Sawhorse Inc.

Kids Get "Dream Bedroom"

Sylvia Small

MODA Floors & Interiors served as a sponsor for the annual Agape Bedroom Makeover project. The Agape Community Center, a non-profit organization, provides a variety of programs and services for residents of all ages in the Bolton Road community in Northwest Atlanta.

The MODA Floors & Interiors team patched and painted the walls, replaced the carpet and purchased furniture and bedding for the four children. MODA interior designer Theresa Minkoff decorated the room based on what the kids described as their "dream bedroom."

In addition to MODA staff, painters and carpenters supplied by Sawhorse Remodeling participated in the bedroom makeover project.

A kitchen renovation seems a daunting task. With so many finishes to choose and a constantly growing selection to choose from, its no wonder your head starts to spin somewhere between the twentieth cabinet style and the fiftieth tile backsplash. Fortunately, that is just what we at SawHorse are here to help you do. This guide in particular will help you navigate choosing your countertop material and determine which is the best option for your lifestyle and home. We will compare the five most common solid surface products in mid- to high-end luxury kitchens.

[Granite]

By far the most popular countertop surface, granite is unique in that it is a natural, non-manufactured product. Because of this, granite often has color and vein patterns specific to each slab. Granite counters have become an essential luxury in many homes, but not necessarily an expensive one. It has become an affordable upgrade that will increase home’s re-sale value.

Is granite the right choice for you?

Style: Traditional, Contemporary

Characteristics: Natural material, Color and Pattern unique to each slab

Use + Care: Very durable against stains, scratches, and heat, Requires occasional polishing.

[Richlite]

As a paper composite material, Richlite is a sustainable, recyclable, non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) product often used for countertop material. The technique used during the manufacturing process makes Richlite a durable, solid surface countertop option, highly resistant to scratches and stains. Richlite is a cost effective option because it can be cut and fit on-site, making the installation process much simpler.

Is Richlite the right choice for you?

Style: Contemporary, Modern, Rustic, Sustainable

Characteristics: Patinas over time for natural richness and luster, Cost Effective, Recyclable

Use + Care: Very durable against stains, scratches, and heat, Requires occasional polishing, Imperfections and scarring can be sanded out

[Silestone]

Silestone is a compound made of natural quartz with bacteriostatic protection, giving you the advantage of hygienic surface countertops. Since it is a manufactured product, Silestone is extremely resilient and can be made into large slabs to decrease the number of joints needed for installation. Silestone is available in a wide range of colors and patters to suit any kitchen style.

Is Silestone the right choice for you?

Style: Any

Characteristics: Antimicrobial protection, Wide range of color and pattern selection

Use + Care: Very resilient against stains, scratches, and heat, No sealing required

[Caesarstone]

Caesarstone is a quartz compound material made from up to 93% natural quartz, pigment aggregates, and polymer resins. Caesarstone can be manufactured to different thicknesses to accommodate for different weight or strength limitations based on your individual needs for the space. Because it is a compound material, Caesarstone is manufactured in a range of colors and edge options to create your desired kitchen style.

Is Caesarstone right for you?

Style: Any

Characteristics: Wide range of color and pattern selection, High flexural strength

Use + Care: Very resilient against stains, scratches, and heat, No sealing required

[Cambria]

Cambria is a composite, nonporous material made from natural quartz stone. Environmental best practices are used during the fabrication process of the material to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Unique to Cambria, all designs are the same price per square foot, giving you the freedom to choose your favorite countertop without worrying about going over your budget. Cambria is available in over 100 distinct designs and various edge profiles suitable for any kitchen style.

Is Cambria right for you?

Style: Any

Characteristics: Wide range of color and pattern selection, Superior strength, Nonporous and food safe

Use + Care: Maintenance-free, no sealing or polishing required, Stain resistant

Earth Day a time to think green at home, too

Lori Johnston

Global events and volunteer service projects for Earth Day can help communities, but the green-focused celebration also offers a time to look at your habits at home.

