An open-concept, two-tone kitchen remodel in Rockville creates more space for multigenerational participation

• Homeowners: Brandi and Chris posted a kitchen remodel in Maryland on Sweeten
• Where: Rockville, Maryland
• Primary renovation: Replacing DIY storage with a unified kitchen design plan and removing a wall 
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Brandi. “After” photos by Nova Soul Imagery for Sweeten.

A new chapter for a family home

Brandi and her husband, Chris, inherited her mother-in-law’s 1950s house. Though bittersweet, they were happy to keep it in the family. Chris grew up in the Rockville, Maryland house, so it held special meaning for him. Plus, the family was about to expand. Brandi was pregnant with her second, and her grandmother, Bernice, planned on moving in.

As a first-time homeowner, Brandi wanted to renovate the 1,643-square-foot house right away to make it fit their lifestyle. However, Chris had a special attachment to it and wasn’t in a rush to remodel. The conversation was tabled for several years. Then, the couple started talking about having a second baby and the idea to renovate returned. This time, the focus was mainly on the kitchen. It was old and outdated. There was little storage space. They had improvised and put in temporary storage containers but they weren’t ideal.

Brandi had also toyed with doing a few DIY projects as a facelift. Mainly, a temporary backsplash and a fresh coat of paint. But, as Brandi put it, “If I’m having a baby, I’m having a new kitchen.” That’s when they turned to Sweeten.

Local support for kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland

Brandi was newly pregnant when she found Sweeten. She needed a service like Sweeten to take some of the stress off of the contractor search process. And it was important as people of color to hire a Black-owned general contracting firm. Brandi met with two contractors outside of the Sweeten network but their estimates were too high. And there wasn’t much room for negotiation. She would have to compromise on the design, which she didn’t want to do. Her Sweeten contractor, however, gave her many options in order to fit her budget and style. “He was very thorough,” said Brandi.

“When the wall came down, I was like, ‘Wow’,” said Brandi. “It definitely opened up the space so much more.”

“Must-haves” and compromise

A visit to California inspired Brandi with the idea of two-toned cabinetry. Blue on the bottom, white cabinets above. That was Brandi’s “must-have.” Chris wanted to knock down the wall between the kitchen and dining room as well as center the sink. Brandi thought these weren’t essentials but for Chris, these were his non-negotiables. They were added to the design plan. “When the wall came down, I was like, ‘Wow’,” said Brandi. “It definitely opened up the space so much more.” 

Laying out the kitchen design details

Once the functional and structural details were settled, the kitchen’s design plan came next. Storage would be the main focus for the two-toned cabinets. Brandi wasn’t a fan of clutter and storage would hide the daily essentials. Chris had considered display cabinets but the couple decided against them. The kitchen wasn’t very large so they needed to use the space as efficiently as possible.

In addition to the cabinets, the backsplash was one design detail that Brandi felt strongly about. She wanted a contemporary look and chose a chevron pattern. It was clean and modern in a white and gray color scheme. For the countertops, butcher block was considered because of its affordable price point. However, their Sweeten contractor was able to source a quartz countertop for around the same cost. The couple decided it would be an upgrade and went for it.  

A refreshed Rockville kitchen brings renewed joy

Brandi and Chris are thrilled with their renovated kitchen. The open concept allowed the main floor to feel more comfortable for the expanding family. Brandi’s grandmother and daughter can join in as meals are being prepared. And with an expanded family, the new space will be even more appreciated. For Brandi, it’s the little details, down to the new blinds over the centered sink. Brandi said she goes in every morning and opens the blinds to let in the light and finds joy. “It’s like, ‘Ahhh’,” said Brandi. “It’s like the house breathes.”

Thank you, Brandi and Chris, for sharing your kitchen remodel with us!

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets: KraftMaid. Dreamcicle marble and metal chevron backsplash tile: Jeffrey Court. Frigidaire appliances: Appliances Connection. Flooring in Marigold Oak: Pergo. Paint in Alpaca: Sherwin-Williams. Halifax hardware: Halifax.

A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days.

