FW&D, LLC

Pull Down Attic Stairs

2012-01-31T10:04:00.001-05:00

In this video, you will see how you can gain easier access to your attic by installing pull down stairs. If you have outdated stairs, they can also be replaced, the opening widened and there are a few options in terms of stair types. If you or someone you know is tired of having to set up a ladder on the floor to get in your attic or are afraid your stairs will fail at any moment, let us come out and inspect them and make some recommendations. You’ll be glad you did!

ShingleMasters (Roofing Certification Renwed)

2012-01-30T09:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Customers:

We're excited to inform you that our ShingleMaster Certification has been renewed. As you can see from the attached picture, this is a very critical and important thing to consider and know when you our your loved ones are replacing a roof. It's not just about the roof but also the type of service and warranty you get afterwards. If you or anyone you know are considering a roof replacement or repair, please give us a call. Remember that we're Northern Virginia's only contractor that has a "No games, no gimmicks" slogan and we stand by it.

It's time for new windows

2012-01-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

If the paint is peeling off and the caulk is falling out of your Fairlington windows, maybe it's time to replace them. Call 703-933-8900 or email us at info@fairwd.com for more information on Fairlington replacement windows.

Please remember that we're a full service general contractor and we can do your kitchen remodeling, home additions, kitchen and bath design, kitchen countertops, bathroom remodel, roofing, siding and much more in the Northern Virginia area including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Woodbridge, Burke, Tyson's Corner, Vienna, etc.

Planning your kitchen remodel

2012-01-18T09:29:00.003-05:00

Planning Your Kitchen Remodel Project

Whether you’re looking to do a home addition, kitchen and bath design, kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel and more, selecting the right kitchen remodeling contractor or general contractor is one of the most, if not the most important step.

If you want to remodel your kitchen but are having difficulty visualizing the new space. Here’s a quick kitchen remodel idea or method that I like to use. Basically, I measure and mark the floor with pencil and then, using blue tape, I define the new boundaries. You can also use chairs or stools, as seen in the picture below, to create physical boundaries to help get a feel for the space.

2 HOUR TURKEY

2011-11-21T10:16:00.001-05:00

We know you love your newly remodeled kitchen by FW&D, and are proud to invite family and company for thanksgiving dinner, but why spend all of your time in the kitchen when you could be enjoying the visit with loved ones. We came across this interesting article on how to cook a turkey in 2 hours. I think the secret is brining the turkey overnight. My granddaughter did this a few years ago and we ate the most delicious and moist turkey I have ever had. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out or if you have a family favorite please share with us.

2 HOUR TURKEY

"The Completed Work Was Terrific"

2011-11-16T09:20:00.001-05:00

“The Completed Work Was Terrific”

November 16, 2011

Below is a transcript of a letter we just received:

Dear Principals of FW&D:

The job was memorable. The overall renovation was performed in an organized and safe manner. The crew maintained a clean workspace even though it was a messy job (lots of drywall work and removal of a difficult countertop and tile in a 1955 bathroom). The completed work was terrific. We were preparing to put the house up for sale and FW&D’s work has really enhanced our home.

The crew that worked on the job was both skilled and resourceful. This included: Mauricio, Eddie, Jose, Juan, Richard and perhaps others. Dave Simmons was there to lead the work and quality-check all the daily and final results. You are very fortunate to have Dave for customer service job oversight. He is knowledgeable and helpful to both the customer and crew. He offered a number of good suggestions that I took when he evaluated the job. He understand the customer’s objectives and is able to communicate the customers’ wishes to the crew. And, the crew works hard to provide good results.

We would be happy to provide referrals. You may use my name and phone number for this professional purpose.

Sincerely,

Cherie Fitzgerald

New Orleans style in Fairlington

2011-10-25T15:35:00.001-04:00

FW&D is working with a client who is originally from New Orleans and wanted the style and feel of being back home in the Big Easy. Her contributions to the design of a remodeled Fairlington bath room are amazing. I can’t wait for the finished product.

Super Satisfied!

2011-09-28T09:01:00.002-04:00

At Fairlington Windows and Doors (FW&D), we always do our very best to meet and exceed our customer's expectations. Our customers deserve it and that's what they pay us for! Therefore, when we get feedback like the one below, it reminds us that we're doing what we're meant to do and makes us very happy that our actions are producing these results. See letter below:

To whom it may concern:

Recently, I had a basement renovation, and follow-on repair to a stairway wall, completed by Fairlington Window & Door LLC of Arlington, VA. Their craftmanship and results were superb. I would hire FW&D again and I would recommend FW&D to my friends. In fact, a friend recommended FW&D to me because she was pleased with their work. Their great reputation was well deserved.

For the renovation of my basement, FW&D gutted and replaced most of the ceiling, walls and floors. The old “popcorn” style ceiling and dated light fixtures were replaced with a modern flat surface ceiling and multiple recessed lights. Sheet rock, drywall and fresh paint replaced the old, painted over, wood paneled walls. Multiple new electrical sockets and cable connections were added to the walls. In one room downstairs, a bookshelf and cabinet combination turned a dull basement room into a comfortable library. Last, but not least, the craftsmanship in the new tile floor throughout the basement was outstanding. This was true particularly at two angled steps leading to an exterior stairway. The tile fits together precisely at angles that required expert cuts. The renovation was more than a home improvement; it turned my basement into art.

After the renovation was done, I had a mishap with furniture that was too tight for the interior stairway. Damage was done. I called FW&D for help and withing a short period of time all repairs were made. Again, the work was perfect. I remain pleased with FW&D. The community should be proud to have such a fine company of experts available to improve its homes.

Sincerely,

Marc J. Thomas

FW&D Interviewed by Patch.com

2011-08-31T08:57:00.002-04:00

Merlisa Lawrence Corbett of the Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn Patch, a local chapter of Patch.com, interviewed FW&D's own Ned Overton about remodeling small bathrooms.

On August 31, 2011, Merlisa published her article, "Big Ideas for Small Baths", providing information about updating old bathrooms, how to best utilize small spaces, and the need for quality materials. The use of a knowledgeable contractor will ensure that each homeowner's desire for personal style will be reflected best in their most intimate space.

She features the FW&D blog and uses images from our satisfied bathroom customers from Fairlington, Virginia.

To be featured by Merlisa was quite an honor for us.

What can FW&D do for you?

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

Kitchen Remodel by FW&D

2011-08-22T16:02:00.003-04:00

Mrs. R. invited FW&D back to her Fairlington Edgewood Unit for the kitchen remodel after we remodeled her bathroom in 2010. Read more here.

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

FW&D Review- Silver Diner in Springfield

2011-08-19T08:25:00.004-04:00

FW&D found another local jewel. We met up with some of our friends to review a timeless classic local favorite - Silver Diner in Springfield, near the Mall. Come for family time, date night or a quick bite.

Read the review here...

Fairlington Kitchen Remodel by FW&D

2011-07-14T12:12:00.002-04:00

FW&D did some more work in Fairlington. We like the area.

Ms. M, the woman who referred her good friend (our fun loving homeowner Carole), wanted to make some changes to her kitchen, and FW&D was happy to be a part of the change. More...

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM<

Fairlington Remodel by FW&D

2011-07-12T12:44:00.003-04:00

The homeowner Carole had been in her home since, she says , “before I was a hippy”. She decided to remodel her bathroom. She had also decided to make some changes the ceiling in her kitchen.

Naturally, she called on FW&D.

Click here to read the story!

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

FW&D Review- Twisted Vines

2011-07-07T13:38:00.005-04:00

FW&D found another local jewel. Facing Columbia Pike in Arlington is a perfect spot for a date night or a quick bite. FW&D met up with friends old and new to review our newest discovery - Twisted Vines Bottle Shop & Bistro…READ MORE HERE

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

FW&D Profile- Jackie Moyer

2011-06-21T15:04:00.008-04:00

Now that it is officially summertime, Ned Overton of FW&D attended a Seminar for Window Treatments by Jackie Moyer of Decorating Den.

Click here to read the story!!!

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

Fairlington Kitchen Remodel by FW&D

2011-06-20T09:23:00.004-04:00

Click the image to read the story!

This blog article is from FW&D

We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,

Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

WWW.FAIRWD.COM

FW&D AT RESTAURANT SUPPORTING TORNADO VICTIMS

2011-06-16T14:01:00.002-04:00

FW&D's very own Ned Overton is probably going to have Southern BBQ tonight. He'll be at Ramparts Tavern on Fern enjoying some great food for a great cause.

Ramparts Tavern is donating 20% of today's proceeds to the Joplin Missouri Tornado Relief Effort.

Join Ned at Ramparts to participate in the fundraising event.

Ramparts Tavern & Grill
1700 Fern Street
Alexandria VA 22303
703.998.6616
703.778.2940(fax)

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

Toilet Repair by FW&D

2011-06-14T10:09:00.001-04:00

FW&D got a call from Ms. P., who was having a leak in her service line to the toilet. It needed urgent repair. Read more...

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

FW&D Review of Bubba's Bar-B-Q

2011-06-09T10:07:00.001-04:00

Its summertime according to the weathermen, and Barbecue is definitely on the list of things to eat. FW&D spied a spot that is hailed as having the best Carolina BBQ in these parts. Taste buds buzzing, FW&D joined with some local friends and made our way to Bubba’s Bar-B-Q.

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

Fairlington Home and Garden Tour features FW&D Home

2011-05-19T10:06:00.002-04:00

It started with FW&D. Finished floors throughout the home, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling projects, and of course Window Replacement. Add to that a painter. Then call upon an interior decorator to help find pieces to bring gentle shifts of color and elegance in each room. The collaboration ended with a home worthy of recognition. Read more...

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

FW&D Review- Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine

2011-05-12T10:04:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it’s nice to try something exotic, but not outside the realm of Virginia good. There are so many different flavor experiences one could have within the DC Metro area, and FW&D saddled up the taste buds and traveled to Fairfax, where we explored the culinary wonders of Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine.

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

New Member to the Team!!

2011-05-02T10:03:00.001-04:00

FW&D Remodeling is excited to welcome another new member to our team! Ed Thomas has just joined forces with FW&D as our new Interior Remodeling Sales Consultant.

