Your Home is Great, lets customize it for your family

SVA Construction Corp’s in-house custom process puts you in charge of what you need. We’re here to show you the safest, most cost-effective way to remodel and you can be secure with the full skills of the SVA Construction Corp team behind you. We bring over 40 years of experience in design, building and creating master suites for customers in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas.

A Master bedroom suite addition created with universal design has enhanced the quality of life for many of our clients and at the same time, helped open their doors to aging parents. SVA Construction Corp has a great deal of experience with master suite additions that are built to suit the needs of people with physical limitations.

How to begin a Master Suite Renovation

A one-story house can become a two-story house and even a garage can often support an upper floor room addition. The existing space within your home can be repurposed to accommodate a stairway. Building up is a great opportunity to create a spacious master suite or add more than one room. SVA Construction Corp’s experienced designers make sure your master suite additions blend seamlessly with your existing home. Far too often, many contractors will create spaces like sunrooms, family rooms, or even kitchens that look from the outside as if they were an afterthought rather than blending in with the existing architecture. This will never happen with SVA Construction Corp. You can see by the many examples on our website that our builders use the materials, colors and design that create unified beautiful additions that feel like they’ve been part of the house for years.

Upgrade or add a bathroom

If possible, you should add a bathroom to your new master suite. During the planning process, our designers will take you through the many options available. A bathroom is not only a convenience it’s a safety concern. More than 2/3rds of emergency room visits (baby boomers and elderly) are due to bathroom falls. And the tub and shower are the most hazardous for children and grandchildren. Remodeling your bathroom can go a long way to preventing accidents. Though you may not need it now, there are universal design principals that can help including: safety bars, walk-in showers, wall-mounted sinks, wider doorways with paddle handles and open floor space.

Contact SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Today!
A master suite remodel is a great way to increase the value and space in your home and increase the quality of your life, starting on day one. Ask us how we can create a plan that will turn your master bedroom into a master suite. You’ll be delighted by the SVA Construction Corp process and wide range of ideas and services that ensure your project is completed on schedule, within budget and with clear goals.

If you are thinking about building or enhancing your master suite or any other part of your home, now is the time to call SVA Construction Corp. We place an emphasis on client communication and we would be more than happy to set up a meeting between you and one of our designers to explore the best and most economical way to move forward. Set the wheels in motion- contact us or call at (301) 444-4663.

Creating a  Home Within A Home

All generations are enriched through Mother-In-Law Suites. For aging parents, they can stay close with their children and enjoy the love and satisfaction of grandchildren. For new parents, an In-Law Suite can be real economic help. Sharing a home within a home means the togetherness of more family meals together and fewer expenses for things like nursing home or assisted living. Also, there is an emotional benefit of privacy and togetherness under one roof.

Creating the Living Space Your Family Needs

The first step is to come and see SVA Construction Corp designers. They are the experts. For over 40 years SVA Construction Corp has created all kinds of suite additions. There are many possibilities from a design perspective, and clients are sometimes surprised when they learn about them. Of course, there will be a private bathroom, and the exact details can be customized to suit your needs and your stylistic tastes. You’ll want to assess your home to determine the best possible location. Do you have a garage or enclosed porch that can be converted into a living space? Do you have two bedrooms that can be combined into one, or a basement that can be converted into a separate living area? Or, perhaps you have adequate space to build a room addition?

Private Bathrooms are a Must for In Law Suites

A private bathroom is a staple of any in-law suite. The room should have the necessary supports in the walls for easy installation of handles; grab bars or safety bars at a later time. Pedestal sinks are attractive and easy to use for people with wheelchairs. Another option is adjustable height vanities that can be raised or lowered according to your needs. Choose tubs that are wide enough to handle special lift seats in the future and dedicated outlets that can power a lift chair or other safety equipment when the time comes. You can eliminate the tub and choose curb-less showers that are easy to use for people with limited mobility.

A SVA Construction Corp “In-Law” bath featuring curb-less shower, shower bench seat.

