Matt Brooke, Author at Home Rebuilders

Portico Entrances

Posted on May 15, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

The main entrance of your house can set the stage for your home’s presence on your street. It is the ultimate “best face forward” and a small entry renovation can be just the facelift your home may be looking for.

The entryway itself can be more than just a pretty face on your home. It can provide shelter from the , a spot to welcome guests out of the rain, a space to get the dog on the leash, grab the bags and go. Entryway additions can be a more extensive project by become a small mini addition with three walls, a door, roof and windows. This provides your home with a truly separate space that can accommodate storage as well or perhaps a closet, bench or more mudroom facilities. When tackling something like this one must be prepared to address all of the finishes, flooring, walls, lighting, etc. Your homes existing roofline needs to be considered as well as the current material found on the exterior of the home. Do you want this mini addition to appear as it has always been a part of your home? Can the materials compliment the current design but maybe not match exactly, creating a built over time approach?

Another option to think about is a smaller project, just increasing the function of your front door and improving curb appeal. By adding a small dormer over an existing front door and including some brackets or lighting, you can transform your space without doing much more than cosmetics. Home ReBuilders and DogGone Handy have added some of these simple fixes to many houses with big benefits to homeowners.

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Ranch Renovation

Posted on May 4, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

The ranch home has long been a symbol for American suburban expansion and represents a period of economic growth after WWII. Young soldiers were home, starting families, and looking for housing. The ranch provided an affordable entry into suburbia and became a staple in the architectural landscape of America. The humble ranch had a lot going for it, an open floor plan, large building lots, access to yards, an affordable price tag, and typically well built.

For Atlantans, these ranches built in the 1950s are often found in desirable neighborhoods that have grown and changed around the ranch. The large lot remains and can provide a fantastic setting to build upon. The simple structures of the first floor of a ranch makes an easy “foundation” for a future two story home so many growing families now desire. The neutral nature of the ranch is another selling point for renovation. This blank palette can become a stately Tudor, traditional Georgian, or contemporary stunner. At Home ReBuilders, we have designed and built them all and have helped clients take their basic ranch in a beloved neighborhood, and turn it into the home of their dreams-whatever the style may be.

If you are thinking of adding to your family, or just need some more room to grow, consider adding up on your ranch home. It is economical and proves to be one of the best returns on renovation investments of any project we know. By adding up on the home, you keep the first floor structure, basement, landscaping and hardscapes. Even if we take the existing ranch down to the first floor, the saving in a ranch conversion verse removing the home completely and building new is substantial, typically at least $100k. This can go a long way towards furniture, the kitchen and baths or college. So if you own a ranch or are perhaps looking to buy one, remember this style has a lot going for it!

If you would like to explore your ranch conversion in more detail, please call Bill Bartlett at 404-876-3000.

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Tile for a renovation

Posted on April 30, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

If you are thinking about a bathroom or kitchen renovation, tile can be one of the larger components on the job. With all of the styles available, picking the right product for your project can sometimes seem overwhelming. Here’s a quick lesson on tile that may prove helpful.

One of the first things homeoweners can run up against when thinking about tile is the difference between porcelain and ceramic. Here are some simple differences. Porcelain is denser, more durable and has a slightly lower water absorption rate than ceramic. Porcelain tile generally is more expensive that ceramic and may require a higher labor cost to install. Generally, for most home projects, ceramic tile is the product of choice and is more that adaquate in terms of durability.

Tiles come in a multitude of sizes. If you are working with a smaller bath or space, you may like the look of a smaller tile such as a 6″ x 6″ or a mosaic tile that is typically based on a 12″ x 12″ mesh screen. These mosaic sheets are easy to trim down to fit around plumbing or wall angles and can replicate the look of vintage tile styles often found in older homes. A large 12″ x 12″ tile (or larger) can create a smooth finish on a floor with fewer grout lines. The only challenge is to make sure the grout lines you do have are centered on the room and make sense in the layout. If you are installing a shower floor in your project, the general recommendation is to use a smaller sized tile. The installer needs to get a slight slope to floor drain and this can be tough to do with a larger tile. Smaller tiles also means more grout which can create a safer floor finish in a shower. More grout can equal fewer slips on wet tile. When looking at wall tiles, it is important to ask whether the tile you are looking at comes with bullnosed edges (smooth edges on one size) or whether there is a finished cap piece available. Anywhere the tile ends in a shower, there will need to be a smoothed edge of tile. Nothing is worse than a beautiful tile installation but a poorly thought out edge detail.

