Design/Build Archives - Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.

Schroeder’s Unique Design-Build Advantage in Northern Virginia Remodeling

May 12, 2022/in Design/Build/by Schroeder Design Build

Once you’ve decided to remodel, your next challenge is to hire the right remodeling contractor. There are many to choose from, so how do you know which one will match both your vision and your budget? In the remodeling world, there are two basic types of remodeling methods: the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) model and the Design-Build (DB) model. Our goal is to show you the design-build advantage for Northern Virginia homeowners and our own unique way of offering more.

Design-Bid-Build vs. Design-Build – How Are They Different?

Under the Design-Bid-Build model, homeowners work with two different companies: one for the design and one for construction. It is a long process that requires several stages. The design process itself is involved, and will take time and a number of revisions normally to complete a set of plans. After the plans are approved, the homeowner must then find a remodeling contractor to build the project. While not necessary, it’s also common for homeowners to seek bids from two or three contractors.

Once a remodeling contractor is selected, it is contracted to build your design plan to specifications, leaving no room to make adjustments to the layouts or selections. If any adjustments are required, the homeowner must go back and forth between the designer and contractor until a resolution is reached. This can often lead to delays in construction, potential disputes and lack of accountability, financial losses and even lower quality, especially if the cheapest bid is chosen. Not to mention frustration on all sides.

On the other hand, the Design-Build purchasing model allows the homeowner to work with a single company right from the beginning, from design through construction. In-house design teams work seamlessly with the construction team to creatively problem-solve and deliver a remodeling project that fits your needs, vision and budget requirements. Any adjustments are easily and quickly made before construction begins to keep the project on time and on budget.

The homeowner also benefits from one point of contact—a project manager who is responsible for managing every detail for you. This minimizes stress, results in shorter time frames and creates exceptional value.

Let’s explore the various stages along the design-build process and how the Design-Build advantage comes into play.

The Design-Build Design Phase

Working with a design-build remodeling firm, you should expect to discuss your project in detail with a designer, answering a series of questions that flush out your priority needs—separating the must haves from the nice-to-haves. The goal is to fully understand your vision for your remodel, how much you’d like to spend, and the timelines that are expected. After measuring your space, checking your home’s structure and existing conditions, you can expect your contractor to produce a set of as-built drawings.
Following an on-site review, and a possible vendor/subcontractor walkthrough, the design and construction team will work together to pull together a design plan that fits your every need. During the design phase, you can also expect to shop for selections with your designer to choose the appliances, materials and finishes for your home, worked into the cost analysis.

Once all is approved, your contractor will finalize the plans, provide you with a fixed-price agreement, obtain permits, order materials and prepare your home for construction.

The Design-Build Advantage: The Design-Build system reduces the risks of inaccurate pricing, change orders or miscommunication, and creates a more cost-effective, higher-quality product with detailed budget tracking.

The Design-Build Construction Phase

Schroeder Design/Build uses the project management software CoConstruct where your job information, budgets, schedules, selections and photographs are uploaded and available to you 24 hours a day. To encourage collaboration and clear correspondence, every communication is transmitted within your client file.

The Design-Build Advantage: The transition from design to construction is easy using one team. Everyone involved has the same goal of providing you with a high-quality product and a successful completion. Project costs are minimized through creative design and cost-effective methodology.

Why Design-Build is a Smart Long-Term Investment for Your Home

Working with a Design-Build remodeling professional affords you the following advantages that make this choice a smart long-term investment:

Cost Efficiency. You don’t need to pay separate fees for an architect, designer and contractor. With one cohesive team, line item costs are easily managed and controlled. Every effort is made to stay within your budget.
Expertise. Every member of the team is a highly-skilled professional. You can expect the highest-quality service at every stage of your remodel.
Product Quality. The design team personally helps you select the products, materials and finishes you want, at the cost level you can afford. This results in the highest-quality products at the best price.
Long-term Enjoyment. Your design-build remodeler team works together to ensure that your new space not only serves your needs, but delights you for years to come.

