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Major Home Remodeling

Major home remodeling projects can quickly become very overwhelming if you don't have a plan from the get go.  Making the decision to remodel any part of your home, major or minor, can take a life of its own.  If you don't think about the scope, budget and timeframe of your remodeling project you can be left with a project left uncompleted.  Below are a few things you should consider when looking to tackle a major home remodeling project.

Trim the Fat
Trimming the fat refers to doing away with what you really don't need.  It's good to dream big, but if you are working on a budget, think about the things you want to incorporate into your remodel and make decisions (even the tough ones) about things you can do without.  Even if you don't cut something completely, think about alternatives.  For example; there are a number of different flooring options when you are remodeling a bathroom.  Keep your options open and make the right decision for your taste and your budget. 

Decide on a Budget
This should be the most important step in the planning process.  You can't make a proper and accurate plan if you aren't considering your financial limitations.  Entering into a major home remodeling project can become larger than you envisioned if you don't work within a set budget.  The same is true when you are building a new home too.  Building on a budget should be priority #1.  

Choose the Right Contractor
Don't leave anything to chance by working with less than professional talent.  No matter how strict you set your budget and how many tough decisions you have had to make, nothing can derail a home remodeling project than by working with someone who doesn't know what they're doing.  Do a little research, ask a lot of questions, and find the right remodeling expert for the job.  We invite you to contact us for more information on Sullivan & Forbes.

Consider Your Existing Space
Bigger is not always better.  Functional is typically the better route to take when remodeling a room in your home.  Paying attention to the details can help maximize your allocated budget and can go a long way in helping you create a space you are completely happy with.  Listen to your design professional / contractor and rely on their experience when it comes to your major home remodeling project.  They can often times give you design advice you have never thought of.

If you would like to learn more about Sullivan & Forbes and the role we play during major home remodeling projects, please contact us today.  We look forward to speaking with you soon. 
Posted: September 13th, 2011 | Permalink

Home Remodeling Expert

There are many self-proclaimed "home remodeling experts".  But what really makes someone a home remodeling expert?  For Sullivan & Forbes, we rely solely on our educational background, work experience and satisfaction of our past, current and future customers.  We have invested years of time and energy designing and executing a wide range of home remodeling projects in order to be considered a true home remodeling expert. 

Our expertise lies in the work we have performed for our customers.  Whether you are a homeowner looking to remodel a bathroom, remodel your kitchen or taking on even larger remodeling projects, we have been the solution for many in the Gainesville, Lake Lanier and North Georgia area.  We encourage you to view our media center and see some of the video and photos we have compiled for our website.  We like to let our work speak for itself.

Ask Questions
If you are in search of a home remodeling expert, the best way to identify the one that is right for you is to simply ask a lot of questions.  Look for references, history of work (photos), testimonials and even a license.  Leaving your home remodeling project in the hands of someone less than qualified can lead to serious troubles down the road. 

If you would like to learn more about Sullivan & Forbes, our role as home remodeling experts in Gainesville Georgia or other services we provide, please contact us today.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Posted: September 13th, 2011 | Permalink

Home Remodeling Projects

Home remodeling projects can come in all shapes and sizes.  From simply replacing bathroom fixtures to completely gutting and remodeling your kitchen space, there are remodeling projects around the home can be take a short period of time to do or months to finish.  So what home remodeling project are you looking to tackle?  If you are looking for ideas, you've come to the right place!

Remodeling Projects
Below are 5 home remodeling project ideas for you to tackle in the near future.

  • Kitchen Counter Tops - Nothing screams "major improvement" in your kitchen than installing new kitchen counter tops.  Depending on your remodeling budget, you do have many options from which to choose from.  Granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, and even concrete countertops are just some options you have when installing new counter tops.  Once you decide on the material, don't forget about the corners.  Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges can add life to your design.  Bevel, bullnose, and radius are just a few corner cutting options that you can choose from.

