If you have a remodeling project in mind, it’s easy to get inspired. Magazines have always been a go-to source, but with so many websites now dedicated to the home, you can browse through thousands of images and articles to get your creative juices flowing.

One of our favorite sites is Houzz.com. With over 400,000 photos of kitchens, baths, basements, porches, and everything in between, it’s easy to get hooked. Members create their own Ideabooks – the digital equivalents to paper folders packed with ripped magazine pages. Need some help deciding on a paint color for your kitchen? You can even pose questions about your home improvement project to the online community.

Pintrest is a site that seemed to pop up overnight. A ‘virtual pinboard,’  Pintrest allows you to organize and share all those recipes you’ve been wanting to try, and of course, all your home remodeling  and decorating ideas. A great alternative to having a thousand bookmarks in your browser!

Other sites we like:

Hometalk.com

HouseBeautiful.com

ApartmentTherapy.com

BHG.com

Follow us on Pintrest and Houzz.

Remodeling your kitchen can be overwhelming, and often, it’s hard to know where to begin. These four steps can put you on the right path to a successful remodel and a beautiful kitchen.

#1: Plan Your Finances

First, start thinking about how you would fund renovations. Do you have the cash to fund your kitchen remodel? Or, will you have to finance your project? Multiple financing options are available to eligible homeowners, including: cash-out refinancing, construction loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and even contractor financing. Call your bank to see if you qualify for any of these options.

#2: Assess Your Wants and Needs

Try to differentiate your wants from your needs. Consider keeping a journal to chronicle how you use your kitchen. Who typically cooks? Where do you do most of your prep work? How is the flow of traffic? Are you making up for a lack of storage? Do you desperately need more space, or does your kitchen just need to be reconfigured? Create a “wants” and “needs” list, and rank each item by importance. Identifying these early on will help you stay on budget and not get carried away. (more…)

This historic 1890s farmhouse recently won a 2012 Decatur Design Award for Historic Preservation. The awards are sponsored by the City of Decatur’s Historic Preservation Commission.

This home had a myriad of exterior problems, from cracked and pitted stairs to walkways with broken and uneven pavers. We freshened up the outside by preserving as much of it as possible. We restored the concrete stairs and salvaged most of the pavers. The walkways were even created in a way to preserve the surrounding trees, so that if the roots shift in the future, the pavers can be reset. See more photos here.

before

after

As Baby Boomers age, incorporating universal design into renovations is becoming more common. At the same, many homeowners have misconceptions about these kinds of features. Not just wheelchair ramps and grab bars, universal design can discretely adapt beautiful kitchens and baths for the future.

For example, unable to access her appliances, upper cabinetry, or step down pantry, this wheelchair bound homeowner could not safely or easily use her current kitchen.  Entry into the space was also tight and inconvenient. To give her the modern, accessible kitchen she needed, Renewal removed a partition wall and widened an existing doorway. Extra storage was gained by raising the pantry floor. Other features include: a pull-under sink, desk height countertops, pull-down shelving in the upper cabinets, suspended floating shelves, and safer, easier-to-use appliances.

before

after: the new kitchen is easily accessible with a modern design

click photo to view slideshow of existing home

Follow us as we document the extreme transformation of this 1920s craftsman bungalow in historic Decatur. The homeowners purchased the property with the intention of restoring the exterior to historic standards and renovating the entire interior to create a modern, clean home with open floor plan, modern conveniences, and aesthetic details. The home will also incorporate “green” and energy efficient features, and with guidance from Southface, should become EarthCraft certified.

Renewal designed the project and will start construction in just a few weeks! To learn more about the home, view before photos, and see what the future holds, view our renovation diary, AtlantaRemodels.com. Enter your email address, and new posts can be sent straight your inbox!

Tired of your old, outdated kitchen? It may be time to renovate! Below are some helpful insights to aide you on your quest to a beautiful and functional kitchen.

There Are Plenty of Reasons to Renovate

If your kitchen is the hub of your home, it can take a lot of abuse and look dingy and dated quickly. Freshening up this space can: increase your home’s value, give you more space, create a more organized and functional layout, be visually pleasing, and create a more open, casual floor plan.