A native Virginian from the Northern Neck and a graduate of Randolph Macon College, his background is full of sales experience, to the tune of 25+ years! He is friendly, intelligent, professional, and genuine. As a military veteran, 82nd Airborne, he is clean-cut and confident, and FW&D is glad to have him.

When he first came in and said hello, it was easy to build a nice rapport with him. He will be taking care of the initial appointments for those of you with interior design needs. FW&D is sure that you will be as pleased to meet him as we are.

If you are looking for bathroom remodels, kitchen upgrades, basement renovations or service to the interior of your home, you will have the pleasure of working with Ed. For roofing, siding, gutters, and other exterior needs, FW&D’s Project Manager Dave Simmons is still available.

Join us in welcoming Ed Thomas to the team!

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

Arlington Bathroom Remodel by FW&D

2011-04-25T09:35:00.001-04:00

Here in Arlington, FW&D remodeled a bathroom. There is an old adage that says, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.

These tile selections

+

This Arlington bathroom

=

This modern classic look

In

This bathroom remodel

Any questions?

If you’d like to experience Remodeling Made Easy, contact us here.

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

Storm Door Needed! by FW&D

2011-04-20T10:55:00.001-04:00

A Fairlington storm door needed immediate replacement. FW&D came and worked a little "Remodeling Made Easy".

The result was so astonishing, the kids noticed and were impressed!

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors,

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site.

FW&D Review- Vienna's Maplewood Grill

2011-04-07T16:36:00.085-04:00

Would you like some piano with your dinner? Well, sometimes FW&D does. Not only that, the food was marvelous! With awesome food, great atmosphere, and live music, the Maplewood Grill in Vienna is definitely a place you can come to for a night of enjoyment.

Looks good huh... well click the pic to read the review!

Should you have an idea for a restaurant review, submit it here. If it is chosen, you can join us for the review!

This blog article is from FW&D
We do Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing,
Windows, Doors, and more!

Call us at 703-933-8900

or visit us at

www.fairwd.com

Look's good huh... well, click here read the review!!!

Roof Emergency in Arlington, by FW&D

2011-03-25T16:05:00.002-04:00

The rains were crazy this March, and just because you have a brand new roof doesn’t mean that it won’t suffer under winds upwards of 60mph and torrential rains. FW&D was right on time without a moment to spare. The rains came that next day, and Mr. S was safe, secure, and dry within his Arlington home. Click here to read the entire article.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors,

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site.

Hands Free Faucet in FW&D Home

2011-03-17T14:01:00.003-04:00

Ned Overton, resident “Inspector Gadget” of FW&D (especially when it comes to household appliances), has installed a newfangled contraption in his kitchen- something called a Foot Faucet.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors,

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site.

FW&D Review- Open Kitchen Bistro

2011-03-08T15:18:00.001-05:00

The strangeness of the Open Kitchen story is what lured FW&D to give them a try. Once again, we brought some of our client favorites to join us on another edible journey. Read more...

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors,

and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site

and learn more about us!

Basement Remodel by FW&D

2011-03-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. B called FW&D to construct a finished workout area in their unfinished basement in Burke VA... Click the image to read the whole story.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Fairlington labeled one of Arlington’s Historic Essentials

2011-02-15T12:24:00.001-05:00

FW&D is located in Fairlington, recently labeled one of Arlington’s 23 “Essential Historic Properties” by Arlington County. Click here for the story.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

RESTAURANT REVIEW TIME!

2011-02-09T15:57:00.010-05:00

The night ended with four full stomachs, and great conversation enjoyed by all. FW&D will definitely be back, and soon. Read our review here!

House Dynasty
7550 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22315
703-922-5210

Should you have an idea for a restaurant review, submit it here. If it is chosen, perhaps you can join us for the review!

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Sound Reducing Windows- By FW&D

2011-02-03T16:27:00.003-05:00

The V family came to FW&D hoping for some kind of hope. Perhaps a new set of windows would deal with their air and sound issues. After the initial appointment with the V family, and literally hearing their concerns, FW&D proposed to remove the existing windows... MORE...

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D Seeking A Salesperson

2011-01-31T16:17:00.001-05:00

We are a growing family-owned remodeling business with a high referral ratio and excellent reputation looking for a sales consultant to grow with us. This experienced salesperson should have knowledge in remodeling, (kitchens, baths, other interior projects, etc.), strong integrity, and a desire to earn a high commission-based income.

We provide qualified leads, a company vehicle, and a friendly supportive environment.

It would be a great opportunity for the right person.

Click the image to contact FW&D

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Galley Kitchen by FW&D

2011-01-25T10:35:00.021-05:00

Near the Gallows exit of 495 in Annandale, there is a nice quaint home hidden away. One of our previous clients were so thrilled with the basement remodel done by FW&D that they called upon FW&D to remodel the kitchen, and the change was beyond words.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D once again recognized as CertainTeed ShingleMaster

2011-01-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

FW&D has performed all tests, requirements, and recommendations in order to maintain the ShingleMaster status.

This status must be renewed every two years in order for FW&D to be able to offer warranty options such as SureStart, and SureStart PLUS 3-STAR or 4-STAR. And the test must be passed prior to recognition of the ShingleMaster Level. Test topics covered the specific installation instructions for CertainTeed shingles, workmanship, estimating, roof ventilation, shingle underlayment, flashing specifications, and repairs.

The Shingle Applicator’s Manual, written for roofing professionals, is a fully illustrated manual for shingle roofing installation instructions and tips “This manual is the roofing industry’s most authoritative guide to proper steep-slope roof system installation,” says Jay Butch, senior marketing manager of contractor programs for CertainTeed Roofing.

FW&D will remain qualified, certified, and up-to-date on all industry techniques and standards that make remodeling easy.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

WELCOME TO FACEBOOK

2011-01-14T12:45:00.009-05:00

Mrs. G and the Infinity Windows- FW&D

2011-01-12T09:57:00.005-05:00

Just off King Street in Arlington sits a house owned by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ms. G didn't want the typical vinyl window replacements with interior grids. She wanted a window that kept the old world charm of her original wood window, yet aesthetically recreated a true divided light window profile...

Once Mrs. G's Homeowner's Association approved the project choices, FW&D was ready to install her eight new windows. Needless to say, she was very pleased.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Happy New Review!!!

2011-01-06T08:37:00.004-05:00

Those who know the Northern Virginia eating area are not surprised to hear about the many wonderful restaurants on the Little River Turnpike corridor. FW&D was given a tip about an Afghan Restaurant hidden away on Rt 236 (in the shopping center with Total Wine & More) that would easily rival any Gourmet Afghan restaurant in the area. With the help of one of our clients, who was actually born and raised in Zabul (a province in the south) Afghanistan, we were treated to excellent fare, with charming little anecdotes about the culture and traditions about the food preparation.

To walk into Maizbon is to enter another world. The walls are adorned with stripes, tambourines, mirrors, traditional clothing, a horse statue, lanterns, rocks, etc. One would think that all the different details would not blend well, but the eclectic infusion in the décor flows nicely from area to area, with each different room standing alone while still blending into the overall feel of the atmosphere.

You must try the Chai tea. The richness of the cardamom and mint definitely shine through, but in a way that is distinctly Afghan. The waitress was quite clear, “this is not American Chai.” The service saucer was quaint, and with an asymmetrical saucer, you need not worry about where to put your spoon, when it’s not resting on top of the teacup that is. Also available are their Yogurt Mint drinks called Dogh, a bold coffee called Qahwa, and Black Chai tea.

There are some appetizers that are also served in larger portions as an entrée. There were great choices on the menu; from eggplant to pumpkin, Afghan fries and meat dishes, and of course naan, which is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread. Depending on the area in the Middle East, the size and thickness of naan varies, but it always tastes wonderful. Afghan naan is served large and flat, and you will really enjoy it, especially with the various juices and sauces available. FW&D took their time enjoying reading the menu, and listening to the anecdotes about Afghan food and culture, as well as making our choices for what to eat.

Ned ordered the fries. How "American".

You may chuckle at the idea of Afghan fries, but they were seasoned lightly and served with a spicy sauce that is better than ketchup. The medallion cuts are not crispy fried as most American fries are, but they were soft and hot, with the spices well meshed throughout the meat of the potato. You almost don’t need the sauce, but it is too good to leave untouched.

Burtaa is dish made of eggplant, “grilled, peeled, mashed, [and] spiced, with herbs and light tomato sauce added and then mixed with garlic yogurt sauce.” It is light, heady, rich and savory, but with subtle undertones that really bring out the blend of spices. Scooped up on the naan, you will more than likely lean back, close you eyes, and sigh while you take your first bites.

Many people say that Afghan food is full of meat, even the vegetarian dishes. The Salata-e-Watani is an Afghan country salad that remains true to its vegetarian roots. Chopped cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, parsley and some cilantro, are marinated in lemon mint vinaigrette. Resting on lettuce, this salad is a tad piquant. There is no one overpowering flavor, and considering the vegetables and spices used, this is no small feat.

You will really enjoy the Roumi Panir. Most of the entrees offer this or Garden Salad as a side compliment. You must try the Roumi Panir, if only once. The tomato medallion is nicely portioned, and crisp. The toppings; feta cheese, mozzarella, roasted peppers, roasted tomatoes, and fresh mint, are served on top a bed of balsamic vinegar and lightly covered in olive oil. The presentation alone is premier, but the flavor and texture is a additional benefit.

The Mantu was so good as an appetizer that you can feel free to enjoy it as a main dish, as we did. The minced meat dumpling spiced with onion and topped with meat sauce and yogurt was an instant favorite, and had to be enjoyed a second time as an entree.

Kabobs are a well known item, and you will not be disappointed with Maizbon's. The chicken is marinated overnight to ensure full flavor before it is cooked. The portion for a dinner is quite large, so be sure that you save room.

According to our guest, most Afghan dishes have lamb. This explains why you will absolutely love the Lamb dishes. FW&D started with the Mahicha Palau, which is a bone-in lamb shank dish, where the lamb is slow cooked in a broth of caramelized onion broth. Served with brown rice, this lamb was so tender; you could eat both it and the rice with a spoon.

Du Piaza is an Afghan dish normally cooked in a teapot. The marinated onions and split peas are simply excellent, and served on a bed of naan. This lamb has a subtly different flavor than the Mahicha Palau, but it is still juicy, tender, and succulent. The onions were well-cooked but not wilted, and the split-peas were spicy without losing their flavor. The naan did not disappoint, and was a welcome addition to the presentation of the food and the dish itself.