Kitchen Updates for in law suites

A kitchenette or kitchen area is a key component of an in-law suite. Choose raised cabinets with additional kick space underneath. Look for multi-level, pullout counters that can be used by people in walkers or wheelchairs. Faucets with motion sensors are also a smart investment. Induction cooktops are easy to use and safer. Look for wall ovens that can be mounted at a height that’s comfortable for people in wheelchairs. Choose base cabinets featuring drawers that pull out rather than cavernous cabinet spaces. All of these additions make the kitchen more functional for the aging family.

SVA Construction Corp installed induction stove with touch screen and hide-away cabinet- blender

Some other considerations:
* Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
* Wider hallways (36-42 inches wide)
* Extra floor space
* Easy open, lever door and drawer hardware
* Larger bathrooms with hand-held showerheads and level- entry, curbless showers
* Good lighting to include well-lit outdoor walkways and entrances
* Lower light switches and thermostat controls within easy reach of the bed.
* Easy access to separate heat and air conditioning controls as well as smoke, fire and carbon monoxide

Contact SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build Today!
Today there’s an ever-changing landscape of the economy. To add value to your home and share the joy of living with parents longer, mother-in-law suites are a popular choice. If you are thinking about this possibility, now is the time to call SVA Construction Corp. We place an emphasis on client communication and we would be more than happy to set up a meeting between you and one of our designers to explore the best and most economical way forward. Set the wheels in motion contact us, or call us at (301) 444-4663.

Dream Goals

It was all about making a safe and accessible master bathroom with beautiful design elements for this Arlington, VA condo owner. Being a walker and wheelchair user, space and ease of mobility were top priorities. The existing bathroom had a large tub and a shower with a cumbersome step making the room a challenge to use. The plan included taking out the existing shower and tub and redesigning the bathroom to include a large roll in shower with a lot more room for the homeowner to maneuver with her walker or wheelchair.

What was Done

Installing a new, roll-in shower was key to this bathroom remodel. Fortunately there was plenty of space to make this happen by removing an existing tub that was taking up a lot of space and not getting used. The floor had to be raised to accommodate the curb-less shower since the drain couldn’t be moved being that this was a condo. The new shower featured; a beautiful glass door with floor to ceiling glass, a seat, a regular and handheld showerhead, no curb so that wheelchair accessible, and a door that swings both ways to allow ease of access. Grab bars were included virtually everywhere but with careful consideration to the design of the overall space. The makeup and sink area took into account the homeowners’ ability to roll her walker or wheelchair underneath.

Mission Accomplished

The new bathroom boasts a current yet timeless look featuring clean lines, beautiful details and peace of mind when it comes to safety and comfort. This is now not only a beautiful but functional space that the homeowner can enjoy for many years to come.

While these homeowners loved their neighborhood, their home lacked the functionality, modern amenities and design touches that they desired. And thinking toward the future, incorporating accessible amenities with a modern and beautiful look was also very important to them. A 1940’s Cape Cod, the house was cramped and tight with narrow doorways and tight hallways. The décor was dated and lacked modern flare.

Based on the homeowners needs and desires the goals for this CotY (Contractor of the Year) award-winning project were to add an overall modern and updated feel to the home both inside and out, add space, increase the flow and functionality of the existing space, create a first floor bedroom for single-level living, and create an accessible entry from the driveway to accommodate potential future needs.

On the exterior, curved dormers and a front portico add a modern flare. Because the front yard has a steep drop off to the street, an accessible entry in the front didn’t make sense. Instead, a new rear ramp was created connecting the driveway to an accessible no-step entry. An addition off the back of the home with a clean, modern design provided ample room to navigate a wheelchair should the need arise.

A new, open concept kitchen features open shelving for easy access and visibility, pull out drawers, ample workspace, and a raised oven. A Thermador induction cooktop was selected to avoid accidental burning of arms when reaching over the cooktop from a seated position. Front controls for a motorized vent allow for use from a seated position.

