August 2012 Editor’s Letter

While overnight home makeovers make for good television, in real life, the remodeling process generally is much more complex—and lengthy. To completely rebuild an average-sized kitchen (175 square feet), homeowners should allow for nine months of planning and three months of execution, according to an article on the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) website (www.nkba.org). Make that four months of planning and two months of execution for an average-sized master bath (120 square feet).

A big reveal with all the changes in place is exciting, but doing a full remodel all at once is not always possible. And who hasn’t underestimated how much a project will cost? Talk about a reality check! The good news is that there are many resources available to help with all the decisions that need to be made during a remodel. Start with the Remodeling Planner in this issue, which presents important questions for you and your contractor to answer before work begins. Think of it as casting the executive producer for your own home makeover show. You want to find someone you can trust that will meet your needs within your budget.

Speaking of budget—this is not an area you want to gloss over when looking for a contractor. Even if it’s only a few thousand dollars, a good contractor will be able to offer some ideas for refreshing your space that you can afford. And, you may be surprised by what you can get for your money. Some of the top remodelers in the city have small projects divisions that handle minor updates such as replacing flooring, painting and more. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, most pros can also hook you up with just a design plan, allowing you to source and install materials as you wish. Likewise, showrooms that specialize in lighting, kitchen and bath and other areas of home improvement frequently have designers on staff for on-the-spot advice and recommendations for the best local installers. Be sure to take advantage of this!

3 Things You’ll Learn This Month

o      What to consider before buying window treatments

o      The percentage of people who are planning to stay an additional 16 to 20 years in their homes because of the decrease in home values

o      That bamboo can be used as fencing

Coming in September

Special Section: Cabinets and Countertops

How to select kitchen and bath surfaces

Features:

Exterior Transformation

Ideas for increasing curb appeal

Make a Statement

Interior lighting fixtures with pizzazz

What is your favorite part of the August 2012 issue of Atlanta Home Improvement? Let us know by leaving a comment!