FW&D's dish of the night was a sautéed pumpkin dish called Kadu. The firmness of the pumpkin, the mixed flavors of olive oil, turmeric, dry mint, yogurt paprika, and an elegant but spicy exotic sauce will surprise you. The pumpkins sweetness remains, but colored with the spice mixture, it is an excellent appetizer or main dish, and tastes even better as leftovers.

This is the first time FW&D stuffed ourselves to the point where we had no desire for dessert. Firni, an Afghan pudding made with rose fragrance, pistachios, and milk, Vanilla Saffron Ice Cream, Baklava, or Maizbon’s own Ice Cream with dates almonds and pecans, are available. If you come to Maizbon and have the dessert, please tell us what you think!

Maizbon has a lunch buffet seven days a week catering to the professional on the go, and private events are available. “Maizbon Afghan Grill is open 7 days a week between 11:30am to 2:30pm. Dinner is served between 4pm to 10pm.” The flavoring of each dish, coupled with the portions and affordability, makes us here at FW&D believe that you will enjoy it at least as much as we did. Chef/Owner, Waheed Afzali, has definitely outdone himself with “the unique tastes of traditional Afghan delicacies”, and FW&D will definitely be back.

Maizbon Afghan Grill
6244-K Little River Turnpike
Alexandria, VA 22312
703.914.1700
703.914.1701 fax
info@maizbon.com
www.Maizbon.com

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Starting 2011 Safely

2010-12-28T16:03:00.008-05:00

The security of the home is something that is very important to us here at FW&D, and New Years is a great time to get more involved in educating our friends in Northern Virginia about the many choices and tips available for increasing home safety. When you leave for work, play, or extended vacation, you should be able to do so with absolutely no worries whatsoever.

Here is an inexpensive option for your consideration:

This is known as a security bar. In conjunction with other devices, and a little common sense, you can increase safety and peace of mind for your entryways.

Internet sleuthing for home security resulted in a printable Home Security Checklist from a Security Bar Company. Here are some of the questions listed under "DOORS":

Have you re-keyed your locks since you moved in?
Do your doors have a wide-angle peephole viewer?
Are entrance doors equipped with 1” good quality dead bolts?
Is glass in outside doors at least 40” from the lock?
Is the glass in outside doors shatter resistant?
Do you have a patio door bar fastened into both the frame and the door to securely lock the door?
Have you inserted screws into the top track of your patio door to prevent it from being lifted up and removed?
Do you have decals on your patio door indicating that you use an alarm system even if you don’t?

For the full list, please click here. You may want to review some of these questions when considering door safety.

FW&D is committed to the safety of our clients and our neighborhood. Should you have any questions about safety for our doors, any of the products we offer, feel free to contact our office, and we will be more than happy to go over that information with you.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900
or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

FW&D lists top 50 on Facebook's Networked Blogs in Arlington

2010-12-22T15:37:00.005-05:00

Perhaps, in the slow hours between your remodeling projects, you have a blog. Perhaps you want that blog to get exposure so that it can advertise your company. And perhaps you post it on Facebook so that your friends and clients may more easily find it.

Well, Facebook has a freeture (see definition below) available to those who take the time to get on board and use it. For those of us who have succumbed to peer pressure and created a Facebook account, we have the option to Network our blogs through the Networked Blogs App.

FW&D did just that. And unbeknownst to us, we became FAMOUS... well, sort of.

You never know what you are going to find on Facebook.

Freeture [free-cher]

noun, verb, -tured, -tur·ing.- a feature that you may have access to for no monetary charge.

Word Origin: About 2 minutes ago by Tiffany Monique

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

Dashing through the snow... with FW&D...

2010-12-17T15:41:00.002-05:00

FW&D was out in Arlington on a Replacement window project yesterday.

We started work as usual.

By the time we finished installing 11 Excalibur Double Hung Windows for our client in their idyllic Arlington neighborhood, the snow had finished falling as well.

BEFORE

AFTER

Working during the first snow of the season was well, COLD!

But beautiful.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2010-12-09T13:15:00.002-05:00

Tis' the season for heavy coats, warm drinks, lit fireplaces, Christmas Trees and of course, SANTA!

FW&D spent some time with the jolly man in red, singing carols, taking pictures, and bringing huge grins to ecstatic children (and those still young at heart).

Perhaps he needed to perform a last minute check on our local traffic patterns prior to the big night. Nevertheless, Santa took time out of his busy December schedule to come to Northern Virginia, and FW&D was there to greet him and show him around.

Some of our friends were surprised to see him so far South this close to Christmas, but Santa was confident that things were well in order for the deliveries he would soon be making.

FW&D would like to wish you all the Merriest of Merry Christmases and the Happiest of Happy New Years!

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

Just in time for Thanksgiving- FW&D's Restaurant Review!

2010-11-17T15:37:00.001-05:00

If you like traditional Salvadoran food, Restaurante Abi Aztec Grill & Bar is a local restaurant on Columbia Pike that is sure to give you just what you are looking for. No reservations, no ties; you can watch the game, and it is open seven days a week, even offering discounts to Military Personnel 11-2 Monday thru Friday. The food is good, from time-honored Salvadoran and Mexican recipes, and quite easy on the wallet for such savory fare. Opened in 1986, and named after the wife of the owner, nicknamed “Doña Abi”. She began taking orders and making pupusas from her Arlington home. The rest, as they say is history. We were given the tip to try this restaurant by one of our clients.

The restaurant is located on Columbia Pike near the Cinema and Drafthouse. The entrance faces the drive-thru of McDonalds, not the street, so be careful of your directions. Their hours of Operation are Monday – Thursday from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Friday from 11:00 am – Midnight; Saturday from 10:00 am – Midnight; and Sunday from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm. Nachos and salsa are ready as you are seated.

FW&D started with platanos fritos, served with Abi beans and sour cream. The combination was subtle, but well meshed. The beans were well cooked, with just the right amount of garlic, and salt. The consistency of the beans, sour cream, and fried plantains altogether is a real treat, and highly recommended if you are unsure about an appetizer.

The sampler plate, one of the “Abi Especiales” has more than enough flavor for a discerning palate, and more than enough food to please. This sampler comes with a pupusa (a flour tortilla, stuffed with your choice of pork, cheese, beans, loroco, or all of them), nachos with cheese, shredded cabbage and carrots with a soft lemon under-flavor, rolled crisp tacos with minced meat and vegetables, and a quesadillas. This is a great platter for watching the game on their multiple televisions.

There were at least 40 items to choose from for the main courses, steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, scallops, and other more exotic meats to savor. FW&D kept it relatively conservative with the dinner order, and we were not disappointed with any of the dishes chosen. For those who care to try, there is green hot sauce that is worth trying. It has a definite kick, but not for the extreme spice-lover.

The first plate to arrive was the Arroz con Pollo, a garlic and white wine chicken and rice plate. The chicken was tender and juicy, and all the vegetables were fresh. The white wine sauce did not overpower the dish, but added a subtle flip to the flavoring.

Fajitas del Mar is a classic, succulent dish of sautéed tail on shrimp and scallops in a garlic sauce. They serve them piping hot and on a bed of sliced green peppers and onions with flour tortillas for serving. You may not even use the tortillas.

The New York steak (cooked to order) with shrimp and scallops, called Especial de la Abuela was flavorful. The shrimp and scallops had a smooth sauce, almost creamy, with sliced peppers, onions, and white rice with vegetables that were well prepared and nicely combined.

Any New York steak lover is going to appreciate the Carne Asada, cooked to order. Carne asada can be prepared with a marinade, but this one was not. It was served with chimol, a fresh salsa made with lemon juice and diced vegetables such as cilantro, radish, and onion. Served with tortillas, Abi beans, and rice, this dish is simply prepared and quite delicious.

For dessert, we chose to order Nuegados, which is fried yucca (cassava). It is a typical Salvadoran treat made the traditional way. The root itself is not sweet, but the honey drizzled on top makes up for that. They are quite tasty.

The staff gave impeccable service, with wonderful attitudes. They were more than happy to answer questions and were more than accommodating. For the size of the meal, we were pleased overall with the service, atmosphere, the food, and pleasantly surprised with the price. When you are ready to try Salvadoran for the first time, or already know, and need dynamic Salvadoran for a snack or a meal, FW&D is here to tell ya, this is the place to go.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

11//11/2010 Veteran's Day at FW&D

2010-11-11T14:22:00.003-05:00

Yes, we are here at work. We started the day hoisting a flag at the home office. FW&D crews are out working on projects in Potomac Falls, Arlington, and Fairlington (we have a couple projects going on in Fairlington) and elsewhere in Northern Virginia.

Roofing, bathroom remodeling, painting, rotten wood replacement, and the office is of course open and setting appointments.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

FW&D in DC Examiner Article about Search Engine Optimization

2010-11-10T14:23:00.001-05:00

Search Engine Optimization ( also known as SEO) is a necessity for any artist with a website. Read more here...

Storm Doors and Buildouts

2010-11-08T15:19:00.005-05:00

For those of you who don’t know, a build out must be done to accommodate doors that don’t fit in the original shape or size of the frame. FW&D went to Springfield to do just that. The original frame of the door was not the correct size to add the Storm Door that the client wanted.

Once the project was completed, the clients were quite pleased with the results. Their ProVia Model 397 Full View Storm Door was completed with a Townsend Satin Nickel Handle.

The clients also had other doors installed during this project, and had this to say- “We will pass your name along as often as possible! When we have future projects, there is no one else we would contact other than you!”

We here at FW&D thank Ms. Schellin for both her for her business and kind words. They truly mean a lot.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

November Restaurant Review

2010-11-03T12:53:00.008-04:00

Are you looking for a dining experience that is nearby, but will make you feel like you’ve been to the other side of the world? Don’t worry, FW&D found it! Just off the corner of King Street and South Peyton in Alexandria. The name is just as fitting as it can be- Casablanca.
When you walk in, the foyer is inviting, and makes you curious about the actual dining area. You can be sure it will not disappoint. The colors, the patterns, and the lighting- the entire restaurant décor will take your breath away. Rather than sit in the center of the restaurant where we would be better able to see the Belly Dancer (which they have every night), we chose to sit in one of the booths near the wall. You can really enjoy the view of the restaurant. The couches (called divans) were comfortable with striking upholstery and pillows, and round metal tables from which to eat. Be careful though, the tables are knee-high, and cause bruises.

