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Create Your (Kitchen) Island Oasis

When the time comes to consider remodeling or renovation projects around the house, the kitchen is always a perennial favorite, not only with homeowners looking to get a big bang for their buck when (or if) they choose to resell, but for homebuyers looking for a relatively new and modern kitchen. One aspect of newer kitchens that continues to rise in popularity with homeowners and prospective homebuyers alike is the kitchen island. For homeowners looking to spruce up their kitchens, an island is a great addition. Whether it’s part of a larger kitchen renovation project or merely the installation of the island itself, a kitchen island offers great benefits in form and function to the room that has quickly become the average home’s bustling hub of activity. At Green Remodeling, we know that one of the most common complaints the average homeowner makes about their current kitchen is the lack of usable space. A kitchen island helps to solve that problem on many fronts. Counter/Prep Space Have you ever tried to cook or bake in your kitchen, only to realize that you usually end spending more time moving stuff around the counter in order to make room for your cooking or baking items than you do actually cooking and baking? A kitchen island gives you the convenient luxury of extra counter space. Prep Sink Speaking of extra prep space, a kitchen island is the perfect spot for a second sink, also known as a prep sink. Prep sinks are a wonderful addition, especially if you’re active in the kitchen. In addition to being a dedicated sink where you can wash vegetables or thaw meat, a prep sink can also be used to wash hands and make drinks. Storage Space Another great idea to incorporate into a kitchen island is extra storage space. Since kitchens always seem to be short on storage space, a kitchen island is a convenient location that’s not only central to the room, but in close proximity to the prep and cook areas, but to the dishwasher and sink, as well. Seating Space Since seating space always seems to be at a premium, a kitchen island offers a unique and convenient spot for seating. Closer to the action, kitchen island seating allows those seated to interact with the cook, which is great when entertaining during dinner parties. In addition, because of its proximity to the sink and dishwasher, it helps to make cleanup quick and efficient. Go Green! While there are pre-fab “islands” that you can buy from a store, they are small, often times resembling a cart, and offer none of the benefits described here. To get the most for your money, hire the professionals at Green Remodeling for a custom designed and built kitchen island that commands attention. Specializing in remodeling and renovating many different spaces in and around your home, Green Remodeling is the one to call for any and all of your upcoming projects. Whether it’s a mere kitchen island or an entire kitchen redo, Green Remodeling can get the job done on-time and on-budget!
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Take It Outside

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to decorate it just the way you want it. In essence, making it your own and putting your own personal touches on it so that it’s a natural expression of your own style. And seeing as to how the weather is finally warmer and it’s actually feeling like spring, this is the perfect time for homeowners to turn their attention toward their outdoor space. Extend Your Living Space With more and more homeowners desiring space within which to entertain, the search for additional space often times moves outside. Maximizing your living space beyond the confines of your interior walls is not only relatively easy and affordable, but makes good investment sense, providing a great return on investment when it comes time to assess your home’s value. But where to start? Consult With a Professional Contractor First things first, see about scheduling an initial consultation with a home renovation contractor. Most reputable contractors such as Green Remodeling offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss some of the details regarding what your goals and objectives are for the space before offering up an estimate for the project. Consider the Location You’ll want to take several things into account before choosing a final location. A contractor can consult with you to determine the best location for your outdoor space. Of course, you’ll want to find a spot that’s not only close to the house, but offers optimum views, shade, privacy, or any combination of the three, depending on what your preferences are. You might also want to take into account the position of the sun during the various times of day that you’re expecting to hang out in your new outdoor space. Consider The Details What do you want to do in that additional outdoor space? Aside from just getting out of the house, what do you envision will be taking place in your new outdoor area? If you’re looking to entertain, perhaps you could add a fire pit, benches for simple built-in seating, or a large TV for movies and sporting events. Do you enjoy cooking? If so, outdoor kitchens are all the rage now. You can have your very own gourmet outdoor kitchen, complete with professional appliances. Keep in mind that your budget and your imagination are your only restrictions when it comes to planning your dream outdoor space. And when it’s time to begin the planning process on your dream space – whether it’s outdoors or indoors – Green Remodeling can help you go from dream to reality. With a full suite of contracting specialties, professional general contractor, Laura Green, and her team of home renovation and remodeling experts have spent nearly two decades satisfying the desires and dreams of hundreds of homeowners. Contact Green Remodeling about transforming your outdoor space today!  
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Design Trend Spotlight: Sliding Barn Doors

