C E L E B R A T I N G 9 G R E A T Y E A R S!

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1 C E L E B R A T I N G 9 G R E A T Y E A R S! AUGUST 2010 Smart home improvement starts here REMODELING PLANNER Checklists for home maintenance and repair, plus 7 improved projects to inspire you 27 The Wonders of Water Aquatic features for your yard 47 Design from Above One-of-a-kind ceiling design Official Green Remodeling Magazine of NARI 55 Organization Downsizing your home 60 Design & Decor Solutions for white walls 62 Maintenance & Repair Heat pumps for the home 64 Lighting Eco-friendly exterior options 66

2 Photo courtesy of MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] REMODELING PLANNER Sooner or later, all homeowners take a good, hard look at their homes and see room for improvement. Whether it s updating the outdated or making more space for a growing family, the following remodeling planner will walk you step by step through the process Projects compiled by Sarah E. King When discussing your remodel with your contractor, take the following checklist along to ensure that you are on the same page about what you are looking for in the project and how the process will work. 7 PROJECTS atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST

3 Questions for you When do you want to complete this project? Do you want your plans prepared by: an architect a builder/contractor an interior designer a certified kitchen or bath designer yourself other What is your overall estimated budget for this project? less than $12,000 $12,000-$30,000 $30,000-$45,000 $45,000-$60,000 $60,000-$80,000 $80,000-$100,000 $100,000 or more Do you want the new space to have: more room less room updated features better layout/flow more natural light other How long do you plan on staying in the remodeled or new house? (This should help determine the price-per-year breakdown.) How many people live in the house? adults children Project completed by: AK Complete Home Renovation Location: Morningside/Kennesaw Approximate cost: $20,000-$30,000 1MODERN MEDITERRANEAN The owners of this Kennesaw home had a large bathroom but wanted additional space for spa-like relaxation. The bathroom contained a small window, partial dividing wall and white cabinets, countertops and drop-in sinks. Removing the partial wall, enlarging the window to a width of 40 inches and placing large tiles on the floor in a diagonal pattern helped create a more spacious look. The dominant tile, Durango Honed Travertine, created a calm and soothing feel, while additional natural light from the larger window dramatically improved the bath s ambiance. New sconces now provide soft lighting, and pale green paint brings the tranquil feel of nature inside. Two new focal points were added: a one-of-a-kind Cheviot claw-foot tub that replaced the previous tub/shower combination and a Wells Glass Art vessel sink. The homeowners now have the bathroom they ve always dreamed of and can retreat to their spa-like oasis whenever they re in need of a little relaxation. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST

4 What are the ages and genders of the family members? Are you planning to expand your family? Yes No How many/what kind of pets live in the house? Does your family have any special needs that need to be accommodated? Project completed by: Highlight Homes LLC Location: Newnan Approximate cost: $130,000 For 13 years, the owners of this Newnan home had dreamed of updating their 1970s galley kitchen, but that was just the beginning of their home makeover. Their renovation project consisted of adding a 400- square-foot kitchen and breakfast room, as well as a 900-square-foot deck, in addition to remodels of the existing living room, dining room and half-bath. The home s original 2-inch oak hardwood floors were Would you like to incorporate universal design refinished, and paneling in the living room was removed and replaced principles? with sheetrock, a 6-inch base, crown molding and RB3 casing for the windows and doors. The renovated rooms also received new light fixtures, plugs and switches. To complete the half-bath renovation, a 1 new toilet, vanity, marble top, porcelain sink, 8-inch spread faucet, light 2 fixture and vent fan were added. The utility room received a facelift too, with new sheetrock, base, light fixtures and 16-inch by 16-inch ceramic floor tiles. The fireplaces in the living and dining rooms were also due for a makeover and received new, painted brick with arched header and new mantels. In the end, the owners got just what they wanted an oldblended-with-new makeover completed in just 7 weeks. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST WHOLE-HOME REMODEL

