in order to avoid blocking the heat. You can design your rooms however you want rather than be restricted to where you can place items.

There are three kinds of radiant floor heating systems:

- Air heated radiant floors

- Electric radiant floors

- Hydronic radiant floors

Of these, it is the hydronic radiant floors systems (meaning liquid systems) that are the most popular and cost effective.

When planning a remodeling or a new home build, be sure to take some time to explore radiant floor heating. You may find it a very attractive option!

For more information on radiant heating, see Radiant Heating  (U.S. Department of Energy).

Link: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12590/

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel:(703) 641-9800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (703) 641-9800      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fireplaces

With winter well upon us now, the idea of a fireplace comes easily to mind. Adding a fireplace to your home can be a wonderful addition and in many cases it is practical since they can provide an additional heating source. 

A fireplace can be quite simple or quite elaborate with additions like hearth, mantel, screen and so on.

There are a number of fireplace types available though generally they are either the traditional wood burning kind or gas (propane or natural gas). There are others however, such as electric and gel, and they are increasing in popularity.

Usually when we hear the word “fireplace,” we think of the traditional, built-in kind but today’s fireplaces can come in a range of sizes and shapes and are often even portable.

The type we choose should depend on the space available to us and on what we want from the fireplace. For many, it will be simply as a decorative feature for their home. Others will want something that serves the additional function of providing a good heat source and some fireplaces will do that more efficiently than others.

It’s also important to consider what pollutants may or not be emitted by your fireplace choice. For example, propane is usually a little bit more energy efficient than a traditional wood burning fireplace but it also emits fewer pollutants.

From a decorative standpoint, once you have chosen your fireplace you may want to consider a mantel. These can be very elaborate and ornate or they can be quite simple. Your personal style will dictate what you choose.

When fireplace and mantel are combined, they can be the centerpiece of your room and provide a cozy place around which to gather and enjoy the warmth of friends and family, as well as the warmth of the fireplace itself.

In the winter months, it is where you will want to be!

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel:(703) 641-9800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (703) 641-9800      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Remodeling trends to consider for 2012

By: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Every New Year has its trends and 2012 is not an exception. For remodeling, the trends are about combining practicality, functionality and beauty. They are also about remodel projects that make the home better suited to how we live today.

For example, a previously neglected area of the home is now drawing the attention of many home remodelers. It’s the mudroom.

1) It’s the mudroom. It may seem unimportant but today, with a greater focus on practicality, many are seeing a remodel of the mud room as a great way to manage and eliminate clutter. Closets, hooks, shelving and other features are great for storage and the mudroom is well-suited for this.

2) It use to be seen as the home office but now many are viewing this space as a life-style center. What does this mean?

While still functioning as a home office, many see the potential for more. With a few changes, it can be an area where children can do homework. Parents can monitor them while also managing bills and household expenses. Adding more than one computer to the room, especially when combined with a wireless home network, allows everyone to do their electronic and other work in the life-style center.

3) Steam showers are growing in popularity as many homeowners look at changes for their bathrooms. The attraction of the steam shower is its ability to conserve water as well as provide a therapeutic capability. It also can reduce water costs!

As you can see, all of these add to the value and functionality of the home while also making it more attractive.

There is yet one other trend that is building. It is radiant heating throughout the home. It combines the practical with comfort. We’ll tell you more about this trend in next month’s newsletter. It’s one we think you’ll find fascinating!

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031

Tips on updating the laundry room

By: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Does anyone ever think of a remodeling project that involves the laundry room? We don’t often think of it but a remodel can accomplish a couple of things: 1) make the room an easier, more effective space to use and, 2) be an important plus to new home buyers when you’re thinking of selling your home.

Here are a few tips to consider for updating your laundry room.

1) Color. There is no reason why the laundry room has to be drab. You can make it a more cheerful, welcoming space by simply painting the walls with a color that gives it those qualities.

2) Lighting. A laundry room should be well lit because it is a work area and to do the work properly, good lighting is a must.

3) Storage. Even in a small laundry room, there is usually space above where shelves can be added so detergent and other laundry room supplies can be stored – out of the way yet easily accessed.

4) Machines. Your current washer and dryer may work well and not need updating. But if you’re thinking of selling, you might want to consider putting new machines in as this could be a key bonus to a new home buyer.

5) Space. Depending on where your laundry room is located, you may be able to do some remodeling that allows for the laundry room to be enlarged. This makes it a more welcoming area and also a more practical one if the enlarged space allows for a table for folding and organizing laundry. You can consider adding a drying rack as well for those items with gentler fabrics. With a large enough room you could also add shelves or cabinets for more storage.

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel:(703) 641-9800

Controlling costs on your remodel

By: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

A remodeling project that isn’t well planned can often lead to unexpected costs and turn your excitement over the project into an exercise in anxiety – and no one wants that.

You can keep your enthusiasm up by keeping your project on track and controlled. Simply keep a few things in mind and avoid certain pitfalls.

1) Know your budget and be realistic about what you can accomplish with it. And stick within your budget!

2) Ensure your project is well planned. If you’re entering new territory, consultants like those at Michael Nash can help you. Discuss what you are expecting to accomplish with them so they know what it is you want from the project.

3) You can help simplify by sticking to standard sizes for such things as fasteners and fixings. Choosing materials that are relatively common helps ensure that contractors are familiar with them and can accomplish their work relatively easily. It also means that the items are easily found and, if necessary, quickly replaced.

