Amazing! New Addition in East Cobb!

Could this be the year you decide to create an addition for your home? Atlanta Curb Appeal helped this East Cobb family add a new wing to their home. And they are in love!

Originally, they found Atlanta Curb Appeal because we had already worked on several homes in their East Cobb Chimney Springs neighborhood. At first, this project started out as a simple add-on. The homeowner wanted a master bedroom built above the garage, but as the homeowner started talking about options with us, they decided to go even bigger. Great ideas just kept piling up! When all was said and done, they decided to also update the exterior of the house and refresh the kids’ bathrooms.

Home additions are always fun – and often full of surprises. This one was no different. The initial idea was to build a new room above the garage, but as we began demolition of the attic above the garage, we decided to take a different course. We knew that the existing garage would not be a good foundation for a new room, so we decided it would be better to rebuild a stronger garage and foundation first. In this case, renovating an old space would have caused more issues than starting fresh.

There are a few other things besides foundation that you should consider before starting a home addition project. For example, will the home addition location be ideal for new plumbing, electric, and HVAC pipes and ducts? Will you need to add more HVAC units to keep the home cool/warm? Also, local inspectors will want to see wiring, smoke detectors, and new breakers in the circuit panel. The other factor is flow. These are all things that ACA can help you determine when you are thinking about an addition.

What are some of the features we love on this addition?

The custom cedar flower boxes we suggested for the second floor!

The family loves the new, large master bedroom, and the kids are happy to have their own rooms and bathrooms! As they drive by, many have commented on the beauty of the final product.

Are you ready to get your East Cobb addition built? Give Atlanta Curb Appeal a call. Additions are $50,000 to $200,000 and can take a few months to build, but the results are worth it!

East Cobb BEFORE and AFTER Bathroom Makeover!

Bathroom remodels were the most popular home renovation project of 2020. And we have a great one to show you!

After years of living with the builder-grade master bathroom, this homeowner was so excited to get an updated East Cobb bathroom from ACA, Atlanta Curb Appeal! The upgrade included a roomy shower, a freestanding tub, and a gorgeous picture window.

This East Cobb homeowner learned about ACA from her neighbor across the street. We did a master bathroom improvement there, too. This home was built about 20 years ago, and the bathroom needed a little bit of shine.

 

First, ACA removed the framing and glass blocks from the previous shower to allow for more space inside. The glass blocks, while interesting 20 years ago, had not aged very well. Amazingly, the new glass shower walls opened up the space. On the walls, what appears to be a beautiful marble finish is actually 12X24 porcelain tiles. It looks stately! The porcelain tile that mimics the marble look is often preferable because it is more durable, affordable, and less slippery.

Next up, we removed the big, clunky Jacuzzi tub, which has fallen out of grace in home design for several reasons. They tend to leak over time and their size requires a huge fill-up of time and water. Plus, those old tubs take up valuable bathroom footage and are difficult to keep clean. Not a lot of benefits for all those drawbacks.

The beautiful window above the tub was custom-made to bring in light and accentuate a lovely view. And we were able to add gorgeous shiplap around the tub. The shiplap was not just a design feature; the wood will actually protect the drywall close to the tub.

Since we had to change up the wiring and make adjustments to the plumbing, ACA replaced the vanities and most of the drywall.

We also added new tile to the floors to match the flow and design of the bathtub and shower.

Even though there was a delay in the specially-ordered custom window, this bathroom remodel only took us six weeks. The homeowner was so pleased with the finished product! “She loved it,” according to Andy Anderson, co-owner of Atlanta Curb Appeal.

Ready to tackle your bathroom? Atlanta Curb Appeal has ideas and plans to bring your bathroom up to date! Contact us here. 

Want to read another Makeover Story? See this magnificent country club bathroom! 

Atlanta Curb Appeal remodels homes in East Cobb, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Milton and the surrounding areas. Give us a call if you are ready to upgrade your exterior or interior.

Read all our reviews on Houzz! Or Follow Us on Facebook so you can find us when you’re ready.

Modern Kitchen East Cobb Deserves to be in a Magazine!

