What are the Costs of Using an Outdoor Fireplace in Maryland?

Posted in: Deck Design, patio design, fireplace, Contracting Questions, outdoor living, outdoor living spaces, deck add-ons, outdoor heaters, porch add-ons, Outdoor Fireplaces, outdoor accessories, EcoSmart Fireplaces, Porch and Deck Accessories, fire pit

James Moylan

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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Long-Term Costs of Operating an Outdoor Fire Feature in Bethesda, Maryland

Nothing provides quite the same blend of ambiance and function as an outdoor fire feature, but many people wonder about price. With so many fire features to choose from, which one is going to provide all the aesthetic beauty and functional warmth without breaking the bank?

This article compares three of the most common fire feature types: natural wood-burning fireplaces, biofuel fireplaces, and natural gas fires. For the sake of comparison, electric heaters are also included below. While not a traditional fire feature, they are a common alternative for those looking to heat their outdoor spaces.

Types of Foundations to Consider for Building Your Home Addition

Posted in: Contracting Questions, home additons, home remodeling tips

James Moylan

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

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Foundations to Consider for Building Home Additions

In a previous post, we dug into an age-old question: is it more expensive to build up or out when adding onto your home? We discussed that, while it varies case by case, building out can be more expensive because it requires the construction of an additional foundation for your home.

The vast majority of horizontal additions will require some type of quality foundation. This will not only carry the weight of your innovative home design, but it will also keep out moisture, provide weather-resistent insulation, and resist the movement of the surrounding soil. A proper foundation must be carefully planned and constructed to guarantee it is structurally sound, long-lasting, and up to current codes.

6 Tips for Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

Posted in: Decks in Virginia, Deck Contratcors, Deck Contractors License, Deck Contractor Permits, Bathroom Remodel Tips, hire a decking contractor, Contractor Portfolios, Contracting Questions, home additons, kitchen remodeling, outdoor living spaces, deck add-ons, upscale deck features, deck topics, decking questions, deck contractors, Q&A, decks in Washington, D.C., Porch and Deck Care, Loudoun County, interior remodeling, Screened Porch in Virginia, home improvement, Hire a Contractor, building a deck, Screen Room, screened porch in Washington, DC, Screened Porch, Screened-in Porch, Three-season rooms, custom deck, screen room addition, screen room ideas, screen porch design

James Moylan

Monday, December 30, 2019

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Download your FREE screen porch building checklist

Type “remodeling contractor” into Google, and you’ll be presented with the sites of hundreds of contracting firms in your area, each one claiming to be the best.

With so many choices to sift through, choosing the right contractor for your home improvement project is no small task. But making this decision is as important as it is challenging, since the success of your interior remodel will be in the hands of the contractor you choose.

Pier Tech Footers versus Pressure - Treated Wood Footers

Posted in: hire a decking contractor, Contracting Questions, outdoor living, deck topics, Porch and Deck Care, home improvement, Hire a Contractor, building a deck, Screened Porch

James Moylan

Monday, November 18, 2019

PierTech Footers versus Pressure-Treated Wood Footers

Without a solid foundation, a home can be put into major jeopardy. Foundation issues can result in uneven flooring, cracks in drywall or ceilings, sticking doors or windows, or gaps between walls and ceilings or walls and floors. Cracks in the actual foundation concrete or a sagging roof are two external indicators of foundation problems. If this settling is allowed to continue without addressing it, it can ultimately lead to real structural damage to your home—and very real financial damage as well.pressure treated wood rot

 

What is a Design-Build Firm Compared to a Standard Deck Builder?

Posted in: Screen Porch Questions, Deck Building Questions, Deck Design, Contracting Questions, deck questions

James Moylan

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

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What Is a Design-Build Firm, and How Does It Differ from a Standard Deck Builder in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC?

When it comes to installing a new deck, there’s always a lot to consider, but one issue you might not have thought about is whether you want to work with a deck builder or a design and build firm. What’s the difference between these two very different professionals, though, and which is right for your project?