Tag: architectural style

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At Properties on the Potomac, we are deeply immersed in the realms of architecture and design; we constantly seek inspiration from diverse cultural perspectives. Recently, our company embarked on a transformative journey during our board retreat in Cancun, Mexico. Surrounded by the vibrant hues of the Caribbean Sea and the rich tapestry of Mexican architecture, we found ourselves captivated by the interplay of cultural influences on architectural approaches.

Our retreat provided a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate fusion of Mexican and American architectural styles. In Mexico, architecture is not merely about structural aesthetics; it’s a narrative woven with threads of history and tradition. From the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins to the colorful facades of colonial buildings, every edifice tells a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural amalgamation. The juxtaposition of ancient indigenous designs with modernist elements showcases a seamless integration of tradition and innovation, a principle we strive to embody in our real estate endeavors.

Stunning and diverse Mexican architecture

Similarly, in the United States, architecture serves as a testament to the nation’s diversity and vitality. From the iconic skyscrapers of New York City to the sprawling suburban landscapes of California, American architecture mirrors the country’s spirit of ingenuity and ambition. The fusion of architectural styles from different eras and cultures creates a rich tapestry of urban landscapes, reflecting the ever-evolving societal values and aspirations.

Our retreat in Cancun served as a catalyst for introspection, inspiring us to infuse our real estate projects with the essence of cultural diversity and historical resonance. We are committed to crafting spaces that transcend mere functionality, embodying the soul and spirit of the communities they serve.

Join us on this journey of architectural exploration and cultural appreciation. Let us embark together on a quest to create spaces that resonate with the stories of the past and the aspirations of the future. Reach out to us at 703-624-8333 today to discover how we can assist in bringing your vision to life, whether it’s finding an existing home or building a new home.

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By Krasi Henkel

Ranch-style homes have been a popular choice for decades thanks to their practical single-story layouts and flexible spaces. While some home buyers may overlook older ranch houses in favor of newer construction, these modest homes actually offer great opportunities. With some creativity and wise investments, you can remodel a ranch house on a budget.

The Benefits of Buying an Older Ranch:

  • Mail level primary bedroom(s)
  • Mature trees and landscaping
  • Established neighborhoods
  • Lower property taxes
  • Good value per square foot
  • Flexible floor plans
  • Hardwood floors or solid mid-century materials

The Blank Canvas:

BEFORE
AFTER

The simple shapes of ranch homes make them perfect blank canvases to incorporate modern style. Minor changes can make ranch homes feel fresh and new without blowing the budget. Consider these economical updates:

  • New paint in contemporary hues
  • Swap dated lighting for streamlined fixtures
  • Replace builder-basic kitchens and baths with IKEA systems
  • Refinish hardwood flooring hidden under outdated carpeting
  • Knock down walls to create open-concept spaces
  • Add an addition
Kitchen Before
Kitchen After
Primary Bath Before
Primary Bath After
Entry Before
Entry Construciton
Entry After

The above photos were a joint project with Anders Hurd – Faber Custom Builders, Inc. The project was incredibly successful and the property sold to the first buyer ho saw it!!

Big Style for Small Budgets

You don’t need expensive materials to give a ranch home an interior facelift. Use these design insider tips:

  • Shop for unique vintage details
  • Use bold wallpaper or paint instead of new cabinets
  • Stain concrete floors for an industrial look
  • Upgrade windows and patio doors even if you keep other structural elements

The single-level living and unused basement or attics in ranch homes present opportunities for expansion or converting unused areas into rental units for extra income.

Addition to a ranch home provides tall, open spaces with abundant views

Take a fresh look at older ranch houses. With an updated exterior paint color, strategic refreshes indoors, and your own custom vision, you can personalize a home to suit your needs and style for less than you might expect. The charm and practicality of ranch homes continue to win over buyers who see their outstanding potential.

One of my favorite ranch homes in a subdivision that I have sold many ranches and that I love to walk my dog!
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As we continue to recognize the importance of sustainability in all aspects of life, it’s no surprise that the real estate industry is embracing sustainable design practices. Sustainable design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating homes that are environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and economically viable.