For a long time, this East Cobb family had been planning a new kitchen for their home off of Lower Roswell Road. They went searching online for kitchen contractors and called a few. Although they received several quotes for the project, they clicked with Atlanta Curb Appeal because they liked our ideas.

Their home had been built thirty years before, and it hadn’t been updated at all. It had builder’s grade cabinets with the standard honey-colored wood and ordinary dark countertops. The kitchen sink was laid out in typical 1990’s style at an angle with 3 bar stools behind it. Because of this layout, a whole kitchen gut out was required.

BEFORE

One of the biggest goals that they had for the kitchen remodel, besides making the space feel larger, was a gorgeous new island. We understood their vision and custom-designed every inch of it. The intention was to create a generous centerpiece but with plenty of space around the sides for the flow of traffic. The hardware color they chose was a gold finish. It looks great against the super light cabinets and darker island. The countertops the client chose were white man-made quartz. They are elegant and durable and gleam in the new lighting. It’s so bright and fresh now!

Previously they had a small pantry and laundry room off the kitchen. We had to remove everything, along with a small balcony and extending the living room. It wasn’t an easy task because the walls we had to remove were load-bearing walls. We had an engineer visit and inspect the whole structure to calculate what size beams we should use. This also meant that the whole ceiling drywall had to come down. We installed many LVL beams to carry the upstairs weight to compensate for the loss of those load-bearing walls.

The work was worth it because, with this new open space, where the hard-to-access pantry had been, we built a whole wall cabinet with a coffee bar in the middle! Underneath the countertop, a new microwave and warmer drawer were added. The space is now so much more useful. Above the coffee bar, we installed a row of cabinets with clear glass that is lit from behind with LED lighting.

We commonly install strip lighting under cabinets these days; it shows off the backsplash and creates a more efficient and inviting work environment.

Above the oven, we installed a large gorgeous eye-catching hood. While it looks like copper on the outside, it’s actually a wood piece that we special ordered and stained! The actual hood unit is underneath and is connected to an exhaust pipe that empties outside the house.

The kitchen now flows out into the living room more easily. Since we had to move 3 walls to make this space larger, we fixed and matched the floors by sanding the whole main level, staining it and then applying 3 coats of polyurethane.

Originally, the living room was much smaller with a fireplace in the center of the old wall.  By taking off the small balcony and moving walls, the fireplace was going to be off center. To balance things out, we took it all apart and relocated it to the center of the new wall. We resurfaced the wall with bricks and installed a thick, custom cedar beam mantle and bracket.  We trimmed the wall out and created the perfect space for the large tv. The space is now so open and spacious.

We had told the client it would take 7-8 weeks to complete a project of this size; we are happy to say, it took exactly 7 weeks! They stayed in the home while we worked around them.

The family was thrilled working with us; they said they had a great experience and loved our crews! They loved the communication throughout the project and the pace of the work that occurred each day. They are elated at the huge transformation of their home.

Are you looking for a kitchen renovation in your East Cobb home? Atlanta Curb Appeal can get you a free estimate for your next home project. Our clients consistently remark about our level of communication and commitment to budgets and timelines.

Want to read another Kitchen Makeover Story? Check out this Fabulous Modern Kitchen renovation.  The black and gold details are gorgeous!

Resplendent Roswell Kitchen Reformation!

What do you when you have a dark and dated kitchen? You transform it!

This family in Roswell realized they were ready for an open and light-filled space to create and entertain. Their original floor plan of a separate kitchen and dining room was just too limiting. They called Atlanta Curb Appeal to see if they could have their dream of a beautiful, modern culinary oasis.

BEFORE:

To get started, the client agreed to open up the space. To do this, ACA removed some load-bearing walls. We had to get creative to ensure that the weight would be carried in other ways. This included adding new footing and adding to the foundation.

Want to See Our Atlanta Curb Appeal’s Photo Gallery of Kitchens

The family saved up for this project and that preparation paid off. They were able to splurge on some top-quality materials that will keep this kitchen beautiful for years to come!

