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Fireplaces heat up the style quotient

Baby, its cold out outside …

Well, maybe not quite yet, but it soon will be, and fireplaces will warm things up, some more than others. But all of them provide coziness and a beautiful focal point to a room, whether traditional or sleek and contemporary. Most homebuyers report wanting a fireplace, which will typically will earn you back more than their initial cost. But the main reason to add a fireplace is to increase the enjoyment for you and your family now, rather than for a future owner of your home. Let’s look at several options for today’s homes because there are pros and cons to all.

Fireplaces generally fall into one of three categories: wood-burning masonry, zero-clearance or pre-fabricated or manufactured, and gas. As you sift through the decisions, be sure to consider budget, function, aesthetics and the style of your home, as well as environmental concerns, both inside and outside your home.

A wood-burning masonry fireplace is the most traditional and most expensive, but what most people think of when they think “fireplace.” Though certainly easier to incorporate into new construction, they can be added to existing homes. Consisting of a brick or stone firebox and a brick or stone chimney, along with a mantel for unlimited decorating potential, these additions require reinforced floor joists, possible enhancement to the existing foundation and footings, and permitting to adhere to codes in your city for chimney height, emissions and construction details.

If you choose this option, you may want an air-circulating system to force warm air back into the room rather than allowing the fireplace to pull heat from your home, potentially increasing heating and cooling costs. Regardless, wood-burning fireplaces pollute, and their chimneys must be cleaned regularly to prevent fire hazards.

Zero-clearance types of fireplaces come in wood-burning, gas, and electric. They do not require a lot of space, and because they are lightweight and their fireboxes stay cool, you have more options for placement, say inches from a hardwood floor or on virtually any wall in your home. Plus, they are easier and less expensive to install than a masonry fireplace.

These fireplaces typically vent through a flexible metal tube, though there are some considerably more efficient models that vent through an external air venting system. The potential drawback to the latter is that they must be placed on an exterior wall. Popular home improvement expert Bob Vila’s formula for determining size is to add the room width and length together and convert to inches, so a room that is 12 by 15 would require a fireplace that has an opening at least a 27 inches wide.

Gas fireplaces may seem inauthentic to traditionalists because they lack that characteristic crackle and aroma, but they may actually provide more warmth in addition to ambiance. They are certainly easier to start and they pollute less than their wood-burning counterparts. Like zero-clearance models, gas fireplaces don’t require a lot of space.

However, they must be near your gas supply line (propane or natural gas) and must be vented either through an existing or new chimney or through flexible metal tubing that leads to the outdoors. Unvented gas fireplaces are growing in popularity, using catalytic converter technology to supposedly burn all of the fuel fed to it, cleanly and with no off-gassing. There is some concern, though, that they do not actually burn 100% of the fuel.

Regardless of your choice, maintenance and cleaning is paramount for safety and functionality. In terms of aesthetics, fireplaces provide endless opportunities to heat up the style quotient of your home. Whether you choose a surround made of brick — painted or maybe with a German smear — tile, say one of the new Moroccan patterns or a reclaimed wood-look plank; stone; or the industrial urban appeal of concrete, your fireplace will provide you with interior design inspiration for years to come. Mantels, after all, are fairly easy to change out and can dramatically alter the entire look of a room, sounding a note that is ultra-traditional, rustic, sleek, or uber-contemporary.

Virginia Beach native and JMU graduate, Chris Ettel, is founding partner of VB Homes. Ettel is a member of the Tidewater Builders Association and is past chairman of the TBA Remodeler’s Council. He can be reached at chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Make choices well in advance of need for in-law suite

Millions of Americans are finding themselves the primary caretakers of one or more parents. This relationship can be immensely rewarding, but it is not without its stresses. However, some of that stress is eased in providing parents with a safe, comfortable place to live that preserves as much of their independence as possible and the dignity that goes with that.

