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Remodeling Your Basement to Include a Guest Suite

Transform your dark and damp basement into a beautifully finished extension of your home by adding a gorgeous new guest suite. Adding a basement guest suite to your home adds a personal space for you, adult children, parents, or long-term guests. It will also boost your property value and can be offered as revenue-generating rental unit.   Creating The Perfect Basement Guest Suite To create a comfortable and welcoming guest suite in your basement focus on adding functional and aesthetically appealing design elements.
  • Lighting: The lack of natural light often leads basements to feel cavelike. Add a variety of lighting fixtures and focus on warm lighting tones to brighten the space.
  • Flooring: Laminate flooring or tile is usually the best choice for a basement space rather than wood due to flooding risks. Layer area rugs or install radiant floor heating to combat cold feet.
  • Bathroom: The perfect basement guest suite should feel like a private residence, which means it should include a full bathroom so guests do not need to go upstairs to shower or use the restroom.
  • Kitchenette: A kitchenette will make guests feel at ease and offer a private space where they can fix a snack or drink, rather than feeling awkward in the main kitchen.
  • Finishes: Focus on finishes that add elegant touches to the space so your guest will feel special when staying with you.
  Partner with the Basement Guest Suite Experts at Green With the word basement in our name, it should come as no surprise that we specialize in remodeling and finishing high-end basements. At Green Basements & Remodeling we can help you with all aspects of your guest suite’s construction and design including securing the proper permits, incorporating sufficient safety standards (egress windows, etc.), ensuring the proper moisture barriers are in place, and that all plumbing and wiring is correctly installed, expanded, or updated. We are a fully licensed and insured contracting company with decades of experience and we will make sure your project is completed smoothly, efficiently, and 100% to your satisfaction. Check out our basement portfolio and then come visit us at our new 3500 square foot showroom where you can view samples of flooring, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, tile, hardware and other materials that we can combine to complete your project. If you are considering transforming your basement to include a beautiful guest suite, call Green Basements and Remodeling at (678) 445-5533, visit us, or request a free estimate today.        
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Kitchen Countertop Trends

Countertops set the tone and serve as the focal point in a kitchen, especially kitchen islands. The perfect countertop can help you achieve the desired aesthetic for your kitchen, but you also want to choose one that suits your lifestyle. Here are a few finish, material, and design trends that you may want to consider when choosing your kitchen countertops.   Material: Quartz First introduced as a high-end alternative to granite, quartz has been dominating the countertop scene for years. As a non-porous option, liquids like water, wine, and oils cannot seep into the surface to cause staining and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface to create unsanitary conditions. Quartz, also praised for its durability, is as strong as concrete and granite, but less likely to chip or crack. As a manufactured product, quartz countertops are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes that mimic the look of granite, natural stone, and marble—all at a more affordable price point.   Finishes: Polished,  Honed, and Leathered Textures and tactile surfaces are trending in all aspects of home design, including countertops. Honed, leathered, and polished surfaces can be applied to most countertop materials, including granite, marble, and quartz. A low-sheen, matte, honed finish has little to no shine, better concealing flaws and scratches. In recent years, this trend has been gaining ground over the previously popular polished surface. Leathered finishes are a newer style of treatment that retain a stone’s natural color giving it a more sophisticated look than honed. This type of finish offers a soft sheen that is less glossy than a polished slab, allowing it to better hide fingerprints and water spots.   Character: Veining and Patterns Homeowners are looking for more character than round particulate patterned countertops. Realistic veining is a hot trend in kitchen countertops and modern engineering has made it easier for manufacturers to produce striking and uniquely veined and patterned materials.   Style: Waterfall Islands Countertops consisting of four sides of neat ends are being replaced by the waterfall edge where the countertop flows from the top of the island to the floor. This stunning design feature can be achieved with almost any material, and is sure to be one of the first things guest will notice when entering your kitchen.   Shop Green for All Your Kitchen Countertop Needs At Green Basements & Remodeling we are your one-stop-shop for residential renovation projects. Come explore our 25,000 square foot showroom to see all the latest materials, finishes and trends for yourself. We partner with top manufacturers and fabricators to provide our clients with the absolute best materials for their homes. Plus, our curated team of professionals is ready to walk you through our all-inclusive process. We love sharing our knowledge of countertop materials, finishes and more and we ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently by assigning you a dedicated Project Manager and Designer. That’s right—your kitchen renovation will have a dedicated team solely focused on your job and ready to create the kitchen of your dreams! We invite you to check out our kitchen portfolio and then give us a call at (678) 736-6335 (Marietta), (678) 445-5533 (Woodstock), or contact us through our online form today.    
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Design Tips for Planning a Family Kitchen

