HandyMensch Home Remodeling

06/02/2026

Thinking about adding a bedroom to your basement? Before you finalize a layout, there are a few things worth understanding — egress window requirements, ceiling clearances, permit process, and whether your septic system can support an additional bedroom. We put together a plain-language breakdown of what Fairfax County and Northern Virginia code actually requires. Link in bio.

Thinking about finishing your basement with a bedroom? Here's what actually makes a space legal in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington — and what trips projects up.

05/28/2026

Our structural repair project in Reston is almost done. We have passed final inspection. The only remaining work is to walk the project with the client and complete the final punch out. Some pictures showing the main level with the new beam and the basement where we installed the new post and footers. The client will be handling the flooring and final painting at their request.

05/21/2026

What started as a kitchen remodel quickly uncovered major structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC issues hidden behind the walls from previous improper work. Our team developed a corrective plan, brought in a structural engineer, passed inspections, and rebuilt the space the right way. This project is a perfect example of why experience matters in remodeling.

05/21/2026

05/11/2026

Reston Structural Repair Project - New beam is installed and padded down to leave room for the crown molding in the living room. The project has passed concealment inspection and we are ready to install the drywall.

05/04/2026

Our structural repair project continues in Reston. New footers have been dug and inspected. New beam is going in place on the main level. The island has been covered with ram board and plywood for protection. The temporary walls and support hold the structure in place while the new beam is installed.

04/29/2026

Lenny recently attended an exclusive trade event at the Thermador, Bosch, and Gaggenau showroom in Washington, DC.

This isn’t your typical showroom—it’s multiple fully functioning kitchens, complete with an in-house chef who prepares every dish served during events. It’s designed to give a true, hands-on experience with these premium appliances. They host client exclusive events with cooking demonstrations.

For clients considering a larger appliance package, this space offers a clear, side-by-side look at each brand and how the right choices can elevate your cooking experience at home.

04/29/2026

Lenny recently attended an exclusive trade event at the Thermador, Bosch, and Gaggenau showroom in Washington, DC.

This isn’t your typical showroom—it’s multiple fully functioning kitchens, complete with an in-house chef who prepares every dish served during events. It’s designed to give a true, hands-on experience with these premium appliances. They host client exclusive events with cooking demonstrations.

For clients considering a larger appliance package, this space offers a clear, side-by-side look at each brand and how the right choices can elevate your cooking experience at home.

04/14/2026

We’re starting another structural repair project in Reston to correct a serious defect. A house flipper modified the layout without engineering or permits, and now the second floor is sagging with visible drywall cracking.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Why does it cost so much to fix something like this?”

Engineering, Project Management, materials, and skilled labor add up. But there is also a lot that goes into preparing a finished space for a messy rough carpentry project.

Take a look at the prep:

- Floors and surfaces protected with Ram Board (heavy-duty jobsite protection)
- Kitchen island (directly under the beam) wil be covered with plywood as additional protection
- Full plastic containment (zip walls) to isolate work areas
- Neoprene runners to protect the stairs
- HEPA air scrubbers to control dust and maintain air quality

This isn’t an upgrade—it’s the standard if you want to protect the home during major structural work.

Scope of work includes:

Two enlarged footers in the basement
Installation of a flitch beam with a steel plate for proper structural support

You may wonder why we did not protect the fridge and right-side cabinetry—that’s because those cabinets are being removed, prior to the beam work, to access the wall. They’ll be reinstalled after the new beam and drywall are complete.

There’s a reason our projects cost more—and this is it.

Stay tuned.