  • Bathroom Flooring - If you have carpet in your bathroom, run out and make the change right now!  In all seriousness, there are some great flooring options when it comes to your bathroom floors.  Wood, Laminate and ceramic tile are the most popular flooring options.  Upgrade your current flooring and stay on top of the latest design trends to make your bathroom space stand out.

  • Lighting - The proper lighting can transform the look and feel of any room in your home.  Custom lighting fixtures can blend function with your individual design tastes.

  • Replace Your Home Siding - This may not be the most enjoyable home remodeling project to tackle, but it's certainly the one that can add the greatest resale value.  Find the right remodeling professional to help you with this task and give your whole home a well-deserved face lift.

  • Add Custom Mirrorframes - This very simple task can add the greatest eye appeal to any master bathroom.  Adding a custom mirror frame can enhance your space without taking away any functional space.  It’s easy to do and adds your individual design flair to your bathroom space.

  • If you are looking for home remodeling projects, consider the ones listed above.  For more information on Sullivan & Forbes, feel free to contact us today.  Good luck and enjoy your remodeling project!
    Posted: September 13th, 2011 | Permalink

    Bathroom Remodeling Tips

    Adding value to your home typically starts with your master bathroom and kitchen.  When it comes to remodeling rooms in your home, the cost can fluctuate greatly based on what look you are going for.  However there are some tips you can follow in order to save money while at the same time getting what you want out of your bathroom remodeling project.

    Have a Plan
    Too many times, homeowners jump in to remodeling their bathroom with both feet without having a plan for attack.  Bathrooms are typically smaller spaces, so it is important to have a plan in place so that you get the most out of the already valuable space.  Without a plan, you may be forced to redo work already performed which can cost you time and money.

    Start Small
    Your master bathroom is probably the one bathroom in your home where the most remodeling attention is needed.  If you are going to tackle a project on your own, it may be beneficial to get your feet wet working on a secondary bathroom first.  Taking this approach will give you the necessary experience before you tackle your master bathroom.  After all, your kids won't really care if the paint you used doesn’t really match the newly laid tile.  Will they?

    Hire a Professional
    On paper, it appears that you can save money by performing home projects on your own.  However this isn't always the case.  Many times a job has to be reworked due to homeowners being in over their head.  This can be costly in the long run.  Don't take any chances with the overall value of your home.  Select a contractor that can not only execute the work, but one that can consult with you from the beginning design phase.  Calling in the professionals doesn't mean you're taking a short cut, it usually means you're smart enough to know what you can and cannot handle alone.  Learn more about why you should hire a professional.

    If you would like to learn more why you should remodel your master bathroom, or more about our remodeling services, please contact us. 

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    Posted: May 16th, 2011 | Permalink

    Small Bathroom Design Advice

    Homeowners want to get the most out of the space they have in their home.  This is especially true for the master bathroom.  Because we spend so much time in our bathroom in the morning and at night, it is important that every space is being utilized efficiently.  Below are four design tips when it comes to getting the most out of small bathroom spaces. 

    Give the Illusion
    When you cannot afford creating new space by knocking down walls or adding square footage, sometimes you have to be clever in making the master bathroom feel larger.  Lighter paint colors provide a sense of openness in small rooms.  Another trick is to place your flooring tile diagonal.  Doing this makes the room feel larger than what it actually is.  Also remember that larger floor tile because lesser grout lines give the illusion of a larger space.

    Don't Forget Your Shower Doors
    Frameless shower doors are a great way to boost visual appeal as well as giving a sense of open space.  Not only are frameless shower doors easier to clean, but they provide a modern, sleek look to your bathroom.

    Minimal is Better
    Clutter can quickly turn a small space even smaller.  Remove anything that is not being used in order to maximize your valuable bathroom space.

    Pedestal Sink Solution
    A pedestal sink takes up minimal space which allows your room to feel more spacious.

    Hire a Professional
    A professional bathroom remodeling expert can give you tips to make your bathroom feel larger, but they can also create a design that is specific to your unique design.  Some of the top bathroom remodeling ideas are those that are created by a professional for very specific room dimensions.  Take advantage of their expertise.