In family homes, the kitchen is usually the gathering space for doing homework and spending time together as a family as well as for cooking and eating. When designing this space you will want to focus on the functional needs as well as creating an adaptable space that can grow and change with the needs of everyone in your family. The renovation team at Green Basements and Remodeling has a few design tips to help you design the perfect family kitchen.   Choose the Right Layout Getting the right layout is essential for any kitchen, but family kitchens tend to be where everyone gathers, creating traffic issues and possibly dangerous situations. A peninsula can create a child-free zone by closing off access to one area whereas an island creates a more open-plan layout. Consider how to make everyone comfortable, have plenty of designated seating, and give the person cooking plenty of space to move freely when designing your kitchen’s layout.   Multiple Height Work Surfaces In addition to work surface heights suited to the person who does most of the cooking, lower work surfaces allow children to assist in food preparation. These lowered countertops can then be used as baking stations, breakfast bars, homework spots, or specialty seating areas after small children grow.   Let Appliances Make Life Easier Family life requires choosing appliances designed for maximum convenience. Sanitizing dishwashers, hot water dispensers, fast-cook ovens, convection microwaves, and refrigerator drawers make life easier for busy families.   Family-Friendly Materials Sticky handprints and spills are constant occurrences in family kitchens. Choose stain-resistant, anti-bacterial materials (quartz, steel) and finishes (matte rather than gloss) that are less likely to show smudges. Easy-maintenance flooring (ceramic, concrete, porcelain) can stand up to heavy wear and tear and are great choices if you have pets.   Partner with the Experts at Green Basements and Remodeling Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook, it is a place for your family to gather and grow. At Green Basements and Remodeling we know that each kitchen is as unique as the family that will use it. Your dedicated Project Manager and Designer will ask questions such as “What does a day in the life of your kitchen look like? What works? What doesn’t?” to help determine the best use of your space. By partnering with us you can rest easy knowing your project will run smoothly and efficiently because 100% customer satisfaction is our number one goal. Call us at (678) 736-6335 (Marietta) or (678) 445-5533 (Woodstock) or contact us through our online form to get started designing your family-friendly kitchen today!
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Preparing for Your Kitchen Remodel

