Dramatic Bathroom & Closet Remodel

This dramatic transformation of this bathroom renovation came together after a lot of planning and designing of the existing space. The old room was functional but did not use the whole space to the maximum capacity.

By breaking everything down to the studs and reconfiguring the space, we were able to create a better flow between the areas and create a much bigger walk-in closet.

 

Closet

One of the client’s top priorities was to create a bigger closet space. We were able to expand the existing closet into the empty attic space above the garage, adding a metal beam to support the roof and a post to support the long span beam. The client also requested to move the washer and dryer upstairs and we managed to stack it in the corner of the closet connecting all of the necessary plumbing. New lights were installed in the ceiling and a custom-made wooden closet system was built to optimally fit the space and meet their needs.

 

Bathroom

After demolishing the entire space, it was much easier to redesign and plan the new space.

By opening the walls, we were able to see the structure and figure out which walls can be removed and where we will need supports. While we agreed on the new location of all the fixtures, it was just a matter of  the floors and re-plumbing everything. Then we ran electrical to all the areas where we decided to locate lights , switches and outlets.

After closing the walls with drywall and putting back the subfloor, we installed a floor heating system and tiled the space. We suggested a few tile patterns that can go well with the selected tile and the one the customer chose looks amazing.

 

The shower got a lot more attention because we wanted it to be the focal point in the center of the space. This is why we decided to build it with two tiled walls and two full glass walls.

By having two-sides glass, the space was opened up and the two areas of the bathroom, the tub and the vanities, were connected. The client wanted to use mixed materials to created an organic and inorganic combination. As such, we combined porcelain tile, with marble, pebbles and wood to create a spa feel. A long soap niche created in the middle of the tiled wall, and a wood-look bench was placed on the other tiled wall.

Large, white wavy tiles were selected to go on the walls with no gap between them and very little white grout, creating the effect of full wavy white walls. The brown accent tile was placed in the niche shelve, bench and on the ceiling, complementing the other woodwork in the bathroom.

The water fixtures were selected and purchased by the client which included a complete set of shower heads, jets and a hand spray valve, all in one panel.

In addition to these, we suggested to add another 4 shower heads on a separate valve that created the waterfall effect from the ceiling. This required special plumbing techniques to make sure the water flow and pressure would support such a design.

The frameless shower glass doors were special order and have a unique coating on it called “shower guard” by Guardian that comes with a lifetime warranty. This coating is like magic and everyone’s dream. after taking a shower, you can leave the glass wet and foggy without the need to clean it each time. 10 minutes later, the glass is all perfectly clean again with no streaks or water stains.

The barn door was custom-made from old reclaimed barn wood. We combined the wood with metal panels to stick with the mixed-material theme. We then stained the cedar and oiled the barn wood to bring these beautiful colors out and protect it from moisture.

The door serves dual purpose. when its closed, it’s used for privacy in the toilet. When open, it covers the towel storage that was built into the wall.

A long vanity and tower were custom-made by Fancy Woodworks LLC. The client chose a white marble countertop to complement the color schemes of white, grey and brown. The stone complements the pebbles on the shower floor and the marble used on the fireplace.

Our client finished of the bathroom with eclectic furnishings, original art and some plants to give the space the absolute feeling of beauty and relaxation while taking a shower or soaking in the free standing tub.

Thanks for reading,

Avi & Andy

Ready to get your free estimate for Bathroom remodeling from Atlanta Curb Appeal? Give us a call to set up your appointment, 770-778-1172.

 

 

 

 

 

Stunning Whole House Makeover with European Kitchen East Cobb

Stunning Whole House Makeover in East Cobb

Standard becomes stunning for this Atlanta Curb Appeal house makeover. From the outside, the building was similar to most homes built in the late ’80s, a two-story house in a friendly East Cobb subdivision. Like many of the homes, the interior had standard builder finishes, with traditional room layouts.

 BEFORE

What made the clients decide to get their house renovated? It was a recent purchase; they knew that the home was going to need help. It had the original carpets, kitchen the kitchen cabinets were dated, as were all the bathrooms.

 

What was the big change they were looking to make? They wanted an open floor plan, new hardwood floors, a European kitchen, and all new appliances.

