How to Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

Kitchen and bathroom countertops need frequent cleaning. To keep your home’s countertops germ free and looking their best, here are few suggestions for cleaning each type. Stainless Steel Dry clean stainless steel with a microfiber cloth and wet clean with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Thoroughly dry after wet cleaning to prevent water spots, discoloration, or mineral deposits. Use a small amount of vinegar and rinse with water to remove these spots, stains, and deposits if they occur. Never use steel wool, rough cloths, or scouring pads since they will scratch the surface and ruin the reflective finish. To remove fingerprints and smudges, use a commercial stainless-steel cleaner. Granite Granite’s natural properties and unique color variations have made it one of the top countertop selections in recent years. To clean granite countertops, use warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly with a wet sponge or soft cloth. To clean dirt out of crevasses, use a soft bristled brush or a clean toothbrush and the same solution of water and dish soap, then wipe clean with a damp, soft cloth. To remove stains, make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Don’t use ammonia or vinegar based cleansers or scrub pads because they may dull or scratch the surface. Due to its porous quality, granite should be cleaned and sealed before it’s installed to help prevent stains and ensure easier cleaning. Consider resealing your granite countertops every 6 months. Marble Just like granite, marble countertops are porous and susceptible to stains. To clean marble, use warm, soapy water or rub borax onto the surface with a moistened cloth, rinse with warm water, and buff dry with a soft cloth. Never let marble air dry because it is prone to water spots. If necessary, a mild bleach solution may be used. Avoid abrasive cleaners, oil polishes, soft waxes, and scrub pads. To remove stains, make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Wood Wipe up all spills quickly to prevent stains on your wood countertops. To wash, use a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft clean cloth. Another option is to mix 1/2 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water, rub the paste into the wood using a synthetic scouring pad, then rinse well and blot up excess moisture. To remove odors, rub the surface with a slice of lemon, or sprinkle with baking soda and rub in with a damp sponge. After cutting raw meat, wash your wood countertop with hot water, dishwashing liquid, and a scrub brush. Then use a disinfectant cleaner or a diluted bleach solution (1-tsp. bleach to 1-qt. water) on the surface to eliminate bacteria. Sprinkle stains with salt, then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon. Apply oil to your wood countertops monthly to prevent drying and cracking. Wipe the wood with a light coat of mineral oil, letting the oil soak into the surface. Wipe up the oil that does not soak in to prevent the surface from becoming tacky and attracting dirt. If you have any questions about how to clean your countertops, give Greens a call today at 678-445-5533.    

Bathroom Remodeling

Whether you are looking to increase your home’s value or you simply want to more fully enjoy your personal space, bathroom remodels top the list of home improvement projects year after year. After looking through design books, magazines, and websites for ideas, you may have been pondering a bathroom remodel for some time and have not known where to start. Here are a few questions to consider before you begin to ensure your finished product is exactly what you dreamed of. What do you like and what don’t you like about your current bathroom? Assess your bathroom and analyze how the room is and is not meeting your needs. By asking yourself what features you are missing and what doesn’t work with the current layout, you will begin to prioritize features you wish to include in your new space and what you want this remodel to accomplish. How will your new bath be used? It is important to consider all the activities that will be taking place in your bathroom beyond regular bathroom activities. By identifying how your new bathroom will be used, you can streamline the space to incorporate everything from relaxing, watching television, listening to music, reading magazines, making coffee, performing spa treatments, to getting dressed. For example, A family bath where children (and possibly the family pet) will receive a lot of wear and tear and will need different features from a spa-like master bath. Who will be using the new bathroom? If this is the only bathroom in your home you will need to meet the needs of both you, other family members, and your guests. If you have multiple bathrooms in your home, you need to think of the main occupants for this space. A bathroom for children or elderly parents may need features such as lowered sinks or easily accessible showers. What features would you like to incorporate in your new bathroom? Some features are necessary but a remodel also allows you to incorporate a lot of amenities you want as well. Some upgrades may be practical and some may include luxuries that will make your new space the most decadently detailed room in your home. Practical considerations such as energy-efficient and water-saving features, increased storage and surface space, and additional electrical outlets will make your bathroom more functional. Steam showers, heated floors, and soaking tubs will add comfort and relaxation to your new space. Will you incorporate technology? You may look at your bathroom as an oasis away from the technological world or you may want to embrace the idea of televisions, stereos, coffeemakers, and a laundry area being included in your new bathroom. What is your budget? It is extremely important to set a budget before beginning any project, but with a major home renovation such as a bathroom remodel, a budget is vital. Don’t forget to allow for unforeseen expenses such as water, electrical, and plumbing issues in your budget. What is your plan? Decide if you are planning to do the project yourself, hire a general contractor, designer and/or project manager. Once you’ve met with anyone who will be involved in the remodel, set out a timeline and finalize your contracts.  

