James Moylan

Recent Posts

Are you still paying by check ?  Welcome to the 21st century payment

Posted in: design blog

James Moylan

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

computer 1

Design Builders stopped accepting checks years ago. As a leading design-build firm serving Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA, we've modernized our payment process to respect your time. Our 21st-century payment methods eliminate the hassle of writing checks, mailing payments, and tracking receipts—letting you focus on enjoying your new outdoor living space instead.

How Much Does A Screened In Porch Cost In 2026? Complete Maryland & Virginia Pricing Guide

James Moylan

Monday, March 23, 2026

Screened Porch Cost Guide: Maryland & Virginia 2026

Urbana porch outdoor kitchen 18

Screened porch costs in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA typically range based on size, materials, and complexity. Most homeowners invest significantly in this outdoor living upgrade, but exact pricing depends on your specific project scope. This guide breaks down the factors affecting your screened porch investment so you can budget confidently for 2026.

Online Construction Estimates: Faster, Easier Planning for Your Outdoor Living Project

Posted in: design blog

James Moylan

Monday, March 16, 2026

 

Older couple at computer

If you’ve ever taken on a home construction project, you’ve probably heard the saying: it’ll take longer and cost more than you expected. As a design-build firm, we work hard to make sure that’s not your experience. One of the biggest ways Design Builders reduces surprises—and keep projects moving—is by offering online construction estimates and virtual design consultations.

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Maryland & Virginia? Use Our Free Estimator

James Moylan

Monday, March 16, 2026

Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Maryland & Virginia

danver_outdoor_kitchen_screen_room_bethesda (2)

Outdoor kitchen costs in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA typically range based on size, materials, and features. Our free estimator helps you understand pricing for your specific project—whether you're planning a simple grill station or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Get personalized cost insights in minutes.

The question that stops most homeowners in their tracks? What does it actually cost?

Design Builders has heard that question so many times that we built a tool to answer it — instantly.

Concrete's Cure-Time Conundrum: Why Helical Piers Are the Faster, Cleaner Deck Foundation

Posted in: piers

James Moylan

Friday, March 13, 2026

Faster Deck Foundations in MD & VA: Helical Piers vs. Concrete

Helical piers install faster and cleaner than traditional concrete footings—a critical advantage for Montgomery County MD and Fairfax County VA homeowners planning outdoor living projects. While concrete requires extended cure time before construction can resume, helical piers provide immediate load-bearing capacity. This guide compares both foundation methods so you can understand which approach accelerates your screened porch or deck timeline.

EF266565-9860-4A93-A545-D3BA6923C8F3_1_201_a

When it comes to building a deck, homeowners often focus on surface details like composite decking, railings, and lighting. But the part of the project that sets the pace—and impacts everything that follows—is the foundation. And that’s where the biggest difference lies between traditional concrete footings and modern helical piers.

At Design Builders, we’ve moved away from the time-consuming, messy process of concrete footings in favor of a faster, cleaner, more efficient method: helical piers. Here’s why they’re changing the game for deck construction.