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.

Is 2020 The Year for the Home Addition?

Is 2020 the year for a home addition?

Well… you have probably been home more than ever before the past few months, and you might have noticed a few things that need improvement. We think that this is a great time to expand! Here are five reasons why:

1. More Room! – Who couldn’t use more play area for the kids? Or an entertainment space for your guests? Or a new luxury storage space? Or a home office? Perhaps you want more room in your kitchen or your bathroom. Adding square footage to your home is an obvious benefit to a home addition. You can spread out more now and increase your home value for later.
2.  Make it your own. – Even in the best homes, there are things owners would love to change. The great thing about a home addition is that you get to be in control of the design process. We love to assist homeowners in creating a space that utilizes their own taste.
3. You don’t have to bother with a move! – “I just love packing up all of my stuff and then unpacking it in a new house.” said No one, ever. A home addition is a much simpler way to get the house you want without actually moving.
4. Stay in the neighborhood. – Starting over in a new home can be tough: new neighbors, new friends, new routines and schools. You already have your favorite Publix store memorized. If all you are looking for is a better home layout, think about trying an addition – it’s so worth it to keep your lovely neighbors.
5. Tax Valuation – If you have lived in your house for a long time, you probably are still being taxed on the value of your home when you bought it. With soaring real estate prices right now, moving to a new home means paying taxes on a new valuation, in addition to a potentially higher mortgage.

If you are ready to get started on your next home project or East Cobb addition we are ready to work with you!

The mission of Atlanta Curb Appeal is to bring you the East Cobb, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Canton home of your dreams, no matter how large or small your project may be. We offer custom remodeling design services, affordable prices, exceptionally crafted products, and an unsurpassed commitment to customer satisfaction.

 

 

Nine East Cobb Fine Dining Kitchen Trends During COVID

9 East Cobb Fine Dining Kitchen Trends During Covid19

“Honey, remember when we used to go out for drinks and dinner?”

The good old days! During these times of a pandemic, we all have had to make a few changes. Some for the worst, but some for the best!

Atlanta Curb Appeal has seen a new demand lately for East Cobb kitchen remodeling as families now spend the majority of their time together… at home. All this extra time in the kitchen has made needed changes glaringly obvious.

The new East Cobb Kitchen Renovation brings fine dining home.

Many homeowners are choosing to bring a kitchen remodel to the front of the list because there is more cooking at home these days. Families now find it amusing and entertaining to spend time cooking together.

The first new trend Atlanta Curb Appeal is seeing being asked for during these “COVID” times are constant hot water faucets. Washing hands is the new priority after bringing in the groceries or mail. Having hot water on demand is also great because it can eliminate the need for an electric kettle from the countertop. Also requested from East Cobb homeowners are food-warming drawers to keep appetizers or dishes warm during a meal or party.

Want to see Atlanta Curb Appeal’s Kitchen Gallery

Second, many request new USB Outlets for their phones and devices. The kitchen is the hub of the home for many families and being able to handle a work call at any time is important! With so much work being done at home, running out of juice seems to occur more often. USB charging downstairs in the kitchen is a huge new help!

Third, Atlanta Curb Appeal is seeing requests for pendant lights above their newly installed custom islands. It almost looks like a restaurant! Fancy pendant lights are where the clients get to be creative. Clients choose their own desired style and then Atlanta Curb Appeal can guide them on how many per island and what size would work best. Another important factor is choosing the exact location of the lights above the island. One has to taking into consideration meal prep, appliances, etc. There are lots of decisions to make when updating your kitchen, and having an architect with massive design experience on your side is so helpful!

Fourth, big pantry walls are making a comeback. More people are concerned with sufficient long-term food storage. Typically, most homes have a separate pantry closet nearby. When Atlanta Curb Appeal designs new kitchens, they try to eliminate these and bring the space back into the kitchen while compensating with wide, new pantry cabinets. Using pull-out shelves helps with easy access to deep lower shelves content.

Fifth, islands are also the bigger thing in every kitchen. People love the dramatic center island with overhang for family members to gather around and be social. It also works very well when guests are over. The island with large storage areas is the focal point of every kitchen.

Sixth up is cool new variations in the backsplash. Custom tile work in the shower has always been popular, but now the kitchen backsplash is making waves. Subway tile has been a thing for a few years, but creating some movement with design has been a newer request. Since many kitchens are white cabinets with white quartz, the backslash is playing a bigger role in breaking up this white with interesting different cuts of stone. Another variation is a white subway tile with white grout or even a darker grout to showcase the tile pattern. Porcelain and glass tile are two popular choices.

