Decks, Porches, and Outdoor Living Spaces

This has been a busy week for deck planning! The warmer weather is evidently encouraging people to think about spring and improving their outdoor living spaces. We have met with several clients this week who want a deck by March. Now is a great time to start planning your new outdoor living space. If the economy has you planning a staycation, we would love to help you create a great space! We can assist you in designing and building a space customized to your needs. Call 703.606.4063 to schedule an appointment.

New Kitchen in Time for the Holidays

Want a new kitchen for the holidays? Now is the perfect time to start in order to have that perfect kitchen ready for entertaining those holiday guests. Worried about the economy? It's still a good time to make improvements to your kitchen. According to Remodeler magazine, you can expect to get a return of around 80% of your investment in our region. Whether you are interested in a little updating, or new cabinets, perhaps a granite counter top, and energy efficient appliances, or a complete overhaul, now is the time to get started to have a brand new living space for the holidays. Start checking the internet for design ideas and give us a call. We'll be happy to help you find your dream kitchen.

For contracts signed by September 30, 2009, receive a $500 discount on kitchens valued at $5000 or more.

Our First Open House

We recently completed a screened-in porch in Winchester in Battle Park Estates. I had sent several mailers to the neighborhood through Colony Press announcing we were going to be there and what we were doing. There seemed to be a lot of interest in the neighborhood, which we had worked in previously. We decided an Open House would be a good idea to give the neighbors a chance to meet us and see our work. I sent out an invitation through Colony Press as well. We also put out Open House signs. The turn out was good, we enjoyed the time with the client, and meeting the neighbors as well.

To meet the client's needs, we used a no maintenance railing system and ipe for the decking.

The ipe decking looks awesome with a coat of rosewood oil. This is a great natural way to maintain the mahogany color of the ipe. It's not necessary, though. Ipe becomes a silvery gray without the oil.

For those of you who were unable to attend the Open House, here's what you missed!

AOK Home Improvement is now Drake Custom Builders, LLC

Earlier this spring, we started operating as Drake Custom Builders, LLC. What began as AOK Home Improvement in the late nineties has evolved to become a full service builder; Drake Custom Builders, LLC, operating with a Class A contractor's license. However, we love doing our service work and will continue to do so. Whether you have a handyman type of need, a larger project, a complete renovation, or a new house planned, we can help you. We continue to work in northern Virginia, including the Winchester area, and are quickly expanding in Rappahannock County, our new place of residence. We are also focusing more on sustainable building. Stacy recently completed training through EarthCraft Virginia, and we are now approved builders, the first in Rappahannock County!