Many caretakers are finding it preferable, when possible, to create living quarters in their homes or on their properties. Not only does it often foster a deeper bond and reduce time spent traveling to and from visits, but it can often be more affordable than a retirement or assisted living facility. And, depending on health and mobility, parents in need of childcare find that the on-site grandparents fill that role beautifully. Both grandparents and grandchildren benefit from the closeness it affords.

The ideal time to think about a so-called mother-in-law suite or guest cottage on your property is before you need it, though it is rarely ever too late. Such a suite — usually consisting of a living or sitting area, bedroom, bath and, particularly if detached, a kitchen or kitchenette — can serve as comfy guest quarters, a private domain for a grown child not yet on his or her financial feet, or as a home office until it is needed by the older parents or in-laws. If zoning laws allow, it might even produce rental income.

In-law suites come in as many varieties as the people who live in them. They can be converted garages or basements, additions or, as previously mentioned, a stand-alone structure. When some homeowners build, they design their home with an adjacent powder room and closet on the ground floor so that converting the half-bath to a full is made simpler. Because in-law suites should be designed for the present and the future, it is highly desirable that they be on a ground level not requiring access by stairs. If there are stairs that cannot be avoided, handrails on both sides are a must.

Before you begin the planning process for a remodeling, addition or building project, make sure you are aware of any zoning or building restrictions for your area. Then work with an architect and contractor to plan both for the present and, to the extent that you can, the future. Based on our aging-in-place design and building experience, following are just a few things to consider. Generally, if you follow the principles of universal design, you will have done the best you can do.

First, create no-step entries, flush thresholds and one-level living. Then make sure that doorways and hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair and a scooter to fit through. Today’s preference for the open floor plan means that, to a large extent, doorways are less of an issue.

Flooring should neither be too slippery nor the opposite. We have found luxury vinyl plank flooring, which looks like hardwood and is available in many colors, to be an excellent option. Non-slip tubs and showers are essential — with a lip-less shower being ideal — as are grab bars in bathrooms.

Advertisement Declining strength can become an issue for some older adults, we recommend that you consider levers rather than doorknobs, touch faucets and rocker-style light switches. The placement of light switches and outlets is also important to prevent stooping and reaching.

If vision dims, excellent lighting is essential, though it is good for everyone. And to ensure the comfort of individuals with dementia, avoid busy patterns in your decorating scheme, as they can be disorienting. A neutral backdrop allows the person living in the space to personalize. Speaking of personalizing, there will likely be items with which the residents simply cannot part when they move in with you, so plan for adequate storage.

In kitchens and baths, ensure that cupboards and cabinets are easily accessible. Some individuals lose height as they age, and tall cabinets are frustrating and dangerous. For older adults who may find themselves in a wheelchair or needing to sit to wash their faces or apply makeup, a floating style bathroom vanity provides plenty of legroom.

Natural light typically lifts everyone’s mood, as does access to fresh air and outdoor spaces. Ample windows and easily accessible patios are nice additions.

If you choose the cottage option, plan for a covered, well-lit, and level walkway into the main house. And we recommend that utilities be supplied separately from your house for flexible control and so that, should you ever rent the space, you can charge accordingly.

These are just a few of the many considerations when making lifestyle choices that are this critical to the health and happiness of your family as well as those of your parents who come to live with you.

Virginia Beach native and JMU graduate Chris Ettel, is founding partner of VB Homes. Ettel serves on the Tidewater Builders Association board of directors and is past chairman of the TBA Remodeler’s Council. Reach Ettel at chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Miles of tiles – technological advances have led to dizzying array of affordable, convincing options

Given the ancient origins of tile, we sometimes forget that technology and tile go hand-in-hand. Technological advances in inkjet printing and waterjet lasers, for example, have opened up new worlds of ceramic tile choices within the already dizzying array of options.

