Before & After: From Concrete To Composite

When it comes to transforming a basic backyard into a stylish living space for the entire family—dogs included—hear why choosing composite over wood was a no-brainer.

Wood decks and railings take a beating from the rain. They rot and require so much upkeep. That’s the reason this homeowner chose a composite deck; it will be nearly maintenance free for years. No sanding. No staining. No painting. No kidding.

When we came out to see the space, we confirmed that we could leave the original concrete patio in place and just install the deck frame over it.

The deck color they chose is called Saddle. Its hue creates a cozy, inviting, organic feel.

A new deck becomes an additional room; it expands your livable space. Plus, it adds to the value of your home.

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Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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    Current Specials – Limited Time Only!

    We are currently offering the following specials:

    • FREE 3D CAD Renderings (Seasonal Special) with Deck, Screen Porch, or Sunroom Consultation.
    • $500 OFF Any Deck or Patio (not valid with any other offer)
    • $1,000 OFF any Porch or Sunroom (not valid with any other offer)

    Use code DECKNOW for an additional $250 OFF!

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    Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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      Steadfast Construction Receives 2018 Best of Fairfax County Award

      Fairfax County Award Program Honors the Achievement

      FAIRFAX COUNTY July 6, 2018 — Steadfast Construction has been selected for the 2018 Best of Fairfax County Award in the Deck and Porch Construction category by the Fairfax County Award Program.

      Each year, the Fairfax County Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Fairfax County area a great place to live, work and play.

      2018 Best of Fairfax County Hall of Fame AwardVarious sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2018 Fairfax County Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Fairfax County Award Program and data provided by third parties.

      About Fairfax County Award Program

      The Fairfax County Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Fairfax County area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

      The Fairfax County Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

      SOURCE: Fairfax County Award Program

      CONTACT:
      Fairfax County Award Program
      Email: PublicRelations@rivate.org
      URL: http://www.rivate.org

      5 Steps to a Smooth-Running Construction Project

      Patio Enclosures | Steadfast Construction

      1. Don’t Skimp on Design Help

      Given the busy lives most of us lead, we don’t have the time to research every type of technology and material that might be used on a construction project. Let Steadfast Construction save some of the time that would otherwise be spent learning and perfecting the process. Your budget might be tight, but we’ve seen time and time again that trying to save money on design actually can cost homeowners far more in the end, in dollars and frustration.

      Homeowners often underestimate the cost and complexity of a home addition project. The cost of the design work on a project is something that homeowners may consider skimping on to save money, but we find that the best way to avoid problems in construction is to invest time with us up front to think about the construction process during design. This takes far less time than fixing mistakes that happen when the walls are going up.

      We at Steadfast take the time to review your project in great detail by focusing on the layout of the project, how people will enter and exit the space, how furniture will be placed and other details on how to create an enjoyable atmosphere for the homeowner and those accessing the space.

      Once we talk about our initial findings and your thoughts, you can opt to have us create custom CAD and 3D design deck drawings based on those ideas. These 3 dimensional images allow you the homeowner to get a clearer idea of their new space’s potential. If you already have a 3D deck design in hand, we are ready to bring your project to life. If you need help with planning, you can use our experience in creating master plans for projects.

      Click here to learn more about our design process.

      2. Become Part of the Team

      Most people spend more time planning their next vacation than they do planning their house project. Not that planning a home addition project has to be a full-time job. Steadfast Construction can help you understand your role in the project as well as the contributions of other team members. That means participating in the process from the start so that you stay fully up to speed with what is happening throughout the project.

      We’ve seen clients assume that we know what’s going on in their head and are surprised when something comes out different than what they were expecting. That’s why communication is important.

      Steadfast Construction will assist you so you understand what is being communicated at each stage of the project. The best opportunity for this is during the design meetings. Remember, if you don’t understand something, ask. It’s better to get everyone on the same page early before a structure gets built that sticks out like a sore thumb.

      3. Establish Your Goals and Refer Back to Them Frequently

      Be ready to suggest ways to get what you want while avoiding potential problems down the road. If you can create a list of priorities, then when you are faced with challenging decisions during construction, you will be able to look back at your prioritized list to really focus on what will get you closer to your goal instead of what may be a costly distraction.

      4. Establish Your Budget and Add at Least 10 Percent

      Be sure to set aside a construction contingency for critical items. Due to the complexity of the construction process, unforeseen issues might come up. Without a contingency, you might find yourself short of cash when you really need it.

      5. Don’t Get Attached to an Optimistic Timeline 

      Steadfast Construction will take the time to carefully plan and build your addition most efficiently. It takes time to work out the details of a project, so if you need to get the project designed and built very quickly, there might be situations that won’t be fully resolved in the design phase. There will always be elements that will need resolving onsite, but taking the time to do as much as possible on paper can reduce costs.

