Fiberon Decking and TimberTech Deck Railing

Tips On Obtaining A Fairfax County Building Permit For Your New Deck

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Tips on Obtaining a Fairfax County Building Permit for Your New Deck

Everyone wants a new deck, but as you might know, you can’t enjoy your new deck until you get a Fairfax County building permit for your new deck.    Building permits for new decks do not have to be a nightmare. It will make it easier to obtain a permit if you follow these few steps:

  1. Always start with a good clear copy of the house location survey. You must make sure the survey is to scale with all borders present and includes a stamp from the Survey Company that created it. You will want to make sure that the survey has not been stamped by the county on a previous permit that it is not to be used again. Once you know that your house survey is to scale you must make sure to draw your new project exactly to scale on it. You must make sure to include the distances to each boundary left and right side as well as the rear of your property. Failure to include accurate information on a plat that scales will result in a rejection and loss of time in the permit process.
  2. Make sure your plans are accurate and to scale. You must include an overhead drawing of your deck, as well as the distance from the ground to the floor of your new deck. For multilevel decks, it is necessary to submit a set of plans for the review process. These plans must be perfect. Otherwise, they will result in a delay for amendments. If at all possible, we recommend that you submit your plans according to the Fairfax County typical deck detail. This information can be found online at Fairfax County typical deck detail. By submitting your permit without plans for review, you can save a lot of time.
  3. Along with your application, which includes the accurate survey and overhead drawing, make sure to also include the Engineering report for your PVC or composite material such as Timbertech or Trex so that your permit will go smoothly.
  4. When submitting plans or completing your overhead drawing, make to use paper size 11 x 17 and 1/4 inch on your scale equals 1 Foot. These are the acceptable parameters for building plan review. Failure to submit documents in this fashion will result in a rejection delay and re-submittal, not good for getting your new deck permit quickly.
  5. Complete your application process and submit your documents online after creating a Fairfax County account. This will save you the time and inconvenience of going to the county in person. Make sure all of your documents are neat and clear. Important: be on a lookout for an email from Fairfax County requesting payment, otherwise your permit process is incomplete and permit will not be processed.

If you follow the above steps, getting your permit can be a breeze, and there are instances when a deck building permit can be obtained in just days not weeks or months. Contact Main Street Home Improvement Company for any further details or questions and let us know how we can be of assistance to you.

Bath with Shower and Tub

Embracing aging means creating a home that is both comfortable & accessible.

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Main Street Home Improvement Company Offers Bathroom and Basement Remodeling for Aging in Place in Northern Virginia

Aging is a reality we all face, yet it’s a topic many of us prefer to avoid. It can be even more daunting than the thought of remodeling our homes. However, there’s a way to make the process of remodeling your basement and bathroom not only more enjoyable but also valuable for you and your loved ones. By keeping the needs of aging family members or yourself in mind during your renovations, you can create spaces that are both functional and inviting.

Modern design trends emphasize open, spacious, and accessible floor plans, which are particularly beneficial for older adults and those recovering from injuries. The key to ensuring that everyone can comfortably use your bathroom and basement is to prioritize access and openness.

Consider installing extra-wide doorways with a minimum width of 36 inches. This not only enhances the overall feel of your space but also accommodates wheelchair access if needed. Whether you plan to stay in your home during your retirement years or care for an aging loved one, a handicap-accessible bathroom can significantly increase your home’s value.

Many contemporary showers are designed without curbs, allowing for a seamless transition from the bathroom floor into the shower. This design enables easy access for those using wheelchairs or for anyone who prefers a step-free entry. Custom shower doors can be mounted directly onto the floor, offering a sleek, modern look while providing excellent functionality. At Main Street, we have successfully remodeled and designed numerous bathrooms with these features in mind.

Additionally, a gently sloping stone or concrete walkway from your front driveway to the back of the house can enhance your basement remodeling project, creating a cohesive and accessible outdoor space.

Safety is paramount, especially in bathrooms. Opt for rough, non-skid surfaces to minimize the risk of slips and falls. For flooring options like marble, granite, or porcelain, consider sealing them with a silica additive to create a slip-resistant surface for your family and friends.

Don’t overlook the importance of sturdy towel bars; they serve a dual purpose. In addition to holding towels, they can provide support for individuals entering or exiting the shower or bathtub. Instead of opting for flimsy towel rods from big-box stores, invest in solid, inch-and-a-quarter stainless steel or chrome grab bars that can withstand weight and provide peace of mind.

By thoughtfully considering the needs of aging individuals during your remodeling projects, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also safe and accessible for everyone.

Deck Maintenance and Care

Is Your Deck Getting the Care It Deserves?

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How to Properly Maintain Your Northern Virginia Deck

Taking care of your deck is essential for protecting your investment and extending its lifespan. Regular maintenance not only keeps your deck looking great but also prevents issues like mold and rot, ensuring you can relax and entertain outdoors without worry.

Michael Kayne, the lead designer and quality control manager at Main Street Home Improvement Company in Vienna, Virginia, recommends a semi-annual cleaning routine. This is crucial for preventing wood damage, and even if you have PVC or composite boards, regular cleaning can stop mold from taking hold. Mold is not just unsightly; it can be hazardous to breathe and makes surfaces slippery when wet. A clean deck is a safer space for your family and friends.

