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.