At the beginning of the meal, we were brought a washing basin and, one by one, we washed our hands in the water poured from the pitcher. Our server was extremely pleasant and funny as he handed each of us a towel for both drying and to use during the meal.

He soon brought us the first dish in our feast. Each dish would be served family style on the round metal table, with one plate holding the servings for the four of us to share. It’s hard to believe we didn’t get the largest meal on the menu, as hungry as we all professed to be, but there was still more than enough food and variety of flavors for us to take on, starting with the salads. There were four!
The green bean salad was the favorite, shared on the serving platter by the cucumber, eggplant, and carrot salads, with homemade serving bread (in Moroccan tradition, you eat with your right thumb and first two fingers). We enjoyed every bite. The Green bean salad was, as we said, the best, but the cucumber salad was crisp and light, the eggplant salad was rich, but not overbearing, and the carrot salad had a hint of curry that was a very nice touch.

Did I mention the homemade bread was wonderful? When you bit into it, there was a tiny bit of magic. No butter or additional spice, just a pleasant aromatic flavor. That was a good thing, considering we were using the bread as our eating utensils (they did have forks for us, but we were attempting full immersion into the traditional eating method).

On to the next truly exotic course, Bastilla. When I read the item on the menu it sounded promising. Well, I’m here to tell ya folks. It delivers. It was sweet, spicy, rich, but strange in a wonderfully flavorful way. Tender chicken and egg, mixed with almonds, onions, and parsley in phyllo dough (the really flaky stuff), but the strange comes when we get to the cinnamon and powdered sugar topping. There is nothing I have tasted that will ever make sense the way that Bastilla did.

As our first main dish, we chose the Salmon with Sharmoula sauce. In a word- perfection. The salmon was exquisitely prepared, and that sauce was not only amazing, but also well proportioned to the size of the serving. I am happy that he brought us forks for this dish. We tore into it with abandon, and you will too. There was nothing left of the fish, and even though we tried, we still left over half the rice, carrots, peas, and garnish that were piled like a mountain on the plate.

The final dish in our feast came, and we were all so full we had to fight to make room. Chicken with olives and lemon that was succulent, but not greasy. The olives were fresh and ripe, and went well to the lemon flavor that an interesting juiciness that did not disappoint. With or without forks, you will want to be sure that when you get to this dish you have your towel on your lap to catch rogue olives as they danced about the plate.

We simply couldn’t eat another bite. But we kept on, because it was just so good. At the end of the meal, our hilarious server brought each of us a glass of warm Mint Tea and a few of their homemade pastries made almond sugar and flour. Despite our fullness, we ate them. You will too.

While we relaxed on the divan, the belly dancer began her performance. It was awesome, exotic, fun, and a nice end to a marvelous dining experience.

Casablanca’s “brass and fabrics have been hand carried from Morocco to create the ambiance that we hope you will enjoy. So when we say you are the honored guest in our traditional Moroccan home, we truly mean just that. We have imported our home here to you.”

Casablanca Restaurant
1504 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2717
(703) 549-6464
moroccanrestaurant.com

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

A NEW MEMBER TO THE TEAM!

2010-10-26T10:55:00.012-04:00

FW&D is pleased to announce that we have a new office person. Tiffany is new the the area, and came on board in early September. She is now handling the office projects, web updates, and marketing. Tiffany is excited about the different type of remodeling experience that FW&D offers and looks forward to helping customers have a wonderful experience from the very first phone call! Her work in the office will help ensure that the On-Time Guarantee is met, and that customers always have a place to turn for their

service needs.

“I live in Virginia, but I am California Girl”, says Tiffany, who loves her East Coast heritage, specifically the Fall Leaves and Virginia’s beautiful landscapes. When you call in for your Remodeling needs, chances are you will be hearing Tiffany’s cheerful voice. Did she mention she was once in a band that performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

A million years ago in another land...

In her free time, Tiffany continues to perform in the area, and is a Graduate School student & freelance writer. You have already read some of her work in our newsletters. We are definitely excited to see a restaurant review from her in our FW&D Newsletters! Welcome Tiffany!

It is sad to say that with the welcome addition of a new Office Manager, it means saying goodbye to our previous OM, Elizabeth, who is devoting her time to school. She has enjoyed her time with FW&D and promises to remain in touch.

Once again, let’s welcome Tiffany to the family!

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

We Support Marshall Heights Bison, LLC

2010-10-25T12:36:00.007-04:00

With fall right around the corner, the excitement of a new football season begins. Marshall Heights Bison, Inc., a youth football team in Southeast DC, needed donations for football gear such as uniforms, balls, shoes, and everything else that will assist them in having a great season. Founded in 1992, this organization administers mini-camps for our athletes-to-be (generally around 8-9 years old), but still has young football players of all ages. This group is very adamant that all children be made to feel like an important a part of the group. FW&D was happy to promote such a wonderful group of individuals by making a charitable donation toward their requirements.

“The goal of our organization is to provide a safe and productive environment that enables children to learn and apply the principles of teamwork, discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship. We facilitate the development of strength and character in every child that participates. Participation in our organization is open to all boys and girls in the DC Metropolitan Area.We welcome all children, regardless of race, creed or national origin.”

They even won their league’s Super Bowl in Orlando in 2007!

We are happy to support this team, and hope their 2010 season is filled with winning games and fun. Of course we have a special kinship with one of the coaches, who is Maintenance Supervisor for Fairlington Villages.

If you are interested in finding out about this organization, or signing up your young ones, you may contact them via their website. Just click here.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

FW&D's October Restaurant Review

2010-10-22T10:07:00.007-04:00

FW&D’S OCTOBER RESTAURANT REVIEW!

In the Del Ray section of Alexandria, FW&D found a pearl of a place for your October Restaurant Review. The area is nice to begin with, but La Strada Restaurant gives it that special something extra. Nestled in a location facing Mount Vernon Avenue (lovingly referred to as “the Ave”), friends and patrons may easily access the osteria (Italian for bar) and enoteca (which literally means “wine repository”) for post-work dinner and drinks. As relatively new clientele, we were surprised by the quality of the food and service, in the best possible ways. Along with us for this review was Photographer Eric G Brown, and Dan O'Brien of Axon Solutions.

The first of the many things that blew us away was the wall mural in the patio area. The image is so peaceful and serene, you can’t help but want to find a tree somewhere and just take in the view for a while. There was no question as to where we were going to sit for our meal. The mural alone set an expectation of friendliness, and bountiful peace- a perfect realization of an al fresco dining experience.

As the sun set, the patio lights began to glow softly, and all of a sudden, there was a magical sense of relaxation and well being. We hadn’t even ordered the food yet.

We enjoyed the bread and oil set before us prior to our ordering. There was a savory pungent flavor in the foccacia they served, and the bread was pleasingly fresh- a nice compliment to the herb-fused olive oil. A lot of restaurants put whole vegetables in the oil for flavor, but La Strada chops up their fresh herbs and spices before adding them to the olive oil in the bottle. This not only flavors the olive oil superbly, but it also allows the herbs to pour directly on the bread. Don’t forget to shake the bottle of oil (hopefully without spilling). The presentation of the bread, oil, and water was so quaint you had to sigh a little bit. That is, unless you were hungry, and we were!

This brings us to our delectable appetizers. The menu choices were plentiful, and we debated a few dishes. We ordered Shrimp Finocchio (I think someone ordered it because it made them think of Pinocchio, but don’t quote me), Tomato Summer Salad, and Asparagus Salad. For good measure we ordered Polpetta (a serving of three Meatballs made of Veal, sausage, and pork). Everything was tasty, fresh, and light. The Tomatoes in the Summer Salad were served on a bed of Mozzarella cheese (House made no less) with a light brushing of Champagne Vinegar and a bit of parsley, not only for effect but for a subtle shift of taste colors. The Shrimp Finnochio swam in a sea of Pernod with chili peppers and fennel, and the picture does not adequately show the size and meatiness of each shrimp. Paired with the fennel it was a nice coupling of flavors. The Polpetta Meatballs were a great mixture of three meats (beef, veal, and pork), with no one flavor overpowering the other, and the sauce was so good we wouldn’t give it back to the waiter once the meatballs were done (it made great dipping for the bread).

Just so you know the appetizer showstopper was the asparagus salad. The way it tasted was so unexpected (in the best way), we all looked at each other in surprise! The chopped asparagus was teeming with diced pancetta (a dry, cured meat) and shaved pecorino cheese, lightly glazed with lemon vinaigrette dressing. The other dishes were wonderful, to be sure, but that asparagus salad was something we would have to say just stole the show. I’m telling you, you simply have to try it! You’ll thank me later!

And don’t feel bad for the rest of the appetizers, we made short order of all the dishes.

Presenting a well rounded wine list, with information available from the ready wait staff, we chose Caparzo Sangiovese, a rather fruit forward, though light in body red that complimented all of our various dishes nicely.

When the main dishes came, we were pleased with the portions, which were a little on the large side, but not so gargantuan that we were not able to appreciate the flavoring of each dish. Chef Stephen Scott should be as proud of his culinary skills as we were happy to eat our menu choices. La Strada features authentic Italian cuisine that is locally sourced with seasonally sustainable ingredients. They make their own bread, pastas, and cheeses in-house, and the freshness gives a glow to each selection.

We dug into our choices with gusto.

First was the Saltimbocca alla Romana, a Veal scaloppini layered with sage and prosciutto with a white wine butter sauce marinade, and sides of spinach and polenta. The texture of the meat was good, not overly tough, and the sage was a wonderfully aromatic, but not overly powerful.

We also sampled the Tenderloin di Maiale. This Pancetta wrapped Pork Tenderloin served withharicot vert (French for Green Beans), mashed potato and an Amaretto sauce. The pork was butter-tender under the cooked top, and the green beans were amazingly fresh. Mashed potatoes were wonderfully thick while still maintaining the creamy flavor and consistency that can only be described as inspiring.