Where to find kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland

It might not be hard to find a general contractor for your project but with so many out there finding the right contractor is the challenge. When choosing kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland, they should be experienced in a project like yours—scope of work, your budget, building type, and location. You should also feel confident that you will work well with them, share the same communication style, and have the level of professional acumen you require. This is how Sweeten’s free general contracting matching service can help. We conduct top-to-bottom vetting so we know we’re only working with the top general contractors in Maryland who have a range of expertise including in kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, whole home remodels, or addition remodels. Post your project on Sweeten and you’ll be matched with a competitive grouping of kitchen remodeling contractors in Maryland who: 

• are licensed, insured, and vetted
• have experience with renovations like yours
• do work in your city, town, or neighborhood
• are already interested in your project based on its budget and scope
• guarantee their work

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

This DC-based, woman-owned general contractor strives to do good for others

At Sweeten, the experts in our network are experienced contractors and design pros we’d be thrilled to have working in our own homes. We vet every Sweeten contractor by checking their licenses, insurance, experience, quality of work, and customer service skills. Trust and open communication are the lifeblood of our free renovation service, and our personal connection to our experts enables us to match you to the best choices for your project. Here, get to know their personality and click to view their portfolio, including photos from past work and client reviews, so that you can hire the right team and renovate with confidence.

Check out Sweeten general contractor Jennifer’s portfolio here

Where are you from and how long have you been in construction?

I am from Alexandria, Virginia in the metro Washington, DC area.

How did you get into the construction industry?

I was graduating college and there was a threat of my father being laid off from his construction job of 20+ years. New management and budgets cuts were taking place. At the time, I was also interning at the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations. I learned about the lack of women-owned construction companies in the state. It just clicked: With my father’s remodeling experience and my desire to create a more stable future for our family, there was an opportunity.

I asked my father if he would partner up with me to start our own construction company. He would lead the field team and do installations. I would spread the word about his knowledge and experience to home remodelers.

Our first project was with a homeowner who hired us to build a small kitchen pantry. Little by little, we were recommended to neighbors and became known as a reliable and easy-to-work-with contractor in the community. Over time, we took on an array of projects in DC and Virginia, from simple build-outs to full bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodels. We grew into the experienced company we are today!

What do you love most about what you do as a general contractor?

The best part of our job is getting the chance to change the sometimes negative narratives about contractors. From time to time we have customers come to us after bad experiences. We aspire to leave all of our customers with good impressions and a first-hand example of what a good experience with a great contracting company can look like. I like to treat my customers how I would like to be treated, with respect, good communication, and quality service. “Do good unto others” are words I live by. We enjoy putting that into practice in every aspect of what we do. Ultimately, I love being able to make people feel happy with the remodeling experience as a whole.

What do you think is the biggest misconception that homeowners have when starting a renovation project?

The biggest misconception is that a renovation is going to be overwhelming and complicated. With proper planning, preparation, and communication, a renovation can be fun the entire way through!

What is your favorite renovation project that you’ve done and why?

We recently completed a full condo remodel in Arlington, Virginia. The homeowner was a woman who wanted to work with a woman-owned contracting firm, a woman-owned interior design company, and a woman-owned virtual assistant company. From beginning to end, the remodel was spearheaded and completed by a team of women-owned companies. The project turned out gorgeous and it was truly so much fun. We celebrated with a fabulous housewarming party that our customer invited us to. It was really neat to be able to experience the space we helped create!

What is your favorite Washington DC/Arlington/Fairfax, VA building?

My favorite building in the Washington DC area is the Spy Museum building. It is designed to look very modern and futuristic. I can appreciate the architecture and the way it stands out in the landscape. It’s worth checking out!

What is your favorite Washington DC/Arlington/Fairfax, VA restaurant?

MoMo Sushi in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. They have the most delicious and fresh sushi I have ever had. It is also nestled in the cutest neighborhood close to the Old Town waterfront with great views of the Potomac River and Washington, DC.

If you weren’t a general contractor, what would you be doing?

If I weren’t a general contractor, I’d own a coffee shop. You can find me trying a new latte and reviewing plan sheets at all of the local coffee shops.

Originally published October 19, 2021

Updated July 20, 2023

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Check out Sweeten general contractor Jennifer’s portfolio of work.

Jennifer has been a Sweeten contractor since August 2021. 

When a sister moves in, a never-used basement bathroom lands on the remodel to-do list

• Homeowners: Sisters, Nicole and Missy posted their basement bathroom remodel on Sweeten
  
• Where: Arlington Ridge, Virginia
  
• Primary renovation: Updating an old bathroom on the lower level to feel more modern and open
  
• Sweeten general contractor
• Homeowner’s quote: “I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home.”
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Nicole. “After” photos by Nova Soul Imagery for Sweeten. Styling by Simon Staging.

Remodel a basement bathroom for a welcome upgrade

I love my Arlington Ridge neighborhood with its hilly streets and access to the metro, my favorite Mexican restaurant, and grocery store. When I found the 2,000-square-foot 1950s Virginia ranch home, I fell for the windows, cathedral kitchen, glass porch, and spacious yard. My older sister, Missy, deciding to move from San Francisco back to the East Coast, was a perfect excuse to renovate. She asked to use my downstairs as her temporary home.