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    Posted: May 16th, 2011 | Permalink

    Five Bathroom Flooring Options

    When it comes to your bathroom flooring, there are many options from which to choose from.  As you consider what type of flooring you want in your bathroom always consider specific questions.  How durable is the flooring?  How does it feel on your bare feet?  Does it meet your design standards?  Below are five options when it comes to your bathroom flooring.

    Carpet
    This made our list only because of how important it is to not have carpet in your bathroom.  Moisture and carpeting are not two things that go hand in hand.  Try to avoid carpet in your bathroom at all costs.

    Solid Hardwood
    Although this choice is better than carpet, it is still not the ideal solution.  Hardwood flooring looks great and it even feels good under bare feet, but moisture kills solid hardwood.  If you must have hardwoods in your bathroom, hire a professional to do the job.

    Laminate
    Laminate flooring is a good choice when you want to protect your floors from moisture damage.  The design of a laminate floor is actually a picture of what you would like it to be.  You do have choices as to how you want your laminate to look such as oak, slate or even travertine. 

    Stone
    Although an expensive option, stone flooring looks exceptional and it can handle any moisture problems.  The downside with stone is it is cold and can be slippery when wet.  Oh yeah, did we mention it can be expensive too.

    Ceramic Tile
    Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for bathroom flooring.  Because there are many types of ceramic tile, there is something for every design taste.   

    Hire a professional when you're looking to remodel your bathroom.  Their expertise and ability to offer a plan of attack for your remodeling project can be extremely valuable. Related Blogs


    Posted: May 16th, 2011 | Permalink

    Latest Technologies Found in Custom Homes

    Technological trends are constantly adapting and changing in order to keep up with the shifting wants and needs of consumers. Despite the sluggish economy, more and more homeowners are looking for sleeker, more elegant products that are inter-connected, easy to use, portable and high quality. With mobile awareness at its peak, 2011 will also see a number of consumers purchasing more internet-connected products for their homes.

    Home automation: This home technology allows you to have easy control over your home theatre, iPod, house lighting, security system, air conditioner/heater, and whatever other technology that you have in place. It's so easy that anyone can use it, even if you aren't "technologically savvy".

    APP driven technology: The "app" world is growing rapidly as more third-party developers continue to offer a wide array of products, games, and interfaces that allow homeowners to customize their viewing experiences. It also allows for a more interactive, engaging experience in some cases.

    Green Technology: You can expect to see a lot more "green" in 2011. With the onset of high energy prices, the economic downturn and the government's support of green innovation, custom home trends will focus greatly on the "green" industry. Despite the economic crisis and depleting resources, green technology will continue to prevail and be a viable solution to many homeowners' needs.

    • Sustainable lifestyles solutions, including: energy usage detectors; appliances that communicate via wireless networks so maintenance issues get handled quicker; solar panels; systems that control window treatments to help reduce HVAC usage, and more.
    • More energy efficient solutions include: LED light bulbs; Low-flush toilets; Energy star appliances and more.

    Home theatre: The home theatre is a continually growing trend for custom built homes raking in around $6 billion in 2007 and expected to bring in more than $11 billion by 2012. Although, the layout and style differs from home to home, the common attributes include:

    • An all-encompassing movie watching experience with 3D screens, surround sound, and big comfy chairs. Some even double up as massage chairs!
    • With an increase in gaming systems that use motion sensor technology, televisions are being installed with more consideration for the "interactive" experience.
    • The most common trend for home theaters (accounting for about 75 percent of audio installations) is in-ceiling and in-wall speakers.

    Because of technological advances, these technological applications are no longer just for the wealthy, as they are becoming more available on the mainstream market. Now, everyone can enjoy a simpler, luxurious, more eco-friendly life without going into debt or sacrificing on quality.


