Stay Out of Debt: Budget Remodeling with Irregular Incomes

If your job causes you to have unpredictable money flow, it can be difficult to upgrade or remodel your home. The Equifax Finance Blog has some great tips about how to budget for your income of highs and lows so you can enjoy projects like a new kitchen or substantially upgrading your insulation and still avoid debt. Just check out good hints like these:

·         Set a salary – One of the best ways to set a budget for yourself is to create the illusion of a set monthly income, even if you don’t have one. To do this, experts recommend setting a low monthly salary for yourself. Simply examine your previous year’s income and base your monthly salary on the lowest months you had. By setting your average low, you will help ensure all your expenses will be covered even during your low earning months.

Budget DIY Home Repairs for Selling a Home or Living Happier

Stretch your DiY muscles to save money to live
happier and an easier time when selling a home

Whether you’re selling a home or just looking to refresh your home’s look, check out some of these tips from the Equifax Finance Blog in their article, “DIY Home Repair and Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget.”

When updating your home’s look, it is sometimes easier on you (and your wallet) to work on small details around you home first. Kitchens are often a big selling point for homes, so they are a great place to begin your DIY projects. Examine the details around your kitchen. Do you have dated curtains in the windows? Dingy or old hardware on your cabinets? These are two easy fixes that when changed, can add a more modern look to your kitchen. Simply put classic shades in the windows and change out old knobs and hardware for newer, reasonably priced ones. Voilà - these simple changes are as easy as that and take little time or effort!

Insulation Do’s and Don’ts for Real Estate

The Equifax Finance Blog has recently weighed in on the importance of going green in real estate, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. The new article “Green Real Estate Market Trends,” is all about easy ways to save money by making your home more energy-efficient:

• Do have an energy audit. Energy audits can save money by identifying the places in your home needing the most help and offering suggestions about how to improve your energy efficiency. If you’re not sure where to start, an audit is a great way to find problem areas and form a plan for savings.

Piedrafina Now Available in Construction Resources Slab Gallery

In addition to announcing their exclusive relationship with Piedrafina, Construction Resources is excited to show the first of their Piedrafina slabs have come in to their immense 20,000 square foot indoor slab gallery. The colors of Botticino, Emperador and Noche Bella are available now, with more coming soon. You can see more pictures of the newest environmentally-friendly slabs in Georgia on the Construction Resources Pinterest page.

Update Your Homeowners Insurance Annually to Stay Protected

Make sure your homeowner's insurance is upgraded
along with your projects!

How would it feel to reset your home to how it was when you first bought it? Would you be alright with living without any renovations you’ve made while still suffering the cost of the renovations? Of course not – which is why the Equifax Finance Blog points out why it’s important to keep your homeowner’s insurance in the loop in the recent article, “Renovating Your Home? Renovate Your Insurance Policy.”

For home improvement large and small, it’s important to keep a running track of your upgrades and their costs. Make sure to submit the list to your homeowner’s insurance each year or more often if you are having major work done. This protects your progress, allowing you to get the most money returned to you in the event of a disaster. To make it easier, it’s best to make a habit out of it and set a schedule with reminders as necessary to send updates to your policy holder.

Grow your retirement savings with Your Remodeling Skills

Build your retirement savings as you rebuild
and remodel homes!

If you’re keen on remodeling and design trends, you have a gift that you can make use of to grow your retirement savings. By getting a little capital together, you can turn a foreclosure from an eyesore to a desirable dwelling and net a profit. Best of all, you can defer many taxes on these ventures until you’re retired. The Equifax Finance Blog explains all about a great way for designers to build up their nest egg in the article, “Using Retirement Money for Real Estate Investments.”

Now is the perfect time to take one of the low cost foreclosed homes that are on market, and with a little work you can flip it – renovate modestly and give it some style before putting it back on the market. You can benefit from a flipped home by pricing it aggressively for sale or rent. Remember to be careful in pricing as there are others out there with the same idea as you, and you will also be competing against new foreclosures as they come onto the market.

Bring the new GaTech Arena Home

Add Eco by Consentino, the countertop material
of the new GaTech Basketball Arena, home today!

If you’re a big fan of college basketball and live in Atlanta, there’s no doubt that you have had an interest in the renovations at GaTech. The complete stripping of the insides of the basketball arena and replacement of the inside is going to mean a better college hoops experience for fans. It also means that you can bring part of the arena home by getting the same gorgeous, environmentally friendly kitchen countertops in your kitchen.

Construction Resources, the experts in specialty kitchen and bath materials in Georgia, have installed Eco by Consentino recycled material countertops in the new Hank McCamish Pavilion. This is part of the new arena’s initiative to make environmentally friendly upgrades, from capturing rain off the dome to installing more energy efficient electronics and lighting.

Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck On Home Improvement Projects

Example of a replacement project which will
help you save money.

Real estate writer Ilyce Glink offers tips for getting the most of your home improvement efforts in her article, “Make the Most of Your Home Improvement Projects” on  the Equifax Finance blog.

Homeowners too often don’t think about the real bang for their buck that they will get out of a home improvement project. But, like any other major expense, you have to think about return on investment. You may think certain upgrades are a must-have, but when the time comes to sell your home, will buyers be willing to pay more for that upgrade?

Building an impressive bathroom or kitchen may not pay off as much as replacement projects will – replacing roofing, siding, windows, etc. To get a home in “selling shape” the best upgrades are often cabinet refurbishing, new countertops, paint, bright lighting and a clean floor. The experts say avoid luxury upgrades and focus on your market – if you live in an area where outdoor living spaces are hot, add a deck instead of overhauling your kitchen.

Find Amazing Countertop Options at Elite Kitchens

Part of the Elite Home Solutions Showroom.

There’s a new reason to visit the Elite Home Solutions showroom at North Point Mall – a dazzling display of kitchen and bath countertop designs! These showcase just a few samples of what the renovation company can do with its partners, including Decatur’s own Construction Resources.

The inspiring displays are prominent in the front window, where you can see Kilimanjaro granite countertops, a brown material from Brazil that is perfect for indoor and outdoor applications. They continue in the bathroom display, where there is a Bellingham Cambria countertop and an antique chiseled and brushed pewter Travertine shower wall. Crema Marfil Classico wall and shower floor tiles are displayed and you will marvel in wonder at the artistic features, like bands in the shower made of six rows of Cristal Crema Serpentine mosaic with a Crema Marfil honed marble pencil rail on the top and bottom. There is also a Kinetic Khaki glass and stone random mosaic on the wall.

Kitchen and Bathrooms Stay at Top of Remodeling Jobs Popularity List

A recent survey released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows common remodeling projects have increased, compared to a similar 2010 survey. This survey was conducted as part of National Home Remodeling Month, and it describes changes in the remodeling market over the past few years.

According to remodelers, kitchen and bathroom projects remain the most popular remodeling jobs. Home owners are increasingly upgrading and making major repairs to both of these rooms as they choose to remain in their current homes for longer periods of time. Almost 50 percent of remodelers have seen an increase since 2010 in the amount of remodeling jobs completed to avoid moving.

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects were both up 17 percent from two years ago, and bathroom remodels were cited as common by 78 percent of remodelers with kitchens cited by 69 percent. However, since two years ago, bathroom remodels have moved into the top slot as the most common type of remodeling project.

The top reasons customers are hiring remodelers is for the repair and replacement of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities.More than half of all remodelers saw an increase in regards to both of these reasons. In contrast, more than 20 percent of remodelers saw a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment.

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel. For complete survey results, visit www.nahb.org/rmi.


For information on remodeling in Atlanta or Atlanta real estate, visit Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

Don’t miss KBIS, opening today!

Buckingham, one of the Cambria Quartz profiles
at the Wellborn Cabinet booth which was
fabricated by Atlanta Kitchen.

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is opening today in Chicago’s McCormick Place and runs through Thursday, April 26. It is a wonderful chance to see the best in the business when it comes to kitchen and bath products, including amazing countertop and cabinet options.

You can see the two combined at the Wellborn Cabinet booth, #2603. This year, Wellborn teamed up with Cambria Quartz countertops to have amazing displays to show off their all new and simplified Elegant Bath Collection, an extensive collection of vanity styles which are available in their most popular door styles and finishes. To compliment this new collection, there are a variety of nine different Cambria color profiles, including: Buckingham, Castell, Cuddington, Dover, Ferndale, New Quay, Snowdon White, Templeton and Waverton.

Enjoy Cambria Counters at Turner Field!

Aragon, one of the two Cambria quartz profiles added to the Turner Field suite.

There’s a new way to enjoy CambriaQuartz countertops, especially if you are a fan of Atlanta Braves Baseball, at the new Georgia’s Own Credit Union suite at Turner Field. This new suite has Cambria that was installed by Atlanta Kitchen and will be ready for opening day’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, April 13.

Cambria quartz countertops, a favorite of interior designers for their vast selection of colors, were a natural pick for the luxury suite. Atlanta Kitchen selected Bellingham and Aragon profiles for this project. Bellingham is from Cambria’s Waterstone collection and is a neutral, varied color with mixed texture and

Make a New Kitchen or Bath Part of Your Spring Cleaning at the Construction Resources Sales Event May 11 and 12

There will be tons of deals at the Construction Resources spring sale on May 11 and 12.