Before we renovated this (almost) windowless basement bathroom, it was creepy and unwelcoming. The shower had a horrible wall partitioning it off from the rest of the room. The door opened to a full view of the toilet. We never used it. I wanted an open-plan bathroom with plenty of light—a room that guests wouldn’t be scared to use when they visited me in Arlington.

I went into this as a first-time renovator. My biggest question was: Will it be a huge interruption in my workday? I work in business development, so I am on Zoom a lot. We posted our project on Sweeten and we could not have been happier with the woman-owned general contractor we selected.

Behind the not-so-pleasing wall

When the contractor removed the wall, she discovered a very vintage pipe system that needed replacement. We looked for a plumbing specialist, and that search set us back a couple of days. Meanwhile, our contractor took the room down to the studs so the plumber could install new piping. The job involved breaking the foundation concrete, but even on days when the jackhammers were out or the water had to be turned off, we had advanced warning.

Expanding the design palette

My Sweeten contractor made the job seamless and easy, even though what I initially envisioned changed dramatically. I thought I wanted the bathroom all white and clean but decided instead to let this room give the downstairs character. When she proposed the sliding glass barn door as a shower enclosure, I was sold.

The vanity is another fantastic piece, not only for its look but for the storage it brought to the room. I never would have guessed I would pick the gray shower floor, but it all came together and it works.

“My contractor was really helpful…providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process…”

A beautiful result, and a satisfying experience

I wanted a modern bathroom to match the rest of the house—and my future renovation plans—and I really lucked out. My contractor was really helpful, connecting with my sister and me and providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process, and we are both so happy with how the bathroom turned out. Missy, a former tech executive, now works as a startup advisor. She is really enjoying the new digs.

Throughout the process, my contractor’s crew was amazing. My one-year-old beagle, Callie, would shake with excitement when they arrived, play for ten minutes, and then allow them to work. She returned throughout the day to check progress and get head scratches.

My Sweeten general contractor answered my questions, updated me on changes, and discussed any challenges. The team was respectful of my space, too. They covered the downstairs areas to keep them as clean as possible and left the workspace tidy. I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home. I always knew what to expect the next day.

After a remodel, a basement bathroom has real appeal

Missy’s gorgeous bathroom is now my favorite thing to show off in the house. It inspired her, too. She recently sold her house and is thinking about where she—and her Aussiedoodle, Ellie—should buy next. New, modern, and clean…what an upgrade.

Thank you, Nicole and Missy, for sharing your dream bathroom remodel with us!

Renovation Materials:

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Adessi Florentina gray ceramic 16” x 16” floor tile; Villa Artisan Mist ceramic 3” x 12” shower wall tile; Festival matte gray porcelain Penny Mosaic shower floor tile; Zipcode Design’s New Milford metal bathroom/vanity mirror; and Varenne sink faucet: Wayfair. Fontaine by Italia’s Hotel de Ville single-handle square 1-spray-setting shower faucet in matte black: Italia Faucets. Frameless sliding shower door: Glass Warehouse. Woodbrook 37-inch vanity in white-washed oak with cultured-marble vanity and white sink; Power Flush two-piece 1.28 GPF single-flush elongated toilet: Glacier Bay. Three-light dimmable vanity fixture: Joss & Main.

Looking for contractors near Arlington, Virginia? Work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

What to know about bathroom remodeling in Washington DC from costs and permits to ventilation

Washington DC has limitless possibilities that make it one of the most exciting places to live in the U.S. If you are considering bathroom remodeling in Washington DC, you may find a parallel set of challenges and possibilities for your project. Not to worry: here we outline what to know before you renovate a bathroom in the DC area.

Defining the area around Washington DC

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC first means hammering down its geography. 

The commonly held notion is that DC consists of the District, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Sweeten currently services the DC area, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland, and select counties in Virginia, including Fairfax and Arlington.

Exterior architecture

Part of what makes the DC area so appealing is its architecturally significant buildings. Many older and noteworthy buildings are within the District, specifically Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, and Dupont. 

Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia do have some historically important buildings, but not to the extent that the District does.

In the District, Preservation Reviews by the Office of Planning tend to concentrate on exterior work. Interior alterations and non-structural interior demolition are both permitted activities but are exempt from Preservation Reviews.