5 Prioritize the following options: (1) very important (2) important (3) not important function of space traffic flow through space look of space brand name of materials budget flexibility timeframe of project energy efficiency Notes Have you ever undergone a remodeling process? Yes No Have you or has anyone else made a sketch of your ideas? Yes No Would you like the new floorplan to have: traffic redirected through a different layout more efficient space planning Project completed by: Brian Patterson Designs Inc. more efficient storage convenient movement between rooms Location: Marietta Approximate cost: $185,000 Do you want to: change doors or windows A craftsman-inspired renovation to this vintage 1970s split-level change the size of the space created an updated look and more open floor plans. The team at Brian consider a room addition Patterson Designs Inc. wanted to redefine the public areas of the house by opening the existing floor plan, adding extensive millwork and a What do you like about your current space? screened porch off the kitchen and sunroom. To do this, the design team added architectural details, including a decorative railing on the porch, a period door and updated garage doors. They also installed planter boxes in the left and right upper windows and cottage-style shutters that extend from the tops of the windows to the bottoms of the planter boxes. The planter boxes also create the illusion of longer windows. For 13 the interior, the updated design combined light-colored wood flooring with rich walnut cabinetry and ceiling beams. Classic arts-and-crafts wainscot, columns and friezes were added to open the keeping room to both the sunroom and living room. Other notable features of the newly designed home include bold x-shaped ceiling beams and a blue-black glazed island with x-shaped trestle legs. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST WIDE OPEN SPACES

6 What do you dislike about your current space? What three words describe your hopes for the new space? What type of design would you like your new Project completed by: Renewal Design-Build Location: Druid Hills Approximate cost: $57,000 4CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN space to have? sleek/contemporary The homeowners warm and cozy of this Druid Hillsarea home wanted American country Italian country a kitchen with French country contemporary flair and an open floor plan fit for entertaining. Their open and airy old kitchen was anything but accommodating and featured dated tile traditional and blue cabinetry. The Renewal Design-Build team changed all of strictly functional that, however, and now the kitchen is open and airy, thanks to vaulted 1 American formal ceilings, skylights and the removal of an oven tower that separated the family retreat (coastal) kitchen from the living room. Morlais Avoire tile flooring enhanced the transitional (clean design with some detail) kitchen, and new oak cabinetry, modern hardware, up-to-date fixtures other and inset lighting completes the contemporary look. Warm touches, as seen in the wood beams across the ceiling, add a welcoming feel, making the owners proud to call this new space home. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST

7 Questions for the contractor How long do you estimate this project will take? Do you think it is possible to accomplish what we are looking for within the budget we are considering? Do any of our ideas seem unattainable? How will the process of choosing appliances, paint colors, etc. work? Are we responsible for clearing out the space before the remodel begins, or can you arrange moving and storage? Project completed by: Handcrafted Homes Inc. Location: Gainesville Approximate cost: $225,000 A terrace-level renovation for an older couple proved a success Who will be my No. 1 contact, and if he/she is for this Gainesville-area home not available, whom should I contact? makeover. The project entailed renovating the kitchen and family room so the owners could be more self-sufficient and also entertain both friends and their adult children in a more relaxed, less formal environment. The team at Handcrafted Homes Inc. replaced the carpet on the bottom landing of the steps with inlay tile designed to look like a rug. They also replaced the six-paneled door at the bottom landing 1 with a double-hung set of cherry doors with glass panels, allowing 5 Approximately how many people will be visibility into the lower level. Two arches were added between the working in my home each day, and what hours entryway and living room, creating a sense of flow and continuity. will they be working? In the kitchen, the design team added an island to offer space for gathering and an area for buffet meals and food preparation. The result is a functional, beautiful floorplan that allows the owners to move about freely and safetly. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST SWEET INDEPENDENCE

