C E L E B R AT I N G 9 G R E AT Y E A R S ! WWW.HOMEIMPROVEMENTMAG.COM O AUGUST 2010
速
Smart home improvement starts here.
20 REMODELING 10 PLANNER
Checklists for home maintenance and repair, plus 7 improved projects to inspire you 27 The Wonders of Water Aquatic features for your yard
47
Downsizing your home
Design & Decor
Design from Above One-of-a-kind ceiling design
Organization
Solutions for white walls
55
Maintenance & Repair Heat pumps for the home
Lighting Official Green Remodeling Magazine of NARI
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Eco-friendly exterior options
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Most Elegant Granite! PUBLISHER
Hundreds of Slabs Displayed!
Jennifer Prins EDITOR
Kate Parrott editor@homeimprovementmag.com ART DIRECTOR
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Naomi Garcia EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
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William Reese Atlanta Home Improvement magazine is distributed and monitored monthly by Network Communications, Inc. Advertising Office
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SHOWROOM HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm • Sat 9:00am - 2:00pm
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contents Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) AK Complete Home Renovation, Handcrafted Homes Inc. and HausWerks Architects & Builders LLC
Special Section: Remodeling Planner
27
Your guide to making the most of an interior remodel
Photos courtesy of (top to bottom) Water, Color & Stone and Wallstreat
47
8
47
The Wonders of Water Outdoor water features to enhance your yard
55
Looking Up The details of ceiling design
55
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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features
ON THE COVER: This screened porch addition for a home in the heart of Buckhead was uniquely designed to blend the contemporary architecture of the home and its varying roof lines with the elegant and natural surroundings of the Chattahoochee River. Photo courtesy of MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers], www.mosaicgroupatlanta.com.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 12:44:07 PM
Thank your energy efficient stars.
Wish you could improve your home’s energy performance? You can, with Georgia Power’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. A comprehensive assessment will reveal how your home’s energy performance can be improved. Then, depending on improvements you make, you may get rebates up to $1,900. Not to mention utility bill savings up to 20% annually. Plus, you may qualify for income tax credits up to $1,500. To learn more about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in your area, visit georgiapower.com/homeperformance or call 1.800.524.2421 ext. 900.
Assessment must be performed and improvements completed by a qualified contractor participating in Georgia Power’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. Contractor may charge a fee for the assessment. Rebate eligibility depends on assessment results. All work is subject to third party verification. Any improvement agreements are between the customer and contractor. Georgia Power takes no responsibility for improvement agreements. Contractors set work prices. The full $1,900 in rebates may not apply if customer’s home is not eligible for all qualifying improvements. All reimbursement forms must be signed, submitted and reviewed for accuracy before rebate is paid. Rebates are subject to limitations and subject to change. Customer’s actual utility bill savings will vary depending on individual energy usage and qualifying improvements made. Potential income tax credits depend on qualifying improvements made and may be available for 2010. Check with your tax advisor for details.
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contents
Makeover of the Month
Photos courtesy of Attention to Detail Home Remodeling
p.86
in every issue 12 Editor’s Letter 15 Home Front Expert tips, news and events from Atlanta’s home improvement community
22 Design Finds Vintage meets modern
68 Decor Demon Add interest to ceilings
70 Notes from Bob and RodMan Get the most out of remodeling
74 Garden Planner August’s to-do list
77 Resource Finder Information at your fingertips
85 Editorial Resources Contacts for more details
departments Organization The details of downsizing
Design & Decor Treatments for your walls
Maintenance & Repair Heat pumps for the home
Lighting Green exterior lighting
Smart home improvement starts here. 10
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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➚
60 62 64 66
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7/12/10 1:54:15 PM
editor’sletter Celebrating 9 Great years Frameless Shower Enclosures
This month, Atlanta Home Improvement magazine celebrates its ninth anniversary, and our staff would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our readers and advertisers. Without your support and loyalty, we would not have the successful publication that we have today. Those of you who have been with us from the beginning have seen us grow and evolve over the past nine years, constantly striving to meet a higher editorial standard. This issue is no exception. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that will bring some solace and simplicity to the lives of those planning an interior home renovation with our Home Renovation Planner beginning on page 27. From knowing the questions to ask your contractor to setting a budget to using our interactive checklist, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to get started on your home’s fabulous new facelift!
Ask About SHOWERGUARD Glass With Permanent Protection Against Staining, Corrosion And Discoloration
However, if an interior renovation just isn’t in the cards right now, consider sprucing up your yard by adding a water feature. Check out our list of projects on page 47. Whether you opt for a small-scale, inexpensive addition or a more elaborate fixture, you’ll discover that the wonders of water can make a world of difference in your landscape. When your renovations are complete—either interior or exterior—be sure to e-mail us before and after photos of your makeover.
Kate Parrott editor@homeimprovementmag.com www.homeimprovementmag.com 12
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 12:50:42 PM
3 Things You’ll Learn This Month
Concrete Lifting & Leveling Repair your existing concrete &
1
A new law that will affect your contractors’ remodeling practices if your home was built before 1978 (page 41).
2 3
How “split-pea green” can brighten a room (page 62). That a tongue-and-groove system can add interest to your ceiling (page 68).
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Custom concrete accents that make the difference CTi of Georgia LLC offers a variety
Photo courtesy of Boral Brick
Coming in September Special Sections: Sustainable Stone Local options for exterior renovations
Fall Home Show Directory
INTERIOR, STAINED CONCRETE FLOORING
Featured events and booths for this year’s show
Gardening Q&A Experts weigh in on seasonal issues
of solutions to transform plain concrete, indoors and outdoors, to give the real life appearance and texture of stone, slate, brick, tile and many other finishes. One popular finish for interior floors is concrete staining. Concrete staining produces a unique one-of-a-kind finish that is durable and easy to maintain. Other available finishes include acrylic cement overlays, color-chip floors and quartz floors. Contact us for your garage or basement floor, patio, pool deck, sidewalk, driveway and countertop resurfacing needs. CTi of Georgia, LLC has over twelve years of experience installing decorative finishes and is a member of the BBB. To beautify your concrete, call (770) 753-4900, or visit www.ctiga.com.
Home Security New innovations with remote management
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DECORATIVE POOL DECK FINISH
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homefront Expert Tips, News and Happenings from Atlanta’s Home Improvement Community COMPILED BY KATE PARROTT
Atlanta’s Ugliest Kitchen Atlanta Home Improvement magazine, in partnership with Masterworks, Cabinet Café and CBS Atlanta, recently announced that homeowners Alison Lanier and Peter Horning are the winners of Atlanta’s Ugliest Kitchen Contest and will receive a $15,000 kitchen makeover. The contest ran from May 1-June 15, wherein Atlanta residents were invited to submit a 600-word essay and three photos illustrating why their kitchen should be considered Atlanta’s ugliest. Judges finally determined that the Lanier-Horning residence was the winner based on a variety of criteria, including the couple’s personal story, the quality of their composition and, of course, the functionality and condition of their existing kitchen. Alison and Peter are hard at work planning their new kitchen design, which will come to life courtesy of the design/build firm Masterworks. The kitchen makeover will be featured in the December issue of Atlanta Home Improvement. In the meantime, take a look at the winning essay below.
View of existing kitchen
View of existing kitchen L to R: The winners’ existing kitchen; Masterworks president Bernie Smith, winners Alison Lanier and Peter Homing, Atlanta Home Improvement editor Kate Parrott, Atlanta Home Improvement publisher Jennifer Prins.
The Winning Essay How ugly is our kitchen? Roaches bring their own disinfectant to eat here. I keep finding the microwave in our sink attempting to drown itself. Onions cry out when I put them into the crisper. Our kitchen could be a model for death threats. Our dogs howl at the sight of it. Needless to say, our kitchen is U-G-L-Y. Why do we deserve to have our kitchen remodeled by your team? We have not had a home-cooked meal in two years because we do not have a stove to cook with. Have you ever seen a kitchen without cabinets or countertops? Our kitchen is cabinet-less; a foldout table serves as our countertop. There could not be a better before-and-after testament in all of Atlanta than us, Alison Lanier and Peter Horning.
We purchased our house three years ago as a foreclosure. We knew that we had our work cut out for us in turning a purchase into our dream home. Despite having the ugliest kitchen in the world, we watched the house itself become beautiful with every renovated task we tackled. My husband worked tirelessly every day as an electrician only to come home and work on our home projects. After completing them all, we saved enough money for the grand finale—our dream kitchen. The week before our dream kitchen was to arrive, my husband was laid off from his job. He later discovered that he had a medical condition that our insurance no longer covered. The money that we had saved for our dream kitchen later began to blend with our emergency savings fund, which was being used
to pay bills. Through all of this, I never once heard my husband complain or allude to giving up. In fact, he continued helping others while he was unemployed; for instance, pressure washing neighbors’ houses, cutting their lawns and running errands for the elderly in our community. He was truly “paying it forward.” He was later offered another job, and we find ourselves saving for our dream kitchen once again. Despite our tough times, watching my husband give to others compelled me to win this contest in honor of him. He’s the most deserving man I know—we deserve to win this dream kitchen.
Congratulations, Alison and Peter, and thanks to everyone who entered the contest! www.homeimprovementmag.com
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homefront
Expert Q&A
Q:
How often should I pump my septic tank, and what regular maintenance should I perform?
A: 2009 Project Playhouse® People’s Choice Award Winner, built by Dan DeJiacomo Custom Homes
Project Playhouse Kicks off Seventh Year Project Playhouse, an annual event sponsored by HomeAid Atlanta, kicks off its seventh year Sept. 25-Oct. 23 with playhouses on display at The Avenue Forsyth. The purpose of the event is to help raise money for HomeAid Atlanta’s efforts to build and maintain dignified housing where temporarily homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Photos courtesy of HomeAid Atlanta Project Playhouse will feature child-sized homes built by some of Atlanta’s premier architects and home builders. But the playhouses aren’t your run-of-the-mill varieties constructed from a few planks of wood and a hinged door; rather, they’re fully furnished and painted, boasting details such as built-in bookcases, beadboard paneling, hardwood floors, eco-friendly features and more. Each Project Playhouse home is uniquely designed and up for raffle—visitors must simply purchase a ticket at the event. 16
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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The frequency of pumping depends on several factors, including capacity of the septic tank, volume of wastewater and the amount of solids in that wastewater. A telltale sign that it needs pumping is if your toilets and drains are flowing slowly. However, there are steps that can be taken to avoid a potentially costly septic tank pumping. Regular monthly maintenance is the single most important consideration to ensure a smoothly running septic tank, such as flushing specialized products down the toilet to help break up solids. Think of your septic system in the same way as your car; regular maintenance helps protect your investment. —Bill Hanes, Director, Meadow Springs Corporation
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 1:15:34 PM
Commercial · Residential · Multi-Family Residential New construction, remodeling, restoration, alterations Indoor or outdoor Structural walls and foundations Privacy walls, retaining walls, stone veneering and facades Steps, patios, paved pathways and driveways, stone entryways Fireplaces, chimneys, pool decks & pavers Design services available
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Family Owned and Operated Since 1980 ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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7/13/10 1:28:32 PM
homefront Atlanta Design & Build Receives National Recognition Atlanta Design & Build (ADB), a leading design/build remodeler in Marietta, was recently awarded a 2010 Guildmaster Award for exceptional customer satisfaction. The company was one of only 125 home builders, developers, remodelers and contractors in North America that was recognized for its superlative performance. “Our exclusive Atlanta Design & Build HomeStyle System was purposefully designed to President, H. Dale Contant ensure our clients are cared for during the process of transforming their home to enrich their lives,” says ADB president H. Dale Contant. “Of all the awards we receive, client satisfaction is the one that means the very most to us.” Congrats to ADB for its exceptional service! Photo courtesy of Heaven's Glow Greenhouses
For the Birds The Second Annual Birdhouse Social and Silent Auction takes place on the 14th of this month, wherein local artists will display their handcrafted birdhouses and chicken coops (designed for the Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Screech Owl, Prothonotary Warbler and chicken) that are up for auction. All proceeds from the silent auction, which will be held in the Studioplex complex in Atlanta, benefit the Greater Vine Cities Opportunities Program and its English Avenue School renovation project. The event is sponsored by Architecture for Humanity Atlanta, an organization of volunteers that aims to promote sustainable solutions to challenges within the build environment. For more information, visit www.afhatlanta.org.
Georgia-Based Company Retails Nationwide American Trade Products, based in Ball Ground, recently announced that Lowe’s stores nationwide will begin carrying its line of Earth Plastic biodegradable paint trays and accessories. The products that will be available at Lowe’s include six- and nine-inch paint roller trays, mini roller and trim trays and more. In addition, the Earth Plastic product line now includes a biodegradable plastic EZ Pour Replacement Paint Lid. The first lid designed to fit the new gallon plastic paint Photo courtesy of cans used by Olympic Paint and others, the EZ American Trade Products Pour lid eliminates messy drips while pouring. A collapsible pullout spout and screw cap make it simple to store unused paint, and the airtight lid is reusable and stackable. 18
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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Green Your Home Q&A
Q:
What precautions can I
A:
All houses built before 1978 may contain lead in the paint, and up to 90 percent of those built before 1940 may have lead. This is a serious issue because lead dust, if ingested, is very poisonous. It is even more harmful to young children. Remember the joke about eating paint chips as a kid? That was in reference to the lead that may have been in the paint, which impairs the development of the nervous system, including the the brain. Effective beginning in October this year, a program created by the Environmental Protection Agency requires all contractors working on houses built prior to 1978 to follow strict guidelines regarding lead and lead dust. Your contractor must have undergone the training and passed the test to be qualified to work on your home. Make sure you ask to see credentials. For more information visit www. epa.gov/lead.
take regarding lead dust?