Seventh up is open floor plans! Creating space in the kitchen is important. An open layout helps everything feel clean and modern. The house will continue to be full for the foreseeable future, so wide spaces give a feeling of freedom. Atlanta Curb Appeal is easily able to remove walls to make it accessible to the living spaces.

Eighth up is the latest in kitchen floor trends. Georgia clients typically prefer wood that flows with the rest of the house. Hot tip, this has shown to be best for resale value.

Ninth, what is glamorous in countertops? Generally, most clients choose quartz. Both granite and quartz are great for daily use, one is a natural stone that can be limited with color options, while the other is man-made, meaning it can be pretty much any color or variation clients prefer.

That’s a wrap up of the latest East Cobb Fine Dining Kitchen trends Atlanta Curb Appeal has seen in these COVID-19 times. If you are ready to get a free estimate for your next kitchen renovation, give Atlanta Curb Appeal a call at 770-778-1172.

Want to read another one? How about a delightful Indian Hills Kitchen Makeover Story?

 

Another Gorgeous East Cobb Kitchen Makeover!

Another Gorgeous East Cobb Kitchen Remodel!

This client came to us recommended by another Atlanta Curb Appeal client, who recently had her kitchen renovated.

For quite some time, this new client had in her mind that a change was needed! Her mid-1990’s East Cobb brick home had old light wood cabinets, which made the kitchen feel dated.

Although she had plenty of space due to the generous kitchen floor plan, it wasn’t functional. New cabinets would increase her space by 25%! Atlanta Curb Appeal had to make serious changes, though, to get her new kitchen to flow. Changes to the layout and moving the appliances created a completely new floor plan. A beautiful pantry cabinet wall with mini-fridges filled the space nicely.

The old diagonal island with elevated bar seating was demolished. Atlanta Curb Appeal instead installed a new huge wide island with similar overhang seating. It’s perfect for eat-in or chatting with guests while entertaining during a party.

A new beverage center, which includes a wine fridge ready for beverages, and pantry cabinets top it off. They now have a space for everything when they come home from warehouse grocery shopping!

Gorgeous quartzite art stone was used for the countertops. A new custom built-in microwave and warming drawer finished off the area. It looks amazing! The client’s family loves to cook and this took their meal preparation to a whole new level.

When asked what they thought about their new kitchen they said, “We love it!” and also shared that, “It’s gorgeous!“ They are very pleased with the quality of work Atlanta Curb  Appeal provided.

If you are ready for a kitchen renovation, contact Atlanta Curb Appeal to get your free estimate at 770-778-1172 or fill out our form here.

 

Magazine Worthy Kitchen in East Cobb!

It belongs in a magazine!

This kitchen collaboration Atlanta Curb Appeal (ACA) just wrapped up features new wide-open spaces, a gorgeous centerpiece island, and stunningly refinished maple hardwoods. This remodel was in the home of a former client; ACA previously redesigned the homeowner’s master bathroom.

 

The biggest challenge of remodeling this space was opening up the room. ACA had to remove some walls and take a fireplace out of the room to make it more spacious. We ended up installing double LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams to provide support. When renovating your home, quality is paramount.

Next up, ACA tackled restoring the hardwood floors that were previously installed in the home. The wood was a maple, which can be a delicate wood to refinish. ACA fixed some previous installation issues, sanded, and refinished the floors. Everyone was surprised and pleased with how great they turned out!

The main event in this modern kitchen renovation is the waterfall island. This is a popular modern design feature. It keeps the island from having boxy edges, giving the space clean lines. It also provided additional durability. It hides boxy appliances: in this case, the microwave. Also, it showcases the beautiful countertop material more dramatically. The homeowner chose quartz, a popular choice for a waterfall island because it is manufactured. Quartz is extremely durable, has vast color and design options, and is easy to maintain. Cabinets in the island were painted grey to make it a focal point of the kitchen. We think it looks gorgeous!

With the additional corner bar, island, and traditional counter space, ACA was able to add about 40 square feet of additional counter space. Now, there is a space for everything. Overall, they opened up the kitchen and gave it a more modern look and a more functional set-up. The homeowner was extremely pleased and said these pictures do not do the kitchen justice!

Another project ACA completed while in the home, was taking down the old laundry room and adding a bathroom. To make up for it, ACA extended the area into the garage to create a new laundry room plus new pantry! Now there is a brand new space between the garage and the kitchen!

If you are ready to start your kitchen renovation, let us know. Atlanta Curb Appeal crews are wearing masks and gloves while working in the home and are following safe practices.

