I live in the DC area and I moved here from SoCal about 4years ago. I am in the process of a remodel (drawing and permit approval stage). The going price in this area for a remodel is anywhere from $180-$250/sq.ft. I disagree with marge727 on this. Many homes that I found in the area were built very poorly in terms of layout. Size was another issue, many homes were just too big but so poorly designed that you would drive yourself crazy trying to stay organized or even heat and cool these beasts. Living in the DC area, you will find a variety of homes from 100+ year old homes to new construction. I suggest you pick a great neighborhood and work with an architect. Sometimes, you think you need more space than is really necessary. My home is a ranch style house and has about 1700 sq.ft and my new addition will add 160sq.ft. The house is missing an entry way that is important for storage and transitions through the space. Good luck!

i do have elevations. the design and asthetic are both very pleasing. my architect is a young lady who recently graduated with honors from architect school, but without her apprenticeship fulfilled yet. she's doing the drafting work, based on my wish list and ideas. the builder is creative and experienced, i like his ideas and cost savings suggestions. plus dh is a retired plumber and building code official, so i think i'm in good hands all around. but i'm still nervous and i keep counting and counting and worrying about being on budget. no way can i pull this off if we go over by double or triple the budget, which is what everyone tells me to plan for! guess i'll be sheetrocking and painting myself if necessary.

Thanks Yardvaark. The original pic at top of thread was in mid construction so of course it was not welcoming -- very ugly it was (or perhaps you were referring to the original house with white siding that had overgrown burning bush that obscured the circle pavers). Either way the result is an improvement for sure. I am very glad we decided from the good advice on this thread not to do plantings around the circle entry courtyard as I like how open it is now with just a garden around the birch (future garden that is). emmarene, We are definitely still doing the glass railing around the deck over the garage. We just have not got that done yet. That will really finish off the outside.

The house is actually about 2000 sq ft as is, and a fully remodeled interior. The goal is more so to add some height because the neighbor hoses on both sides tower over it. Also to add a wanted open loft area. I think this is a case where you're making a mistake. You don't need to match the other houses in the neighborhood and in fact being the one different house with 2000 square feet could be a huge selling advantage when the time come if someone wants a one floor house within the neighborhood.