    Posted: March 24th, 2011 | Permalink

    Advantages of Lake Living

    There are many opportunities to live on the lake, especially in Georgia, and many homeowners are taking advantage. Whether you are looking for a calming place to unwind after a hectic day at work or a fun dwelling where you can entertain guests during a warm summer day, lake living may be the ideal location for you. The following are some of the key advantages of lake living that prove how beneficial lake front property can be to your mind, body and soul.

    Privacy

    Unlike highly populated neighborhoods, many lakeside properties are secluded and carefully maintained to provide lasting privacy. This can be a huge advantage for people that like to keep to themselves or simply enjoy their own space without external disturbances such as noisy (or nosey) neighbors, busy traffic, or other unwanted annoyances.

    Relaxation

    Looking out over your back yard to see the beautiful view of the lake can put anyone’s stresses at ease. The sound of flowing water can be extremely soothing, and soaking in the cool lake can be quite refreshing. You can start your day off right with an invigorating sunrise, or wash away your daily stresses with a peaceful sunset. Either way, the relaxing benefits to living on the lake are endless.

    Entertainment

    With the lake being right at your backdoor, it’s easier to participate in fun water activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, skiing, swimming, etc. For people who enjoy hiking and skiing, buying a lake home is the perfect way to get back into those activities you enjoy. Imagine the fun that you and your family could have living on the lake!

    Health & Exercise

    In addition to privacy, relaxation and fun, lake living also offers opportunities for you and your family to stay fit. By living on the lake you can take part in fun ways to exercise such as rowing, swimming, hiking, etc. -- even jumping on a giant water trampoline can provide you with a healthy dose of fitness. When deciding on a lake front property, be sure to choose a location that best fits your needs. Just like certain areas of town have their own personalities, certain areas on the lake also have unique qualities. Some areas may be quieter and less traveled, while others may have frequent traffic with more activity. Either way, living on the lake you will present you with more opportunities for privacy, relaxation and entertainment than you could have ever hoped for. 

    Posted: March 24th, 2011 | Permalink

    2011 Is the Year to Build

    It's a new year, and the time to build has never been more perfect. With the economy in a downturn, supplies, labor and other costs have been significantly reduced and the idea of your ideal home could easily become reality.  The following are some other key reasons why 2011 is the year to build.

    Take Advantage of the Economy
    Finding a contractor can be costly and expensive, especially during the "booming" season. However, since the economy is taking a beating, so too is the contracting business. Lucky for you, however, it leaves contractors desperate and more willing to do your project for less money. In addition to having more leverage over your contractor, you will have more choices as well. With so many contractors out of work, you can afford to be picky and take your time choosing the best team of professionals to carry out your project. Regardless, you should still do your research, because hiring an unscrupulous contractor could ruin your project and cost your even more money in the end.

    Buying Land
    Other aspects of real estate are also affected by the economic climate such as land. While prices are plummeting, you should start investing in long term good value property so you can emerge with acres of land after the recession. Once the market kicks back up again, you will have high quality property that you will be able to sell for double what you paid for it. This doesn't happen overnight, though, you have to be patient with the recovering economy and be willing to wait it out.

    Buying Supplies
    Because of the economy, less people are building houses; therefore, less people are demanding building materials and supplies. If you think about the law of supply and demand, then it comes as no surprise why building material costs are way down during these rough economic times. Companies that were marking up tile, counter tops, or other home building supplies before are now lacking the necessary business to stay afloat. So, instead of going out of business, they are simply offering their materials at the lowest possible costs so they can at least make it through the recession without having to close down. Lucky for you, anything that you would need for your home building project is going to be offered at the lowest possible prices.

    What was supposed to be a little hiccup in the real estate market quickly turned into a full blown tragedy. Although the real estate collapse caused many people to lose their jobs or deal with having a huge salary decrease, it was a bittersweet blessing for those individuals looking to build a home. If you have enough money during these economic times, then building a home now will be quite a steal! Not only will your dream home be realized for cheaper, but also when the economy starts to improve, you will have high quality property that will be worth even more than what you paid for it.
    Posted: March 24th, 2011 | Permalink

    Can I Build a Custom Home on a Budget?

