James Moylan

Recent Posts

What Exterior Siding is Most Suited for Your Home Addition?

Posted in: Contracting Questions, home additons

James Moylan

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

exterior-siding-split-level-home-addition-dmv

Choosing the right siding material for your house addition in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area

When building luxurious home additions, one of the most challenging tasks is blending new architecture with preexisting structures. Ideally, an addition's exterior should look as though it has always been a part of your house. The last thing you want is an addition that looks tacked on or out of place.

A large part of giving an addition the same look and feel of an existing home is selecting a proper exterior siding. You want to choose siding materials for your addition that match or complement the rest of your home.

How to Build a Four Season Outdoor Living Space in the DMV

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Screen Porch in Maryland, infrared heaters

James Moylan

Monday, June 15, 2015

year-round-ooutdoor-space-design-render

Designing luxurious outdoor living spaces for year-round use in the DMV

If you’re thinking about adding a unique outdoor living space to your home in Washington, D.C., there are several factors to consider into the design if you want to use that space year-round. With the right structural design and finishing touches, any outdoor space can be a comfortable and pleasant option no matter the month, temperature, or weather.

Zoning Restrictions to Consider Before Building an Addition

Posted in: Contracting Questions, Zoning

James Moylan

Monday, June 08, 2015

Zoning Restrictions for Additions in Maryland & Virginia

Before building an outdoor living addition, you need to understand your local zoning restrictions. Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA enforce different setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions that directly impact your screened porch, deck, or outdoor kitchen project. Knowing these rules upfront prevents costly delays and design changes during construction.

Whether you are building a home addition, deck, garage, or other structure, it is imperative that your project comply with your local area’s zoning requirements.  Projects must be reviewed by your local jurisdiction to ensure they adhere to zoning restrictions.

When Do Virginia and Maryland Homeowners Need a Building Permit?

Posted in: Screen Porch Questions, Deck Permits, Deck Building Questions, Deck Contractor Permits, deck builders, Building regulations, Contracting Questions

James Moylan

Monday, June 01, 2015

building permit bethesda maryland

Before embarking on any kind of home improvement project, homeowners often ask us whether they will need to obtain a permit. The short answer? Most likely.

Most major projects - including low-maintenance decks, custom garages, screened-in porches, and home additions - require proper permitting. The specifics vary from county to county, but most jurisdictions will slam you with a big fine if you fail to obtain a proper permit, and may even force you to tear the structure down.

6 Questions to Consider Before Building a Home Addition

Posted in: Contracting Questions, home additons, interior design

James Moylan

Friday, May 22, 2015

historic home addition Carderock

As your family expands and your lifestyle evolves, you may find yourself outgrowing your home. Maybe it isn’t spacious enough to suit your rambunctious children. Or perhaps it lacks the space to accommodate the home office or game room you've been dreaming of. The fact is, not all houses are built with enough master bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces to work for their homeowners year after year without change.