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7 Tips for Remodeling Your Home to Create Spaces You Love

July 21, 2016/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

When a person buys a home, it is usually not their dream home and they most likely only love one or two things about the entire house. To be honest, no one ever buys a house and can honestly say that they love every space unless they design it themselves and have it custom built. Usually homeowners move into a new home and then they begin to remodel certain spaces, so that the space turns into a room that they truly love.

Here are 7 remodeling tips that homeowners can use to create spaces that they love:

Sometimes certain rooms only need a new coat of paint and new flooring to suddenly look beautiful and this is an easy remodel for any homeowner.

Replacing outdated light fixtures is a good way to change the style of any room.
Kitchens can be completely gutted and redesigned so the new layout is more functional for the homeowner. New cabinets, countertops, appliances and fixtures are another way for homeowners to have the kitchen of their dreams.
There is no reason why a laundry room has to be a dark and dingy place. Adding custom cabinets and counters for storing laundry products and sorting and folding is a wonderful way to spruce up this room and make laundry day exciting.
Updating a fireplace can change the look of a room. Most of the times the fireplace blends in with the rest of the décor, so a few updates can turn it into the main focal point of the room.
Removing built in cabinets from rooms can make the space look and feel larger. This will add usable square footage to any home.
Redoing a bathroom is a lot of work, but the end result is amazing. Updating tile, flooring and fixtures can turn any bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary.

Every homeowner should be able to create the house of their dreams with the help of their local contractor. Qualified contractors should have the experience necessary to come up with options to completely remodel a house and turn it into a fully functional and beautiful space.

Renewal Design-Build is dedicated to helping homeowners remodel various parts of their home. We specialize in kitchen,bathroom and interior design to add style, flow and functionality to each area. Give us a call at 404-378-6962 if you would like to discuss your next remodeling project with us. You may also use our Contact Us link at the top of the website.

Choosing Complementary and Contrasting Colors for your Kitchen

April 24, 2015/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular remodeling projects. A kitchen can be a very personal space for many people, and is often a central hub of family activity. Hours are spent here preparing food, sharing laughter, and talking. Choosing the perfect color palette for your kitchen is a balance between what will look good and the colors that appeal to you most.

Giving your kitchen new life can be as complex as a full remodel or as simple as fixtures and paint color. The first step to finding a color you’ll love for your kitchen is to start big. Gather all the colors that appeal to you, and then narrow down your choices by thinking about cabinet color, backsplash, appliances and other fixed design elements.

Avoid Trends if Possible

While using the hot colors of the season can be tempting, if you plan on selling at some point, definitely remember to consider resale value while choosing your colors. Trendy colors are trendy for a reason, but will they still be so well liked in future years? Consider going with more neutral tones and using accents like trim, a backsplash, or an accent wall to personalize your space.

Make the Colors Work for You

Colors can really affect the mood of a space, and when you’re painting a well-used area like the kitchen it is a good idea to think about the feel you’re going for when you choose your colors. Different hues can influence everything from mood to appetite to energy level. If you want your kitchen to be a cheery space to get your day started, yellow tones might be for you. Orange is known to stimulate appetite, and blue shades encourage relaxation, and can decrease appetite.

Accentuate the Positive

Paint can be a great way to highlight the areas of the room that you like, and hide those you don’t. Highlight features you love, like the window over your sink or the custom trim around the doorway. If you love your cabinetry, choose a wall color with contrast so they’ll stand out. Call us any time if you’d like to schedule an onsite color consultation so we can help you choose the best colors for your kitchen.

Renewal Design-Build is located in Decatur, GA and provides remodeling and renovation services throughout the intown Atlanta area. We are a full service design-build firm with a focus on projects that start at $50,000. We’ve helped many area homeowners restore historic homes as well as remodel modern homes. Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss your upcoming project and swap ideas. Together we will create the best kitchen for your home and make it come together beautifully.

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.

