April Showers Bring A New Bathroom?

April Showers

Enhance Floors and More is preparing to introduce our newly created Bath and Shower Gallery.

 

In response to the recent overwhelming number of requests for Bathroom remodels, we have upped our bathroom display game, and will soon be opening to the public, for the first time, our Bath and Shower Gallery.

 

We will be showing off new ideas in bathroom aesthetics, including new and updated tile displays, a freestanding tub, a multi-showerhead unit with running water so that you can experience different showerheads, and some ideas for creating an aging-in-place bathroom.

 

Each Enhance Design Consultant was given a different section of the space to design, and we have all had fun bringing our ideas together and helping to make the different sections work well as a unit.

 

Our Tile and Stone Vendors, including Interceramic, Mohawk, Daltile, and Happy Floors, have been enthusiastic participants in the refurbished gallery, and we are showing off some new floors as well, including a gorgeous faux marble and a cork floor from US Floors.

 

We plan to reveal our "bathroom remodel" in April- with a Shower-what else? so stay in touch and we'll be announcing the exact "due date" soon!

 

Let There Be Light

In other remodeling news, there are some very quick and easy ways to freshen up a room. The absolute easiest: new lighting! Lighting can be changed as easily as placing a new lamp or even relocating existing lamps to new places. There are four basic lighting types: Task lighting, accent lighting, decorative lighting, and ambient lighting.  Task lighting, obviously, is for specific work or activity: cooking, homework, personal grooming. Accent lighting is lighting that draws the eye to an item or place, such as artwork or an architectural feature. Ambient lighting is general lighting, that fills an entire space overall. Decorative can fall into any of these groups, and fills two purposes. A chandelier, for instance, is decorative lighting and ambient lighting.

 

You always want to layer light in a room, and avoid over-lighting and glare. When you are planning lighting for a room, remember to take into account the natural light the room will receive, and plan lighting for day and night use, as needed. Mirrors are an efficient and beautiful way to increase the benefit of natural and manufactured light, by bouncing the light and multiplying it. Dimmers can also be helpful when a room has different lighting needs at different times of day.

 

Back to that natural light idea- more and more people are investing in solar power. Have you considered it? There is currently (see how I did that?) a federal tax credit available towards the installation of rooftop solar panels, but it is due to start being phased out in 2019. There are also solar water heaters, which are very efficient here in Georgia. While these changes are rather expensive, not only would you be reducing your dependency on non-renewable resources, you would be shrinking your home's carbon footprint.

 

No Shoes Please

Speaking of footprints, where do you and your family stand on wearing shoes inside the house? For many cultures around the world, shoes are never worn inside the home, and here in the US, a growing number of people seem to be dropping them at the door. There are several good reasons to adopt this habit:      

 

~Bacteria- We all know that shoes are loaded with bacteria and germs. A test conducted at University of Arizona showed that new shoes, within two weeks of first use, had accumulated 440,000 units of bacteria, including E. coli, various strains of pneumonia, and C. diff, which is highly resistant to antibiotics.

~Toxins-   Herbicides tracked in on shoes exceeded those brought into the home on non-organic fruits and vegetables. Toxins from herbicides can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal upsets.

~Dirt- just plain old dirt. Who wants that on their floors? And grit is the major factor in damaging both carpets and wood.

~Wear and tear on floor coverings-  shoes are harder on carpets and wood than 

bare feet, again meaning they'll need to be replaced sooner than later.

~Comfort and foot health- going barefoot promotes foot health and helps develop stronger ankles, and feels better.

 

So create a place at the garage door, or just inside the main entry, where everyone can drop their shoes as they come in. You'll be surprised how quickly it can become a habit, like hanging your keys on the key rack. And ask your guests to do so as well- they won't mind, and will think how smart you are!