When you envision the end result of your beautiful kitchen remodel you probably gloss over the part where you’ll be living in your home throughout the construction process. All remodels take patience and perseverance, but preparing for your project in advance can reduce the amount of inconvenience you will experience in the weeks or months you will be living without a fully functioning kitchen. Here are a few tips from Green Basements & Remodeling to make your kitchen remodel a bit less stressful.   Establish Storage Areas Before your project even begins you must move everything out of the kitchen. This is a great time to purge any old, broken, or unused items. Establish a dedicated storage for all remaining items while your project is in process. Basements, garages, and spare bedrooms can be utilized but if those aren’t options and you just don’t have room onsite, you will need to consider offsite options such as friends’ and family members’ homes or storage units.   Create a Temporary Kitchen Dining out, delivery, and carryout are great meal solutions while you don’t have a working kitchen, but these options can get tiresome and put a strain on your budget. By setting up a temporary kitchen you will have a spot where you can brew your morning coffee and put together a few basic meals. Choose a dust-free space somewhere that’s out of the way of construction to serve as your temporary kitchen. Add a table, chairs, and shelves or storage crates for your pantry items and necessary equipment, such as a microwave, coffeemaker, electric kettle, toaster oven, electric griddle and slow cooker. The refrigerator and freezer in your temporary kitchen can be stocked with individually portioned microwaveable meals before moving everything out of your kitchen. Paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic utensils will cut down on dishes to be washed. You may also want to keep a knife, cutting board, and few of your favorite spices on hand. Don’t forget that your grill can do more than just roast meat and vegetables. Get adventurous and bake pizzas, biscuits, rolls, and skillet pies. Keep a stash of nonperishable and “grab and go” snacks available like peanut butter, crackers, sliced bread, dried fruit, canned goods, trail mix, cereal, soup, and fruit.   Plan a Few Getaways Giving yourself a few breaks throughout your project can give you the renewed energy you need to complete a renovation. Taking a mini vacation can be difficult in the time of COVID-19, but renting a hotel room for a night, spending a few days at one of your family or friends’ homes, or renting a recreational vehicle can provide a much needed respite from your project.   Stay Calm and Focus on the Big Picture When you find yourself in the middle of your project, beginning to panic and feeling overwhelmed, focus on the beautiful end result. Your kitchen remodel is only temporary. Remember, you will be enjoying your new kitchen shortly and for many years to come.   Partner with Green Basements & Remodeling Ready to remodel your kitchen? Our curated team of professionals is ready to walk you through our all-inclusive process. Your kitchen renovation will have a dedicated team solely focused on your job and ready to create the kitchen of your dreams!
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Age-in-Place Remodeling

Over 40 million Americans are 65 and older, our nation’s average life expectancy is steadily increasing (currently almost 80 years old!), and Baby Boomers are generally in better physical condition than their predecessors. The trend of previous generations to move to retirement communities and independent living facilities is changing with many empty nesters, retirees, and seniors now choosing to age-in-place at their homes. Rethinking home design and remodeling areas of a home to the unique requirements of its residents often allows for extended years of comfortable independence.   Age-in-Place Remodeling Projects
  • Kitchens: Bringing countertops and cabinets down from 34 inches off the floor to a more accessible 30 inches off the floor creates a mores accessible space for wheelchair or scooter users.
  • Bathrooms: Heavy bath bars and grab bars are easy additions that can help prevent falls throughout a bathroom. Step-through tubs, curdles showers, and comfort-height toilets provide additional layers of safety and convenience.
  • Flooring: Slick, hard stone floors can be replaced with more slip-resistant flooring materials, such as vinyl and linoleum.
  • Lighting: Lighted switches and motion-activated lighting are two convenient safety features preferred by residents as their ability to see at night and in darkened areas deteriorates.
  • Doorways: Widening doorways beyond 32 inches allows users full access, even if they are using a wheelchair or scooter
  • Functional details: Small details like switching out round doorknobs for easy-grip levers that don’t require a twisting motion is especially helpful for people with arthritis and other mobility issues.
  Partner with the Top Remodeling Team in Atlanta Why Green? As an all-inclusive remodeling company, Green Basements & Remodeling offers years of experience with basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and theater/media rooms to the most discerning Atlanta homeowners. Our detailed design process, amazing 25,000 square foot showroom, and talented team takes all the homework out of remodeling. Dedicated Project Managers and Designers assist each each client through their project, ensuring it is running smoothly and efficiently with customer service being the top priority every step of the way. Call us at 678-REMODEL or contact us through our online form to get started on your home remodeling project today.   Concerned about COVID-19? Green Basements & Remodeling takes the health and well being of our customers and employees very seriously. Read our COVID-19 Announcement for more information about our updated policies and procedures.
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Bathroom Sink Mounting Options

