It's always good for homeowners to be educated on steps qualified general contractors should be taking when laying tile. Attention to detail is critical, and here at Georgia In Home Services, we say good preparation goes hand in hand with careful craftsmanship.

The best tool of trade for the seasoned tiler are small tile spacers to create consistency in grout lines. Our experienced artisans use tile spacers to maintain uniform gaps between tiles, enhancing the look but also making grouting easier. 

Homeowners can play with the grout space and choose spacers that are wider at 1/8th inch to 1/4th inch for bathroom floors.

Before starting, we always inspect the bathroom's sub floor. The subfloor must be clean, level, and structurally sound. We will first repair any cracks or uneven zones, as a stable foundation is crucial for preventing tile damage.

Next, ask the tiler to do a Dry Layout of what is to come. Homeowners can plan the tile layout by dry-fitting tile before using any adhesive. This helps to visualize the final look and homeowners can make adjustments to avoid awkward cuts or patterns.

Levels are an artisans' best-friend and must be used regularly to check tiles are level during installation. 

As a further guide, we mark straight guidelines using chalk. Quality tilers will start tiling from the center of the room and work their way outwards, spreading the thin-set mortar evenly. Make sure to watch that the tiler is working in small sections to prevent the mortar from drying out before the tiles are set. 

Once the tiles are set and the adhesive has cured, apply epoxy or waterproof grout. The grout must be pressed into the gaps while removing the excess with a damp sponge. 

After the grout has dried, it is important to make sure a grout sealer is applied to protect the grout from moisture and staining. This step is particularly important in a bathroom environment.

Do not be hasty to try out the new tub - allow sufficient curing time for the adhesive and grout - 48 to 72 hours should be do it. 

A well tiled floor should stand the test of time. Call us for your free, no obligations estimate, when you are ready to start on your home's bathroom remodel. 

Creating a beautiful and functional shower is an art form that combines design, engineering, and skilled craftsmanship. Critical, is ensuring it is waterproof. Water leakage leads to mold, and structural damage. Here are steps general contractors must take to ensure a to-code, waterproof shower unit.

Prepare the Shower Base - custom-built shower bases are created using a mortar bed, which is carefully sloped to ensure proper drainage. We also make use of pre-formed shower pans designed to direct water towards the drain. Georgia In home Services uses Durock in bathrooms because it is mold and moisture resistant. Durock cement board is necessary where water may run on the floor, but it is mandatory for tiled showers or tiled areas above a bathtub.

Installing a Waterproof Membrane - acts as a further barrier between the shower surface and the underlying structure. Project Managers and artisans must ensure that the membrane is properly installed, paying special attention to corners, edges, and seams.

Here is a photo of a bright pink, liquid-applied waterproofing membrane that is silicone based, painted onto the walls and floors of a shower cubicle.  This is our team's go-to for residential bathroom tile applications.

Sealing Joints and Penetrations - meticulous attention must be paid to sealing every joint, seam, and penetration (like around the shower drain and fixtures). At Georgia In Home services, we use high-quality sealants and tapes designed for waterproofing applications.

Laying Tiles and Grout - With the waterproof membrane in place, we can begin installing tiles. Tiles are a first choice for showers due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Epoxy grout is an excellent option, as it is highly resistant to water and stains.

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and showers are especially vulnerable to water damage. Are you in the market to remodel your shower and bathroom? Give us a call and schedule your free estimate.

Are you tired of lugging laundry across the house or searching for storage space? A practical solution is adding an extra room or structure to your home. Among the various types of room additions, add-on garages with integrated laundry and storage rooms stand out as a top choice and can significantly boost your home's resale value.

Combining a garage with a laundry and storage room enhances the functionality of your home. You can keep your main living areas tidy by confining laundry activities to a dedicated space. Additionally, having extra storage helps in organizing your belongings more efficiently.

Planning Your Room Addition

Start by first assessing your needs, knowing your priorities will help in designing a space that meets all your needs efficiently.

Next, drill-down with your design and layout. Consult with a professional architect to generate blueprints that maximize space and functionality. Consider the placement of the laundry room within the garage to ensure easy access and ventilation. The storage room should be strategically placed to provide ample space without cluttering the garage area.

