Universal Design Archives | SVA Construction Corp Design, Remodel, Build & Creative Accessible Solutions Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:40:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7 Universal Home Design: The Right Choice Now Thu, 03 Oct 2019 17:58:09 +0000 The ultimate goal of Universal Design (UD) is to create a home that works for everyone; now and in the future. This brilliant design makes homes accessible and safer as you age and allows maximum access for those with disabilities. Universal Design can make each room accessible, reduce home accidents and potentially increase resale value.

Age in Place


Perhaps best of all, UD, with just a few important renovations, lets you age in place in the home and neighborhood you love. People live longer today. This creates a greater need for safe living spaces to accommodate extended life spans. Living at home is a less expensive option than moving into an assisted living facility. Another dramatic feature: Universal Design helps homes appreciate in real value. A home built for safety and accessibility appeals to more future buyers. This can protect the value of your home when the housing market declines. Protect your future and get your home ready with Universal Design by calling in the experts, SVA Construction Corp|Design Remodel Build.

SVA Construction Corp: The Universal Design Certified Professional


Choosing a professional contractor to create UD is important. Choosing the right contractor is critical. The best way to get the right contractor for your project is to get referrals. Ask friends and neighbors if they have anyone they can recommend. Take a look at these contractors finished products. When you do this homework, the SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build name will surface again and again. Their innovations are worthy of celebration and study.

A Business Built on Trust


SVA Construction Corp has been creating beautiful, well-crafted renovations using Universal Design principals even before it was called UD. For decades any kind of specialized residential design that was needed to meet the needs of the elderly or disabled was known as “Handicapped”. Now as people are living much longer and the cost of assisted living has sky-rocked, the principals of UD have become necessary to meet the needs of the elderly, handicapped and middle aged people who realize that their quality of life is greatly enhanced when they are able to stay in their homes.

Russ SVA Construction Corp learned this valuable lesson over 30 years ago when his son was born with Cerebral Palsy. Since that day, Russ has committed himself to helping children. adults with those with disabilities live better lives through better home design.

Universal Design and Accessibility features created and built by SVA Construction Corp|Design Remodel Build

Benefits of Universal Design


There are many benefits to Universal Design that create accessibility in every room.

Entranceways
Wide doors provide ease of movement for everyone. Simply changing ordinary door handle to levers will assist all types of people.

Bathroom
Curbless showers and floating vanities are wheelchair accessible and can be used by anyone.

Kitchens
The kitchen can be made better with just a few changes like installing removable lower cupboards and hands-free faucets. Adjustable-height counters with rounded corners make kitchens safer.

There are many more ways and SVA Construction Corp is ready to show you how. Our thoughtful approaches will enrich your life and make living at home feel so much easier.

Plan, Design and Create a Universal Designed Home Today!
SVA Construction Corp, the leading group for home additions, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to renovate and innovate universal design for your home. We are so proud to lead with our creativity, design and forward-thinking to help you love and enjoy your home even more. That’s why so many homeowners have called on us to start the interior design process. 
 
SVA Construction Corp was built on a foundation of integrity, care, and understanding. From day one our mission has been to provide superior design, remodel and construction services to customers that value their fine homes. For over 40 years we’ve strived to exceed expectations focused on professionalism, clear communication, quality, craftsmanship and meeting unique needs.

For all your additions, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a new project with a knowledgeable consultant you can contact us on or website or call one of the phone numbers below:

Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

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Age in Place: Because Home Is Truly Where the Heart Is Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:38:40 +0000 Every senior asks themselves this question. Should I stay or should I go?
Do you stay in the home you love? Or go to an assisted living facility? For many, it’s much more than just a move. It’s a deeply emotional decision that’s life-changing.

Our homes are where we feel safe and secure, and for good reasons. We know our homes. We know our neighbors. And we know our neighborhoods. But it’s also about comfort. Of the many benefits of aging in place, the most important one is that living independently at home is a safer and healthier option. Studies prove it. So the question that needs to be answered is: who will take care of you better, the loved ones around you or strangers in an assisted living facility?

Safety above all
Author Mary Shelley said, “ nothing is as painful to the human mind as great and sudden change.” For many years your home has been the place that you’ve connected with deeply. And having to leave the familiarity of a family home can be jarring and stressful. By staying in your home, you’re able to continue the life you love and participate more closely in the lives of your children, grandchildren and the community with which you’re familiar.

But it’s a safety issue as well. And a home designed to age in place can offer you the same security and enhancements as assisted living homes without the stress of overcrowding, overworked and potentially careless staff and the common spread of infectious diseases which are prevalent in assisted living facilities.