Renovation bathroom costs in Washington DC

The cost of remodeling a high-end bathroom in the South Atlantic region, which includes the DC metro area, is higher than the national average. Starting costs for a low-end bathroom remodel is $16,500. A mid-range budget starts at around $26,000. A high-end remodel starts at $38,000 for a 4– or 5–piece bath. (You can read more in Sweeten’s bathroom remodeling cost guide for Washington DC). Contractors will be able to provide you with more detailed estimates after a site visit. It’s also important to meet with licensed general contractors in Washington DC with local experience who are up-to-date on codes and regulations. 

“Rip-and-replace” bathroom remodels in older homes

A “rip-and-replace” bathroom remodel will always save you money over a full remodel. Like the name says, fixtures are pulled out and replaced. The footprint does not change, nor does the drywall, subfloor, pipes, or wiring. In a “rip-and-replace,” the most expensive items are the toilet, tub or shower, faucet, sink, and cabinet.

But there is a catch: Washington DC has a significantly older housing stock. East of the Capitol, north of the K Street business district, up Georgia Avenue, and on either side of the 16th Street corridor, houses can be 100 years old or more. This means that a “rip-and-replace” remodel is usually not possible if the bathroom is in its original state.

Bathroom remodels for these older homes usually require a full gutting to expose the insides of the walls, including pipes and wiring. Knob-and-tube wiring, common in these homes, must be replaced with modern non-metallic wiring. Additionally, the service panel should be updated. When the studs are bowed or broken, they can be sistered with a parallel stud to the side. 

Many of these older DC homes were solidly built with materials considered premium for their time. Common materials that DC homeowners will encounter are cast iron tubs, two-by-fours that actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches, heavy joists, and linoleum. These items can be difficult to remove. For example, homeowners removing cast-iron tubs will need to break or cut them apart on-site to assist with removal.

The effect of climate in DC 

The DC area can get hot—really hot. While DC’s spring weather is pleasant, the summer climate turns quickly—with record temperatures over 100 F and averages in the 80s. DC’s high humidity keeps everything wet, especially moisture-prone bathrooms.

Explore with a general contractor the full range of measures to keep condensation in the bathroom at bay:

• Adequate bathroom exhaust fan
  
• Openable window, if possible
  
• Dehumidifier
  
• Heated flooring
  
• Wall heater
  
• Mold-resistant paint
  
• Install a moisture-resistant ceiling
• Use moisture-resistant materials such as waterproof drywall or ceramic tiles

Permits for Washington DC remodels

Bathroom remodeling permits are required in the District, Montgomery County, and Fairfax County.

• District: An Alteration and Repair Permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is required. You must submit architectural plans. Since your bathroom remodel will likely be under the Department’s 1,000-square-foot cut-off, you can have your bathroom remodel project fast-tracked with a counter review.
  
• Montgomery County: The Department of Permitting Services will require a Residental Alteration permit. You may need additional electrical and mechanical permits, too.
  
• Fairfax County: Land Development Services requires a permit for interior alterations, as well as for individual projects related to bathroom remodeling such as installing new plumbing fixtures.
  

Building approvals

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC proper generally will be more involved than in the suburbs due to the larger number of condos and other board-controlled buildings. Within DC, this will be less of an issue as you move northward to Tenleytown, Petworth, Chevy Chase, and Takoma since more single-family residences are located there.

Even though you own everything within the walls of the condo, condo boards typically require that you submit alteration plans for approval or attend meetings to discuss your proposal. Bathroom remodels are of special interest since these projects touch on critical services such as electrical and plumbing that affect other units. Logistics like parking for workers, elevator usage, and demolition removal must be considered.

Condo boards each have their own personalities and requirements. Board approval can be tricky. But if you are working with an experienced general contractor for the bathroom remodel, they will help you navigate the approval process.

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC? Now is the time.

Don’t let the possible challenges of remodeling a DC bathroom stop you. There are clear benefits of remodeling to consider; like creative exploration, personal enjoyment, and higher resale value. 

When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in Washington DC.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Remodeling costs in Washington DC, including  kitchen, bath, and whole-home (plus building additions and permit tips!)

UPDATED: Read our most-up-to-date Washington DC Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

A stately Capitol Hill rowhouse. A mid-century modern jewel in Falls Church. A unique craftsman’s cottage in Kensington. Whatever your abode, it’s a great time to renovate in Washington DC, the sixth most populated area in the country. If you’re ready to make your own splash to a home and increase its value, one of your first steps is to create a budget to cover your remodeling costs in DC. 

