Home Remodeling Supply Chain Pain! 

If you’ve noticed empty shelves and rising prices lately, whether it’s at your local hardware shop, grocery store, or big-box retailer, you are not alone. One of the most widely felt repercussions of the global COVID-19 pandemic has been the disruption of long-established supply chains. Production slow-downs, logistics, and transportation challenges, as well as the limited availability of parts and raw materials, have resulted in major constraints across many industries, but the construction sector seems especially hard hit. Home remodeling has been impacted by building product shortages, from framing lumber to flooring, plumbing fixtures to lighting. Long lead times for appliances, cabinetry, and even paint can create challenges for even the smallest home renovation project.

So, what does this all mean for you, the homeowner, as you consider that long-dreamed-of kitchen, bathroom, or whole house renovation? As a design+build firm, we’ve learned that it’s all about getting a handle on the evolving marketplace, understanding the potential impacts on timeline and budget, and planning, planning, planning!

5 TIPS FOR YOU:

We’ve come up with a few tips to best prepare for a renovation in these uncertain times. An experienced design+build team can assist and guide you through the process.

• Plan Early – Give yourself as much time as possible to figure out the details and elements that will go into your remodel. The more time you have, the better the odds of you getting everything you want out of your budget and project vision.

• Set Reasonable Expectations – Expect the unexpected.  Supply chain issues are constantly evolving and will probably cause some type of hiccup with your master plan. Be prepared to pivot and be flexible with your selections.

• Have a Plan B (& C!) – We all want our first choice for a countertop or cabinet but having your alternatives pre-selected will ensure you get the most desirable outcome in case of any supply chain issues.

• Don’t get rid of your current appliances (yet)! – With delivery times suddenly being pushed back at random, it may be wise to hold on to the appliances you have until you receive the new ones.
• Breathe!  – Hire an experienced design+build team that knows how to navigate through today’s supply chain challenges so you can sit back and enjoy the process. At JDBG, we have the creativity, knowledge, and experience to provide exceptional remodeling no matter what the current environment holds.

On a recent project, JDBG worked with a local custom cabinet maker who was able to provide a quicker turn-around than any of our regular cabinet suppliers.

To get started with our design-build services, contact Jordan Design-Build Group online or call us at (571) 409-1633.

An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades, and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues in this striking Woodley Park residence. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged our team at Jordan Design-Build Group to conduct a full-house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis.

One of the highest priorities was updating the main floor’s more public spaces, consisting of the grand hallway, living room, and dining room, which serve as the primary representation areas where special events are hosted regularly.

To learn more about the renovation of this historic residence or to get started with our design-build services, contact Jordan Design-Build Group online or call us at (571) 409-1633.

Historic Residence Renovations

Great attention to detail was given to the selection, customization, and installation of new drapes, carpets, and runners – all of which had to complement the home’s existing antique furniture. The striking red runner gives new life to the grand hall and winding staircase and makes quite an impression upon entering the property.

The original oak hardwood floors were sanded, repaired, and refinished with an Early American stain. New ceilings, moldings, medallions, chandeliers, and paint elevate the spaces to their fullest potential. A custom bar was added to an adjacent sunroom that serves as spillover space for formal events and a more intimate setting for casual gatherings.

One of the biggest undertakings was remodeling the expansive 365-square-foot kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the layout both to maximize countertop and storage space and to enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves.

Redesigning a Historic Home

To add visual interest, we used two-toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter to keep the space feeling bright and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops, so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets.

The original Heart Pine floors in the kitchen were refinished to let the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second mobile island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events.

Renovating a Historic Home’s Bathroom

All of the home’s bathrooms needed to be fully gutted and completely redone. In the master bathroom, we took this opportunity to rearrange the layout to incorporate a double vanity and relocate the toilet (the former bathroom had only a small single vanity with the toilet awkwardly located directly in front of the door).

The bathtub was replaced with a generous walk-in shower complete with frameless glass and digital controls. A beautiful Calacatta and Bardiglio Gray basketweave tile was used in combination with various sizes of Calacatta marble field tile and trim for a look that is both elegant and timeless.

Woodley Park Mansion Dressing Room Renovations

In the adjacent dressing room, we installed new cabinetry that can be easily reconfigured for a variety of clothing storage needs. New pinch pleat drapes add a touch of formality and sophistication to the room and the matching cushioned bench provides the perfect perch to put on shoes or just relax after a long evening of entertaining guests.

One of the most immediate challenges we faced was addressing a particularly problematic bathroom located in a guest wing of the house. The steeply pitched ceilings made showering nearly impossible and it was difficult to move around the miniscule bathroom without bumping your head. Our solution was to relocate the bathroom to an adjacent sitting room that had 8’ ceilings and was flooded with natural light. At twice the size of the old bathroom, the new location had ample space to create a true second master bathroom complete with soaking tub, walk-in shower, and 5’ vanity.

Historic Home Renovation: Woodley Park Mansion

Our largest project to date, this historic whole-house remodel was an exceptionally rewarding experience and we couldn’t have done it alone. We are thankful to have an incredible team and a network of trusted vendors and subs that each did their part to help us turn this historic stone mansion into a thing of beauty.

