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Creating an Open Floor Plan in a Ranch Home

June 10, 2015/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

The ranch home – a stellar solution for those who are in the market to purchase a home. While this is a great option, there are many people that feel a bit confined with how these are laid out. It’s interesting how they are put together as they are more functional than design heavy. That doesn’t mean that they can’t look elegant, but often, the components are confined to maximizing the square footage, and cutting rooms off to create single use domains. Sectioned off areas can be good, but if you want to expand or at least give the illusion of a bit more space, you’re going to want to pursue the option of opening up the floor plan a little. There are some distinct things you can do to make this happen, and it starts with opening things up.

Creating New Multi-Use Rooms

The first thing that you may want to look at is how to transform certain rooms. In ranch style homes, things can become compartmentalized. That’s not conducive to the modernism that comes with open layouts. One way to ensure that you are able to align the two is to create an open kitchen. Opening things up with a window, counter, secondary island, or multi-use area can really give you an opening. Modern trends such as eat in kitchens and nooks are gaining popularity, and this doesn’t cost a great deal to do. Starting with the kitchen is a great idea, as it gets a lot of traffic, and could definitely become a highlight of the design protocol you want to achieve.

Changing Design Schemes

Knocking down walls, opening up lighting solutions, adding windows, skylights, and more can usher in new light for your rooms. This opening can also give you a bit of a detracting point if you do not think about changing up the visual design flow. When moving forward with opening up your floor plan, consider new paint, new window treatments, and different accent pieces that play with that new lighting source. You’re going to find that a bit of paint and some new accents can give you a more open ended feel. This doesn’t have to cost a great deal either; it’s just a matter of playing with the pieces and changing up simple color palettes.

Getting Inspired

There is no “one size fits all” answer to opening up ranch home layouts. When in doubt, look for modern interior design and renovations online. You’ll be surprised how you can change out the square footage, use more of the set pieces, and create lasting impressions for your home with just a few changes. Start with the kitchen, open it up for multi-use, and then work throughout the compartments of your home, moving forward. You’ll find that over time, your inspiration can create lasting results here.

Turn Your Basement into a Guest Room

April 13, 2015/in General Remodeling /by Renewal Design-Build

Many homeowners search for ways to add value to their homes, and maximize the usable space. A finished basement can be a wonderful way to do both of these things. In fact, a full basement effectively doubles the square footage of your home. While many people think of the basement as a perfect area for storage or emergency shelter, it is possible to transform your basement into a comfortable and welcoming space for guests in your home.

For many reasons, basement spaces are often cooler than the rest of the house. They often don’t get heat from the sun like other parts of the home, making the basement a very viable living space. Bedrooms need a window for egress, so they’ll need to be located at the perimeter.

Bedroom by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers McElroy Architecture, AIA

Waterproofing

Additionally, you’ll want to double check your waterproofing. Most basements are already waterproofed, but if you’re going to spend time and money finishing yours, you’ll want to reinforce and double check to make sure water won’t be an issue.

Flooring

Once you’ve taken care of the behind the scenes work, it’s time to think about walls and floors. Thick carpet can create a soft, welcoming feel for guests as long as moisture isn’t a problem. If you’ve got a bit extra to spend, heated tile or wood floors can be great for adding warmth to a naturally cooler space. The cooler ambient temperature is welcomed in most areas except sleeping quarters. No one likes waking up to a cold floor on bare feet.

Wall Finishing

Finishing the walls may require new drywall, or it may just be a matter of a coat of paint. When choosing paint colors, choose welcoming serene colors that complement the rest of your decor. Consider cool colors, because even if you’re going with neutrals, a blue undertone can be very soothing.

Basement Lighting

Many basements lack natural light, and creating a well-lit, warm feeling space can take some creativity. Wall sconces and recessed lights can be great options, especially in a basement where space is limited. Bedside lamps, hanging lanterns, floor lamps and ceiling fixtures can all be great options. Your lighting choices will depend greatly on the specific use of the different rooms in the basement.