Roughly the full size of the plate, the Parmigiana di Pollo did not disappoint. With the Fontina cheese graciously melting all over the breaded chicken breast scaloppine covered in marinara sauce with roasted pepper (with a large slice of prosciutto under the breaded chicken). This doesn’t even touch the added flavor of the accompanying capers and anchovy salad. The piquant mixture of flavors was simply blissful.

Last, but certainly not least, the understated Spaghetti alla Aglio with chicken. La Strada’s own simple dish of homemade pasta with garlic and extra virgin olive oil was terrific. The chicken was fresh and light, the garlic was obvious but not obnoxiously so. At no point was any flavor out of tune with any other. It was simple, classic, and absolutely delectable. This scrumptious choice would be good for a less adventurous stomach. Not too exotic, not too bold. It tasted excellent and needed nothing more.

Well fed, but enjoying ourselves, we ordered dessert.

Don’t know how we were going to make room for it, but make room we did. Here was another surprise. The Tiramisu was light, creamy, and everything you would want it to be, as was the Canoli, but here we found that another showstopper in La Strada’s menu.

Of course, it was Ned’s Chocolate Mousse.

But this chocolate decadence came with a twist. It wasn’t sugary! The chocolate flavor was aromatic and rich, and the texture was pleasing. Though I didn’t expect to like it, being a Tiramisu fan, it turned out to be my favorite!

Meal completed from appetizer to dessert, we relaxed in the patio feeling warm, comfortable, and serene.

The location was nice, the food was wonderful (especially the asparagus salad), and the wall mural really made us feel like we were on a patio in Tuscany. Their service was very accommodating (even going so far as giving all new silverware due to a food allergy from one of the guests).

I know for a fact that we are going to make repeat visits.

1905 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301(703) 548-2542Bus: Mt Vernon Ave & Bellefonte Ave
Go directly to La Strada’s Website
Open Mon-Thu and Sun 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL FOR FW&D SERVICE

2010-09-30T14:00:00.020-04:00

There are customers and who are truly one of a kind. Mr. Kelly is no exception. According to his message on our machine, he thinks we are too. After previous satisfaction with FW&D when we took care of his Window Installation project, he called again to have us do another remodeling project at the same location. This time, he wanted the bathroom in his Arlington rental property completely renovated.

From the ceiling to the floor, there wasn't a thing FW&D didn't replace or install. New toilet, new shower, new wall fixtures… We took the bathroom from quaint to contemporary, and Mr. Kelly couldn't have been happier. “I went right to Ned, he said, “they gave a good estimate… stayed on budget, and they did the job in an A+ manner.” What more can be said? FW&D prides itself on customer satisfaction and family oriented business.

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, and more.

Click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Or call us at 703-933-8900.

Another New Face in the Neighborhood

2010-07-15T14:57:00.001-04:00

FW&D Remodeling is excited to welcome another new member to our team! Elizabeth Stevenson, longtime Virginian, is joining FW&D as Office Manager. Elizabeth has over 5 years of Publishing and Marketing experience and brings her cheery spirit to the office of FW&D. She is excited about the different type of remodeling experience that FW&D offers and looks forward to helping customers have a wonderful experience from the very first phone call! Her work, away from the job site, will help ensure that the On-Time Guarantee is met as well, and that customers always have a place to turn for help or questions.

In her free time, Elizabeth loves to cook, read, and write. She even has a Greek Food Site that she publishes. Check it out – you might find some recipes you want to try at home! We are definitely excited to see a restaurant review from her in a future FW&D Newsletter! Welcome to the team, Elizabeth!

Sadly, with the welcome addition of a new Office Manager, it means saying goodbye to our previous OM, Mary, who is moving back to Texas. Mary has enjoyed her time with FW&D and will miss everyone.

4th of July

2010-07-14T14:03:00.002-04:00

The annual Fourth of July parade in Fairlington this year was fun and educational. Besides eating hot dogs and ice cream, another highlight was seeing people dressed in colonial period costumes playing their instruments. Sponsored by the Fairlington Citizens Association (FCA), the parade stepped off at 9:45 am at the Fairlington Fire Station #7. The history of Fairlington is an interesting one. Fairlington was originally constructed as a housing development for defense workers and their families during World War II. We found that the spot in which we were standing was right where the Battery Garesche from the Civil War previously stood. As longtime Arlington and Fairlington residents, the Fourth of July was even more special surrounded by our customers, neighbors, and friends. We are lucky to live in such a close knit community that is able to host such a celebration, and look forward to another parade next year. Check out the fife and drum playing the armed services medley, or a video of the entire parade.

New Face in the Neighborhood!

2010-06-17T16:11:00.002-04:00

FW&D Remodeling is excited to welcome a new team member! Ron Bateman, longtime Virginian, is joining FW&D as a Project Manager. Ron has over 35 years of Construction Management experience and brings his wealth of knowledge to the FW&D remodeling experience. He is excited about the family-oriented aspects of FW&D Remodeling and looks forward to working with customers throughout the entire remodeling process, ensuring that high expectations are met and that our unique On-Time Guarantee is upheld. In his free time, Ron is an avid outdoor sportsman, and enjoys the beautiful wildlife of Virginia – he even has bears that come to his bird feeder! Welcome to the team, Ron!

Pizzaiolo Cafe on Fern

2010-06-01T14:35:00.010-04:00

Looking for a place to relax on these gorgeous summer evenings while enjoying some absolutely delicious food? Looking for a laidback restaurant that you can bring your friends, your kids, or Fido? Craving some authentic Italian food in Alexandria?

Well, look no further – Café on Fern, a member of the Pizzaiolo family of restaurants, is serving up all of the above! While this place might not look like the most impressive Italian restaurant, it serves up big flavor while making you feel like a part of a big Italian family (let’s be honest – it’s a pretty appealing idea…)

Café on Fern is located precisely where the name implies, and is so easily accessible. There is plenty of sitting room inside, but the beautiful weather, finally starting to warm, prompted us to choose the outdoor seating area. There’s nothing better than a beautiful night, a gorgeous sunset, and a bottle of wine.

Pizzaiolo’s menu gives options for various moods – there’s classic pasta dishes, pizza, antipasto – even true Italian subs – warning – those subs may become your new favorite lunch. The wine list, rightly stocked with Italian wines, complemented the food impeccably. We decided to get some classic Italian appetizers – both were so perfect for our outdoor summer meal. First up was the Antipasto Platter:

This was exceptional. All three meats were so flavorful, and the smoked mozzarella and provolone were fresh and creamy. The greens and peppers were made spectacular with a light balsamic vinaigrette. This is a sizable appetizer, and could be split easily, although I wouldn’t count on wanting to share!

We also tried the Bruschetta Platter.

The plate came out with three different bruschettas, all very light and fresh. There was the classic Tomato Caprese, a Pesto version with incredibly fresh mozzarella pearls, and a third with roasted red and yellow peppers. As with the whole experience that night, everything was aesthetically pleasing, with nothing added that didn’t need to be there.

We were now ready for the main portion of our meal, the White Pizza, which our waitress had confided was not only her favorite, but what she was taking home for dinner herself that night!

We quickly understood why – this pizza was nothing short of perfect. The traditional mozzarella (again, so fresh) was given a rich depth with the addition of smoked mozzarella and parmesan, then immediately lightened with dollops of ricotta. Combined with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil (all instant winners in my book) and topped off with spinach, this pizza had layers of flavor in every bite, down to the thin crust. There were the rich flavors without the heaviness that is too often present. It was truly an experience.

After we finished up, we decided to check out the inside of the establishment, having glimpsed through the window at what appeared to be an impressive espresso and wine bar.

Yes, you are seeing correctly. That is indeed a gelato counter as well. Truly, a good gelato is reason enough to go anywhere. The girls behind the counter were kind enough to let us try several flavors before we settled on our choices. I, of course, chose the Chocolate Hazelnut. I am a firm believer in “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” (really, you can’t go wrong in choosing Nutella), but they gave theirs a surprising edge by having actual flecks of hazelnut, as opposed to just the flavor. Some of their other flavors were close runners-up. The Toasted Almond was an unexpected delight, and they had both more common flavors (chocolate, mint chocolate chip) and the more unexpected (pistachio, lemon). Who knows, maybe in a couple times, I might get something else. Miracles do happen.

Overall, this was a delightful establishment, perfect for a nice sit-down meal and equally as appealing for a quick sub at lunch. In addition, everything at Pizzaiolo’s Café on Fern is available for pickup or carryout – including their beer and wine selections. Whether you’re enjoying on the patio ,watching the sunset, inside at the cool bar, or in the comfort of your own home, this is a place that is sure to please.

Pizzaiolo Café on Fern

1623 Fern Street

Alexandria VA, 22302

703.717.9324

www.cafepizzaiolo.com

For A Beautiful Basement...

2010-05-26T15:44:00.010-04:00

Is your basement just a place where you store boxes? Wouldn’t it be great if it could be part of your living space – an area you really want to hang out in with the family? See how you can turn your dark, damp, uninviting basement into a beautiful addition to your home.

Oftentimes, basements don’t have a separation between the usable space and the unsightly necessities, like this furnace and hot water heater. Also, the W/D and fridge, while a nice thing to have in the basement, aren’t exactly things you want to sit by and relax.

So the first thing we suggest is separating your usable space from that basement clutter! Here, we added framing around those areas. They do need to be accessible, obviously, but you’ll see more of that in later pictures.

Adding these walls not only separates these home appliances from the space, it also creates sections to a large area, allowing you to designate different corners to different uses. For example, this couple wanted to have all their exercise equipment in the basement, but didn’t want it to be a solely “workout zone.”

Once the walls were up, they were free to create a living area on one side of the basement:

And turn the opposite into a beautiful home gym!

The different flooring not only help separate the spaces, but are more conducive to a workout area.

Remember those unsightly home appliances? Now they are easily accessible, but hidden away, creating a fresh, inviting space.

Sometimes the pile of laundry gets a little high, we understand. How nice to be able to close the laundry room door and relax in your newest home space for a bit – the laundry can wait til tomorrow!

Replacing Rotten Wood

2010-04-20T10:11:00.009-04:00

Frequently, during a window replacement presentation, I am asked the question "what happens if you find rotten wood?". The answer is whenever we find rotten wood we replace it and do not cover it up. I will add, that in the last 8 years of replacing windows in the Fairlington neighborhood, I have

only had 10 experiences of rotten wood replacement. Typically we will take pictures and send them to the homeowner to document the problem and the fix.