The Design-Build Advantage of Schroeder Design/Build

Since 1986, Schroeder Design/Build has been creating award-winning remodeling for homeowners throughout Northern Virginia. With our tried-and-true Design-Build process, our multi-concept approach, and comprehensive services for design, remodeling and new home construction, we bring your vision to life.

Unlike other design-build firms, Schroeder Design/Build goes the extra mile to provide you with a set of three design concepts. We’ll create one set of drawings and floor plans that exactly match your budget. We’ll create another set that meets your dreams—but may be outside of your budget. We’ll also offer a third set with our recommendations on how you can meet in the middle to get what you want at the budget you have. We’ll discuss the options and the cost implications to help you finalize your decision, making revisions based on your feedback on designs and selections until we come to a final concept.

View our Portfolios and Houzz pages for photos that will inspire your remodel. And read the stories behind some of our favorite projects on our Project Story pages.

Contact Schroeder Design/Build for Award-Winning Design and Service Excellence

To learn more about the Design-Build advantage for your home, contact Schroeder Design/Build at 703-449-1700 or info@SchroederDesignBuild.com. We offer a complimentary design consultation.

A Sunroom vs. a Screened-in Porch – which is right for you?

February 10, 2022/in Design/Build, Remodeling Cost/by Schroeder Design Build

When thinking about remodeling with a room addition, many families want to create a room that helps bring the outdoors indoors—like a sunroom vs. a screened-in porch. They love the expansive views offered by a wall of windows, or the warm fresh air on a summer evening and are looking for additional living space in their home. Here’s how to choose the right room for your family’s needs.

Screened-in Porches

A screened-in porch built under a roof with mesh screen walls added to the home’s structure allows fresh air to circulate while preventing insects and debris from entering the room. Normally, it is built as an addition to an existing home to act as a transitional room between the indoors and outdoors, although it can be created as a free-standing structure. The structure is not insulated, therefore, it is most comfortable in the warmer months. Most families choose to add their screened-in porch to the back or side of their home. We have also added them to the front of the house as well.

Screen Types

The screening for a screened-in porch can come in a variety of materials:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass mesh screens are the most popular choice. The cost is relatively low and it offers good visibility. The material comes in rolls for easy installation, doesn’t crease or dent like metal screening, and is available in a variety of colors like black, silver, gray and charcoal to match your home’s exterior. It is one of the most easily repaired types of screening material. Its downside is that it can be susceptible to stretching and tears more easily than metal.

Aluminum

Aluminum screens are the budget-conscious choice for your screened-in porch. They are lightweight, rigid and strong, and easily cut to size. Aluminum screening may be slightly more difficult to install than fiberglass screens and is susceptible to rust if not coated. It is available in colors like gray, silver, charcoal and black.

Copper

Copper screens are a higher-end option, but require maintenance to maintain their color and sheen.

Advantages of a Screened-in Porch

Your screened-in porch enables your family to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to direct sunlight or flying insects, and offers a low-maintenance alternate to a porch. Decorate your screened-in porch with plants, a ceiling fan and outdoor furniture. Add electrical outlets, plumbing for a wet bar or gardening sink, or built-in seating for even more practical uses. In the “old days,” people would even sleep overnight in their screened-in porch when the weather was hot—before the days of air conditioning. It’s a nice alternative if the power goes out! In Northern Virginia, you should be able to enjoy your screened-in porch from March to October. An outdoor fireplace or heater can extend your use.

COST: Least expensive

Sunrooms

Here in Northern Virginia, cold winters are the norm so year-round use of a screened-in porch vs. a sunroom would be limited. That’s why sunrooms are popular as a versatile room for relaxing or entertaining. Two options for a sunroom include a three-season or a four-season version.

Three-Season Sunrooms

A three-season sunroom is built with four structural walls of brick or siding, windows and doors, and an HVAC system. As the room is not intended for winter use, it is usually not insulated, and the glass in the windows and doors offers low energy efficiency. Even though the sunroom may have an HVAC system, it is not effective on colder days due to the lack of insulation. Because of all the windows, the room may trap heat and it may not be practical on the hottest of summer days to cool the three-season sunroom.

