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Universal Design Not Just Ramps, Grab Bars

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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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Considerations

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Tired of your old, outdated kitchen?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. Read more

Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

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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 Read more

Upcoming Seminar: Designing Your Ideal Kitchen

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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 on Cover of Professional Remodeler Magazine

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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.

How to Hire a Contractor

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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? Read more

In Your Home for the Long-term? Attend this Seminar.

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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.

Renewal Named 2012 Regional Contractor of the Year

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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 ExcellenceSM 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.

Financing Your Renovation

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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

All Content Copyright © 2018, Renewal Design Build, Inc.  |  124 S. Columbia Dr. Decatur, Georgia 30030  |  404.378.6962