SVA Construction Corp can help
The SVA Construction Corp Design Remodel Build team has years of experience designing accessible and age in place projects and they are well versed in the unique needs of families for whom physical disability is part of day-to-day life. The entire SVA Construction Corp team has developed a passion to serve this community and anyone who wishes to remain in their home for life.

Images of the Alter/Lott home featured in the Washington Post 8/22/2019

Recently the Washington Post, in an article by Wendy A. Jordan, highlighted SVA Construction Corp’s desire for excellence. “His Rockville firm, SVA Construction Corp Design Build, specializes in accessibility, aging in place and universal design — an approach that incorporates safety and convenience features that blend into attractive home designs. A home that is comfortable and safe for aging in place generally has a number of features, including the option for one-story living; an open plan with wide passageways and doorways; rooms and showers large enough for wheelchairs to navigate; at least one step less entry; and low thresholds. Other features include: smooth floors; good lighting; storage and work surfaces that are easy to see and reach; easy-grip handles; grab bars; comfort-height commodes; easy-to-operate windows; HVAC and other equipment; low-maintenance materials and systems; appliances that are safe and easy to use; and stairs with handrails, deep treads and shallow risers.”

Plan, Design and Create the right place to age in place today!
SVA Construction Corp Design Remodel Build, the area’s leading group for custom home renovation, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to create age in place living. We are so proud to lead with our creativity, design and forward thinking to help seniors stay in their homes and get more families to live together under one roof.

For over 40 years we’ve strived to exceed expectations focused on professionalism, clear communication, quality, craftsmanship and meeting unique needs. Whether you’re considering a full custom home renovation, a master bath addition or a luxury kitchen remodel, we’re here to help.

If you’d like to discuss a new project with a knowledgeable consultant, you can contact us on our website or call one of the phone numbers below:
Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

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Aging In Place With Attractive Designs Wed, 28 Aug 2019 13:47:59 +0000

By Wendy A. Jordan, Washington Post, August 22

Soon after Foster Lott and his wife, Katharine Alter, bought their two-story, 1945 house, they began talking about ways to improve it, and saving up to do so.

Sixteen years went by and they were still talking about it. But in 2016, Lott’s hip was giving him an increasingly hard time — he’s in his 70s and she’s in her 60s — and they realized it was time to actually do the remodel.

By then they had added an important priority to their plans: They would not only give the house an aesthetic upgrade but also adapt the main level for one-floor living so it would be possible to stay in the house as they aged and faced mobility issues.

The couple say they loved their University Park, Md., neighborhood. But their lackluster, 2,200-square-foot Cape Cod? Not so much. The 1,678-square-foot first floor, in particular, cried for change. It was cramped, Lott says, with “lots of little rooms and partitions.”

The kitchen and first-floor bathroom were small, dingy and dated. The small screen porch in a back corner offered tranquil views but was unsightly, dilapidated and only usable weather permitting. In front, a steep yard and five entry stairs were forbidding.

Alter had a head start in evaluating ways to make the house safe and functional for people with mobility or other challenges. As a physician specializing in rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities, she says, “I understand the needs.”

One of her longtime patients is the son of remodeler Russ SVA Construction Corp. His Rockville firm, SVA Construction Corp Design Build, specializes in accessibility, aging in place and universal design — an approach that incorporates safety and convenience features that blend into attractive home designs. Alter and Lott knew of many such projects that SVA Construction Corp had done over the years and turned to him to handle their remodel.

Their wish list

A home that is comfortable and safe for aging in place generally has a number of features, including the option for one-story living; an open plan with wide passageways and doorways; rooms and showers large enough for wheelchairs to navigate; at least one stepless entry; and low thresholds.

Other features include: smooth floors; good lighting; storage and work surfaces that are easy to see and reach; easy-grip handles; grab bars; comfort-height commodes; easy-to-operate windows; HVAC and other equipment; low-maintenance materials and systems; appliances that are safe and easy to use; and stairs with handrails, deep treads and shallow risers.

The remodeled first floor of the Lott-Alter home is open and spacious to accommodate a wheelchair in the future. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Lott and Alter were looking to adapt their house using the universal design method, but in a modified way, selecting the accessibility features most important to them and forgoing others because they expect one of them to need fewer accommodations. They wanted an open, more contemporary living area that incorporated a modernized kitchen and a sunroom. They planned to convert a small first-floor room and bath into a master suite, add a stepless entry and invest in other needed improvements, such as new roofing.