Area builders, remodelers, interior designers and real estate agents shared ways to improve energy efficiency -- “acts of green,” as they’re called by Earth Day organizers -- on your own turf. From lighting to heating/air to appliances to accessories, here are their tips for celebrating Earth Day at home:

Heating and air can account for up to 30 percent of your utility bills. Make sure your air filters are clean and Freon is charged to proper levels. These two simple tips go a long way in keeping your energy bills down. -- Curtis Peart, principal, FrontPorch, Atlanta-based residential construction firm and builder of the 2012 HGTV Green Home at Serenbe

In the past there was a push to convert from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent, however, I am encouraging our clients to look at LEDs now as well. We put them in our house, and the light quality is great and they are rated to last up to 20 years while saving energy at the same time. What's even better than energy-efficient lighting is turning off lights and other devices when not being used. By just turning things off, you can save 10 percent or more in utility cost. —Matt Hoots, president, SawHorse, Atlanta-based residential remodeling firm

Fairly inexpensive things that will increase the energy efficiency but not necessarily be noticeable to a buyer are: Install a programmable thermostat, install insulation and install outlet insulators on exterior walls. One thing that will get a buyer's attention and spruce up the kitchen would be to install all new Energy Star appliances. Buyers like new appliances, and Energy Star appliances will save energy and money. -- Randal Lautzenheiser, managing broker, Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services

Use minimal window coverings to maximize natural light. Paint your north-facing rooms in lighter colors to maximize sunlight in the winter months. -- Jillian Pritchard Cooke, interior designer and owner of BEE, an eco-friendly home furnishings store in Buckhead

High-volume, low-speed fans are an excellent solution for the many loft owners in the city who have spacious rooms with high ceilings. These can run a couple thousand dollars with simple paybacks in the two-year range. Otherwise, ceiling fans can save homeowners up to 40 percent of their summer electric bill. The super-efficient Emerson Midway Eco fan costs around $500. -- Burke Sisco, certified EcoBroker with Park Mason Brokers in Atlanta, who blogs at ecohomeguy.com

New pillow covers can freshen up a look. Some of my favorites are old, classic white lace covers that you would find at a place like Scott's Antique Market, or you can even have some made out of curtains, or even clothes. I have jeweled pillow covers that used to be a shirt. -- Naomi Mann, owner, Mann Made, an Atlanta-based sustainable interior design company

Click here to see original article

Many parts of old homes can be reused

Doug DeLoach

The familiar adage “waste not, want not,” lies at the heart of a homebuilding industry trend, which places an emphasis on reclaiming material, fixtures and other components utilized in residential construction, and applying those materials when renovating or remodeling a house or reconstructing on the same lot.

According to an article on ArchitectureWeek.com, nearly half of the energy consumed in the U.S. is attributable in some way to the construction, use, maintenance and disposal of houses. In 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that 250,000 houses a year are torn down across the country, representing more than 1 billion board-feet of lumber or about 3 percent of America’s annual softwood timber harvest.

Estimates vary, depending on the builder or developer doing the estimating, but somewhere around 60 percent to 80 percent of the materials in a house — from bricks, siding and electrical fixtures to concrete, roofing and window frames — can either be recycled, reclaimed or repurposed...

Recycling houses is one aspect of a general movement within the industry, which is approaching the point where green building techniques and incorporating environmentally friendlier materials are considered standard operating procedure. The extent to which a house can be “recycled” depends on what a builder-developer is trying to achieve based on the homeowner’s desired outcome.

“As far as adaptive reuse of the house, when we have a client who says they want to tear down a house and build a new one, the first thing we do is look at what’s there and determine whether we can use the footprint,” said Matt Hoots, CEO of SawHorse Inc.

“We ask questions, such as, ‘Can we use the landscaping? How is the foundation dug into the hill? Is there part of the foundation that we can add to?’ ” Hoots said.

From an energy usage perspective, renovating is much greener than tearing a house down, reusing as many parts as possible, and building a new green house on top of it.

“We have the resources and the technology these days to take an existing house and bring it up to current energy code and also make it more energy efficient,” Hoots said.

In renovating a house in Lake Clare, an intown neighborhood between Atlanta and Decatur, the SawHorse crew was able to utilize almost 75 percent of the existing siding by pulling off the original siding, insulating the house, and reinstalling the salvaged material.

“We preserved the look of the house while giving it a freshly renovated look and a new paint job,” said Hoots.

For his son’s school, Hoots constructed a playhouse out of decking material obtained from a client whose deck had collapsed. The playhouse was donated to a charity, which auctioned off the building for a tidy sum.

“Recycling can mean a lot of different things,” Hoots said.