—Matt Hoots is CEO of The Hoots Group Inc., vice chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council and board member for www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 1:13:27 PM
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homefront Celebrity Chef Creates Home Collection Georgia’s own celebrity chef Paula Deen has partnered with major bedding manufacturer Serta to launch an unexpected new line: mattresses. Deen’s line—Paula Deen Home by Serta—is based upon the idea that bedding should be affordable, elegant, stylish Paula Deen and comfortable. The mattresses feature individually wrapped coils, soy-infused cushioning, Serta’s KoolComfort memory foam and a knit fabric that contains silk in the cover. “You can definitely tell that these mattresses have been inspired by my life in the South and my home in Savannah,” Deen says. “The collection is all about feeling good, comfortable and getting a good night’s sleep in one’s home.” The Paula Deen Home by Serta collection can be purchased exclusively at Leather Gallery and Bedding Center in Marietta.
More Decor for You National franchise Décor & You Inc. has recently expanded, adding another Atlanta-area decorator to its growing list of interior design professionals. In March, Darrel Boatright became a franchise owner, operating Atlanta’s fourth branch of the full-service interior decorating company. Boatright has 30 years of interior design and business experience. Call (770) 512-0026 for more information.
New Designer Joins Construction Resources Inc. Construction Resources Inc., Atlanta’s leading supplier of kitchen and bath products for homeowners, remodelers and Angelique Baez builders, recently announced that Angelique Baez has joined its team as the director of design. Prior to joining Construction Resources Inc., Baez spent nearly 10 years running and operating a showroom in Charleston, S.C. for one of the Southeast’s leading builders. She spent the past two years working in the building supply industry. Baez will manage all three of Construction Resources Inc.’s showrooms, as well as implement new programs. “Angelique’s background is unique in that she has experience working with clients, suppliers and in a showroom,” says company president Mitch Hires. Construction Resources Inc. has showrooms located in Decatur, Alpharetta and Lake Oconee. Editorial Resources begin on page 85.
WHAT’S HAPPENING This Month Saturdays and Sundays through
Thursday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 8
Saturday, Aug. 14
October
American Community Gardening Association Conference Loudermilk Center 40 Courtland St. SE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 507-1690 www.sehort.org
Oakland Cemetery Gardening Workday 8:30 a.m.-Noon Oakland Cemetery 248 Oakland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 906-1006 http://gpna.org
Garden Chef Demos 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 876-5859 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
Friday, Aug. 6-Sunday, Aug. 8 First and third Saturdays through December 4
Historical Piedmont Park Tours 11 a.m. Piedmont Park Conservancy 400 Park Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 875-7275 www.piedmontpark.org 20
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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Fall Home Show Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Noon-7 p.m. Perimeter Mall 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 394-4270 www.wrightwayproductionsinc. com www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 1:13:36 PM
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Hours MON/SAT 10am to 6pm
www.greatvaluefurniture.com 0810_014-021_home frts.indd 21
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designfinds Vintage Meets Modern Take a trip back in time with these modern takes on traditional treasures and styles. BY KATE PARROTT
Walls A’flutter
Pull on This
Get Tiled
Add a modern pop of color and a touch of vintage flair to any wall in your home with this canvas Musical Bird painting by Victoria Huckins. Heliotrope, 248 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30030, (404) 371-0100, www. heliotropehome.com, $160
Ornate designs engraved in antique-finished metal create a timeless look with these Fluted Knob and Pull pieces. Available in Burnished Bronze, Copper, OilRubbed Bronze, Rust and Pewter finishes. Atlas Homewares, www. atlashomewares.com, $8.40-$10.30
Stamped iron tiles mimic the look of yesteryear’s pressed tin varieties with this set of three distresspainted 24-inch plates, perfect for adorning kitchen, living room or bathroom walls. Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com, $99
Chest of Treasures
Bed of Roses
Time Will Tell
Seamless lines and smooth curves characterize this Alexia Bombe Chest with ivory stripes. Crafted from tropical hardwood and adorned with vintage-inspired knobs, this chest combines modern whimsy and antique elegance. Pier
Rest your head on a bed of roses with West Elm’s Deconstructed Rose Pillow Cover. Made from 100-percent cotton, this limitededition cover offers unique, feminine flair and accommodates a 20-inch square pillow. West Elm, www.westelm.com, $49
A timely addition to any home, World Market’s Antique Bronze Table Clock features a black metal finish, ivory face, Takane movements and Arabic numerals. Cost Plus World Market, www.worldmarket.com, $19.99
1 Imports, www.pier1.com, $299.95 22
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Lighten Up
Paper Frames
Lantern Light
Gracefully curving iron is handpainted and distressed on this chandelier. Strands of beads drape each arm for a truly ornate appearance. Shades are available in a variety of colors. Shades and beads sold separately. Pottery Barn Teen, www.pbteen.com, $12-$129
Paper your walls with this Vintage Frame Wallpaper, which is vinylcoated and pre-pasted. Black and gold hues create a feeling of warmth, and the vintage design offers a one-of-a-kind style. Ballard Designs, www.ballarddesigns.com, $59 per double roll
Let candlelight guide you with this Principe Lantern from Z Gallerie. At 11 inches wide and 36 inches tall, it can rest on the floor or hang from the ceiling. The lantern is made from antiqued silver iron and has a latched door. Z Gallerie, www. zgallerie.com, $79.95
A Colorful Cover-up
Decorative Vessel
Reflections of the Past
Dainty flowers in bright colors adorn this cotton slipcover. Designed for the Dana Parsons Chair by Pier 1, the cover measures 18.5 inches wide by 39.25 inches high and is 23.5 inches in diameter. Pier 1 Imports, www.pier1.com, $49
Intricately designed in cream and springtime green, World Market’s Stoneware Vase provides a bit of subtle color suitable for nearly any decor. Also available in yellow. Cost Plus World Market, www.worldmarket.com, $19.99
Decorative elements of the past are replaced by vegetal motifs in porcelain over lacquered wooden frames with Lladró’s Rococo Mirrors Collection. Available in white, black, red, green, white/gold and white/ silver. Lladró, www.lladro.com, $2,400
www.homeimprovementmag.com
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How long will you wait to turn on the air conditioner this summer? If skyrocketing fossil fuel rates are literally making you lose your cool, then relax. WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. Because WaterFurnace systems use no fossil fuels or combustion, the EPA says it’s the most environmentally friendly and cost effective way to condition our homes. Call Geothermal Energy Solutions today at (678) 672-5190 to learn how WaterFurnace is good for the environment, your budget, and the little bulb in your fridge.
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IMPROVED PROJECTS
Photo courtesy of MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers]
REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
REMODELING 7 PLANNER
2010
Projects compiled by Sarah E. King
Sooner or later, all homeowners take a good, hard look at their homes and see room for improvement. Whether it’s updating the outdated or making more space for a growing family, the following remodeling planner will walk you step by step through the process.
When discussing your remodel with your contractor, take the following checklist along to ensure that you are on the same page about what you are looking for in the project and how the process will work. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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28
' Designers Outlet 404-633-4888 1706 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329
10AM-7PM M-F 9AM-7PM SAT 10AM-6PM SUN
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Southlake
Kennesaw
678-422-7272 1056 Personal Place Morrow, GA 30260
678-626-1167 1200 Barrett Pkwy.,Suite 118 Kennesaw, GA 30114
8AM-9PM M-F 9AM-9PM SAT 10AM-6PM SUN
8AM-9PM M-F 9AM-9PM SAT 10AM-6PM SUN
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Questions for you When do you want to complete this project? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Do you want your plans prepared by: ❍ an architect ❍ a builder/contractor ❍ an interior designer ❍ a certified kitchen or bath designer ❍ yourself ❍ other ______________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ What is your overall estimated budget for this project? ❍ less than $12,000 ❍ $12,000-$30,000 ❍ $30,000-$45,000 ❍ $45,000-$60,000 ❍ $60,000-$80,000 ❍ $80,000-$100,000 ❍ $100,000 or more Do you want the new space to have: ❍ more room ❍ less room ❍ updated features ❍ better layout/flow ❍ more natural light ❍ other ______________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ How long do you plan on staying in the remodeled or new house? (This should help determine the price-per-year breakdown.) ______________________________________________ How many people live in the house?
IMPROVED Project completed by: AK Complete Home Renovation Location: Morningside/Kennesaw Approximate cost: $20,000-$30,000 The owners of this Kennesaw home had a large bathroom but wanted additional space for spa-like relaxation. The bathroom contained a small window, partial dividing wall and white cabinets, countertops and drop-in sinks. Removing the partial wall, enlarging the window to a width of 40 inches and placing large tiles BEFORE on the floor in a diagonal pattern helped create a more spacious look. The dominant tile, Durango Honed Travertine, created a calm and soothing feel, while additional natural light from the larger window dramatically improved the bath’s ambiance. New sconces now provide soft lighting, and pale green paint brings the tranquil feel of nature inside. Two new focal points were added: a one-of-a-kind Cheviot claw-foot tub that replaced the previous tub/shower combination and a Wells Glass Art vessel sink. The homeowners now have the bathroom they’ve always dreamed of and can retreat to their spa-like oasis whenever they’re in need of a little relaxation.
_____adults _____children www.homeimprovementmag.com
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MODERN MEDITERRANEAN
REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
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Our goal is to help families realize their home’s true potential making it their favorite place to be. Mark D. Buelow, CR, CGR, President Distinctive Remodeling Solutions, Inc. 2009-2010 NARI Atlanta Chapter President
MEMBER
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6185 Lake Oconee Parkway Greensboro, GA 30642
Call NOW to schedule a FREE Design Consultation! (770) 422-6464 or visit us at www.spacemakersclosets.com 30
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What are the ages and genders of the family members? Age:____ ❍ Male ❍ Female Age:____ ❍ Male ❍ Female Age:____ ❍ Male ❍ Female Age:____ ❍ Male ❍ Female Age:____ ❍ Male ❍ Female Are you planning to expand your family? ❍ Yes ❍ No
IMPROVED
______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ How many/what kind of pets live in the house? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Does your family have any special needs that need to be accommodated?
IMPROVED
______________________________________________
Project completed by: Highlight Homes LLC
______________________________________________
Location: Newnan
______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Would you like to incorporate universal design principles? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Approximate cost: $130,000 For 13 years, the owners of this Newnan home had dreamed of BEFORE updating their 1970s galley kitchen, but that was just the beginning of their home makeover. Their renovation project consisted of adding a 400square-foot kitchen and breakfast room, as well as a 900-square-foot deck, in addition to remodels of the BEFORE existing living room, dining room and half-bath. The home’s original 2-inch oak hardwood floors were refinished, and paneling in the living room was removed and replaced with sheetrock, a 6-inch base, crown molding and RB3 casing for the windows and doors. The renovated rooms also received new light fixtures, plugs and switches. To complete the half-bath renovation, a new toilet, vanity, marble top, porcelain sink, 8-inch spread faucet, light fixture and vent fan were added. The utility room received a facelift too, with new sheetrock, base, light fixtures and 16-inch by 16-inch ceramic floor tiles. The fireplaces in the living and dining rooms were also due for a makeover and received new, painted brick with arched header and new mantels. In the end, the owners got just what they wanted—an oldblended-with-new makeover completed in just 7 weeks.
____________________________________________ www.homeimprovementmag.com
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WHOLE-HOME REMODEL
REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
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Designing & Building Dreams‌
BEFORE
Large OR Small Budget Projects • Design/Build Solutions • Additions • Home Theaters • Wine Cellars • Complete Renovations
2009 NARI CotY Award Winner: Residential Kitchen $40,000 to $80,000
• Outdoor Living • Kitchens
Ask Us About Our Green Remodeling Program
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2008 and 2009 Recipient of the Consumers’ Choice Award “2008 Pinnacle Small Business Award Winner� from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
• Terraces/ Basements • Custom Cabinetry
Phone: ď™Šď™Šď™ƒ--ď™‹ď™ƒď™ƒď™ƒ Email: info@masterworksatlanta.com www.masterworksatlanta.com
Certified Earthcraft Builders
• Bars
• Billiard Rooms • Baths
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REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010 Prioritize the following options: (1) very important (2) important (3) not important ____function of space ____traffic flow through space ____look of space ____brand name of materials ____budget flexibility ____timeframe of project ____energy efficiency
WIDE OPEN SPACES
IMPROVED
Notes ________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ BEFORE
______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Have you ever undergone a remodeling process? ❍ Yes ❍ No ______________________________________________ Have you or has anyone else made a sketch of your ideas? ❍ Yes ❍ No ______________________________________________ Would you like the new floorplan to have: ❍ traffic redirected through a different layout ❍ more efficient space planning ❍ more efficient storage ❍ convenient movement between rooms
IMPROVED
BEFORE
Project completed by: Brian Patterson Designs Inc. Location: Marietta Approximate cost: $185,000
Do you want to: ❍ change doors or windows ❍ change the size of the space ❍ consider a room addition What do you like about your current space? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
A craftsman-inspired renovation to this vintage 1970s split-level created an updated look and more open floor plans. The team at Brian Patterson Designs Inc. wanted to redefine the public areas of the house by opening the existing floor plan, adding extensive millwork and a screened porch off the kitchen and sunroom. To do this, the design team added architectural details, including a decorative railing on the porch, a period door and updated garage doors. They also installed planter boxes in the left and right upper windows and cottage-style shutters that extend from the tops of the windows to the bottoms of the planter boxes. The planter boxes also create the illusion of longer windows. For the interior, the updated design combined light-colored wood flooring with rich walnut cabinetry and ceiling beams. Classic arts-and-crafts wainscot, columns and friezes were added to open the keeping room to both the sunroom and living room. Other notable features of the newly designed home include bold x-shaped ceiling beams and a blue-black glazed island with x-shaped trestle legs.
