Should You Have Carpet If You Have Allergies?

Many people believe that if you have allergies you should get rid of all of your carpet.  It actually depends on what you are allergic to. Some of the most common things people are allergic to are airborne (carried through the air) including:~~Dust mites are microscopic insects that live all around us and feed on the millions of dead skin cells that fall off our bodies every day. They're the main allergic component of house dust. Dust mites are present year-round in most parts of the United States and live in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.

~~Pollen is a major cause of allergies (a pollen allergy is often called hay fever). Trees, weeds, and grasses release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Pollen allergies are seasonal, and the type of pollen someone is allergic to determines when symptoms happen. 

~~Molds are fungi that thrive both indoors and outside in warm, moist environments. Outdoors, molds can be found in poor drainage areas, such as in piles of rotting leaves or compost piles. Indoors, molds thrive in dark, poorly ventilated places such as bathrooms and damp basements. Molds tend to be seasonal, but some can grow year-round, especially those indoors.

~~Pet allergens are caused by pet dander (tiny flakes of shed skin) and animal saliva. When pets lick themselves, the salivagets on their fur or feathers. As the saliva dries, protein particles become airborne and work their way into fabrics in the home. Pet urine also can cause allergies in the same way when it gets on airborne fur or skin, or when a pet pees in a spot that isn't cleaned.

Most carpet sold today is made from harmless materials like polyester and nylon, the same stuff clothes and bags are made from. These synthetic blends are constructed out of lab-developed fibers that repel allergens, in part because they are nonorganic and offer an inhospitable climate. For example, mold has nothing to eat and particulate (pollen, dander, etc.) can be easily vacuumed.  Wool should be avoided because allergens and mold can thrive in it. Regardless of material, avoid shag -- the shorter the strands, the fewer places the particles can go. Also choose carpet with tightly woven strands for the same reason.

But no matter which carpet type you choose, dust, pollen and other allergy-aggravators are still in there, so get rid of them. Vacuum regularly and have your carpets professionally cleaned (hot water extraction) on a regular basis.  Invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which traps allergens; some vacuums are even equipped with them.

Allergens sink into the carpet and out of the air, but even with frequent vacuuming, they're still down there. Hard floor coverings offer no haven for allergens -- they just sit on the surface. They're easier to clean than carpets -- a simple sweep and vacuum quickly gets rid of allergens.  If you opt out of carpet, however, note that hard surfaces require more frequent cleaning. If not maintained, the result will be a dusty, sneezy environment that is inferior to the allergen-trapping properties of a carpet-covered room.

In short, if you want to sweep/vacuum more frequently, a solid surface may be better. But, if you aren't able to maintain the flooring almost daily, carpet may actually serve you better.

But maybe you have chemical allergies.  There are carpets that are low/no VOC. First, you need to know exactly what chemical(s) you are allergic to.  It is usually the latex that is used in carpet construction that a client is allergic to. Air.o by Mohawk has no VOCs and is latex free.  SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets are made with Dupont Sorona which is OEKO-TEX® certified free from harmful substances. The SmartStrand fiber is also made in part with plant-based materials.  A wool carpet with a woven (axminster) backing is also extremely low in VOCs, as there is no secondary backing and wool is a proven air purifier. A synthetic fiber pad or a rubber waffled pad is usually your best choice for carpet cushion when VOCs are a concern.

Most clients need assistance choosing the best product for their situation.  Enhance Floors & More Design Consultants are trained in the questions to ask to guide you to the right product for your home.  Come see us today!

Design Tip-Transitioning Into Fall

It is still late August, and we just enjoyed a brief moment of cooler weather, and it was wonderful! The kids are all back in school, so our thoughts are turning to making some changes in our homes: putting away all the swim paraphernalia, finding your fire bowl, and making the house generally feel a little more "Fallish."

There are several small steps you can take that won't scream autumn, but will start to welcome the season. Start bybringing some natural elements inside-- dried hydrangeas if you have those in the yard, interesting small branches and berries, acorns if you can find some (or were smart enough to snag a few last year and put them away).