What did Atlanta Curb Appeal do for them? First, we opened some walls and installed header beams. Header beams help to support the above weight and create the look of open areas.

 

Broadening of the hallway to ease the flow of traffic to the living spaces. We also removed the long dividing wall between the kitchen and dining area, allowing a vast and open space. Consequently, this significant change required us to re-route all the electrical, plumbing, and gas systems in the kitchen. New paint and hardwood floors were next on the list. Custom-made cabinets, lighting, and a new island transformed the space into a designer-styled kitchen.

Next we started demolition of the living room wainscoting and wall cabinets. The fireplace got a makeover too! We resurfaced it with marble tile all the way to ceiling and added a custom reclaimed wood mantel. New oak stairs, new custom oak handrails, and square aluminum balusters completed the main and second floors.

When you are working on a renovation of that scale, what is the first step? Demolition is always first. Then comes moving the walls and installing support beams. It’s best to get the messy, dirty stuff out of the way. Always remember to change HVAC filters frequently during the renovations.

How did you pick out the finishes? The clients enjoy design and European aesthetic. With help of ideas for architecture magazines, Pinterest and Houzz, they came up with their vision. We helped them identify materials needed to meet their vision. The results were dramatic and beautiful.

Why did you choose some brands over others—was it the price, quality, etc.? We did a lot of research with the client and figured out which manufacturers had the best-quality items using the budget we had set up originally.

What is the most custom part of the entire renovation? There were a few areas where they requested a special touch and attention: the railing system, the barn door and closet in the master bedroom.

Did your encounter any surprises? Getting the big oven hood in the kitchen to vent outside properly took more time than we expected. Reconfiguring the plumbing and the HVAC ducts that were hidden inside the removed walls ended up taking more time and effort too.

What has been the biggest change that the client has enjoyed so far? The large, open concept kitchen and dining space with the long island that is also open to the living room. They also love the leathered granite that they selected. It is extremely unique and is a great conversation piece.

This is part one of a four-part series about this East Cobb Whole House Makeover. We will look at the masters bedroom and bath in our next blog post. Thanks for reading. Check out our beautiful online gallery!

Avi Moyal and Andy Anderson.

Stunning Pergola Adds Character to Marietta Square Pool

The birds are chirping; the sun is rising, and in this Marietta Square neighborhood, breakfast is being served outside. A handsome pergola by the pool towers over the table as a family starts a new day. A few months ago, this structure was a simple idea on paper; today it’s a reality thanks to Atlanta Curb Appeal.

Homeowners sometimes ask, “Do pergolas have a purpose; are they purely ornamental or do they actually provide some shade?” The answer depends on how close and tight the top structure is. The closer the roof boards are, the more shade you will get. The board spacing is determined during the initial client meeting since pricing is a factor – the tighter the gap between boards, the more material is needed.

Commonly, people want to install a pergola in their backyard to add a decorative architectural element. The intent of this project was to complement the client’s swimming pool patio.

Wood selection is another important determinant for a pergola design. For this particular project, cedar was recommended. Cedar wood has exceptional qualities for outdoor projects. For example, it’s easy to work with, and although light in weight, it is strong and durable. Staining can be performed immediately, unlike pressure-treated pine, which requires a waiting period. It is resistant to pests, smells great, and has a long life. Cedar is also resistant to rotting and can handle a moist environment, which is important when you are next to the pool. It is more expensive than other wood types but worth every dime when thinking long term.

After the build, the client chose not to stain the wood. Cedar ages beautifully in its natural state. First, it slowly turns to a graceful gray. Some elect to seal at this point; however, if allowed to mature, the color evolves to its final magnificent dark brown.

Pergola designs are typically standard in structure, simple columns and a slatted roof. Atlanta Curb Appeal, however, enjoys adding artistic elements and has never received a design too challenging. This client’s project was unusual because of its proximity to the pool; the arched shape of the roof allowed for a single side of main supports due to the pool’s cement foundation.

When asked how the client responded to the finished project, Atlanta Curb Appeal shared: “They absolutely loved it and said we delivered exactly what they wanted.”

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect pergola for your back yard, get a free consultation from Atlanta Curb Appeal today. Want to read another makeover story?

