When purchasing a Northern Virginia house, it is easier to find a larger structure for less money than it used to be. For those willing to make a few upgrades and changes in the home after purchase, but before moving in, they can have the dream home of their choice without spending a lot of money on the designs and extras chosen by someone else. While some improvements may be made simply to replace worn systems or protect the house from damage, others are a way of making it more comfortable and beautiful to look at every day.

Surfaces

Natural stone is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of materials for flooring, bath and countertops in the home. The surfaces are sturdy and easy to clean. The natural design and color in the stone brings out a natural beauty that marries well with furniture and other surfaces in the home. The variety in color and design makes natural stone a compatible choice for kitchen countertops with most kitchen flooring and cabinets. In the bathroom, vanities, countertops, baths and even flooring in natural stone can create a luxurious look and comfortable feel that will not buckle or warp with exposure to moisture. A marble bath and a granite countertop in Va, for example, are well-known for their durability and long-lasting beauty.

Basements

Most homes in the area have a basement or a crawl space. While it adds to the amount of living and storage space available, these underground structures need to be monitored regularly. Ensuring basement waterproofing in Northern Virginia homes is adequate prevents moisture and water from damaging the house. Besides deterioration, damp areas can create deposits of mold and mildew, which cause health issues and terrible smells. Once present, these problems are expensive and difficult to eliminate. Waterproofing the home, and especially the basement, will give the surface a protective coating and ensure that all cracks and crevices are filled. Moisture cannot do damage when it cannot enter the home. When considering renovations, check on the basement and crawl space for waterproofing needs.

Plumbing

When buying a new home, one element that may stand out as being tired and worn is the plumbing system. Leaky faucets, running toilets and groaning pipes are all warning signs that the home’s Northern Virginia plumbing needs to be repaired or replaced. While some of the problems may simply be worn washers, a careful inspection may reveal leaks and blockages. These types of problems can lead to water waste and make the water bill skyrocket. New homeowners may not recognize the problem because they have nothing to use for a comparison. Plumbing upgrades may include pipes, faucets, toilets, sinks and outdoor spigots. Homeowners should consider replacing old water heaters with new tankless designs to reduce the utility bills each month as well.