There are different types of materials used to make

A: Fibrex is a composite material made up of 40% wood and 60% plastic, while fiberglass is a type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fibers.

A: For safety reasons, you don’t want anything with looped or loose pull cords, and you want to keep wands out of children’s reach as

A: With a curbless shower, there’s nothing to step or trip over when entering and exiting the shower. This provides a cleaner look and added safety.

A: Geothermal units utilize the renewable energy in the Earth’s surface to heat and cool your home. When compared to a conventional system that burns expensive fossil

A: Yes, adding siding can significantly reduce exterior noise, which can help drown out your neighbor’s barking dog or the guy next door running his

A: When thinking about your home’s siding, kickout flashing and roofline flashing details are very important; you should inspect them at least once a year to keep

A: Water leakage in a basement or a crawlspace exacerbates the moisture levels, which will work their way up into the living environment through what’s called the “stack

A: You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68° while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. Changing

A: Our installation methods won’t leave you shivering during another winter. We use premium materials (sealants, foam, flashing) to ensure the best possible installation in any climate. We

A: Hunter Douglas offers an innovative Lightlock™system available with the Duette® Honeycomb shades and room-darkening designer roller and screen shades. It has been designed with

A: Frameless doors are designed to be maintenance-free, but it’s all about the installation. If the doors are not measured properly or aligned correctly, then

The team at SDR recently completed another stunning kitchen remodel in East Cobb. Designers Princess Thompson & Lori Shedlock took a dated kitchen and updated it

Fertilizer is food for your grass, but sometimes feeding your lawn can actually be a bad idea. Fertilizing benefits your lawn most when the grass

Q. Is it true that pests in my crawl space mean I could have water issues in the future? A. Not necessarily. However, pests love

Q. What can I do to prevent my siding color from fading? A. I always recommend choosing a lighter color paint that’s not going to

Q. Why is there a burning smell when I turn the heat on for the first time each year? A. This is common. After a

Q. Do I have to go back with the same window style that I currently have? A. All Infinity® from Marvin® fiberglass windows are custom

Q. I have several specialty shaped windows in my home. Are there any options to cover these windows? A. Yes, we offer many options for

Q. When getting a new glass shower door, what else can I do to improve the design of my bathroom? A. Drexler offers towel bars

SPECIALTY: Building, Repairing and Maintaining Pools The talented team at Alison Pools, LLC has been servicing homeowners and companies for nearly 15 years. With each

SPECIALTY: Custom Designers of Outdoor Kitchens We custom design and construct outdoor kitchens, living areas and entertainment centers complete with landscaping to bring your ideas

Q: Is mold really less likely to grow in a shower with a frameless glass enclosure? A: A frameless shower enclosure has fewer moving parts

Q: Do I have to replace all of my windows at one time? A: We have no minimum requirements, meaning you can replace as many

Q: What can negatively affect my indoor air quality, and what can I do to protect it? A: Indoor air contaminants can originate within your home

Q: What curb appeal benefits does fiber cement siding provide? A: With the HardiePlank® line of siding, you have different options regarding design, including choosing

Q: Besides professional waterproofing, what else can I do to control moisture in my basement? A: If you don’t have controlled heating and air in

Randall Brothers, Atlanta’s experts on all things molding and millwork, and the recently acquired PMC Building Materials will be opening their new Atlanta headquarters and

The Alair Homes Decatur team recently won a National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for

Q: How can I increase the insulation in my home when replacing my siding? A:  There are multiple ways. When we re-side a house, we

Q: Why should I keep SEER ratings in mind when choosing a new HVAC system? A: SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which is

Q: What should I know about choosing the thickness of the glass for my frameless shower door and enclosure? A: Frameless shower door glass comes

Q: What is the difference between vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows? A: Vinyl can warp and shift under everyday conditions—potentially making windows difficult to open

Mark your calendars! The Atlanta Home Show will take place May 21-23, 2021 at the Cobb Galleria Centre followed by the North Atlanta Home Show

Q: What’s one of the biggest benefits of having a smart thermostat? A: The advantage of a smart thermostat is its ability to learn a

Q: Why should I look at window replacements as an investment? A: An investment builds value. As you put quality windows in each opening, you

Q: Is there anything else I should consider repairing or replacing when getting a new shower door? A: I recommend removing your old shower enclosure

