Malinda Howe

Renovating Historic Acworth Homes

BY MALINDA HOWE

One of the perks of living in Acworth and selling real estate locally, is meeting people who make a difference in our community. One such couple we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know is builder and design duo Cody and Kelly Shiver.

They met in high school in Panama City Beach, Florida, and attended Florida State University. The pair moved to Kennesaw in 2009 and were married in 2012.

“We found out we were having a baby, and knew that we needed a bigger home for our growing family,” Cody said. “We looked at many houses in Acworth through the years because we loved the historic area and proximity to the lake. We fell in love with our home the minute we saw it and moved to Acworth in January of 2017. Acworth architecture is impressive because of the rich history. Instead of letting these older homes fade with time, the residents take pride in restoring and maintaining their homes.”

Since their move to Acworth, Cody and Kelly have built and renovated homes. Cody got his construction license in 2011, and Kelly brings the design expertise.

“He is a perfectionist and has a great eye for remodeling,” Kelly said. “Once the structure is complete, I have an empty canvas, and I get to create something special. I love to use color in homes as well as design elements that aren’t typically seen in new construction or renovation homes. Adding custom trim to walls is a simple addition that can transform an entire space. What would be just a basic wall can be turned into a centerpiece of a room that makes the design stand out. So many homes today lack character, and I think that is what people want. ”

One house that they are especially proud of renovating is located on Rockdale Drive, which they bought at the height of the pandemic. It was a tight space, and they wanted to make it

The house on Rockdale Drive before rennovations.

After renovations, but before landscaping was complete.

functional and safe. The bones were there, but it needed many improvements.

They removed the dilapidated carport and turned that space into a large main bedroom and bathroom adding an extra 500-square-feet with 12-foot vaulted ceilings and a separate back porch. The kitchen was outdated, so they replaced the cabinets with white shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Penny tile and quartz countertops complete the retro kitchen. From beautiful, funky light fixtures to custom trim-work around the house, this home is not a cookie-cutter renovation. Alongside this renovation, the Shivers currently have six lots in downtown Acworth, and they will begin new construction in the coming months.

Malinda Howe is a broker and owner of Anchor Realty Partners. Howe is also chairwoman of the Acworth Tourism Board.