Inside a 1790 Farmhouse Renvovation
inside-a-1790-farmhouse-renvovation A new life for the house and its owner. Meet Melinda Kendall, owner operator of Cider House Bed and Breakfast. After spending years visiting the Valley, Melinda decided to make it her home. Opening a bed and breakfast had been a long-time dream and she set out to find the perfect property. Finding a property that met all the requirements for a bed and breakfast was no small task. Finding a builder to be a trusted advisor, who would assist her during the journey wasn’t easy either. Melinda was referred to Westhills Company Builders by a local realtor. “Westhills worked with me for over a year, looking at property after property, even land when I entertained the idea of giving up the search and building something new. Having a builder with the depth of knowledge and experience like Carl Kerby and his team really made a difference. They advised me in every detail. No matter the style, condition, or location of the property, Westhills was there helping me every step of the way. Finally, I found the perfect property, a 1790 farmhouse located right outside of Waynesboro on Old White Bridge Road. The house belonged to the Gorsuch family and is commonly referred to as the old Gorsuch place.”“I wanted to keep the integrity of the original home while adding some modern comforts. Up to date modern bathrooms were a must. Repairing and refinishing the original heart pine floors were the next priority. Bringing things up to date while disguising them so that it blends and seems like a part of the original home was important. Westhills accomplished this perfectly, even repurposing original house parts to ensure the outcome. “ The bed and breakfast are phase one of Melinda’s plan. Phase two includes making hard cider from apples grown right there on her farm. She has planted an orchard of apple trees and is making cider in her barn from locally grown apples until her trees are old enough to produce. Her plan includes building a tasting room as well. The Cider House sits on a 20-acre farm with stunning views of the mountains. It is right outside of town, but makes you feel as though you are miles away. Stroll through the apple orchard, feed the alpacas and donkeys, taste Melinda’s hard cider and enjoy the feeling of an historic farmhouse while never missing any modern conveniences, whether you are traveling from out of town or just want a night away.The Cider House is perfect for bridal parties, wedding parties, the holidays or anytime you have guests and need extra room. Whatever the reason, make the Cider House your next destination. Visit www.ciderhousebedandbreakfast.com for more information. For 50 years, Westhills Company Builders has been the Valley’s trusted source for high-quality new homes, restorations and renovations. Contact them at 540-942-5857 to discuss your plans! 2 0
Designing A Home Office
Designing A Home Office Designing a home office to fit today’s new work-from-home environment is essential for homeowners in the Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County areas of Virginia. Whether you’re a professional working from home, a student, or a retiree needing a place to conduct online church meetings or research stocks for your retirement portfolio, a comfortable office space will allow you to do your best work!Looking for more space? Build an addition, a garage, or finish the basement. According to Architectural Digest, just prior to the 2020 global pandemic, 95% of “knowledge workers” (those that rely on a computer to do their jobs) wanted to work remotely. I guess their dreams suddenly came true in the winter and spring of this year when the entire world stopped commuting and began working from home for both work and school! But most people weren’t immediately prepared to handle the big switch, especially those with large families of school-age kids needing their own workspaces in addition to Mom and Dad. The fact is many people are still using sections of their dining rooms, spare bedrooms, basements, or garages as makeshift offices. I use the table in our breakfast nook for my desk while my wife utilizes a desk she set up in the guestroom. These temporary admin spaces barely get the job done, but now that our jobs and schools may be functioning on some type of remote-level for months or even years to come, it is a good time to consider designing a more functional home office. I looked to Google for a place to start designing and found several free apps that helped me with my office re-design: SketchuUp, Planner 5D, HomeStyler, and Roomle were four that I found in the App Store on my iPhone. I successfully downloaded Roomle and played around with a new design for my dining room office space. Using the room floor plan feature in the app I was able to size my space and move various pieces of furniture in, out and around the room to see how it would all look in three- dimensional projections. But I was only considering a better arrangement of furnishings in my existing space. The time has come to consider a full-blown room renovation project that