With the trend in rustic interior decoration and design in full swing, many style experts are continuing to bet on a refined farmhouse look for the home once again this year. The key, however, is to utilize the look in small design elements rather than transforming the entire interior of your home into an old farmhouse from the 1800s, hence the keyword, “refined”. Easy & Affordable One design element that’s relatively easy and affordable to incorporate anywhere in your home is a sliding barn door. Not only does it serve an aesthetic purpose in keeping with the rustic/farmhouse decor, but it also serves a wonderful function as a space-saver over a traditional door that must allow for swing clearance, which eats up valuable space in the room that ends up going unused. It also serves as an easier and more affordable alternative to a pocket door, which, aside from being more difficult to install, doesn’t look as stylish as a sliding barn door. As Unique as Its Surroundings There are several variationsof barn doors that can be used, depending on taste, decor, and specific room layout. Aside from the traditional single door variation on a standard-width entry, a wide entryway into an adjacent room can be well accented by large double barn doors that meet in the middle of the entryway to close, and slide out of the way in opposite directions to open up to the next room. When open, the doors help to “frame” the view into the other room, creating a natural focal point that creates visual interest and draws the eye curiously into the next room. Sliding barn doors are also a wonderful replacement over standard folding closet doors. In addition, sliding barn doors can be used to hide a small workspace in a home office or den when not in use. In other words, your use of the sliding barn door as a design element is limited only by your imagination and ability to make your vision come to life. Call on Green Remodeling To help make that vision come to life, contactthe professionals at Green Remodelingfor the very best in home remodeling and renovation. Specializing in everything from large scale basement, kitchen, or bathroomremodels to something as small — yet just as important — as installing sliding barn doors, Laura Green and her team of home renovation experts will consult with you fully to first determine how it is you currently use the space and what you expect of it. A virtual one-stop shop for all thingsrelating to improving your home and how you use it and live in it, Green Remodeling can help you with nearly any facet of your home’s interior or exterior.
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2018: The Right Time to Remodel

With a brand new year on the calendar, it just so happens to be the best time to look ahead to the hottest home design and renovation trends for the upcoming year in anticipation of a possible remodel or renovation. With a healthy and growing economy, now might be the best time to consider investing in a home improvement project. No Time Like the Present With the growth in economy and consumer confidence, 2018 is shaping up to be a great year to remodel or renovate – but you need to hurry. Because the longer you wait to green light a project while others are choosing to take the plunge, the greater the potential adverse effect will be on the very factors you’re hoping aren’t affected. In other words, while a low material cost is a good thing when considering a remodel, if you continue to wait while others have begun their remodeling jobs, their activity will, in turn, eventually raise the cost of materials on your potential remodeling job, once you decide to green light it. Bottom line? Act swiftly. Kitchens: The Hub of the House Studies have shown that the return on investment on a kitchen remodel outperforms renovations made to any other room of the house. Great things to consider on a kitchen remodel include, but are not limited to, increasing available storage space, refacing or replacing cabinets, installing upgraded countertops, installing a walk-in pantry, and adding upgraded appliances. In addition, another great design trend for the kitchen is a large island that features either an additional prep area, complete with a sink and/or another seating area for less formal meals and gatherings, where the diners can sit closer to the person who’s doing the cooking. Bath Another design-trendy area of the home that it pays to renovate is the master bath area. Like kitchens, master baths evoke emotion in the heart of the homeowner. Where kitchens evoke a sense of comfort and fellowship, master baths often times evoke a sense of peace and relaxation. It’s those emotional ties that potential homebuyers respond to, seeking out upgraded amenities and features. For a master bath, such amenities might include a walk-in shower (perhaps with a built-in seat for comfort or convenience), steam shower, solid countertops, and additional storage, to name a few. With a little help from the renovation experts at Green Remodeling, you can make the most of your opportunity this year to take on the remodeling project you’ve been considering. Whether it’s a kitchen or bath upgrade, finishing off a basement to enlarge your living space, or adding on a completely new space to extend your square footage, the home improvement pros at Green Remodeling will take a consultative approach to helping you create the space you’ve always wanted. Be sure to contact Green Remodeling for more information about how they can help you with all your home improvement needs in 2018 and beyond!    
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3 Summer Home Renovations That Cut Energy Costs