8 How much notice will I be given if the power and water will be turned off? How will my landscape and the exterior of my home be protected from machinery and workers as they come and go? Will the crew be responsible for cleaning up each night so that areas of the home that we are using will remain livable? Where will the dumpster and a portable toilet be located on my property (if necessary), and who is responsible for emptying/maintaining them? Information provided by the National Association for the Remodeling Industry, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of Home Builders and the Better Business Bureau. Georgia Contractor Licensing In 2004, the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors was created in Georgia to regulate construction contractors. The licensing that is now required for Georgia contractors states that applicants must pass a two-part examination covering the license they are attempting to obtain, as well as business and law topics. Licensing has been the biggest change in Georgia contractor laws in the last few years, says Judy Mozen, CR, president of Handcrafted Homes Inc. The first batch of us are up for renewal this year. Learn more online at georgia.gov/plb/contractors. Project completed by: Weidmann & Associates Inc. Location: Atlanta Approximate cost: $139,000 COMFORT & CONVENIENCE When these repeat clients decided that they wanted to change the built-ins in their great room, they sought input from the pros at Weidmann & Associates. From the polished brass fireplace doors to the false beams on the ceiling, they were looking for a complete transformation of the space. However, there were two critical elements that had to be retained: an heirloom walnut mantle and the family portrait that hung above it. To complement the mantle, the original carpeting was replaced with dark walnut floors in varying widths. The new beams, assembled and finished onsite using pine salvaged from churches and barns throughout Canada, are accented by a three-tier chandelier made from hand-forged iron. Limestone tile in an eight-piece pattern extends from floor to ceiling around the enlarged fireplace and blends effortlessly with the Venetian plaster 6 walls. Custom cabinetry by Krogh Built Cabinetry, with contrasting interiors and accent lighting, highlights the medallions, crossbars and wire mesh in the cabinet doors. To complete the design, Weidmann & Associates refinished the cabinetry in the adjacent wet bar and painted the oak trim to blend with the new woodwork. Now, the homeowners have a comfortable room with the feel of a bygone era, but the technology appropriate for a 21st century home. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST

9 New Law: U.S. EPA s RRP Rule Effective Oct. 22, 2010, the U.S. EPA s new law the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires any contractor working for compensation on a pre home to be certified in lead-safe work practices. The law initially became effective on April 22 of this year, but the EPA announced in July that it would delay enforcement of the rule. This new law applies to any work that disturbs 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior space, and includes all window replacements, regardless of square footage, because old, painted windows are the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: If you re living in a home that was built before 1978, you should ask if your windowreplacement contractor is a Certified Firm using Certified Renovators, regardless of whether you think lead paint was used (it is often unknown whether lead paint is present). You can expect a small increase in the cost of replacing a window, but you can also expect a much cleaner windowreplacement project (the RRP Rule trains contractors to abide by a higher cleaning standard). SUMMARY OF THE RULE: Contractors must supply homeowners with a Renovate Right pamphlet Renovation firms must be EPA certified Applicable buildings include all pre rental properties, pre-1978 owneroccupied housing, daycare centers and buildings with kindergartens with children under the age of 6 One person per crew has to have completed 1 day of Lead Safe Work training and must be a certified renovator Lead Safe Work practices are required to be used when conducting renovations greater than 6 square feet per interior room and 20 square feet per exterior area Windows and demolition work are always applicable A cleaning verification is required There are record-keeping requirements National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Editorial Resources begin on page 85. Project completed by: HausWerks Architects & Builders LLC Location: Decatur Approximate cost: $365,000 The renovation and restoration of this historic home, built in 1925, was a labor of love, as the home suffered from decades of deferred maintenance. The goal was to restore the home and enlarge it to meet the needs of a modern family. The original floor plan and footprint was retained when creating the four-bedroom, four-bathroom look, with the exception of the two kitchens that had been created for duplex use. This area, along with the original butler s pantry/nook, was converted into a bright, modern kitchen with tray ceilings. The butler s pantry was restored and installed in its original location as part of the new kitchen. To enlarge the home, the design team removed the original roof, which suffered from many years of water damage, and recreated it. They also converted the original hip roof at the rear to a gable and added several smaller gables along the sides. The gable off the rear became a new master suite. All of the wood trim upstairs was duplicated to match the original trim, and antique doors from the 1920s were used HISTORY IN THE MAKING 17 throughout to match the age and heft of the doors on the first floor. atlanta Home Improvement AUGUST