    Many people assume that they can't build a custom home on a budget, because it would cost too much. However, despite popular belief, you can actually build a custom home for the same price (or even less) than purchasing one- and with a custom built home, you can personalize it to meet your exact needs.

    Create a budget: When you finally decide to build your own home, the most important step is to put together your budget. Without a budget, you risk spending more than you actually have and could end up ruining your building project all together. To get a good idea of what your budget should be, you can:

    • Look at other houses in the price range for what you are wanting and use that as a starting point.
    • You can also estimate costs by using a cost per square foot formula. Be careful, though, because price can vary depending on quality, materials, and other factors.
    • Get as detailed as you can. The more details, the closer your budget will be to the actual price you end up paying. This preparedness is key to staying within your ideal spending plan.
       

    Choose a builder: Selecting a builder in the beginning and having them involved in every aspect of the design/development process will help you keep your construction costs in line.

    • While an architect may have a firm grasp on the design aspects, they may not be knowledgeable about construction costs. This can result in a design that will cost you more than expected, which will force you to scale back and potentially cause construction delays.  
    • Choose a builder that you feel comfortable with, and that has good reviews from previous clients. A builder can make or break your construction project, so it's vital that you do your research to ensure the best.

    Do your homework: Knowing exactly what you want can make the custom home building process simpler and cheaper. By being able to communicate your needs with your builder, it will be easier for them to find the least expensive items to match your criteria.

    • Go online, look at magazines, visit other houses- this can help you come up with a list of things you can and can't live without.
    • Remember, you are on a budget now, but in the future you may have more funds available for expansion or upgrades.

    With such a huge undertaking underway, it's important to manage your time appropriately and keep everything organized. Nothing is more worthwhile than watching your dream home being constructed and seeing your hard work paying off!


    Posted: March 24th, 2011 | Permalink

    Top 3 Home Design Trends

    With so many home builders from which to choose from, it is important that you go with the one that can effectively turn your design concepts into a reality.  Sullivan & Forbes is a custom home builder in Gainesville, Georgia that has helped many people achieve their home building dreams. 

    Building on a budget doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up certain design elements.  We take our knowledge of home design and buiding and blend it with your budget to come up with some of the most beautiful homes on Lake Lanier and throughout North Georgia.  Below are some of the latest design trends that we can help you with as you look to us to build your next custom home.

    Flooring
    The right flooring can not only make a home more beautiful, but it can help with the resale value of a home later down the road.  From ceramic tile and hardwoods to marble and bamboo flooring, we can provide you with the right solution for your specific design tastes. 

    Outdoor living
    Bringing the outdoors in, is something many people have dreamed of.  Enjoying cool fall temperatures while taking advantage of indoor conveniences can be achieved with our design process.  This trend has been accomplished by many of our home building customers.  View one of our videos that shows the type of work we perform when our customers are looking to bring the outdoors in. 

    Storage
    Having enough storage in your home is something many homeowners overlook.  This convenience is often times not thought about during the design phase for many homeowners, but can be avoided by working with a professional custom home builder.  Don't design yourself into a corner.  Make certain you have enough storage space to handle not only your family for today, but for what your family could look like years down the road. 

    These are just three design trends people should consider when looking to build a new home.  Sullivan & Forbes has been designing and building homes since 1997.  We have experienced just about every possible design taste, but there are some consistencies to consider when building such as the ones listed above.  Give us a call today if you are thinking about building a home on Lake Lanier, Gainesville or other areas in North Georgia.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink

    5 Tips Before Building a New Home

    Building a new home can be overwhelming even for homeowners that have previously experienced the process.  The home builder you choose should have a wealth of experience that translates into a very routine process for them.  But we know that building a home from the homeowners perspective is anything but routine.  It is important that you play an active role from the very beginning to ensure you end up with the home you initially envisioned.  Below are 5 things you should understand before you start building a new home.