____________________________________________ www.homeimprovementmag.com
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What do you dislike about your current space? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
IMPROVED
______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ What three words describe your hopes for the new space? ______________________________________________
BEFORE
______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ What type of design would you like your new space to have? ❍ sleek/contemporary ❍ warm and cozy ❍ American country ❍ Italian country ❍ French country ❍ open and airy ❍ traditional ❍ strictly functional ❍ American formal ❍ family retreat (coastal) ❍ transitional (clean design with some detail) ❍ other ______________________________________ ______________________________________________
Project completed by: Renewal Design-Build Location: Druid Hills Approximate cost: $57,000 The homeowners of this Druid HillsIMPROVED area home wanted a kitchen with contemporary flair and an open floor plan fit for entertaining. Their old kitchen was anything but accommodating and featured dated tile and blue cabinetry. The Renewal Design-Build team changed all of that, however, and now the kitchen is open and airy, thanks to vaulted ceilings, skylights and the removal of an oven tower that separated the kitchen from the living room. Morlais Avoire tile flooring enhanced the kitchen, and new oak cabinetry, modern hardware, up-to-date fixtures and inset lighting completes the contemporary look. Warm touches, as seen in the wood beams across the ceiling, add a welcoming feel, making the owners proud to call this new space home.
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________ www.homeimprovementmag.com
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CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN
REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
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Landscape Designs... $
159
00
we will...
• Come to your home for a 1-1/2 hour consultation • Give you a step-by-step plan • Give a detailed plant list • Curb appeal • Resolve problem areas • Plants for year round color • Formal or informal landscape designs • Drought resistant designs • Gift Certificates Available
Call Todd Your Garden Guy™ Landscape Consulting, Design & Installation YourGardenGuy@aol.com
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REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
How long do you estimate this project will take? ______________________________________________ Do you think it is possible to accomplish what we are looking for within the budget we are considering? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Do any of our ideas seem unattainable? ______________________________________________
IMPROVED
______________________________________________
How will the process of choosing appliances, paint colors, etc. work? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Are we responsible for clearing out the space before the remodel begins, or can you arrange moving and storage?
IMPROVED
______________________________________________
Project completed by: Handcrafted Homes Inc.
______________________________________________
Location: Gainesville
______________________________________________
Approximate cost: $225,000
______________________________________________ Who will be my No. 1 contact, and if he/she is not available, whom should I contact? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Approximately how many people will be working in my home each day, and what hours will they be working? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
BEFORE
A terrace-level renovation for an older couple proved a success for this Gainesville-area home BEFORE makeover. The project entailed renovating the kitchen and family room so the owners could be more self-sufficient and also entertain both friends and their adult children in a more relaxed, less formal environment. The team at Handcrafted Homes Inc. replaced the carpet on the bottom landing of the steps with inlay tile designed to look like a rug. They also replaced the six-paneled door at the bottom landing with a double-hung set of cherry doors with glass panels, allowing visibility into the lower level. Two arches were added between the entryway and living room, creating a sense of flow and continuity. In the kitchen, the design team added an island to offer space for gathering and an area for buffet meals and food preparation. The result is a functional, beautiful floorplan that allows the owners to move about freely and safetly.
____________________________________________ www.homeimprovementmag.com
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SWEET INDEPENDENCE
Questions for the contractor
15 37
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REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
How much notice will I be given if the power and water will be turned off? ______________________________________________ How will my landscape and the exterior of my home be protected from machinery and workers as they come and go? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Will the crew be responsible for cleaning up each night so that areas of the home that we are using will remain livable? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Where will the dumpster and a portable toilet be located on my property (if necessary), and who is responsible for emptying/maintaining them? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Information provided by the National Association for the Remodeling Industry, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of Home Builders and the Better Business Bureau.
Georgia Contractor Licensing In 2004, the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors was created in Georgia to regulate construction contractors. The licensing that is now required for Georgia contractors states that applicants must pass a two-part examination covering the license they are attempting to obtain, as well as business and law topics. “Licensing has been the biggest change in Georgia contractor laws in the last few years,” says Judy Mozen, CR, president of Handcrafted Homes Inc. “The first batch of us are up for renewal this year.” Learn more online at http://sos. georgia.gov/plb/contractors.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
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IMPROVED Project completed by: Weidmann & Associates Inc. Location: Atlanta Approximate cost: $139,000 When these repeat clients decided that they wanted to change the built-ins in their great room, they sought input from the pros at Weidmann & Associates. From the BEFORE polished brass fireplace doors to the false beams on the ceiling, they were looking for a complete transformation of the space. However, there were two critical elements that had to be retained: an heirloom walnut mantle and the family portrait that hung above it. To complement the mantle, the original carpeting was replaced with dark walnut floors in varying widths. The new beams, assembled and finished onsite using pine salvaged from churches and barns throughout Canada, are accented by a three-tier chandelier made from hand-forged iron. Limestone tile in an eight-piece pattern extends from floor to ceiling around the enlarged fireplace and blends effortlessly with the Venetian plaster walls. Custom cabinetry by Krogh Built Cabinetry, with contrasting interiors and accent lighting, highlights the medallions, crossbars and wire mesh in the cabinet doors. To complete the design, Weidmann & Associates refinished the cabinetry in the adjacent wet bar and painted the oak trim to blend with the new woodwork. Now, the homeowners have a comfortable room with the feel of a bygone era, but the technology appropriate for a 21st century home.
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Enjoy an outdoor space
that doesn’t suck.
www.atlantadeck.com
404-474-4599
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Deck We’ll build it, you call it what you want. A service of Sculac Homes, Inc. - Atlanta Deck is a trademark of Channel Partners LLC
7/12/10 12:25:31 PM
REMODEL REMODEL NG NG PLANNER2010 PLANNER 2010
New Law: U.S. EPA’s RRP Rule
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: If you’re living in a home that was built before 1978, you should ask if your windowreplacement contractor is a Certified Firm using Certified Renovators, regardless of whether you think lead paint was used (it is often unknown whether lead paint is present). You can expect a small increase in the cost of replacing a window, but you can also expect a much cleaner windowreplacement project (the RRP Rule trains contractors to abide by a higher cleaning standard). SUMMARY OF THE RULE: • Contractors must supply homeowners with a Renovate Right pamphlet • Renovation firms must be EPA certified • Applicable buildings include all pre1978 rental properties, pre-1978 owneroccupied housing, daycare centers and buildings with kindergartens with children under the age of 6 • One person per crew has to have completed 1 day of Lead Safe Work training and must be a certified renovator • Lead Safe Work practices are required to be used when conducting renovations greater than 6 square feet per interior room and 20 square feet per exterior area • Windows and demolition work are always applicable • A cleaning verification is required • There are record-keeping requirements —National Association of the Remodeling Industry, www.nari.org/leadsafetyinformation
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Effective Oct. 22, 2010, the U.S. EPA’s new law—the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule—requires any contractor working for compensation on a pre1978 home to be certified in lead-safe work practices. The law initially became effective on April 22 of this year, but the EPA announced in July that it would delay enforcement of the rule. This new law applies to any work that disturbs 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior space, and includes all window replacements, regardless of square footage, because old, painted windows are the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning.
IMPROVED Project completed by: HausWerks Architects & Builders LLC Location: Decatur Approximate cost: $365,000 The renovation and restoration BEFORE of this historic home, built in 1925, was a labor of love, as the home suffered from decades of deferred maintenance. The goal was to restore the home and enlarge it to meet the needs of a modern family. The original floor plan and footprint was retained when creating the four-bedroom, four-bathroom look, with the exception of the two kitchens that had been created for duplex use. This area, along with the original butler’s pantry/nook, was converted into a bright, modern kitchen with tray ceilings. The butler’s pantry was restored and installed in its original location as part of the new kitchen. To enlarge the home, the design team removed the original roof, which suffered from many years of water damage, and recreated it. They also converted the original hip roof at the rear to a gable and added several smaller gables along the sides. The gable off the rear became a new master suite. All of the wood trim upstairs was duplicated to match the original trim, and antique doors from the 1920s were used throughout to match the age and heft of the doors on the first floor.
17
Editorial Resources begin on page 85. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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Design/Build V Remodeling V Room Additions V Attic Additions V Basement Finishes V Kitchens V Bathrooms V Decks V Screened Porches V Sunrooms V Windows & Doors
(&/&3"- $0/53"$503
Licensed/Insured
A Full Service General Contractor
Call 770-962-4374 www.PennCarpentry.com
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Since 1972
BEFORE
Stained Glass Windows Custom Timber Doors Handcrafted Wrought Iron Doors & Panels
AFTER
Visit our Showroom Now for a Free Estimate. 4875 South Atlanta Road, Smyrna, GA 30080 42
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We also Refinish & Repair
www.JennifersGlassWorks.com www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 9:57:37 AM
REMODEL NG PLANNER 2010
RESOURCES AA Marble & Granite 4235 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 931-8998 www.andrewassociates.net see ad on p. 5
Custom Kitchen 277 Ind. Park Drive, Ste. A Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770) 277-0079 www.customkitcheninc.com see ad on p. 65
MasterWorks Building & Renovation 210 W. Crossville Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 622-8000 www.masterworksatlanta.com see ad on p. 11,32
Acoustic Innovations 380 Winkler Drive, Ste. 100 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 648-5235 www.acousticinnovations.biz see ad on p. 24
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions 1500 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 668-9393 www.distinctiveremodeling.net see ad on p. 30
Metro Mechanical 1395 Old McDonough Hwy. Conyers, GA 30094 (770) 388-0737 www.metromechanicalhvac.com see ad on p. 6
Adapted Living Spaces 1189 Argonne Way NE Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 734-7343 www.adaptedlivingspaces.com see ad on p. 82 Archadeck of Greater Atlanta 500 Sugar Mill Road, Bldg. A, Ste. 100 Atlanta, GA 30305 (770) 377-2900 www.greater-atlanta.archadeck.com see ad on p. 87 Atlanta Construction 2702 Duluth Hwy., Ste. B Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 967-9713 www.atlantacsi.com see ad on p. 76 Atlanta Deck (404) 474-4599 www.atlantadeck.com see ad on p. 40 Atlanta Design & Build (770) 565-8999 www.atlantadesignbuild.com see ad on p. 34 Brown Construction (678) 773-1772 see ad on p. 80 Carolina Lumber & Supply 504 Plaster Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 873-2676 www.carolinalumber.com see ad on p. 75 Classic Bars 5020 Atlanta Road SE Smyrna, GA 30080 (404) 350-9806 www.classicbars.net see ad on p. 71 Closets and More 1146 King Ind. Drive Marietta, GA 30062 (404) 256-7387 www.closetsandmore.com see ad on p. 69 Crawlspace Solutions 1340 Oak Ind. Ln., Ste. 100 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 889-8727 www.homespacesatl.com see ad on p. 82 CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio 6527 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Ste. C-2 Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 729-1999 www.csikitchenandbath.com see ad on p. 14,72 www.homeimprovementmag.com
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Diversified Cabinet Distributors 5250 Brook Hollow Pkwy. Norcross, GA 30071 (678) 325-3603 www.dcdcabinets.net see ad on p. 84 European Sink Atlanta, GA www.europeansinkatlanta.com see ad on p. 42 Flesher’s Flooring 4614 Jamerson Creek Ct. Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 928-9116 see ad on p. 80 Floor & Décor 1690 NE Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 315-6287 www.flooranddecoroutlets.com see ad on p. 28 Floor & Stone 5465 Tulane Drive Atlanta, GA 30366 (404) 699-1937 www.floor-stone.com see ad on p. 63 Fredericksons Appliance (866) 383-7992 www.buy-appliances.com see ad on p. 71 J & K2 Kitchen and Bath 5715 Oakbrook Pkwy. Norcross, GA 30093 (678) 421-9881 www.jandkkitchenand bath.com see ad on p. 72 Jennifer’s Glass Works 4875 S. Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080 (404) 355-3080 www.jennifersglassworks.com see ad on p. 42 Kitchen & Bath Overstock 1970 McCollum Pkwy. NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 419-9200 www.kitchenandbathoverstock atlanta.com see ad on p. 38 Kitchen Fronts of GA (770) 455-3139 www.kitchenfrontsofgeorgia.com see ad on p. 84 Lumber Liquidators www.lumberliquidators.com see ad on Back Cover
Mosaic Group 2358 Perimeter Park Drive, Ste. 300 Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 670-6022 www.mosaicgroupatlanta.com see ad on p. 28 National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry www.nariatlanta.org see ad on p. 76 Paces Construction 3325 Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 841-8841 www.pacesconstruction.com see ad on p. 26 Panda Cabinet & Granite 6695 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 416-9300 www.prodiso.com see ad on p. 38 PDI 5 Atlanta-area Showrooms (800) 262-9231 www.pdiplumbing.com see ad on p. 53
Signature Entries Alpharetta, GA 30004 (770) 232-0390 www.signatureentries.com see ad on p. 61 Silverstone Granite & Marble 5192 Brook Hollow Pkwy. Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 921-2525 www.kitchendesigncenter.com see ad on p. 7 SpaceMakers of America 11415 Old Roswell Road, Ste. 300 Alpharetta, GA 30009 (770) 422-6464 www.spacemakersclosets.com see ad on p. 30 Specialty Tile 1275 D. Oakbrook Drive Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 246-9224 www.specialtytile.com see ad on p. 67 Stone City 5845 Oakbrook Pkwy., Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 582-0098 www.stonecityinc.com see ad on p. 79 Summit Design/Build 73 Price Quarters Road, Ste. 184 McDonough, GA 30252 (404) 512-3419 www. summitdesignandbuild.net see ad on p. 19 The Blind Ladies (678) 957-6969 www.theblindladies.com see ad on p. 82
Peachtree Service 2500 Meadowbrook Pkwy., Ste. F Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 939-7280 www.serviceexperts.com see ad on p. 70
The Hoots Group/Sawhorse 432 Calhoun St. Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 256-2567 www.thehootsgroup.com see ad on p. 34
Penn Carpentry Lawrenceville, GA (770) 962-4374 www.penncarpentry.com see ad on p. 42
The Kitchen Company (404) 550-4517 www.yourkitchencompany.com see ad on p. 34 Universal Heating & Air (678) 909-4026 www.universalservices1.com see ad on p. 3
PMC Building Materials 2009 Dorsey Road Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 427-9770 www.pmcbonline.com see ad on p. 38 Portis Building & Interiors 4681 N. Shallowford Road Atlanta, GA 30338 (770) 455-4319 www.portisbuilding.com see ad on p. 36 Randall Brothers 665 Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30371 (404) 892-6666 www.randallbrothers.com see ad on p. 24 Rescue Rooter (888) 762-7711 www.rescuerooter.com see ad on p. 76
Vision Stairways & Millwork 105 Smokehill Ln., Ste. 180 Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 701-5520 www.visionstairwaysandmillwork. com see ad on p. 32 Window Replacements of Georgia 3605 Sandy Plains Road, Ste. 240-131 Marietta, GA 30066 (404) 844-0999 www.windowreplacementsga.com see ad on p. 80 Window World 2129 Northwest Pkwy., Ste. 125 Marietta, GA 30063 (770) 263-30063 www.windowworld.com see ad on p. 44,45
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Landscape www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 3:16:56 PM
The Wonders of Five pond and water-feature projects to beautify your landscape
Photo courtesy of Selective Designs
By Kathy Kidwell and Shelby Stevens
C
onsider your landscape a canvas. Your artistry with plants, hardscapes and other features can make the space a customized refuge where you can enjoy fresh air and a natural environment. Add a fountain, pond or waterfall, and you’ve got a relaxing, tranquil getaway.