incorporates new, updated work spaces allowing me and my family added function and comfort. Interior design professionals recommend you have the space to house all the resources you need right at your fingertips—not behind closets or in separate rooms. Visibility and accessibility are both crucial. Support spaces like basements, garages or utility rooms can be transformed into spaces that can accommodate very nice home offices, both working and storage areas. Even neater, existing functional rooms like living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms may be able to be transformed into multipurpose areas including new, updated office space. Westhills Company Builders has been in the home construction and renovation business for half a century and can discuss plans for improving your home office experience. Transform your house into a customized place that makes you want to stay at home! Contact Westhills Company Builders today at 540-942-5857. 1 1
Cost To Build A Custom Home: Every Builder Is Not Equal, You Can’t Compare Apples To Oranges
Cost To Build A Custom Home: Every Builder Is Not Equal, You Can’t Compare Apples To Oranges You’ve always dreamt of building a new home. You have picked out the perfect floor plan and have envisioned every detail. Now, you are ready to choose the right builder and go about getting 3 cost-to-build estimates. Now what? How do you sort through and compare the numerous details, options, and price tags that somehow add up all too quickly, Weighing the options can easily become overwhelming!”The cost to build a house is based on changing factors like size, location, labor, materials, and current real estate trends, which make it impossible to nail down a perfectly accurate, one-size-fits-all answer ( Dave Ramsey, 2020).” The advantage of a custom-built home is the opportunity to make decisions about everything from the size of the master bedroom down to the finish on the front door’s hardware. All the while their knowledge of building materials and products allow for a keen eye on budget and deadlines. This is why you need a builder you can trust. (Westhills Co Builders, 2020) Westhills Company has been building custom homes in Waynesboro and the Shenandoah Valley for 50 years. The client’s estimate depends entirely on their individual needs and desires.“A question we hear over and over again – ‘How much is it per square foot to build a house?’” said Chuck Dennison, Vice President, and Construction Manager of Westhills Company Builders. He likened the process to buying a car. “They have to know what kind of car, what features, what brand and numerous other questions have to be answered before they can get an idea of your price range. Then, they can show you different models that match your needs.” Custom building with Westhills includes further steps, Dennison added. “We have to design a layout, figure the cost of materials and labor, development fees, and numerous other items before we can give an educated guess on what your house or project may cost.” “We have to design a layout, figure the cost of materials and labor, development fees, and numerous other items before we can give an educated guess on what your house or project may cost.” Westhills is meticulous in their planning. A Westhills estimate is comprehensive and includes the smallest details. Most other contractors give “base model” estimates that leave out many costs in order to provide you with the lowest estimate possible. Many costs you assume are included are not and by the time your new home is complete, you have spent thousands of dollars that you weren’t prepared to spend. Many contractors cut corners and sacrifice quality in materials and workmanship to give you the lowest price. QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION Choosing the right builder is not all about price. Will the home builder be hands-on and walk you through every step? Can you trust the builder to always have your best interest in mind? These are very important questions to ask before making your decision. Westhills Company Builders has built its reputation on building high-quality homes that stand apart. Westhills homes are built for life. The Westhills team focuses its attention on putting extra touches in each home. For example, they work closely with the subcontractors and the customers to ensure that electrical receptacles and HVAC outlets are properly placed. “When you walk into a Westhills house, it has a different feel –– an elegant feel, we’re told. A lot of it is the quality of our finish and trim work,” says Kerby. “It is quality even in the things you cannot see that sets a Westhills home apart.” Carl Kerby, President, and Founder is meticulous in his trade and feels a home should be built carefully from the inside-out. Contact the Westhills team to learn more about the custom home building process. 2 0
Look Forward to Staying At Home