Why is the Schluter system better than the traditional method of tile installation?

Contrary to popular belief, neither tile nor grout (even sealed) is waterproof.  In a standard shower application, a pan liner is used to block moisture.  The pan liner used does not allow for tile to be applied directly to it, so a bed of mortar is used and then the tile is placed on this bed.  Because the water infiltrates through this bed, it can remain saturated with moisture, especially if the mortar weep holes become clogged or the pre-slope wasn’t installed properly.  With this moisture saturation, the possibility of mold and efflorescence or cosmetic staining on the tile, increases tremendously.  Most new construction homes only carry a one-year warranty and unfortunately, this problem may take a little longer than that to appear.  We see many houses where the homeowner is wanting to change the tile in their shower not because they want to change the size, shape, or style, but because there is a bad smell and mold growing throughout. There is a German engineered shower system called Schluter that has a family of products that creates a “sealed” environment which is stated to be even more than water-proof, it’s vapor proof.  The beauty of the system is that it doesn’t allow moisture to permeate in to the mortar bed or solid backing so there is no chance of mildew growing there.  The system allows only the tile and grout to become wet when showering which is able to dry completely between uses.  The system also eliminates leaks, reduces the potential for efflorescence and mold growth in the system, dramatically reduces total installation time and makes shower installation much easier because it is light-weight in nature.  The product may cost a little more, but having a mold-free shower is worth every penny!

Beautiful Bathroom Remodels

Bathrooms are sort of like kitchens in that they tend to be remodeled more often than other areas of the home and, when they are, the return on invest (both financially and aesthetically) is significant. Perhaps that’s because, between our daily showers and our morning routines, we spend a lot of time in the bathroom. We might as well make them as beautiful as we can! Whether your bathroom is outdated, under-sized or just not in line with your style, our bathroom remodeling contractors here at Green Remodeling in Roswell would love to help you plan out your update this fall! Adding Space You don’t need to tear down any walls to make a bathroom that feels much, much bigger. Sometimes simple changes in layout, like changing the direction of the tub or opting for a nice stall shower instead, can give you all the extra space you need. Designs that maximize the space available are kind of our specialty so we can suggest multiple space-saving layouts and building techniques for your seemingly tiny bathroom. Changing Fixtures If the problems you have with your full or half bath are mainly cosmetic, switching out fixtures and calling it a day can save time and money. Bathroom fixtures including faucets, handles, knobs, hanging bars, mirrors and even above-mirror lighting come in and out of style pretty quickly. In the 1990s, it was all about gold. Early in the new millennium, that changed to silver. Nowadays, brushed silver, aged bronze and high-shine chrome are all trendy options! Rather than just following the trends however, we always recommend choosing fixtures that coordinate with your style. Do you prefer rough and rustic or sleek and modern? Glamorous and traditional or simple and casual? Adding Tile, Stone or Glass On the floors, counters or walls, luxury materials such as natural stone, glass tile and mosaic tile will take any bathroom to the next level. Installing tile behind the sink or around the tub is a great way to add a pop of style to the bathroom and water-resistant tile floors just make more sense than carpet, hardwood or vinyl. Our staff has lots of experience installing these fine materials so you can trust that they’ll do a great job with your floors, backsplash or tub surround! Choosing Chic Tubs and Showers One change that can have a huge impact in your bathroom is a new tub. Bath designers get more and more creative each year. There are so many bath tubs and showers to choose from that we always recommend shopping for these items in-person. You’ll be amazed at what you can find. If you are ready for a sparkling new, spa-like bathroom, contact Green Remodeling today to set up a free estimate and design consultation. Our design experts can partner with you to create the bathroom of your dreams!