Renewal Design-Build is located in Decatur, GA and provides remodeling and renovation services throughout the greater Atlanta area. We are a full service design-build firm with a focus on projects that start at $50,000.

Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss your upcoming project and swap ideas. Together we will create the best basement area for your home and make it come together beautifully.

Are You Looking for Custom Kitchen Design in the Atlanta Area? Let’s talk!

February 27, 2015/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Custom kitchen design can be daunting, the sheer variety of design options, material options, color options, and more options, options, options! Find a designer and builder in the Atlanta area who is willing to help you work through all of the options to help you find the best products for your kitchen. We’re glad you stumbled upon our blog today, because that’s exactly what we enjoy. We have been in the business of creating custom kitchens for homeowners in the Atlanta area for many years. We have the experience you need and plenty of references to share. Let’s talk details!

Cabinets

Custom cabinets are absolutely the way to go when you’re truly going to customize your kitchen. Your local hardware or home improvement store will likely have a section for custom cabinetry, or you can look for someone to custom build cabinets for you. The decision is ultimately yours. Let us know if we can help with this process in any way.

Countertops

Marble, quartz, granite, and formica are very popular countertop options. Marble is, of course, the more expensive choice. Granite is less expensive but a very popular material. One thing we do want to bring up is that quartz is very quickly becoming a favorite among people who design and build custom kitchens.

Hardware

Hinges, doorknobs, cabinet and drawer door handles, and faucets should all be made of a similar material with a similar finish. This really helps pull the overall kitchen design together at the end of the project.

Appliances

Stainless steel appliances were number-one again in 2014 as far as new appliances are concerned. In fact, the second runner up was a massive 63% behind stainless steel in terms of popularity. So as far as trends go, stainless steel appliances are still the most popular. They look great in any type of kitchen from traditional to modern, and seem to hold their appearance much better than black, bone, or white appliances.

Lighting

Kitchen lighting options are pretty overwhelming for most homeowners. We often recommend LED lighting because it is more energy efficient and produces a true color light. This means your paint colors will look richer, and you’ll see more detail in most finishes.

Painting

Kitchen paint colors vary from homeowner to homeowner. We saw some pretty unusual finishes in 2014 that ranged from dark walls and white cabinetry to brightly colored walls with dark cabinetry. Neutral gray was a very popular choice for kitchens as it works well with most accent colors. We always recommend collecting images you find online or in magazines so you can get a good idea of what your finished custom kitchen will look like. Use those images to tell us exactly what you love about each image.

Window Treatments

Many homeowners are choosing to streamline their entire kitchen. They’re using built-in appliances such as the range, oven, coffee maker, and microwave. They’re turning away from traditional curtains and moving toward other window dressings such as window sun screens. As we said before, options, options, options!

Local Builders Know Local Trends

Just because you follow a local trend doesn’t mean your custom kitchen will look just like your neighbor’s kitchen. Trends and cookie cutters aren’t quite in the same category. Some trends are fleeting while others are enduring. Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss local trends and ideas on how to truly customize your kitchen.

Choosing the Perfect Countertop for Your Atlanta Area Kitchen Remodel

February 5, 2015/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen remodeling options are often overwhelming. The sheer number of cabinet, countertop, hardware, and flooring options often makes homeowners take a step back and question whether they really want to remodel their kitchen. Renewal Design Build in Decatur, GA has experience with the types of countertops listed below and many more. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options!

Granite: Granite is the most popular choice of countertop material for many homeowners. It offers a high-end look, increases the value of your home, and provides one of the most durable food preparation surfaces. Granite is a natural material, and no two countertops are the same. This makes it difficult to match multiple slabs for a uniform look throughout the kitchen while simultaneously increasing the unique appeal. Granite must be sealed regularly in order to maintain a flawless surface.

Honed Granite: Honed granite countertops are a twist on polished granite countertops. Honed granite provides a soft, matte finish instead of the highly polished glossy appearance of traditional granite. It is resistant to chipping, cracking, and heat, and slightly more affordable than polished granite.

Quartz: Quartz countertops are practically maintenance free. They’re stain, acid, scratch, impact, and heat resistant. They are nonporous, so you never need to seal them the way you do natural stone countertops. Quartz is the second-most popular countertop material; closely following granite.