Use some of those same items to put together a fall wreath for the front door or a tabletop bouquet. Create a display of acorns, pine cones, pretty leaves, and maybe small pumpkins. You can definitely find artificial ones at the crafts store if there are none in your yard or market.

Next, add a few layering pieces in the house-- a cozy throw on the sofa or over the foot of the bed. Other ways to bring in texture and warmer colors are with linens, pillows, dish towels, and place mats. Little touches in the main rooms of your home can add up to a big "feel" in the whole house! Be sure to also include a small number of metallic accents and deep, saturated color touches.

The last and most all-encompassing element to add is something that evokes the smells of Autumn. Candles, candle warmers, pot pourri, or wall plug-ins-- make them spicy and fruity. Think cinnamon, apples, that fall leaf smell. Not too floral or minty. And just a hint of a scent, not too much. But remember, it's still too early to buy that turkey!

Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker---a tribute to the contributions and achievements of our workforce.  We will be open Saturday, September 1 from 10 until 5. We will then be closed Sunday and Monday.  Enjoy your well deserved holiday!

You Don't Have To Lift A Finger

I listen to a radio commercial most mornings as I drive into work that brags about when this shop-at-home flooring dealer  installs your new floor, you don't have to lift a finger.  That sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Unfortunately, it's not entirely accurate. Per their website: All you have to do is move your nick-nacks.  What does that really involve?

You will need to move small items (decorative items, lamps, plants, TVs, DVD players, and fragile, irreplaceable and/or sentimental items) out of the area being done.  Please clear out closet floors. Strip beds.  Hallways that have hanging or breakable items should be cleared.  Remove any pictures andwall decorations in the area being done, as well as in adjacent areas and rooms beneath the room being covered.  Remove light globes or fluorescent tubes in the areas below the rooms

we are working in.  (Much of our work requires hammering and these items may be jarred and break from the vibration.) If you have a grandfather clock, pool table, piano, organ, or aquarium that requires special handling, please make arrangements to have them moved before the installers arrive. Wall units and entertainment units should be emptied and separated if they are bolted together.  We do not move computers, televisions, stereo systems, and similar items. If the china cabinet or hutch is to be moved, please remove all dishes, crystal, etc.  

Flooring installers are prepared to move furniture, not empty out a bookcase filled with books or unload your china cabinet so that the new flooring can be installed.  Yes, there is prep work that you will need to do prior to your installation. We will tell you what you need to do to get ready, and not surprise you the day of installation by telling you what you must hurridly do before we can get started.  

I Was Floored by Enhance

Stephanie in Roswell writes:

"We used Enhance Floors nine years ago to put hardwood floors in our home. Most recently, they did granite countertops and a backsplash for us. They were on time and cleaned up, and I would say they are excellent."

Thank you, Stephanie.  We are very grateful for our repeat clients.  Enjoy your "new" kitchen!

How Much Does It Cost?

We recently installed a new quartz countertop in a smallish Marietta kitchen with a simple subway tile backsplash for a little less than $4400 for both.  We installed new luxury vinyl floors in the kitchen last year, and the cabinets still looked great---the new countertop and backsplash truly made our clients kitchen look brand new!

The Holidays Are Just Around The Corner

No, we are not confused, and that was not a typo. Believe it or not, if you are thinking of making any changes to your home anytime soon, and want them finished before the holidays--NOW is the time to act! Our installation calendar is already filling up for August and September. We understand, it is hard to think in those terms when it is 90 degrees outside. We're still thinking swimming pools, and the TV is full of commercials for Back to School Savings.

Before you know it, Labor Day will have come and gone, and you will be buying Halloween candy. And just. like. that. Thanksgiving! The whole family will be there, gathered in your living room. There you are in your kitchen, pulling that big perfectly browned turkey out of the oven. And you will be so proud and happy that your home is so beautiful and looking its' best, because you thought ahead to call us in August and get started on that new wood floor.  And countertop.  And backsplash. What a perfect moment! Kudos to you!

