Fall 2012: Volume 12, Issue 2 Guiding Clients through the Purchase of a BOWA's Design Professionals Advise on Potential and Pitfalls

Most people know that BOWA has an award-winning team of profession- als dedicated to providing a single point of accountability for the design and construction of luxury renovations and additions, ranging from master baths to whole- and condos. But did you know that we can start the process before a home is even purchased? One of our project leaders describes what clients are most concerned about during a Pre-Purchase Consultation: “When I first meet with clients, they are often frazzled by home inspections – not only the length of the report but also the fact that it seems to be in a foreign language. They just want to know if the home is structurally and mechanically sound." The good news is BOWA can A Pre-Purchase Consultation provided the client with a vari- help by evaluating the report and calling on other experts to assist as needed. ety of solutions for transforming this property into their home. BOWA’s Pre-Purchase Consultations are also helpful if you are considering a ing the renovation they already had that will require a remodel in order to meet your needs. Our design ex- planned. Our design experts can also perts can meet at the property to evaluate whether a renovation or addition can: offer creative solutions for addressing • Fit within the guidelines of regulatory restrictions, property line restrictions needs within the existing footprint or covenants, which may ultimately affect your decision; of the home. For example, a client • Accomplish your goals for the property; in McLean was seeking to build a • Be achieved given structural limitations; first- addition to accommodate a • Address water issues or hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos; second master suite so they would be • Be constructed within your budget goals. able to avoid the as they aged. BOWA recommended they instead If you decide to move forward, we can assemble the design team to start on the install an , which saved the plans and permitting even before you have settled on the property. That way we couple many thousands of dollars. can begin construction and have your home ready as soon as possible. Another scenario we help to avoid Having a home expert like BOWA review a house in advance can help identify is the buyer who purchases thinking overlooked potential and challenges, while also allaying concerns. To the average an existing or pop-top addition house hunter, certain problems may seem insurmountable. Recently in Potomac, would be the perfect solution for a we came across a home office or guest , only to home with four discover later that the structure isn't inches of standing adequate to support the new weight. water in the base- When advising a client on the best ment. After iden- way to proceed, a major consideration tifying the source, is their short- and long-term goals. For we were able to arm (continued on page 2) the client with the INSIDE THIS ISSUE: information they needed to purchase ALL Things Home Related...... 2 the house at a dis- Seasonal Checklist...... 2 count knowing that Project Profile...... 3 this issue could be Once containing four inches of standing water, this Potomac now features a beautiful television area, resolved easily dur- Thank you for Your Referrals...... 4 gym, bar and home theater. News from the Homefront Your Trusted Advisor for ALL Things Home Related

