A fresh, updated look for her master and hall bathrooms and decks was the goal of this home remodel.  The homeowner, a frequent traveler, stays in fabulous hotels and wanted her own home to have the same spa-like luxury that she experiences when she travels.

A few must-haves on the homeowners’ list…a fix for a leaking master bath shower and better master bedroom closet organization.

The scope of work for the project was extensive and included:

Master Bathroom: Removing a fireplace wall, installing a custom closet system and adding built-in drawers.

Laundry room: New cabinets and flooring.

Guest room: A window seat.

Interior and Exterior: New hardwood floors and paint throughout the second floor and new decks and planter outside.

The homeowner was especially excited about the master bathroom that featured a Robern medicine cabinet, an Amba heated towel rack, feature wall with tile, and wall mounted fixtures. Another unique design feature is the bench spanning the glass from the shower into the bathroom. Careful attention needed to be paid to the structural viability of this. Another fun design element was the use of horizontal balusters on the deck rails and screens to incorporate a more updated and modern style.

In the end we were able to create a respite within the home. The homeowner wanted a spa-like environment in her master bath that had bold, yet at the same time restrained statement pieces which were accomplished with the tile feature wall as well as the wall mounted fixtures and shower bench. The hall bath also had modern touches with a white straight-stacked subway tile paired with a gray grout and contemporary fixtures. The home features a modern style throughout so the renovations help tie the entire space together beautifully.

Unusual Challenges
The biggest challenge on this job was the fact that we had one month to complete the project and being on the 18th floor of the condominium building presented challenges in terms of ease of getting in and out of the building. Working in condos regularly; our team knew the ins and outs of being as efficient as possible when dealing with parking, elevator and other building issues. Working with limited design options, we had to choose materials that we knew would look great and be available to fit our timeframe for completion. Knowing which products are easier to get than others, we were able to select materials that would meet our time constraints while at the same time look great. And knowing that we had limited design options being a condo bathroom, we were able to come up with a plan that suited the space perfectly while accommodating the clients’ needs.

Before

Before and After Floor Plans

The Result

The result of this project was a re-designed condominium bathroom that looked beautiful and provided the functionality that the homeowner desired. An accessible shower, a toilet and sink along with grab bars transformed the room perfectly. The homeowner’s didn’t see the project until it was complete and were truly shocked by the transformation. They didn’t realize an accessible bathroom could look so beautiful at the same time. They couldn’t wait to show off the new space to their friends. View Project

“We could not have been more pleased! I can’t even describe the look on Curtis’ (my husband’s) face–the smile was enormous and so wonderfully genuine. You guys did an amazing job.” – C. B.

The homeowners talked to several contractors about their need for a 4-story and 4-stop elevator addition to their large Northern Virginia home, however either they did not get call backs from most after they saw the project or they received very high estimates.

The elevator was a convenience that was very important to them.

The homeowner who is a top executive with a large defense contracting firm in the area, originally thought that based on the size of the home they may need even two elevators to accomplish their goals. But the SVA Construction Corp Team provided a one-elevator solution.

The project was quite complex and required unique solutions in a variety of ways –

• A structure had to be designed which would not require cutting into the master bedroom space because it would have been costly to reframe and refinish the existing master bedroom coffered ceiling.

• The elevator structure had to be freestanding because it was built next to a chimney and could not be attached to the chimney to be used as a support structure. So it needed to be built with steel and wood framing and brick that had to match the existing brick.

• It required matching the existing slate roof.

• Major structural work was required to tie the new structure into the roof and create a finished access pathway in the attic from the elevator lobby into the completed area.

• It required a complex drainage solution because it was resting on an underground spring.

This elevator addition could not have turned out more beautiful and seamless with the existing structure. The homeowner selected a very high-end elevator adorned with mirrors, beveled edges and gorgeous brass. The trims especially the floors with inlays are spectacular. Functionality also wasn’t spared as the elevator featured auto-open doors. The homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled with their elevator addition that truly exceeded all of their expectations.

Size: Size is pretty important when designing a screened-in porch. Homeowners don’t generally wish that their porch was smaller, but will regret if they go too small in their design. Your designer can help you determine the best size for your space and needs.

Dining Area: When planning a porch, make sure to include room for a dining area. Meals just taste better out on the porch. Think about the table size you will be using. Maybe you want seating for six or eight. Just imagine all the breakfasts, cookouts and dinner parties you can have with friends and family out on the porch.

Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a must when it comes to a screened-in porch. Not only do they provide you with cool breezes, they add much ambiance to the porch. They are even great on cooler days as their slow movement gently circles overhead. One fan is good, two are even better if it’s a good size porch. Be sure to buy exterior grade fans as they will withstand the elements much better than an interior grade fan.

Lighting: Lighting is so important in any space, be it indoors or out. Think about how you will use the space to determine the best lighting options for you. Including lots of outlets allows for flexibility down the road.