Quartzite Countertops

One of these high-quality items is the quartzite countertops. Quartzite is a growing favorite for several reasons. First, it is a naturally-occurring material, so it has the depth and beauty that are often associated with granite and marble, but it is much more durable. Unlike marble and granite, it does not scratch or etch, and it requires virtually no maintenance. A win-win for everyone.

Solid Wood Flooring

The other high-quality material ACA used in this renovation was new red oak flooring. This gorgeous natural wood gives the kitchen a modern, classy feel and will be durable through time. ACA stained the floors with Provincial by Minwax, and we applied a durable shellac polyurethane to preserve the floor.

The Island

Prior to the renovation, they did not have an island, but they desperately wanted one. They had narrow cabinets and needed end appliances space after we removed the walls.  By adding an island and installing new wider cabinets, Atlanta Curb Appeal was able to increase cabinet space by 30%!

The Dry Bar

They did not have the dry bar before and had always wanted one to display glasses. Plus, having beverages on tap cold and ready to enjoy without crowding the kitchen fridge was a total bonus.

ACA thrives on referrals. This Roswell family was referred to ACA by a friend who had a great kitchen experience, too. And now, this family was so happy with their experience with ACA that they referred us to one of their friends. Are you ready for your home upgrade?

Call Atlanta Curb Appeal to set up an appointment today, 770-778-1172

Want to read another makeover story? See this Modern Kitchen Update in Indian Hills we handled recently.

Back in Black: A Stunning East Cobb Makeover

Back in Black

For this former New York family, their newly purchased East Cobb Roswell home did not fit their style. The home was over 20 years old and most of the fixtures and features were original from the builder – basically a home from the late ’90s – which meant lots and lots of brown. They chose the home because of its excellent location and good bones. However, modern and updated was what they wanted and that’s why they contacted Atlanta Curb Appeal.

Remarkably, the owner’s design background and sense of style lent itself to a clear vision of how she wanted to renovate each room. Her love of black and white dramatically changed the look and feel of each space. A little bit of paint went a long way, especially on the home’s exterior (which was completely transformed) and the interior noir window trims which modernized the home’s interior.

Over the past few years, a change has been happening in American home color palettes. It was all white for a time, but today in some homes “black is the new gray” in interior design! This homeowner clearly had a vision of how to recreate the space in their own style and using more contemporary design techniques.

Even more unique to this project – believe it not – is that this beautiful renovation was designed almost entirely through renderings and Facetime discussions with the owner over the two-month period before they relocated from New York. Once the work began, the owner flew in every few weeks to meet with ACA in person and see the progress, but they were able to pull off the successful renovation via long distance through daily FaceTime communication.

The Great Room

The Great Room was transformed with paint and special architectural touches, including new wall trims, revitalized flooring, and a new fireplace mantle. Sometimes it’s the small details that can make a huge difference. Off the Great Room, ACA built a one-of-a-kind foyer ceiling detail that is striking when you walk through the front door. This similar trim detail was added to the kitchen and bar islands for continuity (see photos!)

The Pantry

Coming from New York, the owner always longed for a large pantry and laundry space. ACA completely transformed the home’s former laundry room into a spectacular mudroom, with a deep pantry, new laundry space and powder room. Together they designed a custom-built pantry with deep shelving with barn doors to cover the laundry area and reduce noise, but maintain the open concept. The open shelving for the pantry turned out beautifully because it allows for display of their inventory of food to be seen with a quick scan, which is great when you are creating your grocery list. A barn door was added to serve as the powder room door to maximize space. This room transformation was not without its challenges – including the need to remove a window to make the barn doors work! ACA worked through the issues to make her design a reality and this is now the owner’s favorite space in the house!

 

The Kitchen

Using the good bones already in the kitchen, the look was completely transformed by professional cabinet refinishing. Just by changing the colors, this kitchen instantly became more modern. Then ACA added new countertops, fixtures, lighting, and special molding detail to bring the cabinets to the ceiling. With a fresh backsplash and modern hardware this kitchen – especially the island – became a gorgeous focal point of the home.