    Create a budget
    It can't be said enough, but creating a budget (and sticking to it!) will help eliminate much of the stress caused by overspending that tends to occur when building a new home.  Working with your home builder from the onset will help you understand what can be accomplished with your set budget.  Many home builders will provide pricing options for certain features in youu home you are looking for.  Making compromises along the way is a great way to get what you want in your home without breaking the bank.  

    Work with a quality builder
    There are many home builders from which to choose, and with the economy being down, many contractors have gotten into the custom home building business.  Don't leave anything to chance by working with a less that qualified home builder.  Do your homework, look for home building photos, testimonials, and ask for references.  Quality home builders will be more than happy to supply you with everything you need when looking to choose the home builder that is right for you.

    Think long term
    Many future homeowners set out to build their home that is fit to meet their immediate need.  Take into consideration your future plans for growing your family.  You should also think about the resale value of your home.  Thinking too much "out of the box" can be a good fit for your design tastes, but it can also come back to haunt you down the road.  Timeless, classic design ideas is the safest route to take when thinking about the resale value of your home. 

    Consider your surroundings
    Building a new home in an established neighborhood can be a good idea, but think about how your home will look in its natural surroundings.  Standing out from other homes in a neighborhood can be a curse and actually hurt in the resale value.   Select an area that will compliment the design of your home before you decide to build.  One specific area to consider is building a home on a lake.  Lake homes can accomplish both form and function if you choose the right home builder.  Remember to blend your design style into the backdrop of your surroundings.

    Punch it out
    Many new homeowners identify problems with their home once they settlein..  This problem can be avoided by creating a punch list.  A punch list is a list created that shows the work that still needs to be completed in the home.  Usually the builder and the homeowner will create this list during your final walk through.  We recommend taking notes every time you review the work done by the home builder to ensure everything is done to your satisfaction.

    Building a new home should be an exciting experience.  Avoiding some of the pitfalls that many homeowners experience can be avoided by doing your homework and working with professional home builders that have your best interest in mind. 


    About us
    Sullivan & Forbes is a custom home builder who has built a wide range of custom homes for our customers since 1997.  We take pride in our ability to listen to listen to the needs of our customers, create a design that matches their need, and then executing a home build to their exact specifications. 

    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink

    Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builder

    We have offered home building tips that we believe can benefit you as you look to build a home.  Beyond the tips we provide, we also want to arm you with some of the most important questions you can ask your home builder.  Asking the right questions early on in the process or even before the process begins, can help you avoid unforseen headaches down the road.  The top 10 questions to ask your custom home builder include:
    1. Can you work with my budget?
    2. Do you have a list of references for me to review?
    3. Do you have photos of work you have done?
    4. Are you licensed?
    5. Who will oversee the construction of my home?
    6. What type of building products will you be using?
    7. What is your service area?
    8. Who handles the permits?
    9. Can I count on you for other services I may need in the future like adding square footage?
    10. How do you know what to design for me?
    The questions listed above is an excellent place to start when looking to build a new home.  The home builder you choose should not only be qualified to build you a home specific to your needs, but they should also be accomodating to your questions because this is probably a new experience for you. 

    If you are interested in Sullivan & Forbes for your next home building project, contact us today.  We have a wealth of experience working with people in Gainesville, Georgia, Lake Lanier, and the surrounding North Georgia areas.  We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink

    Building on a Budget

    Building a new home can be an exciting experience if you plan ahead and stick to a budget.  Many of the headaches that arise from building a new home can be contributed to getting outside of the initial budget and the stress that accompanies spending more money.  Making smart decisions during (and before) the building process will help you stay on budget while providing you with a home you set out to build.

    Size matters
    Smaller homes are typically less expensive.  The amount of material needed to construct a smaller home isn't as much as what is needed for a home with more square footage.  Deciding to build a smaller home will also give you more flexibility to upgrade features inside your home. 

    Choose simple shapes
    Irregular shapes or other attricutes such as vaulted ceilings and complicated roof lines can add to the total cost of your home.  By choosing square or rectangular floor plans, you can save money, but still achieve a beautiful home design. 