4) Unless you are well skilled and are very familiar with certain types of work, avoid the do-it-yourself approach. The money you think you are saving can easily turn into a very costly venture when work is not done correctly. This is especially true when it comes to electrical work, plumbing, bricklaying and other highly skilled work.

5) Avoid choosing cheap materials and other products as a way to keep costs down. The old saying is true – you get what you pay for. You don’t have to choose the most expensive but for quality (such as durability) consider using at least mid-range cost materials and products. This includes such things as nails and screws. This helps avoid the problem of future costs due to cheap materials.

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

8630-A Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel:(703) 641-9800

Remodeling with disabilities in mind

If you’re planning a remodeling and you have someone with a handicap living with you or have regular visitors with handicaps, consider keeping them in mind when planning your project. Here are a few tips that can help you.

A very simple way to identify areas that can be difficult for someone with a handicap is to walk through your home with a friend that has a handicap, or walk through with a wheelchair. You should be able to quickly see potential problem areas.

How wide are your hallways? Remember, even if they are wide enough to move a wheelchair through you need to see how easy it is to turn that wheelchair around.

Going through your home with a wheelchair will also help identify areas that may be too cluttered. Removing unnecessary furnishings will help reduce that problem while also helping to enhance the sense of spaciousness your home has.

Consider installing lighting that can be accessed by remote control. This helps eliminate the issue of how to get lights on and off for many disabled people.

Of course, most of us know about entranceways and ramps. However, you may not necessarily have to alter your main door (though that is the best option). You can remodel a side door, as long as it is easily accessed. Don’t make ramps too steep, provide a railing and be sure the door is wide enough for a wheelchair to get through and the area they are entering is large enough for them to move.

For bedrooms, remember the handicapped person will likely have to access everything while in their wheelchair. For closets, the bar for hanging clothes should be lowered so it is easy to reach. From a functionality perspective, drawers are usually the easiest to use for clothes, even shirts.

These are just a few tips about remodeling with disabilities in mind. An area like a bathroom has many elements that can make it more practical for a person with a disability, but it is more involved and requires its own article.

For now, we hope this gets you thinking about how your home can be more accommodating to everyone!

Carpet and hardwood – weigh the all the factors

When deciding between carpet and hardwood for your home the first thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have to be either/or. You can have both. You can have hardwood in some rooms, like the living room and dining room, and carpet in others, like the bedrooms.

Carpet and hardwood both have advantages and disadvantages.

You should begin your comparisons by starting with cost because budget is a huge factor in all remodeling decisions. For an accurate comparison, decide on the quality you want, be it carpet or hardwood and compare them at that same level of quality. You’ll likely find carpet appealing when cost alone is the deciding factor but there are other factors to keep in mind, and they make hardwood the choice you go with.

If you live in a colder climate, carpet has an advantage with warmth. Hardwood can be cold on bare feet. However, you can minimize this aspect by laying down some area rugs on a hardwood floor.

You’ll also find carpets have an advantage when it comes to noise. Hardwood doesn’t absorb sound.

However, hardwood may be more appealing when it comes to cleaning. Generally, you can keep hardwood clean with simple sweeping and with a damp mop. Carpet on the other hand will require regular vacuuming and shampooing. Dust and dirt can get into the rug and even create a potential health issue if it is not maintained.

Finally, well-maintained hardwood can last and last. However, the amount of traffic on the hardwood floor may mean it needs sanding and refinishing every decade or so. Carpets, on the other hand, have a lifespan of roughly 15 years. Over time, they will flatten and become difficult to clean.

Remember to think in terms of your family and lifestyle. Pets, for example, can have an impact either with hair in the carpet or scratches on the hardwood. Weigh all the factors before making a decision on carpet or hardwood and remember – you can have both!

 By: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Fairfax, Virginia

Adding a new shower

One of the most basic parts of every home is the shower. You find them in elaborate master baths and you find them in secondary baths. The shower is a simple tool for a basic function: keeping us clean. And a nice hot shower feels great too!

As simple as showers are, they aren’t necessarily simple when it comes to choosing one or installing it. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to a shower project.

The showerhead

You may think a showerhead is a showerhead but today there are a number of options and they can provide a different experience depending on what you want. You should determine what you want your shower for ahead of time and choose your showerhead based on that.

For instance, traditionally a showerhead delivered a jet stream of water. Today, however, some showers come with multiple showerheads allowing you to direct the stream at all areas of the body at the same time. There are also rain showerheads providing an experience like rain as an option. These and multiple shower heads have become popular in recent years.

An investment

It’s a large remodel project if you are replacing a shower and tub so you should do it right the first time. Bathrooms and kitchens are good investments in your home. They’re what home buyers look at. So you should use good materials and make the finished remodel job one that is functional and beautiful at the same time.

A bit of pampering

Much depends on what your new shower is for but many home owners like to add a little something more to the shower experience by putting in a steam unit. This essentially turns your shower into a spa and it can be great for tired muscles.

Avoid problems later

If you’ve ever seen one of those home remodeling television shows, you’ll know the kinds of problems that can be created when non-professionals try their hand at plumbing and tiling. Tiles can be especially challenging because unlike a floor project, shower tiles are horizontal and vertical and can involve angles. We strongly suggest having professionals, like those with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, do the job for you so you can avoid the expensive problems that can arise from a job done incorrectly.

Showers are a simple and fundamental element in every home. But that doesn’t mean they have to be simple or can’t be enhanced to provide an incredible experience.

 Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

(703)641-9800