 

The Bar Lounge

Often in homes today, you see the front room adjacent to the dining room as an office or a formal sitting room, but these homeowners had other ideas! ACA custom-built a wet bar with a striking island (detail matching to the foyer ceiling detail) to make this room a one-of-a-kind bar lounge. The room is still in progress but it is proof that you can make your home whatever you want, with a vision.

Overall, the results of this home renovation speak for itself! The owners are thrilled with the renovation and enjoyed working with ACA. She shared on her Instagram live updates through each of the renovation stages. Go to @AllyBunin and click on “Home Reno” in the highlighted stories to see the progress.

If you are ready to start a new project with Atlanta Curb Appeal get in touch with us for a consultation. 

Want to read another Home Makeover story? Here is a gorgeous Kitchen in Black we did in Indian Hills last year.

Dramatic Backyard Makeover East Cobb

Dramatic Backyard Makeover in East Cobb

Originally, this East Cobb homeowner found Atlanta Curb Appeal through mutual friends. They were looking to upgrade their backyard into a place that the whole family could enjoy. For 10 years, they had lived there getting by with a simple unscreened deck. Unfortunately, during the hot and mosquito-filled Georgia summers, it was not exactly the most pleasant place.

Their original deck was plain and was not finished underneath, and in the backyard, an old playhouse got little use. This family has 3 fabulous kids that love the outdoors, and the dad really wanted a screened porch and a bigger deck. He got his wish!

It was a large project to undertake. First, Atlanta Curb Appeal had to remove the old deck completely and start from the footings up. Then, a post was added and new beams.
A brand new screened porch was built on top of the new large, long deck. It’s amazing how much usable space was created!

After completing the deck, an underdeck was finished with a dry below system to collect the water from above. This ensures that the water from the top level does not penetrate to those sitting underneath on the new stylish outdoor furniture.

Atlanta Curb Appeal also added some visual panache by dressing up the columns, screen frames, and posts with cedar. Cedar is truly a gorgeous choice for decks. Wood stains were also applied to increase durability and to add color. It’s fun to have options! The flooring that was chosen for this new East Cobb deck and porch was also cedar. While most people choose pressure-treated pine in the South for savings, the cedar is a beautiful wood that allows the deck to smell and look fabulous! It’s worth it if it’s in the budget!

Finally, a completely new playhouse was built for the family. Atlanta Curb Appeal insulated it like a real house; however, electricity and water were not added at this time. The kids are already in love!

The results are in. The family is thrilled and are happily using every part of the new renovations. Additionally, a new gabled roof and big cedar beams and groove cedar ceiling planks were installed on the front of the house. Talk about new curb appeal!

This project was large in size and took about two months. This is a bit longer than normal, but due to its scope and some COVID-19 supply issues, it was a great accomplishment.

Are you ready to see what Atlanta Curb Appeal can do for your new backyard? Schedule a consultation with Avi and Andy.

Want to read another makeover story? See this Million Dollar Deck we built one summer.

His and Hers Offices: 2020 Home Improvements

Screaming kids, short walks to the kitchen, distracting media devices – there are hurdles to productivity when you and your partner are working from home, and the coronavirus pandemic could make working at home a preferred strategy for many companies in the future.

Maybe it is time to start looking at an in-home office remodel or addition! Plus, if you are both working at home – why not go the extra step and build a HIS and HERS office? Statistically, people are more productive the more organized their workspaces are. While it was novel having your “home office” at the kitchen table, with its spilt dried milk and broken cheerios, having a dedicated space to focus is the answer to many problems. Simply shut the door and suddenly you have a boundary, a new place to take calls and answer emails, un-interrupted!

At Atlanta Curb Appeal, we have seen an uptick in estimates for home offices, and we would like to share a few ideas to help get the ball rolling.