Tile is not typically something we replace often, so if you haven’t taken a look lately, prepare to have your mind blown. White subway tile evokes the early 1900s in New York City and will likely always be a timeless, yet retro, classic for kitchens and baths. It has been a particularly hot trend within the last few years, and there is not much indication that it is cooling off. For those who like the look but want a fresh twist, consider installing your subway tile in a pattern other than the traditional “brick” style.

But there is so much more to consider. One of the ways that improvements in inkjet printing has bolstered the tile industry is through its ability to convincingly replicate other materials like wood, metal and even concrete. With the meteoric rise in desire for the farmhouse aesthetic and salvaged materials, plank-style ceramic tile in a wide range of wood tones — some with a weathered, distressed and generally reclaimed appearance — are wildly popular. They can be dressed up by being laid in, say, a chevron or herringbone pattern, or made more rustic by being installed in the traditional way, especially if planks of varying widths, laid randomly, are used. Tiles with the look of a whitewashed wood floor can skew more rustic or posh depending on the context.

If stone is more to your liking, but you find the cost a deal-breaker — not to mention the upkeep of a material like marble too time-intensive — tiles now beautifully and more affordably replicate the look of marble, slate, travertine, limestone and more.

Other choices made widely available by inkjet technology are those that capture the look and feel of fabrics and wallpaper. Subtle, luxurious choices include a linen- or silk-like surface. More bold selections include damask, paisley and florals, both traditional and contemporary. Globally inspired influences, especially Moroccan, are infusing American homes with rich color and pattern. Black and white patterns with a stenciled look are particularly striking. If you like the idea but are not ready to go particularly bold, choose a pattern with closely related colors for a more nuanced tone-on-tone appearance.

While we are on the subject of color, it is no secret to anyone who follows design that cool tones, like grays, are highly sought-after. Whites and grays are replacing the “Tuscan” golds and browns that were popular a few years back. But, for those who want a hint of warmth, the new “greige” — a family of grayish beiges similar to taupe — offers a balance between the two.

Waterjet lasers have added a wealth of dimension — pun intended — to tile options. More subtle designs lend an embossed appearance to the tile’s surface. But that is just the beginning. Tile has become downright sculptural. If you go too far, you can quickly end up with a commercial appearance not unlike the entrance wall of a company’s headquarters. But with the right application, you can add appealing drama through light and cast shadow only possible with three-dimensional tile. From wavy ridges to raised geometry, there is much from which to choose.

Finally, if none of these options is right for your home, you might consider the widening vocabulary of shaped tiles. Hexagons and “penny rounds” are very popular, with fish scale tiles making a splashy entrance of late. For something a little more exotic, seek out one of the scores of “arabesque” options. Diamonds and plenty of organic shapes, like leaves, are yours for the asking. Choosing only one color or related tones keeps the appearance calmer; color and contrasting tones inject a bit more energy.

As for grout, the closer in color it is to the tile, the more the eye is drawn to the tile’s surface. The more the grout contrasts, the more the eye notices the installation pattern. And while grout glitter is available, it is not necessarily recommended. Though a little metallic shimmer to catch the morning light may be just the right finishing touch for your décor, I would have to think twice about it.

If you need help thinking once, twice or more about your tile project, please reach out to me at Chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Chris Ettel is founding partner of VB Homes. He serves on the Tidewater Builders Association board of directors, served as past chairman of the TBA Remodelers Council and is a longtime board member of the Virginia Beach Public Schools Education Foundation. For more information, go to www.vbhomesliving.com.

The basics of what you need to know when living in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area

If the thought of having to deal with a compliance board in one of our area cities strikes fear in your heart, it shouldn’t. All of us in Hampton Roads are, or should be, stewards of our coastal environment, and these folks serve as partners in that process. Below, with information provided by WPL Site Design based in Virginia Beach (www.wplsite.com), I will walk you through the basics.