Review: May Island

2010-04-19T14:59:00.008-04:00

Looking for a new place for dinner, or someplace a bit more interesting to take friends from out of town? Try out a local gem – May Island. Incredibly unpretentious, but heavy on the wow factor, this Quaker Lane hidden treasure is sure to impress. Located right next to a 7-11, one might feel a bit uncertain upon entering this small restaurant. The establishment has made the most of it’s small space, but it still only holds a handful of tables (have no fear – we had no trouble getting a seat, as their takeout option is more heavily visited – also a great option!)

The large menu might have been overwhelming, had I not been told that Sushi was the real reason to visit this establishment. Wanting a good variety, our table settled on ordering four Sushi rolls and one Sashimi Deluxe. While I would definitely recommend this approach of table sharing, just so more selections can be tasted, I will say that we had FAR too much food! Expect sizable portions here.

While we waited for our food, we munched on some salad and sipped our soup. The miso soup was fairly standard, while still very good. But the first taste of the wonton soup elicited a more enthusiastic response – this often unimpressive starter was delightful, with a good amount of hearty wontons. Several at the table also sipped green tea, which the pleasant waitress was quick to refill.

But the excitement really started when the first main dish arrived – we had told our waitress of our table-sharing plans, and she kindly brought the dishes out one by one. First things first – the presentation was incredible. Each dish was visually spectacular, enough where you hesitated to dig in. Of course, after the first bite, that inclination was squashed.

First out – The Royal Roll:

This dish was unanimously the favorite of the table. The flavors blended so perfectly, with a subtle sweetness, and the texture of the tempura added a bit more depth to the roll. This would even be a nice roll to introduce to those friends who are new to the sushi world, as the raw presence is less noticeable to the palate.

Next up was the Ocean Roll:

Again, I have to applaud the presentation of this dish, but it was also delicious! While the flavors weren’t quite as complex or exciting, this would definitely be a strong recommendation. The white tuna on top was so fresh, and complemented the flavors of the roll beautifully.

Next, we moved on to something a bit different – the Sashimi Deluxe:

This dish is for the slightly more adventurous, as there is no rice or other ingredients. Sashimi is truly about incredible, fresh fish, and May Island really delivered. The texture of the fish, and the delicate flavors, not only testified to the freshness, but to the quality as well.

On to dish number 4 – starting to get pretty full at this point, but definitely found space for the Rainbow Roll:

This delicious roll had four different topping options, lending to its “rainbow” appearance. All the options were fantastic, and it was nice to see how the flavor of each fish blended with the ingredients in the roll.

Last up was the Pink Lady:

This dish, while we were already on the verge of being stuffed, was also a favorite. The chef’s special sauce on top was exquisite, and the flavors phenomenal. Again, as we did throughout the entire meal, we marveled over the gorgeous (and adorable – check out those tomato rabbits!) presentation. What a beautiful way to spend a delicious meal. The sushi at May Island was truly spectacular – a must-try for Arlington residents.

May Island

1669 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302-2338

(703) 575-4455

www.mayisland1.com

Vote For Our Favorite Car Free Skeptic

2010-03-19T11:38:00.002-04:00

Arlington County, Virginia is looking for its biggest Car-Free Diet Skeptics – people who drive their cars all the time now, but who are willing to give car-free living a shot.

FW&D has a favorite daughter in this competition and we would like for you to vote for Mary. Go to http://carfreedietskeptics.com/stage/vote/ and click on MARY to cast your vote. You can vote once each day, now through March 31.Your votes will be combined with the judges’ scores to decide which applicants become the Skeptics. The chosen Skeptics will chronicle their car-free experiences on this website, www.carfreedietskeptics.com, for 30 days – follow along starting April 22! Hopefully you’ll be following Mary and her commute to and from Fairlington.

Arlington Car Free Diet

2010-03-18T10:56:00.002-04:00

The Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge is designed for Arlington County residents that currently drive their cars frequently, but are willing to attempt car-free living for 30 days. You do not have to go 100% car-free for the entire 30 days, but you do have to try. If you are chosen as one of the final Skeptics, you will communicate online about all of your transportation experiences during the 30-day challenge. You’ll be given several items to use during the challenge that will make going car free easier. And if you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll receive more car free related items. If you are already on the Car-Free Diet, but know a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to go on the diet, be sure to tell them about this challenge.
How to apply
You’ll need to create a 30 second to 2 minute video that shows why you would make the perfect Car-Free Diet Skeptic and fill out an online application. Video applications are being accepted through February 28, 2010.

How are the Skeptics chosen?
From March 1 – 31, 2010, all eligible entries will appear on carfreediet.com. During this time you can vote online for your favorite Skeptic candidate. At the end of the voting period, two Skeptics will be chosen to go on the Car-Free Diet for 30 days beginning April 22.

Skeptics Challenge
The chosen Skeptics will document their challenge online via videos, blogs, Tweets, and Facebook entries. If the Skeptics successfully complete the challenge, they’ll get everything needed to travel car free around Arlington and the Washington, DC region for a whole year.

FW&D Receives EPA Certification

2010-03-14T11:38:00.005-04:00

FW&D LLC Remodeling Services received the following message from the EPA.

As an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, if you choose, you are now authorized to use and display the attached custom logo with your certification number.
The Lead-Safe Certified Firm Logo identifies a firm as certified under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule.

Snowstorm Press Release

2010-02-15T15:48:00.003-05:00

With the recent snowstorms that hit Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, FW&D Remodeling chose to put people over products. In case you missed the story of how owner Ned Overton and staff helped out his Fairlington neighbors in a time of need, check out the press release.

The response has been overwhelming. Fairlington residents who got help from the FW&D crews digging out their cars were incredibly appreciative. Listen to neighbor Lou Dipalma’s review.

With the cold weather we’ve been having…it’s that kind of thing that warms our hearts.

Connecting with Your Contractor

2010-02-15T11:36:00.007-05:00

Remodeling requires a lot of communication. You, the homeowner, have to communicate your vision and dream to us, the contractor. FW&D Remodeling believes in the power of connecting with our homeowners, and loves welcoming back past clients again and again.

FW&D recently finished a bathroom remodel project with Arlington resident Rick Kelly. This was not our first job with the retired Marine Corp General; back in September we replaced all the windows in one of Mr. Kelly’s rental units. When he was looking at Arlington window and remodeling companies, his first concern was “that the window replacement be done in a top quality manner”, which, of course, is always our concern too! We install superior class products that qualify for the federal and Virginia tax-credit.

But Mr. Kelly ended up not basing his decision solely on product quality. While he had received another estimate, he “chose FW&D based on the personal engagement of the owner.”

This is where our main focus lies. We want to not only give our clients in Northern Virginal beautiful, quality products and craftsmanship, but to also guarantee that the whole experience is as pleasant and personable as possible. Our hands-on approach gives homeowners comfort and confidence, which we think is necessary throughout the life of a remodel project.

So for his recent bathroom remodel, Mr. Kelly did not get a second estimate. He knew about our work and he knew our personnel. We were excited to work on his project and finished on budget and ahead of schedule. Mr. Kelly was pleased that his tenants were able to move in about a week before originally planned.

Remodeling projects are inevitably going to disrupt the lives of the homeowners a bit…there will be crews coming in, probably some demolition, and a space of your home that is temporarily out of use. But it shouldn’t be a situation where you feel helpless or out-of-the-loop. You can and should feel comfortable going to your contractor with your questions and concerns. We try to open that line of communication – check in with you before you have to come to us. It’s your home – we’re just there to make it more beautiful.

Listen to Rick Kelly's full testimonial about FW&D Remodeling.

Fairlington Neighborhood Business

2010-02-14T10:20:00.003-05:00

One of the advantages of having a neighborhood business is when friends and neighbors stop by the office to visit.

Being A Good Fairlington Neighbor

2010-02-12T12:35:00.004-05:00

At FW&D, we want more than to simply be the contractor for your remodel project. We want to be people that you can trust when you are in need. This winter has definitely caused some needs in the Northern Virginia area! We started off the season with a wallop – December 19^th turned out a record snowstorm, with some areas seeing as much as two feet of snow. The snow numbers continued to creep up with occasional flurries and inches left on the ground.

This past weekend we had another big one come through – and I mean BIG. This record-breaking storm dropped over 32 inches at Dulles airport, skyrocketing this season’s numbers, closing schools and businesses, and shutting down roads.

With all this snow, many people were snow-bound. Even after the plows came through, cars were buried under feet of snow. Check out this car in Fairlington – you can’t even make out the make or model!

We here at FW&D saw a lot of people that were not able or equipped to get their cars cleared from the snow. Owner Ned Overton could not stand to see his Fairlington neighbors stranded. So Sunday morning, he called up our crews. While these guys normally spend their time artfully applying new tile in bathrooms or installing gorgeous cabinets in new kitchens, Mr. Overton was asking that they work to help out in a time of need. Many crew members were snow-bound as well, but those able braved the elements and treacherous road conditions to help Fairlington residents “de-snow” their cars. The crews worked Sunday and Monday, digging out over thirty cars. Remember that car above? The one that you couldn’t even make out? Check out how it looked after the FW&D crew got finished with it.

That’s what we believe in here at FW&D – that helping out a community is more important than pushing a product, that friends are better than clients, and that being a good neighbor is really what it’s all about.

2010-01-08T12:59:00.000-05:00

At the start of 2011, FW&D was contacted by the Window & Door Dealers Alliance regarding the 2011 Tax Credit.

We hope you find this information helpful when considering your projects throughout this year. The tax credit limits have changed, and there is now a lifetime limit for “any combination of all tax credit qualifying products”. There have been other changes, and both WDDA and WDMA (Window and Door Manufacturer's Association) note that additional information from the government (www.energystar.gov and www.irs.gov) will soon be available, though no deadlines have been set at this time. Please see the below links for more information.

WDDA FAQ’s
WDMA's fact sheet
WDDA 2011 tax credit article

This blog article is from FW&D.

We do Kitchen Remodeling, Bathrooms, Roofing, Doors, and more.

Call us at 703-933-8900

or click here to visit our site and learn more about us!

