1. Swap out hardware

Old cabinets can get a simple and quick update by adding new, modern pulls and knobs. Your cabinets might not even have any hardware at all, and if that’s the case, now’s the time to add some. Check out Lowe’s, Home Depot, World Market, and Anthropologie — all these stores carry gorgeous hardware.

2. Mix up textures, patterns, and colors

Give your kitchen visual interest by mixing and matching different textures and materials throughout. For example, cream-colored kitchen cabinets will automatically lighten the room while adding appealing contrast to stainless steel appliances. If you’re lucky enough to have a window in your kitchen, put up some stylish curtains in a fun pattern. Julia Child hung her pots and pans and utensils from a pegboard in her kitchen — we love that idea.

3. Show off cherished collectibles

Cleverly use above-window shelving to create a smart, highly-visual spot for your most prized antique collectibles. This approach would work particularly well, for instance, with an antique island, a nostalgic apron sink, cherry counters, and gingham-check wallpaper.

4. Show off pretty dishware

Rather than hiding your dinnerware inside cabinets, display them on a pretty rack on your counter for all to admire.

5. Stick to one special splurge

Dreaming of granite countertops but wary of the cost? It’s okay to splurge on special countertops if you keep a tight budget on everything else. For instance, use inexpensive tile and off-the-shelf cabinetry to save a great deal of money as well as keeping the original layout of the room and not moving the plumbing.

6. Install creative lighting

Traditional glass pendant lights can easily brighten and charm a kitchen against custom cabinetry. Give your kitchen unique sophistication by using an entire wall of framed and lighted art.

7. Combine various furniture styles

A bold red-patterned area rug and Windsor stools may be a bit more expected in your home’s living room but can add a whimsical touch when placed in your kitchen. For even more whimsy, use boat hardware on your custom cabinetry.

8. Open your shelves

Use open wall shelving to create a sense of more space and to show off your attractive dinnerware.

9. Paint it white

Unify everything in the space with a fresh coat of white paint. Nothing makes a room feel more updated than fresh paint, especially white. One of the biggest offenders in outdated kitchens? The cabinets! Though time-consuming, painting your cabinets a glossy white can completely transform your kitchen.

10. Recycle and repurpose

Try using a refurbished hardware-store counter as your kitchen island. Another great idea is to simply spray paint your existing island pendants for an instant update for virtually no money at all.

11. Use spots of bold color

Although most people are afraid of wild, bold colors or patterns, using them in small places throughout adds just the right amount of decor splash in such places as bold-colored tablecloths, artwork, dish towels, or countertop appliances.

12. Embrace contrast

Black-painted solid oak kitchen cabinetry offers a dramatic contrast to cream or white planked kitchen walls. On the other hand, consider white modern cabinets against strong-patterned wallpaper for an even more drastic, but exciting appearance.

13. Include natural wood accents

An entire wooden island paired with barnwood beams conveys a cozy, traditional ambiance in a kitchen. You can never go wrong with wood.

14. Indulge in high-end appliances

New appliances instantly make a kitchen feel new and updated. If your budget allows, incorporate a large range, a stainless steel refrigerator, and marble countertops.

15. Install a fun backsplash

Consider a fun and colorful kitchen backplash in order to add loads of style and charm. Choose from various textures, materials, styles, and colors to complement your kitchen’s overall decor.

16. Mix the new with the old

Traditional country charm such as beadboard cabinetry, an apron-front sink, and a repurposed barnwood island offer a warm, but interesting contrast to sleek stainless steel appliances.

17. Install an extra-deep sink

An extra deep sink combined with convenient open shelving make cleaning up easy as well as washing huge pots a breeze. We especially love the charm of farmhouse sinks.

18. Create a cozy spot

A cozy window seat looking out to a beautiful backyard makes the perfect spot for morning coffee. Try adding pillows with intricate patterns and bold colors to boost the room’s overall design.

19. Add unforgettable details

Original hand-carved elaborate scrollwork around the windows paired with functional butcher-block island counters leave a memorable impression on guests.

20. Liven up your walls

Consider using rich-colored wall paint to accentuate the other contents in the room. This works especially well in a Mediterranean-style kitchen.

Instantly modernize your outdated kitchen without the drama of an entire remodel by incorporating these simple and easy updates and turn your kitchen into a work of art for fun, food, family, and friends.

The post 20 Easy Ways to Modernize Your Outdated Kitchen by Atlas Homes appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Types of sales & properties:
regular standard listing, Foreclosure, HUD repos, REO, For sale by Owner, as well as other sales, plus it can be used to refinance. Eligible properties include Single family, 2 to 4 units, Condos, townhomes and even mixed use.