Music: When relaxing in your screened-in porch, there’s nothing better than listening to your favorite tunes. Pre-wiring for outdoor speakers is a great addition to any outdoor area.

Ceiling Height: Think about raising the ceiling if possible. Raising the ceiling will make a smaller porch feel much bigger, and can really help the porch feel even cooler letting the cool night breezes in.

Jacuzzis and TV’s: If entertainment is what you are looking for in your screened-in space, think about fun additions like a TV or Jacuzzi tub for more summertime fun.

Whatever options you choose for your screened-in porch, you can’t go wrong in adding a relaxing outdoor retreat to your backyard that you and your family can enjoy all summer long.

SVA Construction Corp Design Build ~ June 2014 Homes for Life Newsletter

The homeowners, perennial city dwellers, decided that they were in a place in their lives that they wanted more space in their home and thus opted to move out to the suburbs. They found a great house on a quiet street with lots of great trees and nice yards. But the interior of the home needed some remodeling in order to meet their needs. The homeowners love to entertain and enjoy cooking new and interesting things. Because of this they had some very specific requirements of the new space. In order to accomplish these goals a complete demolition and redesign of the space was needed.

The scope of work included: demolition of an existing kitchen and dining room to create one large kitchen space which would provide both food prep, cooking, baking and entertaining space, removing a load bearing wall between the two spaces, and updating the dated kitchen that had last been remodeled in the 70’s into a unique, contemporary look. The components of the kitchen were very important to the homeowners. Because their wish list was so immense, the kitchen was designed into two key areas. The main area of the kitchen included a high end gas range and gas fire wok perfect for cooking and grilling and a large sink and dishwasher. Open shelves were also incorporated to house cooking supplies and serving dishes and to create an open, airy look. The other side of the kitchen contains the bar area with room for gathering and entertaining. The bar also includes a small prep sink, ovens for baking and microwave. Granite countertops and porcelain tile floors throughout tied the whole room together.

Overall, the homeowner’s goals were met with a beautifully updated contemporary kitchen with all of the bells and whistles the homeowners desired. Not only do they have the ideal layout to cook and bake a wide variety of items, they now have the gathering space they desired to host parties for family and friends. And the clean, sleek lines of the space, contemporary appliances and cabinetry, and open shelving create the contemporary look the homeowners were seeking.

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build, Kitchen Remodel 2014

The first task was to lower the floor to the loft of the garage about two feet. This move left a comfortable eight feet of vertical space in the garage, but yielded more than enough headroom for a new 270 square-foot master bathroom above.

Next, the SVA Construction Corp team knocked out the wall separating an unused bedroom and a small study. A step-down entrance now created a master bedroom/bathroom suite exceeding 614 square-feet.
Stepping down into the bath from a beveled glass door, the room reveals a mosaic of French Beaumanire soapstone and marble trim tiles, cherry wood vanities, antique verde marble countertops, and a custom glass-and-gold shower for two. Finally, recessed and brass lighting echo the room’s brass fixtures, completing the look.

By incorporating a little creativity, the SVA Construction Corp team fulfilled the homeowners desires of creating their dream master suite, utilizing existing unused space in their home, saving both time and money.

~ SVA Construction Corp Design Build Newsletter, May 2014 Homes for Life

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Springfield, Va. (WUSA9) — For years, Grace Cassidy wanted her son Chris Cassidy to be able to come and go from their Fairfax County home at will.  Chris has duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition in which muscles deteriorate at a rapid pace.

Cassidy says, “He was really having problems walking and getting into and out of the house.”

Chris needed to be carried up and down the steps.  The alternative was to set up a portable ramp.  The Cassidy family needed a change, but they wanted one that would fit with the current exterior of the house.

“But then you also want your home to be… your home.  You don’t want it to scream ‘we have a disabled person in our home’,” adds Cassidy.

They met Russ SVA Construction Corp, Founder of SVA Construction Corp Design Build.  He is a contractor who is personally familiar with the Cassidys’ needs.  Russ’ son, Michael, has cerebral palsy.  He modified his own home to give his son greater freedoms.

SVA Construction Corp says, “I learned how to modify for Michael’s needs which taught me how to modify other homes for other people’s special needs.”

Russ and his team took out the existing sidewalk, rebuilt the steps, and expanded the front deck to add a special ramp.

“We could add a built-in ramp in a way that allowed Chris to go up and down and then we put a sidewalk that connected it,” adds SVA Construction Corp.

Now Chris is able to come and go at his own ease.  The sidewalk leads into the driveway where he meets the bus.  When you look at the home from the front, it is hard to notice the ramp.

SVA Construction Corp says, “We wanted to build it in a way that you don’t see that there was a ramp there.”

“I have a deck that my son can come out and sit on.  He can come out on the ramp and get his metro access and go to school and the theater, and we could not be more pleased,” adds Cassidy.