Look Forward to Staying At Home THE NEW NORMAL In the last few months, most homeowners are rethinking staying in their homes instead of trading up or down. First-time home buyers are considering being more frugal in their purchases, deciding to invest more in customizing a home to their preferences vs buying a home with all the bells and whistles. START HERE. These 5 upgrades are guaranteed to maximize the return on your investment. Kitchen Remodel Bathroom Remodel Add a four seasons (sunroom) room Add stone veneer to interior or exterior walls Add a deck or porch Looking for more space? Build an addition, a garage, or finish the basement. Adding interior touches completely transforms the atmosphere of your home. Whether your preference is contemporary, modern, classic, or rustic; these simple upgrades will make you feel like you’re in a new home. Adding a touch of wood: Exposing old boards or adding new wood ceilings or floors can quickly warm up a room and bring back char m. Balance natural wood finishes with white walls, trim, and tile to keep the look bright and open. • Salvage existing masonry: Keep original brickwork, which the Brick Industry Association reports increases the resale value of a home by 6 percent, but update the existing brick by painting it. Painting: Go for a color that best fits the age and architectural period of the house. Think outside the box. Consider the atmosphere you are looking to create. Don’t be afraid of a vibrant wall and trim colors. Installing exposed reclaimed beams in the ceiling adds warm rustic charm. Keep original trim and fireplace: It’s worth keeping as much of the original trim and brickwork as possible. Frame out an older fireplace or change the path of an old stairway to add your personal style, but try to honor the existing materials to help preserve the architectural integrity of the home. Add skylights: Something so simple can actually improve your mood, increase your home’s efficiency, and increase the resale value of your home. CONCLUSION The world has changed and you have a new normal. Whether you are an existing homeowner or a first time home buyer, upgrading and customizing your home is a win-win. Contact Westhills Company Builders, an expert in home remodeling and renovation, to discuss your plans. Westhills has been the Valley’s trusted source for remodeling and renovations for the past 50 years. Westhills Company Builders has built its reputation on uncompromising quality. Westhills Co Builders offers in-house design and build services as well as partinering with architecture and design firms. Transform your house into a place that makes you want to stay at home. Contact Westhills Company Builders today. 0 0
Subcontractor Spotlight
Subcontractor Spotlight Subcontractor Spotlight Spotlight- European Stone Concepts & Shank Woodcraft Customer-Focused Westhills Company Builders values its subcontractors and takes care to select the best craftsmen for customers. Building relationships with quality subcontractors is an ongoing process. These strong ties, built over time, provide the best possible outcomes for those seeking custom homes, remodels and additions all around Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County, Virginia. European Stone Concepts European Stone Concepts has been one of Central Virginia’s premier stone fabricators since its Troy, Virginia plant opened in 2006. The company has been collaborating with Westhills Company Builders since 2008. When Westhills is on the hunt for some of the best stonework available in the area, they often look to European Stone Concepts for help! “We are very customer-focused,” said Glenn Laskin, owner of European Stone Concepts. “We have been a consistent partner with Westhills and as a result have built a good relationship as an extension of their company versus just being another vendor. Their project managers are fantastic to work with and are always helpful if we run into any issues, always looking out to ensure their customer’s overall satisfaction. We’re small enough to truly give somebody a customized solution compared to the experience a customer may encounter using one of the big box stores,” Glenn commented. Glenn also sees a lot of misinformation about countertops online and as a result, many people come directly to European Stone looking for guidance. As an example, quartz is a popular choice since it is shown very commonly on HGTV. Once people find out that heat and acidic substances can mar the surface (instead of being indestructible which is how the quartz is advertised), customers will many times come back to granite simply because the sealing process is easy and very high temperatures can rarely affect the look of the stone. Just like the folks at Westhills, Glenn’s company guides its customers through projects, educating them about all the many facets of providing a beautiful, new or upgraded kitchen or bathroom. Shank Woodcraft, LLC Another quality Westhills subcontractor is Shank Woodcraft of Churchville, Virginia. Kevin Shank and his son, Nathan, have been creating beautiful, custom woodworking and cabinet projects for Westhills for many years. The Shanks recently moved their business from Mount Solon to Churchville and hope to have an open house soon to show off their brand-new shop! “We’re just