Grout color is another important aspect of the overall design. One can use a contrasting color and have the grout play a larger part of the design. White subway tile with a dark grey grout can be striking. Selecting a grout color that matches your tile as closely as possible can create a continuous, monolithic look and can eliminate the visual “noise” of a space. Unless you love to clean, white grout is typically discouraged.

Installation patterns are also seemingly endless. A few basic styles are either straight, diagonal, or a running bond. A running bond is a staggered pattern that is often employed when using rectangular tiles, or subway tiles.

Now once you select the majority of your tile, sometimes called field tile, you may want to add an accent tile. Overwhelmed yet? If you need a hand, Home ReBuilders has designers on staff who can walk you through some tile selections. Tile can be one of the best paints in your palette when creating your renovation.

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Bathroom renovations

Posted on April 17, 2014November 29, 2016 by Matt Brooke

Bathroom renovations in Atlanta don’t have to be big, messy, expensive and painful. If you have a standard bathroom that has seen better days, a renovation can be easily within your reach. The key to a smooth bath remodel is planning. When a wise person said “the devil is in the details” one wonders if they were talking about home renovation!

The first step is to think about what doesn’t work in your space. That’s probably the easiest part and on the forefront of your mind. But maybe think a bit deeper. If lack of storage is something you struggle with, identify which specific items you can’t find homes for. Pill bottles, make up and small toiletries are best stored in medicine cabinets or drawers. If piles of clothes and stacks of towels are something you trip over, look to robe hooks, hamper storage or additional shelving.

Often a bathroom’s function is not the problem but the dated wallpaper and ancient accessories make getting ready in the morning a drag. Cosmetic changes can be a snap with the right experience and tools. If all of your plumbing locations and major fixtures are good enough to stay, fresh “make up” is easy. Small changes like paint color, new lighting fixtures, towel bars, shower curtains and window treatments can make a huge difference without huge upset to your home.

Now if tile needs to be replaced and your plumbing fixtures need to be replaced, start looking for brands, models and styles you like and are in your price range. It’s easy to say, “Replace my toilet” but it is always smoother if you have a clear idea of the model you like and its price tag. Is it in stock and available? Does the lavatory faucet that you have your heart set on have a coordinating shower set? Does it matter to you if all of your plumbing fixtures are the same? Information for home renovation has never been easier to access. All major plumbing brands have good websites with model numbers and specification. Big box stores can be a good source of ideas for materials either in person or on line. Internet sites such as Pinterest can provide endless inspiration for renovation.

Probably the biggest key to success in a bath renovation is your contractor or handyman. Find someone reputable with a good reputation and who has plenty of experience. And make sure you like them. They’ll be in your home, working on some intimate areas!

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Chalkboard Paint

Posted on April 11, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

Have you spotted this trend? Like all things popular there is a life cycle, beginning, middle, and end. Chalkboard paint is having its popular moment now. Some of us are saturated with this one already and some of us still can’t get enough. Wherever you may fall on this popular trend, chalkboard paint is worth looking at. So many uses, all for a quite small investment.

The photo included in this blog was done by a very talented architect homeowner that we renovated for a few years ago. Not all of us are so artistically inclined. But everyone can write out a grocery list or note to a loved one. Chalkboard paint has so many applications and locations for its use. Here are a few ideas.

Playroom: What freedom to encourage drawing on the walls. Chalkboard paint can also be mixed with a magnetizing element so you can have both a chalkboard for budding artists and a place to hang artwork that comes home from school.

Kitchen: This seems like the most popular location. The kitchen can be a spot where you may want to scribble down a note or a list but it’s also a place in our homes where we sometimes let our hair down. A big quote from a favorite author or maybe a family heirloom recipe can be a playful touch in this hardworking home.

Family room: With a specific area or wall mapped out, chalkboard can be a fun seasonal accent. Sports fans? What a fun spot to write out the season and mark off wins and losses for your favorite teams. Maybe basketball brackets go right on the wall? Maybe create a movie night theme, “Now Showing…turn off your cell phones and enjoy the show.”

Holidays: As holidays roll around, chalkboard walls can be a fun way to make note of the occasion without feeling the need to invest or bombard your home with kitschy décor. A quote from an old Irish blessing to mark St. Patrick’s Day? Fall leaves drawn out with the Southern standby, “It’s Fall, y’all”.

The possibilities are endless. Just a little paint and the right location and you can embrace this fun trend in your home.

