July 2018
YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS From kitchens to baths, get more bang for your buck KNOW WHEN TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
400 faces: Meet Rick Gunn and discover his passion
IN THIS ISSUE
from the editor When I entered homeownership nine years ago, I was an aspiring and enthusiastic DIYer. My wife and I repainted virtually every wall in our new home (plus the awful brown trim inside). I replaced light switches and outlets. And, of course, I constructed a workbench for myself. With my tools, a few books and YouTube, I was ready for whatever the house threw at us. But I was quickly humbled. Case in point: the wet spot that emerged under our dishwashing machine. It was then that we discovered our dishwasher had been leaking for who knows how long. The water had been silently moving beneath our kitchen cabinets and floor. We pulled away the appliance to reveal a disaster area of mold. I was not ready for this. We took it as a sign to finally update our kitchen, but I knew this was no job for a wannabe DIYer. It was time for a pro. If you find yourself in a similar position — eager to upgrade your home but questioning your own DIY acumen — then this issue is for you. From working with contractors and interior designers, to picking which areas are most worth your time and sweat equity, our July edition of 400 The Life should have what you need to navigate the joys and trials of remodeling a home — whether you’re up to the task yourself or leaving it to a professional. And that’s the most crucial question. Take it from me. After a few months, our Brian Paglia kitchen was better than ever. Editor, Forsyth County News And I hadn’t lifted a finger.
CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Woody, Publisher BRIAN PAGLIA, Editor Tracie Pike, Production Manager BRADLEY WISEMAN,
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4 Before a remodel, consider interior design
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400 Faces: Rick Gunn
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Know when to ask for help
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More bang for your buck
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Curbside appeal is key
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Interior design is an important part of remodeling By Allison Havill Todd We often get panicky calls from prospective clients who have started a remodeling project only to find they are stuck on making decisions about all of the possible finishes and materials available. They are stressed because they are afraid of making a mistake (or have already made one), their contractor needs decisions in order to move forward, and the budget is spiraling out of control. This is a situation that can easily be avoided with a little pre-planning. In this article, we will address the following: • How to address the interior design needs of a remodeling project. • When to hire an interior design professional. • What you can do to be prepared. • How to stay on budget.
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Why do I need to think about interior design when starting a remodeling project? Doesn’t the contractor/remodeler you have hired know what to do? Considering most remodeling projects will start at a minimum of $10,000 for some minor updates to well into hundreds of thousands of dollars for more extensive projects, it’s important to make sound choices and get it right. Trying to make decisions along the way without an overall plan and vision for the finished result can leave you feeling overwhelmed and most likely disappointed with the process as well as the end result. Having a vision for the finished project is essential. There are hundreds of choices
to make along the way, and you should not rely on your contractor to choose your color palette, select your finishes and inherently know how the different elements will work together. The contractor’s role is to ensure that the functional aspects of the project meet code and the construction is structurally sound. They are there to provide input and execute on your plan, but it is not their job to be the interior designer. It’s the same as asking your painter what color you should paint your home. Their role is to provide the service of painting your home not specifying the appropriate color palette. Interior design concepts and remodeling go together. One doesn’t exist (well) without the other. Just as the best design ideas in the world need flawless execution in
order to shine, so do the best remodeling plans require excellent design expertise. You might have the best layout you could have imagined for your new kitchen remodel, but without the proper selection of cabinetry styles and finishes, counter tops, backsplashes, hardware, flooring, lighting, etc., you can end up with a mediocre result that does not flow well together or with the rest of your home.
When should I hire an interior design professional for my remodeling project? Unless you are working with a general contracting firm that offers design and build services, you should hire an interior designer at the early stages of your project. It’s best to have already met with your contractor and have an initial conversation about your needs and agree upon a rough budget. There is no point in enlisting the services of an interior designer only to find out the contractor’s quote is much more than you had in mind. On the other hand, don’t wait until your contractor needs decisions from you on finish and material selection before contacting a designer. Most experienced, reputable Continued, Page 6
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designers are scheduling their time several weeks to months in advance. Plan ahead so you can have the right team in place for your project. If you don’t already have a general contractor in mind, a reputable interior design firm should be able to recommend one or two that they have worked with in the past. You will, of course, want to choose the contractor that best fits your needs, budget and personality. You will be working closely with this person through the course of your project, and it’s important that you have a good feel about them before moving forward. Once you have decided on the contractor, it is time to formally engage the services of your designer and arrange a meeting to discuss your needs. Again, don’t wait until the last minute hoping that someone can rush over the next day to meet with you … plan ahead to keep your project on schedule. Once you have decided on your contractor and have established a rough budget with them that you are comfortable with, you should
engage the services of your interior designer quickly.
