What is the Virginia building permit process like?

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Decks in Virginia, deck builders, Contracting Questions, Zoning Questions

James Moylan

Friday, February 12, 2016

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Virginia Building Permit Process for Outdoor Living

Virginia's building permit process ensures safety and code compliance for outdoor projects like decks and screened porches. In Fairfax County and throughout Northern Virginia, permits typically take 2-4 weeks to obtain, requiring detailed plans, site surveys, and contractor licensing verification. Understanding these steps helps homeowners work confidently with their contractor and avoid costly delays.

Is It Safe to Build an Elevated Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace?

Posted in: Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Products, Contracting Questions, patio questions, deck questions, outdoor heaters, screen porch products, decking questions, Outdoor Fireplaces

James Moylan

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

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Elevated Outdoor Fireplaces: Safe for MD & VA Decks?

Yes, elevated wood-burning outdoor fireplaces can be safely installed on decks and porches in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA—when built to code with proper clearances and materials. However, safety depends on structural integrity, ventilation, and compliance with local building regulations. This guide covers what Montgomery and Fairfax County homeowners need to know before adding an elevated fireplace to their outdoor living space.

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.

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.