Sweeten offers a cost guide to give you a sense of how to budget for remodeling costs in the DC area, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland, and select counties in Virginia, including Fairfax and Arlington. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Here’s a quick overview of budgets for some standard renovation projects:

• Gut renovation: Starting at $100 per square foot (psf)
  
• Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $20,000—$25,000
  
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $30,000—$40,000 
  
• High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $68,000
  
• Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $12,000—$15,000
  
• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $21,000 or $600 psf.
  
• High-end bathroom remodel and extension: Starting at $40,000
  
• Adding square footage: Starts at $120 psf
  

Total Gut Renovation Costs for a DC Home

A total gut renovation in Washington DC that brings a home down to its frame and studs could start at around $100 psf. Doing it all at once will get you the best price per square foot if you are already planning multiple projects. 

How much does a Washington DC kitchen remodel cost per square foot?

• A best-value kitchen remodel typically starts between $20,000—$25,000. This allows the replacement of cabinets and countertops from big-box stores, a stocked appliance package, and tile flooring.
  
• For a mid-grade kitchen, expect starting costs between $30,000—$40,000. This pricepoint would include semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, upgrade in appliances, and an island (with no sink).
  

Remodeling‘s Cost Vs Value report found the average cost in the Washington DC area costs around $68,000. This works out to be $340 psf. About 60 percent of the cost is recouped in the value it adds to your home. With a budget of this amount, you can remodel a 200-square-foot space with countertops, semi-custom wood cabinets, and a stainless steel sink with a standard single-lever faucet. It also allows the addition of a built-in microwave, dishwasher, and custom lighting. Other than adding a kitchen island, the layout, such as where the oven and dishwasher are installed, must remain the same as the original design. Keeping your layout will be the biggest influence in a low budget down.

• For a high-end kitchen remodel, costs start at $68,000 and include a stone or marble countertop as well as opening up the space or removing a wall.
  

A luxury remodel comes in at an average of $135,000 for Washington DC, the Cost Vs Value report found. The psf cost is $675. This project can add 58 percent of the budget to your home’s value. A high-end kitchen remodel can consist of custom cabinets, built-in sliding shelves, stone countertops, and imported ceramic or glass tile backsplashes. The appliances would also kick up a few notches to include a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood. The kitchen can also have designer faucets and a water filtration system.

How much does a DC bathroom remodel cost per square foot?

• For a best-value bathroom, expect a typical project to start between $12,000—$15,000. At this budget, it would not be a gut but a refresh.
  
• A mid-grade bathroom remodel has costs at $21,000 or $600 psf. These figures come from the Cost Vs Value report. For this price,  you can remodel a 35-square-foot bathroom. It includes adding a porcelain-on-steel bathtub, ceramic tiles, and a recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting. This renovation can add $14,000 to a home’s value. That’s 65 percent of the project’s cost.
  
• A high-end bathroom remodel starts at $40,000. This budget includes a 3 or 4-piece bath such as the sink, shower/tub combination, and toilet. For $67,000, a 5-piece bathroom could be installed.
  

According to the 2020 Cost Vs Value report, the average price in this category is around $67,000. For this price, you can expand your bathroom from 35 square feet to 100 square feet. The new bathroom can have features like a freestanding soaker tub. On top of that, you can have a shower with recessed shelves, a frameless glass enclosure, and body spray fixtures. Your budget can also afford a double sink and double-mirror vanity with custom draws and wall cabinets.

Adding square footage to your DC home 

Enlarging living space to an existing floor plan starts at $120 psf and can easily go up to $200 psf. The most economical addition is adding square footage over a crawl space. An extension where you are adding or adjusting the foundations will come in around $150 psf. The cost increases to $200 psf if a wet space—bathroom, laundry, or kitchen—is added. The cost of adding a second floor can start at $150 psf.  

Remodeling costs in DC: Permits

The District of Columbia is a compact city of only 69 square miles. The Council of the District of Columbia issues building permits for this area. Permits cost two percent of the budget for work over $1,000. For example, a permit for $20,000 bathroom will cost $400. 

Prince George’s County, to the east and south of the city, uses an equation for permit fees. $50 + (Construction Costs x 0.008) = permit fee. So, a $20,000 renovation would cost $210. Watch out for specific fees for projects such as basement finishing which is $340. 

In Montgomery County, the area to the north, building permits for alterations, additions, and repairs start at $270.

Enjoy making your DC home your own! Know the costs and find the right renovation team to bring your vision to life. Post your project on Sweeten and you’ll be one step closer to your home sweet home!

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Six steps on how to start your renovation and finding the right general contractor for your scope.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.