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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, do you need all-new construction, or would a thorough remodel work for you?

Also, one reason that people in Arlington tend to remodel/add on is that there are restrictions as far setbacks, etc, and remodels can be a way of working around them.

Also, you won't end up with something that looks like
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/images/Gallery/Gallery3.jpg[/quote]

haha! Someone posted that photo earlier in the thread as an example of an attractive mcmansion, and an example of an attractive N Arlington home. too funny.

People actually do spend top dollar for an old house, because they are better built than most new homes today. That house in the link above is probably built with cheap new growth pine that will not stand the test of time.

If you do build a new house, spend wisely: I see BCN and Tradition Homes signs all over town. And there are probably better builders. Or hire an architect. And buy top quality wood.[/quote]

Its all a mater of opinion. I would take that NDI home over a tiny North Arlington in the same neighborhood in a 1 second. look at the great layout and room. From an investor's standpoint new construction is ALWAYS a better ROI and you get modern layouts. 
[img]http://www.ndimd.com/images/models/berkshire1.jpg[/img] Also look below and you can see they build quality items. The renovators and "custom home" construction contractors have been RIPPING OFF the DC area for years. Go up north and you can get brand new 3000 sqrft homes for 200k and this is including land.

http://www.ndimd.com/home_detail.php?id=27

This house is designed for lots that require a home with a 31.5 feet maximum width. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths it is much larger than it appears. The 2,860 sq. ft. includes a master suite with a large master bath and his and hers walk in closets, as well as a study and large family room with a fireplace.

[/quote]

That's cool you found a home/builder you like. That builder is more affordable than the high-end ones that are doing brisk business in Arlington, McLean and Bethesda, but many of its homes use cheaper materials (90s-era vinyl siding except for a brick front elevation), the exterior detailing is sparse, and the design is uninspired, poorly proportioned and does not relate well to the context of Arlington's older neighborhoods. Overall the house looks "cheap." You might think the high end builders are ripping people off, but their designs, materials, and the interior appliances and detailing are better than those of the home you quoted. The high-end designs are more expensive because those builders often have actual licensed architects and materials experts as part of the design team. The lower-end builders usually design without consulting an architect and use cheaper materials. According to the specs, your home does not have hardwood floors in every room (just in a portion of the first level), there is no mention of the type of wood used in construction, and everything else on that list is nothing special. Cheaper materials is one reason why many newer homes require more maintenance than older more robustly built homes.

Moreover, the specs by themselves don't tell the whole story. You might love the design and spacious floor plans, but I would suspect that most, especially those that buy in Arlington, would not. For many buyers in older suburbs, new trends like open floor plans, open kitchens, etc hold little appeal. And those that do want to update their home or want a larger home tend to choose a high-end builder to renovate or rebuild. A beautiful Tudor in Lyon Village is currently under renovation/expansion, and it relates well to the neighboring homes. It will very likely have those granite countertops and an open floor plan that is all the rage these days. And the house, originally built in the 1930s, will probably be assessed at three times the value of the brand new NDI home. So, I also disagree that newer construction is always better from an investment standpoint. The assessments of the homes in DC's older suburbs have held their value quite well. And not everyone likes brand new construction; people who buy an old Victorian in Takoma Park or Maywood are indeed making a very good investment.

Style is a matter of opinion (as you implied), and we'll agree to disagree, but like I said before, I don't think that the house you like, as designed, would have much appeal in Arlington or Bethesda, etc... It will sell, but it won't be loved by the neighbors who would prefer the higher-end, more contextually appropriate designs that are currently very popular. And if that makes them style snobs,... so what.[/quote]

So you are saying these homes look less dumpy?
[img]http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/57/bigphoto/293/AR9000293_2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/57/bigphoto/636/AR7683636_0.jpg[/img]

So you would pick the above homes over these and you think these look cheap??

http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=508
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=600
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=503
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=513
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=D32
http://www.newdimensionsinc.com/Web_Interior.asp?ProductID=509
[/quote]

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