Hand your blueprints to an insured and licensed general contractor, like Georgia In Home Services, who will plan your project timeline. Together, you can establish a realistic budget that covers construction, permits, materials, and finishes. Explore financing options if needed, such as home equity loans or personal loans.

In Atlanta, home additions require permits and adherence to local building codes. Employ a general contractor who understands the specific requirements the city or county needs for your home improvement project.

Construction Phase: 

Once permits are in place, construction can begin. The process typically involves site preparation, foundation work, framing, roofing, ventilation points and installation of electrical and plumbing systems for the laundry and storage rooms.

After the main construction, the artisans focus on insulation, drywall, flooring, and painting. Ensure the storage room has sufficient shelving and organization systems.

An add-on garage with laundry and storage rooms is a wise investment that enhances your property's value and functionality. Georgia In Home Services has 20 years of experience in building room additions. Give us a call when you are ready for a free, no-obligations estimate.

Keeping a residential build site clean is often overlooked, but it is crucial for safety, efficiency, and homeowner satisfaction. Here's why it matters and how a general contractor can effectively maintain a tidy job site.

A cluttered job site can be hazardous, with loose debris, tools, and materials causing potential trips, falls, and other accidents. A clean site reduces risks, ensuring a safer environment for workers and visitors. An organized site improves workflow, as laborers can now easily find tools and materials, increasing productivity. It also allows for smoother inspections from the city.

Homeowners often visit the site to check progress. A clean, organized site demonstrates professionalism and diligence. At Georgia In Home Services, we are super focused on the disposal and recycling of our building waste because we are committed to environmental sustainability.

To keep our sites neat and tidy, we have a daily clean-up protocol, where tasks are assigned to team members, from sweeping dust, organizing tools, to removing debris. In addition to the big, exterior placed dumpster, we also place clearly labeled bins in and around the site.

The Dumpsters on site are hauled away and replaced monthly. We started to notice that the neighbors around our construction sites were dumping their trash in our dumpsters, so we placed a camera at the dumpster to stop this happening, along with a sign that said, "We are Watching You!" As a general contracting company, we get billed extra if the hauled away dumpster weighs more than its size is designated to hold. The dumpster contents should be all our trash, and not the neighborhoods!

Depending on the duration of the home improvement project or new build, we will hire a professional clean-up crew a few times to manage the heavy-duty cleaning.

All inventory purchased for the project, from plumbing fixtures to light fittings, is kept safe in our warehouse, and delivered to site when we are ready for installation. We store materials off the ground on pallets and cover them with tarps to further protect.

By prioritizing an organized and tidy site, we have a safer, more efficient, and professional construction site. The benefits extend beyond the immediate work environment, fostering better relationships with our customers, and leading to successful project completion.

In the ever-changing landscape of interior decor, trends come and go, but some classics endure the test of time, like black and white bathrooms, which continue to captivate homeowners.

One of the greatest strengths of a black and white color scheme, is its versatility. Whether you prefer minimalism or something more ornate, black and white adapts to any design aesthetic, and allows for endless creativity.

The crisp contrast of these colors creates a sense of balance and harmony. Whether you opt for classic subway tiles, or penny-size mosaic patterns, black and white bathrooms have an elegance that never fails to impress.

At Georgia In Home Services, our Project Managers, feel that practicality is key when it comes to bathroom design. Riaan Venter comments that "The monochromatic colors hide dirt and grime more effectively than lighter colors, making it a practical choice for busy households." Riaan says that, after 30 years of building residential homes, "Black and white bathrooms have a classic sophistication, and the contrasting colors are visually striking, with an air of refinement. It is certainly the color combination to consider!" he smiles.

Be careful not to overdo the black and white tile. Think of placing subway tiles with black grout on the walls, then laying large black tiles with white grout on the bathroom floor. Tile is a clever way to delineate space, especially if you have free flow from bathroom floor into shower area.

The best thing about black and white is that it loves a punch of color! Choose color accessories like soap dishes, rolled up towels, folded facecloths, floor mats and skin care products. Think of not tiling one wall and hang contrasting color wall art or decoration. Turquoise, orange, lime green, or fuchsia are bold colors that contrast well against black and white.

