HOME REMODELING FAQ · MCLEAN, VA
Home Remodeling FAQs for McLean & Vienna, VA
Clear answers on cost, timelines, permits, warranties and what to expect, from a Class A licensed contractor that has fully renovated 30+ Northern Virginia homes.
★ 4.9 on Google · Class A License #2705197237 · Free estimates · 1-year workmanship warranty
Jump to: About us · Cost · Timelines & process · Permits & warranty · By service
GENERAL
About The Great House
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. The Great House LLC holds Virginia Class A contractor license #2705197237 and is fully insured. Every project includes a 1-year workmanship warranty.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in McLean and work across Northern Virginia, including Vienna, Great Falls, Tysons, Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Springfield, Burke, Lorton, Alexandria, Woodbridge, Manassas and Loudoun County. See our service area.
What types of projects do you do?
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, decks and porches, roofing, home additions, full-home renovations and investor renovations. See all services.
Do you take small projects?
Yes. We do bathroom refreshes, deck repairs and roof repairs as well as whole-home renovations. Refreshes start around $4,600 for a bathroom and $650 for a roof repair.
Do you help with design?
Yes. We help you plan the layout, pick cabinets, tile, counters, fixtures and colors, and point out where spending more pays off and where it does not.
Do you work with real estate investors and agents?
Yes. We renovate flips, rentals and pre-listing homes, and we invest in our own properties too. See investor renovations.
COST
What does remodeling cost in Northern Virginia?
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
A full remodel with new cabinets, quartz counters, flooring and lighting usually runs $25,000–$50,000. Layout changes and premium finishes are $50,000–$75,000+. A smaller refresh starts around $9,800.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
A full bathroom remodel usually runs $15,000–$30,000. Primary or spa bathrooms with layout changes are $30,000–$45,000+. A smaller refresh starts around $4,600.
How much does it cost to finish a basement?
A full basement finish usually runs $35,000–$65,000. Adding a bathroom, wet bar or guest suite brings it to $65,000–$100,000+. Refreshing an already-finished basement starts around $15,000.
How much does a new deck cost?
A new pressure-treated deck usually runs $15,000–$30,000. Composite or covered decks are $30,000–$60,000+. Repairs and refreshes start around $2,500.
How much does a new roof cost?
Most asphalt shingle replacements run $12,000–$22,000. Large, steep or complex roofs run $22,000–$40,000+. Repairs start around $650.
How much does a home addition cost?
Bump-outs and sunrooms usually run $50,000–$100,000. A room addition such as a primary suite is typically $120,000–$250,000. Second-story additions run $250,000–$450,000+.
How much does a full home renovation cost?
A cosmetic refresh usually runs $40,000–$80,000. A full interior renovation with a new kitchen and bathrooms is typically $120,000–$250,000. Gut renovations run $250,000–$450,000+.
Are estimates free?
Yes. We visit, measure, talk through options and send a written, itemized estimate at no cost.
Which upgrades add the most value?
Kitchens, bathrooms, finished basements and fresh exterior updates like a new roof, deck or siding usually return the most when you sell. See 8 renovations that increase home value.
TIMELINES & PROCESS
How long will it take?
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Construction usually takes 4–8 weeks. From first consultation to finished kitchen, plan on about 8–12 weeks, including design, permits and ordering.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full bathroom renovation usually takes 2–4 weeks of construction. Powder rooms take 1–2 weeks.
How long does a basement or deck take?
A basement finish usually takes 4–8 weeks of construction. A deck takes 1–3 weeks. Add a few weeks for design and permits.
How long does a full home renovation take?
A cosmetic refresh takes about 4–8 weeks. A full interior renovation takes about 3–5 months, and a gut renovation 5–9 months, plus design and permitting.
Can I live at home during the remodel?
For a kitchen, bathroom, deck or basement, usually yes. We set up dust protection and keep a bathroom and the main path usable where we can. For full or gut renovations, most families move out for part of the build.
What does the process look like?
Free consultation, then a written estimate and design choices, then permits and ordering, then construction with regular updates, and finally a walk-through and punch list.
PERMITS & WARRANTY
Permits, approvals and warranty
Do I need a permit?
Most kitchens, bathrooms, basements, decks, additions and full renovations need building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits. We file the permits and schedule the inspections with your county or city.
Do you handle HOA and condo approvals?
Yes. We prepare the drawings, materials and schedule your HOA or condo board needs to approve the work.
What warranty do you offer?
Every project includes a 1-year workmanship warranty. Products such as shingles, windows and fixtures also carry their manufacturer warranties.
Who will be working in my home?
Our team and licensed trade partners, with one point of contact running your project from start to finish.
BY SERVICE
Project-specific questions
Should I repair or replace my roof?
If the roof is under about 15 years old and the damage is in one area, a repair usually makes sense. If it is around 20+ years old with curling shingles or several leaks, replacement is usually better value. See roofing.
Do basement bedrooms need an egress window?
Yes. A basement bedroom needs an egress window to be legal. Most egress windows run about $5,000–$10,000 installed. See basement finishing.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most cases, yes. Only small, low, freestanding decks are exempt. We draw the plans and file the permit. See decks.
Is it better to add on or move?
If you like your neighborhood and lot, an addition often costs less than buying, selling and moving. We can help you compare. See home additions.
More guides: How to compare bids · Mistakes to avoid · Renovation checklist
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Ask us during a free consultation
We will visit, answer your questions and give you a written, itemized estimate. Serving McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Great Falls, Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston and all of Northern Virginia.