What can I do to be prepared? Chances are you don’t embark upon a new remodeling project on a regular basis, if at all. It can be a bit overwhelming. Your interior designer and contractor are there to help you and guide you through the process, but there are some things you can do early on that will ensure your project stays on track: • Do your homework. You should have some ideas to share, and pictures really are worth a thousand words. Telling your designer and contractor that you want a “more modern” kitchen (or bathroom, or basement, etc.) doesn’t mean anything. One person’s idea of “modern” is another person’s idea of traditional. It’s best to have some images to share. Browse through home magazines for inspiration or social media outlets such as Houzz. com or Pinterest to start your search and save images of things you like.
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Don’t get too caught up in finding a room that looks exactly like what you have in mind. Rather, focus more on finding general styles or color schemes that are appealing to you. Your designer can help with the details. The idea is to create something that is uniquely you. • Keep the communication open. Yes, you should certainly have some input to share, but you should also remain open to new ideas and suggestions. After all, your designer and your contractor do this for a living. They work in this field every day. They are exposed to recent trends and may have ideas you would not have thought of on your own. • Be prepared to make decisions and move on. Nothing can be more frustrating for you and your team than constantly changing your mind or second-guessing your choices. Make a decision with expert guidance from your team and move forward. If you have done a good job of providing input about your preferences early on, an experienced designer is not going to let you make a mistake. They will only offer choices that work, based on your preferences, and ensure that everything flows together harmoniously.
How do I stay on budget? It always surprises me how often I hear about projects running out of control and way over budget. This is such a simple thing to avoid if handled correctly at the initial stages of your project. First, your contractor should have provided you with a written quote based upon your conversations and your preferences. Of course, there are variables in costs of different products and materials, but a range can be provided in advance. Your contractor should be able to provide you with proposed allowance for each
part of your project. Then, if you choose to select an item that is over the presented budget, that will be your choice and you should be aware of it in advance. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t included in the budget. Second, plan on sharing this information with your interior designer. He/she will need to know what price range to stay in for specifying such things as lighting, hardware, counter surfaces, flooring, etc. If your budget is clearly discussed and agreed upon in advance, there should not be any reason for unexpected surprises during the course of your project. As you can see, with a little pre-planning and the right team of experts, your remodeling project can be a pleasant experience and 24 Month deliver the outcome of your dreams.
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400 faces
Rick Gunn, Former CFO at Forsyth County Schools
By Alexander Popp At the beginning of June, Forsyth County Schools Chief Financial Officer Rick Gunn retired after 25 years spent working for the school system. Gunn isn’t probably someone that you have run into unless you frequent Board of Education meetings or are in the market for quality custom guitars, but directly or indirectly just about everyone in the county has been affected by the work he and his peers do for the school system. For this edition of 400 Faces, we sat down with Gunn at his shop and talked movies, food and about his personal guitar brand, Rose Creek Guitars. What is your prized possession? “My favorite thing in the world is my first guitar,” Gunn said. “You know, you can have golf clubs, you can have cars, but the first thing I ever created, that I was actually able to play, that’s my favorite thing. And the collection of guitars I have built over time.” Where is your happy place? “In this basement, in this shop, covered in sawdust or spraying lacquer or doing a guitar repair for somebody,” he said. “But this is where I could be all day every day. I’ll probably work harder doing this than I ever worked at anything in my life.” What has been a turning point in your life? “A turning point in my life was when I realized that I was ready to give up the accounting career and start doing something else, and realized that I could do this,” he said looking around at his shop. “This was like a revelation. It was actually this past Christmas break,
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when I finally realized that I need to do something else. I spent some extra time in my shop and talked it over with my wife about finances ... Telling [Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff] Bearden I was going to retire was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, But for me and my family it was the right thing to do.” Favorite TV show? “Game of thrones! I don’t know if you can call it a TV show, it’s more a series,” he said with a laugh. “I like it because it’s different every week and you never know who’s going to get wiped out.” Favorite movies? “Don’t laugh when I say this, people in my office would laugh if I said this, but my favorite movie of all time is ‘Halloween.’ Second would be ‘Caddyshack,’” he said. Favorite food? “Pizza, hands down,” he said. Favorite team? “Georgia Southern, anything Georgia Southern I’ll watch when it’s on,” he said. “They have had a couple of down years, but anything that they do I’ll watch.” Favorite vacation spot? “Anything to do at the beach,” he said. “I grew up in Savannah. My grandparents lived on Tybee Island, so I spent all my summers at the beach, and that’s all I ever did. It kills my wife because she likes to go different places but all I want is sun and sand.”