See our full gallery on our website.

When the Bathroom is Too Small

Updating this East Cobb bathroom provided for Atlanta Curb Appeal several challenges. Initially, a wall separating the vanity and shower split the layout of the master bathroom; this footprint made the bathroom feel tight.

In the first client meeting, they examined together the family’s needs and goals; the quote requested was for a remodeling of the two bathrooms, the master and the kids. After a walkthrough, Atlanta Curb Appeal discovered the master bath would need a full demolition and a complete shuffle of the plumbing, with the shower moved sideways and the toilet placed on the other sidewall. This re-organization of pipes would prove to be more difficult when they started to cut the concrete slab. A final touch to this bathroom renovation would be the installation of a sliding barn door entry. The door opening had to move and relocated in a way that it facing the center of the vanity. The client liked the ideas presented, and work started a week later.

Significant changes to the master bathroom included the addition of a free standing double vanity and a huge shower. A beautiful quartz countertop was selected and added to the top of the vanity. This light colored quartz appears again on the shower curb and bench, providing harmony between the two pieces.

The flooring is the latest in porcelain tile sophistication. At first glance, it appears to be made of gorgeous natural wood. In a moisture-prone area like the bathroom, this is the resilient choice. The mimicry result looks amazing in this space.

Industrial and vintage hanging fixtures were the selected style for the lighting. In the original design, however, the homeowners selected wall-mounted hardware. Since there were a lot of existing plumbing inside this wall, this placement would no longer work. The clients were able to find a pendant lighting alternative. It was a last-minute change, and it worked perfectly.

Another improvement was the mirror choice on the wall above the vanity. Big half wall mirrors have become passe for bathrooms, an 80s style that clients are looking to get rid of. Separate framed mirrors are the current trend in bathroom design.

Atlanta Curb Appeal performed all of the labor for this project: demolition, plumbing, electrical installation, vinyl wainscoting, painting, and installation of the barn door. The vanity was a unique custom unit from Fancy Woodworks, in Kennesaw, which the firm felt did an extraordinary job.

When asked about the client’s reaction to the final product, owner Avi Moyal shared, “They are super excited and happy about it. They even sent us a text.” (See below.)

The final stage of this East Cobb remodeling project is finishing the kid’s bathroom.

Follow Atlanta Curb Appeal on Facebook to see the photos. Want to see another Dazzling East Cobb bathroom renovation?

Atlanta Curb Appeal has been serving East Cobb, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta and the surrounding areas since 2012. They provide excellent craftsmanship in interior remodeling of bathrooms, kitchens, basements and also exterior building and renovations of decks, pergolas, porticos and outdoor kitchens.

Dazzling East Cobb Bathroom Makeover

Dazzling East Cobb Bathroom Makeover

The decision to remodel the bathroom of one East Cobb family’s master bathroom wasn’t simply because they wanted to upgrade the hardware. No, with two little children to manage, the size of their bathroom was becoming a constraint to their busy family lifestyle. More bathroom vanity counter space was needed, along with a better solution for closet space.

BEFORE PICTURE

While magazines and Pinterest are perfect for remodeling inspiration, visionary minded contractors can offer alternatives, which are more functional or financially viable. Breaking down the walls and starting from scratch was the best option for this remodeling project. Excellent communication, mutual expectations, and specific deadlines provide the framework for a great experience between contractor and client.

 

Vintage is the new modern in renovation design, and this updated bathroom captures it beautifully. The clients picked out double hanging bathroom mirrors over traditional style cabinets. The flooring was a new style of porcelain from Home Depot designed to look like wood. Porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. The clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified than ceramic. Obviously, this is a better choice overall than wood flooring when so much moisture is present, especially when the little ones take a bath!

The bathtub was framed with a marble subway tile in the 3×6 size. Subway tile has exploded in popularity recently with good reason: they are easy to clean and bring order with a smooth repeating pattern. Installing a new curved shower rod is an easy upgrade that offers more space for showering.

 

For wall color, the client chose a shade of gray from Sherwin Williams. The gray color worked well for this bathroom, complemented by the white tile and black chains hanging from the mirrors.