      Inspiration For Deck Designs in Northern VA

      Custom Decks | Steadfast ConstructionIf you need a brand-new deck design in Northern, VA it’s very important that you understand some of the types of designs that could fit into your backyard. Homeowners often feel like they don’t have space for a deck or like a deck could restrict some of the flow of their backyard. Decks can easily increase the usable space that you can enjoy for entertainment, relaxation and for enjoying time outside. Rather than thinking of a traditional layout for your deck here are some of the top options that you can use for deck designs:

      A Corner Style Deck

      If your home has an empty corner of space on your land one of the best decks that you could consider for this area might be adding in a corner style deck that will complement the existing architecture. With sliding doors out onto the deck, it will feel more like an extension of your living room space or indoor space than any other deck design.

      Party Ready Deck Designs

      Adding in elements for an outdoor party can be an excellent way that you can get a deck that’s designed for entertaining. By adding in features like a hammock, a spot for an outdoor fire pit, and outdoor pizza oven and more, you can enjoy a wonderful space for entertaining that was purpose built for a party.

      Using different types of materials: if you are worried about a deck design in Northern, VA breaking up your backyard with one plain design you could consider using multi-materials for your deck . Adding in concrete planters, a different style of wood for bench seats or a different style of wood for the stairs, you can break up your deck design and get many different looks.

      Incorporating nature: if you have a tree in your backyard that you are worried about cutting down for your deck, you could consider leaving it as part of the deck design. Custom fit the deck around a tree or garden to minimize the impact of your deck on nature.

      Dining Deck

      If you have limited space available you could consider building just a small platform that’s perfect for a patio set. This could give you the optimum outdoor dining experience as well as a usable space in your backyard for entertaining.

      Curved Deck

      If the idea of straight angles is a big turnoff for your deck you could consider a modern deck design with the help of a curved deck. Introducing various curves and landings do deck could be a wonderful way to set your outdoor decking apart from neighbors.

      Space Off The Master Bedroom

      In one floor home, most people build decks directly off their kitchen, living room or dining area. A new and contemporary way to introduce the deck into your home is by building a very small deck off of your master bedroom. This is an excellent way that you could introduce lounge chairs or a nice outdoor space for relaxing with a coffee in the morning.

      Mini Deck For Your Shed

      If you already have one small outdoor patio you could consider adding a secondary deck for your shed or garage area. A small outdoor shed area could be perfect as a workshop, kids playroom or just a spot to enjoy with a few lawn chairs away from the home.

      A Garden Path

      If your backyard is mostly gardens you could consider adding a pathway as an extension of your deck design. A deck pathway encourages people to explore through your gardens and get a closer look at the hard work you have done.

      What to Know Before Adding a Sunroom

      Sunrooms | Steadfast ConstructionSunroom: This room — also called a solarium or conservatory — is a glassed-in living space typically attached to the house and accessible from indoors. It is designed to function as additional living area during mild weather but may be too hot or cold in the heart of summer or winter.

      Four-season room: Closely related to the sunroom, this option is designed to be heated and cooled. As a result, it can be enjoyed year-round.

      Custom Porches | Steadfast Construction

      Screen room or porch: This option has walls constructed of mesh rather than glass, which offers the advantage of fresh air without insects. Like the sunroom, it is habitable only when the weather is agreeable. It makes a terrific budgetary choice.

      Sunrooms and four-season rooms are walled with glass and roofed with glass or polycarbonate (a tough, transparent thermoplastic). A glass roof is quite a bit more expensive but provides the most clarity.

       

      Need assistance on what type of addition to get? Contact us and we will go over your options. 

      Steadfast Construction Named Top Qualified Remodeler For 2017

      Vienna, Virginia (7/01/2017) – Qualified Remodeler, the premier publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the United States, has selected STEADFAST CONSTRUCTION as one of the Top 500 remodelers of 2017. Since 1978 the QR Top 500 has tracked the industry’s largest and most successful companies.

      STEADFAST CONSTRUCTION was chosen as a 2017 Top 500 (#296) remodeler by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards and community service.

      Services Performed: Decks, Porches, Sunrooms, Additions and Patios

      “Based on Qualified Remodeler’s analysis, the Top 500 firms tend to share several common attributes, including excellent strong revenues, a commitment to customer service, insightful sales techniques and strong customer loyalty,” says Qualified Remodeler owner and editorial director, Patrick O’Toole. “We’re positive these attributes helped put the firms on this list and contribute to their success.”

      Additional information on the Top 500 can be found in the August issue of Qualified Remodeler and at www.qualifiedremodeler.com.

      Available Deck Options

      Adding a deck has many benefits, including increasing the value of your home, having extra living space, and much more. Here are some deck options to think about.

      Deck Materials

      If you’re planning a new deck or upgrading an old one, the decking material is the most important decision you’ll make. Not too long ago, redwood and cedar were just about the only options. Synthetics, such as composite and PVC decking, and tropical hardwoods, such as ipe and mahogany, offer ease of maintenance and longevity that put the traditional favorites in the shade.

      Deck Railings

      Generally, where there is stunning decking, there’s railing—and finding the right match for your home and style is the fun part. Our three exterior railing lines see any vision through with a range of colors, finishes and deck rail options.

