From filtered shade to the tiki bar feel, options abound for outdoor covered spaces

With social distancing and al fresca gatherings advisable during these uncertain “Phase II” days, those of us who are fortunate to reside in Coastal Virginia may be rethinking the aesthetics and functionality of our outdoor spaces. Decks and patios open to the sky have their appeal, but they may not be appropriate for all types of entertaining, all types of day, and all types of guests. The sun can be relentless here in the summer months.

But when you think of a covered outdoor space what comes to mind? In all likelihood, it is that southern staple, the covered porch. And they are indeed staples for good reason.

However, there are many other options that may be more suitable to the look or logistics of your home or your lifestyle. Some are easily purchased, some are accessible to DIYers with advanced carpentry skills, and others will likely require the expertise of a contractor or builder.

In the first category are the extra-large patio umbrellas with an arm that extends out over a seating area. To my eye, they lend a hotel vacation vibe that can signal that it’s time to relax. If a motorized retractable awning is within your budget, these fall within the purchase category, as well, but may not be the right look for every home. They do, however, come in a wide range of colors, with the clean-line solids looking quite contemporary and the striped fabric with scalloped edges evoking a bygone era.

In both of the first two categories are sail-shades. Purchased or made, these triangular pieces of sun-blocking fabric need grommets at the corners so that they can be tied to poles, trees, or the side of your home with rope or cord. An advantage is that they can be fairly easily repositioned throughout the year.

Then there is the filtered shade of the classic pergola with its parallel slats or its cousin, the lattice canopy. Both may be within reach of skilled DIYers or may require professional services. Either may be a stand-alone structure or attached to your home and can cover broad expanses or a small defined area. Both allow some sun to penetrate to the surface below, but do provide a bit of blockage. Growing vines on either of these structures ups their shade-producing properties. Typically lending a garden aesthetic, pergolas and lattice canopies take on more of a Miami-chill vibe with the addition of simple canvas curtains on the sides.

 

If a tiki-bar vacation vibe is what you seek, you will probably want to hire someone to construct the thatched roof awning of your dreams, perhaps to cover a bar and patio area. The same goes for a gazebo, most often screened, which is a somewhat architecturally complex, octagonal, freestanding structure. These semi-enclosed spaces are typically positioned at some distance from the home to take advantage of sheltered views or farther flung parts of the yard or property.

 

The expertise of a contractor would surely be desirable if it’s more of a pavilion — typically located over an outdoor kitchen and dining space — that you seek. If you ever wondered from where the name “Ramada Inn” comes, a ramada is another name for a pavilion with a closed roof and open sides.

This new normal in which we find ourselves has created, of necessity, new ways of thinking about virtually everything, including how we can best live safely and contentedly at home, even as we begin to venture out.

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.

Home-Sweet-Home Office

When we were last together, no stay-at-home orders had yet been issued in the Commonwealth and schools were not yet shuttered, though they closed shortly after.

Slowly at first and then with rapid acceleration, millions and millions of people world-wide—if they are lucky enough to have a job and if they aren’t first responders—found themselves working from home.  This while homeschooling or providing childcare to younger children.

Such dramatic change in such a compressed amount of time against a backdrop of a global public health crisis and a teetering economy stresses us emotionally and psychologically.  But so can finding ourselves juggling new responsibilities and functions overlaid on top of each other in a space that wasn’t necessarily designed to accommodate work and school.

After this pandemic passes, many of us, both lay people and experts, believe that telecommuting and remote work opportunities—along with telemedicine, virtual learning, and more—will continue long after the pandemic, offering benefits to both businesses and employees, though not without challenges.

And one of those challenges is surely how teleworkers will carve comfortable, inspiring, and productive offices out of their existing homes.  Wireless devices allow us to move freely from place to place, and I have a friend who enjoys the flexibility of moving from a desk in her bedroom to her kitchen counter and even to her deck in temperate weather.  But others want or need more of a permanent niche away from the flow of family life in which they can be their most productive selves and possibly even welcome clients.

Here we offer a framework for beginning to imagine what your home office could be.  But be sure to look online at the thousands of inspiring designs.

The first consideration is function and its relationship to location.  If you will be working hours upon hours alone and need peace and quiet and a place to meet with partners or clients, your location needs will be very different from someone who fits work into family life and wants to be able to keep an eye on the kids.  Try not to be constrained by the current function of spaces in your house.  If you have always maintained a beautiful guest room for infrequent guests, perhaps the main function of that space needs to transition to office with, say, a Murphy bed for the occasional visitor.  Or if the kids no longer play in the playroom or your formal dining room is more of a time capsule than usable space, maybe that would be the ideal spot.  Though the cost would be greater, you might consider conditioning attic or garage space.  An area that affords natural light is a big plus if you can make it work.

