Residents of Northern Virginia enjoy the best of both suburban and city life. The nation’s capital, with its world-class restaurants, museums, and entertainment, is just minutes away, but it doesn’t take long to find yourself in the lush forests of nearby state and national parks.
Home to some of the most affluent areas in the United States, Northern Virginia is a popular destination for professionals and young families seeking both proximity to Washington, DC, and the slower pace of the suburbs. Northern Virginia’s population is just shy of three million, so traffic on city streets andmajor highways is reliably heavy. As a result, many commuters choose public transportation over their personal vehicles.
Luckily, the area’s public transportation system, the Metro, makes traveling through Northern Virginia and the District a breeze—just remember that when it comes to Metro escalators, stand only on the right.
Like most of the other parts of the DC metro area, home prices in Northern Virginia are higher than the national average. In general, the closer an area is to the District, the higher the home values and listing prices, so Alexandria, Arlington, and McLean are among the pricier places to search.
Manassas and Centreville are popular areas for families looking for affordable homes on larger pieces of property and good public school systems. The new Silver Line branch of the Metro has extended train service to Tysons and Reston and will eventually run all the way to Ashburn. Metro service typically increases home values, especially in areas that are close to a station, so prospective buyers and sellers should keep a close eye on those neighborhoods.
Homeowners in Northern Virginia will see significant return on investment in energy efficiency upgrades and kitchen and bathroom remodels. Older homes in the metro area often lack sufficient insulation and double-pane windows, elements that many of today’s buyers list as requirements.
Enlarging or opening the floorplans of kitchens and bathrooms, as long as the homeowners stick to neutral design choices, are home improvements sure to please demanding buyers and give sellers an advantage in a competitive real estate market.
Northern Virginia experiences all four seasons, so staying on top of home maintenance tasks is an important part of protecting your investment. Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned every fall and spring to ensure that moisture from rain and snowmelt is carried far away from your home’s foundation.
To avoid foundation seepage or water problems in a basement or crawl space, correct any yard drainage problems that become visible after heavy rains. A drainage specialist will recommend fixes for any problems, which may include regrading the yard, reconfiguring and replacing landscaping, or installing a custom drainage system.
Check out your roof—or hire a professional to do it for you—to ensure that the structure is properly vented. A dual-vent system with ridge vents and soffit vents will help circulate air through the space and prevent problems such as moisture buildup, mold growth, and ice dams.
Our A-rated Best Pick contractors offer the best solutions for your home improvement and maintenance needs. We research companies for you, and we verify required licenses and insurance every year for each of our Best Picks.
Take a look at the links in the section below to learn more about any applicable licensing and permitting regulations.
Most home improvement projects require a permit or license with your town or county. Adhering to these regulations protects your investment and helps ensure that any remodels or renovations are completed to current code.
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