As a body, each Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board is tasked with reviewing various requests to the CBPA Ordinance with the goal of enhancing water quality and protecting environmentally sensitive buffers adjacent to waterways, like tidal shores and wetlands. These areas, known as RPAs or Resource Protection Areas, are closest to the shoreline. In contrast, RMAs or Resource Management Areas are all other lands in the watershed.

In Virginia Beach where I live and work, the ordinance affects all property that drains into the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which equates to approximately the northern one-third of the city. And that equates to many property owners here and in the surrounding area who would be affected should they seek to take on certain kinds of projects from room additions to decks and gazebos to pools and more.

Here are some things you need to know:

• First, your local planning department can let you know if your home is in a CBPA.

• Approvals and variances are site-specific and individually-based. Some may be reviewed and accepted administratively by staff, while others may require CBPA Board review and sanction. An exception are minor projects within the landward 50-feet of the RPA buffer.

• Think of administrative staff members as your partners. They are knowledgeable professionals with degrees in related fields who want to help you create a successful project that meets your needs within the requirements of the CBPAO.

• The magic number is 2,500 square feet. If your project has a construction footprint less than or equal to that number and any portion is located within the RPA, the project can be reviewed administratively by staff.

• However, if land disturbance is greater than or equal to 2,500 square feet and located either in the RMA or the RPA, CBPA Board review and approval may be required.ADVERTISING

Following are the steps you will most likely need to follow for your improvement project in the RMA and RPA, though the process may vary from city to city and/or depending on the specifics of your project (available in brochure form from WPL):

• Topographical survey. City staff must be able to make an environmental impact vs. gain assessment about your project. The topographical survey, which depicts existing elevations and existing vegetation, will be required for most projects.

• A master plan, which is a graphic representation of your proposed improvements in relation to existing elements on your property, is highly recommended.

• The master plan is helpful for a preliminary project review with city staff but may not be necessary — and there is no fee charged by the city if it is — if it is assumed that your project is of significant enough environmental impact to require a hearing with the CBPA board.

• A variance to The Chesapeake Bay Act will conditionally relax restrictions that prohibit development within a certain distance from the water’s edge, usually with a list of board conditions. If your project represents significant environmental impact, as outlined above, a CBPA site plan exhibit (which does not obtain a building permit) will need to be reviewed by the board for a fee. Neighbors are notified of the variance request, which is also published in the newspaper, and property owners are required to post “variance hearing” signs notifying the public about the variance request and hearing date/time to which the property owner or their representative is required to attend.

• If the project is approved, many property owners think they have crossed the only hurdle. Not so fast. The creation of a site plan is next. Necessary for both city approval and for a building permit, the Site Plan is reviewed for compliance with city code and with the Chesapeake Bay board conditions.

• Following review, city staff typically generate a list of comments or requests that adjustments be made to the site plan prior to approval. Most can be addressed right away, though others may require further discussion.

As you might imagine, all of this takes time, e.g. 30 days for certain aspects, 45 days for others. Both WPL and we at VB Homes have decades of experience and successful track records when it comes to shepherding property owners through the process.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of service. I can be reached at chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Virginia Beach native and JMU graduate, Chris Ettel, is founding partner of VB Homes. Ettel serves on the Tidewater Builders Association board of directors and is past chairman of the TBA Remodeler’s Council. He can be reached at chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Avoid the Clichés when Designing the Modern Farmhouse

Thanks in large part to HGTV’s wildly popular “Fixer Upper” series starring the married meteorites Chip and Joanna Gaines, the so-called modern farmhouse aesthetic is all the rage. After all, it offers a relaxed, nostalgic appeal while still saying, “I’m sophisticated and current.” But, go too far and it looks like a country cliché, especially when it comes to the interior décor.

What is the modern farmhouse look? Though, it can be one of those know-it-when-you-see-it phenomena, it actually has some basic tenets. At its most fundamental, the exteriors tend to be white with some rustic wood elements like doors, columns and shutters. And roofs? They pretty much have to be black or gray metal standing seam in a gable style. That A-line pitch is a telling hallmark.