“A water feature can increase a home’s resale value as well as add a unique aesthetic complement to a
home’s landscaping,” says Keith Ray of pond maintenance company Pondkeepers. “And the sound of a water feature is not only soothing but also can help cover less desirable sounds.” Perhaps you’d like a water feature in your landscape but don’t know what type is best for your yard. Or maybe you already have a feature but you’d like to revamp or add to it. Following are five expert-recommended projects to create the perfect waterscape for your outdoor area. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting Clean, filtered water collection and storage • While you enjoy the benefits of a decorative water feature, the rainwater-harvesting system filters the stored water to prevent stagnation and growth of unhealthy bacteria.
1. Install a new rainwater-harvesting fountain Price: $2,000-$4,000, depending on size DIY difficulty: Medium (obtain guidance from a pro) Time: 1 day if professionally installed; 3-4 days if a DIY project Maintenance: Minimal; keep leaves and debris off decorative gravel
Photo courtesy of Specialty Fountains
• The rainwater-harvesting system reveals a beautiful water feature that integrates easily into existing landscapes. • Collecting and storing the water underground maintains the integrity and beauty of your home and landscape.
Attracting wildlife • Because the water stored in the system is constantly moving and being aerated, it becomes a sanctuary for wildlife.
While fountains are easy on the eyes and ears, the real beauty in rainwater-harvesting features is in their function. Surrounded by decorative gravel that absorbs the falling water, underneath these features are basins lined with rubber and special equipment to
A relaxing environment • Enhanced landscaping improves property value,
capture rainwater and circulate it through the fountain. Because the basin is underground, the water isn’t exposed to sunlight, eliminating the risk of algae growth. The water is also protected from contamination by leaves and debris.
and water features provide
“In some rain-harvesting fountains, the water feature pool may wrap around a portion
soothing sights and sounds
of the house and have several chains directing the rainwater for collection,” says David
that help you relax and de-
White of Specialty Fountains. These kinds of systems can incorporate an underground
stress.
cistern for additional water collection and can direct overflow from the fountain pool to an underground cistern for additional collection. A pump at the cistern then recirculates the
Environmental Conservation
water back to the water feature. “You can also locate your fountain feature below a rain
• Capturing rainwater
With these water features, homeowners can be environmentally friendly and avoid the
to operate the water
gutter and have a rain chain direct the water flow down to the feature pool.” worries of maintenance while creating a peaceful, tranquil area.
feature creates true self-sustainability and drastically reduces the need for traditional chemically
Start with a smaller water feature, such as a fountainscape
treated water sources.
or pondless waterfall. If you opt for the pondless waterfall, an ecosystem pond can be added at a later date when your budget
—James Darden, Water, Color & Stone
48
Expert Budget Tip
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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allows. —Ryan Young, technical services supervisor, Aquascape Inc. www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/13/10 4:15:08 PM
2. Install a new pond Price: $1,250+ for DIY; $4,500+ for professional installation DIY difficulty: Medium to difficult, depending on size of pond and stones Time: 2 days to several months, depending on size and scope of installation and whether performed by a professional or as a DIY project Maintenance: Spring opening and fall shutdown; weekly cleaning; maintaining doses of beneficial bacteria Having a pond means having a hobby—while the maintenance may seem extensive, a pond is a mini ecosystem, attracting frogs, butterflies, birds and more. “The transformation that a yard undergoes once a pond is designed and constructed is truly amazing,” says Shay Grant of Grant Garden Group, a company specializing in landscaping, hardscaping and gardening. “Within a few hours, frogs, birds and dragonflies will call the water theirs, bringing new life to the area.” You can keep fish in the pond for added natural beauty and entertainment, and you can adorn the pond with aquatic plants. Required installation equipment includes a pump, liner Photo courtesy of Aquatic Innovations
and filters (both skimmer and biological). The trick to installing a new pond is to make it appear as a natural part of your landscape—not just a hole in the ground. James Hartmann of Aquatic Innovations says that creating a pond that looks entirely natural is somewhat of an art. “Start with natural stone, using as little concrete as possible,” he suggests. “I use mossy creek boulders a lot in streams.” These are small boulders that already have moss and lichen growing on them, creating a truly natural look and feel.
Winter care for your fountain Most fountains need to be winterized to guard against frost damage during the colder months of the year. Any feature that can hold water, snow or ice, such as fountain bowls, shells or pools, may be damaged by winter freeze/thaw cycles. Cast stone fountains can be vulnerable to cracks and crumbling, as the material is porous. Concrete has
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microscopic pores that absorb water. When the water freezes and expands in the pores it can cause the material to crumble or crack. To protect your fountain, all plugs and stoppers should be pulled. The fountain should be kept dry during winter months if you live in a cold region. It is also best when assembling the fountain to use a patio paver or stones on which
to rest the fountain; this prevents ground moisture from wicking up the concrete material on the pedestal. In addition, it is wise to use a product such as Protecrete Repeller to seal the fountain. The sealer will also make it easier to clean the fountain. —David White, Specialty Fountains
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3. Install a water garden with pond and waterfall or stream
Photo courtesy of Aquatic Innovations
Price: $7,500-$15,000+ DIY difficulty: Difficult—hire a pro Time: 1-14 days, depending on size and scope of installation Maintenance: Add water and beneficial bacteria periodically as needed; remove debris weekly; completely clean the feature once annually
The installation of a pond, waterfall and/or stream can be as extensive as you’d like. “Enjoy all the elements of water gardening—the sight and sound of a waterfall stream, areas to have beautiful water lilies and other low-maintenance aquatic plants and a home for colorful koi,” says Ryan Young with Aquascape Inc. Regarding the maintenance of such an extensive water garden, he adds that, “Homeowners typically comment that they spend less time taking care of their water feature weekly than they did mowing an equally sized patch of grass.” “An ecosystem pond works with Mother Nature to provide food, shelter and safety to the wildlife around it, and it provides an all-natural, low-maintenance piece of paradise,” says James Darden of Water, Color & Stone, an environmental design company that specializes in sustainable outdoor solutions. He warns, however, that owners must ensure the balance of their ecosystems. “Every piece of the ecosystem puzzle must be present for a true ecosystem to function, and once you eliminate one of these elements, you’ve got an unbalanced ecosystem that won’t be so low-maintenance anymore.”
If you’re having a contractor install the water feature for you, be sure to check references. It also helps to find a certified installer who has to prove his or her workmanship and excellence in customer service before being certified. If you’re tackling the water feature on your own, purchase
Expert Budget Tip 50
materials from a reputable water garden retailer that has the knowledge and experience to help answer your questions about maintenance and installation. —Ryan Young, technical services supervisor, Aquascape Inc.
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/16/10 12:22:10 PM
4. Install underwater, lowvoltage lighting in your pond
Photo courtesy of Water, Color & Stone
Price: $60-$450+ DIY difficulty: Easy to medium, depending on how extensive the lighting system will be Time: 1 day Maintenance: None “Many pond owners miss out on getting the most from their pond or water feature by not installing underwater lighting,” Darden says. Adding underwater lights to your garden brings the feature to life after dusk, creating a gorgeous focal point in your outdoor living area when entertaining guests at night. “If you enjoy watching your fish play in the pond, there is no better time than at night,” Darden adds. “It’s as though the pond takes on a whole new life, with your fish playing under the well-lit waterfall or actively swimming under the curtain of darkness above the pond.” Darden also adds that low-voltage, 12-volt systems are a great way to go. “They offer a wide range of lighting levels that can be tailored to your landscape, and a 12-volt operation is very safe,” he says. A typical low-voltage system consists of a couple of different components, including a transformer, timer, photo cell, fixtures, wiring, splices, lamps and mounting hardware, such as stakes, deck mounts or tree mounts.
Photo courtesy of Miller Landscape Group
5. Add UV filtration to your water garden Price: $80-$300 DIY difficulty: Easy Time: Less than 1 hour Maintenance: Completing this project lessens the maintenance of your pond Upgrade your current pond filter to a UV clarifying and filtration unit. The unit works by exposing water to ultraviolet light, which causes algae to stick together, making it large enough to be filtered. “Every pond should have a pump, filter, and UV light,” Hartman says. “This equipment will support all the fish and plant life required to have a backyard pond.” Cleaning should take place about once a month, and you should remember that pumps usually last around two years, while ultraviolet lights stop producing UV light after the same amount of time. “The easy addition of UV filtration will minimize maintenance and simplify the homeowner’s quest for crystalclear water,” says Doug Ward, president of GeoGlobal Partners, distributors of smartpond products. Ward also recommends purchasing pumps with the automatic shut-off feature. “With the auto-shut-off pumps, homeowners no longer need to worry about pump burnout if they forget to keep their fountains filled with water,” he explains. “When water levels become too low, the pump shuts off. As the water level is restored, the pump automatically resumes operation.” Editorial Resources begin on page 85. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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I
nnovative and stylish, the Ava provides easy access to the beneďŹ ts of bathing
hydrotherapy in a sleek, modern design. Access-friendly features include an easy-transfer automated door that lowers to open and rises to close, a benchless design that offers a more immersive soaking experience, and a patentpending quick-drain feature that lets the bather exit the bath in seconds instead of minutes.
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770-963-9231 www.pdiplumbing.com
*Showroom Locations
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7/12/10 11:31:32 AM
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Artfully designed ceilings add interest to your home By Kass Wilson Photos courtesy of Wallstreat
Beautiful ceilings are the icing on the architectural cake as you design details
your home. Architectural are
the
upgraded
features
that are built into your home. The most obvious examples include columns, mantels or wall niches. If you’re lucky, it also includes an interesting ceiling. While ceilings lend themselves to some of the most dramatic details in a home, they’re also the most often ignored spaces. When they remain white, they are a missed opportunity to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. With the innovative use of decorative finishes, you can create personality and add value and drama to your home. If you’ve got it—flaunt it! Ceilings are considered “the fifth wall.” Homeowners usually know their ceilings have the potential to be spectacular, but they remain at a loss for exactly what to do. Enlisting the talents of a creative designer will help you explore the endless options available. Here are some things to take into consideration when planning dramatic ceiling designs. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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â–˛ BARREL CEILING | The architecture within this barrel ceiling offers a dramatic entrance to the home. The rich, metallic colors are consistent with the adjacent rooms. The trim was painted using a wood-grain technique, which outlines and punctuates the ceiling as the primary focal point in this foyer. The design works as a unifying element for the custom ironwork on the front doors and staircase. This project was completed in conjunction with Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Inc.
56
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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â–˛ LAYERED CEILING | Dramatic dimension is the primary feature of this magnificent ceiling. Separating each layer with a different color draws attention to the shape, offering a spectacular visual frame to the elegant light fixture.
1
Each space is different.
lighting. You will be making decisions
elements in your space—from the
Determine where you want
about which elements to emphasize
size and scale of your furnishings to
your eye to focus when you
and which to downplay.
the shape and placement of artwork
3 4
Rarely should you leave a
or even the design of the window
ceiling pure white. It will
treatments.
appear unfinished and create
5
enter a room. From there, it is a balancing act of color, scale and proportion. A ceiling that is too busy can easily overpower and detract from other features of your home. Sometimes less is definitely more.
2
Pay close attention to all of
a visual void. Color alone does not create
The available light influences how deep the ceiling color can be before it begins to feel
like a cavern. Likewise, a particular
an illusion. There is an old
belief that dark colors make
chandelier or sconce may cast a
the details of the ceiling. This
a ceiling appear lower while lighter
gorgeous spectacle on a ceiling that
includes the layers, angles,
colors make it appear higher. In
is never noticed because the ceiling
reality, it is the careful juggling of all
is too light.
shape, size, molding, beams and www.homeimprovementmag.com
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▲ LOW CEILING This terrace-level ceiling is low but has an unusual recessed element to it. The curves are enhanced with metallic bronze, while the dark faux finish on the low ceiling helps to define the conversation area and create a cozy ambiance.
▲ DINING ROOM CEILING | This dining room is visible the minute you enter the home. A soft, reflective finish mimics the other metallic accessories that adorn the space, accentuating the shape of the recessed tray. The addition of a painted ceiling medallion draws eyes to the main focal point—the chandelier. ▲ DOME CEILING | There are many architectural features in this dramatic 3-story living room. The railings, alcoves, fireplace mantel and windows all add interesting visual effects to this space. An elegant reflective finish inside the dome and alcoves works to punctuate these elements with color. The effect draws eyes upward and along the space to notice each detail. The beams in the center were painted using a wood-grain technique to outline the grand chandelier and give the illusion of finely crafted bentwood.
6
58
The shape of a room, as
an artistic finish are designed to
compared with the size
complement all of the other colors
and shape of a dramatic
and elements within a space. Once
8
If you have decided to use plain paint (i.e. no decorative finish), opt for a flat sheen.
ceiling, plays an important role
those features are determined, you
This will minimize imperfections in
in determining how intricate the
can begin to plan the appropriate
the sheetrock. The shinier the paint,
decorative treatment should be.
treatment. The size, placement
the more apparent any blemishes,
Any design that is incorporated
and intricacy of finishes and
ripples or uneven lines will be.
into the ceiling needs to be visually
designs (if any) will be important in
Metallic paint straight from the can
proportional to the other features
guiding how your eye travels when
will have the same effect. Every
in the space.
you enter the room. When done
roller and brush mark will be visible.