COST: Moderate

Four-Season Sunrooms

If you want to use your sunroom year round, it must be built as any other room in your home, with four structural walls, insulation, an HVAC system and energy-efficient doors and windows with tempered, UV-protected glass. This enables you to use the room in comfort no matter what the outside temperature may be. This option also adds the most value to your home.

COST: Moderate to expensive

Advantages of a Sunroom

A sunroom vs. a screened-in porch gives a homeowner all the advantages of a screened-in porch by opening the windows or doors on warmer days to allow fresh air into the room while keeping insects out, yet can also keep the family warm and cozy in cooler months with energy-efficient windows and insulation.

Screens can be built into the windows, added onto windows, or interchangeable with windows. Sliding glass doors can also be added that can open one door’s width or across the entire wall of your sunroom, like a glass wall system.

Your sunroom will be built to blend in with the existing architecture of your home to create a seamless look and flow from both inside and outside the home.

Personalized Sunroom Ideas

Nowadays, homeowners are designing their sunrooms for special uses as well. How about creating a:

Spa Room, with a jetted tub or indoor pool and heated flooring
Library, with built-in bookcases and sunny reading nooks
Solarium or Greenhouse, with plants and a gardening theme
Indoor Porch, with a swing, hammock and dining area
Cozy Living Room, with overstuffed chairs and a fireplace
Spectacular Dining Room, with architectural features and a statement chandelier
Home Office, with a relaxing view
Playroom, a place just for the kids

A Sunroom vs. a Screened-In Porch

When deciding whether a sunroom vs. a screened-in porch is right for your family, take into consideration the layout of your home and property and how you will want to use your additional room, and then talk to remodeling professional like Schroeder Design/Build. We’ll be glad to go over the numerous options available for adding space to your home and walk you through the entire process, from design through construction.

Contact Schroeder Design/Build

Since 1986, Schroeder Design/Build has been serving homeowners throughout Northern Virginia with additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and whole-house renovations. Look through our Portfolio for ideas on how to add a sunroom or a screened-in porch to your home.

To discuss adding a sunroom vs. a screened-in porch, or any addition to your home, contact Schroeder Design/Build at 703-449-1700.

The Remodeling Emotional Roller Coaster

December 20, 2021/in Design/Build, Lifestyle, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

At the beginning of your remodeling project, there is elation. You are excited to have made the decision to remodel, have chosen your remodeler, and the process is underway. Congratulations, you have just boarded the remodeling emotional roller coaster.

Strap yourself in because as with an amusement park ride there are going to be climbs and dips throughout the process. See the typical remodeling roller coaster graphic below.

There are moments of joy when you start to see the demolition, or when you make the design decisions, followed by periods of anticipation, fatigue and anxiety. Relax, it’s natural…and expected. The process can seem long and tedious, especially when your normal lifestyle is interrupted for extended period. Just remember, it’s worth it in the end.

The stages of construction you’ll experience include:

Pre-construction where you and our team design the project and agree on pricing
Demolition, where the existing structure is demolished and the new structure’s framing begins to take form
Installation of systems like plumbing and electrical
Drywall, where walls are erected and finished, along with inspections to ensure that your project is up to code
Finishing, when items like cabinetry, flooring, lighting are installed and painting is completed
Punch list, where you and we look for last-minute items to touch up
Project completion!

The Highs and Lows Along the Remodeling Roller Coaster

Decision Making

You’ll be expected to make lots of decisions throughout the remodeling process. For some this is easy, but others may struggle with the overwhelming number of choices. That’s why we have in-house architecture and design teams. You’ll collaborate closely with your designer who will help you make these decisions. This is one of the fun parts of your project!

