Home Remodeling

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. 

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.

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!

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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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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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

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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.

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. 

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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