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Mudrooms

Posted on March 20, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

Are dog leashes, sports equipment, rain boots, and backpacks overtaking more than their fair share of space in your home? As many of us look to spring as a time to clean up and organize, the gear that comes with this wonderful season can pose a problem. A mudroom may be the answer for greater seasonal storage and organizational improvement in your life. This space, no matter how large or small, can add value to your home by making it a warm invitation and improved first impression through expanded space and organization. The Home ReBuilders design/build team has tackled mudrooms that range from simple and straight forward to spaces that serve a variety of functions.

The mud room is most often a transition space from the exterior elements to the sanctuary of your home’s living spaces. Although some mud rooms are relatively open to other living spaces, many include a secondary interior passage door. This secondary door serves several purposes – it creates an easy way to separate the living space from dirt & grime carried in during nasty weather and it can even increase the energy efficiency of your home. The mudroom essentially becomes an “air lock” that catches the cold air (during winter months) and hot air (during summer months) as you open and close the exterior door. The concept of an air lock to maximize efficiency is not a new one. In fact, every time you enter a grocery or department store you pass through an air lock which is used to dramatically cut unnecessary energy loss.

The overall look of your mudroom can vary. If your home has a more contemporary leaning, sleek cabinetry from floor to ceiling can capitalize on the look. If a softer look is something you’re after, woodwork and trim incorporating benches, cubbies and built in hooks can provide that English country estate feel. Often the mudroom lends itself to include laundry facilities and even recycling stations. With some careful design work, this hardworking space can look great and really change the way your home functions.

If your home is missing a transition space, or if your existing mud room is simply not working for you, let Home ReBuilders help you work out a great solution. We can design mudrooms that are purely functional, that maximize storage, that help your family stay organized, and much more.

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Custom Homes

Posted on February 26, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

Many of us have a dream house we have always envisioned. Maybe we look around our current home and wonder if there is more potential in its walls to unlock; bath renovation, and extra bedroom, a larger family space? Remodeling a home you currently own in a neighborhood you love is always a good consideration. If you find your “renovation list” becomes heavier than your “don’t touch” list you may want to consider a new custom home. There are several factors to put on the table and discuss.

How do you feel about the neighborhood you are in now? What are home values like? In so many of our in-town neighborhoods, the value of an older home is in the land and the location. If your neighbors have spent significant amounts on renovation, if home prices for renovated or newer homes on your street far exceed the value of your home, if you purchased an older home and have paid down a large portion of your mortgage, you might start thinking about tearing your home down and starting over. This time with your dream home in mind. This can feel like a drastic solution but often renovation costs on an older home with less than ideal foundations and infrastructure can start to exceed the cost to start from scratch.

After doing the math, we often find that starting from scratch for a custom home will add $150,000, give or take, to the equation. A fully renovated older home may be around $150,000 less than that new custom home. Then it is up to you whether the additional debt burden is worth the investment.

Maybe you have a neighborhood in mind, next to a great school, walking distance to parks and restaurants. Again the key is to closely evaluate neighborhood home values. Often small, original homes can be picked up at a price that equals the cost of the lot. Occasionally, lots are also available in sought after neighborhoods. This can be a bit of a quest to find the right spot, but with the valuable opinion of a builder and a real estate agent, you can find something.

Another great spot to start is to create a file of images of homes you love and features you feel are important in the interior. What is the style of architecture that interests you? Do you want a new home in keeping with original architecture of the area or are you drawn to clean, contemporary line? The more homework you can do to provide your architect and builder with a clear vision of your dream home, the more successful your project will be.

At Home ReBuilders, we have built many custom homes is some of Atlanta’s most sought after neighborhoods. We have also assembled a special team to get you into that dream home in the smoothest way possible. Our owner and president Bill Bartlett, has a real estate license and is experienced with finding the right home or lot to build on. Our architectural department is in house and we work together with the estimating and construction arms of our firm so your home is something you love and something your budget can accommodate when construction begins. Take a look through our portfolio and plan library. Wehave lots of ideas to help you create your dream home.

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Master Suites

Posted on February 20, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

In a master suite, the goal is always to create a space that is part of a home, yet separated in some way to provide that sense of oasis and calm. The standard for a true master suite is an attached en suite bathroom and closet, all accessible to the master bedroom. Beyond that, plans can include morning bars or small kitchenettes where one can enjoy a cup of coffee before leaving the bedroom. Sitting or dressing rooms are always an attraction. Custom or detailed cabinetry in a closet can take a space from simply clothes storage to something spectacular. A homeowner can wake each day with a boutique shopping experience by simply strolling into a new closet fitted with custom shelving, superb lighting, and comfortable seating. Often a sitting room, even if it is just designated by a pair of comfortable chairs, is a priority for homeowners. A desk or a small table and chair where one can to send a few emails, check a calendar for the coming day, or charge laptops and phones can be a consideration.