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DIY or call in the pros? While taking on work is admirable, know when to ask for help By Pamela A. Keene
With all the YouTube videos and websites that show people how to do everything from making a pot roast to building a deck, is it smart to do home repairs and remodeling projects yourself? “It really depends on the difficulty of the project and your confidence in your abilities,” said Jacqueline Crouse, owner of Peachtree Interiors Inc. “You can save money if you know how to paint, but if it’s a chore, it’s better to hire a professional.” The same holds true for other remodeling jobs. For instance, installing a tile backsplash in the kitchen can be fairly easy if you’re handy, but when it comes to replacing laminate countertops with granite or stone, hiring a professional can, in the long run, save money. “As an interior contractor, I enjoy working with clients to help them do remodeling projects more affordably,” Crouse said. “Many times, even if you find a countertop material or tiles that you like, we can beat the price for the materials. We can also provide estimates that will include materials and the labor.” Assessing the degree of difficulty and your skill set is the best place to start. Be honest about your own capabilities and your tolerance for frustration or unknown issues. Some jobs require extensive excavation before putting in new materials, such as
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flooring or bathroom repairs. Ask yourself if you’re committed to all aspects of the work before you begin. “A professional will take all of this into consideration in the bid,” she said. “Because of their experience, they will be able to anticipate possible stumbling blocks that a DIYer wouldn’t.” Simple tile projects without complex designs can easily be done by do-it-yourselfers, as long as there are no electrical components, such as outlets or light fixtures to consider. “Some of the newer glass tiles or stone components require special tools that most homeowners don’t own,” Crouse said. “And if the design uses a mix of materials, a professional is a better choice.” Think about whether you have a fluid timeline or need the job completed by a specific date. Are you willing to give up your
own evenings and weekends to get the job done? If not, consider hiring a professional. If you are planning structural changes, the best route is working with a professional. Say you want to open the space between the kitchen and a living area. “Professionals can assess whether the wall can be moved and will know the best way to accomplish this if it can,” she said. “Because some walls support the rest of the house, they can’t be moved.” Plumbing projects can pose the biggest challenges. “A shower remodel can open a number of problems. From using the right materials to complete the job to ensuring that the shower is waterproofed, the biggest failure in plumbing projects is water leaks.” From a safety standpoint, projects that involve plumbing or electricity are best left to professionals. “Licensed contractors know to anticipate problems before they are evident,” she said. “And when a pro does the work, you know it will be done right.” Crouse suggests talking with several professionals before making a commitment. Check references and ask to speak with some current clients. “You want someone who will stand behind their work,” she said. “You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that if an issue arises, the contractor will come back and take care of it.”
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Know what to expect during a renovation By Pamela A. Keene Bill Adamson has been remodeling homes in north Georgia for nearly 25 years, and he’s seen his share of surprises. “It’s all about making a plan,” Adamson said. “The very first thing we do, before we begin a project, is to get with an architect and make a plan. It will give us a good idea of what we’re doing and help us with the budgeting process. And an architect can address structural and mechanical issues before they become problems in many cases.” When remodeling older homes, it’s not uncommon to find electrical or plumbing issues that need to be addressed. “Over the years, the building codes have changed,” he said. “For instance, is the electric wiring the old two-strand type? If so, it needs to be replaced with three-strand grounded wiring.” On a recent remodel the homeowner asked to have hardwood floors to replace carpet. “When we pulled up the carpet we found that the subfloor was made of particle board. It had to be replaced with plywood to properly install the hardwood flooring.” Sometimes a project will reveal structural issues — floors that aren’t level or walls that aren’t square.
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“We advise homeowners to address these issues when they arise, although it may increase the cost. A builder can do a work-around in some cases, or the homeowner may choose to correct the issue right then.” Floor joists, rafters and support walls may need to be inspected as well, because the home may have shifted over the years. Replacing windows is a way to save money. Older homes — more than a couple of decades old — were built with single-paned windows that weren’t energy-efficient. Double-paned windows provide more insulation; low-E windows reduce the amount of UV rays that come into a home. “Today, manufacturers are making windows with sashes that fit the older-style openings,” he said. “Over the long-term, having double-paned windows will save homeowners on energy bills.” Insulation is another area that some homeowners don’t consider when remodeling. Adamson says that a good contractor will assess the efficiency of the existing insulation and suggest either installing or adding more to an older home, if necessary. He suggests that homeowners budget about 15 percent more than projected to cover unexpected issues. “Sometimes, we’ll find problems as we get into the project, from old wiring to water or termite damage. By being prepared, the homeowner won’t be surprised. You should always have a plan and a budget.”