SVA Construction Corp designed a remodel that delivered on all their priorities. “We presented a proposed ‘base plan’ and overall price which included things considered ‘must-haves,’ along with a separate menu list of options from which they could pick and choose, with individual prices attached,” he says. “That was an easy way for the clients to choose what was most important for them based on their desired features and related costs.”

They chose many of them but opted against building a larger front porch and did not replace all the hardwood floors. They did not install radiant floor heating or a separate bidet in the bathroom. They also decided not to paint rooms elsewhere in the house and did not add a second floor loft over the expanded sunroom.

The project began in April 2016 and was completed in early 2017. The first-floor portion of the remodel, including major structural work and numerous custom and premium products, came to about $261,000.

Open-concept overhaul

By removing three load-bearing walls and replacing them with overhead beams to support the second story, SVA Construction Corp dramatically transformed the main floor. One wall ran across part of the back of the house. Removing that wall and the shabby screen porch made way for a sparkling sunroom that absorbs the porch area and adds 200 square feet. The spacious room, with a cathedral ceiling, recessed lighting, and large insulated windows across the walls and up to the ceiling peak, is a bright retreat that embraces backyard views and can be enjoyed year-round.

The sunroom extension also solved the puzzle of where to put a step-free entry. The front yard was too steep to accommodate an accessible ramp, so SVA Construction Corp looked behind the house instead. He wrapped a paved walkway from the driveway and garage to a no-step, flat-threshold sunroom doorway. A slight pitch at the entry channels rainwater into a linear drain, obviating the need for deep eaves that would block light.

The sunroom forms one end of a broad, L-shaped open space that bends around a bedroom and bathroom to fill most of the main floor. SVA Construction Corp removed two interior walls by the central staircase and hall to unlock this open plan.

Taking out one of the interior walls eliminated the hall — which represents an accessibility adaptation in itself — and merged the hall space into the living room, for a gain of four feet in room width. Taking out the stair wall enhanced the airy and open kitchen/eating space that occupies the old kitchen and dining room area. Interior designer Pari Darvish specified the sleek stainless-steel and cable custom handrails that flank the stairs.

The first-floor bathroom has two openings — one is wide to accommodate a wheelchair. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

In another stroke of creativity, SVA Construction Corp reconfigured the first-floor bathroom. Originally a tiny rectangular space notched into the bedroom, it was too small to be made wheelchair accessible. And guests had to walk into the rear of the house to use it.

Now the bathroom is a spacious ­77-square-foot trapezoid that angles across the center of the first floor. It has two entries — a narrow one occupying an available opening from a living room corner and a wider, accessible one from the bedroom. A bathroom wall cuts a stylish swath across the living room, giving the bathroom more of the space that was gained by eliminating the hall.

The bathroom is itself an open space. It is a doorless wet room that includes a roomy shower area with a built-in bench and adjustable, handheld shower head. A slim, slightly indented linear drain channels the water away. The adjacent toilet/bidet is wall-mounted at a comfortable seating height.

The sink and counter are wall-mounted as well, and the custom vanity underneath can be removed if needed to make room for a seated user to pull up close. For now, Lott and Alter wanted the vanity. They also chose not to install grab bars alongside the toilet, though blocking in the walls will allow easy installation later.

Darvish recommended a blend of bathroom tiles that are both practical and attractive. The entire room is tiled in warm tones. “I love the colors,” Lott says. Large, 4-by-12-inch tiles streak across the walls. Complementary mosaic floor tiles are small, one-inch hexagons. The honeycomb of grout lines around them makes the floor less slippery. The tile is easy to maintain and, because the toilet has no pedestal, cleaning the floor underneath is simple.

Lott and Alter chose a clean, contemporary aesthetic for the living area, pairing simple, white shelving and cabinets with stainless-steel accents. Smooth, oak flooring runs throughout the space; existing and new flooring was stained to mesh seamlessly. The couple chose solid fir four-panel interior doors. The custom fir sunroom door has glass panels to coordinate. The homeowners kept the old doorknobs, because they like the look. If they need easy-grip lever handles later, they can make the switch.

Most of the cabinets are below the counter and can be easily reached from a seated position. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

The 13-by-12-foot kitchen opens widely to the sunroom for smooth access. A peninsula adds counter and storage space on the kitchen side. On the other side, it forms an eating bar and defines the dining area of the open plan. The counter tops are soapstone, a durable, easy-care material. Most of the kitchen cabinets and drawers are below the counter and easy to reach. Roll-out shelving and full-extension drawers bring all contents into view. Linear stainless-steel pulls on cabinets and drawers are easy to grasp. A pantry closet — with shelves inside the door as well as along walls — keeps supplies handy.