With the official arrival of summer, it’s also that time of year to welcome the sweltering Southern heat and the increased cost of keeping your house cool. It seems as if the constant heat is rivaled only by the constant need to run your air conditioning 24/7. Here are few investments and home renovations you can make to help keep energy costs down when the temps go up. Energy Efficient Windows If you live in an older home or find that you are spending way too much on energy costs, perhaps it’s time to look into replacing your existing windows with energy efficient windows that will save you money all year-round. While it’s not exactly a cheap fix, installing energy efficient windows is an investment that not only cuts energy costs, but adds to your home’s resale value. Energy efficient windows have a wide price range and feature everything from double panes, reflective coating, and weather stripping, all the up to having argon gas between the panes. Replacing your windows also allows you the opportunity to seal up drafty spots around the windows, preventing cool air from escaping when it’s hot outside and keeping warm air from escaping when it’s cold outside. Make sure to look into available tax credits when replacing windows, too. Insulation To further “seal up” the house, it may also be time to add new insulation. When it comes to energy costs, the attic and basement (foundation) are – pardon the pun – hot spots for increased energy costs. If you have an unfinished basement, make sure to have a professional add sealant to any exposed concrete. If your basement is finished, make certain that your walls are properly insulated. If they’re not, you can have a professional add loose-fill insulation without having to open the wall up. As for insulating the attic, there are many different forms of insulation that you can use to get the job done. Whether spray foam, fiberglass or cellulose, proper insulation will add comfort and cost savings year-round. Look for special tax credits, as well. Storm Doors Summer is also a great time to upgrade your front (and/or back) door with the addition of a storm door. Installed in front of your existing exterior door, a storm door features glass and screen panels that allow you to keep your exterior door open to allow natural light and air in while keeping the entryway closed and secure from bugs and other things you wish to keep out. In addition to the extra curb appeal, the increased ventilation can help to keep air moving throughout the house, bringing your cooling costs down. Trust a Professional For over a decade, Green Remodeling has worked hard to turn their clients’ dream home visions into reality. With an experienced staff of licensed designers and project managers, they will consult with you during every facet of your project – from start to finish – to ensure that your home remodel/renovation project exceeds expectations without exceeding your budget or timetable. Whether it’s something as simple as helping to improve your energy savings or a full renovation that transforms your kitchen or bathroom into an amazing blend of form and function, they offer a full assortment of services guaranteed to improve on the very personal and precious investment known as your home. Contact Green Remodeling for all your home improvement needs.
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Don’t Debate. Renovate!

Even with the recent federal interest rate hikes, loan rates are still at their relative lowest in recent memory, which means that now might be the time to act, if you’re considering refinancing or taking out a loan against your home equity for a remodeling project you’ve been contemplating. With little relief in sight and rates only trending upward, now might be the time to remodel and lock in a lower rate. Additionally, here are just a few more reasons why now might be the ideal time to plan that home renovation/remodeling project: New Technology With the lightning-fast speed of advancing technology today, homes built just 10 years ago could use some upgrades when it comes to products, building materials, and smart technology for the home. Perhaps the latest wave of Wi-Fi kitchen appliances have you considering remodeling your current kitchen. Or maybe recent advances in green engineering and materials warrant you considering upgrading your windows and lighting to take advantage of increased energy savings. In addition to the convenience newer technology adds, it’s more affordable than even a couple years ago. Lifestyle Change With recent graduations, perhaps you’re finding your home a little quieter and a little less inhabited than it was before and you’re looking to do something productive with that extra bedroom. Or conversely, your high-schooler has more friends than ever and you’re lacking the space to entertain them all. Or perhaps your family is expanding and you suddenly find yourself in need of more living space. No matter the reason, you can have the home you want with a professional renovation today. And when it comes to professional renovation and remodeling, there’s nobody better than Green Remodeling to help you achieve the goal of living in the home of your dreams. Fully committed to helping clients maximize their remodeling budget, contact the licensed pros at Green Remodeling to get your long-awaited home remodeling project started today!
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Increase Your Living Space by Going Outdoors