If you have started your spring cleaning, you may have found that your kitchen or bathroom isn’t quite as nice as it used to be. Good news is that there’s a perfect chance to take your spring cleaning to the next level and remodel your kitchen or bathroom at the Construction Resources spring sale on May 11 and 12. There will be a huge stock of items available at reduced prices at our showrooms and indoor slab gallery located at 224 Rio Circle, Decatur, Ga. 30030.

We will be offering a wide variety of products at discount during the sale, including an extensive offering of custom countertops, bath tubs, vanity tops, shower pans, tub decks, shower doors, bath hardware, specialty products, tile, carpet and hardwood. Many name brand products are included this year such as Cambria, Artisan Stone Collection, Kohler, Saratoga Soapstone, Heritage Wood, Caesarstone, Silestone, Corian, Zodiaq, Vetrazzo, Shaw, HiMacs, Viatera, Dal Tile, Artisan Sinks, Coastal, Closet Maid, Atlanta Marble Mfg. and Mohawk.

Wide Selection of Countertops Available at Atlanta Spring Home Show this Weekend

If you are considering options for your next kitchen or bath project, you can’t miss the upcoming Spring Atlanta Home Show. Running this weekend, March 23 to March 25, there will be over 350 exhibitors, including Atlanta Kitchen, a company of Atlanta-based Construction Resources. The booth, #553 in the exhibit hall, is a must-see for any projects involving countertop additions or replacement.
The Atlanta Kitchen booth will showcase Cambria quartz counter surfaces which are gorgeous, highly durable and created in the United States. Cambria is a superior counter surface alternative. It doesn’t require frequent maintenance, is naturally stain and bacteria resistant, and is actually tougher than most now-common stones. Cambria comes in over 90 colors and styles which can emulate granite, marble or be a unique color that can’t be found in nature.

The booth will have five full-size Cambria quartz slabs to see and touch. The slabs will be in the colors of Bellingham, the warm rose quartz Buckingham, the rich mid-tone Canterbury and the white hot marble-style Torquay. There will also be a locally-fabricated kitchen island countertop and 12” by 12” samples of all of Cambria’s 96 colors.

The show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. If you can’t make the show, visit the giant 20,000 square foot Indoor Slab Gallery to see all that Construction Resources has to offer.

Enjoying the Benefits of Home Steam Showers From Mr. Steam

People who use home steam showers from Mr. Steam enjoy several obvious benefits: relaxation; stress relief; and lower water consumption compared to other shower systems. Of course, there are plenty of not-so-obvious ones as well! If you're not already using Mr. Steam products, here are some reasons to make steam a part of your daily routine. And if you are, now is your chance to find out more about the home steam showers you know and love.

Mr. Steam may not be a doctor, but steam can be the perfect prescription for better health. Steamtherapy is often recommended for the treatment of respiratory ailments, including bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and allergies. It can also soothe common cold symptoms and improve breathing by opening up the nasal cavities.

Home steam showers offer all the benefits of a spa. After a long day at work, coming home to a warm steambath is the perfect way to make your stress melt away. Steam can also help you prepare for the next day, as  it may increase the length of REM cycles during sleep. By combining the power of steam with your favorite aromatherapy oils, you can create the ultimate environment for relaxation.  

Steam also does wonders for the skin. It helps open up pores and relieve acne conditions. If you suffer from dry or cracked skin, steam will help keep you hydrated and leave you rejuvenated with a healthy glow. Steam can also increase blood circulation, which is important for removing lactic acid from your muscles after working out.

All of these wonderful benefits can be enjoyed with minimal costs. Each 20-minute steam session uses less than two gallons of water. Negligible energy costs make steam showers an everyday luxury. With so many reasons to add a home steam shower from Mr. Steam to your bathroom, isn't it time you asked your local showroom about the benefits of steam?

Look no Further than the Cathedral Inspiration House for Great Solid Surface Countertops

The Cathedral Inspiration House is open this and next weekend, where you can see some of the best room arrangements from 20 of Atlanta’s up-and-coming interior designers and beautiful solid surface countertops provided by Construction Resources. If you go this weekend, you can also enjoy the Cathedral antiques show, and create some antique-specific spaces in your own home.

The five bedroom, four and a half bathroom 1980s residence has been decked out to create living spaces that range from cozy to romantic, and highlight the use of antiques to create both timeless and exciting atmospheres. The bathroom vanities will stand out, as they are traditional Travertine and dramatic Cambria quartz countertops provided by Construction Resources.

The Inspiration House is open today through Sunday, February 5 and again next weekend, from Thursday, February 9 to Sunday, February 12. Tickets are only a $10 donation and you can order online or at the door. This year, all donations from the show benefit All About Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta’s foremost non-profit provider of support to those with developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit the Construction Resources blog, or go to the Cathedral Inspiration House ticket page to order your advance tickets today!