The easy-to-clean stainless-steel appliances include a dishwasher, a stacked oven and a microwave raised several inches above floor level. The height allows for convenient access and transfer of food from oven to counter.

The refrigerator is recessed into the wall, which maximizes clear floor space. The cooktop is an induction unit, so it is not hot to the touch. Controls for the cooktop vent are in front and reachable from a seated position.

To harmonize with the appliances and stair rails, Darvish designed stainless-steel shelving for the walls next to the kitchen window. These open shelves are stunning to look at and keep items visible. Because they would be hard to reach from a wheelchair, though, they are one of the aesthetic choices that Lott and Alter made based on one person being less physically limited.

SVA Construction Corp’s crew installed more of the base cabinets along the adjacent sunroom wall and built display shelving over them. The design adds storage, bridges the transition to the sunroom and conserves open floor area.

Lasting results

Alter has two favorite features of the remodel. “I love the soapstone countertop in the kitchen,” she says, “and the sunroom design, which re-creates the feel of a back porch and opens up the sunroom, kitchen and dining room to the back garden.”

Lott is especially fond of two devices added to the house. One is the mount for the flat-panel television over the living room fireplace. To lower the TV for viewing, he uses a low-force mount mechanism; a red light on the handle illuminates if the TV is getting too hot, signaling Lott to move it up again.

Lott’s other favorite? A central vacuum system with retractable hoses in each room. As the spouse charged with floor cleaning, he says he’s delighted that there’s no need to drag hoses around.

The house remodel encompassed other significant improvements, including new rear roof lines, low-maintenance PVC siding and energy-saving HVAC equipment. The discovery of foundation cracks and a water main problem precipitated significant changes to the basement.

SVA Construction Corp spruced up the front of the house with an entry portico featuring a curved metallic overhang. New arches over the second-floor dormers match the portico.

From the street, the house still resembles the other Cape Cods in the neighborhood.

“When you walk in, you get the wow factor,” highlighted by views through the house to the back window, says SVA Construction Corp team member Tim Birsin.

“Aesthetically and functionally, the open floor plan is a big improvement,” Lott says. It has spoiled me. I would never want to go back to the way the house was.”

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Universal Design Sparks a Revolution Thu, 25 Jul 2019 22:09:27 +0000 Universal Design can be summed up in one dramatic word: Inclusion. Years ago, we at SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build started using Universal Design in the remodeling of homes and offices and we’re proud to say this idea has now spread to every corner of our culture. Universal Design was invented to be the people’s servant, to help them master day-to-day living. It’s an ideal that speaks to and involves everyone and translates to the design of products for everyone regardless of age, size or ability.

Look around. You can see its influence on changing our day to day living. Restaurants now have curbed access ramps. Homes have elevators. Cars have eyes in the front and back, automated doors even closed captioning in television sets and accessibility features for computers.

Universal Design is Found in Places you never expected

We live in a culture where everyone strives to be included. Universal Design gets us there. Universal Design has found itself in places like the iPhone, which improves access and usability to smartphones for people who are not technologically savvy. It’s in our kitchen; the OXO Good Grips kitchen utensils, which have oversized handles that are easier to grip. Most people do not realize that these products are examples of universal design.

SVA Construction Corp a leading force in Universal Design


Universal Design marks a new era – a permanent revolution – in homes from California to Washington D.C. In this area, SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build has been a major player building better lives for parents and their children. If you want to age in place, SVA Construction Corp is the right company to call. Or if you simply want to remodel your kitchen with things like grab bars or rollout drawers, we are the right company for you.

Universal Design means everyone is included no one is left behind. The principals are all there and all you have to do is access them. We are ready to help. Planning for your future in your home remodel can be easy, practical and beautiful. For more than 40 years, SVA Construction Corp has been partnering with families, individuals and corporations to create refined, environmentally conscious, and visually striking universal designs.

Age In Place Basics


Unfortunately, homes actually age faster than we do. When you first bought your home those high ceilings, circular stairways and step-up entrances were beautiful. But now the home’s steep steps and narrow doorways make it less livable. Suddenly, things that you once took for granted, like turning on the lights, unlocking your door, or turning on the water in your shower have suddenly become difficult. For aging in place, changes are needed.