A central vacuum system was installed throughout the home with concealed extractable hosing up to 45ft for ease of keeping up with cleaning and minimal effort in only needing to bring a collapsible attachment to each room.

A redesigned front living room was opened up with the removal of a wall. A television mounted with an adjustable arm allows for various comfortable viewing positions.

In the bathroom the vanity that was selected can be completely removed, leaving the wall mounted sink and countertop to allow full access for a roll under wheelchair in the future. Ample space was provided on both sides of the toilet to allow for after market medical devices and toilet chairs for handicap toilet use as the client did not want grab bars but they can easily be installed later. A wall-mounted toilet was set for the homeowners’ height preference with a full bidet. And finally, an adjustable shower arm makes it easy to reach controls.

With thoughtful design focused on future needs as the homeowners age, this home is now not only beautiful and modern, but is complete with the functionality necessary for this to be the forever home the homeowner’s desired.

The terms have changed over the years but their purposes have remained the same. Grab bars are now being called “shower rails”.  Higher-seated toilets are “comfort height.” And easy-to-use lever handles and handheld showers are “ergonomic.” Items once avoided by homeowners are not only sought after, but in high demand.

What’s wonderful about incorporating these design components into your bathroom is how it relates to “visitability” which means making your home welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

Some features to consider when planning for safety in the bathroom:

• Create the right lighting with natural light, sconces and a night-light
• Widen doorways and switch from knobs to levers
• Enlarge the shower and go curb-less
• Use wall mounted sinks that allow space underneath for someone seated
• Look for slip-resistant tile or vinyl
• Choose grab bars that match towel racks and other fixtures
• Think about a walk-in tub

• Using a rolling shower seat or fixed shower seat in the shower can accommodate some users. Shower seat should be a height of 17” to 19”. A small stool or plastic chair can allow the bather to sit while taking a shower and can be removed for users who don’t use the seat to shower.
• A curb-less shower is ideal for people using a wheelchair, walker or for someone who is at risk for falls and can be used by everyone regardless of ability. The opening to the shower is level with the floor and is sloped down to the The shower should be 36” wide for someone using a transfer seat and 60” wide for someone in a wheelchair to be able to turn around in or for assists.
• Walk-in tubs allow easier access. It allows a user to walk into the tub without having to climb over the side of the tub. Installing tub controls near the front edge will avoid a long reach.
• Installing grab bars in all bathing areas. For a tub- two bars should be installed on the sidewall at standing and sitting range. For a shower-all three walls in roll-in shower should have grab bars and two walls should have grab bars in a transfer shower. Coordinate the controls to be near grab bars when possible.
• A nonslip floor is one of the most important things to address in the shower to prevent falls. A textured tile or a slatted wood tray over a concrete floor can provide a nonslip floor.
• Installing anti-scald mixing valves to maintain a safe water temperature and volume when there are water pressure changes will prevent burns. Limit the temperature in the tub and shower to 120 degrees.
• Consider the placement of items that a user will want to reach such as hair care, bathing products, soap, washcloth, et cetera. Adequate storage and accessible placement for all products so they do not fall into the floor and are easily reachable for all users should be addressed.
• Overhead lights in shower and using glass walls instead of a shower curtain to allow additional light to come in will increase safety.
• Installing shower controls where operator can use them without getting wet. Also, installing a handheld showerhead that can accommodate a seated bather. Install one with at least a 60” hose.
• Towel shelf or hook should be installed within easy reach for drying off before exiting the shower to prevent wet floors.

2. Bathroom sink and vanity accessibility

• A sink should be mounted on the wall with no cabinet underneath for both standing and seated users or one with enough clearance to provide open knee space.
• A sink approached from the front of the sink needs to be 34”
• Installing single-handle faucets, which can be easily turned on and adjusted without having to grab or twist or installing hands-free faucets with a sensor that detects hands under the faucet will make the sink accessible.
• Mounting a lower placed mirror, extra long mirror, or tilt mirror that everyone can use.
• Using sturdy furniture/vanity that can be used to grab on to so one can use to maneuver around the bathroom when a grab bar is not within reach.
• Consider placement of products that might need to be reached such as dental care, prescriptions, eye care/contact lenses, first-aid supplies.
• Other items to consider storage and access for are: hair dryers, curlers, makeup, bathroom linens, and bath cleaning supplies.
• Installing low drawers that pull out fully increase accessible storage options.
• Although more expensive, a vanity with electrically adjustable height counters offer accessibility to all users.