 

 

The finishing touch to this renovation was a barn door entrance to the bathroom. Atlanta Curb Appeal has seen a big increase in the request for barn-style doors in the past two years.

Enlarging the bathroom required the removal of two closets, which were then reconfigured with access from the master bedroom space. Aesthetically, it has completely changed the look of the master bedroom.

Atlanta Curb Appeal Owner Avi Moyal shared his comments about their experience:

“I guess we did something right if they called us back a fourth time, after renovating their basement, deck, and kitchen. Our clients had been talking about doing this bathroom for a while. I think Atlanta Curb Appeal nailed it. They love the end results.”

Want to see more pictures? Check out Atlanta Curb Appeal’s gallery of renovations and remodeling jobs in East Cobb, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

Million Dollar Deck

What do you do when you have the skills to grill but don’t have the fancy backyard to pull it off? Recently, a homeowner gave Atlanta Curb Appeal a call because they had a deck but wanted something bigger, something better.

We sat down with our client and put together a beautiful design with a lot of custom touches. The “after pictures” look like something out of a magazine.

We asked Avi about the new backyard entertainment area.

What was the deck like before Atlanta Curb Appeal started? Their original deck was small and made from pine. Our client was looking for a larger entertaining space, so an extension was a must. However, it wasn’t a simple add-on; we changed out all the decking to new cedar boards and added all-new decorative posts and railing.

What special features did you add? We added the hot-tub, fireplace, deck and the outdoor kitchen. For the hot-tub, we had to built a reinforced deck to support the weight of the tub and connect it with stairs to the upper deck.

Did Atlanta Curb Appeal install the stone on the huge outdoor fireplace? All of the stonework was brand new and installed by Atlanta Curb Appeal. This unique handmade touch gave the deck a warm and welcoming feel. The client was looking for a “million dollar deck”. I think we delivered.

Can you tell us more about the new outdoor kitchen? We designed the outdoor kitchen so the BBQ equipment would be next to the edge of the roofline in order for the smoke to dissipate while protecting the cook from the sun and the rain. The cooking area was design around this to create a space with sufficient prep area next to the drop-in grill and Green Egg. Adjoining this area was a seating space for friends so he could visit while cooking. The space was designed for utility but also for optimal entertaining. Just like your indoor kitchen, storage space is key for the outdoor kitchen. We installed full cedar cabinets with rustic hardware underneath the L-shaped kitchen and the countertops were a gorgeous granite complemented by stack stone on the back of the kitchen to match the nearby outdoor fireplace.

How did you change the front of the house? We added a custom-designed portico, rebuilt the landing and stairs and resurfaced the natural flagstone and stack stone. We also installed custom-made shutters out of a beautiful cedar, which we stained and sealed with a protectant We recommended the cedar to go with the rustic look of the home and it tied in beautifully with the new cedar deck.

 

How did they find you? They found us by word of mouth. We renovated their friends’ house in the neighborhood, and they recommended us.

How long did it take, and how did they feel about their experience? This project took about four months, including the holidays and the vacations in between. The clients are ecstatic with the end results.

In our next blog, we will continue with the details of the indoor renovation that we also provided for client.

Atlanta Curb Appeal provides free estimates for home interior and exterior renovations. Please read our reviews on Facebook and follow us there to stay up with the latest designs.  We also have a large gallery on our website.

 

 

Gorgeous East Cobb Porch Installation

Recently we had the pleasure of installing a new screen porch and deck in East Cobb/ Marietta. Atlanta Curb Appeal standards are high when completing a porch installation. Safety, quality of materials and design are the main focus when planning a client’s outdoor oasis that will be a showcase piece to enjoy for years to come.

We asked Avi some questions about the project below.

Did they have a porch before or was this project from scratch?
No, they did not have a deck, but they did have a porch.

What did Atlanta Curb Appeal do exactly?
First we built the screen porch walls and installed a matching shingle roof. Second, we added a lower deck and a new set of stairs. At this point, we took the time to reinforce the old deck up to code, per inspections. Then we enclosed the area underneath allowing for added storage.

Look at the view!

Did you do more than a back porch?
Atlanta Curb Appeal added a front portico and replaced the front door. We enjoy installing porticos; the transformation is always astonishing. Then we renovated two bathrooms in the home.