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The FAQs on HVACs By Michelle Boaen Jameson
Your heating and air are many of the most vital parts of your home that keep you comfortable all year long. But when you remodel, there are lots of things to consider. Debbie Lawson Davis, owner and CFO of Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing Inc., in Gainesville, tells us what you should know about your HVAC system and renovations. What are some things homeowners should consider when they remodel their house, like tearing down walls and coming across duct work? “Homeowners will need to consider a new location to relocate ducts that may be in walls that are being removed or rerouted for the remodel.” If you need a new unit, is it better to get one during renovation or wait until all is complete? “Yes, it is better to go ahead and replace a unit during renovation, so any new or re-routed ducts can be taken care of during the rough-in stage.” Should you clean your ducts after a renovation to remove debris and dust
for all of the construction? “I would wait until after all the work is complete, but at the very least ... be sure to change all HVAC filters after any construction project, remodel, carpet or flooring replacement. You should also vacuum out floor registers after a remodel to remove construction debris, or sheetrock dust that might have fallen into the grilles.” When might a person consider moving a return or adding a vent? “When the duct will be in the way of the renovation or if the homeowner is adding onto existing home, new supply and returns will need to be added. Also, a new load on the home will need to be done to determine if a larger system is needed.” A remodel and renovation is a great time to consider upgrading your HVAC controls to a new Wi-Fi thermostat, many of which are compatible with voice command units like “Alexa.” Don’t overlook your water heaters during renovation, especially with a kitchen or bath project.
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More bang for your buck Kitchens and baths are the key 16
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By Pamela A. Keene When considering remodeling projects, your investment in either the kitchen or master bath will reap the highest return. “With both people in the couple working, having an open kitchen is one of the top assets of a home,” said JoAnn Estes, associate broker with VirtualProperties.net in Hall County. “When people can communicate between the kitchen and the family room, it’s the ideal situation.” For decades, kitchens have been called the heartbeat of a home. It’s where people gather for meals, to share stories of the day and to just hang out. When people entertain, the kitchen is typically where everyone stays. Countertops and cabinets are the best place to start. “Replace laminate countertops with granite or another solid surface,” Estes said. “Granite countertops and stainless appliances are very much still popular, and for
buyers, they are looking for updates, especially if your home is older.” As for cabinets, the trend has cycled back to white or painted cabinets. “You can repaint them, reface them or completely replace them,” she said. “It’s more affordable to repaint or reface them.” Two alternatives can change the whole appearance of a kitchen. “If you are really organized and neat, consider open cabinets or glass-front doors,” Estes said. “Just realize that you will need to keep everything in its proper place. You might consider mixing a few glassfront cabinets with others that have doors.” Lower cabinets with pull-outs are an easy conversion option that can update a kitchen and provide more storage. Newer kitchens often have deep drawers instead of cabinets that are used for pots and pans and other larger items. Continued, Page 18
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If you have room, add an island, which can provide additional work space or a place to sit. “Rolling islands can be moved out of the way and offer some versatility.” Master bathrooms have changed in the past several decades. Soaker tubs, with or without jets, are giving way to larger walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, benches and niches. “Frameless glass showers may be a bit more costly, but if you can afford them, you’ll change the look of your master bath,” Estes said. “And these days, people are looking for bathrooms that are easier to keep clean. They’re using larger tiles because it’s less grout to maintain.” To save water, replace toilets with low-flow models. “Comfort-height toilets with elongated bowls are more attractive and, as we age, they are more comfortable.” Another way to add value to your home is to discover more storage space. “Bring in a professional closet organizer to talk about ways to maximize your space and the arrangement of the contents,” she said. “It may be a matter of adding more shelving, or perhaps you can expand the footprint of the closet by taking some space from an adjacent room. You can never go wrong with adding storage. “Whether you plan to sell your house in the next year or intend to stay there longer, consider remodeling,” Estes said. “If you’re not selling, you’ll appreciate the updates and changes. If you are selling, the money you invest will most likely pay off in a higher selling price.”
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DRIVE-BY BUYERS:
What Do They See From the Street?