3. Bathroom toilet accessibility

• ADA guideline recommendations are that a toilet be 17”-19” high. This is the most comfortable height for all users. A higher toilet seat makes it easer to lower, stand, or transfer from a wheelchair/walker to the toilet.
• Thicker toilet seats can be used to add height to toilet when replacing the toilet is not an option.
• A wall-hung model toilet can be mounted at a height that is customized for the user.
• Install toilet paper dispenser at a comfortable height that is forward of the bowl.
• Installing a bidet may allow for more privacy and good hygiene for folks who find using toilet paper difficult to use for cleaning. It prevents twisting and reaching to get toilet paper or wipe.
• Consider placement of things a user may need to reach when using the toilet and have them accessible. Items such as extra toilet paper, sanitary products, wipes, and medical equipment.
• Installing at least one grab bar to one side of the toilet at the distance of 18” to nearest wall or fixture is recommended; however, the ideal toilet placement is positioned between two support bars that are 36” apart.

4. Bathroom Lighting

• Good lighting in the bathroom is important in safety. It should be planned to avoid any shadows and create an even lighting. Using natural light as much as possible is ideal.
• Lower light switches so someone in a wheelchair can access them.
• There should be extra light evenly distributed over the entire bathroom to avoid a glare. Dimmers can provide the ability to provide brightness and softness based on users needs.
• Motion detector lights can be used for individuals who have trouble accessing light switches.
• Install switches with a large toggle or push button that doesn’t require one to use a pinching motion to turn off or on.

5. General bathroom access and safety

• An accessible bathroom needs to be 30” x 48” for mobility devices in front of each plumbing fixture and room to turn around in a wheelchair.
• Doorway will need to be widened for wheelchair access. A door into bathroom should be a minimum of 34” wide for wheelchair users. Use lever style door handles that are easier to use than doorknobs.
• A door that swings outward instead of inward will allow more space inside the bathroom.
• Using a pocket door in small spaces is another good option for constructing optimal space.
• Make sure there are no loose bath mats on the floor. Bath mats are an obstacle for people in a wheelchair and a tripping hazard.
• If space allows when designing a bathroom, it should be considered if there is enough space for 2 people if an attendant is needed to assist a user in personal care.
• Providing easily accessible storage compartments with pull out shelves to get clutter out of the way and allow access. Consider individual needs of the user and find best placement of these items within their reach.
• Consider where the best access is for all accessories such as robe hooks, towel bars, paper dispensers, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, shower shelves.
• Lower the hot water maximum heat temperature to prevent any burns in the shower or sink.
• Grounded or lowered electrical outlets should be installed for use of small appliances such as hair dryers, toothbrushes, and electric razors.
• There are also many lifts to look into that provide transfers in the bathroom such as hydraulic chair lifts, sling-type lifts, rolling transfer benches, drop in tubs that have a platform that serve as a transfer bench, etc. Choose fixtures and fittings that are comfortable and convenient such as things that are easy to control with a single hand motion and closed fist or motion control censored fixtures.

This McLean, VA family of four loved their 1960’s home and wonderful neighborhood, but had simply outgrown their space. In particular, they were longing to create larger bedrooms for their two boys as well as a space the boys could call their own. They also wanted to better maximize their first floor space. That’s where SVA Construction Corp Design Build came in. The new design incorporated all of that and more – A second story addition provided the space they needed to stay in their home comfortably and configure a layout that worked for the entire family.