Home offices are hybrids, so while they may need to signal “work space,” they should be visually compatible with the rest of your home, leaving behind all the worst aspects of the office cubicle.  Nowadays, there is no limit to the available styles of home office furnishings, whether your home is contemporary, traditional formal, or more cottage-y.  In fact, residential furnishings can easily serve office functions.

Think about your workflow, what you need within easy reach, and whether you are a stacker or a filer.  Then purchase or have furnishings built accordingly.  Try to avoid being seduced by office ensembles that may look great, but don’t match your needs.  Whatever you do, make certain that your chair is not only beautiful but ergonomically correct; so maybe your chair should actually be a balance ball.

Now is your opportunity to work in a space that is the color of your choice.   Color has a proven effect on mood, energy, productivity, and creativity.  Do a little research to discover whether calming tones like sea green and soft blues, rich neutrals, or bright pops of sunny or tropical colors help you get your creative juices flowing.

If your workspace ends up being windowless, you can certainly hang inspiring artwork over your desk.  But you might choose instead placing your desk so that you face the door.  Just be sure that the light doesn’t create a glare on our computer screen during the hours that your will be working, though window coverings can help with that.

Bright, but not harsh, light is necessary to prevent headaches and eyestrain, not to mention creating a space with an appealing ambiance.  Ensure overall brightness with overhead lighting and task lighting with a desk or floor lamp.  Visit a home improvement store where you can view bulbs with different temperatures, from cooler to warmer, including those that approximate daylight.  Like color, the quality of light plays a major role in motivation.

Remember to accessorize in a personal way that can be inappropriate in a corporate or business environment.  Cozy throw blankets and pillows have a place in your home office, as do inspiring art, photos, and other memorabilia.  But avoid visual clutter which can tax energy.  Use pretty household items to hold office necessities instead of purchasing manufactured versions.  One of my friends keeps staples, rubber bands, and paperclips in a set of white porcelain egg cups collected on a white tray to keep the look neat.  Her inbox is a pretty wire basket.

When it comes to the all-important technology for telecommuters, wireless gadgets and devices go a long way toward preventing techno-clutter.  But for equipment that does require cords, try to position them near outlets and then corral them in covers, tubing, under-desk wire organizers, or cord winders to keep them tidy and tamed.  If possible, fit your desk with a grommet, a hole with a plastic or metal cap through which you feed the cords to get them off the desktop.

One silver lining of this dreadful pandemic may be more flexible work contexts, a reduction in commute times, and lower fuel bills for a larger sector of the workforce.  With our tips, you can hopefully be more comfortable in this brave new world of telecommuting and insure that your backdrop is Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet-ready.

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.

Tubs, Toilets, and Tiles, Oh My!

Bathrooms today play such an important role in our lives, easing us from day into night and night into day.  That means something different for everyone, but it surely doesn’t mean trying to function in a cramped, dated space with poor lighting.  So, here we offer a few things to think about if you are considering a bathroom remodel.  Updating a bathroom can add value to your home for resale, but don’t wait until then.  You deserve to enjoy the space long before someone else does.

The style of your bath will depend on the style of your home.  Understandably, you may want a spiffier new space, but it still needs to seem to belong to the rest of your home.  This flow can be accomplished largely through colors, materials, and profiles, e.g. more sleek, square, and contemporary vs. more beveled, curved, and ornate. Repetition creates unity and cohesion.

To keep costs down, you will likely want to maintain the existing floorplan.  If pipes are old and need ripped out, however, this would be the ideal time to relocate showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks for a more efficient or attractive layout.

In general, you will want a focal point that is something other than the toilet. And speaking of toilets, the tankless variety can be less obtrusive, though a tank provides a readymade shelf for an attractive tissue box or other necessities.  Beware of colors other than white which quickly look dated.

Pedestal sinks open-up spaces, yet don’t provide storage, though console sinks offer some of the same openness, yet may have a shelf below and a built-in towel rack.  However, if your bathroom is large enough for a tall corner cabinet, or if you store towels, toilet paper, and the like in a hall closet, you may not need a lot of storage.

But, if a vanity is more to your liking, the floating style—rather than those that extend to the floor—offer ample concealed storage, but with a more updated look.  If that is too contemporary for you, a vanity with furniture style feet or legs might be the perfect option.  The wide variety of vessel sinks available today are seductive, but they aren’t always the most practical option, as they tend to have a splash factor, and no one wants to be constantly mopping up water around their sink.  Whatever countertop material you choose, consider repeating it elsewhere as a ledge or shelf.