Here are four tips to consider before you build:

1. Find a style that you both like – While personal tastes may vary between the two of you, try to find a unifying style that you can both feel comfortable in. Work together to settle on an overarching category (farmhouse, modern, industrial, etc.) and then you can personalize your individual work spaces.
2. Get Organized – For maximum productivity, especially with two people working in the same space, it must be as clutter free as possible! ACA can help you incorporate smart storage solutions through cabinetry, custom shelving, and other organizational features that will help keep both of your work spaces neat and tidy. One study concluded that untidy workspaces undermine people’s persistence in completing tasks. If you have a place for everything, you no longer have to stack reports on the chair next to the bed.
3. Don’t forget about comfort – If your derriere is going to be in a chair for eight hours a day, comfort is key! Otherwise, you will end up on the couch. (Asleep. With coffee pouring on your lap.) ACA can help you create a space that you and your partner will never want to leave!
4. Optimize light – Light is an important component to creativity, problem solving, and work ethic. Glaring fluorescent light will zap it in a heartbeat, but low, dim lighting will likely lull you to sleep. Find a way to let in natural light and then add a warm light fixture to create a welcoming and productive space.

If you are ready to add an in-home office space, contact ACA to get started!

 

Fabulous Finished Basement Challenges in East Cobb

A finished basement is one of the most popular home renovations here in Georgia. A basement in the average American household is around a thousand square feet. That’s a lot of square footage that can be turned into functional living space! Since the bones of the structure already exist, it can be a less expensive option than a full-out addition.

Atlanta Curb Appeal has wrapped up several finished basements lately! Maybe because of COVID-19, people are working and schooling from home, or maybe they are just not ready yet to go back to the gym.

Want to see our Basement Gallery?

Some of the hot finished-basement trends include schooling and office areas, yoga studios, gyms, meditation spaces, kids’ hangout spaces, wine cellars, and media rooms. Clients also love adding a kitchenette or a wet bar.

There are a few challenges you face when finishing a basement., but Atlanta Curb Appeal can help you come up with solutions that fit your budget.

• Light – Typically, the basement can feel dark and clunky. One of our favorite solutions is adding French doors in place of windows. This adds both light and an additional entry/exit point. We can also widen openings between rooms to make space feel more open.

• Water – While it’s easy to get water into a basement, it is a little more difficult to get it out. If your basement renovation includes plumbing (kitchenette, bathroom, laundry room) you will likely have to add a sump pump to get the water back out.

• HVAC – Sometimes adding a large amount of square footage with a finished basement can overtax the heating and cooling units in the house. ACA often suggests adding a new system for a finished basement.

Finishing the basement can be a quick way to add square footage; ACA can usually complete the project in about 6 weeks, depending on the size. Adding an extra TV room, home office, or quiet sitting area in the basement can be an easy solution if the house is feeling a little crowded these days.

Many people are also refinancing right now; maybe it’s time to put aside some funds for a refresh!

If you have been conversations in your family about expanding your current living space, give us a call, 770-778-1172. Atlanta Curb Appeal is known for staying on budget and on time.

Click here to read a makeover story about this breathtaking basement makeover we did in East Cobb

 

Spectacular Chimney Springs Porch Delivers Serenity!

Spectacular Serenity and Zen in the Backyard!

If you have to stay at home, why not make your back porch an oasis?

The global pandemic due to COVID-19 has forced most people to remain at home, and that means many people are taking this opportunity to start home beautifying projects, especially outdoors. It’s obvious people are making changes because home improvement sales have risen steadily during the past few months!

This particular East Cobb Chimney Springs homeowner is an Atlanta Curb Appeal returning customer. She was pleased with the home addition and kitchen renovation ACA did for her in the past, and so when the time came, she knew exactly whom to call.

For her latest project, she wanted ACA to create a tranquil new space using her back porch. At the time, she had a simple open porch with flagstone tile and no roof. ACA’s solution was to build onto the existing footprint to create a beautiful enclosure.

A new screened-in porch was a perfect option for a cost-effective way to add entertaining and relaxation space to this home. It is an additional place to host groups of people or a quiet place to just enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the mornings. The screens and roof protect the porch from falling leaves, pollen, and mosquitos. The project added additional space without the expense of insulation and a heating and cooling system.

