What Exterior Siding is Most Suited for Your Home Addition?

Posted in: Contracting Questions, home additons

James Moylan

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Best Siding for Home Additions in Maryland & Virginia

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.

The right exterior siding seamlessly matches your home's existing aesthetic while enhancing curb appeal and durability. Whether you're adding to a Montgomery County, MD colonial or a Fairfax County, VA brick home, selecting siding that complements your current exterior is critical. This guide explores the top siding materials and how they perform in the DMV climate.

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

Year-Round Luxury Outdoor Spaces in Maryland & Virginia

Yes, you can enjoy your outdoor living space in every season throughout Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. Strategic design choices—from screened enclosures to heating solutions and weather-resistant materials—transform seasonal patios into year-round retreats. Design Builders helps DMV homeowners create comfortable outdoor kitchens, decks, and porches that withstand winter cold and summer heat.

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.

How to Build an ADA-Compliant Bathroom

Posted in: Bathroom Remodel Tips, Bathroom Construction Tips, Contracting Questions

Rami Hajj

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

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.

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

Virginia & Maryland Building Permit Requirements

Yes, most outdoor living projects in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA require building permits. Screened porches, decks, and outdoor kitchens typically need approval before construction begins. Understanding local permit requirements protects your investment, ensures code compliance, and prevents costly fines. This guide explains when permits are mandatory across Maryland and Virginia.

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.