Choosing a bathroom sink may seem like an easy task at first but can quickly become overwhelming. Last month we discussed factors to consider when selecting your sinks, such as style and lifestyle, storage options, available space and configuration, size and shape, and faucet compatibility. This month we will be showcasing the variety of mounting options available:

  • Undermount: A great choice for busy family bathrooms, the lack of rim on an undermount sink makes it easy to clean while offering a seamless look.
  • Top-mount: Generally less expensive than undermount sinks and the easiest type of sink to install, a top-mount (also called self-rimming or drop-in) sink is designed to allow most of the sink to sit below the counter, with just the rim sitting on top.
  • Wall-mount: Wall-mounted sinks attach directly to the wall with visible plumbing beneath. The lack of cabinets beneath a wall-mounted sink offers a clean, open look but does not offer an area for storage.
  • Pedestal: Like wall-mounted sinks, a pedestal sink basin is also attached to the wall but it rests on a pedestal that supports it from underneath. These sinks work well in small bathrooms and powder rooms where storage and counter space are not priorities.
  • Vessel: A vessel sink is a large, free-standing bowl that sits on top of the vanity. These dramatic sinks are best suited for master baths and powder rooms where you want to add striking focal point.
  • Integrated: Integrated sinks provide a clean, sleek, all-in-one answer by combining a countertop and bathroom sink together. This type of sink is easy to clean due to its lack of ridges and seams, making it a great choice for busy family bathrooms.
  • Semirecessed: Semirecessed sinks have a basin that extends beyond a narrow ledge or vanity allowing users to get closer to the sink to reach the faucet without the obstruction of a countertop and cabinets. This type of sink is a good choice for children’s bathrooms and tight spaces.
  • Washplane: Slim, streamlined washplane sinks feature a trough under the sink to catch water before it runs into the waste pipe. These shallow sinks do not have plug options so they are best suited for powder rooms where they will be used only for hand washing.
  • Console: Similar to a wall mounted sink, a traditional console sink is supported by two “legs” mounted at the front of the sink. Console sinks typically have generous counter space and open shelving below.
  • Corner: If bathroom space is tight, consider using a triangular corner sink. These small sinks easily fit in an empty corner and are available in both pedestal and wall-mount options.

Let Green Help You Choose the Right Sink for Your Bathroom

We would love to help you choose the sink that works best for your space. Call us (678) 736-6335, contact us through our online form, or visit our new 10,000 square foot showroom and design center to collaborate with a member of our design staff today. In addition to bathroom sinks, the showroom is a one-stop shopping experience for all your home needs, including a wide selection of cabinets, countertops, tile, LVT, hardwoods, carpet, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.

Concerned About COVID-19?

Green Basements & Remodeling takes the health and well being of our customers and employees very seriously as we move forward in these unprecedented conditions. Read our COVID-19 Announcement here.

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Choosing the Right Bathroom Sink

The available options among bathroom sinks can make the selection process a bit overwhelming. Here are a few factors you need to consider when choosing the correct one for you and your space.

Style and Lifestyle

Consider which bathroom you are shopping for and ask yourself who will use the room. By determining who will be using the sink and how, you can narrow down your choices. For example, you may want a sleek sink in a bathroom used only by adults (such as your master bathroom), a durable sink in a kids’ or family bathroom, or a stylish sink in a guest bathroom or powder room.

Storage Options

Consider how much storage space you need under, around, or adjacent to your bathroom sink. Wall-mounted or pedestal bathroom sinks do not have a surrounding countertop to provide storage, but options like cabinet mounted sinks will give your bathroom a finished look while providing underneath storage.

Available Space and Configuration

Determine how much area is truly available for your new sink by taking exact measurements of your potential sink space. Are you needing to configure a sink into an existing space? It is crucial to measure the existing cut-out in order to choose a new sink that will perfectly fit the countertop opening and mount in the same way.