Disturbances

It’s a hassle to clear out of the space you’re remodeling, and there will be workers in your space throughout the day and the noise of construction. But we’ll do everything we can to try to prevent too much disruption. To curtail dust and debris, we’ll hang temporary walls of plastic sheeting around the areas we’re working in. And we’ll clean up the jobsite daily.

Unforeseen Issues

We never know what lies behind the walls or beneath the floors until we open up the project. There are times we find code violations, health issues like mold, or structural deficiencies. These must be remedied before we can continue, and they may add to the cost of your job. If such a problem is discovered, you will be presented with the issue and the evidence. Then we’ll need to create a change order where all parties agree to add this new element of construction into your contract. This can be one of the low points in the remodeling emotional roller coaster.

Delays

Delays are inevitable, especially with delivery impacts due to the recent pandemic. Cabinets, appliances and other items have been delayed by several weeks. If the chosen items cannot be acquired, your production manager and design team will help you to make alternate selections that are more readily available. Open communication is key.

Project Completion

Once your project is complete, you get to move back in the enjoy your beautiful new space, and show it off to your family, friends and neighbors. We’ll schedule a formal walk-through to review the work to your satisfaction. If there are minor issues to be addressed, we’ll get right out there to fix them. Otherwise, we’ll check back in six months as a follow-up to tweak anything else you may have noticed.

Reviews

We hope that you’ll be SO excited about your project and your journey with Schroeder Design/Build that you’ll leave us a five-star review! Your review helps to encourage others to remodel their own home, and we always love hearing great feedback!

For Northern Virginia Remodeling, Contact Schroeder Design/Build

Let us help you enjoy the ride along the remodeling roller coaster. Considering remodeling with an addition, kitchen renovation, or a whole house makeover. Contact us for a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation to get started.

Schroeder Design/Build is a family owned and operated remodeling company serving Northern Virginia since 1986.

Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.

Six Adaptable Ways to Live in Your House During Your Remodel

October 27, 2021/in Design/Build, Lifestyle, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

There’s no doubt that remodeling can disrupt the household…no matter what size the remodel. If moving out isn’t a necessity or an option during your remodel, there are manageable ways to mitigate the impact the remodel can have on your family. Consider these six methods:

Plan Ahead

Work with your design/build remodeler to develop a strategic plan. There are lots of little details and decisions, so open and honest communication is definitely the key to making it all come together. Knowing what to expect is also part of the planning process. Since your remodeler has worked in clients’ homes hundreds (if not more) times, they have helpful hints to managing the coordination. Let them help you plan alternative strategies to using your family rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen during the remodeling process.

Create New Storage/Access Areas

You will likely need to remove everything from spaces that are being remodeled, but you may still need the items stored in those rooms…like kitchen appliances, food, entertainment or bathroom supplies. Allocate temporary areas in your home where these items can be safely stored yet still accessible when needed. This can be a great time to get rid of or donate items you no longer need or use.

Designate Living Spaces

Clearly identify the spaces where you will be functioning during your remodel. Set up a family and entertainment area away from the remodeling area and don’t be afraid to use rooms not traditionally set up for these purposes. Make a spare bedroom a kitchen/dining space with a microwave oven and table, for example. Remember, it’s temporary—and it can be fun to try something new.

Think about noise and dust. You may want to relocate beds to quieter walls or other rooms, or have kids bunk in together to save space.

Consider Pets, Kids and Older Family Members

While the change in your lifestyle may be easier for you, it may be stressful for your family pets, children or older members of your family. Set up access points for remodeling workers that isolate them from the rest of the home. Create play areas for kids and stock them with toys, games and electronics. Have a quiet sitting area for elderly members. Erect barriers to protect pets.

Kitchen Renovation Strategies

Since your home has only one kitchen, remodeling this area may be the biggest disruption to your family’s lifestyle. Plan ahead by filling the temporary pantry with items that don’t require extensive cooking, or with nonperishable foods. Stock up on disposable plates, utensils and cups. Purchase or borrow cooking equipment like a mini fridge, hot plate, microwave, or electric skillet to help prepare meals. Or indulge yourself with take-out meals as part of the adventure. If the weather’s nice enough, use the outdoor areas as your grilling and eating areas.