The SVA Construction Corp team will work with you
When we sit down with our clients we find that most people want to stay in the comfort, security and independence that their home provides. That’s why you need a contractor with over 40 years of experience in getting the job done right. SVA Construction Corp knows every individual is different, every home is different and we work hard to make sure that the homeowner is comfortable with their new age in place space. Whether you’re looking for a completely remodeled home, or to remodel hardworking rooms like your kitchen and bathroom to make them safer, less complicated, and more convenient, SVA Construction Corp’s award-winning teams know Universal Design and will build the space that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Plan, Design and Create Universal Design Today!
SVA Construction Corp, the leading group for home design and remodeling, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to create universal design living. We know that aging in place is strongly linked to greater health and happiness and that’s why we are so proud to offer our experience, creativity, design to help you stay in your home and encourage more families to live together under one roof.

For all your building, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a new project with a knowledgeable Universal Design consultant, you can contact us via our site or call us at one of the phone numbers below:
Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

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Lifting Spirits with Mechanical Lifts Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:41:15 +0000 A mechanical lift changed our world. It was called the elevator. An invention that gave rise to the skyscraper and centuries later it’s still creating new ways to live and work.
Today mechanical lifts can be individualized to give amazing accessibility to those in wheelchairs, using walkers and people with limited mobility. Today mechanical lifts are making life better in homes all across this area. The industry leader to remodel your home for more accessibility is SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build.

Helping people stay in their home

SVA Construction Corp is a family-owned business. For more than 40 years, we have remodeled homes with ceiling lifts, home elevators, stairlifts and many more mechanical apparatuses to help families realize a better quality of life. For those with mobility needs, eliminating walking up and downstairs makes it easier to stay in your home. Now people in wheelchairs or walkers can get access to every floor, which gives them more years in the home they love, surrounded by the people that love them.

mechanical lifts

Elevating Lives


Most homes in our area are two levels. As we age, moving between those levels becomes more difficult. If your home includes someone in a wheelchair or an aging parent who has difficulty climbing stairs on his or her own, you need a solution. Thanks to SVA Construction Corp’s expertise, families are installing home elevators to assist loved ones with moving from floor to floor. Depending on your home and needs, installation can be quicker than you think. The experts at SVA Construction Corp will evaluate your home and chose the best options after thoroughly researching what best for you. This one adjustment to your home can mean that elderly family members do not have to be placed in a retirement home but can rather stay with family.

Elevator Options


An elevator can be added using existing square footage or a shaft can be built on the home’s exterior if there is not adequate space in the existing home. Our designers can create a plan that adds to the visual interest and beauty to your home both inside and out, in addition to the functionality it provides. A shaft built along the exterior of your house with doors opening into the home can be a great option. A 6-foot by 6-foot addition can often be enough and lets you preserve the look of your interior.
Today elevators for home usually increase in your home’s resale value which means you’re selling into a much larger market.

Stair Lifts


Stairlifts provide another option for helping those with limited mobility move around the house. They are perfect for many staircases and are used by one person at a time. They’re installed on your existing staircase, so little remodeling is needed. If you’d like to learn more about chair lifts, call SVA Construction Corp. Our experts will come into your home to measure your staircase’s slope, width and style and create a custom design to fit your mobility needs. Chair lifts bring independence and accessibility to the home you love.

Ceiling Lifts


Safety, comfort and home surroundings help the wellbeing of any immobile individual. For immobile people who need helping getting in and out of bed, ceiling lifts are a life-saving solution. The experts at SVA Construction Corp will show you how ceiling lifts can be mounted directly into your home’s ceiling beams a path can be customized to guide the individual from room to room.

Plan, Design and Create: A better life with mechanical lifts today!


SVA Construction Corp, the leading contracting firm for home design and remodeling, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to create in-home mechanical lifts. A home should have accessibility for everyone no matter what the need and with the advent of new mechanical products, anyone can stay in their home.

Exceeding Expectations

For all your building, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a new project with a knowledgeable consultant, you can contact us via our website or call us at one of the phone numbers below:


Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320


SVA Construction Corp has been a pioneer in the field of installing home elevators and other mechanical lifts for families for over 40 years. We utilize our experience, design and knowledge of the latest advances to make the best choices. SVA Construction Corp was built on a foundation of integrity, care, and understanding. From day one, our mission has been to provide superior design, remodeling and construction services to customers that value their fine homes. We strive to exceed expectations by focusing on professionalism, clear communication, quality, craftsmanship and meeting unique needs.

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Get a new home without buying a new house Fri, 05 Jul 2019 16:22:19 +0000

It’s called whole home renovation.

Perhaps you’re looking to sell your home and want increase the property value. Or perhaps you’re closing on a house and wish to create your dream home. Or, you are a senior and you just want to age in place and you need to make your home safer, more accessible, and more livable for many, many years years to come. Then you’re ready to call SVA Construction Corp | Design Remodel Build. A family firm that brings a focus on building and renovating homes for life.