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Before, During, After: Remodelers Are on a Video Roll

Matt Hoots

30 minutes here, 30 minutes there, and before he knew it, Matt Hoots had created nearly 80 videos for SawHorse Design Build and Remodeling, the Atlanta company where he is CEO.

"We like to use video because because it's an easy way to communicate with images and audio," Matt told me yesterday. "Any time we find ourselves repeating the same message over and aover again, we create a video and then refer people to it. A lot of times we've even converted prospects to sales this way."

It's official, remodelers: Video marketing has found its way well into the remodeling and small-business mainstream. You don't need a marketing agency, a high-end editing suite, or even a tech-savvy freelancer or teenage nephew to master it.

Take the video below. Like most of the videos on SawHorse's website and YouTube channel, Matt created it himself in 30 minutes or so using inexpensive video cameras (and still images, in some cases) and Windows Live Movie Maker software. Only a few include kids -- but the cute factor never hurts.

SawHorse videos cover a broad range of topics -- about the company, client testimonials, how solar hot water heaters work, for starters -- and appear in multiple places for maximum viewing, including appropriate spots on the company's website and as pop-ups in company e-letters.

"We just signed a contract today," Matt said yesterday. A big part of the new client's education and buy-in came from video links that he had sent her in response to some of her questions.

He even credits video with helping to keep the company afloat in the past few years. "Honestly, without green work and video and other social media, I don't know if we would have survived."

To see the original web version visit- http://www.daily5remodel.com/index.php?action=article&rowid=1155

Ready your nest for fall

Matt Hoots

Summer in metro Atlanta can feel relentless, extending its balmy grip well into what would be considered autumn in other locales. But now is the time to think about the cold months ahead and steps you can take to both protect your home from the elements and ensure that you heat it efficiently. Whether you make small DIY changes or bring in a contractor for big improvements, you’re virtually assured of both saving money and protecting your home from the elements.

Experts estimate proper weatherization can cut energy bills 25 percent to 30 percent.

One advantage of bringing in a professional is the chance to assess your home’s energy leakage and how best to correct it.

Weatherization contractor and SawHorse President Matt Hoots does a home energy assessment using a blower door fan test to calculate energy loss.

“We can also find the sources of the leaks that are big or small,” said Hoots, whose company then uses insulation, weather-stripping of doors and windows, air sealing and more energy-efficient HVAC as part of its strategy to prepare a home for winter.

Real estate agent Jennifer Spivey had her Old Fourth Ward condo weatherized by Paul Shellem, owner of HomeSeal Atlanta in Suwanee, which offers a whole house appraisal for $400 to $600.

Spivey’s custom weatherization included duct sealing, boxing can lights and blowing in fiberglass insulation. Spivey’s monthly energy bill has gone down but the biggest change is in her quality of life.

“Our house was always dusty and it gave me allergies,” said Spivey. Sealing leaks, she said, “cut down on the dust by 90 percent. The air quality is better.”

Homeowners and contractors point to air quality and comfort issues as frequent reasons for weatherization.

“What gets these homeowners to move is not necessarily the energy savings or even the money that they’re going to get back and save, but indoor air quality and health,” said Brad Turner, head of weatherization at Southface, a nonprofit devoted to sustainable buildings and communities.

Hoots said he rarely has to market his weatherization service.

“Don’t have to,” he said. “They call us when they are uncomfortable. Comfort trumps energy savings.”

Spivey referred her parents, Patti and James Jeffries of Hampton, to HomeSeal. In addition to some energy-saving improvements made by other contractors, the Jeffrieses had their 2,000-square-foot 1986 ranch weatherized by HomeSeal. The couple saw a 25 percent decrease in their monthly utility bills.

The Jeffries had their duct work sealed, blown-in insulation placed in the attic, their windows and fireplace air sealed and their doors weather-stripped.

“It’s amazing when they build a house they don’t seal it where the brick and wall board come together and you’d be surprised at what comes out of there. And what comes in from outdoors,” said Patti Jeffries.

Like their daughter, the Jeffrieses saw benefits to weatherizing their home beyond lower utility bills.

“I also do not see as many bugs. I had spider problems. You’d walk in the living room and find dead spiders everywhere and there were cobwebs everywhere. But since we’ve sealed everything up, they’re not getting in,” said Patti Jeffries, who recommended that homeowners at least weather strip around windows.

Best of all, the same measures you take to winterize your home and make it more comfortable and energy efficient will also save you money when summer rolls back around.