Opening up the Bathroom with these Great Ideas

March 11, 2015/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

This may sound like a crazy notion, but when you are looking at redesigning and renovating your bathroom, you are not relegated to just function. Often times, people think of the bathroom as something of a necessity and do not tie it together with design protocol. It shouldn’t be an afterthought of your interior design flow, and in the case of a master bath, you should take special consideration about how you can open it up and create a little oasis for yourself and your spouse. No matter what the goal is, take a moment to consider a few things before you hire a renovation company to do this type of work for you.

New Doors

The first thing to consider is the entrance. Sure, a solid door is nice, but what about thinking outside of the box? Barn doors, sliding doors, mirrored options, or glass sliders, can all take a page out of the visual design books and give you a master bath that is right out of the pages of a high end magazine. You are not relegated to just one type of solution here, even though most people just think within the confines of a box. Think outside of it, and you’ll not only open up your space by a bit of square inches, you could gain square feet as a result.

The Tub and the Shower

These don’t have to be connected. You could have any number of tub options, and for those who like to relax, you can have a soaking, illusionary floating spa tub with a fireplace if you like. For showers, you could have enclosed, open, or simple options that are outside of the norm. If you don’t have the space, then a compact design can be utilized, but you really shouldn’t think that you have only a handful of ideas to consider when renovating a master bath. When you discuss this with one of our designers, you will find that we can definitely help spur your creativity and build something amazing.

The Toilet and Sink

Sinks, toilets, bidets, and much more can be installed in a master bath, and tying it all together with the fixtures, doors, tile, backdrops, mirrors, lighting, and more should be considered. It’s easy to overlook all of these things since tubs, showers, and doors can sometimes take precedence. However, sit down with one of our experienced designers and a member of our construction crew and you’ll see that there’s an expansive array of solutions that you can work with in order to get a brand new bathroom.

At the end of the day, the options we discussed here today are just things to think about as you plan your remodeling project and consider opening up a bathroom in your home. It’s not something that should be taken lightly, but rather part of a larger solution with the help of one of our incredible designers. A meeting with our designer and build team will help you in terms of creating visual design flow through your bathroom and bedroom, and outstanding value in case you ever want to sell your house in the future. Don’t go DIY here; let the expert designers and builders at Renewal Design-Build handle this one.

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.

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.

A High End Kitchen Renovation that Won’t Leave You Feeling Burned

July 18, 2014/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

I could talk for days about how incredible our designers and builders are here at Renewal Design-Build, but I believe our work speaks for itself. Many of our kitchen remodels have received the Chrysalis Award (2013), the 2012 Silver OBIE Award for Residential Remodeling Best Addition, among other prestigious awards. Our designs have been featured on television shows, and our clients are always thrilled with the completed project. Please view our portfolio to see before and after photos of the amazing remodeling projects we’ve previously done.

Designing an award-winning kitchen takes time, patience, and no small amount of expertise. Our design team is absolutely incredible, and they leave no avenue unexplored. They work with you to ensure that your every wish is fulfilled regarding your new kitchen.

Our kitchen designs wouldn’t be as amazing without our expert team of builders. Our builders take their time to review the 3D renderings and study the plans for each kitchen build before any work begins. They make sure to get all questions and concerns out of the way before the beginning of the project, that way there are no surprises along the way.

Our teams work so well together that the entire project feels seamless. The homeowners we work with report that their experience with us was like no other they’ve ever experienced. They feel as if they are our only client, even when they know they aren’t. Our overall client care approach is designed to put the client first in everything we do.

Allow us the opportunity to work with you to design your new custom kitchen. You will be responsible for choosing the basic design that our designers will embellish on, the materials that our builders will use, and the finishing touches that will make your kitchen shine. In the end, your kitchen will be award-worthy just as many of the other kitchens in our online portfolio.

We’re very proud to have been able to work with some amazing clients in the Decatur and greater Atlanta area. We’ve met people who know exactly what they want and give us the creative freedom to perfect on their vision. We’ve also met people who have several great ideas, but aren’t quite sure if those ideas can be made into a usable kitchen. We do everything within our power to make sure their kitchen exceeds their expectations.

We enjoy working with homeowners to bring their kitchen dreams to life. If you’re remodeling your existing home, or building a new home, and are interested in hiring us to design and build your custom kitchen, please give us call. We will set up an appointment that works with your schedule and discuss your design and build needs.

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.