Here are some key principles of sustainable design in real estate:

  1. Energy Efficiency: Sustainable homes are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing both utility bills and carbon footprints. Features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and proper insulation are common elements found in sustainable design.
  2. Use of Sustainable Materials: Sustainable homes often incorporate materials that are eco-friendly, renewable, and locally sourced. This not only reduces environmental impact but also supports local economies. Bamboo and reclaimed flooring are prime examples of sustainable materials.
  3. Water Conservation: Sustainable design includes features like low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping to minimize water consumption. Many communities around the DMV are requiring special attention to rainwater runoff to help alleviate flooding. Some builders are opting for rain gardens and/or rainwater collection systems.
  4. Indoor Air Quality: Sustainable homes prioritize indoor air quality with ventilation systems and non-toxic materials. Adding UV or HEPA filters to you home can help improve the air quality, leading to healthier living environments.
  5. Waste Reduction: Construction waste is minimized through careful planning and recycling efforts. Sustainable homes are built with longevity in mind, reducing the need for frequent renovations.

Investing in sustainable design when buying or selling a home offers numerous advantages:

  1. Lower Operating Costs: Sustainable homes often have lower utility bills due to energy-efficient features, making them more affordable in the long run.
  2. Increased Property Value: Sustainable design can enhance your home’s market value, attracting eco-conscious buyers.
  3. Environmental Impact: Sustainable homes reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental harm.
  4. Healthier Living: Improved indoor air quality contributes to better health and well-being for residents.
  5. Future-Proofing: Sustainable homes are built to last and adapt to changing environmental regulations. Current and future buyers will expect homes that last and are able to keep up with the modern requirements thus, helping maintain and build your property resale value.

Sustainable design is not just a trend; it’s a responsible approach to real estate that benefits homeowners, the environment, and future generations. The real estate experts at Properties on the Potomac are well-versed in sustainable design principles and can help you find or market your eco-friendly dream home. Let’s work together to build a greener future, one home at a time. Contact us today at 703-624-8333 to get started on your sustainable real estate journey.

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Pre-fabricated homes come in a variety of prebuilt conditions. You may have heard the terms “modular home” or “panelized home” but what do these really mean? Regardless of the name, the ultimate outcome is that the house arrives in some form of units to be assembled on a lot. The idea often conjures up visions of mobile homes or plain houses without character, but the reality of these homes is very different.

Properties on the Potomac has sold homes that were panelized for millions of dollars. In McLean, Virginia, an entire subdivision was developed with modular homes that now resell for over $1.5 million. From a real estate perspective, modular houses can perform similar to those that were stick built on the lot.

Modular homes come in “modules.” Typically, a module would be 12 feet wide. Therefore, many of the rooms in such houses max out at 12 feet. Modules come complete with hung doors, installed windows, and even with drywall.

Panelized homes come in panels ready to assemble. The panels are typically the lumber part of the construction and streamline construction time. Many contemporary designs rely on panels to create the clean lines and tall walls. Panels do not warp and often come pre-insulated.

Another form of panels are precast cement panels used for basement walls. They are taller and energy efficient.

In the modular systems, the houses provide minimum change opportunities from the plans as presented. The key is to find the right plan. These homes save hundreds of thousands of dollars over custom-built or stick-built.

Some of the benefits of using modular include the following:

  • The structure is built indoors and is not exposed to the elements.
  • Because it is not in the elements, the structures remain clean and free of mold.
  • According to the manufacturers, the joints at connections are stronger and more rigid, thus less susceptible to storm damage and soil shifts;
  • The timing of a project is predictable.
  • Modular homes are less susceptible to supply chain fluctuations.
  • Pricing is very predictable and often fixed at time of order.

Modular house square footage can range from under 1,000 to over 5,000. The cost for the package as listed is typically the cost of the building materials. The price does not reflect the cost of land, land engineering, basements and foundations, and water and sewer taps or well and septic development.

The builders that we recommend can build from scratch or build with modules or panels. They can also add to modules, including garages and porches.

If you have considered a custom home only to be discouraged by the high cost of building, let’s explore modular or panelized systems to determine if that would be a good option. Call Properties on the Potomac at
703-624-8333.

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If you think of the word “cottage,” what do you see?  Do you envision images of warmth, coziness, and flowers climbing on front porches? Or maybe a smaller, less ornate house, and a lifestyle of tranquility and serenity.

A cottage may look different depending on the beholder, but one thing that is certain is that the term describes a category of house and a lifestyle rather than an architectural style.

Historically, the term was used to denote more than charm and tranquility. During the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island, the “Summer Cottages” were anything but today’s typical image of a cottage. There, the opulent and sumptuously appointed summer retreats were built to outshine one another among the wealthy elite during the summer months of vacationing and partying.