a very small business, so the person doing the design is the person doing the manufacture and installation work,” Kevin said. “When we do work for Westhills we know the walls are going to be plumb and square! The level of quality that goes into a construction project is something an experienced cabinet builder can pick up on, and we see it all the time with Westhills jobs.” Renovate for Luxury and Resale Kevin has been a woodworker for thirty-five years and has owned his own business for twelve. His son, Nathan, joined him eight years ago. The father-and-son team of crafters touts their excellent organizational skills and ability to stay to schedule as two of the guiding principles of operating their own custom cabinet shop. While there aren’t many huge new trends in their industry, advancements in hardware items such as slow-close hinges and half-moon/full-moon Lazy Susans for custom cabinets are very popular products. “We’re old fashioned, in a sense,” said Kevin as he and his son were getting ready to head over Afton Mountain for a job. “If something’s well-proven over time, it’s probably good for a reason. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel,” he said. Country music legend David Allen Coe once put it this way: “It is not the beauty of the building you should look at: it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” That’s kind of the way it is with Westhills Company Builders and their subcontractors! 1 0
The Cost of Home Renovation: It’s not what it used to be
The Cost of Home Renovation: It’s not what it used to be Room Remodels Most Popular Projects According to Carl Kerby, President of Westhills Company Builders, home additions and interior remodels are the most popular home improvement projects in Waynesboro and Augusta County, Virginia. Close behind are projects that involve flooring, landscaping, exterior painting or siding, and new appliances. Among room remodels, kitchens remain at the top of the list, with bathrooms and master bedroom/bathroom suites being very popular. Surprise Price Tags If it’s been 10-20 years since your last home renovation project, or if you’re considering your very first remodeling job, you may discover that costs may be higher than expected. Westhills Company Builders estimates the median cost for a mid-range kitchen remodel in the Waynesboro/Staunton/Augusta County, Virginia area is about $13,160-$37,005. The same project would likely have ranged between $6,000- $18,500 in 1999! Pricing varies by contractor, but having a high-quality final product depends on who you pick to do your job. You certainly get what you pay for when it comes to home improvement options. “If you think using a Pro is expensive, wait until you see what it costs to use an amateur,” says Chuck Dennison, Vice President/Construction Manager of Westhills Company Builders. So why do things involved with home renovation and remodeling cost so much? 1) Construction materials are at an all-time high Construction costs continue to climb and are likely to fuel further hikes in home improvement costs in the year ahead. In fact, the rising costs of raw building materials have increased 6% annually since 2000, with new tariffs, rising fuel and transportation costs impacting prices even more. 2) Skilled labor isn’t cheap Skilled labor is more expensive now than ever before! The rising economy with record low unemployment rates has made it difficult for area builders and subcontractors to find skilled labor needed for specialized home improvement projects, which drives up labor costs. 3) Annual inflation raises costs to consumers An annual US Consumer Inflation Rate, basically at or above 2% since 2016, has been the rule of thumb in the burgeoning economy. Inflation pressures will continue to drive up home materials and labor costs as the new decade begins. US Home Market Outlook 2020 · Consumer spending on home improvement has risen 17% in the last 12 months. · Homeowners are spending more on home improvement projects than home maintenance projects. · For every $1 spent on home maintenance, homeowners are spending an average of $5 on home improvements. *Info from Realtor.com Even with home improvement projects at record costs, people continue to flood the market with new orders for home renovations. According to Realtor.com, the US real estate market is still years away from reaching an adequate supply of homes to meet current homebuyers’ demands. Despite improvements in new construction and short waves of sellers, the year ahead may once again fail to bring a solution to the existing home inventory shortage. In fact, 2020 inventories could reach historic lows. Renovate for Luxury and Resale With a limited supply of homes available, many existing homeowners will continue to renovate what they have, either to make their homes more luxurious to live in, or to help in reselling residential property in an ongoing competitive real estate market. “Homeowners with an eye toward high quality and value in the Waynesboro/Augusta County area will continue to call on Westhills Builders for home renovations,” Kerby said. 1 0