Flooring and remodeling are not changes that happen overnight. There are so many choices to be made. You put a lot of thought and effort, and hopefully research, into making these decisions. They are big ticket items, and disruptive to your life, so a mistake is a very big deal. We make an extra effort to educate you on your choices when you are here at Enhance.

Our skilled installation teams are wonderful. We only hire the best, men who we have worked with us for years, and who know how to maintain our high levels of quality. The real estate market is booming, and the down side of that is that there is a scarcity of qualified service contractors.  For our customers, that unfortunately means a wait to have their remodeling done, or their new floors installed. And that is true for most reputable companies right now. If you do speak with a contractor who is available immediately, that should raise a red flag. Why aren't they busy?

Please Be Careful

And speaking of raising flags- our children are all back in school as of this week. I don't know about you, but I had definitely gotten used to not having to stop for the school buses, or slow down for the school zones. Traffic has really increased this week. Plan accordingly-- allow more time for your commute, and be sure to watch out for the buses! Here are the rules:

It's Crazy How Time Flies By

And yes, school is back in, but while the weather is still cooperating, make the most of these last few beautiful hot days of summer. Go to the pool, go on the picnic, take that last weekend getaway. Because soon enough, the fun will be over, and the mornings will be frosty again. We'll be roasting marshmallows and carving pumpkins before you know it!

Our schedule is filling up with customers who are making plans and getting their flooring and remodeling projects started now. Call us, and let's get your project started!

Are you hoping to get new carpet in before the in-laws come to visit? That is certainly do-able.  We have some beautiful new styles just introduced by Karastan, and this month, Karastan is offering an Instant Rebate on all their SmartStrand carpets.  .33 cents of each square foot of carpet!

If you have been thinking about putting in new hardwoods, we have some wonderful looks for you, as well as some wonderful

pricing. And we have recently added new wood lines by Anderson Tuftex, U S Floors, and Fabrica.  All very different, and all gorgeous! The Fabrica line includes patterned wood floors, and some great wall treatments, as well. Come in and let us show them off! And in case you're concerned, there is still time to have them installed before the Holidays, so don't worry, but don't wait!

And if you're wondering when our next event is- stay tuned! Announcement coming soon ☺ Our events are always fun and loaded with good food, cold drinks, and great prizes!

Design Tip

What is NEW and popping up everywhere? Hexagons! Referred to as Nature's Perfect Shape, we are seeing this shape on everything in design--floor tiles, wall tiles, on vinyl, in porcelain deco tiles for the shower and bath. So, whether you call it honeycomb, beehive, or hex---plan to incorporate it in your next design project!

How Much Does It Cost?

A recent total kitchen makeover in Smyrna featured new cabinets, new lighting, and new counter tops. The customer had beautiful wood floors which did not need to be replaced.

The total of $42,000 included all new KitchenCraft cabinets with under cabinet lighting, a whole new pantry with pullouts, Quartz countertops, and a glass backsplash. The customer is thrilled with her gorgeous new kitchen!  Look for more pictures on our Facebook page and on Instagram and get inspired.

I Was Floored by Enhance

Nancy in Roswell tells us:

"Enhance did a great job. We've had them several times. They're very good, and they follow up. We were very pleased. The first time they carpeted our whole downstairs and did a good job. But the second time was much more extensive. They totally redid a bathroom and painted the bedroom and re-carpeted the floor and tiled the bath. We had an old bathtub; they had to rip out the bathtub. They put in a beautiful walk-in shower. We'd had a hole in the floor where we used to put dirty clothes through like a chute, they had to go in and fix that, and they had to move the toilet over. It was an extensive job, and it was beautiful. Great job. Very pleased."

Thank you, Nancy! And Thank you for being a repeat client!

Have A Better Summer

Kitchens Are Made For Bringing Families Together

Thanksgiving is less than three months away.  Can you believe it? Time flies! Is your entire family coming to your house this year?  And if so---is your kitchen ready for them all? If you are ready for a new kitchen, NOW is the time to get started.

