renovating bi-level house

[Anonymous]

We have an offer in on a bi-level house in Fairfax City that we will want to do some significant renovations to before we move in - and of course we'll want to do them on a fast-ish timeline to minimize the amount of time we're carrying two mortgages. Is anyone aware of general contractors or design/build firms that have a strong track record with this style home?

And if you have this style home and did the kitchen/livingroom/dining room renovation and have tips/lessons learned to share, we'd love to hear them!


Thanks!

[Anonymous]

What renovations are we talking of? Start with getting a few estimates.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We will do the kitchen, two upstairs bathrooms, replace the upstairs flooring, and possibly open up the ceiling in the living room/dining room/kitchen.

[kmhy62]

Do you mean split level house? We are looking to do the same thing and would also be interested in experiences of others. We are considering the purchase of either a split level (side split not split foyer) or a ranch to pop up. I'm not sure if a bi-level is a split level.

[Anonymous]

It's not a split level. A bi-level is like a reverse ranch. The front door opens into a ground-floor that has a foyer, guest room, laundry room, and large den. Stairs off the foyer go up to the second floor, which has the main level - living room, kitchen, bath, 3 beds, 2 baths. That upper level walks out to the back yard.