What makes a quality deck builder in Montgomery County MD?

A quality deck builder combines skilled craftsmanship with material expertise. Design Builders evaluates structural integrity, weather resistance, and aesthetics. We recommend Trex composite for durability and low maintenance in Maryland's climate.

How much does screened porch installation cost?

Screened porch costs vary by size and materials. Factors include framing, screening type, foundation, and local permits in MD/VA. Contact Design Builders for a free estimate tailored to your Bethesda, Rockville, or Fairfax County project.

What's the difference between a deck contractor and general carpenter?

Specialized deck contractors understand load-bearing requirements, code compliance, and material selection. Design Builders brings expertise in outdoor living—from deck safety standards to screened porch ventilation to outdoor kitchen functionality.

Is Trex deck builder experience important?

Yes. Trex composite decking requires specific installation techniques for optimal longevity. Design Builders has certified Trex expertise, ensuring proper fastening, spacing, and warranty compliance across Maryland and Virginia.

Can we combine a deck with an outdoor kitchen?

Absolutely. Design Builders designs integrated outdoor living spaces—decks with built-in kitchens, grilling stations, and screened porches. We handle everything from framing to electrical in Potomac, McLean, Falls Church, and throughout the DMV.

ada compliant bathroom in Fairfax, Virginia

ADA-Compliant Bathroom Design in Maryland & Virginia

As an ever-aging baby boomer generation welcomes more of its members into retirement each year, the number of adults in our country caring for or assisting in the care of an elderly relative is swelling. They are increasingly finding that, even when eldercare is outsourced, their homes and their parents' homes are ill-equipped to safely accommodate seniors and other individuals with a specific, growing set of needs.

Nowhere is this more immediately apparent than in bathrooms, where even a 50-year-old home's original owners may wake up one day to find they can no longer shower comfortably or confidently. Once the need for change is acknowledged, the next step is remodeling the room to be easier to use and, if necessary, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Form following function

An ADA-compliant bathroom combines accessibility with safety through thoughtful design and expert installation. In Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA, homeowners can work with experienced builders who understand local codes and practical solutions—from grab bar placement to slip-resistant flooring—ensuring your bathroom meets ADA standards while maintaining comfort and style.

While you shouldn't purchase an ugly tile as a result of its ADA compliance, you should prioritize ease of cleaning and texture when selecting a walking tile. It is often recommended to choose porcelain with a gritty or textured feel for the floor and a slick ceramic tile for the walls to facilitate the bathroom cleaning process. Usability is incredibly important when a (potentially vulnerable) loved one's well-being is at stake.

Adhering to ADA guidelines

When designing an ADA-compliant bathroom and shower, keep these basic principles in mind:

Use brushed nickel for plumbing fixtures to ensure quick and easy cleaning with a guaranteed spot-free finish. Select a faucet with a high arc, or gooseneck, on it to facilitate a sink's ease-of-use. Do not discount kitchen faucets with a pull-out sprayer because they can make life much easier!
ADA shower stall guidelines require 36" of clearance for wheelchair accessibility as well as a wall-mounted vanity. The vanity must have a skirted undercarriage to both hide its corresponding plumbing elements and make it possible to pull up a wheelchair.
Consider converting to a walk-in shower, or curbless shower. These require sloped cement pans angled at a greater degree than conventional showers to prevent water from drenching the rest of the bathroom.
Add an integrated shower bench along a shower's rear or side wall(s) to make it easier for handicapped individuals. Also install three to four grab bars to assist in standing, balancing, and, in the unlikely event of a slip or loss of balance, preventing falls.
Determine if a hand-held sprayer can be secured near the built-in shower bench to make bathing easier for those with limited mobility or who require assistance bathing. The shower handle - single handles are the easiest to use - makes it possible to stop, start, and otherwise adjust the flow of water from a seated position.

Caring for an elderly relative is never easy, and neither is living independently with mobility constraints. Perhaps admitting that there are issues is half of the battle. However, remodeling a bathroom for ADA compliance and accessibility is one of the steps to leading a safer, more comfortable day-to-day life. Visit ada.gov for more information on federal guidelines and regulations.

How to Build an ADA-Compliant Bathroom