Avoid Common Financing Roadblocks

Avoid getting your financing denied due to property conditions
Avoid any upfront property repair requirements

Improvements are Made After Closing

Improve your home Size
Improve your home Comfort
Improve your home Value

Finance + Improvements!

Combine  your home improvement funds with your purchase or refinance loan to Renovate, Repair, Rehab, or Remodel your property all at the same time.

[See image gallery at atlasgreenhomes.com]

The post the property you want , how to get it , ATLAS HOMES TX appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

How many times have we heard the jokes about the ambitious do-it-yourself homeowner who starts project after project, only to stop in the middle and not finish any one of them? Usually the weekend warrior runs out of time, or perhaps money, or maybe he or she realizes that much more has been bitten off than can possibly be chewed. The results are evident – half-finished paintjobs that leave some walls in one color while others sport another; flooring has been exposed but never finished; kitchen cabinets are leaning against the wall yet will not be anchored in for weeks or perhaps months. Sadly, many a homeowner neglected to receive some sound remodeling tips prior to embarking on their tasks. To this end, here are some tips and tricks that will you to get off to a good start, before you actually pick up your checkbook or your tools!

One of the first remodeling tips that are usually neglected is the fact that it should have a general appeal. Granted, this may be common sense, yet it is astounding how many homeowners add or take away from their homes in such a way that a future sale is compromised. While the homeowner may think that a purple bathroom with yellow handprints is just darling, the potential buyer who tours the house two years down the line will probably wrinkle his nose at this décor faux pas. In the same way, if you decide to add on to your home, do it with an eye on the investment potential. In other words, do not do a half-fast job yourself, but instead pull the proper permits and hire licensed contractors to at least take a look before the building inspector stops by.

Experts have a tool box full of different small bathroom remodeling ideas, but most can be grouped into two categories: creating light and creating visual space. The illusions of space and light complement each other and expand a small space. Anyone who has tried to apply makeup in a small dark room knows how important light is, and it’s created in a variety of ways, both natural and artificial. Natural light comes from windows, skylights, and any other opening that allows sun into the space. Whenever possible, windows should be left uncovered or only lightly covered by a filmy white or light-colored window covering. Paint colors from the cool end of the color spectrum reflect and enhance natural light, as do mirrors and light-colored flooring. Even a light-colored, inexpensive rug used to cover a dark floor can brighten up a space. Artificial light, originating from ceiling lights, wall sconces or lamps, can also brighten a space when employed artfully. Recessed lighting, which creates the illusion of space as well as light, could also be a viable option for you. Just be sure to use artificial light that is bright without being oppressive. Look in your home and garden store for special bulbs that can be used to effectively diffuse the light.

Other remodeling tips include the popularity versus functionality of a desired item, as well as value for the items. For example, just because recessed lighting is the latest fad, it may not be the lighting of choice for the bathroom where it may create dark spots and shade in undesirable areas. In addition to the foregoing, the value of the items purchased should remain intact, thus adding value to the home rather than simply costing money. Thereafter it is a smart idea to do a bit of research to see where home decorating trends are headed. Some old time favorites, such as ceiling tiles or even marble counter tops, are becoming a thing of the past, and if you are wondering about adding value to your home it is best to decorate with the market in mind. Naturally, not all homeowners will look to sell their properties within the next few years or until after the next remodel, yet this rule of thumb is certain to add value to the biggest investment you will ever make rather than just drain the bank account.

Hopefully these remodeling tips have added a little bit of common sense to the mix of weekend projects and large undertakings, and the next time you contemplate a project, please be sure to think it through from beginning to end before your jump into the car to head to the local big box store for supplies!

The post Useful Remodeling Ideas – BEFORE You Get Started! – ATLAS GREEN HOMES appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Door styles are among the first and primary considerations to take, here are some of the most common options:

1. Raised Panel – has details that go up and down on the sides, and showcases rails that go across making for an ornate look. This is common in traditional kitchens with some of the most popular styles including Queen Anne, Colonial or Continental styles.
2. Flat Panel – this feature, on the other hand, gives an inset look with the face flush in sight together with the groove in the frame.
3. Glass Doors – this is among the kitchen cabinet styles that not only boosts aesthetics but also gives a whole new purpose to cabinets by creating display areas out of them. You can choose to have the door as a plain glass frame or have them with mullions.
4. Mitered Doors – this features perfectly square jamb corners decorating the surface of a raised front or flat panel door. This option gives kitchens a touch of added dimensions.
5. Shaker Style – this is among the most popular door profiles that homeowners choose because of the style flexibility that it offers. Shaker style doors are made distinct by the simple lines that make them perfect for whatever kitchen design from classic, traditional, casual, cottage, to sleek contemporary.