Not sure what is the best gift for your new home?  Bin There Dump That shares their 5 reasons why a dumpster rental would be

Q: What type of heating system should I get and why? A: We recommend variable speed furnaces with variable speed compressors. A variable speed heating

Q: Do I need to use a lateral drain system for my basement? A: Typically a sump pump or a perimeter drain system will take

Q: What are common indicators that it’s time for new masonite particle or wooden siding? A: The most common indicators that it is time to

Q: How do I know when my windows need to be replaced? A: Though not always the same, there are some indicators it may be

Whether you have a vision for your kitchen or need help creating one, John Rogers Renovations’ interior designers are here to help. Through a very

Q: What causes standing water in my crawl space? A: Water in your crawl space is caused by bad drainage around your house and a

Q: What type of heating system should I get and why? A: We recommend variable speed furnaces with variable speed compressors. A variable speed heating

Have you been thinking about solar power and wondering if this energy source is right for you? Better Tomorrow Solar reveals the truth about some

With everything that 2020 has thrown our way you have probably found yourself stuck at home with more time than before, and like many Americans,

by Kim Ashby MacColeman Metro Atlanta is full of innovators and trailblazers who, when handed months of isolation and nervous energy, took tape measures, trimmers,

Q: What are window options that will bring more light into my bathroom, but still maintain my privacy? A: Light is essential in a bathroom,

Q: How do I know what kind of waterproofing system is best for my home? A: It really depends on the age of your home

Q: How do I know where my downspouts need to be located? A: Generally, a downspout should be installed about every 30 feet or so.

Q: Is one season better than another to have my siding installed? A: The seasons don’t make a difference for siding installation. I personally feel

Q: Does a larger HVAC system offer better performance? A: Bigger is not only not better, it may be worse. Your heating and air conditioning

Q: What are the most commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks that can lead to larger issues down the road? A: A substantially high percentage of

From remodeling to interior design, solar energy, real estate and more, meet the 2020 Winners of the Rising Stars of the Home Industry Contest! Stay

Studies show that indoors, the very place where Americans spend about 90 percent of their time, has pollutants two to five times higher than outdoors.

A: Some people prefer to use the same window coverings throughout their home to create a consistent look, especially across the front of the home,

A: Natural light always makes a room feel bigger than it is. Bay or bow windows physically extend the room outside to open up a

A: If you have an existing sump pump and are still having water problems you need to have an experienced and knowledgeable foundation waterproofing company

A: Soft wash the house every year and do routine touch up painting. We leave at least half a gallon of paint for completed jobs

A: The primary thing that most homeowners may not realize is in a handyman’s scope of work is the comprehensiveness of the skill set. Most

Now more than ever, homeowners are looking for ways they can improve the indoor air quality, or IAQ, in their homes. For many people, staying

The Family Business Melissa Bean, Owner of 5th Generation Contracting, and her husband, Wayne, have been running an award-winning remodeling firm for more than 15

A: PowerView® motorization by Hunter Douglas is a great option. It allows you to set scenes and schedule your window treatments to operate on their

A: Some aging is obvious—if your roof is more than 15 years old, it is time to get a new one. Sometimes, the roof can

A: There is no “one size fits all” answer. Many homes have wood floors that look great, but water concerns and durability can be problematic

A: Marvin MODERN is a new product from Marvin that is exclusively available in Atlanta through AVI. Because MODERN is made from incredibly strong high-density

A: An issue in a singular location can be a symptom of a more systemic problem. Over time, the foundation drain that was installed when

A: Fiber cement siding is a composite of sand, cement and reinforced lattice of cellulose fibers that is rot-, fire-, and water-resistant. This siding far

A: Bigger is not only not better, it may be worse. Your heating and air-conditioning must be matched to your living space. Geography, square footage,

A: As with many home improvement projects, cost and permanency are common factors to be considered. While replacement with synthetic-based materials provides a more permanent

By Wyndi Kappes   To celebrate Black History Month, My Home Improvement Atlanta is shining the spotlight on several African American designers, builders, and gardeners,

In 2015, Courtney Stewart founded the Right Hand Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to support women and children’s shelters and group homes in the

Planning to redo your bedroom, bathroom, or outdoor space for 2020? You are not alone. According to a recent LightStream survey conducted by The Harris Poll,