7
A decorative finish treatment
correctly, it is like the perfect piece
should be chosen last. This
of jewelry for that elegant little
is because the specifics of
black dress.
9
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Keep in mind that colors appear different (usually darker) on a ceiling. This www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/12/10 1:02:41 PM
▲ BEAM CEILING | The most apparent architectural feature of this room is the beams on the ceiling. They were painted using a wood-grain technique that matches the real wood trim and cabinetry. The work is so subtle that no one would guess that these beams are painted.
▲ UMBRELLA CEILING | The interesting details of this ceiling were barely noticed when the design team first arrived. A faux-leather treatment was applied in colors that blended with the furnishings. Decorative nail heads were added to accentuate the lines within the umbrella shape.
13
Do not discount the
is because they are always in a
space with a slightly darker color or
shadow. If you are considering
an elegant finish.
changing the color, paint a large
in a corner—this allows you to see
11
grander, or paint it a different color.
designer. Simple or plain ceilings can
what it will look like immediately
This acts to embellish and outline
be transformed into stunning focal
adjacent to your wall finishes and
a room much like an intricate
points. The possibilities are endless!
molding. Next, move the poster
picture frame. If you need a visual
board just above the light fixtures.
reference to gain comfort, look in
Depending upon the type of bulbs
design magazines or visit designer
Information includes tips provided by Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Inc.
that are used (or even the shades),
show homes. You will see that many
the color will appear different. Make
times, the trim is actually darker
sure that the color or finish that
than the walls.
you choose will work well in natural
12
piece of poster board and tape it to the ceiling. Make sure you place it
daylight and also in the evening.
Consider enhancing the trim molding—make it larger to appear
Add a ceiling medallion.
illusion of a trey (inset)
10
complement your chandelier, it will
on a flat ceiling. Apply
draw more attention to a beautiful
½-inch round molding about 1 to
light fixture and allow it to be the
2 feet inside from the edge of the
primary focal point in the center of
ceiling. Then, paint the inside of the
a ceiling.
You can create the
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0810_054-059_Ceiling.indd 59
When painted to
power of paint in the
hands of a skilled
decorative artist, combined with the imaginative visions of an interior
Editorial Resources begin on page 85. Wallstreat is an awardwinning faux finish and decorative artistry studio located in Alpharetta. As founder and creative director, Kass Wilson shows you how to transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. As a resource to interior designers, she offers innovative solutions to some of the most challenging design dilemmas. (770) 777-7020, www.kasswilson.com ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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HOME ORGANIZATION
The Art of Downsizing Make your space more streamlined and efficient BY ANN WISNIEWSKI, ASID, AND THERESA DRUCKENMILLER, IFDA
design for downsizing A successful downsizing design entails the following:
➤ Planning well-designed storage areas ➤ Rethinking how furniture is used and arranged
➤ Using color to unify or divide a space ➤ Selecting appropriately sized furniture with multiple uses
why downsize? Need a reason to scale back? U.S. News & World Report lists the top seven reasons why so many people are downsizing. 1. Increase the nest egg – By scaling back, couples can boost their retirement savings. 2. Lower cost of living – A smaller space means less area to heat and cool, and fewer rooms to furnish and maintain. 3. Tax reduction – Inexpensive housing Photo courtesy of Ashley Waldron Hope
often means a cut in property taxes. Some can save thousands annually.
Downsizing is not just for Baby Boomers anymore. Thanks
4. Reduced maintenance – Often, a
to a recession, environmental and energy concerns and technological advances, the downsizing trend is evolving into a culture shift as more people examine their lifestyles and values and embrace the idea of living smaller.
downsized living space means moving
While people are beginning to acknowledge that bigger is not always better, they are not necessarily willing to forsake luxury and comfort. Instead, they strive to make more out of less, demanding homes that are more energy efficient, use ecofriendly materials, are conveniently located, incorporate high-tech conveniences, are easy to maintain and have ergonomic features that will allow them to live life to the fullest at any age.
of yard work.
It is important to understand that downsizing is both a lifestyle choice and a process. It’s not just about getting rid of dated furniture and moving to a smaller home. Downsizing is about moving forward, making decisions, setting priorities, letting go and using your resources (including your space) wisely. Although you can downsize on your own, you might find yourself among the DIY downsizers who think that their new spaces aren’t a good fit, either for them or their furniture. To avoid the downside of downsizing, seek out an experienced team to facilitate the process and achieve optimum results. Experts can guide you through each stage, helping you ask the right questions and make the tough choices, including the emotional decisions about what to take with you and the seemingly endless process of disposing of everything else. Downsizing experts can ease your pain and assist you in making the most of your new space and lifestyle.
into condo or loft complexes, which have maintenance teams to take care
5. Lower utilities – Electric and gas bills can drop substantially, along with the cost of homeowner’s insurance. 6. Flexibility – If you’re renting, you have the freedom to pick up and move to a new area when it’s convenient for you. 7. Additional amenities – Condo, loft and apartment communities can offer amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, Internet cafés and more.
Notes:__________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________
So whether you are an empty nester or an eco-conscious 30-something, remember that going smaller can actually mean living larger. 60
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DESIGN & DECOR
Wall-riffic Ways
paint finishes Flat: This finish’s matte appearance
Update your space with new paint and wall coverings
softens a room and helps hide surface
BY KATHY KIDWELL AND KIMYLA GUICE STEGALL
blemishes. A flat finish is ideal for adult
One of the most inexpensive and dramatic ways to give new life to your room is to change the color and/or texture of your walls—the backdrop of your interior design. Here is a look at some of the fresh options on the market, along with expert design tips to keep in mind.
bedrooms, dining rooms, formal living rooms and ceilings. Satin: With its slight gloss, this finish offers added cleaning ability. It works best for high-traffic areas such as halls,
Add a splash Choosing the perfect paint color can be perplexing. The experts at Benjamin Moore recommend the following hot hues:
woodwork, children’s bedrooms and family rooms. Semi-Gloss: This durable finish is perfect for areas that are cleaned frequently,
• Brighten your rooms with these top paint picks—try all three, either on your walls or as an accent color in your decor.
GYPSY PINK
PEACOCK FEATHERS
SPLIT PEA
such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas, closet doors and trim. Gloss: This extremely hard and shiny finish is excellent for wood trim, cabinets, doors and furniture. —Sherwin-Williams, www.sherwin-williams.com
• Want a more relaxed, subtle setting in your home? Consider the modern tranquility color trends. • Incorporate the colors of nature into your home with these organic comforts color trends.
calculate it Wonder how much paint you’ll need? Visit www.voiceofcolor.com, run by Pittsburgh Paints. Under the “My Project” menu, click on “Calculator” for a guide to help you
• If you like natural tones but want a brighter, bolder color, these pure opulence color trends are just the ticket!
determine the amount of paint you’ll need.
wallpaper wonders Beyond plain paper For many, the word “wallpaper” makes people think of an outdated, flowery or country-style room. Well, think again! According to experts at Seabrook Wallcoverings, “Modern technology has integrated sophisticated printing techniques into today’s wallpaper, providing everyone with the chance to incorporate stunning art into their homes.”
With these wallpapers, you can have good looks and increased functionality. Whiteboard: Allows you to write on the walls with special dry-erase markers. Magnetic: Allows you to attach magnetic appliques for presentations.
Add Flash Glass beads, Swarovski crystals and metal jewels offer a luster and glitzy glamour. Their tactile quality provides a richness impossible to reach with ordinary flat papers.
Scented: Comprised of fibers that naturally give off a soothing fragrance. Deodorizing: Infused with charcoal particles, which are natural deodorizers.
A little lux Add high fashion to your room with rich textiles such as leather, silk, velvet and metallic accents.
Acoustic: Commonly utilized with sound systems or home theaters. Cork: Cork is a natural sound-deadening material that provides a naturally textured
Au Natural These new decorative options incorporate actual raised-print leaves adhered to richly colored backgrounds.
62
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wallcovering. —National Guild of Professional Paperhangers, www.ngpp.org
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/13/10 10:41:31 AM
DESIGN & DECOR QUICK REFERENCE To find out more about these advertisers
Company Contacts
Yrs. in Business
CORNERSTONE FURNITURE (404) 355-4151 See ad on p. 21
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MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
Pump Up Efficiency
check for the star Energy Star-qualified
Choosing the right heat pump for your home
heat pumps have a higher
BY STAFF
seasonal efficiency rating
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your home heating or cooling system, consider heat pumps, which offer an energy-efficient and moneysaving alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. A heat pump can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 50 percent, and high-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months. For home use, there are two main types of heat pumps: Air-source heat pumps The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which uses the outside air to heat LENNOX RECENTLY INTRODUCED THE or cool an interior space. Air-source SUNSOURCE COMFORT SYSTEM, the first heat pumps are usually more solar power-assisted heat pump, which efficient than oil, gas and electricuses a single 190-watt solar panel to reduce residential energy consumption resistance heating in mild climates; during periods of peak demand. however, the efficiency of most air-source heat pumps as a heat source drops dramatically at low temperatures. Homeowners in cold climates may want to pair their heat pump with a standard furnace, so the heat pump provides energy-efficient air conditioning in the summer, and the furnace heats their home in the winter. Because they are less costly to install than geothermal heat pumps, air-source varieties have become more widespread in use. Geothermal heat pumps Geothermal heat pumps are similar to their air-source counterparts, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth’s natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available. Although they cost more to install, geothermal heat pumps have low operating costs because they take advantage of relatively constant ground or water temperatures. However, the installation cost depends on the size of your lot, the subsoil and landscape. Geothermal heat pumps also can be used in more extreme climatic conditions than air-source heat pumps. Heat pump technology is continually being improved with new options such as solar-power assistance and improved efficiency in colder climates. Talk with HVAC professionals in your area to determine which heat pump may be right for your home. Compiled from information provided by Energy Star, www.energystar.gov, and the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, www.eere.energy.gov. 64
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(SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), making them about 8 percent more efficient than standard new models and 20 percent more efficient than what you may have in your home. —Energy Star, www.energystar.gov
SEER savvy The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is an efficiency rating for heat pumps—the higher the SEER, the better the energy performance and the more you save. The most efficient heat pumps have a SEER between 14 and 18. A higher SEER usually means higher retail cost, but the energy savings can return the higher initial investment several times during the heat pump’s life. Check with an HVAC professional about the best SEER rating for your home.
get with the program Using a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature year-round is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money. On average, homeowners can save about $180 a year by using a programmable thermostat.
going off the grid Lennox has introduced the first solar power-assisted heat pump, the SunSource Comfort System. The system uses a single 190-watt solar panel to generate power for the fan motor that moves air across the unit’s outdoor coil, reducing residential energy consumption during periods of peak demand on the electrical grid while lowering your electricity costs. —Lennox, www.lennox.com www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/13/10 10:53:30 AM
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR QUICK REFERENCE Yrs. in Business
Prof. Associations
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CTI (678) 612-1444 See ad on p. 13
FLOOR & STONE
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REMEDIATION GROUP (866) 645-3391 See ad on p. 36
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Phantom Retractable Screen Solutions To find out more about how a Phantom Screen fits with your home, visit our website at www.phantomscreens.com or please call
Screens of Georgia
404-624-0202 Screen rolls away into the low profile housing
The Phantom Screen’s unique retractable design means it’s there when you need it and disappears when you don’t. Phantom Screens® are available in a variety of styles and colors to fit with your home. Whether your doors are single or double, sliding or swinging, we have a Phantom Screen to meet your specific needs. See the difference a Phantom Screen can make.
770.277.0079
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7/16/10 12:31:13 PM
LIGHTING
Green Light
lighting lingo
Energy-saving ways to light your home’s exterior
brighten your home’s exterior while saving
BY STAFF
energy, make sure you enlighten yourself
Before you decide how you want to
to the options.
➤ Solar lights are often used to light pathways. These easy-to-install lights, which have built-in solar panels, can illuminate areas that need ambient or safety lighting.
➤ Compact–fluorescent light bulbs are for porch lights or post lamps and use about two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.
➤ Fluorescent bulbs have an extended life—they can last 6 to 10 times longer than their incandescent cousins—which means you might not need to change your bulb for as Photo courtesy of Atlanta Design & Build, www.atlantadesignbuild.com
long as 7 years.
➤ Photocells automatically turn the light
Recent innovations in lighting have made it easier and more
on at night and off in the morning. The
energy-efficient than ever to brighten up a home’s exterior. The clearest advantages of energy-efficient exterior lighting are that most fixtures require little maintenance, involve simple installation and provide long-range cost savings. But before you choose a system, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
device is installed in the bulb outlet.
➤ Low-voltage lighting (typically 12 volts) uses less energy than household currents and is easy to install.
First, determine your outdoor lighting needs. This will help you choose the type of system in which you should invest and decide if you will need to hire a professional. Many homeowners learn the importance of this through trial and error— by purchasing do-it-yourself, solar-powered pathway lights, for example, not realizing they’re not ideal for every illumination need. While pathway-type lights can serve a purpose—such as casting light on a step by a deck for safety purposes—sometimes homeowners expect it to give off more light than it does.
➤ Timers can be set to turn lights on and
Next, set your budget. Check with a local home-improvement retailer or lighting designer for prices on specific products and services. Lighting options that require professional installation, such as a mercury-vapor system, will call for a bigger budget—starting at around $2,000.
and aesthetically pleasing glow. The
Whatever you spend at the outset, the long-run savings are worth it. Fluorescent bulbs can save you as much as $42 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb if they have the ENERGY STAR rating. The ENERGY STAR label is given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, so the product must meet tough energy-efficiency guidelines. Whether it’s providing security, brightening a focal point or creating a certain mood, the right outdoor lighting can do plenty for your home’s exterior, all while using less energy. In addition to brightening up the structure and its environment, the right exterior lighting also may pay dividends when selling a home. Choosing the right lighting for your home’s exterior may take some time and research, but the payoff will be visible, in more ways than one. 66
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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off at certain times, helping reduce unnecessary energy use.