Wood and Finish

When it comes to wood choices, three of the most popular for manufacturing and building cabinets are maple, oak, and cherry. Because each holds a unique character to their grains as well as natural tone, it is important to consider which set of natural attributes would work great in your planned design from the smooth and fine grains of maple, dark richness of cherry, or the dramatic grains of oak. These then are made more interesting by the different finishes used to further polish the surface; and create and add exquisite appeal to kitchen cabinet styles.

The post Kitchen Cabinet Styles by Atlas Homes TX Atlas Green Homes appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Types of sales & properties:
regular standard listing, Foreclosure, HUD repos, REO, For sale by Owner, as well as other sales, plus it can be used to refinance. Eligible properties include Single family, 2 to 4 units, Condos, townhomes and even mixed use.

Avoid Common Financing Roadblocks

Avoid getting your financing denied due to property conditions
Avoid any upfront property repair requirements

Improvements are Made After Closing

Improve your home Size
Improve your home Comfort
Improve your home Value

Finance + Improvements!  http://atlashomes.us

Combine  your home improvement funds with your purchase or refinance loan to Renovate, Repair, Rehab, or Remodel your property all at the same time.

[See image gallery at atlasgreenhomes.com]

The post Foreclosure, HUD repos, REO, ATLAS HOMES TX appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

More than 100,000 people injure themselves each year doing home improvement jobs. So add medical bills to your DIY budget, and you ending up spending the same, or more, than if you hired a pro.

We’re not suggesting that you call a plumber each time you need to plunge a toilet. But think twice about what DIY might really cost you. Here’s how to decide.

Stick to routine maintenance for savings and safety

Seasonal home maintenance is ideal work for the weekend warrior because you can tackle these jobs when your schedule permits. Because these are routine maintenance projects, your savings will add up. Mowing your own lawn, for example, saves $55 to $65 a week for a half-acre lawn. The bigger the lot, the bigger the savings: with two acres, you’ll pocket around $150 per week.

When it pays:

• Snow removal

• Pruning shrubs

• Washing windows (be careful on that ladder)

• Sealing decks

• Painting fences

• Fertilizing lawns

• Replacing air conditioner filters

• Cleaning gutters

When it costs: Unless you have skill and experience on your side, stay off any ladder taller than six feet; according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms are filled with people with ladder injuries. The same goes for operating power saws or attempting any major electrical work—it’s simply too risky if you don’t have the experience.

Become your own general contractor

If you’re more comfortable operating an iPhone than a circular saw, you could act as your own general contractor on some home improvement projects. That means you hire, schedule, and pay the carpenters, plumbers, and other tradesmen yourself. You’ll save 10% to 20% of the job cost, which is the contractor’s typical fee.

When it pays: If it’s a small job that requires only two or three subcontractors, and you have good relationships with top-quality professionals in those fields, consider DIY contracting.

When it costs: When you don’t have an established network of reliable workers, time to supervise, construction experience to spot problems, and the skill to negotiate disputes between subcontractors, your project and budget are at risk.

Invest sweat equity on big jobs

Contribute your own labor to big jobs being handled by a professional crew and cut hundreds, even thousands, off construction costs. For instance, tear out kitchen cabinets and appliances before the contractor gets started, and you might knock $800 off the cost of your remodel. Make sure you negotiate cost savings with your contractor before pitching in.

When it pays: Jobs that are labor-intensive but require relatively little skill make perfect sweat equity jobs. Perform minor interior demolition, such as pulling up old flooring, daily job site cleanup, product assembly, and simple landscaping.

When it costs: If you get in the crew’s way, you may slow them down far more than you help. Make your contributions when the workers aren’t around; mornings before they arrive, or nights and weekends after they’ve left.

Add finishing touches

Unlike the early phases of a construction job–which require skilled labor to frame walls, install plumbing pipes, and run wires–many finishing touches are comparatively simple and DIY-friendly. If you paint a basement remodel yourself, for instance, you can save up to $1,800.

When it pays: If you have skill, patience, or an experienced friend to teach you, setting tile, laying flooring, painting walls, and installing trim are good DIY jobs.

When it costs: The downside to attempting your own finish work is that the results are very visible. Hammer dents in woodwork, or sander ruts in hardwood floors will annoy you every time you see them. So unless you have a sure eye and a steady hand, don’t perform the tasks that only a skilled tradesperson will get right.

The post When It Pays to Do It Yourself – appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Benefits

• Removes the uncertainty of a contingency
• You can lock in current builder pricing, avoiding potential price increases
• Creates the comfort to purchase desired options
• Allows you to plan your move with confidence
• Eliminates the anxiety of “if it sells in time”
• Provides the buyer more options on existing home sale

The post Home Buyout Program – Atlas Homes appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

What does water damage look like? Standing water can weaken a surface, causing it to rot, rust, or mildew, and eventually turn into expensive repairs.