 

A kitchen makeover can be as easy and affordable as painting your existing cabinets, updating your cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), and adding new flooring, countertops, and a custom backsplash.  Or as complex and expensive as a complete remodel: new design, cabinets, appliances . . . .a brand new kitchen! We can assist you with either scenario.

To help you get started, here are some of the most common questions our clients ask about Kitchen Makeovers.

Will a kitchen remodel add value to my home?

Breathing new life into an outdated or inefficient kitchen can be the smartest money a homeowner spends. Kitchen remodels deliver more bang for the buck than any other home project, offering 80-85 percent return on investment. When planning your kitchen redo, the first step is setting a budget.

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?

REMODELING Magazine does an extensive survey every year of recent kitchen remodels in Atlanta.  In 2017, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $21,230.  A major kitchen remodel was $64,074. An upscale kitchen renovation averaged $127,292.  These are all-inclusive prices, including new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and paint. What is the distinction between a minor and major kitchen remodel? Primarily what is done with the cabinets.   A major kitchen remodel includes new cabinets. A minor remodel does not include changing the cabinet boxes, only refinishing the cabinets, or painting the existing cabinets.  

 

One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel is structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen in any way will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring.   Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if load-bearing walls are involved. Even relocating the sink or range would mean moving the plumbing or gas lines.

Every remodeling project is unique, and costs vary depending on the homeowner's budget, tastes, and priorities.  In general, however, materials account for 80 percent of the budget, while labor costs represent 20 percent. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the largest expense in a kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which can 

account for up to 50 percent of the budget. After labor, appliances are the next biggest expense, eating up about 15 percent of the budget. Countertops are about 10 percent, and flooring makes up 7 percent. The smallest expenses, at about 5 percent each, are lighting, plumbing fixtures, doors and windows, and walls and ceilings.  Understanding that there are no standard costs for a remodel -- every home is unique because of its age, layout and construction type -- will help you be more realistic about the potential costs of your project.

What are some trends in kitchen design?

~Today's kitchen looks less like the mechanized, high-tech kitchen of the Jetsons and more like your Grandma's kitchen--homier, more organic, less angular, like a comfy sitting room where you happen to cook

~Emerging trends include wall-mounted flat screen televisions in the kitchen, induction and steam cooking, more color, and French door ovens

~Social kitchens with adequate and comfortable seating

~Open floor plans, kitchens that are open to the family room

~Cabinets installed all the way up to the ceiling

~Black stainless steel appliances (white appliances are "out")

~Cabinets that look like furniture

~Farmhouse kitchens featuring natural materials, lots of wood (usually rustic), unpretentious design, and cooking spaces that can accommodate large meals

~Clean lines and simple designs

~Touch activated faucets, pull-out faucets

~White and grey are the most popular colors for the kitchen, followed by blue, black, and beige.  

~Per a recent Houzz survey, the most popular cabinet color choices are white (34 percent), medium to dark wood tones (27 percent), and gray (9 percent)

~Under cabinet lighting, task lighting

~Best-selling hardware finishes are chrome and nickel (both available polished or brushed), oil rubbed bronze, and black. Gold and rose gold are coming on strong

~Smart storage solutions like lazy Susans to make potentially wasted corners fully functional, pull-out drawers, customized drawers and cabinets

~Large sinks with deep bowls

~Barrier-free design and products:  they make life easier for children, pregnant women, and seniors as well as individuals with disabilities

How long should it take from showroom visit to finished kitchen?

It can take several months, even after the design is finalized.  Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery.  The extent of the job, the contractor's workload and the availability of materials also have an effect.  Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks.

Where do I start?  What do I need to be thinking about?

Start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A built-in dog bed? Organize it 

by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams."

Use websites like Pinterest and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and make pictures of what appeals to you.  Make notes on what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter.

What makes a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?

~Structural changes can be minimal or extensive.  Cabinets account for about one-third to one-half the total cost of a typical project and range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes and finishes are needed).

~The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price.