Partnership for Community Action’s weatherization department offers whole house energy conservation services to income eligible people living in DeKalb, Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties. The program gives priority to households with the elderly, children younger than 6 and the disabled. The program is funded by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Atlanta Gas Light, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Complete weatherization services are provided.

The Daily2- Featuring Hometalk.com

Shannon Walshe

Brock Built Partners with Sawhorse by Atlanta Real Estate Forum

Matt Hoots

Brock Built is proud to announce a new partnership with SawHorse, one of Atlanta’s premier residential remodeling firms. This partnership is designed to increase remodeling business activity in the metro Atlanta area.

SawHorse has been working with customers in Atlanta since 1978. The company provides turnkey design/building services on a wide range of projects. From single-room updates to total home renovations, SawHorse has the expertise to make sure your dream renovation becomes a reality. Because of the company’s commitment to innovation, professionalism and energy-efficient building practices, it has won over 100 national, regional and local awards.

For Brock Built, this new partnership represents an opportunity to provide even more services to customers after they purchase a home. Homeowners can rest assured that they are getting the same level of exceptional service during a remodeling project that was received during the building process.

“We are excited for our new partnership with Sawhorse, Inc. This relationship is a perfect match for our remodeling customers. SawHorse and Brock Built Homes seek the same quality building practices and passion for customer service in this industry” said Kevin Guerrero, Purchasing & Construction Manager for Brock Built.

So if you’re looking to add something extra to your new Atlanta home, look no further than SawHorse.

For more information on new homes, visit the Brock Built website. Fan us on Facebook.

HomeAid Partners with Walmart for Green Retrofit to Help Decatur Cooperative Ministry

Matt Hoots

HomeAid Atlanta recently completed an energy efficiency retrofit at a Decatur home operated by Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM), a nonprofit organization serving homeless families in the Decatur/DeKalb area. The project was the first of its kind as part of a new national Environmental Sustainability Program launched by HomeAid Atlanta's parent organization, HomeAid America, and funded by a grant from the Walmart Foundation.

HomeAid Atlanta partnered with WellHome, an affiliate of Masco Home Services, to complete the green, energy saving upgrades at the home. In addition, GE Appliances and Lighting provided new, more efficient appliances. It is estimated that these improvements will reduce the home's energy use by at least 40 percent, allowing DCM to focus more of its funding on direct client services, like counseling, job training and financial education.

Special thanks to the Walmart Foundation and the following partners for making this project a great success: Builders II, Edwards Heating & Air, GE Appliances & Lighting, O'Dwyer Homes, Redmont Homes, SawHorse and WellHome.

Atlanta's Top 10 Residential Remodeling Contractors by Atlanta Business Chronicle

Matt Hoots

Who's the leader in your market?

Atlanta Business Chronicle Book of Lists provides you with listings of hundreds of the hottest area companies in their fields, by ranking. You'll also receive the names of key decision makers, along with their titles and complete contact information.

SawHorse, Inc ranked #7 on the Atlanta Book of Lists for 2010. The book of lists is put out annually by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and ranks residential remodeling contractors by annual revenue.

2011 EarthCraft Award Winners Celebrate Completion of 13,000 EarthCraft Buildings across the Southeast

Matt Hoots

ATLANTA, GA – May 18, 2011 – The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA)and Southface celebrated eleven years of green building with over 70 EarthCraft builders, contractors, designers, architects and sponsors gathered at the Southface Southeast Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Training (SWEET) Center in Atlanta. Led by David Ellis, Executive Vice President of the Greater Atlanta HBA, and Dennis Creech,

Executive Director of Southface, attendees celebrated the completion of over 6,400 EarthCraft single family homes; over 7,000 EarthCraft multifamily units; 75 EarthCraft renovation projects; five EarthCraft community developments; and nine EarthCraft light commercial
buildings, all of which have been completed over the last eleven years, addressing the increasing need for energy, water and resource efficiency in the Southeast.

The EarthCraft program also received a grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) in 2010 to increase its engagement with home builder associations across Georgia, and to train additional building professionals on EarthCraft design and construction principles. To date, more than 100 people in 8 cities have participated in this program, with more than 20 trainings planned for the year.