The most expensive repairs are foundational damage and mold growths. Such home repair can force you to vacate if the home is deemed unsafe even after treated for water damage by professionals. Take control by learning how to home repair or prevent potential water damage sites.

Outdoor water damage prevention home repair tips:
1. Do-it-yourself home repair for gutters are simple and not expensive. Repairs can be minimized if you remember to check for water damage or leaks and clean out the gutters and downspouts each season.

2. Block debris with gutter guards, and use downspout extensions to help divert the runoff from the foundation to prevent further expensive repairs from water damage.

Indoor water damage prevention home repair tips:
1. Home repair any loose window and door caulking to prevent rain or snow from seeping in and causing water damage.

2. In below-freezing weather, keep the water running at a trickle and allow heat to reach the pipes. This will avoid having them burst, with the potential for water damage.

3. Avoid expensive repairs to your basement’s sump pump by keeping it in working order.

4. Replace or home repair the sump pump as needed, ensuring the surrounding area remains dry and water-damage-free.

5. Check refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines regularly for water damage itself, or for leaks that can cause water damage to floors or walls.

6. Avoid needless expensive repairs or home repair to bathroom drains and pipes by using drain guards to trap hair.

7. Home repair clogged drains with a plunger or a bent wire instead of professional products.

8. Replace leaky faucets, run bathroom exhaust fans during use, and thoroughly clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent water damage and mold from building.

9. Don’t use carpeting in areas exposed to water-damage can occur if carpeting is damp.

When to call on professional help:
1. To thoroughly dry carpeting/floor after flooding.
2. When home repair fails to correct a problem.
3. If water damage causes you to vacate the home.
4. To service your air conditioning unit.

Before you can file a claim for expensive repairs caused by water damage to your home, your insurance company expects you to have followed through with all safeguarding measures. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for any home repair due to your negligence.

When water damage comes from floods, make sure your home insurance includes flood coverage, for it to pay for each home repair-including all of the expensive repairs-caused from water damage. In the U.S., the reality is that flooding and water damage can occur anywhere. Home insurance covers home repairs needed as a result of structural damage or theft, but in most cases you will need to purchase a separate flood policy if you want any water damage home repairs covered as a result of flooding. Flood insurance is truly a safeguard on home repairs, an affordable investment that pays for itself.

Author Bio
Adam Jackson is a home repair expert striving to bring you the best free home repair and improvement information on the web.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com – Free Website Conten

The post Is a Silent Invader Attacking Your Home? – appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Starting at the ground

When you hire a garage contractor, they may include the initial ground work or hire a subcontractor for a separate fee. Your garage addition typically rests on untouched yard soil. The area must be excavated, leveled and inspected for stability before even starting the building project. A foundation must be poured into this excavated area, requiring a hired concrete truck for at least a morning or entire day. Every project has an extremely wide cost factor, making it crucial to have several contractor quotes before hiring a team.

Materials make a difference

If you want to build a simple wood garage for one vehicle, basic materials may run around $4,000. However, you’re looking at around $10,000 to $14,000 when you want prefabricated materials in steel or specialized wood. Homeowners with visions of multiple windows and wood accents in the garage will pay more for the materials. Everyone has a different goal for their garage. It’s critical to work with your contractor to ensure they understand your garage’s vision.

Simplicity costs less

A basic garage with little buildout for the interior, such as insulated walls, commonly costs between $35 and $45 a square foot. If you only want a space to hold your cars and increase property values, this design type is ideal. Once the contractors complete the project, you can add DIY details. Add hooks to a wall for tools or personally add a small work light over your bench. A garage of any size and type is valuable when selling time arrives.

Garage addition dreamers

There are always those garage dreamers who see a tiled floor and finished walls as their perfect project. With a dream garage costing nearly $50,000, it’s possible to have almost all the comforts of home in one area. Contractors will need to factor in electrical design, plumbing, insulation, drywall, painting and a host of other details. It’s up to you to approve or decline certain project ideas to lower the addition cost. Four windows may be ideal, but two could be just perfect to reduce installation costs.

Return on investment

Depending on the region, it’s possible to have nearly a 70 percent return on your garage addition project when completed properly. Homebuyers look for amenities that make a property stand out. If they’re deciding between your home and another without a garage, your property could win out on that one detail. Consider this sale concept when designing the garage. Even a basic, freestanding garage is valuable during open houses.

Whether your garage addition is freestanding or attached to the home, considerable cost and thought goes into this vehicle haven. Choose materials that stand the test of time, from concrete floors to metal flashing, to protect your new property addition. Being able to park cars or work on a messy project in private is what garages were built for.

The post How Much Does a Garage Addition Cost? appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

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