The new exposed beams and wood ceiling give the space a modern pagoda Zen look. It features a skylight/cupola in the roof that lets in daylight and the up-lighting gives the space a great feel at night. The openness allows you to fully experience the fresh outdoor air while having some shelter. Nature has never felt closer, while keeping the bugs and heat away.

The homeowner was thrilled with the results! Her new back porch is her new serenity destination with its merging of hard and soft features. It’s like traveling to an outdoor retreat, but just steps from her kitchen.

If you think a backyard upgrade is in your near future, ACA can help you get started! Or if you are working at home, you might be itching for an upgrade to expand your workspace; a beautiful back porch addition like this one would be a great place to start. Plus, even when you go back to the office, it will still be great for entertaining and relaxing for years to come.

 

8 Fantastic Reasons to Install An Outdoor Kitchen This Year!

8 Fantastic Reasons to Install An Outdoor Kitchen This Year!

We can all agree, we have missed our friends this spring.

One way to open up this summer is with an outdoor kitchen. Being outdoors with friends is a great way to physically distance. No need to go to a restaurant and spend the whole time worrying if you’re sitting too close to a stranger. Plus, having a place outdoors where you can meet within the distance of a well-stocked wine refrigerator cannot be understated. The starting price range of a new outdoor kitchen can be as little as 8k.

We Can Build Out in as Little as 10 Days!

East Cobb outdoor kitchens and decks have been becoming increasingly popular with our Atlanta Curb Appeal clients over the years. More and more families have decided to expand where they are at and make changes within, instead of moving. With an outdoor kitchen and deck, you can physically distance while having a fan going to keep the air circulating! It’s not super difficult to add on with an outdoor kitchen or deck because it’s simply building on top of an existing pad or adding to the pad.

We put together 8 reasons that may help you decide to build on.

1. It’s fun! Cooking outdoors mixes it up a little, and we can all admit, during a pandemic, we could use a break from the day in, day out making every meal, three times a day. It’s a new experience and makes it an “event” to cook outside!

2. Year-Round Use. Georgia weather lends itself to having permanent outdoor entertainment spaces. Adding roofs and fans can bring down the summer temperatures. Mom and the kids making TikToks or hitting the hot tub while cooking is a great way to stay outside for extended periods.

3. Added Home Value. A new outdoor kitchen will make your home stand out from the pack of other homes in the neighborhood. An outdoor kitchen is something that many people wish they had!

4. Not a Huge Project. From start to finish we can do some outdoor kitchensDreamy Outdoor East Cobb Kitchen in as little as 10 days. We begin with framing, then carpentry, put on the countertops (typically granite), then add the appliances, and finally install the electric, plumbing, and gas. Our crew has a great working system in place to keep the job moving.

5. Stops trips of going in and outside while cooking. How many times have the burgers burned because you ran in to wash the tools or grab a plate? A well-stocked outdoor kitchen with an under-counter refrigerator is a great way to get started. Plus, having extra countertop space to prep veggies or layout the plates is so valuable!

6. New space to sit around and surround the outdoor chef. Barstools or a bench with creative LED lighting turns a back porch into a destination to spend time with friends. Add some speakers and a hanging TV, and you’ve got a party!

7. Great way to try new things! Some homeowners get a new Green Egg Smoker, and it sits in a corner, under the cloth covering they bought with it. With a custom outdoor kitchen (with a specific drop-in space for the Green Egg), you now have counter space to work with it. Some of our clients are foodies, so another great addition that’s fun is an outdoor pizza oven. Year-round pizza or bread without heating up the indoors? Total bonus.

8. Add a fireplace or fire pit while you are at it. Being outside will be the new favorite place to be while at home in the coming years. Having an outdoor fireplace can be fun for the adults in the fall. How many times have your kids asked, “Dad, can we have a fire tonight?” It’s easy to say “yes” with an outdoor fireplace.

Atlanta Curb Appeal offers free estimates if you are considering a new outdoor kitchen or deck. We are highly experienced in bringing projects to fruition on time and on budget.

Want to read another makeover story? Check out this Million Dollar Deck we added for this family.