Bathroom Renovation Strategies

Other than the kitchen, temporarily losing one or more bathrooms to remodeling can create the most disruption. Address this by scheduling one bathroom renovation at a time if possible. Create areas outside the bathroom where functions like hair drying and styling or makeup application can be done. Give each family member a tote or caddy where their personal items can be consolidated and transported easily. Set up shower schedules to help everyone get ready in the morning. Shower at the gym.

Minimal Disruption During Your Remodel

Your design/build remodeler understands that your lifestyle will not be the same during your remodel and will do their part by trying to contain the noise, dust and disruption as much as possible. Expect vinyl barriers and safety protocols that help protect both you and the workers.

It’s Worth It

Remember that all throughout the noise, dust, endless stream of workers and decisions of your remodel that the end product is worth it. It’s merely an uncomfortable and inconvenient process to the desired result that does have a thrilling conclusion. Kind of like childbirth! Use this time to make the transitional changes fun.

Northern Virginia Remodeling by Schroeder Design/Build

In 2021, Schroeder Design/Build reached the milestone of serving our 1000^th client and would love to work with you to remodel the home of your dreams. We thrive on open and honest communication and will do our best to help you maneuver through your remodeling project as easily as possible. Talk to us about remodeling your home. We promise you’ll love the result.

Schroeder Design/Build

7 Ways to Increase your Home’s Value

September 21, 2021/in Design/Build, Remodeling, Remodeling Cost, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

Homeowners are always concerned with ‘what’s their house worth.’ Other than normal appreciation, there are ways you can increase your home’s value. Here are seven options to consider.

Add Square Footage

There are a number of ways to increase your home’s value by adding living space. You can build an addition onto the side or back of your home, or add a second or even third level to your existing home. Consider unfinished spaces that can be converted into extra living areas, like the attic, basement or garage.

Remodel High-Value Rooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are always high-priority items on any homebuyer’s list and remodeling them can increase your home’s value by approximately 27%, according to Jeremy Sicklick, CEO and co-founder of HouseCanary. Invest in upgrading, expanding or renovating these rooms for the biggest bang for the buck.

Choose Quality Finishes

When you choose high-quality items for your home, like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, you not only get to enjoy them for yourself, you’ll increase your home’s value for when you’re ready to sell. In addition, higher-quality products last longer and look more beautiful.

Even smaller items can increase your home’s value. Switch out doorknobs from brass to brushed nickel, or upgrade lighting to LED. This bright lighting will make your house feel lighter and more inviting. Choose items that are popular and you’ll see a return on your investment.

Go Green

Today’s home buyers are more concerned about the environment and looking for homes with eco-friendly features. When remodeling, invest in energy efficient appliances and equipment, from your kitchen appliances to your heating and cooling systems. Switch out windows for more energy efficient ones. As an added benefit, you’ll enjoy lower utility bills.

Add Technology

Smart home products are popular options in today’s marketplace and can help increase your home’s value. You might consider installing a smart thermostat, camera system, lighting system, locks, and a fire/carbon monoxide system.

Improve Landscaping

The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, so don’t overlook the value of great landscaping. There’s something to be said for curb appeal. Think of the landscaping as the first impression. You hopefully won’t show up at job interview wearing torn blue jeans. Invite visitors into your home from the moment they arrive with plants, flowers, walkways and interesting hardscape features.

Paint

Nothing refreshes a home more than a coat of paint—both on the inside and the outside. If you’re looking to sell soon, stick to neutral colors. Other than that, let the paint color set the tone for your design style. Paint can add drama or create a soothing surrounding. Paint can also help restore worn or dirty areas of your home. Work with your designer to select the right paint colors for your home remodel.