Beware of Fads

Consider incorporating long-lasting trends into your kitchen, such as: functional cabinetry, sleek and modern styles, universal design, glazes versus paints and stains, warm and dark colors, and natural woods and finishes. When researching materials, be sure to evaluate: cost, efficiency, and design. Keep in mind the level of maintenance and durability of the products you choose.

Some materials of note: Quartz is inching ahead of granite as the must-have countertop for durability, beauty, and cleaning ease. Popular flooring includes: hardwoods, natural stones, linoleum, porcelain, and vinyl tiles. (more…)

Is your home’s exterior seriously lacking in inspiration? When thinking about curb appeal, you may find that you can maximize on your home’s strengths with little work, or that your home may need a major facelift. Ask yourself:

1. What’s your first impression of the home?

2. Is the house clean? Well groomed? Welcoming?

3. What are the best exterior features of the house? Of the lot? How can you enhance them?

4. What are the worst features? What can you do to minimize them or improve them?

Bigger Projects
If you decide your home needs a more comprehensive make over, consider:

• A new driveway or walkway – stamped concrete
• Covered entry
• Adding a front porch
• Repairing or replacing siding
• Stone veneer (more…)

Does your kitchen need a makeover? Join us at the new Living Kitchen showroom at Sewell Appliance, and we’ll show you how to transform your kitchen into one that fits your lifestyle and fulfills your every need. You’ll learn about:

-Layout options
-Style choices
-Cabinets and countertops
-Flooring and backsplash ideas
-The latest in plumbing and appliances

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and Renewal has designed and built hundreds of them. We’re happy to share our expertise and ideas, so you can start planning your dream kitchen!

Seminar will be held at Sewell Appliance showroom, 7455 Trowbridge Rd. Sandy Springs 30328

RSVP online or call 404-378-6962.

Renewal is proud to be featured on the March cover of Professional Remodeler magazine, one of the industry’s top publications.

Renewal Design-Build’s Peter Michelson, CEO, and David Michelson, president, are featured alongside Joe Thomas, general manager of Renewal System Solutions.

The article discusses the symbiotic relationship between the full-service design-build firm and its sister home performance company. Renewal System Solutions performs home performance assessments and makes energy efficiency improvements as part of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

In the market for a remodeler? The top ten questions you should be asking anyone who works on your home:

1. How long have you been in business? A long history often indicates stability – and more than likely – expertise and a strong reputation.
2. May I speak to someone at your bank? Before you start writing checks, contact the contractor’s bank to make sure the firm is financially stable.
3. May I visit two sites you’re currently working on? You want to make sure the contractor is taking care of clients’ homes as if they were his or her own. Look out for: dust control, safety precautions, and the protection of the homeowners’ belongings.
4. What is the geographic area that you serve? Consider the contractor’s work area. With too much ground to cover, will he or she be able to meet your needs? If something unexpected occurs, will your team be able to respond in a reasonable amount of time?
5. What is your company’s area(s) of specialization? Be specific when talking about your wants and needs. Are you looking for a turnkey design-build solution? Do you have a historic home that would benefit from a contractor with historical approval experience?  Are you interested in environmentally-friendly options? (more…)

Aging-in-Place Seminar – “Renovation Solutions for a Lifetime”
Tuesday, February 28, 7:00 pm, Renewal office
Learn how to make your home accessible for life.

Will you or a family member be living in your home long-term or throughout retirement? Adapt your home to meet the immediate and long-term needs of your active lifestyle and maintain your independence comfortably, without sacrificing modern style and design. Learn more about universal design and aging-in-place.

Seminar will be held at 124 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur.

RSVP online, or call 404.378.6962.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Renewal Design-Build a 2012 Southeast Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) in two residential kitchen and bath categories of its annual awards competition.

Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards on an annual basis, and all regional winners will now be eligible for the National CotY Awards. National winners will be announced at NARI’s Evening of Excellence^SM on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Conference Center, located in Grapevine (Dallas), Texas.

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry.  The Association, which represents member companies nationwide—comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors— is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™

View the award-winning kitchen and bath.

Although you can certainly use savings or short-term credit, there may be other ways to fund your kitchen remodel, addition, or master suite.

Cash-out refinancing – If your interest rate is higher than the current rate, consider refinancing. With an appraisal of your home’s existing value, you have the option to cash out your equity and enjoy the benefits of a lower interest rate.