Preview Your Remodel

This year, Green Remodeling is introducing a new 3D virtual design program. This program allows you to see 2D and 3D visuals of how your redesigned home will look after we’ve put the finishing touches on it before you’ve actually made any changes to the space. We’re doing away with that dreaded phrase, “it looked better on paper.” Because we’re getting your ideas off the page and into a clever design program that lets you view the completed project before anyone has started knocking down walls or tearing up carpet. These days, when somebody decides to start a remodel, there’s usually a lengthy research period that precedes the fruition of the project in the physical world. We read design books, watch home improvements shows, surf architecture and design websites and spend countless hours trying to plan the spaces we live in each day. Shouldn’t we be able to see our plans in perfect 3D? There’s really no better way of visualizing a new room than seeing it modeled to scale in a three dimensional simulation. One of the best features of the Green Remodeling planning program is its ability to multitask. It has a large gallery of decor and finishes to choose from to simulate your style and it can clearly lay out multiple rooms and spaces in a single virtual design session. When you think about it, our virtual design previews are like a super affordable way for you to try out different paint color, move walls and add sophisticated details to your home without buying a thing. Whether you want to do work on your basement, your bathroom, your kitchen or your family room, the program’s 3D catalog library, packed with thousands of cabinets, appliances, furnishings and textures, is sure to have what you’re looking for. Our architectural design software is easy to use and the images it creates are realistic and easy to understand. You won’t be decoding blueprints or working with vague sketches with this design innovation! Your contractor and designer will work with you and quickly show you how your finished basement or remodeled kitchen is going to look in your home. And if there’s anything you don’t like about your home preview, tweaking features here and there is a breeze so costly redesign miscommunications are minimized. You can even move through the virtual models so you’ll know how your home’s new architectural features will look from every angle. A final benefit to previewing your new space on remodeling software is that it can even speed up the building process. The 3D models can be translated into construction documents hastily so the work can start faster and your real home can become like your virtual home sooner!

Bathroom Remodeling

Of all the different remodels we offer, a bathroom remodel tends to be the second most disruptive service behind kitchens to you and your family but subsequently, the most rewarding when it’s done. When a bathroom is re-done right, it becomes less of the place you have to go to four or five times a day and more of a space you actually kind of enjoy spending time in. Plus, upgrades in bathrooms and kitchens have high returns on investment, adding tons of value to your home. After you have defined the scope of the bathroom remodeling venture you’re going to just take on, there are many things you’ll need to contend with before the work can start. Your remodeling price range will probably be the first thing. It’s always best to begin a remodel after you’ve already determined that you have enough money set aside to cover all the costs. Redesigns are unpredictable. Even if you think you’ve got enough, you should have some extra financial padding in case you run into trouble. Dipping into savings or worse (college funds!) is a common mistake made by many a renovator. It might seem like a finished bathroom is better than a depleted bank account but there’s no guarantee you’ll feel that way when you need that money again! There are a lot plumbing issues in bathroom remodeling assignments. Unless you really know what you are undertaking, hooking up pipes and rerouting them, you can wind up making some very soggy mistakes. This is why professional contractors are so important. They know how to route plumbing and avoid catastrophe. Once you have the finances, etc. sorted out, which we’re happy to help you do, you get to focus on developing your dream bathroom! Start with the layout then work your way up to the finishes and the other little details. Imagine the perfect master bath. How many sinks are there? How many cabinets you need? What colors are the floors, the walls and the counters? Get samples of everything, from paint chips to tiles, to better visualize your perfect space. Even if you’re employing a contractor or an interior designer, you have the ultimate say as the homeowner on the materials to be used but a good deal will be dictated by your price range. You may want marble and granite but if it won’t fit in the budget, porcelain will look just as good. In the end, as long as you know what your finance restrictions are and understand the scope of the remodeling project, there’s no reason you won’t end up with an awesome, relaxing haven of a bathroom. .