Framed mirrors above sinks are very popular right now.  A circular or oval mirror can help break up the right angles typically found in bathrooms while complimenting the curves of toilets and tubs.  Though we might tend to think of mirrored medicine cabinets as dated, there are beautiful styles on the market today and nothing provides handier storage.

Floating shelves are nice for displaying decorative objects or for placing necessities within easy reach.  But you will want to make sure the latter is visually appealing which sometimes means decanting body products into attractive containers.

Floor coverings run the gamut—anything but carpet, please(!)—with wood looking and feeling warm and inviting, but tile being somewhat more practical in wet spaces.  If you choose tile, try to find the middle ground between too smooth, which can be slippery, and too textured, which can trap grime.  When choosing a grout, bear in mind that a contrasting tone will emphasize the tile pattern more than the surface.  And darker tones will conceal dirt in between cleanings.

Freestanding soaker tubs are all the rage for the ultimate in relaxation, and some homeowners feel they need both a tub and a shower for resale.  However, if a luxurious new tub will cramp your floorplan, especially if the current residents are not bathers, eighty-six the tub and focus on the perfect shower—perhaps a walk-in style—with plenty of height and elbow room for its tallest and longest-limbed users.  Multiple and rainfall shower heads are yesterday’s news, but they are still desirable today.

Whatever you do, don’t resort to a shower caddy in your new space.  Design a built-in shower niche for shampoo and such and, if you like, create a mini-focal point by covering the back of the niche with a colored or patterned tile.  Perhaps repeat the tile as an accent wall elsewhere, say, behind the tub.  In fact, though tile is a more expensive option than a coat of paint for bathroom walls, it is stylish and highly practical for easy wipe-up of drips and splashes, even just partway up the wall.

Ventilation is critically important to prevent mold and mildew and other unpleasantries.  But a fan also muffles sounds in a bathroom and is highly desirable for “audial privacy” if the bathroom opens off a shared bedroom or a public space.

Lighting in a bathroom could scarcely be more critical to ambiance and function.  The style of lighting can also help the bathroom flow with the rest of your home.  Natural light is lovely in a bathroom, though it can impact privacy.  In that case, your bathroom may be an ideal spot for a skylight.

Choices in manmade lighting abound and, regardless of your choices, consider dimmers.  Recessed lighting is ideal for overall brightness.  For task lighting near the sink, keep in mind that side lighting is the most flattering and casts the least shadows.  Though it is against code to place a chandelier over a tub, a scaled chandelier somewhere in the space can add a hint of elegance.

If we can help you reimagine your bath experience, please don’t hesitate to contact me at chris@vbhomesliving.com.  We love helping our clients make what is old new again.

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.

Building Project in Order? Ask these Questions before Hiring a Contractor

If this new year and new decade has you thinking it’s time for a new — or newly remodeled — home, it’s tempting to want to jump straight to the fun part: designing. But it will be well worth your time in the long run to do some work at the front end to find just the right contractor for your project.

In our decades in business, we have pretty much “seen it all,” and hopefully this advice can help you avoid costly missteps and misunderstandings down the road. By asking a few crucial questions of your prospective builder, you can sleep a little easier in your current home as your dream home takes shape.

 

We take our cue from The National Association of the Remodeling Industry:

Depending on your job, first find out if the companies you are considering can do what you need, be it full service or specialty. Large and more involved projects will require design services, so you will either need a design-build firm or an architect and a builder.

Do not even consider a company that does not carry workers compensation and liability insurance. You are well within your rights to ask for copies of the insurance certificates. Additionally, in Virginia, for jobs over $1,000, a contractor’s license is typically required. Ask to see your contractor’s registration and license and then go one step further: confirm the number and the expiration date with our local jurisdiction.

While new companies need clients to build their businesses, you may not want a new company to build your home. We advise that you look for a company with an established business history here in Hampton Roads. Surviving and thriving in the competitive contracting industry is challenging, and companies who do tend to have all the right pieces in place. That is, not only do they have construction skills, but they know how to run a professional business.

Regardless of how many years they have served the community, a reputable company with a sound track record should be able to supply you with a minimum of three references, including names, addresses and phone numbers. At least one or two of them should be recent because people — and companies — change and you want to make certain that these happy customers are happy with the company’s current iteration.

Similarly, always ask to see a recently completed job. And, further, if the company is truly “stand-up,” it should be able to supply you with professional references from suppliers and/or subcontractors who can verify sound business practices. And it is proper to inquire about the percentage of the company’s repeat and referral business.