Alexandria Porch Roof Addition

2009-11-21T14:38:00.004-05:00

A friend in Alexandria wanted to update the look of their house. We suggested adding a front porch roof. WOW! What a difference in the curb appeal. If your house is looking dated and you want to improve the appearance just give us a call. We would like to share our design and remodeling expertise with you and increase the value of your home.

Fairlington Fire Hazard

2009-11-12T19:32:00.004-05:00

Fairlington was converted from apartments to condos in the mid 70's. The basements had a bathroom added and the dryers were vented using plastic flex hose. As you can see in this picture the lint clings to the walls of the hose and builds up causing the dryer to work harder and be less effective. It is also a fire hazard. The most recent event was in the 3000 block of S. Buchanan St.
If you are planning a remodel of your basement bathroom be sure to include changing the plastic flex hose to metal hard pipe.

Shower Leaks

2009-11-11T13:11:00.003-05:00

Fairlington bath rooms are in the age range of 30+ years and many hide the signs of age. FW&D frequently finds these tell tale signs after we demo a bath room. This leak was significant in that it had deteriorated the 2x4 stud away from the bottom sill plate and had a mold problem, unbeknownst to the homeowner.

Managing Expectations: Stealth costs

2009-11-04T13:01:00.003-05:00

What I want to share with you today is one of the biggest enthusiasm-killers to any project, the shock you get when what you had in your mind doesn’t match up with the actual costs. I’m not talking about when you first start your research, although many of you have emailed with your disappointments. I hear you.

What I’m talking about is additions either during the selection process or during the project. You know the type – you decide to add can lighting to your kitchen. You went online to a box store, added the cost of 4 can lights, 4x $ 20.00 per can (and you weren’t in California where you needed fluorescents at 4 times the cost.) You’re thinking $ 80.00, maybe $ 100.00.

You get the bill or change order for $ 900.00.

“What?!?” you say. “Wait a minute; I’m not paying for this! It should have cost 1/8th of that.” Now you’re steaming mad, refuse to pay, hop on the internet and blast your contractor for being a crook.

Hold on. Yes, your contractor was wrong, but not for the reason you think.

One of the biggest common failings in our industry is that we have a tendency to assume you all automatically know what we do AND how we do it. *scratch head* I don’t know why, but we figure just by talking to us, you have somehow absorbed every aspect of our business. Silly, isn’t it? Then we end up all shocked that you would be shocked, because we actually gave you a discount even though we had to drop everything else to accommodate this last minute change and it put us a day behind at another job and now our other client is upset.

Hurt feelings all around, but really? That’s our fault. We need to step it up and recognize no, you don’t know:

the cans you saw online – that $ 20.00 is just for the trim. They need housing and assembly which costs extra. The bulbs are also on top of this. New price: $ 38.00
the sheetrock and/or plaster have to be cut for 4 boxes. The ceiling joists weren’t in the right spot and the contractor had to add some framing in the ceiling so that the lights would line up exactly where you want them
the sheetrock also had to be cut out on the wall for the light switch
somebody had to go pick up the lights (and Murphy’s Law being what it is, the store was out of stock and there was an extra 1/2 hour drive to another store for pickup. You probably weren’t charged for the extra trip, but when you ask why it’s taking so long, that’s one of the time-killers on any job.)
you forgot to add in the 2 hours of electrician’s time
the electrician found a wiring mess buried in the insulation and had to repair it
someone had to repair the sheetrock
someone else had to paint the ceiling. If it’s done properly, the entire ceiling was painted, not just 4 small patches(Sometimes it’s more labor taping around a patch then spraying the entire ceiling)
the mess of sheetrock, insulation bits, and wiring had to be cleaned up

Knowing what’s involved is a big step towards understanding. Repeat after me: Failed expectations are the sole cause of anger. Ommm. *grin*

The last few years, I’ve taken time to explain where the costs come from and if I can, in the early stages, so that the adjustments for both budget and expectations can be made. Sure, I still have clients say: “I had no idea there was so much to this”, but at least they didn’t have any surprises.

And that’s my 2 cents for the day.

Kelly Morisseau

Hi and welcome! My name is Kelly Morisseau and I'm a second-generation CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer), and a CID (Certified Interior Designer) for a residential design/build firm in Northern California. This blog, http://kitchensync.typepad.com/, isn't about looking for clients. After 25 years in the business, I wanted to give something back.

Historic District Marketing Using Social Media

2009-10-30T07:25:00.003-04:00

FW&D Remodeling Services marketing director, Ned Overton, attended the Internet Success System Master Mind Conference, hosted by Mark Hendricks in Atlanta, GA, starting on October 22, 2009. The main focus of the conference is internet marketing. Attendees enjoyed networking with industry leaders, hands on workshops, special mastermind sessions, and Mark’s famous Q & A session. Mark, pictured at right welcoming Ned Overton to the conference, is one of the few online marketers that offer attendees a special Q & A session to ask any question at all about internet marketing. To learn more about the Internet Success Conference and how you can attend visit http://internetsuccessystem.com.

Previous attendees of the conference stated “This program is truly an educational experience”.

Cindi Dawson of CindiDawson.com said, "I truly benefited from the Internet Success System conference last weekend. I met lots of potential joint venture partners, learned how to create three different types of products very quickly and easily, and had a wonderful time."

Jim Straw, legendary marketing professional, said, “ Anyone who attends this conference will come away improved”.

Pictured left to right is the legendary Jim Straw, Ned Overton, and marketing genius Ken Compton.

The conference covered topics such as How To Develop a Press Release, Article Writing, Developing Video Presentations, and Using Facebook For Business.

“I generally try to get 1 nugget per day at a conference but at the Internet Success System Conference nuggets were flowing like an artesian well”, said Ned Overton of FW&D Remodeling Services.

FW&D Remodeling Services is located in the Fairlington Historic District in Arlington, Virginia.

If you would like more information about FW&D Remodeling Services please visit http://www.fairwd.com.

How To Make Your Fairlington Kitchen Look and Feel Bigger

2009-10-29T10:09:00.002-04:00

Do you feel cramped for space? Do you feel restricted when entertaining in your home? Then you should read these suggestions from an experienced design team and Fairlington residents.

Our first suggestion, assuming you live in a Fairlington Clarendon model, is to remove the non load bearing wall and replace the wall mounted cabinets with ceiling mounted cabinets. This makes the most of the space you do have, and opens up the room.

White cabinets or a light finish wood cabinet, such as a honey maple, give the perception of a more open space – dark colors tend to make to space more cave-like.

To add to the open feel, use glass front doors on both sides of the ceiling mounted cabinets. This visual trick keeps the kitchen from feeling closed off, and gives a nice flow from room to room.

Next, install recessed lights to free the ceiling area and focus the cone of light on the lighter cabinets.

There are additional benefits to remodeling your Fairlington kitchen with these suggestions. You now have more counter space. The feel of the open kitchen may spark positive life style changes. You’ll be more receptive to entertaining and perhaps the best benefit; it will increase the re-sale value of your home.

These are but a few suggestions to enhance the look and feel of your Fairlington kitchen.

If you would like to receive more design ideas visit http://www.fairwd.com or, to see completed Fairlington remodels, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/FWDremodel.

Helping to Save the Environment...And your Wallet!

2009-09-16T15:31:00.004-04:00

Everyone wants to help out the environment, but sometimes the green alternative can be the pricey alternative. Not the case though with FW&D. We use products that are not only better for the environment, but save money!

Take the Excalibur model window. This is a window we regularly install in Fairlington homes. Made by Alside, these beautiful windows work for you. They feature PPG’s Solarban 60 Low-E glass. Who would have thought that the type of glass in your window could help the environment? But Low-E works year-round to keep your A/C or heateroff as much as possible. In the summer, this cool glass filters in long-wave solar radiation (the cooler rays). By keeping only the hotter rays out, you still get the pleasure of natural sunlight without the scorching heat of the August sun! In the winter, Low-E glass works double-duty: first it lets warm, short-wave rays into the home for natural warmth; then the Low-E glass helps block the warm air inside, rather than letting it seep back out into the winter air.

Excalibur windows also have Argon gas between the panes of glass. Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, nonflammable, nontoxic and safe inert gas. Heavier than air, the Argon gas creates an additional layer of insulation that reduces the transmittance of heat and cold, but not light. Pretty cool, huh?

What do these big words and fancy products all mean? Well, not only do you help save the world by using less energy, you can save yourself a lot of money! Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill! WOW! Excalibur windows meet the strict Energy Star ratings set by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.

Isn’t it great when doing the right thing is just so easy?

Fairlington Basement Stair Rail System

2009-08-24T13:38:00.004-04:00

Are you tired of the dated 70’s look in your basement? Would you like the perception of more space in your basement? FW&D recently completed a basement stair railing system in a Clarendon model townhouse in Fairlington. If you would like to update the look of your basement, whether you’re in Fairlington or not, then contact your full service remodeling company.

Golden Opportunity Award Recipient Press Release

2009-08-21T16:17:00.003-04:00

Arlington, VA – 20 August, 2009

FW&D LLC Remodeling Services of Arlington, Virginia, announced the recipient of the Golden Opportunity award for 2009. Mary Rothenbach is a 2009 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts, University Scholar.

FW&D provides the award recipient with the opportunity to participate hands on in all aspects of business management with a concentration on customer service and marketing. Previous winners continue to work with FW&D in consultation and mentoring the newest recipient.

Mary was selected for her command of written communications, poise and presence in the interview process, and for her ability to formulate and articulate answers to difficult questions.

FW&D LLC Remodeling Services has provided home improvement services including kitchen and bath remodeling, roof replacements, window replacements up to complete additions for Northern Virginia since 2002. Due to a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service, the company has sustained growth every year.

If you would like more information about FW&D and the Golden Opportunity award:
info@fairwd.com
www.fairwd.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/FWDremodel

Official Press Release can also be viewed on Free-Press-Release.com.

Bath Rooms Are HOT!!

2009-08-14T13:08:00.004-04:00

The majority of our business right now is remodeling bath rooms. As a matter of fact we have completed 12 bath remodel projects in Arlington and Fairfax in the past month. Take a look at some of our projects in this video.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

2009-08-13T15:14:00.005-04:00

No it's not a story about Gomer Pyle. We started a bath room remodel in Arlington, VA, and much to our surprise we found a previous remodel effort had used plywood as a backer board. You can see the water stains and possible mold growth.
At FW&D we like to use DUROCK concrete backer board in all tub & shower installations. Concrete backerboard has a solid concrete core and is faced on both sides with fiberglass. It's an ideal underlayment for wet areas like shower walls and bathtub surrounds. As part of a proper application we tape and mud the joints.