With just a few more weeks of winter officially on the calendar, it’s the perfect time to begin looking forward to the spring season and the warm temps that come with it. The blossoms, the warm air, and the late evening sunsets are just a few of the things we have access to once we step outside the house and into the great outdoors. It’s no secret that wise homeowners have jumped head first into the trend of moving outdoors to extend their indoor living space and it’s got no sign of stopping anytime soon. Whether you’re short on indoor space and adding on a deck or patio, renovating an existing outdoor space to give it a brand new purpose or boosting your curb appeal with a covered front porch, expanding your usable living space is a move that not only benefits your lifestyle, but your home’s value, as well. At Green Basements & Remodeling, we understand how important your home is to you and your family and how important it is to have a space that’s comfortable and inviting. In addition, we also understand how important it is to be able to trust someone who not only understand your needs, but has the expertise and experience to make your vision a reality – on time and within your budget. Outdoor Kitchens One idea that has really taken off is the outdoor kitchen. Not your standard built-in grill-and-that’s-all kind of outdoor kitchen, but a fully functional kitchen with all the amenities of a complete indoor kitchen (sometimes even more!). Complete with wood-fire, brick pizza ovens, wine coolers, refrigerators, sinks, dishwashers, and much more, there’s so much more to an outdoor kitchen than ever before. Outdoor Entertainment Room A private outdoor entertainment retreat is completely within the realm of possibility, too. Complete with large flat-screen TVs, home theater-quality sound, electronic components, video games, wireless Internet access, wireless Bluetooth speakers, and so much more, it’s possible to create a state-of-the-art space where you and your family can kick back and enjoy your favorite movie, show or sporting event. Additional amenities include fireplaces, bars, ceiling fans, accent lighting, and whatever else your imagination can come up with. Fire Pit When it comes to entertaining, few things are as enjoyable as a fire pit. Available in gas or good, old-fashioned wood burning styles, fire pits are perfect for any gathering of family and friends. Not only is it a source of heat for those chilly nights, but it’s also perfect for huddling around during great conversation. Not to mention, who can refuse fresh homemade s’mores? Go Green! With over a decade of experience in contracting and building projects of all scales, budgets, and styles, Green Basements & Remodeling is the hometown contractor you can trust to design, build, and guarantee their work. With two showrooms in the Greater Metro Atlanta area, not only will you have the opportunity to discuss your project face-to-face with our licensed professionals, but you’ll also have the ability to see samples of countertops, cabinets, flooring, light fixtures, tile, hardware, and much more, allowing you to touch, feel, and compare your options, rather than having to make such decisions from a website or catalog. So contact Green Basements & Remodeling today to see how they can help you make the most of your current outdoor space (or any other space) with their world-class customer service, quality craftsmanship, and top-to-bottom contracting services.
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Remodeling Plan vs. Budget

Did the holidays make you decide that 2017 is the year you’re finally going to do that remodel? Too many guests and not enough bathrooms? Not enough counterspace when you were whipping your feasts? Whatever remodeling project you’ve been thinking about, now’s the time to take the next steps. It’s time to start planning, establish a budget, and call Greens! Plan You want to spend ample time planning and researching your remodeling project. Most remodeling projects require large investments of both time and money, and the more educated and prepared a homeowner is, the happier they tend to be with the final outcome. When you collect your ideas from magazines, photos, and online sites (Pinterest, Houzz, etc.) be specific regarding what you like about your choices when you discuss with your contractor. Also, be specific about what you dislike in your current space. Don’t assume your contractor sees your vision. Be as detailed as possible when talking about how you see your space being transformed. Budget Rarely is money not an object when it comes to remodeling, which is why a realistic budget must be established. Almost everyone has a wish list that exceeds their budget, but a professional contractor can show you what should be prioritized and what should be reconsidered. Your contractor will create an itemized outline of your plan and show you how to edit or eliminate items to make your plan align with your budget. Together you should come up with a compromise that will keep you on budget and keep your project in line with your original vision. At Greens we will discuss your project’s budget at our first design meeting and will continually discuss it with you throughout your project. We know that homeowners have concerns throughout the remodeling process and we are always respectful of our clients’ budgets. We use our knowledge, skills, and expertise to give each client an an “after” that is even better than their original vision, all while respecting and honoring their budget outlines.   As professional remodelers, we take our reputation very seriously and happily provide potential clients information such as references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications. When our clients are ready to create a contract, we patiently discuss timelines, payments, change orders, additional fees, and responsibilities. We are very familiar with each of these factors but are aware that most homeowners are not. We make sure that each client is fully informed and educated about their remodel and we’re always available to discuss any specific concerns they may have before, during, or after their remodeling project. At Greens, our clients’ satisfaction is our #1 priority. Call or come see us today and make 2017 the year that you finally do that remodel you’ve been dreaming about!
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Get Custom: Incorporate Unique Touches in Your Home