Everyone at BOWA is passionate about helping people make educated decisions regarding their . While our focus remains luxury additions and renovations ranging from master baths to whole-houses and condos, we are delighted to be a trusted advisor for ALL things home related. BOWA’s new Home Partner Program is the solution for those projects that fall outside of our focus. The Home Partner Program is a network of trusted home-related resources to which we feel comfortable referring our clients, friends and colleagues. The network includes plumbers, electricians, media specialists and other related professionals that can often provide maintenance, repairs and service on a stand-alone basis. Most importantly, the companies we refer to are selected based on their ability to deliver expert advice and service in a manner that aligns with BOWA’s standard of excellence and, from our experience, are comfortable working directly with home- owners. We're happy to help assess your needs, make an appropriate referral and call ahead to ensure you are given the best possible care. By providing reliable referrals as needed, our hope is that you’ll make BOWA your first call for all projects BIG and small. Seasonal Checklist Plan Now For a Safe Fall & Winter Guiding through a home purchase (continued from page 1) clients who may likely be selling the home down the road, To ensure your home is ready for the seasons ahead, it’s we can assess if they are overinvesting. Are the project costs important to plan now by scheduling service people or appropriate in relation to neighborhood home values? Or, setting aside time to follow our winterizing checklist. for clients who see themselves in their home long-term, Interior: So simple, you can’t afford to neglect these tips! BOWA can help to develop a master plan to address priori-  Replace smoke detector batteries. ties or future changing needs.  Replace carbon monoxide detector batteries. We have a number of clients that hire us to create master  Check and clean and chimneys. plans for their homes, with multiple projects phased over time. When planned carefully, phased projects can yield Exterior: Help ensure the long-term health of your home. both cost savings and reduced disturbance. For example, a  Clean debris from gutters and downspouts. client may be doing a renovation this year, while  Shut off and drain hosebibs. planning an outdoor renovation with gas grill for next year.  Check and clean septic system. Knowing this in advance, we can run the outdoor gas line  Caulk and re-touch exterior paint. during the kitchen project, and avoid disturbing the inside  Lock to keep them square. of the home the following year. A solid master plan also  helps to ensure that a current project will not impede a Make sure drainage is heading away from house. future project. BOWA has been called on to rescue projects HVAC: A ‘Fall Start Check,’ consisting of the following, after the fact, such as when an improperly planned kitchen should be performed on each unit of the HVAC system. renovation didn’t take into account longer-term plans for a  Check and replace air filter. family bump-out.  Check combustion chamber. No matter how many homes you have purchased, the pro-  Check charge on heat pumps, if applicable. cess can be stressful. By offering Pre-Purchase Consulta-  Check humidifier operation and replaceable parts. tions, BOWA strives to alleviate some of that burden by  Clean away leaves and debris from outside units. serving as a trusted advocate that empowers clients to make  educated decisions. It’s just another example of how BOWA Adjust dampers to favor northern . is “Helping Families Improve Their Lives at Home.” Fall 2012, Page 2 Project Profile See more featured projects at bowa.com/profiles. Spectacular Indoor/Outdoor Renovation and Addition in McLean, VA

Not only did the owners of this lovely home in McLean, VA wish to renovate their dated kitchen, they also needed more space for their active family to enjoy. After an initial design consultation, it became evident to BOWA's design team that maintaining the abundant natural light was also a priority. The plan for the project included a remodeled kitchen and butler’s , and the addition of a family dining area, sitting room and screened . The footprint of the home was expanded with an addition ex- tending from the rear of the kitchen. Decreasing the size of the existing pool allowed the team to accommodate the addition and helped to improve the feel and flow of both The footprint of the home was expanded with an addition extending from the rear wall of the kitchen, to the outdoor and indoor spaces. The metal on the addition include a dining area, sitting area, screened porch and adjoining pergola. was selected to provide visual interest by breaking up a vast wall of existing brick. Low-maintenance materials were chosen to provide ease of upkeep. Complementing the and screened porch, are a smaller open-air porch and pergola, which were designed to enhance the transition from the existing out to the pool area. The kitchen transformation included numerous modifications to improve traffic and flow. A staircase was rerouted, which had an immediate impact. The new wall space allowed for a “family command center” and created a sound barrier to prevent kitchen noise from traveling upstairs. The graceful transition from the existing space to the addition features a unique, built-in bookshelf and dis- play space. The kitchen transformation included numerous modifications to improve traffic and flow, such as rerouting the existing staircase. A second island provides casual dining space for this fam- Rich details and beautiful ily on the go, while the main island provides plenty of counter space for meal preparation. materials are highlighted throughout the kitchen. Maple cabinets in contrasting finishes provide abundant storage, and include space-saving features like an under-the-counter microwave and warming drawers. A magnifi- cent second island provides casual dining space for this family on the go, while the Moving the staircase, allowed for the addition of a main island provides counter new "family command center," and the new wall helps to prevent kitchen noise from traveling upstairs. space for meal preparation. Casual meals are enjoyed at the dining table or on the screened porch, both with breathtaking views of the rear yard. From the new command center, to the state of the art appliances, to the cozy screened porch, every detail of the renovation was carefully planned and expertly executed. The family is thrilled with their new space. Casual meals and family time are enjoyed on the screened porch with its views of the yard.

Fall 2012, Page 3 Thank you for Your Referrals

7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A10, McLean, VA 22102 201 E. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20118

Design & Construction

Renovations & Additions Purchase Consultations

Metro Area 703.734.9050 Middleburg 540.687.6771

Watch our new video to learn how BOWA can be Your Guide Through Every Step of the Remodeling Experience