Laminate: Laminate countertops are the most inexpensive option. The resurgence in popularity of laminate can be attributed to the low cost as well as to new patterns that resemble natural stone, wood, and many more high-end materials. Laminate is not heat resistant, but it is a cost effective way to try out different finishes every few years if you get bored easily.

Wood: Wood countertops provide a rustic, cottage style appearance. You absolutely must maintain a proper seal on the wooden countertop to keep it sanitary for cutting meats. Wood countertops are very heavy duty, very sturdy, and heat resistant.

Marble: Carrara or Calacatta marble is extremely beautiful and durable. The timeless appeal of marble provides a high-end appearance and works well with most types of modern kitchen decor. Marble’s smooth, cool surface is great for working with pastry and chocolate. It is on par with granite as far as cost is concerned. Marble can scratch easily and is susceptible to household stains.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel countertops aren’t only intended for restaurant kitchens. Stainless offers a beautiful, modern look with clean lines. It’s extremely easy to clean and does not promote bacterial buildup. Many restaurants use stainless steel countertops because it is the most hygienic countertop.

Glass: Glass countertops are sleek with clean lines and a very glossy appearance. They’re very sturdy and may be cut into any shape. They’re a little more expensive then more popular options. The nonporous surface creates an easy-to-clean, stain resistant, hygienic countertop workspace.

As you can see, there are many countertop options. Many kitchens even mix countertop materials, such as wood and granite or marble and quartz. An experienced designer can help you select the best countertop materials to suit your particular design and lifestyle.

Easing the Stress of Home Renovation

January 28, 2015/in General Remodeling /by Renewal Design-Build

Each year millions of Americans make the decision to remodel their home, and maybe you’ve also decided to take the plunge. Remodels can be exciting, and having a beautifully designed home that aptly suits your taste and style, can be very rewarding. However, the remodeling process can be stressful and challenging, especially for the unprepared. We work hard to take the stress out of an already-stressful situation. Renewal Design-Build in Decatur works with Atlanta homeowners to design and build incredible renovation projects without the stress.

Here are a few tips to help you take the stress out of home renovation.

• Have a Design Plan: Always develop a plan of what you want your remodel to look like. The more prepared you are the better, and the less likely you are to be stressed during the process. We provide 3D imagery of what your new renovation will look like before any work begins. We want you to know how your new area will blend and flow with the rest of your home from multiple angles.

• Create a budget: Determine how much money overall you are going to spend on design and construction. Don’t forget to include any expenses for new appliances, lighting & plumbing fixtures, etc…

• Call in the professionals: If you have a big remodeling job, don’t hesitate to call in professional remodelers. We will help with design options, and show you how to save time and money on the project.

• Keep the Goal in view: This is especially important when you are faced with unforeseen problems. We will do everything in our power to limit the number of surprises that crop up, and work to be prepared with immediate solutions so you don’t have to worry about them.

• Set aside extra cash to handle the unexpected: Sometimes there are going to be construction surprises such as insect infestation that simply must be eradicated, and that added cost can create stress. We’ll help locate potential problems and get rid of them before they become a problem.

• Get away when you can: Regardless of how prepared you are for the remodel, the constant noise and dust can take a toll. Schedule some away time to help ease the stress. Book yourself into a hotel some weekends, or stay with family or friends. If the renovation is significant enough, consider setting aside budget to rent an apartment during the construction phase.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the remodeling process. Don’t expect your home to be clean and tidy with all the changes taking place. It’s going to be noisy, dusty, and chaotic for a period. That’s why it’s so important to entrust your home to experienced, professional remodelers who will complete your home remodel on time, as well as within budget.

At Renewal Design-Build, we understand how demanding a home remodel can be, but we’re here to provide quality service and ease your construction anxiety. We have professionals that can help you through every step of the remodel. Why not give us a call today at 404-378-6962.

