DC Metro Mommy Blog

Finding a home in the DC Metro area can be a daunting task.  The majority of perspective homebuyers are faced with some tough lifestyle and financial choices.  Most of the decisions center on that critical real estate need for the right location, location, location!  And so begins the questions.  What can I afford? What will my commute be?  What is the reputation of the local school system? 

Do you go with a new home and strap on a heavier commute or do you lower your housing expectations in favor of a desirable school system?  Most of my friends, as well as myself, have asked and answered that question.

My husband and I picked a smaller, older home that put us within striking distance of Washington D.C.  We simply didn't want to give up all that the city had to offer.  In addition, the location fulfilled our "must have" list.  It was close to the office, was in the Fairfax County School System, was close to friends and was in a quiet residential area full of families. 

While we were happy with our decision, along with it came the MASSIVE list of home improvements that met us on move-in day.  Mind you, we knew what we were getting into....sort of.  The reality is that many people, exhausted from a protracted housing search, start to look at each home with rose-colored glasses.   We can paint that room(s), we can buy a new lighting fixture, we can update the bathrooms in time and sure we can conquer landscaping for an acre of land that hasn't been touched since Jesus was in jumpers!  What in the h&ll were we thinking?

Too late for second thoughts, we needed to get to work.  So for 3 years we have been conquering the home improvement and renovation beast at our little abode that was built in 1974.   I thought some of my experiences my aid DC Metro Mommy readers with their own renovations and updates.  At the very least, you can laugh at my not-so-youthful optimism that I had when my husband and I bought the house.  Oh the insanity!  Why didn't I buy new in Ashburn??? 

Over the coming months, I will share the story of my house.  I am going to start with my master bathroom.  It is a tiny space that barely allowed for a tub, a toilet and a 48" vanity.  There was simply no room for a soaker tub and walk-in shower.  I had to work with the existing footprint of the space and make some smart decisions to improve the area; otherwise I would have to hear my husband say "Why did we spend all this money to get the same space?" 

The pictures I am attaching show the before and after.  I installed a new Kohler tub.  Nothing fancy, but it did the job.  I lamented about cast iron versus a fiberglass soaker tub or a tub with jets.  In the end, I wanted it to stand the test of time and I also wanted to avoid the notorious maintenance headaches that can come with a whirlpool tub.  Cast iron won out. 

I ran a 42" tile wall around the main area of the bathroom.  I capped it with a bullnose tile.  I installed a light in the shower/tub area.  I put in a new Kraftmaid vanity that gave me more storage than my previous (and tragic) vanity.  I swapped out an obtrusive surface mount medicine cabinet in favor of a large cabinet above the toilet.  It was a companion piece to the vanity.  I lusted for a high-end Grohe faucet, but in the end went with a near identical match made by Moen. 

I flanked the vanity mirror with two lights from Restoration Hardware and installed a dimmer.  When my contractor suggested a dimmer...I thought it what genius.  No more nightlights or bright lights at 3 am as I am reaching for cold medicine for my little one.  I stuck with inexpensive subway tile and splurged on my marble floor tile from The Tile Shop.   A new window, door, hooks, trim and crown molding rounded out the remodel.   FYI, the hooks ended up providing a lot of additional storage for towels.

If you are remodeling I would absolutely recommend interviewing at least 3 contractors.   In addition to multiple quotes, you will also discover different design ideas from each contractor.  Professionals have great ideas and bring a unique perspective to a remodel.  They can also supply you with a list of trusted vendors when purchasing items for your home improvement.  If you have any questions about my remodel, send them to info@dcmetromommy.com.