It is always advisable to consider storage carefully in a master suite. It doesn’t matter how lovely the space or attractive the finishes, if there is not enough room for clothing and personal items, you will have a mess on your hands. Nothing detracts from a master suite experience, like piles of clothes or stacks of books teetering near a bed. Design a home for your things and have the bedroom be place for order and calm.

Evaluate carefully what your specific needs are. How does your space work for you now and what would you like for the future. Address closet and storage needs in detail. If you have four legged family members that are underfoot, consider them in the design. Lighting is also an easy thing to miss during design but so valuable to the master suite experience. Consider task lighting like sconces next to the bed for reading but also table lamps or floor lamps throughout the space. A few low voltage spot lights, set on dimmers, can provide soft background lighting or highlight artwork. It is also good to consider how two people use the space. Do you have lighting that accommodate one person getting up and starting their day, while another may sleep longer?

Most people look to the master suite as an opportunity close the doors on a busy professional schedule or active family life and create something peaceful and special. Give Home Rebuilders a call if you are ready to add some calm to your life.

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Atlanta’s Housing Market on the Rise

Posted on February 17, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

If you are looking for some good news in Atlanta’s housing market, this is it. According to the latest market brief from the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the median sales price for home sales in December 2013 showed a 21.0 percent increase from December 2012 and a whopping 64 percent increase from December 2011. Atlanta’s housing market is officially back!

The ABR (Atlanta Board of Realtors) Market Brief is designed to offer an overview of the Atlanta residential market by providing a synopsis of sales, home prices and foreclosures. The data covers 11 counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Paulding.

“We believe the increase in prices and sales during the traditionally slow holiday season is a good harbinger for the spring selling season,” said 2014 ABR President Todd Emerson. “We expect these statistics to begin rising as the warmer weather arrives, but this reversal of the downward trend established over the last several months is a welcome change. With inventory still at historic lows, we expect prices to continue rising with increasing demand.”

Perhaps most encouraging of all, though, was the quality of those single-family home sales. Just 6 percent of all sales were for REO properties, or real estate owned/bank owned properties, a remarkable decline from the 47 percent market share of just two years ago.

If you have held off on renovation because of concern in getting the value out of your home, you can start to put those concerns to bed. Home values are rising and there is an unprecedented low level of housing available. Put in that long dreamt about kitchen or bath. Explore that family room addition. Enjoy the space you create now and be confident that your equity and investment is going up.

December Notes

Single family residential sales in Metro Atlanta totaled 3,394 in December 2013.
- Annually, this is an increase of 1.9% compared to 3,331 total sales in December 2012.
- Monthly, this is an increase of 9.4% compared to 3,103 total sales in November 2013.
The Median sales price for December 2013 was $196,000.
- Annually, prices increased 21.0% from December 2012.

Monthly, median prices increased 8.9% in comparison to November

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Pergolas, Patios, Outdoor Rooms

Posted on February 7, 2014March 24, 2015 by Matt Brooke

Springtime can’t be beat in Atlanta. Pergolas, garden sheds, pool houses and screen porches are all valuable additions to your home that capitalize on this most glorious season. With attention to detail and sensitive material choices, one can create an extension of the home that compliments the space. By picking up and repeating design elements from one structure to the next, a rhythm is developed. SOmetimes outbuildings or sheds serve a purely utilitarian purpose- lawn and garden tools, home for children’s sports equipment, bike storage, or garbage bins. Other times a well placed structure can draw one out into a previous under-utilized yard.

A pergola can be a beautiful addition to a Southen home as our warm climate creates the perfect environment for lush growth to cover the structure. Historically a pergola or arbor, forms a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually supprt cross beams and a sturdy open lattice. Often woody vines or flowering climbers adorn the structure. Pergolas can also link pavilions or extend from a building’s door to an open garden feature such as an isolated terrace or pool. They can also provide a peaceful sitting area that allows for breezes and light sun but offers protection from the harsh glare of direct sun. A few well places lighting elements are you are ready for a fantastic cocktail hour under the stars. Give us a call today to start planning a beautiful Spring.

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