Elisabeth Stubbs

Kitchen Reno A close look at the details that can affect your costs, timeline.

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

Kitchen remodels have one of the highest returns on investment of all home improvement projects. A full gut and redo also is one of the most expensive.

A kitchen makeover can be as easy and affordable as painting existing cabinets, updating cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), adding new flooring, countertops and a custom backsplash. Or, it can be as extensive as a complete remodel with a new design, cabinets, appliances, etc. – truly a new kitchen!

Remodeling magazine does an extensive survey every year of recent kitchen remodels in Atlanta. In 2019, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $23,118. A major kitchen remodel was $68,090 while an upscale kitchen renovation averaged $138,765. These are all-inclusive prices, including new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and paint.

The distinction between a minor and major kitchen remodel primarily is what is done with the cabinets. A major kitchen remodel includes new cabinets while a minor one does not include changing the cabinet

A complete kitchen remodel can be costly, but gives a high return on investment.

boxes, only refinishing or painting the existing cabinets.

One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel is structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen, in any way, will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring. Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if load-bearing walls are involved. Even relocating the sink or range requires moving the plumbing or gas lines.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A builtin dog bed? Organize it by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams." Use websites and apps such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and take pictures. Make notes about what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter.

It can take several months to complete a kitchen demo and renovation. Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery. The extent of the job, the contractor's workload and the availability of materials also have an effect. Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks.

Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.

Fall in Acworth

This year, the city of Acworth created a festive downtown with its 10th annual scarecrow parade lining Main Street, in addition to a new event, the Logan Farm Pumpkin Patch Art Contest. The pumpkins and the Totally ’80s scarecrows were on display throughout November. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

Totally ’80s Scarecrow Winners Best Overall: Two LiRu Antique and Decor Mayor's Choice: The Grattafiori Group Most Traditional: Bowling Law Firm Most Creative: Acworth Power & Public Works Best School: Barber Middle School PTSA

Pumpkin Patch Winners Best Overall: M4 Family Most Creative: The DeRiche Agency Spookiest Pumpkin: Impact Dance Silliest Pumpkin: May Davis and Christine Obidowski Mayor's Choice: North Cobb Regional Library

PHOTOS BY BROOKE VANDE ZANDE

Rockwell Dance Academy's scarecrow display featured a graffiti artist and breakdancer.

“How to Homeschool During a Pandemic” is essential reading for 2020.

PHOTOS BY BROOKE VANDE ZANDE

Get To Know: Kathy Lathem Strategic Partnerships Manager, Cobb Senior Services

What is your main responsibility?

I am responsible for the department’s publicity and communications, letting the public know about the many programs at our five multipurpose centers and three neighborhood centers, and all the services available to (Cobb County) residents age 55 and older. I represent the department in the community by meeting individuals and creating partnerships with organizations and businesses to help Cobb Senior Services (CSS) provide enhanced programs. Describe your role with CSS and specifically North Cobb Senior Center.

In addition to publicity, I organize special events and projects, such as senior expos, Senior Day at the North Georgia State Fair and CAN 100. I also assist the various units by securing sponsors for some of their programs. North Cobb Senior Center holds a special place in my heart as I was fortunate to be the center manager several years ago. I represent the center in the Acworth and Kennesaw communities, and assist them as needed with programs and events.

When were you hired, and what is your background?

My background is in radio at several stations with various responsibilities – on-air host, promotions director, church and community affairs director, and public affairs director. It was while I was conducting an interview with the staff of CSS that I learned about the department, and, in 2005, I was hired. I left radio on a Friday and started with CSS on a Monday.

What do you like most about your job?

I love people, and I love making a difference. For almost 16 years, I have been able to tell the community about our services, such as home delivered meals, evidencebased programs, transportation, in-home services, classes and workshops, and the availability of gyms at the senior centers. There really is not a typical day in my job, and I really like that I can update the website, oversee social media, brainstorm about new initiatives, help with appreciation events, fill in at a center, and attend community events all in the same day.

What kinds of growth/changes have you seen with CSS during your time with the department?

The population of older adults has exploded, and Cobb’s senior-friendly offerings have made this a very attractive place to live. In fact, the term “silver tsunami” was coined to refer to this growing population. In 2009, the county purchased the former Powder Springs Station shopping center in Marietta, which, in addition to several departments, allowed CSS the opportunity to have new, modern administrative offices as well as created our fifth multipurpose center, Senior Wellness Center, and relocated Marietta Senior Neighborhood Center. We opened the Assistive Technology Lab in 2017, where people can see and try all types of products available to help make every day activities easier, regardless of age or ability. All five multipurpose centers now have gyms, where seniors can workout for free.

What sets this community apart from others?

Our community is unique. in that the leaders truly care about the older population, and they are making it possible for CSS to provide the vital services and programs this population and their families need. Cobb County is a great place to retire and grow older. We use the hashtag #ChangeTheWayYouAge to express our main goal and purpose.

How has Cobb Senior Services pivoted and adjusted to the new normal?

We closed the senior centers in March and entered limited operation status, which allowed us to continue to provide vital services such as home-delivered meals and transportation. With donations from the public, we launched weekly contactless food giveaways for Cobb residents age 60 and older who were unable, or afraid, to go to the grocery store. In addition to shelf-stable foods and toiletries, we partnered with local restaurants to purchase fresh meals at a discount to give out at these events.

We launched virtual classes using our Facebook pages and our YouTube channel. This has been very well received and has even engaged seniors from as far as Utah! That’s the beauty of social media; you don’t have to be local to participate in these classes.

Beginning Oct. 5, the senior centers reopened with limited programs and hours, Monday-Thursday. Everyone needs to be registered in advance for the activities they want to attend, and must leave after that activity. Extensive cleaning protocols are being enacted daily to ensure a safe, healthy environment for everyone. North Cobb Senior Center is scheduled to open on Nov. 5 as it is an election site.

What can residents expect to see from Cobb Senior Services in the future?

In this new era of coronavirus, we continue to evaluate and adjust our way of doing things. Cobb residents can be assured that CSS is doing all we can to continue to make Cobb County a great place to “change the way you age.” Our plans are to increase the number of virtual classes so seniors and their families will feel comfortable about remaining active and engaged. We will begin planning for our Change the Way You Age Expo in May, where seniors can meet local businesses and attend seminars all in one place.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

Originally from Cincinnati, I moved to Cobb County in 1985. I met and married William, a true Cobb native, in 1997. We have 25 nieces and nephews and nine greats spread around the globe. I enjoy gardening, reading and traveling, and, in my spare time, I am a wedding coordinator.

st joseph catholic school

JOIN US! SNEAK-A-PEEK Nov 11 at 10 a.m. OPEN HOUSE Jan 9 at 2 p.m.

• • • • • Pre-K4 to 8th Affordable tuition Religion classes / student-led Mass each week Each student has a computer or IPad Before and After-care Application for 2021-22 school year is now open! CALL OR RESERVE ONLINE! stjosephschool.org 81 Lacy Street, Marietta | 770-428-3328