Custom touches make your home unique, so have you considered breaking out of your cookie cutter style and adding an eye-catching feature (or two) to your home? Custom barn doors, barrel vault ceilings, dumbwaiters, hidden pantries, and safe rooms are just a few ways you can make a statement in your home. Barn Doors Barn doors are beautiful and extremely functional. They eliminate the empty space necessary for a regular door’s range of motion and they are easier to open and close. A majority of the door’s weight and strain is removed from the user, with a door hung on a track. This type of door would be perfect for a tight space in your home. Barrel Vault Ceilings A barrel vault ceiling features a continuous arched brick or stone surface, resembling the inside of a barrel. Originally used in ancient Egyptian and Roman architecture, in medieval Europe the barrel vault was often seen in monasteries, castles, tower houses, cloisters, and great halls. What a perfectly decadent feature to add to one of your home’s long hallways. Dumbwaiters If you’re only looking to move objects between floors of your home, rather than people, there’s no need for a full elevator. Dumbwaiters are an ideal solution for many multi-story homes. You will not only reduce you and your family’s physical strain from lugging heavy bags, groceries, cleaning supplies, and meals between floors, you’ll add a great amount of convenience. No more spilling drinks on the stairs! Hidden Pantries and Safe Rooms Cover the entrance to your kitchen’s walk-in pantry to give a sleek unified look to your space, all while maintaining the functional properties of a pantry. With a streamlined row of cabinets, unless you already know the pantry is next to the stove, no one would ever guess. Another hidden feature that has seen a rise in popularity is a safe room. When a tornado or hurricane strikes you need a safe place for you and your family to take shelter, especially if your home does not have a basement. These safe rooms are usually on a ground-floor in an area where the foundation has been reinforced with steel and concrete. You can also elevate the security of this space to create a panic room for protection against home invasions. In business for over 10 years, with two showrooms, one stop contracting, and design services, Green Remodeling can help you turn your home into the unique piece of art you and your family deserve. Contact us today to “Get Custom” and find out why Green Remodeling is smart remodeling.
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Choose VOC-Absorbing Drywall for a Healthier Home

People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, but air contaminant levels inside the average new home are 2 to 5 times worse than the pollution levels outside. Everyday materials such as cleaning products, perfumes, hair sprays, and treated fabrics can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) but a major contributor to poor IAQ is new construction and remodeling building materials. Paints, lacquers, paint strippers, solvents, glues, carpets, unsealed plywood or particle board, foam insulation, and a variety of other building materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs are then ingested by the people and animals in the home. Some of the most common chemicals off-gassed from household items include formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and toluene and while some materials have an off-gassing scent, many are odorless. This off-gassing creates an unhealthy IAQ and may cause allergic reactions, congestion, coughing, headaches, skin irritation, asthma attacks, concentration problems, and fatigue, as well as other more serious health problems. Since new construction homes and remodels “off-gas” toxins and carcinogens the most in the first 5 years, consider investing in VOC-absorbing drywall. This new, breakthrough technology actively clears indoor air by capturing VOCs in the board, specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes, and converting them into safe, inert compounds. This amazing drywall absorbs VOCs for 75 years even when finished and painted with most paints up to 25 coats! It also provides enhanced moisture and mold resistance. Obviously this drywall costs a little bit more than your standard drywall, but it’s a small price to pay for improved indoor air quality, a healthier home, and long-term peace of mind. At Green Remodeling, we are dedicated to helping you build a healthier home and we believe that comfortable living starts with better indoor air quality. That’s why we offer the option of VOC-absorbing drywall to all of our clients. Check out our online gallery or visit one of our showrooms to see the wide variety of additional services and products we have available to you. As a “one-stop-shop” contractor we can save you time, energy, and money by designing and building every aspect of your project. We will discuss your project in detail with you and prepare drawings so you can visualize and confirm what your end product will look like. We take great pride in our work and 100% customer satisfaction is our number one goal. Visit us today to see why Green Remodeling is smart remodeling!