➤ LEDs (Light emitting diodes) are very low-voltage and have a very long life.
➤ Mercury-vapor lighting systems can simulate moonlight, casting a realistic mercury vapor burns for 24,000 hours.
secure the perimeter Good lighting is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to reduce break-ins. Low-voltage lighting kits can be installed in an afternoon. Most operate from a transformer that can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, so no wiring is required.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 4:41:20 PM
LIGHTING QUICK REFERENCE To find out more about these advertisers
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Prof. Associations
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ACOUSTIC INNOVATIONS
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678-923-1449 OR 404-202-0105 WLSUNDERDECKING.com COLORS TO CHOSE FROM • 24 GAUGE PANELS WITH OR WITHOUT A BEAD BOARD DESIGN • WARRANTY REFERENCES • IN BUSINESS FOR 5 YEARS ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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decordemon Up and Away DIY ceiling treatments BY BRIAN PATRICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DORIO
Something that drives me crazy in most homes is the lack of attention to ceilings. Many times there is more surface on a ceiling than the four walls surrounding it, so why just leave it white? In almost every room I design or decorate, I pay close attention to revamping the ceiling. Since I am a man with limited DIY skills, I stay away from anything messy or with dozens of steps to get the job done. Here are three great ways to tackle a ceiling update in a single day or a full weekend.
1
2
Walk the Plank
I RECENTLY COMPLETED this guest bedroom with rich bluegreen walls and bold, patterned curtains. It’s allwhite drywall ceiling added nothing to the room and kind of took over due to its stark appearance. My carpenter, Chris, added a weathered, grey-toned laminate tongue-and-groove system (Armstrong’s WoodHaven in Weathered) by simply nailing furring strips spaced evenly along the ceiling, then attaching each plank with the supplied clips. The entire project took about nine hours and added instant architectural interest to the room.
3 Drywall-free Redo THIS ATLANTA KITCHEN hadn’t been updated since the early 1970s. On a strict budget and with a tight deadline, it was imperative that no drywall work be involved to overhaul an eyesore of a popcorn ceiling. By cladding it with Armstrong’s tongue-and-groove laminate WoodHaven system in Classic White, we were able to go directly over the popcorn without scraping it. I often recommend opting for ultrawhite wood plank-style ceilings since the white will help bounce color around the space. Using bright white also gives a super-clean feeling to just about any room.
Add Panache with Paint PAINT IS ANOTHER easy and cost-effective way to update your ceiling. In a nursery owned by color-phobic parents, I kept their walls white but introduced pattern and color into the room with bold, tri-colored stripes on the ceiling. By simply investing in two gallons of flat paint and two rolls of painter’s tape, I drastically changed the energy of the room. This is also a great idea for kids’ rooms and nurseries because it gives the little ones something to focus on while lying in bed.
For more design and decor ideas and DIY content, as well as amazing giveaways for Atlanta homeowners, be sure to subscribe to http://decordemon.com. Décordemon.com creator Brian Patrick Flynn is a television producer turned decorator/designer. The moniker “Décor Demon” comes from his fast-paced weekend routine of furiously raiding garage sales and flea markets for one-of-a-kind pieces. What 68
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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started out of necessity for a cash-strapped film student has led to a unique design style (referred to as “Garage Sale Glamour”) seen in more than a dozen magazines as well as seven seasons of a hit television series. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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In home repair or renovation, as in weight loss, the greatest impediment to achieving a fantastic “after” picture is starting with a flawed “before” image. In both cases it takes a cold, hard-nosed calculation of the status quo before productive improvement can take place. Likewise, it is almost never the case that the obstacles are overestimated. Generally, the statement, “Oh, it can’t be all that tough to take care of” is shortly followed by the admission, “Honey, this is going to cost a lot more than we expected.” Both structural and cosmetic details contribute to the cost and complexity of any renovation project. A thorough preplan inspection is indispensable to an accurate budget estimate. Take a bathroom upgrade, for example. First, where there are bathrooms, there is water. Where there is water, there are leaks. Where there are leaks, there is rot. It’s better to know at the outset if floor framing and subfloors will require replacement. If neither you nor your contractor made the crawlspace tour, bad things are about to happen. Initial demo often reveals undetected structural damage that throws budgets and schedules out the window. Fifteen minutes in the crawlspace would have saved days and dollars. Continued on pg. 72 www.homeimprovementmag.com
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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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OK, so the framing and subfloor check out just fine. But that old vinyl flooring has to go. Tileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ticketâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;something with a natural stone look. You can run the tiles right over the plywood; some â&#x20AC;&#x153;thin setâ&#x20AC;? mortar and some grout, no problem. No problem if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind cracks in the grout and in the tiles! A cement board underlayment is required for rigidity and equal coefficient of expansion. Flex is the enemy of all tile installations, and uneven expansion between the subfloor and the tile is a guarantee for grout cracks. Not just in the floors, by the way. Wall tile systems require the same prep for a happily-ever-after result. And did you decide you wanted to run the tile up to the new cabinets or tile from wall to wall? A skimp here makes the next go-round more costly and complicated. A successful project also depends on a sound working relationship with your contractor or sub-contractors. Consensus, communication and give-and-take during both the planning process and the actual work are vital. Establishing a clear definition of the scope of work and the specific materials to be used cannot be overemphasized. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also not a bad idea to keep a diary. Who was where? What was done? When was that? A diary or log is a reminder for you and your contractor that the job is important to both of you. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be buddies (bad idea) or adversaries (even worse). Just be business partners working toward a common goal. Tune in to The Bob and RodMan Home Show every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. on 920 AM-WGKA to learn how to improve your house or apartment. RodMan is a certified home inspector, knows residential property appraisal and is a hands-on home renovator. Bob owned a roofing company, has reclaimed distressed properties for years and has Master Licenses as a plumber, electrician and HVAC mechanic. www.bobandrodman.com
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/15/10 2:27:33 PM
The first annual NARI Atlanta Tour of Remodeled Homes of TOUR REMODELED
HOMES
Benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama Over 15 homes throughout metro Atlanta will be on tour, showcasing the work of the members of the Atlanta Chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). www.nariatlanta.org
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sponsored by:
“WE LISTEN, THEN DELIVER”
tour details date: time: where: cost:
charity:
Saturday, October 2, 2010 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Homes are located throughout metro Atlanta (self-guided tour) $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the Atlanta Home Show at the Cobb Galleria Sept. 24-26, at any house on the tour, or online at www.nariatlanta.org/tour. Five percent of the revenue raised will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Georgia and Alabama
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about NARI NARI is the only national association dedicated exclusively to the remodeling industry. Members are committed to providing consumers with the best possible solutions for remodeling their homes, and conduct their work in compliance with NARI’s code of ethics. The Atlanta chapter is one of the most active chapters in the country and is headquartered in Woodstock, Ga.
7/19/10 9:59:16 AM
gardenplanner Notes
S M 1 2
T W T 3 4 5
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S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
august Tips for creating and maintaining a beautiful garden BY MARY KAY WOODWORTH
It’s hot and dry this month, so combat dust and weeds in your landscape by adding more mulch under your plants, shrubs and trees. Late summer is also the time to get the lawn ready for fall fescue planting—doing it in September will produce a better fescue lawn next spring and summer.
Garden Maintenance
➤ Mophead hydrangeas should be pruned early in August; later pruning will affect next year’s flower production.
➤ Eliminate more weeds; pull them from your flowerbeds before they go to seed.
➤ Take a zipper bag full of soil from your yard to your county’s cooperative extension service and have it analyzed so you know if you should add anything to it for your plants to grow this fall. The cost for this is around $6. SPIDER LILY: This fall-blooming bulb can
be planted this month. 74
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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➤ Inspect ornamental plants for insects and consult your county extension service to identify and recommend the appropriate www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/13/10 11:13:57 AM
We can help with your next remodel pesticides or cultural practices to eliminate the nasty critters.
➤ Now is the time to take root cuttings of woody shrubs such as azalea, holly, hydrangea and daphne.
➤ If your mature trees are already dropping leaves, water and mulch them. Soaker hoses are a terrific way to ensure that your trees receive the moisture they need; bury soakers under mulch. Large trees need 15 gallons of water for every inch of their trunk diameter, once a week.
www.carolinalumber.com Featuring
➤ Pull out dead plants in your landscape, including
• Wood mouldings
annuals, vegetables, shrubs, etc. The longer they are
• Azek mouldings
left in the garden, the better the chance of spreading
• Decking
disease and insects to your healthy plants.
Midtown:
504 Plasters Avenue NE; (404) 873-2676
Westside:
What to Plant
➤ Replace tired annuals in August, and you’ll have
• Monarch and Jeld-Wen windows and doors • Velux skylights • Stairs
2290 Marietta Road; (404) 794-7991
flowers until fi rst frost.
➤ Late summer/early fall-blooming bulbs can be planted this month. Try spider lilies, sternbergia, autumn lilies and crocus. Be sure to use a bulb fertilizer when
Atlanta’s In-Town Building Supply Store SERVING ATLANTA SINCE 1900 Build • Remodel • Repair
you plant.
➤ Begin planning your fall vegetable garden now. Start beets, turnips and collards from seed in indoor trays;
Your Backyard Paradise!
sow bush beans, cucumbers and squash directly into the ground. Wait until cooler weather to plant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
➤ Sow zinnia and portulaca seeds in your garden beds; they’ll germinate quickly, and you’ll have flowers until the fi rst frost.
➤ Late August is also time to start seedlings of coolseason annuals indoors—try pansies, violas, dianthus and snapdragons.
Mary Kay Woodworth is executive director of the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association (MALTA). She previously ran Practically Gardening, a landscape consulting firm, and was Master Gardener Coordinator for the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension Service. Mary Kay is a frequent speaker at area schools, garden clubs, civic organizations and trade shows. info@maltalandcape.com
www.homeimprovementmag.com
0810_074-075_g planner.indd 75
770-455-7770
www.sunbeltpoolsofgeorgia.com Custom Pools, Spas & Water Features Decks & Accessories Hardscapes & Fencing Arbors & Gazebos ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
75
7/15/10 10:30:15 AM
CONCEIVE. DESIGN. BUILD.
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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS
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We Specialize In Raising Settled Concrete House & Building Leveling & Foundation Repair โ ข Driveways โ ข Foundations โ ข Garage Slabs โ ข Patios โ ข Pool Decks BEFORE โ ข Sidewalks โ ข Stoops
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76
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/16/10 7:01:58 AM
To find out more about these advertisers Air Conditioning/ Heating
➚ Atlanta Design & Build ............. 34 Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives! Call Today!
resourcefinder
➚ go to www.homeimprovementmag.com Closets/Storage Closets and More....................... 69
Geothermal Energy Solutions.. 25
➚ Metro Mechanical
Heating & Air ............................... 6
We Can Custom Build a Shower to Fit Any Type Opening.
Custom Kitchen......................... 65 Peachtree Service Experts ........ 70
Air Duct Cleaning ➚ Metro Mechanical
Heating & Air ............................... 6
We Listen Then Deliver.
Peachtree Service Experts ........ 70
➚ Universal Heating & Air ............. 3
Air Purification Geothermal Energy Solutions .................................... 25
➚ Metro Mechanical
Heating & Air ............................... 6
We Listen Then Deliver.
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions .................................... 30
SpaceMakers of America.......... 30
Concrete/Concrete Resurfacing/Repair ➚ B-Level Concrete ....................... 13 We Lift Concrete. Call For a Free Estimate.
CTI of Georgia LLC..................... 13 Drexler Shower Door Co. Inc.... 12 European Sink ........................... 42 Floor & Stone ............................. 63 Best Price, Best Quality, and Largest Selection in Continuous Supply.
➚ Mudjack Atlanta ........................ 82
Countertops AA Marble & Granite................... 5
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio .. 14,72
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio .. 14,72 Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions .................................... 30
Bars ➚ Classic Bars Inc.......................... 71
Basements Atlanta Construction ................ 76
➚ Atlanta Design & Build ............. 34 Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives! Call Today!
Floor & Stone ............................. 63
Best Price, Best Quality, and Largest Selection in Continuous Supply.
Best Price, Best Quality, and Largest Selection in Continuous Supply.
From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
Portis Building & Interiors ....... 36 Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........ 7 Stone City Inc. ........................... 79
➚ The Hoots Group/Sawhorse..... 34
Building Supplies Carolina Lumber ....................... 75 PMC Building Materials ............ 38
➚ Randall Brothers Inc. ................ 24 Serving Atlanta for over 100 Years; Specializing in Millwork for Builders.
Cabinets ➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio .. 14,72
J & K2 Kitchen and Bath ............ 72
Floor & Stone ............................. 63 Best Price, Best Quality, and Largest Selection in Continuous Supply.
Panda Cabinet & Granite .......... 38 Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........ 7 Stone City Inc. ........................... 79
Decks/Patios/Porches Archadeck of Atlanta ................ 87 Creating Beautiful & Affordable Outdoor Living Spaces Since 1980.
Atlanta Deck .............................. 40 Custom Decks, Patios & Screened Rooms That Beautifully Extend the Home.
CTI of Georgia LLC..................... 13
➚ Masterworks ......................... 11,32 From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
Mosaic Group ............................. 28
Lumber Liquidators ... back cover Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........ 7 Specialty Tile .............................. 67
Flooring Installers Flesher’s Flooring ...................... 80
Flooring Materials Lumber Liquidators ... back cover
Floor Refinishing Flesher’s Flooring ...................... 80
Foundation Repair ➚ B-Level Concrete ....................... 13 We Lift Concrete. Call For a Free Estimate.
➚ Mudjack Atlanta ........................ 82
Furniture/Accessories Cornerstone Furniture.............. 21
Paces Construction ................... 26
North Carolina Prices Without the Drive!