Did you do any electrical upgrades?
We added outlets, new outdoor floodlights and new can lights on the back porch.

Why did they decide to do this project?
They wanted to add a covered porch and extend their deck space so they could enjoy outdoor seating while covered from the sun and protected from mosquitos. We also added wiring for an outdoor TV. It’s the perfect package.

East Cobb Screen Porch

How did they find you?
Word of mouth. We have happy clients in their subdivision that recommended us.

What is the client planning for this new space?
The porch is mainly for the entertainment of kids and friends.

What was the biggest obstacle?
No obstacles. All permitting inspections passed the first time, and all work was finished in within budget and timelines.

How many days did it take?
The porch and deck project took just under four weeks. The small bathroom took a week and a half, and the master bathroom took three weeks. The portico took less than a week, including inspections. We did these projects in parallel and completed all work in about two months.

What did the clients think about Atlanta Curb Appeal?
They are so happy with the final results! They had a party to show off the work to their neighbors, and we’ve already started another project in this subdivision.

Atlanta Curb Appeal has been serving East Cobb, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs and the surrounding communities since 2012 and offers free estimates on Porch, Basement and Kitchen remodeling.

Click here to read about a Stunning Modern Kitchen Atlanta Curb Appeal transformed recently.

Atlanta Curb Appeal Gives Back: Anna Crawford Center Holiday Build

Recently Atlanta Curb Appeal was able to give back to the East Cobb and North Georgia community by participating in a special way, by helping the Anna Crawford Center of Cherokee County. They put on an annual light display called, “Holiday Lights of Hope.” Over 25,000 people attended last year.

The Anna Crawford Center is a nonprofit, community-based organization that works to break the cycle of child abuse through prevention and intervention services. It is an amazing foundation and Atlanta Curb Appeal was glad to volunteer our services.

How did you connect with Holiday Lights of Hope?
We are the second largest client of the East Cobb Home Depot store. We have a long and healthy relationship with the employees and the managers at that location.

 

 

Who participated in the build?
Andy, Rudi Anderson and myself [Avi Moyal] were there that day.

 

How did Atlanta Curb Appeal help?
They asked us to help with the roof and structure build out. The Anna Crawford Center and their suppliers provided everything else.

How long did it take?
We were there from Friday morning until dark. We worked hard, but we enjoyed ourselves immensely as you can see by the pictures!

How did it make you feel to participate in such a project?
We were thrilled to be invited to help this important cause. Of course; we accepted, and I immediately blocked the date for Andy and me in the calendar. Honestly, even though we are very busy right now before the holidays, we felt in our hearts that it is much more important to help others including our bigger supplier, Home Depot.

Are there plans to participate in more projects like these going forward?
The Home Depot of East Cobb is a very well organized store with an amazing team. Ryan Leblanc, the store manager, is an outstanding manager that assists us greatly with most of our supplies and deliveries. Their store handles many ‘volunteer with friends’ activities. If we get invited again, we will happily join in!

Thanks for reading!

We Got to Be Their Remodeling Hero!

How Did Your Client Find You?

It is the strangest story! Her renovation contractor didn’t show up on Day 1 of her renovations. She quickly got on an East Cobb Mom’s Facebook group and asked for advice on what to do. Atlanta Curb Appeal was recommended. We met her in a day, agreed to a plan of action and we had our crew start work the next morning. Our client said that it was quite a whirlwind.She was thrilled that within 14 days, her home renovations including bathroom remodeling were completed!

Was it a small project since it only took two weeks?

Not at all. That’s what makes her story so amazing. Here is what she got in just two weeks:

• New kitchen renovation with new cabinets and countertops
• New bamboo hardwoods
• New master bathroom remodel
• New powder room remodel
• New electrical work
• New plumbing work
• New recessed lighting
• Interior paint on walls and trim throughout the whole house
• New carpet upstairs

Before

After

What are the benefits to having Bamboo Hardwoods?

Bamboo flooring is known for its strength, durability, it’s eco-friendliness and natural resistance to insects and moisture.

Are they more costly?

Bamboo hardwoods are not much more expensive. It is not popular with homeowners yet, but its interest is growing. One caveat is that it should only be used in areas where there is not excessive moisture. That can damage it.