      Deck Lighting

      With the right light, you can take any outdoor space from invisible to inviting. That’s why we offer brilliant outside lighting for the whole backyard. Lighting enhances curb appeal with exterior light fixtures that provide energy-efficient illumination, making for safer nighttime strolls and impressive deckside ambience.

       

       

       

       

      Interested in learning more? View all of our available deck options or view our deck gallery.

      View All Deck Options

       

      Top 5 Material Options for building a Patio

      Patios | Steadfast ConstructionOne way to create a great outdoor living space is by adding a patio. Patios are usually level with the ground instead of raised like a deck. From a grill-out location in the summer to a gathering place around a fire pit in late fall, a patio can be a multi-season recreation center. It can also serve to define different areas of your yard, along with enhancing the style of your home and garden.

      Patios are as diverse as the homes they go with — from a large rectangular brick patio to a free-form slate patio. When thinking about the size and type of patio that’s right for you, take into account how the patio will be used. Do you want a space for entertaining parties of 12 or an intimate retreat for just the two of you? Along with space, the look of the patio is also important. To have a patio that seamlessly links the home to the garden, you want to think about the overall impression you would like to create. For example, a colonial-style home might mesh well with a brick patio, whereas if you have a contemporary-style home, poured concrete might give you the look you want.

      STONE

      Stone offers a natural and durable option for the creation of a patio. Natural stone can also fit into a garden setting because of its natural hues. While homeowners may be attracted by the look and durability of stone, its irregular surfaces can make for a rough walking area. It can also be heavy and, due to the irregular shapes, stone can be difficult to fit together when laying out the patio. Above all, cost can be a large factor. Stone patios are usually more expensive than concrete pavers or poured concrete.

      CONCRETE PAVERS

      Concrete pavers are made of dense concrete compacted to form individual units that can mimic brick or natural stone, but at a less expensive price. And they can come in a variety of colors and shapes.

      Different installation methods for concrete pavers can offer the homeowner different benefits. Since most pavers are laid as individual units, they can be replaced fairly easily without disturbing the rest of the patio. Yet, some concrete pavers have interlocking joints, which aid in creating stability for the patio because they’re less likely to shift out of place. When set in sand, the pavers have an element of give, so they can withstand changes in temperature and loads by shifting instead of cracking.

      Yet, concrete pavers do have a few disadvantages. Due to their strict geometric shapes, the pavers offer less freedom in the patterns that can be created. Also, some concrete pavers have shallow pigments that may fade over time or when scratched can reveal the bare concrete underneath.

      POURED CONCRETE

      Concrete is basically a combination of cement, sand and gravel that’s mixed with water to make a gooey substance that hardens when dry. The semi-liquid nature of concrete allows it to be formed into almost any shape or size. This versatility gives homeowners the freedom to do very geometric or more curved patios. Poured cement is also a very economical option for creating a patio that offers a hard, flat surface that requires little maintenance.

      Poured concrete does have a few drawbacks. First, the actual mixing of the concrete can be tricky, since the process must be done to exact specifications for the best results. If the concrete is not dried correctly, or has drainage problems, it can crack over time. And very smooth concrete can get slippery when wet.

      TILE

      Ceramic or porcelain tiles can make a very distinctive patio. Tiles come in a wide variety of styles and can create a very seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. While these tiles may resemble the tile that you might use in your bathroom or on the floor of your kitchen, be sure to use both tile and grout that are meant for exterior use. It’s also important to use tiles that are not very porous, or will not absorb a lot of water, to resist damage from freezing and thawing with the change of seasons. Usually unglazed tiles work best for large walking spaces because they tend to be less slippery than glazed tiles.

      Tile does have some potential downsides. It can be slick, so it might not be the best choice for spa or pool areas. It can also get slippery if it holds water for a long amount of time, causing a film of algae to grow on the surface. Finally, tile does tend to be more costly than brick and sometimes even more than stone.

      BRICK

      Brick has been a popular home construction material for hundreds of years. Yet bricks used for patios are a little different than the ones you would use on your home. They must be specially fired, so they’re less porous. If you live in a location where it freezes, make sure to check that your bricks are of the correct grade for your type of environment.

      While you may think that all brick patios must be red and very linear, brick patios can be different. Along with red, bricks also come in tan, black and other shades. A different color is not the only way to make brick patios more interesting. Think about creating a pattern with the bricks. Some popular patterns include herringbone, or alternating bricks on a 90-degree angle, as well as a pinwheel, which forms a square with four regular-sized bricks and a half brick in the middle.

      Bricks can offer natural warmth along with a formal elegance, but there are some drawbacks. If installed on sand instead of mortar, you can have weeds popping up in between the bricks, yet these spaces also leave room for plants that might soften the look of the patio. If not properly installed, bricks can be more uneven than paved concrete or interlocking concrete pavers. This can also happen over time as bricks settle. Finally, brick is usually more expensive than concrete pavers.

      [source: Home & Garden]