Size and Shape

Unless you’re replacing an existing sink, size and shape are generally matters of personal preference. There are no standard sink sizes but basins are typically 5 to 8 inches deep, round sinks are usually 16-20 inches in diameter, and rectangular sinks are usually 19-24 inches wide and 16-23 inches front to back.

Faucet Compatibility

Make sure the size or shape of the sink works with your (new or existing) faucet choice. Most sinks have predrilled faucet holes to hold either a single-handle faucet or a faucet plus separate hot and cold water. Also pay attention the spacing of these holes. Most centerset faucets have holes spaced 4 inches apart but widespread faucets feature holes 8-16 inches apart. Some sinks (vessel and some undercount models) do not have faucet holes due to the fact the faucets are mounted on the wall above the sink or on the countertop behind the sink.

Let Green Help You Choose the Right Sink for Your Bathroom

We would love to help you choose the sink that works best for your space. Call us (678) 736-6335, contact us through our online form, or visit our new 10,000 square foot showroom and design center to collaborate with a member of our design staff today. In addition to bathroom sinks, the showroom is a one-stop shopping experience for all your home needs, including a wide selection of cabinets, countertops, tile, LVT, hardwoods, carpet, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.

Concerned About COVID-19?

Green Basements & Remodeling takes the health and well being of our customers and employees very seriously as we move forward in these unprecedented conditions. Read our COVID-19 Announcement here.

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Splashy Kitchen Backsplashes

Kitchen backsplashes perform the functional duties of protecting your work spaces but they are also an important design element. They can seamlessly blend into an overall aesthetic or stand out as unique works of art. Beginning as small ceramic tile borders featuring fruits and vegetables and progressing through the prevalence of subway tile, the evolution of backsplashes is far from over.

Material: Classics & New Alternatives

Ceramic and porcelain tiles remain top material choices but metal, natural stone, glass, mirror, brick, and wood backslashes are being added to kitchens by homeowners looking to create a unique look. Homeowners interested in a more organic look are choosing handmade backsplash tiles to create depth and add variation.

Colors, Patterns, and Layouts

Neutrals (white, gray or beige) are top color choices but backsplash tiles are available in every possible color. Some upcoming trends include graphic prints and large patterned tiles. Tile layouts such as chevron, herringbone, Moroccan fish scale can also deliver big results. It is important to remember that the tiles will repeat (similar to wallpaper) meaning layout prior to installation is crucial to maintain a balanced look.

Finishes

Shiny finishes on porcelain and ceramic offer a classic look but when it comes to finishes, options are endless. The reflective quality of mirrored tile finishes can brighten your kitchen in the day (reflecting natural sunlight) and night (reflecting electric lighting). Metallic tiles can bring a glossy industrial feel to your space. Weathered and acid wash tile offer an aged, authentic look and tumbled tiles can be designed to resemble natural stone.

Heights: Take It to the Limit

A majority of homeowners are currently taking the backsplash up to the bottom of their kitchen cabinets or range hood, but full feature walls where the backsplash material is applied all the way up to the ceiling are rising in popularity. As more homeowners opt for open shelves or windows rather than upper wall cabinetry, these ceiling-height backsplashes become dynamic focal points.

Super Hot New Trend: Slabs

If you’re ready to break the mold and step out of the tile backsplash box, one of the hottest new trends is a slab backsplash. Slabs offer the appeal of a stunning, continuous surface, rather than smaller individual tiles divided by grout lines.

Partner with the Design Team at Green

Whether you are looking to incorporate traditional or contemporary backsplash designs into your kitchen, the team at Green Basements & Remodeling is ready to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Call our office today to schedule your in home consultation and showroom meeting!

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Your Green Home: Integrate Eco-Friendly Trends into Your Remodeling Project

Integrating green trends into your home remodeling project isn’t just better for the planet, it’s also better for your health and long-term finances. By incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly building and design trends, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency, improve its comfort, breathe healthier indoor air, and lower your overall maintenance costs.