If you are bold enough, take it one step further with a color accent wall in a bright hue like turquoise, and install warm metals like rose pink, copper, or bronze to soften a potentially overly stark finish.

Whether you are drawn to its striking aesthetic or its practicality, a black and white bathroom is sure to enhance any space with its enduring appeal. 

Give us a call when you are ready to start remodeling!

Building a home is a complex and rewarding endeavor. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice embarking on your first project, understanding the vocabulary of home building is essential. From foundation to finishing touches, every step of the process involves a unique set of terms and concepts. In this blog, we'll explore some of the key vocabulary that every home builder should know to navigate the building process effectively.

Foundation: The foundation is the base upon which the entire structure rests. Common types include slab, crawl space, and basement foundations.

Footings: Footings are the concrete bases that support the foundation walls and distribute the weight of the structure evenly.

Frame: The frame is the skeleton of the house, typically made of wood or steel, which supports the walls, floors, and roof.

Studs: Vertical framing members within walls, typically made of wood or metal, to which drywall or other wall materials are attached.

Joists: Horizontal framing members that support the floors and ceilings, typically made of wood or steel.

Rafters/Trusses: Rafters are sloped framing members that support the roof, while trusses are prefabricated roof frames made of wood or metal.

Sheathing: Panels, often made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), which are attached to the frame to provide structural support and a base for exterior finishes.

Siding: The exterior cladding of the house, which can be made of materials such as vinyl, wood, brick, or fiber cement.

Insulation: Material installed in walls, floors, and ceilings to regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency.

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems that control the climate inside the home.

Plumbing: The system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings that distribute water throughout the house and remove waste.

Electrical: The wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures that provide power and lighting to the home.

Drywall: Panels made of gypsum sandwiched between paper, used to create interior walls and ceilings.

Masonry: Construction using materials such as brick, stone, or concrete blocks.

Finishes: The final touches applied to the interior and exterior of the home, including paint, flooring, trim, and landscaping.

Permits and Codes: Regulatory requirements and building standards that must be followed during construction to ensure safety and compliance.

Punch List: A list of tasks that need to be completed or corrected before the project is considered finished.

Warranty: A guarantee provided by the builder or manufacturer that covers defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period.

Subcontractors: Tradespeople hired by the general contractor to perform specialized tasks such as plumbing, electrical, or roofing work.

Change Order: A document that outlines changes to the original construction contract, including modifications to the scope of work or materials. Change orders come about as extras during the building process.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms and concepts, you'll be better equipped to communicate with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals involved in the building process. Whether you're overseeing the construction of your dream home or embarking on a new career in home building, having a solid understanding of the vocabulary is the first step towards success.

It is possible to stay in your apartment while kitchen renovations are in process. The first thought is how best to take care of the dust factor?

Your general contractor will be able to control dust by sealing off the construction area with a vinyl zip-door to go in and out, plastic walls, and the team will place a heavy-duty cover across the entire floor area.

It is also a clever idea to cover your furniture with bed sheets as some dust is simply unavoidable! Danny Diulus, project manager for Georgia In Home services, says, "My entire aim is for homeowners to retain their day-to-day schedule on the other side of my erected dust wall, which separates the remodel area from your living space."

Most apartment remodel projects we do involve problem solving how to gain more storage space. One option is to look upwards and take advantage of the wasted space by installing new cabinets on top of your existing upper cabinets. You can store items on the highest shelves. Upper cabinets (known as wall cabinets) help get you more organized with storage for seldom-used kitchen appliances, big vases, and baking kits.

If you do not already have one, install a kitchen island. Perhaps a kitchen Island that extends into the living area, doubling up as a dining table. Think of styling your Island with a new-look waterfall granite slab on one side, which drapes down from the island to the floor. Adding cabinets to the Island is a perfect way to create more storage space.

There is also something to be said for capturing innovative areas to install single floating shelves, like the dead-space above the door frame, or the elongated dead-space to the left and right side of the door frame.

Despite the inevitable stress, the good news about kitchen renovation is that it is possible to stay in your apartment, with only some changes to your daily routine. Apartment dwellers implement just two major changes - set up a temporary alternative kitchen inside the home and set up a dining area elsewhere in their home. When you are ready, call us for a quality end result!