But safety and aesthetics aren’t the only reasons to keep your deck clean. Many manufacturers require regular maintenance to honor warranty claims. Yes, you read that right! If stains are allowed to sit for too long, they can become difficult to remove and may void your warranty against discoloration.

In addition to cleaning, Michael suggests conducting annual inspections of the framing beneath your deck. This is vital for ensuring a structurally sound space for your loved ones. Remember, even maintenance-free decks have pressure-treated lumber underneath, which can be susceptible to mold and decay. Keeping these areas clean is just as important.

For those looking for top-notch wood preservative products, Sherwin-Williams offers some of the best on the market. Their DeckScape and SuperDeck products are excellent choices for preserving and staining your deck, helping it last a lifetime.

At Main Street Home Improvement, we proudly carry Madison Lumber from Madison, Virginia, and stand behind its warranty for the lifetime of your home. If you encounter white mold on your framing boards, Madison Lumber will cover the cost of new lumber if needed.

Your outdoor deck should be a space for enjoyment with family and friends. By keeping your decking surfaces and structures clean and free of mold, you can ensure that your deck investment lasts a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves and give your deck the care it deserves!

Dangers of Old Pressure-Treated Lumber

Understanding the Dangers of Old Pressure-Treated Lumber

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Is Your Pressure-Treated Northern Virginia Wooden Deck Still Safe?

In the world of home improvement and garden maintenance, few materials have endured as prominently as pressure-treated wood. Fondly (or sometimes not so fondly) remembered, the clunky decks and fences of the 70s, 80s, and 90s are often still a part of our landscape today. While these structures stand as testaments to durability, they also harbor a less desirable legacy—the use of hazardous chemicals.

Back in the day, the pressure-treated lumber commonly utilized across the United States, including Northern Virginia, was infused with chemicals like arsenic to enhance resistance against insects and elements. Although effective for fortifying the wood, these toxic preservatives had a dark side, posing significant health risks to humans, pets, and the environment. Alarmingly, these chemicals were banned in Europe over fifty years ago due to these dangers.

One of the critical risks associated with old pressure-treated materials is their interaction with the food supply. Planting vegetable gardens near these materials can result in contamination, as toxins leach into the soil and ultimately enter the food chain. Similarly, anyone involved in cutting, removing, or handling these materials must remain vigilant—never burning them, as this could release harmful toxins into the air.

Fortunately, advancements in pressure treatment technology offer a safer alternative. Modern pressure-treated wood is infused with copper, a much safer preservative. Unlike its predecessors, this material does not pose a threat to humans or animals. However, a new challenge emerges when combining the old with the new. Old hardware can react adversely with the new copper-treated lumber, resulting in corrosion that could compromise the integrity of the structure. Hence, using modern fasteners and hardware is essential for any project involving new pressure-treated wood.

We recall the transition period vividly—it marked a significant shift in construction and renovation paradigms, emphasizing safety and sustainability. The introduction of non-toxic materials meant a complete overhaul of practices, encouraging a conscientious use of compatible hardware to safeguard against corrosion.

As we navigate these changes, it’s vital to remember that burning any form of pressure-treated lumber, old or new, is ill-advised. Both can release toxins when burned, which is particularly risky in enclosed spaces like campfires or barbecues.

In summary, while the pressure-treated wood of yesteryear carries warnings and hazards, the strides we have made offer peace of mind, safer structures, and an environmentally friendly approach. Embracing these changes allows us to preserve safety without sacrificing the aesthetic and functional benefits of pressure-treated wood, ensuring that decks, fences, and outdoor structures remain a staple in our lives for years to come.

Underdecking Space

What is Going On Under Your Deck

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Maximize Use of Your Northern Virginia Deck – Under Deck Drainage, Storage & Maintenance Tips

Your new deck looks fantastic, and your family and friends are thoroughly enjoying the leisure time spent together in this inviting space. You’ve truly nailed the perfect gathering spot. You’ve carefully planned a space for your children and guests to dine and relax after a long day. But what about the area beneath your deck? Many people overlook the potential of this space, yet it can be transformed into something both beautiful and functional.

Did you know there are materials available that allow you to enhance your deck while also creating valuable dry space underneath? Companies like Dek Rite, Dry Space, and Trex offer innovative products that can turn the underside of your deck into a practical area for storage or even a new living space. This improvement can come at a minimal cost compared to constructing an entirely new structure. With some thoughtful planning and design, you can expand your deck project to include a bonus outdoor space below, enhancing the utility and appeal of your home.

Deck with Storage Below

Additionally, there are intriguing design possibilities for creating outdoor screened-in porches with flat roofs. These spaces can be conveniently accessed from second-floor windows converted into doors, transforming traditional roof-top decks into beautiful, flat roof bonus rooms. The shift from an A-frame roof with shingles to a flat, usable surface can provide additional living space, offering a unique vantage point and functionality.

Whether you’re considering rooftop decks over porches or exploring the potential of under-deck living areas, some advanced planning and design can elevate your next deck and porch project to a whole new level. Whether you build up or down, the possibilities are endless, and you can genuinely say you’ve maximized every part of your home’s outdoor spaces.