A licensed, knowledgeable and experienced contractor will know what permits and inspections are necessary for your project and will work with you to obtain them. In this way, you will avoid fines for noncompliance or, far worse, demolition if there is no way to make your project comply.

It is never too early to ask questions about time frame, including when the company can begin your project. Most in-demand companies are working on several projects at once. Make sure they have time for you. Definitely ask about work schedules including when the work will begin and when you can expect it to be completed. On a more micro level, especially in the case of a remodeling project in which you will be living on site, find out how early their crew will begin work and when they will quit for the day. And since delays are a part of virtually every project, inquire about whether you will be contacted about delays or changes in the schedule and by whom.

Speaking of delays, we need to address change orders, sometimes called additional work authorization. These are changes to the central specifications of a job due either to changes desired by the homeowner, say an additional window, or to an unforeseen condition, e.g. the presence of termites. And the manner of handling them should be addressed in the original contract along with an arbitration clause, as disputes involving arbitration are most often over change orders.

Before signing a contract, be clear about how your prospective contractor handles change orders. Each change order should be in writing, include the price and days added to completion, and be signed. For homeowner requested changes, payment is often requested up front.

 

Regarding payment for your project, reputable contractors will charge somewhere in the neighborhood of 15% up front. If your builder requests much more than that, consider it a red flag. Beyond that, draws should be proportionate to the work: the phases and progression of the job. About 10% of the total cost of the job should be due when the job is substantially complete, though there may still be a punch list. Items on that list should generally by completed within 30 days.

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.

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.

Balconies are not just for enjoying on vacation days

Balconies conjure up visions of romance European style, cozy spaces for coffee, cocktails, conversation and gorgeous vacation views.

But why wait for all too infrequent time away from work or other responsibilities? Something as relatively simple as a balcony — or two — can enhance your lifestyle every day instead of only on vacation days.

A small private balcony with solid walls off the master bedroom.

Balconies, because of their potential hazards, should be left to the pros and will require proper permitting. But, once you have chosen a licensed and insured contractor with proven expertise in both the practical and aesthetic dimensions of balcony additions, the fun and creative part can begin.

 

A balcony addition needs to not only function as you intend, but take into consideration the architectural integrity of your home. You will want to see renderings of how your home will appear on the exterior once your balcony is added. A depth of about 4 feet is enough for a few chairs and two or three people, but be clear about how you plan to use the balcony so that you right-size it. Keep in mind that it will cast shade below, including darkening the rooms on the first floor directly beneath your balcony. If you desire more square footage, consider planning at the outset for a shaded patio below. Regardless, be intentional.

A balcony with glass pane railing with white wrap posts. Using glass panes makes it transparent to enjoy views such as a water feature.

Approach access thoughtfully, including whether you want your balcony to offer the ultimate in privacy from only one room, say a homeowner suite, or allow access from perhaps a pair of guest rooms. If you are considering allowing access from the exterior, keep in mind that the addition of something like a spiral staircase may make your home more vulnerable to a break-in, but it also serves as an escape in case of fire.

From the interior of your home, converting a window to a door offers the most straightforward access to your new balcony. If you plan on cutting an opening elsewhere, make sure that you have not negatively impacted functionality by dividing the only wall big enough for a dresser or other major piece of furniture.

A balcony that is a contemporary beach style using stainless steel cable rail and accenting it with a IPE top rail and caps.

When choosing a material for your balcony, be realistic about your budget, your tolerance for maintenance, and especially safety. Balconies are typically cantilevered, hung using steel cables, stacked on pillars or supported with corbels, which are structural brackets, though corbels can also be strictly decorative. Styles abound and there is something for every architectural style. The type of construction you and your contractor choose will obviously impact your materials options. Tragedies resulting from collapsed balconies have led away from those supported by wooden joists, which can rot and weaken with few obvious visible signs.

The railing or balustrade that you choose will define your balcony’s aesthetic. Cable, concrete, glass panes, metal, wood, or vinyl are all available and will dramatically impact the look of your balcony. Traditional, formal, contemporary and casual looks are all yours for the asking. Look at a lot of different designs, perhaps even combining aspects from several that you like. Be sure to consider how much privacy versus view you desire, as well as safety if pets or children will have access to the balcony, along with drainage.

If all of this is more than you want to undertake, consider the Juliet balcony in traditional European styles, as the name suggests, or in more contemporary urban or industrial styles. These extremely shallow balconies are for standing only with a railing just outside a window, slider, or French doors.

Whether you seek a greater connection to the outdoors, romantic privacy, or increased living space, seek a professional to help you achieve the right balcony for your needs.

Virginia Beach native and James Madison University 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. Contact him 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.

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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.

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.