Diversified Cabinet.................... 84
Rainaway Deck Drain Systems............................................ 46
Horizon Home ............................. 4
Floor & Decor Outlets ............... 28
➚ Randall Brothers Inc. ................ 24
Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Largest In-Stock Selection. Lowest Prices On Hard Surface Flooring.
J & K2 Kitchen and Bath ............ 72 Best Quality, At The Best Price!
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions .................................... 30
Flesher’s Flooring ...................... 80
Floor & Stone ............................. 63
➚ Masterworks ......................... 11,32
Rely On Us for All Your Plumbing, Lighting Fixtures and Supplies.
Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives! Call Today!
Flooring
Kitchen & Bath Overstock ........ 38
➚ Universal Heating & Air ............. 3
➚ Atlanta Design & Build ............. 34
Summit Design/Build ............... 19
Largest In-Stock Selection. Lowest Prices On Hard Surface Flooring.
➚ Plumbing Distributors Inc. .... 53
Architecture/design
Fire/Water Damage Repair
Custom Kitchen......................... 65
Remediation Group................... 36
Fredericksons............................. 71
Custom Decks, Patios & Screened Rooms That Beautifully Extend the Home.
Best Quality, At The Best Price!
Best Quality, At the Best Price.
Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Atlanta Deck .............................. 40
Floor & Decor Outlets ............... 28
Peachtree Service Experts ........ 70
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio .. 14,72
Fences
Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
J & K2 Kitchen and Bath Ltd. .... 72
Paces Construction ................. 26
Appliances
Cornerstone Furniture.............. 21 North Carolina Prices Without the Drive!
Chattahoochee Shower Doors ...17
We Listen Then Deliver.
➚ Universal Heating & Air ............. 3
Fabric/Upholstery
Kitchen Fronts of GA ................ 84 Panda Cabinet & Granite .......... 38 Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........ 7
Serving Atlanta for over 100 Years; Specializing in Millwork for Builders.
WLS Underdecking ................... 67
Energy Efficiency Geothermal Energy Solutions .. 25 Georgia Power ............................... 9 Jackson EMC ................................ 54
➚ Masterworks ......................... 11,32
SpaceMakers of America.......... 30
From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
Stone City Inc. ........................... 79
Summit Design/Build ............... 19
The Kitchen Company.............. 34
➚ Metro Mechanical
Heating & Air ............................... 6
Garages Closets and More....................... 69 SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage........................... 19
Glass/Mirrors Chattahoochee Shower Doors ...17 We Can Custom Build a Shower to Fit Any Type Opening.
Drexler Shower Door Co. Inc.... 12
Green Remodelers, Products & Services
We Listen Then Deliver.
Bathrooms AA Marble & Granite................... 5
www.homeimprovementmag.com
0810_076-083_ResFinder.indd 77
Carpets/Rugs Horizon Home ............................. 4
Window Replacements of GA.. 80
Geothermal Energy Solutions .................................... 25
Window World ...................... 44,45
Jackson EMC............................... 54
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
77
7/19/10 10:12:16 AM
s is the hi
AL R E me Show ta Ho
Atlan
27
!
T
27th annual fall atlanta
g years stron
HOME SHOW sept. 24-26, 2010 cobb galleria centre
Producers of quality shows in Atlanta since 1959.
Sponsors and Partners
$2 OFF
ADMISSION Limit one per adult ticket. Not good with any other offer. A H I M
AtlantaHomeShow.com
24-hour phone number: 770-798-1997
Make your home new again at the Fall Atlanta Home Show
This season’s largest home improvement event is coming to the Cobb Galleria Centre! Everything for your home, inside & out is at the Fall Atlanta Home Show at the Cobb Galleria
Comparison shop, touch and feel the products before you buy.
Centre, September 24-26. This is a SEMCO show that will not disappoint. Take advantage of this opportunity to comparison shop with over 300 home improvement companies and services under one roof. As a $+,0 L GG 0810_076-083_ResFinder.indd 78
bonus, many exhibitors offer exclusive home show deals. New products are always a hot topic at the Fall Atlanta Home Show. Exhibitors like to use the show to announce and demonstrate new products and services. <ou¶ll also ¿nd information on tax credits and energy saving products. %esides the obvious bene¿ts of comparison shopping,
Two interactive stages will entertain and educate.
touching products before purchasing, and saving money, there’s also food and wine sampling and entertainment from nationally recognized personalities like Walter
Get to know contractors before inviting them to your house.
For show details including show times, directions, discount coupons, and an exhibitor list, please visit AtlantaHomeShow.com. Seek expert advice from industry professionals.
Reeves and Joe Washington. Additionally, the Georgia Fire¿ghters %urn Foundation will be on hand with a lifesaving interactive experience.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, across from Cumberland Mall, and offers plenty of convenient free parking.
$0 7/16/10 7:02:10 AM
resourcefinder
go to www.homeimprovementmag.com ➚ Interior Design
To find out more about these advertisers ➚ Metro Mechanical Heating & Air ............................... 6 We Listen Then Deliver.
Summit Design/Build ............... 19
➚ The Hoots Group/Sawhorse..... 34
Gutters
Hardwood
Kitchen & Bath Overstock ........ 38
Lumber Liquidators ... back cover
Home Decor Cornerstone Furniture.............. 21 North Carolina prices without the drive!
Rainaway Deck Drain Systems ........................... 46 Window World ...................... 44,45
Hardscapes
Largest In-Stock Selection. Lowest Prices On Hard Surface Flooring.
➚ Masterworks ......................... 11,32
Lumber Liquidators ... back cover
From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
The Blind Ladies ........................ 82
Paces Construction ................... 26
Ironwork
Floor & Decor Outlets ............... 28
Brown Construction.................. 80
Horizon Home ............................. 4
Signature Entries....................... 61
Kitchens
Horizon Home ............................. 4
AA Marble & Granite................... 5
Lumber Liquidators ... back cover
Atlanta Construction ................ 76
Home Energy Audit
➚ Atlanta Design & Build ............. 34 Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives!
Archadeck of Atlanta ................ 87 Creating Beautiful & Affordable Outdoor Living Spaces Since 1980.
➚ Kain Landscape Inc. ................. 52 Miller Landscape ....................... 46
Crawlspace Solutions ............... 82
Home Exteriors
Sunbelt Pools ............................. 75
➚ Randall Brothers Inc. ................ 24 Serving Atlanta for over 100 Years; Specializing in Millwork for Builders.
Portis Building & Interiors ....... 36 Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........ 7 Stone City Inc. ........................... 79
Studio..................................... 14,72
Mosaic Masonry ........................ 17
Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Home Organization
Custom Kitchen......................... 65
SafeRacks Overhead
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions .................................... 30
Home Shows/Tours Fall Home Show......................... 78
Home Theaters
Archadeck of Atlanta ................ 87 Creating Beautiful & Affordable Outdoor Living Spaces Since 1980.
HJR Environments ..................... 80
Floor & Stone ............................. 63
➚ Kain Landscape Inc. ................. 52
J & K2 Kitchen and Bath ..............72
Summit Design/Build ............... 19
The Kitchen Company.............. 34
Landscape/Maintenance
European Sink ........................... 42
Best Price, Best Quality, and Largest Selection in Continuous Supply.
NARI Tour of Homes ................. 73
Hardware
Rely On Us for All Your Plumbing, Lighting Fixtures and Supplies.
➚ The Hoots Group/Sawhorse..... 34
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath
Garage Storage........................... 19 Selective Designs ........................ 2
➚ Plumbing Distributors Inc ....... 53
Best Quality, At the Best Price.
KDS Landscape Services .......... 61 Miller Landscape...........................46
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ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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$0 0810_076-083_ResFinder.indd 79
7/19/10 10:12:18 AM
QUALITY HARDWOOD FLOORS
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The first annual NARI Atlanta Tour of Remodeled Homes Saturday, October 2, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ www.nariatlanta.org/tour Benefitting the Make-A-Wish FoundationÂŽ of Georgia and Alabama 80
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/16/10 12:46:29 PM
To find out more about these advertisers Night Vision Outdoor Lighting ...70
NKBA
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➚ Plumbing Distributors Inc. ......53
Todd Your Garden Guy.............. 36
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Lawn Irrigation HJR Environments ..................... 80
Lumber Carolina Lumber ....................... 75
Lighting Night Vision Outdoor Lighting ...70
➚ Plumbing Distributors Inc........ 53 Rely On Us for All Your Plumbing, Lighting Fixtures and Supplies.
Marble/Stone/ Maintenance Floor & Stone ............................. 63
Organization SpaceMakers of America..........30
Outdoor Furniture/ Accessories
Cornerstone Furniture..............21
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Mattresses Cornerstone Furniture..............21 North Carolina Prices Without The Drive!
Millwork Vision Stairways & Millwork ...32
Mold/Mildew Remediation Group...................36
NARI Contractors ➚ Atlanta Design & Build .............34 Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives! Call Today!
➚ B-Level Concrete .......................13 We Lift Concrete. Call For a Free Estimate.
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio.....................................14,72 Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Outdoor Kitchens Atlanta Deck ..............................40 Custom Decks, Patios & Screened Rooms That Beautifully Extend the Home.
➚ Masterworks .........................11,32
Outdoor Lighting KDS Landscape Services ..........61 Night Vision Outdoor Lighting .. 70
➚ Plumbing Distributors Inc. ......53 Rely On Us for All Your Plumbing, Lighting Fixtures and Supplies.
Plumbers ASAP Plumbing..........................82
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Rescue Rooter ............................76
Plumbing Distributors Kitchen & Bath Overstock ........38
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Pools/Spas Miller Landscape .......................46 Selective Designs ........................2 Sunbelt Pools .............................75
Professional Assoc. Distinctive Remodeling Solutions ....................................30
➚ Masterworks .........................11,32 From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry ................76
Retaining Walls Archadeck of Atlanta ................87 Creating Beautiful & Affordable Outdoor Living Spaces Since 1980.
Summit Design/Build ...............19 Rainaway Deck Drain Systems............................................46
www.homeimprovementmag.com
0810_076-083_ResFinder.indd 81
➚ Atlanta Design & Build .............34 Transforming Homes - Enriching Lives!
➚ CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio ..14,72 Quality & Service Are Our Priorities.
Distinctive Remodeling Solutions ....................................30
Sunrooms
Archadeck of Atlanta ................87 Creating Beautiful & Affordable Outdoor Living Spaces Since 1980.
Atlanta Deck ............................. 40 Custom Decks, Patios & Screened Rooms That Beautifully Extend the Home.
➚ Atlanta Design &
Build ........... 34
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➚ Masterworks ........................ 11,32 From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
J & K2 Kitchen and Bath ...........72 Best Quality, At The Best Price!
Lumber Liquidators ... back cover
➚ Masterworks .........................11,32 From Conception to Completion, Your Full Service, Design/Build.
Momentum Construction ........80 Mosaic Group .............................28
Mosaic Group ............................ 28 Rainaway Deck Drain Systems .......................... 46 Summit Design/Build .............. 19
Tile/Ceramic Floor & Decor Outlets .............. 28 Largest In-Stock Selection. Lowest Prices On Hard Surface Flooring.
Panda Cabinet & Granite .......38 Specialty Tile ............................. 67 Paces Construction ...................26 Portis Building & Interiors .......36 Silverstone Kitchen & Bath........7
Water Damage/Repair Remediation Group.................. 36
Water Gardens/Ponds
SpaceMakers of America..........30
HJR Environments .................... 80
Stone City Inc. ...........................79
➚ Kain Landscape Inc. ................ 52
Summit Design/Build ...............19
KDS Landscape Services ......... 61
➚ The Hoots Group/Sawhorse.....34
Roofing
Miller Landscape ...................... 46
Windows/Doors
Brown Construction.................. 80
Rugs
Chattahoochee Windows & Doors.......................................... 32 Davis Window & Door ............. 84
See Carpets/Rugs
Shower Enclosures
Jennifer’s Glassworks............... 42
Chattahoochee Shower Doors..17 We Can Custom Build a Shower to Fit Any Type Opening.
➚ Randall Brothers Inc. ............... 24 Serving Atlanta for Over 100 Years; Specializing in Millwork for Builders.
Drexler Shower Door Co. Inc....12
Siding
Signature Entries...................... 61
Brown Construction..................80 Window World ......................44,45
Staircases Vision Stairways & Millwork ...32
Stonework
Vision Stairways & Millwork................................. 32 Window Replacements of Georgia .................................. 80 Window World ..................... 44,45
Archadeck of Atlanta ................87
Remodeling/ Renovation AA Marble & Granite...................5
Window Replacements of Georgia.........................................80
Custom Decks, Patios & Screened Rooms That Beautifully Extend the Home.
Horizon Home .............................4
Selective Designs ........................2
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ADAPTED LIVING SPACES Adapted Living Space was established in 2001 to offer clients a broad range of services. We provide home improvement/remodeling services and onsite consultation. It is our goal to offer quality build/design services at an affordable price to residents of the greater Atlanta community. www.adaptedlivingspaces.com
(404) 734-7343 • Design / Build Services • Bathroom, Kitchen • Basement, Additions • Screen-In Porch, Decks • Fire/Water Damage Restoration • Modification for Elderly & People with Disabilities
Mention Ad for 10% Off.
ADJUSTABLE PATIO COVERS Suffering with intense sun on your deck, patio, pool or outdoor space? Call us NOW and we can help you with unique solutions for all of your shading needs. We specialize in Louvered Roof Systems, Adjustable Pergolas, and many other products that will allow you to fully enjoy your outdoor space, rain or shine. Visit our website www.adjustablepatiocovers.com.
(770) 225-0665 • Free Design Consultation • Rain Tight When Closed • Easily Opens and Closes • Control the Sun, Shade, and Rain Exposure • Enjoy Outdoor Living Year Round • Mention this Ad for a 10% off Discount!
ASAP PLUMBING Whether you’re in need of home plumbing maintenance and repairs, bathroom remodeling, or a new home or commercial plumbing contractor for your latest building project, we are there to provide you with the most dependable service available.