LED Lighting is the new GREEN Light

What are LED lights, why are they so expensive, and why is everyone is using them? LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.  They have become popular because they are the most energy efficient way to produce light.  LED lights use about 90 percent less power than conventional light bulbs (halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, etc).  They are more durable and have a long service life.  Believe it or not, but they can last up to 25 years or more!!!  This is about 40,000-50,000 hours. Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to keep a room full of canned lights cool?  LED lights can solve this problem, because they do not emit heat the way conventional lights do.  This allows you to stay more comfortable while saving on your utility bills. For safety and environmental concerns, they don’t contain any mercury or toxins, don’t generate radio frequency so as not to interfere with radios or TVs and are resistant to vibration and shocks.  They are cool to the touch so as not to burn you.  Again because they do not generate heat, they are safer to be placed near drier bushes and plants.  Their waterproof quality allows them to be safe to be used near water hoses and sprinklers. The trendiest place to use LED lighting right now is with cabinetry.  Because they do not generate as much heat as conventional lights, they can be used in places that were not possible before.  They are commonly used for task lighting, under cabinet lights, inside cabinets and drawers, and under the toe kick. Another place where LED lighting is making headway is in outdoor spaces.  There are the obvious energy savings, but beyond that, they are a great choice because they do not emit any ultra violet light and therefore do not attract bugs!  They can withstand harsh weather conditions and are available in a variety of configurations.  They are commonly used in vibrant colors for holiday decorations. They are also commonly used for night lights, stair and walkway lighting, pendants and replace lamp bulbs. So what’s the catch?  They are expensive.  It goes back to the adage, “You get what you pay for.”  It is estimated that between replacement costs of bulbs and energy savings, LED lighting will pay for themselves within about 3.5 years. If you would like more information, there is a free app about LED lighting call “Learn LED” from Phillips. If there are any home improvement topics you would like me to cover, please feel free to email them in to me at lgreen@greenremodeling.com

What are “Green” Products and How do they Help Me and My Home?

If you asked 10 people what it means for a product to be “green”, you would probably get 10 different answers.  The truth is, there are many different attributes that allow a product to be called “green.”   This can range anywhere from being made of recyclable material to the cleaner or more efficient manner in which they are manufactured.  Basically, “green” products can loosely be defined as products that lower their negative impact on the earth. The most recognized classification for green products is whether they are made from recycled materials or are themselves recyclable.  Manufacturers are finding many inventive ways to use recyclable material to create interesting things.  Take for example glass countertops.  There are companies that take particular bottles for their coloring (Heineken for green, Skyy Vodka for blue, wine bottles for red) and use them to create beautiful unique countertops.  These countertops are quite a fitting choice for a basement bar or wet bar area. In many cases you can also remodel your home using items salvaged from existing or demolished buildings such as bathtubs, sinks, and cabinetry. Doing this lowers the demand for having these items manufactured and in turn lowers the strain on the environment from the factories making these items. Sustainability is a big part of classifying a product as “green”. Sustainability in the remodeling world has multiple definitions.  It can refer to the replenishment of the resource from which the product is made.   This is called “sustainable harvesting”. Many hardwood floor manufacturers have programs to plant a tree for every tree they cut down. Bamboo has become a popular green flooring choice for this reason. Bamboo grows at an incredible rate, reaching maturity in 3-5 years, as opposed to trees which require more than double that time. It is more durable than traditional oak hardwoods and is also a bit more resistant to water. Another popular “green” flooring choice is cork.  It is considered sustainable because one tree can be harvested multiple times. It is a natural insulator, dampens sound, and is hypoallergenic.  Because of its softness, it is great for those who have children or back/knee problems. Sustainability can also mean being extremely durable with low maintenance requirements.  This longevity keeps it from needing to be replaced in the near future.  Examples of this would be HardiePlank Siding and LVT flooring.  HardiePlank siding will not rot or warp like it’s real wood look-alike and is made to last for many years.  LVT flooring is virtually indestructible, can be cleaned with anything, is water resistant, and does not require any maintenance such as refinishing.  Another example would be using LED light bulbs.  They can last for 20+ years before having to be replaced.  They also use very little energy to create the same output as traditional light bulbs which is another aspect of being a green product. Reducing energy consumption is another attribute of a “green” product.  Not only does this lower the impact on the earth, but it also lowers utility bills.  There are many products which are aimed at reducing energy costs such as Eco Wraps (an insulating wrap placed around your house before the finish is applied), Low-E Windows, Energy Star Appliances, etc. A product can also be considered “green” if it does not produce or contain any contaminants.  As of the late 70’s paints with lead have been banned; however, many paints and stains used today still contain harmful substances called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs are toxins that are released into the air as the paint cures. They can cause symptoms ranging from asthma attacks and complications, decreases in enzymes in the blood which help the nervous system function properly, and cancer.  The good news is that paint manufacturers have begun to make products with low or no VOCs. They are water-based, which makes for easy cleanup since it is not considered hazardous waste, has little to no odor when applied, and has no ozone depleting contaminants. As you can see, there are many great products that can be used in your home that can be considered “green”.  Many do not cost you any more than you would pay for a non-green product and can in fact save you money in the long run. Just being aware of the product’s qualities can help you make a more informed “green” decision.