A covered front porch — with barn or porch-style lighting, e.g. something with an industrial flavor — are other must-haves, as are carriage-style garage doors. Dark, especially black, front doors look crisp and clean against white siding, while large house numbers sound that modern note. Flanking galvanized metal planters are popular accents.

Inside, white walls predominate within an overall neutral palette, again with some rustic wood elements and lots of texture for interest. The modern farmhouse is fresh not folksy. Key to the look is the ubiquitous open floorplan — especially a large, open kitchen (with a farmhouse sink, of course) — along with lots of windows. Wide plank hardwood or pine floors are practically a must, and wooden mantles and exposed wooden beams are highly desirable. Floating wooden shelves are another popular way to bring the farmhouse into the modern era. And maybe a sliding barn door … but not five.

Besides wood, interior décor runs toward iron and salvaged materials like industrial metal and reclaimed wood or, at any rate, materials with that appearance. Furnishings with a purpose and that suggest a history are right at home in the modern farmhouse. Think vintage pieces and repurposed items. But go easy. Too much of a good thing is, well, too much. Craft your interior in layers: a simple, minimalist structure layered with a mix of wood and upholstered furniture and tactile rugs and blankets for warmth and comfort that is not cloying or cluttered. Other organic materials to consider include stone, wicker, rattan and sisal.

Home décor stores not only make it easy and affordable to achieve this look — with clocks, painted signs and faux-repurposed/vintage items around every corner but they also make it easy and affordable to go way overboard. When possible, I recommend taking the authentic high road: Choose pieces that really do have some age and really did live another life. Choose artisanal over craftsy and, by all means, step away from mason jars, any item that looks like a caterer’s prop — or like it belongs in TGI Fridays — and signage. If it reads as thematic, it will not look subtle and sophisticated.

The modern farmhouse craze is part of a broader cultural movement that favors farm-to-table cooking, farmer’s markets, backyard chickens, walking communities, casual food trucks and the like. It is meant to be an aesthetic reflective of a lifestyle that is genuinely simpler and more relaxed, not a pretty pastiche.

If you need assistance in achieving an authentic and unforced modern farmhouse vibe, please reach out to me at Chris@vbhomesliving.com.

Rethinking Reclaimed Wood

Even before Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV “Fixer Upper” fame popularized shiplap, reclaimed wood was inviting itself into homes of every style. The warmth, rusticity and sense of history of reclaimed boards adds character not just to the interiors of cottages and bungalows, but modern, minimalist dwellings, transitional structures and more.

With an industrial modern “farmhouse” aesthetic all the rage — even just a hint in that direction — reclaimed wood has never felt more at home.

2019: NARI CotY 2019 Region 2 Southeast Winner for Entire House Project

VB Homes was selected as the winner for 2019 Region 2 Southeast Entire House $500,001 to $750,000 Remodel Project.

As we think about cleaning up our act a bit in 2019, let’s turn to laundry rooms

When a new year dawns, many of us are thinking about how to do things better, how to manage various aspects of our lives in a more efficient way that brings more pleasure or at least less stress. As many of us think about cleaning up our act a bit in 2019, my thoughts turn to laundry rooms.

Design trends whose time has come to go

Design is a tricky enterprise. If you are someone who feels some pressure — or good old-fashioned desire — to be up to the moment in home design, you may find yourself at the mercy of trends that aren’t the best choices for you and your family. If you step back and ask yourself if there are other more interesting or appropriate options than all the current crazes, the answers may lead somewhere far more appealing and authentic.

Built-in fire pits: Let them glow

Sure, you can buy a ready-made fire pit, set it on the patio, and enjoy the heck out of it. But, if what you seek is a little more custom and a lot more permanent, then these built-in fire pit ideas are sure to spark your imagination for a fiery focal point that will enhance your outdoor living for years to come.