Cobb County, Atlanta, with its tall, beautiful trees, is a known for its landscapes. However, natural beauty can come with unexpected challenges.

In February of 2024, winter wind and rainstorms caused severe damage to this house when a fallen tree literally broke the house down the center. The weight of the wide trunk and its broad branches also damaged the structural integrity of the house. Deep roots pulled upwards and out from the water-saturated soil, cracking the home's concrete foundation. 

Fortunately, no power lines were involved, but the homeowner was clear of mind, with their top priority to turn off the main breaker and gas line at the meter to prevent fire. 

The tree law in the state of Georgia is that the ownership of a tree is determined by the property on which the tree is rooted, if the tree trunk stands entirely on one property, the tree is entirely that person's responsibility. Property Surveyors are often consulted regarding any questions about ownership. 

Be sure to inspect trees on your property regularly, especially if they grow near any structures. Trees can tolerate a lot of internal damage before they are so very weak that they lose a limb or fall entirely. Professional arborists provide a much-valued assessment of the health of our trees or the Earth's Lungs resident on your home's property. 

After contacting your insurance company, find a reputable general contractor with experience and expertise in storm damage restoration. Their professionalism should provide a sense of relief knowing you are in capable hands. 

At Georgia In Home Services, we coordinate with insurance adjusters, and oversee every aspect of the rebuilding process with expertise and experience.

Testimony from one of our restoration customers' Linda B. says, "throughout the restoration journey of my fire damaged home, the partnership with my general contractor proved to be invaluable." She expanded saying, "Riaan kept me informed every step of the way, providing regular updates on progress and addressing any concerns promptly. What could have been a daunting ordeal became a collaborative effort." 

The path to recovery may seem daunting, but with the support of Georgia In Home Services, rebuilding becomes a journey of renewal, to rebuild your home better than it was before. 

Give us a call and emerge stronger than before the damage.

Most of us love nature and want to preserve the natural world, but we do not react well when woodpeckers ruin the siding on our houses. To live in harmony with nature, our recommendation is to choose fiber cement siding, primarily because it is not natural wood. 

Fiber cement siding is made from a few simple ingredients - Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. These durable ingredients resist woodpeckers drumming-up damage because they offer nothing that woodpeckers are seeking in the way of food, nesting, or breeding. 

Fiber cement is not natural wood which gives woodpeckers a good reason to leave your yard and find a real live tree somewhere else!

If you're choosing an exterior for a new home, you'll soon discover that there are several different types of exterior materials available - vinyl siding, cedar siding, composite siding, fiber cement siding, metal siding, Hardie Board siding, brick siding, engineered wood siding, stone veneer siding, natural wood, and stucco siding. 

If all these siding options have your head in a tizz, do not worry, here's an expert to pull it straight for us. 

Project Manager Riaan Venter says, "In my experience, I advise new home builders to spend a little more and choose fiber cement siding. Vinyl siding's price may be less, but I have noted that vinyl color siding can be more susceptible to fading, and may also crack, buckle, or sag with weather stress."  

Riaan goes on to say that "fiber cement siding generally costs less than brick, as well as some wood siding options. Fiber cement siding is the best choice to make simply due to its solid track record." 

Here are some of the advantages fiber cement siding offers over vinyl and wood: 

• Non-combustible and resistant to extreme heat. It will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame, nor will it contribute fuel to a fire. Vinyl siding is known to be vulnerable to melting caused by grills and Low-E windows. 
• Engineered to withstand various climate conditions, like hot, humid, and blistering sun. Resistant to shrinking, swelling, and cracking, even after years of wet or freezing conditions.
• Not a friendly material for woodpeckers, termites, and other pests. 

The maintenance required will depend on your geographical location, exposure of the building and whether you have prefinished siding or if it will be painted on site. Prefinished siding is our recommendation, as it is resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking. For general cleaning, a soft brush and garden hose will do the job. 

Residential fiber cement siding styles are exciting with woodgrain textures, or smooth and stucco finishes to choose from. The prefinished range of color options is magnificent and will enhance your home's exterior. 

The most important thing is to take your time making decisions, so you are happy with the fresh look of your home. Georgia In Home Services is experienced in installing James Hardie® siding and trim products. Give us a call and we will provide a free siding estimate for your greatest asset.