North Georgia Replacement Windows offers customers a state-of-the-art window for all seasons. Homeowners turn to the team here for top-notch service and expert-level installation. By

A: The most common mistake that people make is not purchasing their window treatments through a reputable and knowledgeable dealer. You need guidance with making

A: It depends on where you see the leak. If water is coming under or around the shower door into your bathroom, then a shower

A: Before rushing to purchase waterproofing products that are available at your local home improvement store or even on late-night infomercials, we always recommend having

A: First things first. It is invaluable that siding is installed to the direct specifications provided by the manufacturer. Also, ensure the structural support that

A: The U-factor indicates how well a window keeps heat inside your home. The lower the number, the better the insulating qualities. This is important

A: It is important to inspect your flashing. Flashing is an extra-protective part of your roof designed to direct water to run off the slope

A: Have a certified technician check the system’s performance and quote repair costs. Then, get a quote on replacement before making a decision. Do you

Southface Institute President Andrea Pinabell shares five ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Q: What can I do to be more resource-efficient? A: Invest

A: We recommend variable speed furnaces with variable speed compressors. A variable speed heating system controls airflow to provide better temperature and humidity control, and air

A: The most common indicators that it is time to replace your siding is swelling of your masonite particle siding (a mixture of wood fibers

A: First, if you’re looking for fine craftsmanship and quality windows, the lowest quote is not necessarily the best option. So do not choose a

A: Check for missing shingles, indents on your existing shingles, or any cracks in your shingles. A roof professional will be able to let you

A: While shades, blinds, and shutters offer privacy and sun control, the option of drapery panels can add texture, pattern, and color to any window.

A: Don’t panic. Musty odors don’t always mean mold! However, basements tend to stay cooler, which causes the humidity level of the area to be

What Some Contractors Don’t Want You To Know… Keys to success with any remodeling project Implementing a construction project in your home can be daunting.

Nine home security products that offer peace of mind. High-Tech Talk inTouch 180™ Indoor Camera Day or night, this high-resolution camera gives you a 180-degree

Specialty Pools And Spa crafts unique outdoor spaces with luxury pools, spas, and more.   We specialize in difficult sites and creating amazing outdoor spaces!

North Georgia Windows shares why fiberglass windows are the best option for your home. If you’re window shopping, consider fiberglass. The benefits of this strong,

              Premium fescue grass from NG Turf makes having a year-round green lawn a reality.   Fall in Love

From straight eave to conservatory, learn about DC Signature Series Enclosures If you are unsure about getting a sunroom in the first place, let us

Here’s help to select the right window covering Q: What are the best smartphone and motorized options for blinds? Most Hunter Douglas window treatments can be

A: Maintain the effectiveness of your lighting and protect fixtures from damage by cutting back branches and plants, and clearing debris from the immediate area.

A: There are several benefits to getting a new roof. Most frequently noted is how much a new roof can impress homebuyers. A big contributor

A: Elastomeric coating is a long-lasting exterior wall or roof coating that can help prevent wear and tear. Able to be tinted to almost any

A: Many homeowners want their outdoor entertaining space to be a destination, oftentimes somewhat far away from their home. We encourage clients to establish their

A: Leveling is not only a more cost-effective way to fix your concrete, it also provides other benefits. Because slabs don’t need to be removed

A: American craftsmanship and innovation are what separate Marvin from the competition. Their seasoned team provides an attention to detail that you will not find

A: There are several reasons your air conditioner may not be circulating cool air. One of these could be dirty filter and or dirty coils.

A: In addition to providing insulation, solar heat control, and daylighting, window coverings can also help control harmful UV radiation. UV exposure causes natural, undyed

A: Yes, you want your plumber to have a minimum of a Journeyman Plumber license from the state of Georgia. To obtain this special license,

A: Unlike an internal waterproofing system that redirects water out of your home once it pushes through pressure cracks, an external waterproofing system keeps water

The liability on the homeowner is huge when it comes to worker compensation claims or otherwise. Generally speaking, landscaping projects often involve large trucks, machines,

Exclusive to Hunter Douglas, the Architella® collection from Duette® Honeycomb Shades provides the highest level of energy efficiency of any Hunter Douglas product. The special