Said David Ellis, “The EarthCraft builders we recognized today at this awards event routinely deliver innovative, highly marketable projects that provide their owners with comfortable living and high indoor air quality, and save them money on utilities. We congratulate them for their outstanding work.” Remarked Southface’s Dennis Creech, “We are very proud of the work our EarthCraft professionals do across the Southeast, and it’s encouraging to see demand and market share for green homes and buildings continue to grow here and across the country. While the current market is still tough, we are seeing positive signs that the next generation of homes and light commercial buildings will be increasingly green.”

How to make an Entrance

Felicia Feaster

There are probably sexier ways to spend your home improvement money -- on a shiny new bathroom or a glamorous kitchen remodel with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, for example. But there are few things as rewarding as replacing your windows and front door, which can yield a variety of benefits, from lowered utility bills to better soundproofing and greater curb appeal.

And if your house is on the market, you may get a bigger rate of return. “Remodeling Magazine's" 2010-2011 Cost Versus Value issue notes that entry door replacements, which typically costs $1,000-$10,000, can recoup anywhere from 63 percent to 135 percent of the cost upon resale. Window replacement, which typically costs $450 to $2,000 per window, can recoup 73 percent to 77 percent of the cost when sold.

There are obvious reasons to replace windows: the wooden frames are rotting or the glass is broken or fogged, transforming your charming historic home into an eyesore that sets neighbors’ tongues wagging. But there are other reasons for replacement that might not be as readily apparent -- or as galling to the neighbors.

For instance, single-pane glass windows, which are present in most homes built before the mid-1990s, are hugely energy inefficient and allow heating and cooling dollars to fly out the window and noise to cascade in. According to Mark Jamerson, owner of Atlanta Area Window and Door in Marietta, the majority of his customers are switching from single pane to double pane glass to gain more energy efficiency in their homes.

“In Atlanta it’s not uncommon to see houses that have 40 windows," said Jamerson. "And people wonder why they’re paying $650 dollars [a month] to cool their houses. It’s because 50 percent of their walls are made up of windows.” More expensive triple-pane glass is generally considered overkill in the South, unless sound is a major issue.

To maximize energy efficiency homeowners should look for a low U-Factor, which measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping the home, and a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which refers to the fraction of sunlight that is admitted through the window and released as heat indoors. Low E2 solar control glass is a good choice in hot climates like Georgia’s.

Replacing standard windows with energy efficient windows and doors that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star program lowers energy bills by 7 percent to 15 percent, according to www.energystar.gov. As an added bonus, homeowners may also qualify for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the product cost if they install Energy Star windows and doors in their primary residences by Dec. 31.

Depending on their budgets, homeowners have several options to choose from when replacing windows. Frames come in a variety of materials including vinyl, aluminum- or vinyl-coated wood, paintable fiberglass or PVC composite. And some homeowners still choose wood, although Matt Hoots, president of SawHorse Inc. remodeling company in Atlanta, does not recommend it. “Wood does not belong on the outside of houses in Georgia because it rots,” he said. Katie Yielding Hughes, architectural consultant at Architectural Visions Inc., feels similarly about vinyl. “Vinyl is a terrible material. It’s a petroleum-based product, it off-gases like crazy and expands and contracts so much in UV radiation. It’s just not a good material to use and it’s not going to last.”

Replacing every window in your home can be an expensive proposition. But homeowners have options there, too. If your window frame is in good shape, just replacing single pane window sashes with double pane sashes can save a lot of money. Hoots says some thrifty clients replace windows in sections at a time as they can afford it, generally beginning with the front of the house.

For budget-minded homeowners who want a quick home makeover, few improvements are as inexpensive or as dramatic as a change to the front door.

“I tell people if they want to just do a quick facelift to the front of the house, replace your front entry door with a nice decorative glass front door, maybe some new hardware,” said Heather Elsberry, a sales consultant at Architectural Visions Inc.

Wrought iron details can also make an enormous difference in the look of your front entry when you want it to stand apart from the pack, said Carol Simmons, co-owner of Jennifer's Glassworks, a custom door and window manufacturer in Smyrna. “As long as they’ve got a sad looking door that the builder stuck on there 20 years ago, it’s time to make a change.”

Replacing standard 36-inch wide doors with double doors is a current trend that lends grandeur to the front entry way. Solid wood and fiberglass doors that have the look of real wood are the most popular options. Jamerson and Elsberry both noted that steel doors are on the way out because of their industrial look and their tendency to dent and show imperfections.