Tell us about the Master Bathroom Remodel.

The master bathroom turned out beautifully. It was complete makeover! Everything was demolished during the demolition phase and built from the ground up.

We put in new bathroom floor tile with coordinating wall tile around the shower and tub. Then Atlanta Curb Appeal installed frameless glass shower doors, which are very popular. The client chose white shaker style vanities and lighting throughout. The new lighting required a fair bit of electrical work. We then finished off the bathroom remodel with mirrors, towel bars, new paint, and baseboards. It is truly a brand new space. You wouldn’t recognize it from the before pictures!

Why did they want to update their home, did they have problems with the layout? 

No technical problems existed; they were just ready to upgrade the look of the original house.

Before

After

Are they happy with their finished home?

Absolutely! They sent us a thank you note (see below) and have already referred us 3 new clients! We are so happy that we could make their dreams come true on time.

Here is just one of the testimonials they sent us.

Good evening Avi and Andy,

We just wanted to touch base with you and let you know how much we appreciate all of the hard work you have been putting into our house. Sometimes it’s easier to gripe on the bad not knowledge all of the good. We hope you know how much we love all of the wonderful things you have done for us and our home. Although this has been challenging at times, you have made this experience a very bearable endeavor. This journey would definitely not have been possible without the two of you. Your guidance and expertise are one in a million. You have said from the beginning to buckle up, so thank you for taking us on this journey called home renovations. You are making our dreams a reality by turning our house into our home. So from the bottom of our hearts thank you!!!

All our love,

Ashley and Johnathon

 

Looking for more Kitchen Remodeling Ideas? Check out this blog post about a we did last month.

Stunning! Modern Kitchen Remodel That Will Blow Your Mind!!

Stunning! Modern Kitchen Remodel That Will Blow Your Mind!!

This month we discuss a project with Avi Moyal, owner of Atlanta Curb Appeal, a total kitchen remodel recently completed in East Cobb.

What made the client decide to get the kitchen renovated?

The couple had recently purchased a home. Before they even moved in they knew that they were going to have to make some major changes. The house was very traditional and had not been updated since the 1980’s. The client’s personal style was very distinctive, very modern.

BEFORE KITCHEN RENOVATION

After talking with them we realized their vision was leaning towards a more open floor plan to achieve an ultra modern feel. It would need clean lines with light colors in the background. Doing this would allow the contemporary features to stand out. The brightening would also showcase the client’s personal collection of artifacts.

What was the process like? Was it difficult since it was so dramatic?

Yes! The demolition phase was long and messy. This was followed by the reconstruction stage, which included adding support beams. Since there was so much new fabrication, we had to add new electrical and HVAC ductwork. Even the plumbing was changed out and re-routed. This is typical when you move walls.

BEFORE KITCHEN

BEFORE DINING ROOM

How does the kitchen flow differently now?

It is so smooth now because the dining and kitchen walls were actually knocked out completely. The foyer hallway passageway was then widened. Plus the openings from the kitchen area to the living area and back room were changed too. All the railing in the house was replaced too. Gorgeous new hardwoods were also installed. The last part of the puzzle was all new paint.

What are the new features that impress guests or neighbors when they see it?

In the kitchen it is the new custom made cabinets that were cut by a CNC machine and hand-made by a European cabinetmaker. The all new appliances (Viking, etc) and gorgeous granite that was leather finished is a total jaw-dropper.

Another favorite is the renovated fireplace; it was a completely made over with true marble, tile to floor and a new custom mantle.

How long did all of this take?

The whole project from start to finish was two months with intensive daily work from a few crews in parallel.

What should clients expect when they tackle such a huge kitchen remodel?

Plumbing and electrical changes can be a challenge especially when you move walls and the location of the appliances.

How do the clients feel with their new kitchen?

The clients are super happy with the end results! Especially since it was all done so quickly, on budget and with such a fine high quality finish.

Thank you for reading. If you are considering a new kitchen remodel then call Atlanta Curb Appeal for a free estimate. Check out our gallery on our website to see more beautiful AFTER pictures!

Want to read another Makeover Story? Read here to see this kitchen makeover we did which included new granite countertops.