What Was Done

The original first floor of the home contained three bedrooms. By removing walls, one of the rooms was converted into additional living room space and one was turned into an office. The redesigned space also eliminated a hallway that existed right as you entered the front door. The layout now features an open floor plan with kitchen/living room area. A bump-up was added above the stairs from the first to second floors (originally attic stairs) to allow for plenty of headroom. The newly added second floor space was designed to house two bedrooms, one for each child, a full bathroom, a lounge area complete with a homework nook, and a second office, as both homeowners work from home. On both levels, the floors were redone in an oak with an English Chestnut stain. On the exterior, the original light red brick was repainted to match the new smooth Hardie Siding that was chosen in Booth Bay Blue.

A Detailed Plan

As part of the planning process, SVA Construction Corp Design Build created an extensive materials list and 3D renderings of the house – before and after – to help the homeowners visualize the possibilities and eventual outcome. The 3D renderings allowed the homeowners to explore different color, trim and materials options – and even see how landscaping changes would impact the home.

A Masculine Yet Elegant Bathroom

The upstairs bathroom for the two boys was a main area of focus. Plenty of time was taken to ensure that the selections were perfect. The homeowners were looking to create an aesthetically interesting, masculine-feeling space, while at the same time providing the function that they needed. The overall design of the space had a transitional feel with lots of cool greys, blues and whites. Dark grey Crystal Cabinet shaker-style cabinets with clean lines were incorporated into the design along with 12 x 24 dark grey tile flooring. A Carrera (white and grey) marble was chosen for the counter top, and the same tile in a mosaic pattern was used for the shower floor and in a subway tile pattern on the shower walls. Polished chrome fixtures added brilliance to the space and made a definite statement when you walk in. The white sink and toilet stand out beautifully against the grey in the room. Overall a classic sophisticated, masculine look was achieved – two months ahead of schedule!

In The End

The homeowners couldn’t be happier with their beautifully remodeled home and can’t believe how well it functions for them. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when customized to fit a family’s individual tastes and lifestyle.

Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design captures the sun’s energy to keep interiors toasty and save you energy costs. Concrete floors and thick interior walls made of concrete, brick, or plaster soak up heat during the day and release it at night when sunlight goes away or your cozy fire goes out. That helps stabilize temperature fluctuations and makes a room — or house — more comfortable. If your remodel plans don’t include passive solar design, you can always beefing up your insulation is a good alternative.

Thumbs Up for Terrazzo
Chips of recycled glass cast into a concrete slab make up terrazzo, a green countertop choice known for its durability and nearly limitless color options. Recycled components make up the bulk of the material — the glass chips usually come from post-consumer sources, such as bottles and windshields, which make terrazzo a greener choice than granite, however not a less expensive option. On the upside, it’s easy to clean, and so tough that you can put a hot pot directly on it.

Burning Clean
Wood-burning fireplaces are romantic, but they’re messy, inefficient, and produce pollutants that irritate lungs. A more eco-friendly choice: a direct-vent gas fireplace. Direct-vent fireplaces use outside air for combustion and convert up to 80% of the fuel they burn into usable heat (wood-burners convert only about 10% of their fuel). Direct-vent fireplaces don’t require a chimney, either — they can be vented horizontally or vertically.

• Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets

• At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable t-turn space and 36-inch by 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space

• Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250-300 pounds

• Curbless shower, minimum of 36-inches wide, with fold-down seat

• Lower bathtub for easier access

• Adjustable/handheld showerheads with 6-foot hose

• Tub/shower controls offset from center

• Toilet two and a half inches higher than standard toilet (17-19 inches) or height-adjustable

• Wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes

• Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower

Staying in our homes as we age often requires modifications. Some things to consider as family members—or even you—think about staying at home would be installing a no-step shower, grab bars and grips in the bathroom; having proper lighting inside and outside; and reducing the number of steps or decreasing step height. You’ll want a first floor master suite and multi-level or seated food prep areas in the kitchen. For those who strive to be independent, good planning and smart home design are tools that make living-in-place realistic.