Increase Your Home’s Value with a Remodel by Schroeder Design/Build

At Schroeder Design/Build, we have professional architects and designers on staff to help you design, build and outfit your home remodel. Or we can build you a custom home from the ground up! Talk to us about how to increase your home’s value in Northern Virginia.

5 Remodeling Project Trends Expected in 2022

August 23, 2021/in Additions, Bathrooms, Design/Build, Kitchens, Lifestyle, News & Events, Remodeling, Uncategorized/by Schroeder Design Build

People are always curious about what’s coming next. And in remodeling, we like to look at what consumers are asking for. What the industry is seeing are five remodeling project trends expected to boom in 2022.

Remodeling Project Trends for 2022

Trend 1: Better mudroom functionality

Families are well familiar with the frantic searches for keys, backpacks, gloves, hats, and other essentials, especially during the morning rush to get out the door. Remodelers can help alleviate the confusion with a mudroom constructed to a family’s individual needs.

Those designing a mudroom, or an “all-purpose drop zone,” can build from scratch or convert an underutilized space such as an area in or near the garage or laundry room. Other areas that function well include drop-off areas for package and grocery deliveries; pet washing stations with an oversized sink or shower pan; specified storage for each family member; laundry equipment area with shelving, a folding counter and a sink; a central charging station; and even something fun like a boot dryer. A waterproof, easy-to-clean luxury vinyl tile floor helps.

Trend 2: Specialized Outdoor Rooms

Homeowners are asking remodelers to build spaces to suit their favorite interests. Landscape architect Ryan Kettelkamp of the Chicago-based Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp found that “more clients wanted an outdoor kitchen this past season.” This included a grill, water source and a pizza oven!

Remodeling project trends indicated that other families may want a firepit or outdoor fireplace; a lawn or terrace area where a large screen can be put up to watch movies; an edible garden; and raised wood planters and trellises.

Trend 3: Larger Windows

Homeowners want to feel like they’re connecting with the outdoors even when they’re stuck inside and are changing out windows and doors to fit larger glass options. Windows installed higher, as in a clerestory; garage-style glass doors that roll up; and smaller framework for a thinner window profile are being requested. Durability and energy efficiency remain at the top of the list.

Trend 4: Flexible Home Offices

Having a place to work or study from home became a need during the pandemic. According to the 2021 Houzz Emerging Home Design Trends Report, searches for home offices were up 108%. Designing a room or area with privacy, light and quiet was important.

Connecticut-based designer Sharon McCormick suggests asking yourself these questions:

Do you need a door?
Do you want natural light?
Do you need or want to share space?
Do you have an extra room or space, like a large walk-in closet, landing, attic or basement?
What furnishings and accessories do you need?

Trend 5: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Those with space on their property may opt for the remodeling project trend of building an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. Similar to a tiny house, these structures are “generally detached from the main house and range in size between 500 and 800 square feet, but as large as 1,200 square feet,” said Caitlin Bigelow, an ADU advocate who runs Maxable, an educational resource on ADUs.

Increased approval from planning and building departments has boosted the popularity of ADUs, which can be used as a housing solution for returning grown children, renters, or older parents (granny flat).

Bigelow recommends installing doorways that accommodate a wheelchair, and removing thresholds between areas when designing your ADU, and including natural light, insulation, key appliances and universal design features overall.

Related: Did you miss our July 2021 design seminar on ADUS? Watch it here!

For Expert Remodeling, Contact Schroeder Design/Build

You too, can add function, value and joy to your home, both inside and out with these remodeling project trends. Contact Schroeder Design/Build to talk about your remodeling dreams in Northern Virginia.

–Excerpted from “5 Remodeling Projects Expected to Boom in 2022” by Barbara Ballinger, published in Pro Remodeler, September 20, 2021.

second-story-addition-Schroeder-Design-Build

Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.

Build Up, Not Out: Adding a Second Story to Your Home

June 9, 2021/in Additions, Design/Build, Remodeling/by Schroeder Design Build

Many of the older homes here in Northern Virginia are smaller than what today’s families want and need. And the houses can be built on smaller lots, especially the closer towards Washington, D.C. they are located. So when families want to add space, they don’t have the option of going to the front, back or sides…they have to build up, not out, adding a second story to the home.

