Category Archives: Atlanta Home Remodeling

‘Master on the Main’ solves homeowner needs

Adding a master suite on the main floor, often with universal design elements, is one of the best ways to make your home more livable now and in the future.

As a NARI Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), Atlanta Design & Build President, Dale Contant, has received extensive training in planning and constructing universal design projects and brings that expertise to all of our clients’ projects.

Earlier this month, we talked about some of the important factors when considering a new master suite addition, or renovation. In this post, we want to share the story of how a great new master suite improved the home of one of our past clients.

This Marietta home was too small for the needs of the homeowners. They were looking for a new master bedroom, more room in the garage and an improvement to the way they live with more usable space. They also wanted to ensure that their new home would be livable for them for years to come. The Atlanta Design & Build team worked with the homeowners to create a project that delivered everything for which they were hoping.

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Master on the Main

Mastering the Master Suite

This Marietta Master Suite Addition, which won a 2016 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from NARI Atlanta, is accessed via a “hidden door” in the dining room.

We’re all getting older (sorry) and many of our Atlanta Design & Build remodeling projects reflect that reality of life.

Baby Boomers are living longer, and want to stay in their homes as they age. Retirement for them doesn’t look the same as previous generations.  Generation X isn’t far behind them – the oldest members of that age cohort are turning 55 this year. As a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), Dale has the specialized training and knowledge to help you remodel your home for the long term.

For Now and The Future

One of the most prominent examples of this is the trend for a master suite on the main floor. Most homes around Atlanta are two stories, with the bedrooms on the second floor. This can present a challenge for an aging homeowner. As bones and joints age, a master suite on the main floor eliminates the extra climbing up and down stairs and reduces the chance of a fall.

A master suite addition can make sense for a multitude of reasons. For some clients, the Master Suite addition is built for their own requirements (now or in the future) or for the needs of aging parents. In the meantime, it can make a great guest suite, allowing visitors privacy while still being part of the home.

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https://www.atlantadesignbuild.com/blog/infrar2020 Residential Coty award-winning bathroom

ADB Wins NARI Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award for 2020

Atlanta Design & Build has been named 2020 NARI Regional CotY Winner, in Region 2-Southeast, for Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000. Look at this amazing master bath transformation:

This elegant, spa-like bathroom also won a 2019 NARI – Atlanta CotY award.

2020 NARI Residential CotY bathroom vanity, water closet, heated towel bar
View of the water closet, built-in vanity, and heated towel rack

Winning a CotY Award is a distinguished recognition. We are honored to be in the ranks of the best in the remodeling industry. NARI received almost 500 entries valued at over $138 million, and our project stood out as the best in our category for our region.

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Accessible Kitchen Design Considerations

Universal Design aims to provide useable space planning for people of all abilities and ages. Another growing trend is Inclusive design which is similarly creating spaces that are more accessible to everyone. Accessibility options can also be highly personalized for individuals with specific needs. Imagine a world where any guest could feel comfortable using your home? Also, when choosing to remain in your existing home as you age, accessible design is an important consideration.

One of the most important rooms to consider when creating accessibility is the kitchen. Being able to safely prepare and clean up after meals is one of the primary considerations of the accessible kitchen. Mobility is usually an important concern for current and future needs. The following measurements are ideal for accessibility to all. Hardware and fixtures can also improve functionality. Accessible kitchens can include design details that accommodate children too, as universal design wants people of all ages to have greater accessibility.

Facets of Your Accessible Kitchen: Mobility and Convenience

Doorways and Clearance: Between 36-42” wide, with pocket doors, or swing clear hinges, and lever door handles. Clearance for a pass-through kitchen is 40” while U-shaped layouts require 60” of clearance.

Cabinets: Cabinet height can be individualized, but motorized, adjustable cabinets are the ultimate in universal design in a kitchen for multiple users. Swing up doors with hinges at the top and touch open doors are ideal for accessible kitchens. Lower cabinetry like a lazy Susan, or cabinets with pull outs, can help keep users from having to lean down into cabinetry to reach items. 

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miniamlist kitchen, appliance garage

ADB & The Minimalist Kitchen

Does your kitchen need to be updated—not only for the latest trends in countertops or cabinets— but for the most functional workflow? Minimalist kitchens are increasing in popularity due to their amazing functionality and easy maintenance. We appreciate facets of the design and build process that keep in mind that the clients’ most precious asset is often their time. Here are some of the ways a low-maintenance minimalist kitchen can save you time.  

Everything is Streamlined and at Your Fingertips

We can replace upper cabinetry with open shelving to display objects you love and use daily. While maintaining the staged look of elaborate open shelving can be somewhat labor intensive, the ease of use is wonderful—and you can keep it simple. Everything you frequently use can be easily reached without opening a cabinet. Lower drawers and cabinets can hold most of your kitchen items, whether it is deep drawer storage, with dividers, or a full pantry wall, kitchen storage has come a long way. New and versatile kitchen storage can be one of the most exciting aspects of a kitchen remodel. Not only is lower cabinet storage often more organized, it is easily reachable. No more standing on a step stool to reach items in a high cabinet.  

Minimize Clutter & Clear the Countertops

Minimalist kitchen, appliance garage with Kitchenaid mixer
This appliance garage keeps your stand mixer close enough for easy use, while stowing it neatly away.

We suggest carefully evaluating which countertop appliances to keep in a minimalist kitchen. If you have not used an appliance in the past year, donate it or dispose of it. Don’t waste precious space on gadgets you do not actually use. Stow countertop appliances in appliance garages! Corner cabinets can be conveniently designed with outlets and you only have to open a cabinet door to access small appliances. This way your countertop stays clear when appliances like blenders, toasters, coffee makers, and slow cookers are not in use.

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infrared sauna in master bath

Infrared Saunas for the Home Spa

Spa like bathrooms have been all the rage for a while, but some homeowners have taken home wellness to the next level with the installation of infrared saunas. These compact saunas are perfect for including in your remodeled master bath or other retreat. Why are saunas such a boon to wellness?

Here are some of the benefits infrared saunas can offer:

This custom infrared sauna was part of our 2019 CotY award-winning residential bathroom remodel $75,000-$100,000
  • Relaxation: Not only do your muscles feel more relaxed from the heat, but your time in your home sauna can be a welcome retreat from your day to day stresses. You can use your time in the sauna for peaceful meditation or simply quiet relaxation away from your everyday stressors.
  • Sweat: Sweating is detoxifying and can aid weight loss and lead to clearer, more youthful, skin.
  • Heart Health: Decreased blood pressure. Due to vasodilation that occurs in blood vessels, saunas can actually lower blood pressure. Studies have found that taking saunas can regulate an irregular heart rate and improve circulation by raising heart rate.
  • Pain Relief: Improvement of inflammation is one benefit of infrared saunas. Heat penetrates the muscles and leads to an increase in relaxation. Saunas are particularly helpful at easing post-workout soreness.

Infrared Sauna Precautions:

This Health Mate sauna is custom crafted from Canadian western red cedar & uses radiant heat.
  • Consult your physician before beginning to take saunas, especially if you are on blood pressure medications or have heart problems. Saunas can lower blood pressure.
  • Hydrate before entering the sauna and upon leaving slowly drink several glasses of water.
  • Do not take saunas if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive (this includes men who are trying to conceive).
  • Do not drink alcohol or take any mind-altering medications before taking a sauna.
  • If you are ill or have a fever, do not use a sauna.
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