~Other key elements that factor in to the equation are talent and workmanship.  In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for.  An accomplished designer, skilled tradesmen and expert installation crew will cost more.  But you'll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.

What is a Kitchen Designer?

A Kitchen Designer is a professional, qualified by education and experience to research, design, plan and supervise the installation of residential kitchens.  Enhance Floors & More uses a Kitchen Designer as part of the renovation process, particularly in the design and layout of the cabinetry. Our Kitchen Designer will meet with you and survey your existing kitchen to develop the design plan for your new kitchen. There is a fee for this service, however, it is well worth the nominal charge to meet with a true kitchen expert.

What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?

The "work triangle" is the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the main sink.  Connect the three and it should form a triangle (unless you have a 'one-wall' kitchen).  It's important because at or immediately adjacent to the triangle's points, all the key kitchen activities - food preparation, cooking and clean up - take place.  The work triangle helps to ensure that your kitchen will be functional.  It keeps cooking activities centered in one area, with all the necessities close at hand. Whatever your plan, the sink should take central position if at all possible, as it's used more often than either the refrigerator or the stove. If you locate the sink on the same wall as the stove, with the main work area in the middle, you won't drip water on the floor when you go from the sink to the cooktop. When placing the refrigerator, make sure the single-door model, when open, faces into the work triangle, not out of it.

What types of kitchen counter tops are best?

Replacing counter tops is a great way to update your kitchen. Hard surface counters such as quartz, granite and marble are the most widely used at this time. Their price varies depending on your stone selection. Quartz holds up as well or better than granite, never needs sealing, and costs a little more than granite, but usually less than marble.

What are pull-outs?  pot drawers? appliance garages?

These are just a few of the specialty features that increase the functionality of your cabinets.  If you have not looked at new cabinets recently, you will be amazed at the options that are now available.  A pull-out is a shelf that can be independently extended from the cabinet for easier surveying and retrieval, like a drawer.  Waste cans are now often on pull-outs. Pot drawers are an upgrade from shelves that pull out. They lend themselves nicely to storing all types of kitchen cooking and storage necessities. As they are full extension drawers, you will have maximum storage and complete access to items in the back of them with no digging to the back of your kitchen cabinets.  An appliance garage is a general term used to reference any number of customized countertop compartments that are specifically designed to house and conceal large kitchen appliances. The appliance garage will usually be on the countertop and will match the facade of the existing top cabinetry. Within the compartment, there is typically a dedicated electrical outlet for the assigned appliance. Appliance garages will usually house appliances like coffee pots, microwaves or other large movable kitchen machines.

How many electrical outlets does my kitchen need?

A guide is outlets every four feet along your kitchen counter tops and at least one on the side of a kitchen island or peninsula. You will also need outlets for your stove, microwave, garbage disposal and dish washer. If you want less clutter on your walls above your kitchen counters, power strips can be installed under the wall cabinets. The strips will create convenient locations to plug in your kitchen appliances without the clutter of wall outlets.  Many clients are adding charging stations (usually drawers) as part of their kitchen renovation.

Do all my new kitchen cabinets need to be the same style and color?

This is personal preference.  Depending on your taste, your new kitchen can be designed with contrasting cabinets. Unique looks can be achieved by contrasting the kitchen island cabinets from the wall mounted upper and lower cabinets. Contrasting upper cabinets from the lower cabinets will create a custom look.

Contrasting countertops is another design tool used to customize kitchens and create unique looks.

What is installed first-my new cabinets or my new flooring?

Floors are almost always installed after the cabinets.  We will go over the timeline once we have visited your home and your product selections have been made.

What is the process?

An Enhance Design Consultant will meet with you in the showroom to discuss the scope of your project.   We will assist you in our Design Center with the preliminary selection of cabinets, countertops, backsplash and flooring.  We will schedule appointments for you to meet with our Kitchen Designer and to visit our vendor partners for fixture and appliance selection. Remember, the best-case timeline for a kitchen remodel is three to four months start to finish, so if there is a deadline for your new kitchen, be sure to begin the process well in advance.