Here are some reason why you should consider adding a second story to your house.

You love your location

One way to get more space is to move to a larger home. But you love where you live! You don’t want to disrupt the kids from their schools, the neighbors have become great friends, and the area is so convenient to all you do.

You increase your home’s value

Larger square footage certainly adds to the value of your home. So does a second story. Plus, you don’t love valuable yard space. When you eventually sell your property, future buyers will appreciate the second story and your home will be a more desirable purchase.

You can design what you want

All homes have things that you wish you could fix. Here’s your chance! While adding the second story, take advantage of reconfiguring your home’s overall layout, or modifying the existing structure to make it more of what you really want in a home. Remove walls, relocate room functions, add windows, or just have fun with the design options.

Second story addition going up.

Same house before second story addition.

What are your options for a second story addition?

Although there is room for creative design, there are also building regulations and codes that need to be followed. Your design also depends on your budget and the home’s location. Taking these into account, there are a couple of choices in a second story addition: a full addition/remodel or an expansion.

Full second story addition

A full second story addition is ideal for one-level houses like a ranch-style home where an additional floor is required. A full addition can also mean a total revamp of an existing upper floor. It can reconfigure existing space or totally change the look and use of a home.

Adding a large space may require additional support systems including plumbing, HVAC and electrical installations or upgrades. New heating and air conditioning zones may need to be added. You may also want to take this time to install green or energy-efficient systems, windows, and thermal insulation.

Second story expansion

A second story addition doesn’t have to involve the entire upper floor. It can mean expanding out horizontally, such as adding a room over an existing garage or porch.

Related: 2021 Home Addition Costs

Additional things to consider with your second story addition

When you add a second story to your home, expect a disruption to your lifestyle. Because the roof will need to be removed, your family will need to relocate to temporary housing during the remodel or renovation for approximately six months.
Depending upon the size and style of your addition, you may also expect that additional structures will need to be put into place to support the extra weight. This can require modifications to the existing walls and foundation.
You will also need a staircase to the second floor, which will reduce the floor space in one of your first-level rooms or require modification on the ground floor.
Keep in mind that you will want your second story addition to match the rest of the house. Choosing matching siding and windows can create a seamless look. If these items are no longer available, however, you may want or need to change out the windows and siding on the first floor to match the new addition.

Choose a Design/Build Remodeling Company

Before you do anything, talk to an experienced professional, like Schroeder Design/Build. As our name says, we offer comprehensive architectural design, interior design and construction services for homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, and we’ll be glad to schedule a virtual or in-house, no-obligation consultation to talk about your second story addition. In the meanwhile, check out our Additions Portfolio for inspiration.

Contact Schroeder Design/Build today at 703-449-1700 or send us an email to Info@SchroederDesignBuild.com

How Much Does a Remodel Cost?

January 27, 2021/in Design/Build, Remodeling, Remodeling Cost/by Schroeder Design Build

When people ask “How much does a remodel cost?” they may presume that there is standard pricing that can easily be quoted. But as a custom remodeler, we need to know more before we can determine a cost. There is no one-size-fits-all price. Since your home and your needs are unique, your cost of remodeling is also unique to you.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends From 2020

September 28, 2020/in Design/Build, Kitchens, News & Events, Remodeling/by Schroeder Design Build

When Houzz interviewed 2,598 U.S. homeowners about their upcoming or recent kitchen renovations, the survey results indicated a number of trends. Here are some of the popular kitchen remodeling trends from 2020.

Are We Ready for an Aging Population?

July 6, 2020/in Aging in Place, Design/Build, News & Events, Remodeling/by Schroeder Design Build

The U.S. Census Bureau released demographics recently that contains some shocking statistics about whether our population in the U.S. is prepared to deal with the issues of aging in place as it pertains to housing. It asks, “Are we ready for an aging population?”