VOC-Free Flooring and Paint

Carpets and synthetic (especially vinyl which is built from plastic) floor coverings may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which discharge into the air of your home. Wood and stone flooring do not release VOCs and are easier to clean and maintain, making them well suited for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. Reclaimed wood floors are a very popular option. Recycled tile is also a great choice for areas of your home in need of a stronger surface, like bathrooms and kitchens. VOCs are also transported through wall paint. Look for “low-odor,” “low-VOC,” or water-based paints.

Correct Lighting

Choose energy-efficient windows and doors to maximize your home’s natural light during the day and add a low voltage lighting system with fluorescent bulbs for nighttime use. Fluorescent bulbs convert a majority of their energy into light compared to incandescent bulbs, which drain energy quickly.

Water-Saving Toilets

Most older toilets waste as much as 6 gallons of water per flush, but there’s a much better alternative. Water-saving options such as low-flow or dual-flush toilets can significantly contribute to reducing a household’s water consumption. Incorporating these toilets into a remodel is an easy and immediate way to save water and money.

Organic Textiles and Upholstery

The fire-retardants in many upholstery cloths, rugs, curtains, and carpeting contain formaldehyde, memory foam, dioxin, and brominated fire retardants. These additives can off-gas into the air causing lung and eye irritation. Consider organic cotton, wools, or silks when possible.

Green Knows About Green!

Green living can be incorporated into any remodeling project, but it’s important to partner with the best team. When you choose Green Basements and Remodeling, you are partnering with a general contractor and all-inclusive remodeling company. We are continually focused on successful outcomes for every client and project and we are always knowledgeable about industry trends and product technology advancements. Make your home a healthier place to live. Request an estimate or call us at 678-445-5533 to get started on your project today.  

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How to Avoid Remodeling Regrets

From smaller updates to full home renovations, remodeling projects can quickly turn from fun and exciting to stressful and disappointing. At Green Basements and Remodeling we’ve seen it all and heard it all when it comes to remodeling. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help you avoid having any regrets about your project.

Have a Detailed Budget—with a Buffer

Lack of a detailed budget often turns into overspending or running out of money. Your budget dictates the renovation, making proper budgeting from the outset essential. Your budget should also include a 10% – 20% buffer for unexpected costs because they do arise, even with the most detailed budgets and design plans.

Have a Detailed Design Plan

Be diligent about your research and planning before any work gets underway. Spend time working on dream boards, using digital visualizers, and cutting pictures out of magazines to create a solid list of priorities and a detailed design plan. Collect fabrics, colors, styles, and specific materials you want emulate or duplicate and take time to learn the proper terminology for products, materials, and styles so that you can accurately communicate your wishes to your contractors. Lack of a detailed design plan at the outset of your remodel often leads to doubts or changes mid-renovation, which cost time and money.

Choose the Best Contractor—Not the Cheapest

After researching and receiving bids from your selected contractors, don’t instantly chose the “cheapest” option. You may think their lower bid price will save you money and keep your overall renovation cost down, but you will be faced with added costs if you have to fix mistakes or redo poor workmanship. Instead of focusing on the bid price alone, analyze exactly what their quote covers. Also, do your background research to be sure the contractor you choose has professional recommendations and evidence of prior quality work.

Understand DIY Doesn’t Always Save Money

Do-it-yourself projects are tempting for many remodelers. You see someone do it on TV and think you can save yourself some money. Unfortunately, the results often turn out less than stellar and the project always takes much longer than if done by a pro. Worst of all, if your DIY project is done out of order, you may have to rip everything out and start over again.

Why Green

As a general contractor and all-inclusive remodeling company, Green Basements and Remodeling is experienced with every aspect of a design/build and every type of remodeling. When you work with us you will have a dedicated Project Manager and Designer to assist you through every phase of your project, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. Let’s get started on your remodeling project. Call us at (678) 736-6335, contact us through our online form, or visit our showroom today.