Today, the term has evolved to denote a quaint, cozy, charming, smaller house, often in a more rural setting, although cottages can be found in some cities as well. There are thatched-roof cottages in the English countryside, Tudor-style cottages on both sides of the Atlantic, and even fairy tale cottages in, well, fairy tales. Among the more famous cottages is Green Gables of Anne of Green Gables fame.

But the history of the word goes back even further than Gilded Age New England: according to Southern Living writer Maggie Burch, “The term ‘cottage’ and the house style most closely associated with it originated in England during the Middle Ages. Peasant farmers were known as “cotters,” and their modest, rural homes came to be called cottages. Even today, a cottage-style house in the U.K. has the same description it did hundreds of years ago—the homes are simple dwellings meant to fight off the cold, typically with one large living room downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs, under a thatched roof.” The house in the Cotswolds featured in the movie, The Holiday, is the quintessential English cottage.

Today, there are a variety of cottage styles in the U.S.

The “Coastal Cottage” denotes being near the beach. Massachusetts and Connecticut have a great many of these charming homes. The architectural term “Cape Cod” is a cottage style associated with Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. The clapboard siding, the red brick chimneys, their meandering walkways, and charming flower-covered fences evoke a longing for innocence.

The “English Cottage,” with its thatched roof and overgrown gardens and open spaces, will be found in the English countryside. (Designing an overgrown garden in many newer communities in our areas could invoke the wrath of homeowners’ associations.)

“Creole Cottages” have evolved from New Orleans and the “Low Country.” They are often narrow, have front porches, and covered outdoor living areas. They are light and breezy: picture white gauze curtains billowing in the breeze.

A “bungalow” can be a cottage. Its defining features are a sloping roof, dormer windows, and an overhanging porch. This style of house can be found throughout the U.S., from Craftsman post-and-beam construction to brick bungalows with horizontal dormers found in the Chicago area.

What are the key elements of the cottage? Outside, they will have natural building material – callboard and/or wood shingles all set amid casual and lush landscapes. The interior elements of the cottage will feature lush textiles, pillows, rugs, curtains, blankets, and comfortable furniture. Fireplaces, nooks, and cozy kitchens are hallmarks of the style.

In our local real estate market, many homeowners love the cottage style. Although recent trends have been minimalistic in shades of gray; cottage-style homes with their cozy elements have resold quickly –  many over list price. Cottage style tugs at the heartstrings, offering the dream of intimate and quiet family times.

In search of your diamond-in-the-rough cottage? Contact Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 today!

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“My house is the red brick one . . .”

Red brick is distinctive. It has commanded attention over the centuries and does not disappoint today. The Victorian red brick house dates back to the 1870s and was typically a sign of wealth among homeowners, as yellow bricks were far less expensive.

The Empire State building, completed in 1931, is faced with 10 million red bricks. At the time of its opening, it was the tallest building in the world. Why the choice of red brick instead of some other color?

All bricks are not alike. Bricks are classified by color, class, size, and purpose of use. The bricks used to face residences are typically “First Class Bricks.” These bricks are thoroughly burnt, and are copper, dark red, or cherry in color. The bricks should be free of cracks, flaws, or stones. Their texture must be uniform and not be able to be scratched or dented by a fingernail. When two bricks are struck together, they should have a metallic ring. They should not absorb water and lime must not be visible in a brick fracture.

Bricks are made of clay and earthen components. The clay or material used affects the color and class of the bricks. Additionally, the length of time of “firing” affects the color. Extra burning makes a browner brick. Red bricks have to be made “just right” to optimize color and important features.

Because of the careful process needed to create the red bricks, the cost increases accordingly. Lighter colored bricks will have sand or even cement in their mix. Sand based bricks are more porous, thus less water resistant. Those bricks require sealing to remediate water absorption. There was a building in Washington, D.C. constructed with a very attractive red brick façade. Its sides and back were covered with yellow brick. If heavy rains hit from a particular direction, the interior walls of that building became damp. The walls behind the red bricks of the façade remained dry.

In short: the color of brick chosen for a home makes a statement. With today’s technology in brick manufacturing, more colors are available that qualify as first class. And while red brick may no longer be considered prestigious, a red brick house typically sells faster (subject to many other criteria) than a lighter colored brick, or homes clad in other materials.

Looking for your perfect red brick home? Call or text us at 703-624-8333.