Construction loans – If you plan to add significant square footage or make major changes to your home, a construction loan could be the solution. This loan takes into account your home’s After Repair Value (ARV), determined by a home appraisal based on your project’s construction drawings. The loan is then applied to your current mortgage.

Home equity loans – If refinancing isn’t an option, a home equity loan is comparable to a second mortgage. You can use your home’s current equity to make improvements, and you receive the entire borrowed sum upfront. Continue reading

It’s an all too common story. You found the perfect home in the perfect location, but it’s lacking that modern kitchen you’ve always wanted or that extra bathroom your family desperately needs. Some helpful tips for purchasing and renovating your next home:

Know Your Budget -First, look at your monthly budget. Make sure you can afford the home, including property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Next, start thinking about how you would finance any renovations. Do you have the cash to fund your kitchen remodel? Or, will you have to finance your project? This could affect your monthly budget drastically.

Timing is Everything – When submitting your offer, request a long due diligence period – the timeframe given to you to evaluate your future asset. During due diligence, you’ll want to: get the home inspected, consider renovation changes, obtain estimates, and get bank approval on all loans. A good time span is 60 days, and for very extensive renovations, you may want to ask for 90 days.

Choose Your Team – As you’re looking at homes, have your team in place. This might include: an architect, a licensed general contractor, a design-build firm, mortgage loan officer, and of course, your realtor. The earlier your trusted team is at hand, the easier the process will be. Continue reading

High energy bills got you down? Many homeowners think that adding more insulation or upgrading to high efficiency windows will shrink their energy usage. Actually, home performance is much more complicated. It’s a science, and just like people, each house has its own DNA. So, before you dive into your ductwork, consider taking a whole-house approach to energy efficiency.

A holistic approach to your home means identifying and correcting problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. It ensures you’re making the right improvements toward better comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency.

The most important step is determining where your home is losing energy – and your dollars – by getting it tested. A comprehensive home assessment administered through Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program is a day-long set of evaluations, diagnostics and safety testing that identifies problem areas in your home using state-of-the-art equipment. The test pinpoints exactly where your home is leaking energy – saving you time and money. Continue reading

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Atlanta Chapter recently hosted its 19^th annual Gala Awards, and Renewal took home a CotY (Contractor of the Year) award – our third in three years!  View the project here.

What is NARI? The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association designed, organized and dedicated specifically for service to professional remodelers. The Atlanta Chapter has over 350 members. Every year, contractors from all over Atlanta vie for CotY Awards. An impartial panel judges entries based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.

Choosing the right materials for your new kitchen can be stressful, and perhaps, one of the biggest decisions made is the choice of countertop. You’re probably already familiar with the traditional granite, but if you’re looking for an alternative to this popular material, consider:

Other Forms of Natural Stone – Other stone options do exist (marble, soapstone, limestone), and all can give your kitchen a luxurious and organic feel. Most stone is heat resistant; however, it can be susceptible to stains and scratches and may need to be sealed every year, depending on use. And, because each piece is different, there is a large price variation.

Concrete – Concrete is a unique alternative; however, direct heat is not recommended. Concrete may also age and weather over time, so tiny cracks may develop and corners can chip, giving it a rougher edge.

Quartz – Quartz is a very popular countertop choice. Extremely durable, it won’t scratch or scorch. Unlike granite, the quartz countertop has a very uniform color and design (no significant variations with each piece), nor does it require sealing. Certified as a green building material, it also contains antimicrobial properties. Cost is comparable to a mid-range marble and granite material. The most popular brands are Silestone, Cambria and CaesarStone. Continue reading

If you’re thinking about remodeling in 2012 – maybe you have a baby on the way or a family member is coming to live with you – don’t wait to start your project. The remodeling process starts long before any work is performed on your home. Depending on your project, it can take two to four months to fully prepare the design and plans and to choose selections like countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures.

If you have a project in mind for 2012, now is the time to get started. Your project is also guaranteed to be done on time with our Guaranteed Renovation.

Renewal Design-Build has just won two Professional Remodeler Design awards in the Additions and Historic Renovation categories. In this annual awards program, entries are judged on criteria including construction quality, creativity, design, problem solving, effective space planning and functionality.

The Professional Remodeler Design Awards recognize the nation’s best remodeling projects in more than 20 categories.

See the award-winning project here.