(404) 227-4441 • Repair Work • Drain Cleaning • Sewer Inspection • New & Remodel Installations • 24-Hour Emergency Service • Free Estimates
www.asapplumbingnwga.com
THE BLIND LADIES
(678) 957-6969 At The Blind Ladies, it is our passion to enhance our clients’ surroundings with light control, insulation, privacy, and style and to create ideal solutions for challenging windows. Our mission is to provide the highest quality service with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
CRAWL SPACE SOLUTIONS
AFTER
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What lurks under your home? Mold and Mildew? Damp Musty Odors? Water Seepage? Bugs, Critters and More Bugs? Unhealthy Living Conditions? OR A Healthy.. Clean.. Dry.. Environment, for you and your Family! Help protect the investment you have in your home with CleanSpace – finally an effective, affordable solution for your dirt crawlspace. www.homesealatlanta.com Ask us about a FREE Home Energy Audit with Crawl Space Encapsulation.
• Draperies • Top treatments • Custom bedding • Plantation shutters and blinds • Anything for windows!
(770) 888-3321 • Crawl Space Encapsulation • Home Energy Audits • Replacement Windows • Radiant Barriers • Attic Insulation
www.homeimprovementmag.com
7/16/10 7:02:42 AM
Atlantans are raving about our advertisers Universal Heating and Air “I want to say that the best part of my experience with you and Universal has been your customer service. From our first phone conversation and meeting, I was appreciative of your honest and straightforward approach. You were
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Thank you for the beautiful design and installation. All of the hardscape features are just terrific. We really appreciate you coming in on time with the project deadline. Also, your crew was wonderful.” —Anne, Roswell
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The Bob & RodMan Home Show
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DAVIS WINDOW & DOOR
(770) 279-0905
Serving Georgia Homeowners Since 1972! Specializing in Replacement Windows, Entry Door Systems and Vinyl Siding & Trim. • Replacement Windows Experience our Award Winning Customer • Entry Door Systems service! Public Showroom-1580 Beaver Ruin Rd. • Vinyl Siding & Trim off I-85. Open M-F 8:30am - 5:30pm & Sat. 10am - 2pm. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today www.daviswin.com
DCD KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN STUDIO
(678) 325-3600
Our offering of world-class, nationally • In House Designers recognized cabinetry, countertops and bathroom fixtures suit each individual’s style • Industry Leading Lead Times and budget. Come see our newly renovated showroom and get inspired today.
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5250 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071 www.dcdcabinets.com
KITCHEN FRONTS OF GA
(770) 455-3139 Ugly kitchen? Reface. . . Don’t Replace! You can enjoy a new kitchen in just 3-5 days PLUS save 50%75% by REFACING your cabinets with real wood from Kitchen Fronts of GA instead of replacing them with new cabinets. Serving Atlanta for over 32 years, we are a locally owned Atlanta business who manufactures and installs our own wood doors and drawer fronts to ensure high quality.
Also offering: • Add-on cabinets • Countertops (including Corian™, Silestone, granite and laminate) • Glass doors • Roll-outs
Free In-home Estimates www.kitchenfrontsofga.com
Connect with us on
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Find Home Improvement Ideas, Events & Contests Message us at http://groups.to/atlantahomeimprovementmagazine
Atlanta Home Improvement magazine would love to: • get your feedback • hear about your remodeling projects • answer your questions
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editorialresources Coming Soon… Expert Tips, News and Happenings from Atlanta’s Home Improvement Community COMPILED BY KATE PARROTT
Atlanta’s Ugliest Kitchen
Atlanta Home Improvement magazine, in partnership with Masterworks, Cabinet Café and CBS Atlanta, recently announced that homeowners Alison Lanier and Peter Horning are the winners of Atlanta’s Ugliest Kitchen Contest and will receive a $15,000 kitchen makeover.
The contest ran from May 1-June 15, wherein Atlanta residents were invited to submit a 600-word essay and three photos illustrating why their kitchen should be considered Atlanta’s ugliest. Judges finally determined that the Lanier-Horning residence was the winner based on a variety of criteria, including the couple’s personal story, the quality of their composition and, of course, the functionality and condition of their existing kitchen.
Alison and Peter are hard at work planning their new kitchen design, which will come to life courtesy of the design/build firm Masterworks. The kitchen makeover will be featured in the December issue of Atlanta Home Improvement. In the meantime, take a look at the winning essay below.
View of existing kitchen
View of existing kitchen
L to R: The winners’ existing kitchen; Masterworks president Bernie Smith, winners Alison Lanier and Peter Homing, Atlanta Home Improvement editor Kate Parrott, Atlanta Home Improvement publisher Jennifer Prins.
The Winning Essay
How ugly is our kitchen? Roaches bring their own disinfectant to eat here. I keep finding the microwave in our sink attempting to drown itself. Onions cry out when I put them into the crisper. Our kitchen could be a model for death threats. Our dogs howl at the sight of it. Needless to say, our kitchen is U-G-L-Y. Why do we deserve to have our kitchen remodeled by your team? We have not had a home-cooked meal in two years because we do not have a stove to cook with. Have you ever seen a kitchen without cabinets or countertops? Our kitchen is cabinet-less; a foldout table serves as our countertop. There could not be a better before-and-after testament in all of Atlanta than us, Alison Lanier and Peter Horning.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
We purchased our house three years ago as a foreclosure. We knew that we had our work cut out for us in turning a purchase into our dream home. Despite having the ugliest kitchen in the world, we watched the house itself become beautiful with every renovated task we tackled. My husband worked tirelessly every day as an electrician only to come home and work on our home projects. After completing them all, we saved enough money for the grand finale—our dream kitchen. The week before our dream kitchen was to arrive, my husband was laid off from his job. He later discovered that he had a medical condition that our insurance no longer covered. The money that we had saved for our dream kitchen later began to blend with our emergency savings fund, which was being used to pay bills.
Through all of this, I never once heard my husband complain or allude to giving up. In fact, he continued helping others while he was unemployed; for instance, pressure washing neighbors’ houses, cutting their lawns and running errands for the elderly in our community. He was truly “paying it forward.” He was later offered another job, and we find ourselves saving for our dream kitchen once again.
Despite our tough times, watching my husband give to others compelled me to win this contest in honor of him. He’s the most deserving man I know—we deserve to win this dream kitchen.
Congratulations, Alison and Peter, and thanks to everyone who entered the contest!
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
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HausWerks Architects & Builders, 5 Exeter Rd., Avondale Estates, GA 30002, (404) 425-3141, www.hauswerks. net. Highlight Homes LLC, (678) 873-9234, www.highlighthomesga. com. MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers], 2358 Perimeter Park Dr., Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30341, (770) 670-6022, www.mosaicgroupatlanta. com. Renewal Design-Build, 124 South Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30030, (404) 378-6962, www.renewaldesignbuild. com. Weidmann & Associates Inc., 1875 Old Alabama Road, Roswell, GA 30076-2269, (770) 552-8396, www. weidmannremodeling.com.
ONLINE
$$avings Guide Doing your “homework” just got a whole lot easier.
WATER FEATURES P. 47-51 Five pond and water-feature projects Aquascape to beautify your landscape Inc., www. aquascapeinc. com. Aquatic Innovations, (678) 558-3830, C www.aquatic innovations ofatlanta.com. Grant Garden Group, 3150 Old Cornelia Hwy., Gainesville, GA 30507, (770) 7189958, www.grantgardengroup.com. Miller Landscape Group, (770) 591-5234, www.millerlandscape.net. Pondkeepers, (404) 379-9964, www.pondkeepers. com. Selective Designs, 105 Depot Ct., Suite A, Peachtree City, GA 30269, (770) 631-1550, www.selectivedesigns.com. Specialty Fountains, 2830 Simpson Circle, Atlanta, GA 30071, (770) 734-0506, www.specialtyfountains.com. Water, Color & Stone, 678-793-7303, www. watercolorstone.com.
The Wonders of
By Kathy Kidwell and Shelby Stevens
Don’t miss our new
Photo courtesy of Selective Designs
HOME FRONT homefront P. 15-20 American Trade Products, 221 Turner Blvd., Ball Ground, GA 30107, (800) 368-1564, www.american tradeproducts. com. Architecture for Humanity Atlanta, www.afhatlanta.org. Atlanta Design & Build, 320 Wallace Road, Marietta, GA 30062, (770) 565-8999, www. atlantadesignbuild.com. Cabinet Cafe, (877) 642-2898, www.cabinetcafe.com. Construction Resources Inc., (800) 7655129, www.constructionresourcesusa. com. Dan DeJiacomo Custom Homes, (770) 893-2931, http://danbuilds4u. com. Décor & You Inc., 245 W. Wieuca Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, (404) 256-0655, www.decorandyou.com. HomeAid Atlanta, 1484 Brockett Road, Tucker, GA 30084, (678) 775-1401, www. homeaidatlanta.org. Leather Gallery and Bedding Center, 3405 Dallas Hwy. SW., Marietta, GA 30064. (770) 422-4460, www. stresslessleathergallery.com. Lowe’s, www.lowes.com. Masterworks, 210 W. Crossville Road, Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 642-8000, www.masterworksatlanta. com. Meadow Springs Corporation, www.meadowspringscorp.com. Project Playhouse, 1484 Brockett Road, Tucker, GA 30084, (678) 775-1401, www. homeaidatlanta.org. Serta, www.serta. com. The Avenue Forsyth, http:// forsyth.shoptheavenue.com. The Hoots Group, 432 Calhoun Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 474-7379, www. thehootsgroup.com.
onsider your landscape a canvas. Your artistry with plants, hardscapes and other features can make the space a customized refuge where you can enjoy fresh air and a natural environment. Add a fountain, pond or waterfall, and you’ve got a relaxing, tranquil getaway.
“A water feature can increase a home’s resale value as well as add a unique aesthetic complement to a
home’s landscaping,” says Keith Ray of pond maintenance company Pondkeepers. “And the sound of a water feature is not only soothing but also can help cover less desirable sounds.”
$$avings
Perhaps you’d like a water feature in your landscape but don’t know what type is best for your yard. Or maybe you already have a feature but you’d like to revamp or add to it. Following are five expert-recommended projects to create the perfect waterscape for your outdoor area.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
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Guide coming in September. Find coupons for GREAT SAVINGS provided by our home improvement businesses and get your projects started.
7
2010
Projects compiled by Sarah E. King
Sooner or later, all homeowners take a good, hard look at their homes and see room for improvement. Whether it’s updating the outdated or making more space for a growing family, the following remodeling planner will walk you step by step through the process.
When discussing your remodel with your contractor, take the following checklist along to ensure that you are on the same page about what you are looking for in the project and how the process will work. www.homeimprovementmag.com
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PL
Photo courtesy of MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers]
IMPROVED PROJECTS
REMODELING PLANNER P. 27-43 AK Complete Home Renovation, (770) 794-5927, REMODELING www.akatlanta. com. PLANNER Brian Patterson Designs Inc. , 2343 East Way Rd., Decatur, GA 30033, (404) 486-7000, www.brianpattersondesigns. com. Handcrafted Homes Inc., 505 Boulder Way, Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 6421010, www.handcraftedhomes-inc.com.
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• Hundreds of articles to educate and inspire
• Beautiful photos of the latest in remodeling and decor
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• Preferred local resources to help with all your home improvements.
Beautiful ceilings are the icing on the architectural cake as you design details
your home. Architectural are
the
upgraded
features
that are built into your home. The most obvious examples include columns, mantels or wall niches. If you’re lucky, it also includes an interesting ceiling. While ceilings lend themselves to some of the most dramatic details in a home, they’re also the most often ignored spaces. When they remain white, they are a missed opportunity to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. With the innovative use of decorative finishes, you can create personality and add value and drama to your home. If you’ve got it—flaunt it! Ceilings are considered “the fifth wall.” Homeowner usually know their ceilings have the potential to be spectacular, but they remain at a loss for exactly what to do. Enlisting the talents of a creative designer will help you explore the endless options available. Here are some things to take into consideration when planning dramatic ceiling designs. TLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
www.homeimprovementmag.com
T BARREL CEILING | The architecture within this barrel ceiling offers a dramatic entrance to the home. The rich, metallic colors are consistent with the adjacent rooms. The trim was painted using a wood-grain technique, which outlines and punctuates the ceiling as the primary focal point in this foyer. The design works as a unifying element for the custom ironwork on the front doors and staircase. This project was completed in conjunction with Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Inc.
www.homeimprovementmag.com
ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT AUGUST 2010
CEILINGS P. 55-59 Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Inc., (770) 514-9699, www.kandrac-kole.com. Wallstreat, (770) 777-7020, www.kasswilson.com.
3
From remodeling to landscaping, home organization and decor, whatever the scope of the budget and project…
www.homeimprovementmag.com Smart home improvement starts here.
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makeoverofthemonth From Inaccessible to Inviting Renovation by Attention to Detail Home Remodeling, 10170 Swaybranch Drive, Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 649-7743, www.atdremodel.com
Photos courtesy of Attention to Detail Home Remodeling
BY KATE PARROTT
• SINK Kolher Demilav Wading Pool sinks
• COUNTERTOP Marmi in Café Imperial Polish granite
• CABINET Medallion in Oak; Potters Mill style with Espresso stain
The couple who own this Decatur home weren’t seeking a typical bathroom renovation. Their need for a makeover rose from necessity more than a desire for luxury. One of the owners, Rebecca, is in a wheelchair, and her spouse is not, so the two wanted a functional bathroom that didn’t have a clinical feel. The pros at Attention to Detail Home Remodeling created the perfect plan to suit both of their needs, first gutting the inside of the bathroom and then installing two vanities at different heights. Rebecca’s vanity is lower and wheelchair accessible, complete with outlets in the drawers. The new shower features ease-of-use amenities, including a full bench seat that swivels 90 degrees and a sliding glass door. Grab bars that look like towel bars integrate seamlessly into the design. The final bathroom masterfully combines form and function, and is one the homeowners are proud to show off every chance they get.
➚ For more information and resources about this project, go to www.homeimprovementmag.com 86
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7/13/10 11:33:52 AM
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