General Contractor in Del Ray, Alexandria
Del Ray's Craftsman bungalows and postwar ranches along Mt. Vernon Avenue carry character worth preserving — and older systems worth replacing. We've remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, built decks, and finished basements throughout this neighborhood, and we know what's behind the walls in homes from this era.
Services We Offer in Del Ray
Common Projects in Del Ray
Your Del Ray bungalow kitchen was designed for a different era
The classic Del Ray bungalow kitchen was sized for a 1940s household — galley layout, limited storage, a single overhead light, and a window over the sink that's the room's only real asset. Modernizing it means rerouting plumbing and electrical that was never meant to carry today's loads, working around the original structural walls, and matching trim profiles that are no longer standard. We've done this work in homes on Commonwealth, Monroe, and E Del Ray. We know what the permit requires and what the walls are likely hiding.
Get a free estimateThe bathroom tile has been grouted over twice and is still moving
Older Del Ray homes often have ceramic tile installed over plaster or greenboard — neither of which handles moisture well long-term. If the grout is cracking repeatedly in the same spots, or if the tile sounds hollow when you tap it, water has likely migrated behind the surface. Patching it again buys time; it doesn't fix the problem. We open the wall, confirm the extent of the damage, and rebuild with a backer and waterproofing system that actually addresses the source.
Get a free estimateYou want to add a deck but your backyard is small
Del Ray lots are compact — most backyards leave limited footprint for a deck before you're into the setback line. We've built decks on small lots throughout the neighborhood by designing to the setback, using multi-level layouts where the yard slopes, and keeping the footprint efficient. Every deck we build gets a permit and a framing inspection before the decking goes down. A deck that doesn't pass inspection isn't an asset at resale — it's a liability.
Get a free estimateThe previous owners finished the basement without a permit and you're selling
Unpermitted basement finishes are one of the most common items flagged in Del Ray home inspections. Some of this work is sound but just undocumented; some has wiring or framing that needs correction before it can be permitted. We assess the existing finish honestly — what's acceptable, what needs remediation, and whether a retroactive permit is feasible — and give you that picture in writing before you decide how to handle it with your buyer.
Get a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions — Del Ray
Do Del Ray homes require special permits for kitchen remodels?
Most kitchen remodels in Del Ray require a building permit if they involve moving or adding plumbing, electrical, or a gas line. A cosmetic update — new countertops and cabinet faces without moving anything — typically doesn't need a permit. We assess your specific scope at the estimate and tell you exactly what the city will require before work begins.
My Del Ray bungalow has knob-and-tube wiring. Can I still remodel?
Yes, but the electrical work needs to be addressed as part of the remodel. Most kitchen and bathroom permits in Alexandria require the affected circuits to meet current code, which means replacing knob-and-tube in the work zone. We coordinate with a licensed electrician to handle the upgrade as part of the overall project — it's not a separate job you have to manage independently.
How long does a typical bathroom renovation take in Del Ray?
A full bathroom gut-and-rebuild in a Del Ray home typically runs three to five weeks from permit issuance to final walkthrough. Lead time to get materials — especially tile — is the most variable factor. We give you a realistic schedule at the estimate, not the optimistic one.
Can I expand my Del Ray home's footprint with an addition?
Possibly, depending on your lot coverage and setback allowances. Del Ray lots are often small enough that a ground-floor addition requires a variance or careful siting. We review your survey and the city's zoning rules before quoting addition work — we won't sell you a project that hits a regulatory wall three weeks in.
Is Del Ray a historic district?
No — Del Ray is not an Alexandria historic district, so projects are not subject to the Architectural Review Board process that applies in Old Town. Standard city building permits apply. This makes Del Ray easier to work in than Old Town for most renovation scopes.
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Licensed and insured in Alexandria, VA. Written estimate before work begins.
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