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By Pamela A. Keene
When a cheerful flower bed or a collection of colorful plants in containers greets visitors, it’s a sure sign that they are welcome at your home. And if your home is on the market, it’s just another way to encourage people to stop and take a look inside. “Buyers will often drive by homes they are considering before contacting their real estate agent,” said Suzanne Brosche, owner of Art of Stone Gardening in Dahlonega. “When your yard is neat, tidy and well-maintained, you’re sending a positive signal to potential buyers that the people who live there care about their home.” Some people call it curb appeal, that first look that may make or break a potential sale. But it goes way beyond planting some annuals or keeping your lawn mowed. Pull any errant weeds from flower beds, and if the weather has been warm with little or no rain, be sure to water plants regularly. Seasonal plants, especially in containers or around the front door, add a splash of color and interest to your view from the street. “Think about what impression your home gives from the street,” Brosche said. “A yard that’s mowed and edged looks good, but when you take the time to add mulch or pine straw, it’s like giving your lawn a manicure. Applying a fresh layer of mulch just brightens up a yard.” When was the last time you pressured-washed your driveway and patio? “Cleaning the concrete and solid surfaces around your home will brighten it up,” she said. “People may not notice that it’s clean, but they will certainly notice if it’s dirty or stained.” Pressure-wash the exterior of the house to remove any stains or mildew. “Because your front door is one of the first things that visitors see, give it a fresh coat of paint, and if you have shutters, brighten them with new paint as well. And if your door’s hardware is scratched or faded, replace it,” she said. “These are just a few little things that aren’t too costly, but they will make a big difference.” Brosche also suggests properly pruning shrubs and trees. Remove any dead limbs. “Many times, people ‘hedge’ their shrubbery, trimming it into straightsided bushes, but this is not the proper way to prune many flowering or foliage shrubs. Selective pruning, cutting back overgrown plants to varying lengths, will encourage new growth.” If necessary, bring in a landscaper to be a second set of eyes for your yard. The investment of having a professional clean-up can increase the positive curb appeal, plus landscapers know how to properly prune shrubs and trees. “Keep things simple. Unless you’re going for yard-of-the-month, consider presenting a clean and simple landscape that will be low-maintenance,” she said. “Most homeowners would rather spend time at the lake or in the mountains than constantly planting, pruning and gardening. The key is to make your home look inviting from the street. If the yard is messy, chances are buyers won’t be interested in looking past the driveway.”
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Tips for selling your home quickly
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I
t’s definitely a buyer’s market these days, but some houses simply don’t sell as fast. So, what’s the difference? According to Keller-Williams/Lanier Partners’ Teresa Smith, it’s all about first impressions. “First impressions are lasting,” said the Realtor who specializes in lake properties. “If the potential buyer isn’t impressed when they open your front door, you’ve lost a sale. Wow them from the beginning.” For instance, she suggests that you take a critical look at your home as you seek to make it more sale-able. “Remove the emotion from the scenario, because this is going to be a business transaction,” she said. “Be willing to be hypercritical about how the home will look to a stranger. Is it cluttered? Is the flooring out of style? Is the color palette out of date? Do you still have laminate countertops? Are your bathrooms stuck in the last decade? “When buyers open the front door and see your home for the first time, you want them to feel at home,” she said. “Fresh paint, carpet and shiny hardwood floors evoke this feeling.” Here are some quick tips that Smith offers when she’s preparing to list a home for sale: • Freshen your interior paint — select a soft color and use it throughout. Light grays and shade of white are popular now. Plus new paint will give your home a brand-new, fresh and clean smell and it’s not that expensive to repaint. • Add splashes of color; over the mantel, in the kitchen, fresh flowers on the dining room table, a simple throw on the sofa. • Remove all of the clutter. If you are planning to move soon, start packing. Make three piles ... pack, donate and trash. You’ll feel more organized and buyers will be able to ‘see’ their furnishings in your home. • Replace out-of-date — think gold — door knobs, plumbing fixtures and light fixtures. Box retailers offer inexpensive choices that can be easy to switch out. If changing expensive items are not an option, give an allowance. Samples of carpet and granite/stone help people envision what your home could be. Consider having samples and bids in place. Consider staging if you have already moved. Professional stagers can create a modern look and make your home more inviting to potential buyers. “Be ready to go on the market with a bang,” Smith said. “All parties involved will be happy including you. And remember that your home is one of your greatest investments. Being prepared and ready will give you the largest return on your investment.”
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