Location:  Washington, DC

Project Size: 6,500 SF

Year Completed: 2019

Learn more about the historic building renovations we offer at Jordan Design-Build Group – call us at (571) 409-1633 or contact us online.

Over the past several months, our lives have had to adjust to a new way of doing things, finding ways to remain creative, positive, and productive throughout the COVID-19 crisis. With social distancing guidelines in place across the DC area, it was important for us to find a way to provide our design-build services without surrendering the safety and peace of mind of our clients.

Virtual Design Meetings That Fit Easily Into Your Schedule

At Jordan Design-Build Group, our team is still hard at work and helping our clients build the kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and whole-house remodels of their dreams. We have seamlessly shifted the bulk of our design process into a virtual environment and the majority of our client meetings are now conducted using web and cloud-based software. In fact, our 3D design capabilities and virtual meetings have helped streamline the design process, allowing us to regularly meet with our clients so that all of the critical decisions can be made in a timely fashion.

Click here to learn more about how JDBG is responding to COVID-19

Virtual Design Capabilities That Show Your Home’s Potential

Today’s technology makes it easy for us to host virtual meetings, but beyond that we are able to create and share realistic architectural renderings with our clients so they can visualize how their remodeled spaces will look. Even before the pandemic, our design team was using advanced architectural design software to create 3D models and renderings, produce plans and elevations, and turn those into detailed construction documents. In addition, we employ a combination of mood boards, inspiration images, finish palettes, and other visual media to refine all the project details and develop a comprehensive design package that reflects our client’s renovation goals. Simply put, we have advanced our virtual design capabilities to a fine art.

Below you can read the story behind a recent virtual design project and see examples of the upcoming home transformation:

Redesigning a Home for a Remote Client

After growing up in Northern Virginia, our client settled out west to raise a family. Once the kids were all off to college, she and her husband decided to relocate back to the DC area to be closer to extended family. In anticipation, they decided to purchase and renovate a home prior to moving back.

While the house was in decent shape overall, the kitchen and bathroom needed significant updates, so JDBG was engaged to provide design-build services and we were up for the task!

When looking for a design-build company, our client was impressed with our 3D design capabilities and appreciated our willingness to meet with them virtually. Although in-person meetings are always valuable, a lot can be accomplished remotely. Our advanced architectural design software allows the JDBG design team to realistically convey the new spaces with ease.

Springfield Kitchen – Virtual Walkthrough

Standard architectural plans can only go so far in communicating how a space might look once completed. Employing advanced residential modeling software, JDBG’s design team can provide countless ways to realistically convey how the renovated space will look and feel. From birds-eye views to 360° panoramas, from multiple perspectives to virtual “walk-thrus” we can do it all! As the renderings above and walk-thru below illustrate, reconfiguring the kitchen layout, extending the cabinets to the ceiling and modernizing all the finishes will totally transform the space.

Springfield Bathrooms – Virtual Designs

The home’s original bathroom had an odd Jack-and-Jill layout with two toilets, two vanities and a single bathtub shared between 3 bedrooms. Since it was the only bathroom on the main floor it also served as the de facto powder room for guests.

With some creative modifications to existing walls and the removal of a small linen closet, we were able to divide the space into two functional and totally separate bathrooms (one of them now a true en suite master). A birds-eye view of the bathrooms was helpful in illustrating the layout changes to our client. It also realistically depicts what the proposed finish selections will look like.

During the design phase we use a combination of 3D renderings, finish boards and image portfolios to convey how different selections influence the overall design of the space – our clients’ final finish selections are depicted below.

It Is the Perfect Time to Remodel

Whether you need an updated kitchen or an additional bathroom, or maybe it’s time to build out that dedicated home office, there is no time like the present. It is likely we are all going to be spending a lot more time at home in the coming year, so making it as comfortable as possible for everyone in the family has never been more important.

Our virtual design consultations are an efficient way for the JDBG design team to collaborate with you on your kitchen, bath or whole home remodel. We can make adjustments and share updates as the design evolves until the finished design incorporates all of your must haves.

We’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to learn more about our virtual design capabilities.

Dealing With Coronavirus Challenges

With our streamlined design process we are able to produce comprehensive design deliverables on tight deadlines. We are also working closely with all of our trusted vendor and trade partners to ensure their availability to perform the required tasks. Further, we are working hard to ensure the availability and expedient delivery of all construction materials and components. Should problems arise, you can rest assured that our team is doing everything possible to find solutions and complete construction on schedule.

Additionally, we are working diligently to ensure that the latest CDC guidelines and protocols regarding COVID-19 are implemented on the job site. As these evolve, we adjust our operations accordingly to ensure the safety of our clients and all of our staff and extended team members.

While social distancing has presented new challenges for all of us, it doesn’t mean the future needs to be put on hold! Home is more important than ever these days and we recognize the value of having a space that is comforting, beautiful and well-designed. Using our experienced designers and innovative tools for virtual consultations, we are ready to start designing and planning your dream home today.

We encourage you to contact Jordan Design-Build Group at (571) 409-1633 when you are ready to renovate your home in Virginia, Washington, DC or Maryland. It is our pleasure to help you bring your design dreams to life.

Click here to find out more about our home remodeling & design services.