Whether for cosmetic reasons or increased energy efficiency, metro Atlanta home experts agree that you can’t lose money when you replace or refresh your windows and doors.

“Passersby don’t see what fixtures you’ve got in the bathroom or what your cabinets look like in the kitchen, but they see that front door,” said Simmons.

Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter real estate agent Virginia Moran said that new windows make a home competitive even in a challenging resale market. Moran swapped out her single pane windows and storm windows in her own home with double pane windows and said, “I was shocked at how much quieter it was.”

“You can still get a good price on a house that has been cared for,” said Moran, and in terms of giving the impression to buyers that your home is well-tended, “windows are a very obvious sign from the street.”

Rocking Interiors- Create unique, modern interiors with outdoor-inspired hardscaping

Laura Judy

Love the look of the stone, brick and concrete hardscapes in your yard? You don’t have to stop there! These materials are all making their way indoors as “interior hardscaping” becomes more popular in modern homes. Whether you’re building a stone fireplace, using the latest brick products to spice up your walls or installing concrete floors or countertops, the line between indoor and out is becoming increasingly blurred.

Optical Illusion

Many of the interior hardscaping applications are in basements or rooms that open directly to the backyard. If done well, this can create the illusion of a home that’s becoming one with its surroundings.

Evan Hunter of Hunter Reising Design & Build Inc. in Atlanta recently built a home addition beside an existing pool, creating a room that opens right out onto the pool. “We wanted to match the bluestone that we installed around the pool with a bluestone floor in the family room,” he says. “When the four doors are opened all the way, the floor helps blur the line between inside and outside.”

Stone Surprises

Right now, stone seems to be the most popular product used in interior applications. “Interior stone is still probably the most requested interior hardscape,” says Tom Dwyer of Harbour Towne Construction Inc. in Atlanta. “We are removing brick and installing stone on fireplaces.” Fireplaces tend to be the most common indoor hardscaping features, which makes sense, as they are often the focal point of a room.

However, fireplaces aren’t the only areas where stone can create a unique interior hardscape look. “Right now, we are seeing more clients liking the stacked-stone effect in an interior application,” says Matt Hoots of SawHorse Inc. and The Hoots Group Inc., both in Atlanta. “Recently, we’ve installed stone around bars, structural columns and even on bathroom walls.” Those who like to change their homes to fit the latest trends may find that once stone is installed, they have no interest in changing it as years go by. “Stone seems to be timeless; it endures forever,” says Judy Mozen of Handcrafted Homes Inc. in Roswell.

Beautiful Brick

While stone is all the rage right now, brick is taking on a modern twist. Generally, you may picture indoor brick only in very contemporary spaces, such as lofts. “Lofts tend to be more contemporary, so you may see exposed brick walls from the interior,” Dwyer says. In older homes, many fireplaces are surrounded by brick, which maintains an elegant, timeless look. Today’s brick, however, often takes on a new style.

Recently, Walter Lewis of Neighbors Home Remodeling in Roswell used the latest brick products in a unique kitchen remodel. “We used ‘thin brick,’ which is actual brick that is thinly sliced and applied like tile. The owner wanted the feel of an old New Orleans warehouse on the interior walls,” Lewis says. Thin brick is being used in a variety of applications, from entire walls to backsplashes or accent areas. Like stone, brick is super-durable and easy to care for.

Concrete Facts

Most often used for floors and countertops, concrete has become much more versatile over the years. “I’ve had requests for stained concrete basement floors and concrete countertops,” Dwyer says. A concrete floor is not one that resembles your driveway, but rather a smooth, elegant surface that can withstand plenty of wear and tear.

“Lately, concrete has really come into its own as a design feature on a floor,” Mozen says. “It can be etched, stained or painted. We’ve recently been doing a lot of staining on concrete slab basement floors. It’s quick and easy.” While you can create special designs or use a variety of colors for staining concrete, many homeowners are choosing nice, neutral shades. Because many basements in the South open out to a lower level of the yard, concrete floors can blend seamlessly with outdoor patios and hardscaping.

Blending In

Incorporating hardscape materials into your home is easier than you might think. In most instances, you can add them without any major remodeling or structural changes to your home. “Since most of the materials are veneers, the existing structure is sufficient to hold their weight,” Dwyer says. He does point out that you should consult a professional before you go ahead with a project in an existing home, however. “Some older homes were built with smaller framing materials and should be checked by someone knowledgeable before you add, for example, a concrete island top.”