There are a few major indicators that there might be something wrong with your water heater. The first of these is that your pressure relief

Simply put, cladding is the protective exterior material on the frame and sash of a wood window, designed to improve a window’s longevity, durability, and

Water may be entering through the walls, by seeping up from the ground below, or from leaks in your plumbing. It could even be from

If you keep your HVAC unit’s fan set to “on” instead of “auto,” the fan will continuously run and pick up more dirt. Also, if

There are three important items to check off your list before hurricane season hits. First, make sure to have your roof inspected for any cracks

High-build exterior latex paints are ideal for a high-quality, long-lasting look. Latex paint is often recommended because it won’t trap moisture and is able to

How do I ensure my outdoor lighting is safe (e.g., won’t catch fire)? A: Lighting your home without proper training can be very dangerous. Make

NG Turf Ensures a Low-Maintenance Yard The explosive trend of farmhouse functional and smart-home style shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, homeowners are

Let Scapes design and maintain your outdoor entertaining space. Scapes creates outdoor living spaces that are expressions of your personal taste. Scapes is an award-winning

Splendor Koi and Pond provides everything you need for your best koi pond from installation to fish selection and maintenance. Splendor Koi and Pond strives

Illuminate your home with the help of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. When it comes to illuminating your backyard, really consider how you currently use or

Small backyard pools to complex water features and spas, Alison Pools can do it all. The talented team at Alison Pools, LLC, has been servicing

Zach Azpeitia crafts a family-friendly home cinema for TV producer Will Packer.   This fabulous theatre is perfect for screening films with family and friends.

Stop fighting with your lawn and let the NG Turf team help you start anew with luxury sod. When the vision of a lush lawn

Whatever your style, North Georgia Replacement Windows can help you find the best windows for your home. You’ve carefully selected the neighborhood your house is

Oneida Builders can give your cookhouse a face-lift in no time. Learn about the process here Q: What is the 4-Week Kitchen Package? A: This

What can be done if I notice a leak? A water leak in your basement can easily lead to mold growth, which can cause health

Many Programmable Thermostats can be set to turn off when no one is home or to adjust the temperature to use less energy when residents

There are several signs to look for when trying to determine if replacing your windows (and doors) should be the next project on your home

Traditional astronomical digital timers are the most popular, since they are economical. Your lights will come on at dusk and go off at whatever time

Gas tankless heaters are an environmentally friendly option as they only heat water on demand, saving energy. Plus, with these models, you can enjoy almost

Although the initial cost of a metal roof might be higher than standard asphalt shingles, you can easily recoup your investment as this durable roof

Gray tones seem to be most popular at the moment but we can mix and match paint hues to suit your personal style. We have

Most uneven and cracking concrete is caused by settlement. Settlement is due to one of three things: poorly compacted soil, erosion or decay. Prior to

People are adding more and more edible areas to their landscape, investing in blueberry bushes and kitchen gardens where they can grow things like lettuce,

We have a large variety of window treatments that maximize light while minimizing visibility from the outdoors into your home. Our plantation shutters are a

NG Turf’s multiple farms throughout the state of Georgia are much more than green fields of premium zoysia, bermuda, and fescue grasses. Take a closer

A: Saving you up to 12.2 gallons of water a day, low-flow toilets use around 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), whereas older toilets commonly use

A: Properly maintained gutters serve a critical role in reducing the impact of heavy rains. Damaged systems can send torrents of water burrowing through the

A:  Most Atlantans have winter dormant Bermuda or zoysia grass that will begin actively growing around April. Once your green is in full swing, a

A: The best time to paint is when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees. Because of this, apart from occasional rainstorms, we find that

A: Stop harmful pathogens from circulating throughout your home by installing a high-output ultraviolet light in your return duct to kill viruses, bacteria, and mold.

A: Most of our shades come with a room darkening fabric option or a privacy liner. For complete darkness, a variety of shades are available with

A: Almost all lighting functions well for deterring criminals. If there is a choice between a dark house or a well-lit house, chances are, the

Homeowners should know that winter is the best time of year to waterproof their basement because here in Georgia the spring rains start in February. 