Before and After Modern Kitchen Makeover East Cobb Remodeling

Check out this fantastic modern kitchen renovation Atlanta Curb Appeal just wrapped up! This kitchen remodel in East Cobb was a result of great chemistry and lots of re-routing. The homeowners were pleased with the process of working with Avi and Andy and the team, expanding their cramped kitchen. They had one surprise: a big wall removal, which required a lot more work than anticipated

The homeowners originally heard about Atlanta Curb Appeal from their neighbors. After their first meeting, the family felt they had a great connection with ACA. After working with them through the bidding process, the homeowners were even more convinced. They were pleased with ACA’s ideas and quick response times.

The family wanted to open up the kitchen to give their family more space. To do that, they needed to remove one of the walls in the original kitchen. The wall appeared to be an easy removal, but once the demolition began, everyone was surprised. They discovered HVAC pipes that led from the basement to the second floor and the gas line feeding the attic furnace. ACA acted fast to get their HVAC and plumbing people to reroute all of this. Thankfully, this surprise only led to a two-day delay in the schedule.

BEFORE PICTURES:

One of the most important features of the new kitchen is the central island. It adds additional cabinet storage and a place to put the microwave. They also made the countertop overhang on two sides for more seating. The homeowners chose grey cabinets to contrast the white in the rest of the kitchen. The counters are now a gorgeous strong white quartz.

The client also added about 7 feet of additional cabinetry in the kitchen. This created so much extra storage! They also installed custom cedar shelves; the honey-colored wood contrasts beautifully with the gray walls and white counters. ACA finished these strong custom floating shelves with a clear stain that perfectly matches the newly installed flooring.

The homeowners said they “couldn’t be more pleased with the results” and “it was a pleasure” working with Atlanta Curb Appeal. And ACA was happy, too – the homeowner surprised the crew with donuts and coffee on the first day!

Want to read another makeover story? This East Cobb Indian Hills kitchen turned out beautifully!

Are you considering remodeling your kitchen or basement? Atlanta Curb Appeal works in East Cobb, Sandy Springs, Roswell and Marietta. Our aim is to always deliver on time, on budget using great communication.

Call us to get started. 770-778-1172. Or fill out our online form: https://atlantacurbappeal.com/contact-us/

Modern Lake House on Allatoona Renovation

Atlanta Curb Appeal just completed a beautiful main-level master suite and finished basement at a home on Lake Allatoona.

 

The homeowner originally purchased the 1988 lake house two years ago and knew she needed some work done. Instead of tying up the whole house, she decided to renovate the home in parts. Spreading out renovations like this can save money and frustration if you are living in the space during the work. To start, ACA gutted the awkwardly designed area that used to be a kitchen, bedroom, and laundry room.

It was very important for the homeowner to create a master bedroom on the main floor. Additionally, she wanted a separate bathroom/powder room for guests to use. The homeowner had already renovated the kitchen with a different builder, and so she was familiar with the process and what they wanted to create in the master bedroom. In total, the finished project would include a master bedroom and bathroom, a powder room, a laundry room, and two walk-in closets!

We worked well together and enjoyed bouncing ideas off each other as the project progressed. The style the homeowner chose was a very contemporary style, with clean lines and color choices.

To kick off the demolition, ACA removed the old flooring, wood paneling, and drywall. We removed the walls and ceilings on half of the main level to restructure the interior. We also took out an old fiberglass tub, old tile, and an old vanity to create an up-to-date bathroom. For the walls in the small toilet area, the client chose a rich emerald green, which has a luxurious and calming feel to it. The client wanted an expansive shower experience, which would involve customization, and we delivered. To handle this, after the light-colored tile was added, a glass company measured the distances between the tiles. Waiting until this step to measure for the glass ensures a perfect fit. Then, we installed the stunning custom glass doors and walls in the shower. To finish, ACA added a new window, so there is now a gorgeous view of the water!

Because of the structural changes, we added some new LVL support beams to the basement. And while we were at it, the homeowner asked us to go ahead and finish the basement, which of course we were happy to do.

The entire project took about two months, including some slower holiday weeks. The customer and her friends are extremely pleased with the renovation. In fact, she already recommended Atlanta Curb Appeal to her neighbor!

Contact us if you are ready for your free estimate. Atlanta Curb Appeal is known for our attention to detail, high level of continual communication and focus on staying within budget.

Want to read another makeover story from Atlanta Curb Appeal? Here is a Stunning Basement with Entertainment Room Makeover!