While full-size stone and brick take a little more time and effort to work with, the stone and brick veneers that are so popular generally go in pretty quickly. “The thinner veneers are easy to install since they don’t require a concrete footing like full-size stone or brick,” Hoots says. “Most of the veneers install like tile, so they go up quickly and are easy to handle.”

Whether you’re adding stone to a family room that opens onto an outdoor entertaining area or using brick veneers to create an old-world look in your kitchen, indoor hardscaping will make your home one of the most unique houses on the block.

Keep It Clean

Generally, stone, brick and concrete are all low maintenance. There are just a few things to consider when caring for these products:
•   Dust or vacuum them regularly to keep them looking bright and clean.
•   Grout cleaning may be required once every few years on stone floors.
•   Concrete finishes may need sealing and intermittent resealing depending on the use.
Sources: Tom Dwyer, Harbour Towne Construction Inc.; Matt Hoots, SawHorse Inc. and The Hoots Group Inc.; Judy Mozen, Handcrafted Homes Inc.

Cost Considerations

Because materials such as stone, brick and concrete are timeless and extremely durable, they tend to be significantly pricier than other choices. Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
• Jobs are usually priced depending on accessibility and materials used. Per-square-foot pricing usually will not apply when the quantities are smaller.
• Real stone costs the most, and manufactured stone and brick are usually less per unit.
Sources: Tom Dwyer, Harbour Towne Construction Inc.; Matt Hoots, SawHorse Inc. and The Hoots Group Inc.

Going Green

To create a passive solar feature in your home, you only need to install a masonry floor or wall near windows. The masonry will absorb the sun’s heat during the day and release it at night. This is a wonderful benefit in the winter. You can even go barefoot at night on the masonry—it’s warm and toasty!
—Judy Mozen, president, Handcrafted Homes Inc.

2011 Energy Tax Credits for Greater Atlanta

Matt Hoots

You may have heard the buzz about energy tax credits increasing a couple years ago for items such as window replacement to geothermal HVAC. There have been a few changes in the tax code for 2011.

For energy upgrades to existing houses, the $1500 credit that you have seen windows suppliers and insulation installers advertising was set to expire December 31, 2010. Many contractors saw a rush of clients at the end of the year take advantage of this expiring credit. The good news is that the credit was extended for another year, however it is for 10% of the cost up to $500 for this year.

There is good news though, if you live in the city of Atlanta and are a GA Power client you can get up to $4000 for similar improvements. However, you must go through a home performance contractor that is part of the program to get these rebates.

The other good news is that the renewable energy federal tax credit is still good through 2016. This applies to qualified products like geothermal HVAC, solar hot water, photovoltaic, and wind power. You get 30% off the installed cost without a cap on your federal tax return. The tax credit for the state of GA does expire this year and once the 2.5MM in the fund is exhausted, it will not be renewed.

While most of the credits and rebates mentioned benefits existing homes only, new construction clients can benefit the greatest if they install renewable energy. New homeowners can get the 30% credit on items such as geothermal HVAC and solar when building new homes.

Green Your Home Q&A- Allergies

Matt Hoots

Q. My kids and I have allergies that don’t seem to go away with the season. How can we reduce the number of allergens in our house? Amy P.

A. If antihistamines are not working, your house could be making you sick. If you already live in a green-certified house, then it may be the way you are living. Stop using chemicals that supposedly “clean” the surface, but pollute the air. Most cleaners contain toxins that evaporate into the air and further aggravate allergies. Vinegar and water is a more effective antibacterial cleaner than most name-brand ones.

Bugs can also be a problem. Cockroaches are known to carry allergens, so nontoxic (to humans) pest control can help control them. Dust mites are also a common cause of allergies. In our house, we put a special cover on our son’s mattress to prevent the dust mites from growing in it.

Sustainable homes no longer seen as just a fad

Doug DeLoach

While Atlanta’s housing market remains stuck in low gear, the trend toward certified green or “sustainable” homes has been growing.

More builders are adopting sustainable practices and more buyers are weighing the economic benefit of paying a little extra up front for a house featuring environmentally sound design, construction standards and materials.

“Even if the economy had not gone sour, people are looking at sustainable practices and materials, not just for housing, but for the entire neighborhood,” said Sibet Freides, president of Idea Associates Inc., a marketing and consulting firm with a real estate development focus. Idea Associates clients include Reynolds Signature Communities, The Settings Development Companies LLC and Urban Land Institute.