Don’t over-do your do-over


Home remodeling projects can be complicated. That’s why you need to feel comfortable and entrust the most experienced professionals. SVA Construction Corp focuses on designs, which are based on master plans that can be implemented in phases over the long term. The firm has specialized experience with aging-in-place, accessible and universal design that beautifully and comfortably accommodate our clients’ day-to-day needs.

For over 40 years our family focused team has been handling everything from the simplest of single room remodels to the largest and most complex renovation projects in this area. We have earned the premier reputation for doing quality work on time and on budget.

Before Images of Whole House renovation

Only use experts for home renovations


The expertise of each member of the SVA Construction Corp team extends to every area of home remodeling. We sit and study the needs every client and we pride ourselves on customizing services to the needs and preferences of every client.

If you’re new to your home, we recommend to live in your house for a while before making any plans to overhaul. This enables you to learn the house flow. Like where the groceries are delivered, and the best place to put the laundry. How the sun hits the house and how rain flows off it. All of this will inform your choices when you make your renovation plan.

Rendering and images of SVA Construction Corp’s Whole House renovation.

Where to start the project: Kitchen and Bathroom


The SVA Construction Corp team of remodeling professionals evaluates your existing home, use of space, and your future needs to determine the best way to seamlessly add or reconfigure space that is customized for your lifestyle. The kitchen, along with the bathroom, are the most remodeled rooms in any home. This makes them great places to start your whole home renovation.


SVA Construction Corp creates all kinds of kitchens from indoor to outside patio places to grill. There are many possibilities from a design perspective. If you don’t know what you want, let’s push the limits together. You’ll have a designer ready to explore all possibilities, with the latest tech and year-round functionality.

The family bathroom has multiple users, whether children or houseguests and works very hard to accommodate them all. Future-proofing a bathroom is a prudent way to prepare for all stages of life. SVA Construction Corp| Design Remodel Build will take you through the process of creating a bathroom that is safe, healthy and functional for all family members.

Plan, Design and Create A Whole Home Renovation Today!


SVA Construction Corp, the leading group for home design and remodeling, provides customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to create a whole home renovation. This re-do can make everything from the entryway to the bathrooms to kitchen and bedrooms safer, more accessible and perfect if you want to age in place or just enjoy a better life. SVA Construction Corp was built on a foundation of integrity, care, and understanding. From day one our mission has been to provide superior design, remodel and construction services to customers that value their fine homes. For over 40 years we’ve strived to exceed expectations while focusing on professionalism, clear communication, quality craftsmanship and meeting unique needs.

For all of your building, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp|Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss whole home remodeling with a knowledgeable consultant contact us on our website or one of the phone numbers below:
Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

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Enhance Your Homes Outer Beauty Wed, 19 Jun 2019 17:13:56 +0000 Update the Exterior of Your Home and Enhance the interior.

We live in a world of first impressions. Outer beauty captivates our eyes. Drive by a house and the outside tells us if we’d wish to go inside. A truth universally acknowledged by real-estate brokers and home improvements sites is that anyone looking to increase the property value of a home on the market needs only to paint the outside, renovate their kitchen or baths and then see maximum results. But what if you want to live in your home for a long time? Then you need more than just changing to a fancy front door, you may need an age in place remodel. As houses age roofs, siding, stairs, windows and decks deteriorate due to weather exposure, so a major exterior remodeling may be needed to protect your biggest investment. If you live in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland area it’s a good idea to call SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build.

Beautiful designs and exteriors created by SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build

New life for older homes


Major exterior remodeling can be the perfect solution if you love your location and neighborhood but simply need a house that looks and functions better.  Exterior remodeling can add immense beauty. Replacing your home’s roof, siding, windows, doors and gutters will make your home look like new. These updates can increase resale value, convenience, personal comfort and energy efficiency. They also will protect your home structurally by preventing water damage, wood rot, insect infestation and toxic mold.

How to Budget for Major Exterior Renovation


The first question clients ask us when considering a remodeling project is “How much is it going to cost”? At SVA Construction Corp we sit with our clients to understand their needs. A good place to start – figure out your budget ahead of time. We then go over the size of the space being renovated and the materials that are right for the home. Our experienced team of designers and craftsman will be extremely helpful in presenting options that allow you to get the ultimate look and functionality needed while staying within budget.

No detail too small for major exterior remodeling- including the roof!