If you would like to know more about bath remodeling please contact us.

Web 2.0

2009-08-11T09:36:00.002-04:00

Web 2.0" refers to the second generation of web development and web design that facilitates information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web. The advent of Web 2.0 led to the development and evolution of web-based communities, hosted services, and web applications. Examples include social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs, mashups and folksonomies.
Well here we are on FW&D's social networking site, the company blog, and who would have ever thought that I would know how to use this stuff as a marketing tool. I certainly didn't. Not only do we have the blog but we also have a YouTube channel which enables our clients to view certain aspects of our work conveniently from their laptop or pc.

Remodel Crazy

2009-08-08T11:15:00.003-04:00

A couple of contractor friends of mine started a forum that will bring contractors and homeowners together and it's called Remodel Crazy. What's different about this forum is they are welcoming all of the players in a remodeling project to participate in the forum. Sounds crazy but if you have a homeowner asking a question surely one of the members will be able to answer the question when the forum has a membership represented by most every trade, suppliers, vendors and a few crazies. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who the crazies are. So take the time to check out www.RemodelCrazy.com.

The Rationale for Getting 3 Bids?

2009-07-31T09:40:00.003-04:00

Also Known As:

What’s wrong with just getting 3 bids on my roofing project? And, Could someone please help me to not get screwed by the contractor I choose?

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner,

I would like to address the vulnerability you are subjecting yourselves to by going out and requesting 3 bids for your project. Maybe the advice should be to make sure that you get the best qualified contractor to do the job right in the first place, instead of worrying about problems down the road. The 3-bid suggestion is just there so you can hopefully get lucky and find one who fits that category. Would you be astounded to hear that according to major roofing related manufacturers, that over 90 % of all roofs do not qualify for the manufacturers long term peace of mind warranty, from the initial installation time? I know I am. And, That’s a proven fact!

I know what you have been told; "Go out and get at least 3 bids", and throw away the contractors bid at the bottom and the contractors bid at the top and select the one in the middle. After all, isn't that what almost every single, "How to Choose a Contractor Guide" suggests you do. Isn't this the only way to ensure you do not get the low ball fly-by-nighter or the contractor who has to charge too much to justify his overhead or just wants to make too much profit from your job?

When you decided you had a need for this particular project, did you say to yourself?

"Gee, I want to make sure I get somebody who does not provide me with the full scope of work we need to validate the manufacturers full length warranty, (even if we do not really know what specifications those are yet), and I also want to make sure they do not have enough experience for this type of project?

Of course you didn't! That would be foolish and absurd!

Well then, that obviously eliminates anybody who would not spend the proper amount of time with you to be able to assess your projects complete requirements, while attempting to remain within your financial means to afford this enhancement to your home.

From years upon years of experience, we have discovered that the majority of bid work usually omits many of the necessary items that should have been included in the first place. We have chosen a different path. We decided that it would be better to explain the proper price for the job being done correctly at the beginning, rather than have to make excuses for the lack of quality for years to come.

Do you really think that there are so many corrupt or deceitful contractors out there? Actually, no there are not. The unfortunate consequence of requiring multiple contractors to be bidding on the same project without pre-determined specifications to be met is that most contractors feel compelled to find ways to cut corners to be able to "Win" the job. There is a necessity to "Make the Sale", no matter what the consequences. Get the job at all costs, or should I say for all lack of costs, which also means lack of proper value.

Well now, what will happen next, once the job starts. Here are two possible scenarios;

A) The contractor will do all of the minimal work specified in the contract, hoping that no one alerts you to the fact that additional specifications should have been included in the first place. If you never find out that some specs were omitted, Great Job. Everybody is happy. That is until things do not work as they were intended.

Even though, “Roofing is Not Brain Surgery”; There are many Wrong ways to roof a house. But…There is only…One “Right Way” to do it and that is “By Following All of the Manufacturers Specifications”. Remember; Over 90 % of All Shingle Roofs Done - DO NOT Qualify for the Manufacturers Long Term Warranty!!! ( This is; According to studies by GAF Roofing Corp., Air Vent Inc., & Alcoa ). Did you really expect that brand new 30 or 50 year roof you put on to look good and remain functional after 10-12 years? Oh, you did! Were you educated about the manufacturers specs? How do you know if all of the manufacturers’ specifications or industry guidelines were followed?

But, if the building inspector approves it, doesn't that mean it was done correctly? Yes and No! The building inspector is only there to ensure that the "Minimum" specifications were followed. That means that they pass things all the time, where some contractors only do the least amount of work to just barely be on the legal side of the ordinances. Is this what you want, a "barely passed minimum standards job"?

B) On the other hand, what if you realize that the project is not advancing towards your vision you started out with? Aha, you inform the contractor that more work needs to be included in the project scope. Great!!! The contractor replies, but first, Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner, please sign these additional work change order forms. That work you now realize that you needed to have included, was not in our initial bid! We thought we were doing you a favor, by keeping the costs down for you, isn't that what you wanted?

So, what is a homeowner to do? The best that you can do is to find a contractor who is proposing to do the job 100 % the Right Way, right off the bat. Make sure that you spend time with each contractor to interview them on how they will approach the project. Make sure that you have an open line of communication with that contractor. Make sure that the written proposal is extensively detailed so that there is no confusion as to what you are receiving for your investment. Make sure that you know what the obligations and responsibilities are of both you and the contractor. Make sure that they supplied you with multiple references of similar jobs they have done in your neighborhood. Make sure that you are protected, by receiving copies of their workers compensation and general liability insurance certificates. Make sure that they have been a licensed contractor, going by the same company name for at least 5-10 years. Verify anything that they are telling you if they do not provide the back up documentation as part of their proposal package. If you have doubts about any suggestions they have made, then have them back up their reasoning with industry related technical reports or articles.

After you have done all of this, which contractor do you now believe is going to give you the Right Job for the Right Price?

More than likely, the only one out of the original 3 bidders, who even had a shot at producing the right results, was the supposedly highest priced contractor. Now, can you see that the highest bid, probably is not really the highest cost to you, but the only one to have provided the proper value to the specifications to ensure your warranty is validated by doing it the Right Way, per the Manufacturers Specifications?

The bottom line is that only the right “Qualified” bidder should even be considered in the 1st place.

This article is geared towards FW&D future roofing clients but is a valuable guide for any remodeling experience.

This article was written by my friend Ed Fako, owner, Right Way Roofing Company.

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www.RightWayRoofingCompany.com

Roof Leak Protection

2009-07-25T04:42:00.003-04:00

This roof has an obvious leak in the porch area due to poor installation techniques. FW&D was called in to make an assessment and recommend a solution. We proposed to use Certainteed WinterGuard™ waterproofing shingle underlayment as the solution for winning the battle against water penetration in this roof's most vulnerable place, the valley. But we decided to go for maximum protection and covered the entire porch roof area. WinterGuard™ is a composite material of asphalt polymers, formed into a rolled sheet. The asphalt makes it vapor-tight, and the polymers make the asphalt elastic and sticky. This protective barrier is able to stretch and seal around nails driven through it.

ROOFING

2009-07-24T17:04:00.005-04:00

When we provide a homeowner with a roof replacement proposal the second item on the form addresses the replacement of rotten roof decking. At yesterday's job we unfortunately had to inform the homeowner that the entire roof deck needed to be replaced and the reason was inadequate ventilation. A 2x4 was inserted at the edge of the eave to act as a stop to prevent the blown in insulation from going into the soffit area. This also created a stop that prevented cool air from flowing from the soffit vent into the attic and purging the hot air from the attic space. The excess heat buildup caused the plywood deck to "cook" and delaminate. Our solution was to turn the 2x4 block at a 45 degree angle to act as a curb to hold the insulation and still allow air flow into the attic space.

Contractor Talk

2009-06-27T17:51:00.004-04:00

I am a member of forum called Contractor Talk where contractors from several countries go to share ideas, problems and solutions. Through that association I have had the opportunity to meet several of the members such as Mark Buckshon, who writes the Construction Marketing Ideas blog, Frank Albert, owner of Albert's Roofing and a slate roof expert, and Sean Lintow Sr., owner of SLS Construction. All three of these guys have provided support, mentoring, and knowledge towards my effort to take FW&D to a higher level. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

Marketing

2009-05-20T08:49:00.002-04:00

FW&D Remodeling Services has received a mention in the Construction Marketing Ideas blog.
http://constructionmarketingideas.blogspot.com/2009/05/wow-gift.html

HOW TO INSTALL 2' SQUARE TILE

2009-05-07T11:38:00.006-04:00

Very carefully!! This Fairlington bath remodel provide provided us an opportunity to show case our skills not normally used in a typical bath remodel. One would think that laying the larger tile would be easier and faster than conventional size tile. On the contrary, the tile pieces all need to be inspected very closely for defects and cracks. The pieces that pass inspection are placed in a separate pile and the culls are then used for the pieces that need to be trimmed or cut to size. Placing 1 tile takes a bit more time to set due to the weight and then we can only set 1 course and have to wait for it to setup before we can set another course. On this particular job we had an angled wall that when we set the tile we applied a custom made support to hold the tile in place and then let it setup overnight. Sorry, no picture of that process.

FAIRFAX CUSTOM SHED

2009-05-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

FW&D Remodeling Services recently completed construction of a custom shed in the Mt. Vernon section of Fairfax County Virginia. In the previous post we mentioned the details of the project. Well we completed the project and you can view the entire project via our YouTube video clip. The homeowner was so pleased with his shed that he has asked us to expand his deck and the neighbors have asked us to resurface their decks, install new windows, replace gutters, install exterior floodlights, install interior track lighting, and replace ceiling fans.

CUSTOM SHED

2009-04-21T13:16:00.006-04:00

FW&D is building this custom shed in Fairfax Virginia. The process starts with pouring a cement slab, purchasing the materials and storing them on site in the FW&D utility trailer. The components such as the walls are laid out and nailed together, trusses are site built and staged for assembly. Got to get back to work putting this shed together so we’ll check in later with the updates on construction.