Buy that Old Home You Want and Call Us to Help Renew it and Create Your Dream Home

September 4, 2014/in General Remodeling /by Renewal Design-Build

I love old homes. Older architecture has so much unique appeal, and customizing a renovation isn’t as difficult as you may think. Renewal Design-Build is based in Decatur, Georgia. We are homeowners with an eye for design and we have the ability to transform any space into something spectacular. We’ve found that many of the older homes in the Decatur and greater Atlanta area are truly gems waiting to be discovered.

Why Work with Renewal Design-Build?

We take the guess work out of renovating and remodeling older homes. Our design teams work diligently to provide options that we’re sure you’ll love. We don’t just make a few sketches and hope for the best. Our process includes the production of 3D images to give you a true to life representation of what your home will look like when the dust settles.

Our designers love both old architecture and new. We have worked with several homeowners to restore the historic beauty of their old home as well as several who prefer to completely remodel and modernize their older home. The choice is, of course, entirely up to the homeowner. Our designers and builders will work with you to create the perfect solution to fit your lifestyle.

Potential Problems in an Older Home

Before you sign on the dotted lines, please understand that going into an older home with high hopes and dreams of the perfect renovation project, things often go wrong very quickly. Here are several things to keep in mind and to watch for before you even make the purchase.

Electrical Problems: The home will not be up to code. It is possible that the previous owner had new wiring run, but assume from the start that it will not be up to code and you will have to have all new wiring run throughout the home. Take that idea a step further and mentally budget for a new breaker box as well. It’s always better to be over prepared than under!

Plumbing Problems: Old pipes will likely need to be replaced. Expect to see leaks due to lack of maintenance and TLC. Check the area around leaks for mold and wood rot.

Water Damage: Water damage can be potentially damaging to the entire structure of the home. It can cause mold, dirt erosion, and wood rot if left for an extended period of time. Examine the area thoroughly before you make the decision to purchase the property.

I wrote another blog post about renovating an older home in Atlanta if you’d like to see some other areas of concern. Don’t go into the project expecting all rainbows and butterflies because it’s going to be hard work, even if you hire us to do all of the dirty work.

My advice to you, if you’re on the fence about whether you should or shouldn’t buy the old home you’ve had your eye on for years, is to do it. You’re aware of the risks by now, so just take the plunge and then call us to begin the renovation process!

Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Spice Up Your Atlanta Kitchen

August 19, 2014/in Current Trends, General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen design trends got really colorful throughout 2014. Some of these trends have made headlines where others are merely a flash in the pan. How do you distinguish between something enduring vs. a fad that will be over by next year? Here are some of the current trends we are seeing in kitchen design.

Colorful Kitchen
Homeowners have really started showing off their personal tastes in the most recent remodeling projects. They are becoming bold with color choices, like a dark blue kitchen wall with bone cabinets and quartz countertops. Many appliances such as dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators are now available in bright hues.

Craftsman Kitchen by Seattle Design-Build Firms Isola Homes

Streamline the Room
Straight lines, muted tones, and a good combination of dark and bright accent pieces really make a kitchen shine. One of the most popular trends in kitchen design for 2014 is the addition of built-in appliances. The refrigerator is hidden behind a door that looks like a closet door and matches the rest of the room. The microwave follows suit and is no longer a stand-alone piece of countertop space hogging furniture. Some homeowners are even going for a built-in area for the coffee maker. When it comes to custom kitchen design, the sky is the limit!

Kitchen by Renewal Design-Build

New Kitchen Lighting Trends
Under-cabinet LED lighting and over-island LED lighting are very popular this year. LED lighting for the kitchen is very cost effective, and bright enough to really allow you to see what you’re doing. Food prep areas need sufficient lighting in order to prevent mistakes while cooking. And let’s face it; over cabinet and under cabinet lighting is just cool!

New Faucets
Everyone loves the convenience of the pull-out faucet, right? No need to have a faucet and sprayer as two separate entities. It saves space and makes the area look so much cleaner. This year some homeowners also included no-touch electronic faucets in their kitchen design. This seems to work better for a secondary sink where most of the food preparation takes place.