Your home’s outside presents your space to the rest of the world, and naturally, you want it to make a strong first impression. That starts at the top with the roof. The roof is one of those things that, when it looks right, no one may notice — but when it’s wrong, is an eyesore. When SVA Construction Corp puts a new roof on your home, the practical must come first. SVA Construction Corp designers help you select the best options in your price range, the material and hue that will work best with the style and color of your home, and one that fits in with neighborhood landscape. This is what SVA Construction Corp means when we say no detail is too small.

SVA Construction Corp can do it all for you


At SVA Construction Corp and we will deliver an exterior remodel that can totally change the style and feel of your home. We will go over every detail whether you are looking to add some color, change the color completely, improve energy efficiency, replace worn out windows, fix and upgrade the roof or just add some more living space. And you can either do a complete renovation at once or a little at a time.
Here are just some of SVA Construction Corp’s exterior remodeling services:
•Shingle Roofing or Metal Roofing
•Decks, Porches & Patios
•New Siding
•New Doors, Windows & Replacement Windows

Contact SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build Today!
A major exterior remodel is a great way to increase the value, space and way to make your home more energy efficient. If you’re thinking about enhancing your homes exterior, now is the time to call SVA Construction Corp.

SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build is the leading group for home design and remodeling, providing customers in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and the Maryland area with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. SVA Construction Corp was built on a foundation of integrity, care, and understanding. From day one our mission was providing superior design, remodel and construction services to customers that value their fine homes. For over 40 years we’ve strived to exceed expectations focused on professionalism, clear communication, quality, craftsmanship and meeting unique needs. For all of your building, renovations and remodeling needs, SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build is the right choice. If you’d like to discuss a potential project with a knowledgeable consultant, contact us via our site or one of the phone numbers below.

Maryland: (301) 444-4663
Virginia: (703) 832-8159
Washington, DC: (202) 792-7320

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The Ultimate Guide to Aging in Place Thu, 16 May 2019 20:06:29 +0000 Wow, who would have thought the Woodstock generation would actually get old. Life happens. Unfortunately, our homes are actually aging faster than we are. When you bought your home those high ceilings, circular stairways step and-up entrance was inviting. But now, the home’s steep steps and narrow doorways are becoming problems. Suddenly things that you once took for granted, like turning on the lights, unlocking your door, or turning on the water in your shower are difficult.

Stay in your Home and Live Well


You can do more than just hope to remain in your home and community as you age— you can stay in your home and live well. But you need to call SVA Construction Corp Design Remodel Build, the ideal resource in the Washington, DC Metro area for custom solutions to aging in place. Many in this area are calling now to take advantage of SVA Construction Corp’s 40 years of experience. We specialize in providing products and services that allow people to stay in the current residence for years to come. SVA Construction Corp’s goal is to create a safe, accessible and comfortable home that blends universal design usability and with stunningly beautiful appeal.

A Cost Effective Solution for Home Remodeling


Remodeling can be a very reasonable alternative to the high cost of care in an assisted-living facility or even a nursing home. The best way to live at home is to start thinking about it now. And we realize that planning ahead may be difficult because you never know how your needs might change. That’s why the first step is to come and see SVA Construction Corp designers. They are the experts.

SVA Construction Corp will help you think about what you might want in the near future. Maybe you live alone, so there is no one living in your home that is available to help you. Maybe you don’t need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situation.

SVA Construction Corp has designed and created numerous remodeling projects for aging in place. There are many possibilities from a design perspective and our clients are sometimes surprised when they learn there is a functional and beautiful solution to every remodeling challenge.

SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build Project Examples:

Upgrading the bathrooms

SVA Construction Corp designers will conduct a full assessment of your bathroom. During the planning process, our designers keep your concerns and desires in mind as they guide you through the many options available. Your needs drive design – what do you envision in your new bathroom? We will take a look at all the access points to the bathroom with safety being our first concern. If your house was built years ago there will be turn handle faucets, a deep bathtub, a narrow door and a step-up shower with sliding glass doors. We have seen these before and we have ideas for the changes you will need. For example, there are several universal design considerations to make for someone with limited mobility, including safety bars, walk-in showers, wall-mounted sinks, wider doorways with paddle handles, and open floor space.

More than 2/3 of emergency room visits (of baby boomers/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.