At the minimum, a good exterior paint service should last for six to eight years. Many paint companies provide warranties on their products and services

Make sure your home stays cozy by having your roof inspected every two years. A reputable company should clean gutters and valleys of debris, check

Vinyl windows are made of plastic material and do not withstand changes in temperature as well as fiberglass windows. Integrity windows from Marvin Windows and

A great way to up the efficiency of your unit is to change your air filter regularly. If there are pets or smokers in the

Since outdoor systems are exposed to the elements 365 days a year, we recommend annual maintenance at the very least. This process often includes pruning

On your water bill, look for high usage, which can indicate a leak. Search your basement or crawl space for possible leaks as well. Our

Yards can often look tired in the winter. Instead of waiting till March or April to add mulch spread, make sure to mulch right after

Keeping your loved ones safe is a top priority for our company. We carry a wide range of Hunter Douglas products to help significantly reduce

HVAC Q: What are three things I can do to prepare my home for winter? A: First, you should have a professional conduct routine maintenance

WINDOW COVERINGS Q: What are the best smartphone and/or motorized options for blinds and why? A: Most Hunter Douglas window treatments can be motorized with

LANDSCAPE Q: What are the advantages of hiring a landscape architect? A: When you do business with a landscape architect you are working with someone

PAINTING Q: Are there any paint types that help to reduce mold and ward off pests? A: Many latex paints have mold and mildew inhibitors

CONCRETE Q: How long do average concrete repairs take? A: One or two sections of sidewalk could take 1½ to 2 hours to repair, compared

PLUMBING Q: Why does my toilet keep running after being flushed? A: A running toilet can be caused by worn parts in the toilet tank

ROOFING Q: What are the warning signs that there might be a problem with my roof? A: There are obvious signs like mildew, missing shingles,

WINDOW REPLACEMENT Q: What should I know about energy-efficient windows? A: ENERGY STAR® is a federal program that determines whether or not a variety of

OUTDOOR LIGHTING Q: How do I illuminate the exterior of my home without bright lights shining inside the house? A: The way to avoid light

If you are like many Southern homeowners, a lush, green lawn is a source of great pride—or jealousy, if it’s in your neighbor’s yard instead

You’ve invested time, effort, and money into creating unique interior spaces that reflect your style and personality. Do the views from your windows flow with

An Engineered & Artistic Approach to Outdoor Living Creative & Innovative Designs Obsessed with Customer Service Fully Staffed Service & Maintenance Depts Lifetime warranties on

[advps-slideshow optset=”1″]Leslie Moore’s life is busy. So busy that she really needs something to help her conquer the craziness, and, busyness, of the day. For

One Family’s Journey from Stress to Savings and Success Lawns in the midst of a bustling city are a rarity, even in the tree-covered Southern

Light your pooch’s path with Grant Park, an old bronze 2 light wall lantern from Atlanta-based Masterpiece Lighting & Home. Here, the staff at the

Installing healthy, green, and farm-fresh sod is the fastest way to take your yard from ho-hum to wow! But if you have a very sloped

Nothing beats a cool dip in the pool on a warm day – until you step out onto the blazing hot deck. Many traditional hardscape

Tour a variety of projects completed by some of Atlanta’s top remodeling firms. Ask contractors specific questions about the projects and learn about the products

With temperatures rising, will your lawn be ready when summer hits? By following these five simple steps, you can ensure your lawn will be lush

Let DC Enclosures make your new outdoor space … your favorite place! Get the most out of your backyard by converting your deck or patio

Congratulations on your new home! As you embark on this wonderful journey, don’t sweat the small stuff. Instead, focus on important factors like how your

Tight Line Exteriors knows that "Home is Where the Heart is."  Quality windows are essential to the look and feel of your home. They increase

When moving into a new house or choosing to renovate your existing one, personal touches are what transform a house into a home. Enter Masterpiece

Take your backyard to a new level this year. At Builder Specialties, you will find turnkey solutions for outdoor projects, like open-air kitchens—a top request

Installing healthy, farm-fresh sod is the fastest way to beautify your property. New sod needs no special care after installation—just water, mow and fertilize as

As 2011 drew to a close, film executives picked up their copies of The Hollywood Reporter to learn that just 1.28 billion people went to

Last week I learned just how well-regarded some of Atlanta’s home theater and custom electronics providers are in the industry as a whole. It started

On Nov. 19, 2006, home entertainment as we knew it changed. Though the release of the Nintendo Wii gaming console was just 4 years ago,