    Consider recycled material
    Recycled materials are not only a "green" solution, but it can also help reduce the price of your home.  Recycled steel, pressed straw paneling, and sawdust and cement composites are excellent, affordable alternatives when building a home.  Talk to your home builder about other product ideas that can help save money. 

    Hire a professional
    A professional custom home builder will work with you, your design tastes and your budget to create a home that is right for you.  Some sacrifices may need to be made, but at the end of the day, a professional home builder will help guide you throughout the building process. 

    Sullivan & Forbes is a custom home builder that has built numerous homes for an assortment of design tastes in North Georgia.  We have built home on Lake Lanier, Gainesville and the surrounding North Georgia area.  If you are looking to build a new home, and you have a budget in mind, give us a call today and let us help you make your home dreams a reality.  We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink

    Top Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

    Your kitchen is one place in your home where you find yourself most often.  It is a great place to not only entertain guests, but to connect with your family.  Because you spend so much time in your kitchen, it's important you have a space that is not only practical, but also beautiful.  Below are some of the top kitchen remodeling ideas if you are considering giving your kitchen a facelift. 

    Backsplash
    There are many creative backsplash designs you can incorporate into your kitchen.  One trend that is popular in kitchens is a glass backsplash.  A glass backsplash can add a sense of style and can improve the overall look of your kitchen.  Be careful that if you do decide to add a backsplash that it blends with the rest of your kitchen design. 

    Under-cabinet lighting
    Adding unexpected lighting in your home is a trend many homeowners are taking up.  One area to consider in your kitchen when adding light is under your cabinets.  Adding this feature can showcase your countertops and help you see better as you continue to use your kitchen space more. 

    Countertops
    Your kitchen countertops are often the first place people look at when they enter your kitchen.  Corian, Zodiaq, poured cement and granite countertops are some design trends people are taking advantage of when remodeling their kitchen. 

    Details
    Sometimes it's the smallest details, and not the large renovations that add the most to your kitchen renovation.  Selecting the right accessories such as pulls, nobs, and faucets can add a lot to the overall look of your kitchen. 

    About Sullivan & Forbes
    Sullivan & Forbes is a custom home builder located in Gainesville, Georgia.  Beyond building new homes for people, we also help homeowners achieve their dreams through creative and professional remodeling.  We invite you to view our photo gallery or simply give us a call today if you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen. 

    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink

    Top Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

    Your bathroom, and specifically your master bathroom, is one area in your home that can add tremendous value.  Having an outdated master bathroom can really hurt when and if you decide to put your home on the market.  Beyond the resale value, an updated bathroom is important due to the amount of time spent in that one particular room.  Below are some ideas you should consider if you are thinking about updating your bathroom space.

    Mirrorframes
    Custom mirror frames can go a long way when you are looking to update the look of your bathroom.  Most bathroom mirrors include the standard building contractor mirrors.  Adding a frame around these mirrors is easy to do and adds your individual design flair to your bathroom space. 

    Think about your space
    Thinking about reconfiguring the layout of your bathroom could be an option when remodeling.  Doing this may open up new functional ideas (storage) and can potentially free up some much needed space. 

    Accessorize
    Much like the accessories in your kitchen, the accessories in your bathroom are an important part of your overall design.  Having the best flooring and the greatest layout can be negated if you ignore the smallest details such as the knobs on your drawers. 

    Shower Doors
    Frameless shower doors are a trend many homeowners are turning to.  Not only do they function properly, but they provide clean lines which can contribute to the overall design of your bathroom.  Ignoring your shower space is one pitfall many homeowners fall into when remodeling their space. 

    The items listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to remodeling your bathroom.  Sullivan & Forbes has been remodeling bathrooms for almost 15 years.  We have experienced every shape, size and design taste during our time of bathroom remodeling.  Give us a call today if you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom, or feel free to view our photo gallery to learn more about the type of work we do.  We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

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    Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Permalink
    Building Experience
    Sullivan & Forbes Building and Remodeling.
    2315 Browns Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30504
    T:770-534-2103 F:770-534-5756