The Checklist for your Kitchen Remodel


Here are some things to consider for your next kitchen remodel so that it works for you now and as you age in place.
* Counters
* Wall support and provisions for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
* Upper wall cabinetry three inches lower than conventional height
* Accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
* Base cabinet with roll-out trays and lazy susans
* Pull-down shelving
* Glass-front cabinet doors
* Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items
* Appliances
* Easy to read controls
* Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
* Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
* Side-swing or wall oven
* Raised dishwasher with push-button controls
* Electric cooktop with level burners for safety in transferring between the burners, front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when the surface is hot
* Miscellaneous
* 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns
* Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
* Open under-counter seated work areas
* Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas
* Loop handles for easy grip and pull
* Pull-out spray faucet; levered handles

Contact SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build Today!

To quote Robert Browning:
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be…
There’s no reason to leave your home just because you’re getting older. Today you have a great resource like SVA Construction Corp that has the skill, experience and understanding. 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.

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The Perfect Plan for Mother In-Law Suites Thu, 09 May 2019 22:00:35 +0000 Remember the Waltons? A popular TV show in the 70’s, the Walton’s showed us how wonderful multi-generational living could be. Well that was TV and fantasy. At that time families largely were two-generational, with parents and minor-age children under one roof. But now times have changed. People are living longer. But for older people getting around in their homes becomes harder. There’s a solution to keep the joy and security for seniors living at home. It’s called Mother-In-Law Suites. And the ideal resource in the Washington, DC Metro, Northern Virginia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac areas for in-law additions and mother-in-law suite additions is SVA Construction Corp/Design Remodel Build.

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.

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Universal Design for Kitchens and Baths -The SVA Construction Corp Way Tue, 30 Apr 2019 13:46:06 +0000 https://www.glickmansolutions.com/?p=12242 Great Design should be part of every home. But that great design for homes bought years ago will need to change, as we get older, to meet the needs of people with disabilities and couples who wish to age-in-place. There is a solution. It’s called Universal Design.

The Experts in Universal Design (UD)

    Russ SVA Construction Corp

For over four decades SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build has used UD concepts to create award-winning living space. For our founder Russ SVA Construction Corp, it’s been part of his personal story. Russ is the father of a child with cerebral palsy. Also as a caretaker for an aging parent, he is well versed in the unique needs and sensitivities of families where physical disability is part of their day-to-day life.

What We Do

We didn’t coin the phrase Universal Design, but it’s been a part of our philosophy for as long as we’ve been in business. When you’re considering adding UD concepts into your home, we’ll sit down with you and detail how using UD will make your life easier for the many years you live in your home. We will help you develop a plan focused on SVA Construction Corp experience, capabilities, and ingenuity.

Every Detail Important
We review every aspect of the home. Little things that can make a huge difference like avoiding sharp boundaries between rooms without doorways. Lowering height light switches? and raised height electrical outlets so there’s no bending down.

The Universal Open-Concept Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most important part for most homes. On weekends the place is party central. The whole family seems to do everything there. It’s a game room, TV room, office and kitchen all rolled into one. On holidays it’s where you entertain.

A SVA Construction Corp kitchen featuring Universal Design concepts

Open concept kitchens maximize the appearance of space, and give better functionality and UD design. Open concept spaces eliminate barriers such as walls and doors that traditionally separate areas, such as kitchen, living room, and dining room.

When redoing a kitchen you may want to consider appliance drawers that pull out instead of doors for dishwasher/refrigerator/freezer. Also rounded corners on countertops make life in kitchen safer for adults and children

The Universal Design Bathroom


A SVA Construction Corp bathroom featuring Universal Design concepts

SVA Construction Corp is an expert for safer bathrooms. Many universal design features are luxurious in nature such as curb-less oversized showers, extra wide doorways, and heated non-slip floors. You can also remodel with Euro-Style Showers that are larger and have a smaller step to enter. SVA Construction Corp takes care of details like:
•Wall mounted vanity to open up more floor space?.
•Shower and bathtub valves that are easy to reach?.
•Single handle valves that turn on the water and adjust the temperature as you turn one handle.

Call SVA Construction Corp

You probably have many questions about Universal Design and the professionals at SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build are happy to inform, educate and address your many concerns. Universal Design will make your home safer, more inviting and better for aging-in-place. We guarantee it.

One of the biggest benefits of remodeling with SVA Construction Corp is that our work will add significant value to your home; especially if you are investing in your home for resale value or leaving it to your children.

But remember, don’t do it yourself. Kitchen and bath remodeling are major projects. Finding the right materials and using the right tools is a serious undertaking. Leave this to the professionals. SVA Construction Corp’s design and construction teams are ready with skill, care and expertise.

The team at SVA Construction Corp stands alone as the leading contractor in the Washington, D.C. Northern Virginia and Maryland areas. Contact or call SVA Construction Corp/ Design Remodel Build at 301-444-4663.

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