“You might have some builders who have been in the industry for a long time who are thinking this is a passing fad, but people have bought into the concept of sustainability,” Freides said. “Younger buyers have now come to expect it and I don’t think the industry, as a whole, thinks it’s a fad anymore.”

According to a report by Carson Matthews, a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, in the first quarter of 2010, green homes comprised 8.4 percent of the new homes on the market, which compares consistently with the 2009 total of 8.5 percent,

Matthews is a certified EcoBroker and the author of a blog, www.greentothescene.com, which delivers news about green residential building in Atlanta.

In April, Matthews launched the Green MLS Toolkit, a resource that can be used by any Multiple Listing Service to track green activity.

In the first three months of 2010, Matthews reported that the median selling price of a certified green home was $494,000, which is 133.5 percent higher than a conventional new construction home; however, the report shows green homes are fetching more at closing.

“In the first quarter, green houses sold at 98 percent of list, whereas standard new construction homes sold at 92.5 percent,” Matthews said. “In the custom home market, that percentage is much higher.”

“Green building is here to stay,” said Les Stumpff, president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and regional manager for Texas-based Standard Renewable Energy, which provides energy audits for homeowners, businesses and government entities.

“There is a growing awareness of how much energy and water and, therefore, money can be saved by owning a home built to some level of green-building standards,” Stumpff said.

Other benefits, such as better indoor air quality and overall comfort, will increasingly propel demand for green homes.

“The housing recession has made it more difficult to adopt building standards that increase new home prices, but builders who were building green in good times will continue to build green as housing starts return,” Stumpff said.

Although they cost a little more, the formula for building green houses is not very complicated, said Matt Hoots, founder and CEO of The Hoots Group Inc. , a full-service green contractor, and co-chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council.

Together with the GAHBA, Hoots helped develop the EarthCraft House residential green-building program in partnership with Southface Energy Institute, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable homes.

“You start with a good design,” Hoots said. “You can save 30 [percent] to 40 percent in operating costs right there.”

Every aspect of the design is critical, from sighting the house on the lot to putting windows in the best location to ease the load on the HVAC system and limit the cost of blinds.

“If you only build to the standard energy-efficiency code, you’re almost building an EarthCraft-certified house,” Hoots said. “Unfortunately, a lot of builders build around the code or to barely meet code.”

As materials, utility and appliance manufacturers jump on the sustainable bandwagon, the expense gap between building green and building traditional housing is diminishing — resulting in more reasonable pricing for higher- performing homes, experts say.

Currently, Freides’ clients are building two new showcase green homes, one in The Settings of West Point Lake near LaGrange, and one at Achasta, a golf community near Dahlonega. Both houses are being built by Johnna Barrett of SUSTAIN house, the residential division of Atlanta-based architecture and interior design firm Barrett Design Inc.

“We started with a budget and we’re learning that it doesn’t have to cost that much more to build green,” Freides said.

Among other products, the green houses incorporate a radiant barrier sheathing that reportedly reduces monthly air conditioning bills by 17 percent, green bedding products, and tile and wood components made from recycled materials.

“A lot of this stuff is common sense and people need to be educated about the products and building practices that are available,” Freides said.

Green Your Home Q&A- Grey Water

Matt Hoots

Gray water is recycled water that can be reused. There are many types of water collection, including rainwater harvesting and collecting the water from your showers and bathroom sinks. Rainwater harvesting is one of the more popular methods for water collection and involves collecting water from gutters using a cistern or other collection device; these come in sizes ranging from 50 gallons to 5,000 gallons or more. The collected water can be used for landscaping or in toilets. Another technique is to use indoor tanks that collect water from showers and bathroom sinks. This water can be reused in toilets or for underground irrigation. Water from the kitchen sink or toilets should not be collected and stored because it contains bacteria.

Not So Big Renovation

Matt Hoots

Our very own architect - Jimmy Carrion had one of our projects featured in Sarah Susanka’s latest book not so big remodeling. Located in the VA Highlands in Atlanta, GA- it takes an attic addition and squeezes out some more space for a couple more bedrooms.

Not only was the renovation worthy of Susanks’s book, it was certified as an EarthCraft House renovation because of it’s focus on energy efficiency.