The island is a very popular workspace, and working with a variety of foods requires a lot of hand washing to prevent contamination. The knobs or handles catch a lot of germs each time you turn the water on or off. This risks the very thing you’re trying to avoid – contamination of your food. An electronic faucet prevents that altogether.

Contemporary Kitchen by Roselle Bedding & Bath Grohe US

A Place for Pets
Some homeowners block the kitchen with pet gates while others welcome their pet into every part of the home. This section speaks to the latter group of homeowners. You likely have a designated spot for pet food and water bowls. Let’s take that up a notch and think about actually creating a permanent spot in the kitchen that is out of the way and very convenient for your pets.
The end of a row of cabinets, a lower-tier drawer removal, or the end of an island make fantastic spots for pet food bowls. Modify that idea even further by adding a faucet nearby so it’s even easier and more convenient to fill the water bowl.

Kitchen by Vancouver Kitchen & Bath Fixtures DeWils Custom Cabinetry

What Are Your Thoughts?
What would you consider a kitchen trend for 2014? What do you think about the ones we mentioned here, will they last? Would you like to see more about kitchens or would you prefer we cover other areas of the home in next month’s blog posts? Let us know your thoughts and ideas by commenting in the comments section or emailing us through the Contact Us page on the site!

Why Should You Choose Renewal Design-Build for Your Atlanta Home Remodeling Project?

August 11, 2014/in General Remodeling, Uncategorized /by Renewal Design-Build

Remodeling your home can be a very tedious project. You have to take so many factors into consideration. You’ve probably heard several horror stories as well; stories of muddy Georgia clay boots tracking across clean floors, of contractors disappearing in the middle of a project, and many more.

Renewal Design-Build is not like those other companies. We take pride in providing a professional atmosphere for all of our clients, regardless of the size of the job. Take a look at our design-build process and how it will benefit you.

Communication: It all begins with a phone call. Our initial consultation is the foundation for the entire project. We will meet with you at your home to discuss your project in detail. The renovation consultant who meets with you will serve as your point of contact for the duration of the project. We believe that communication is of equal importance as quality. Without good communication, we don’t feel that the quality of the overall job has been met.

Quality: True quality is met as a direct result of the hard work our designers and builders put forth and the quality of communication between the homeowner and designer. Our builders use only the highest quality materials during the building or remodeling phase of the project. High quality materials plus high quality work equals a high quality finished product.

Save Time and Money: The traditional design and build process required that you first speak with a designer to design your project. Then you’d speak with an architect to make sure the home would be structurally sound. Finally you’d coordinate between a general contractor, a plumber, and an electrician to have the home built. That isn’t how we do it here. We house the design and build teams and arrange everything for you. All you have to do is wait for updates, or call anytime to discuss the project with the project manager.

3D Designs: One of the most unique things we offer is 3D designs of your project. We want to make absolutely sure that you know what the end project will look like, so we provide 3D images. This gives you a glimpse of what life will be like in your newly designed home. We can make any changes you wish until the time construction begins.

Easy Home Design and Renovation

It doesn’t get much easier than building or remodeling your home with Renewal Design-Build. Our firm is dedicated to the improvement efforts put forth by all homeowners in the Atlanta metro area.

Give us a call at 404-378-6962 or contact us via our website any time to discuss your project in detail. We would love to make your home renovation dreams come true.

Home Remodeling with Teens

July 30, 2014/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Teenagers are often difficult to understand, but as parents, I don’t think we’re supposed to understand them. Think back to when you were a teenager; did everyone understand you and your needs? Of course not. Children grow into teenagers before we realize it, and their needs and tastes grow along with them. All too often parents are suddenly faced with the fact that their four bedroom two bath home just doesn’t cut it with so many people trying to get ready for work, school, hanging out with friends, and study dates.

Add a Bathroom
Adding a bathroom to your existing home may sound a bit tricky, but it can be done. Your contractor may have to get quite creative depending on the layout of your home, but imagine the convenience the addition of a single small bathroom would add to your family’s lifestyle.
Be careful when adding a full bathroom because you may overstress the hot water heater. No one will want to use the third bathroom shower if everyone is going to finish in cold water. Consider the possibility of installing a tankless hot water heater if you’re going to add a new full bath to your existing home.

Add a Home Addition
A home addition expands the physical size of your home, making space for nearly any type of room you need. Many first-time homeowners purchase a small house and work to pay the mortgage down so they have a good amount of equity in the home. They decide to add additional rooms as their family grows, and they can take out a second mortgage to cover the costs of expansion.

Teens Need Space
Teenagers need space to store all of their stuff. And they need space to invite friends over, play video games without commanding the use of the entire living room, and computer time without fussing with siblings who also need the computer for homework.

The ability to provide teens with the space they need to enjoy life (and make life easier on you) doesn’t necessarily mean you need to build onto the home. Remodeling bedrooms to include built-in storage for things like game consoles, game controllers, and a hide-away desk makes a big difference. Simply creating hidden or multi-operational storage spaces is often all that’s required in order for a teen to feel that they have increased space for stuff.

Ask Around
Discuss your home’s issues with a contractor. A properly designed home should flow easily from room to room and be comfortable enough to easily accommodate its occupants. Call us to discuss your home addition or remodeling options if you feel that your home isn’t adequately addressing the demands placed on it by your family.

Renewal Design + Build is a full service home design and build company located in the Decatur area. We service the Decatur, Intown Atlanta, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs areas. Our designers work closely with our project managers and construction teams to ensure that your home addition or remodel is perfect and exactly what you expect. Call us to schedule a free consultation with regards to remodeling your home during its transition from being a home to children to accommodating teenagers.

Thinking about Remodeling Your Home? Let’s Talk Whole House Redesign!

July 7, 2014/in Energy Efficiency, General Remodeling /by Renewal Design-Build

Before you panic or click away for fear of sticker shock, let me explain that a whole house redesign doesn’t necessarily mean knocking down all walls and starting from scratch. The basic structure of your home will remain intact, but we will redesign certain rooms, remodel the kitchen and bathrooms if you wish, and make whatever other changes you want. Some rooms, the family room for instance, may only require new paint, new windows, or updated flooring. Other rooms may only require paint, or nothing at all.

Build a New Home vs. Redesign and Remodel
One of the primary questions you need to ask your self is – should you remodel your existing home or build a new custom home? That choice is, of course, entirely yours. Several key factors need to be taken into consideration. Let’s take a look at a few of the big ones:
Building a new home requires the acquisition of land, footers to be dug, foundation to be poured, and every stage of construction leading up to the completed home. Remodeling your existing home requires none of those additional costs. Your basic structure, the foundation, plumbing, and electric wires are already in place.

Plan for Now and Later
Planning your whole house remodel will take time. You will likely need to consult an architect as well as a contractor. Your existing home has specific support beams and support walls that simply cannot be removed and replaced without ensuring that the support remains in place. Removing areas of support without replacing them all but guarantees that your home will become structurally unsafe.

While planning your remodel, keep in mind that you’re planning for now and for the future as well. Many people live in their homes through their retirement years, and well into their 80s. Mobility issues will likely arise in your later years, so plan ahead and include handrails, grab bars, wide hallways and doorways, and accessible showers and tubs.
Planning your remodel to include your senior years will increase the value of your home and make life much easier on you in the future. Adding a doorway to adjoin your bedroom to your baby’s bedroom may be a great idea for now, but think about what the teen years are going to bring.

Up to Code
This would be the perfect time to make sure all of the wiring and plumbing in your home is up to code. Replace any damaged or worn wiring with new, and replace all light switches and electrical sockets while you’re into it.

Go Solar
The Federal Tax Credit for installing solar panels expires at the end of 2016. Why not take advantage of it before it’s too late? Solar panels are a great investment for the future because they effectively reduce energy bills. The initial investment will be offset by tax credits and they will continue to pay for themselves through reduced energy costs.

Need More Ideas? Ask Us.
Contractors and architects are always full of great remodeling ideas! Feel free to ask questions like, “If it were your house, and you needed this functionality, what would you do?” You may be surprised at some of the answers you receive once you ask the architect, designer, or contractor to use their imagination.