Design Tip

Patterned carpet is IN.  And there are lots of patterns to choose from-subtle and barely there or big and bold and attention getting (look at me!) The pattern can be sweet and delicate, or full of pizzazz. They can blend in or stand out. A large design can cut your oversized room down to size, while a minimal pattern can make your room appear to grow in size. A bright floral design can make a room that doesn't get much natural light more welcoming than before. Patterns can also hide a multitude of sins, camouflaging the little spills and mishaps that come with life at home.  Need help choosing a patterned carpet for your home?  The Enhance Floors Design Consultants are here to help!

 

How Much Does It Cost?

We recently installed a pin dot (very subtle pattern) carpet for a client in Woodstock.  Almost 1400 sq. ft. (living room, dining room, four bedrooms with closets, hall and staircase) of a Mohawk SmartStrand carpet was installed with an upgraded pad with moisture barrier for $4600.

 

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

From Susan in Woodstock:

"I loved Enhance Floors. Everything went well, and they were amazing. They went above and beyond what I signed up for. They've done some tile work, and they did my granite countertops. They did a great job. If I had questions, they answered them. They're a grade-A company."

Home Improvement DON'Ts

If you are one of the growing number of Baby Boomers, born between the years 1946 and 1964, you are likely in a home where you have raised your children, welcomed grandchildren, and now are finding is more than you need or want. If so, you may be thinking of moving and down-sizing sometime in the next few years?  If you are like most of us, there are a few things in your home that need addressing. Plan it out, do a couple of projects a year, as your budget permits, so it is not overwhelming.

 

Some of the common issues that need work are: making sure the AC and heating units are in good condition, installing a new, efficient (tankless?) water heater, make sure sidewalks and driveways don't have crumbling and cracked areas, does the roof need to be replaced? These are all "Do's." We are also going to give you a list of a few "Don'ts" for these next few years:

 

---DON'T over-improve one area. An upgraded kitchen with everything new may be wonderful, but don't improve it to the extent that the other rooms look old and shoddy by comparison. Instead, do a minor refresh in the kitchen and all the bathrooms, with new lighting, fresh paint, new granite or quartz countertops.

 

---DON'T install a swimming pool. This never enhances the value of a home. To the contrary, many buyers exclude homes with pools from their searches. They don't want the added labor of upkeep, the expense, and/or the potential danger and liability. Instead, make sure all the landscaping is full, but not over-grown.

 

---DON'T add a sunroom. If a sunroom is not heated and cooled, it can't be counted in the home's square footage. And if you do add heating and cooling, statistics say the cost will not be recouped. Instead, be sure all the windows are clean, in good condition, and that the view to all that nice landscaping is unimpeded.

---Lastly, DON'T over-personalize. Keep any remodeling classic and neutral.  New homeowners will want to make the space theirs immediately, not be reminded of the previous owner (you!)

 

As Seen On TV

If you are going to be doing some remodeling in your home and you've been watching all the shows on TV about remodeling, you may have the misconception that these makeovers happen overnight. These guys and gals are almost magical in what they can accomplish while the commercials are on!

 

The truth is, there are teams of people working on these makeovers, and they are filming over the course of several weeks, not minutes.  There is a lot that happens that is not captured by the camera. A lot that is not glamorous or fun. A lot that will involve a lot of nothing perceptible happening. A lot that is dirty, especially the demo part of the project. You will have multiple workmen in your home over the course of the project, and it is also more than likely going to be very disruptive to your home life for most of the process.

 

Be realistic about the entire job. The timing, the disruption, it's all going to be more than you anticipate. Any contractor is going to need some lead time before he can start the job. (If he can start immediately, you need to question why.) Product has to be ordered, and sometimes it comes in wrong or damaged. If you haven't had any remodeling done in a few years, be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. And don't take the cheapest quote if you get several, as you should. Again- why is one much lower than the others? And sadly, you need to be prepared for surprises. When tile gets pulled up, or vanities get removed, sometimes there are issues that no one anticipated. Always leave a little wiggle room in your budget for just such as this.

 

In short, remodeling can be a difficult and frustrating process. Enhance Floors & More will be working to get your job done as quickly as possible, but not at the cost of quality. Be patient with the planning process as well as the actual work. As a reward, you will have a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom to enjoy for years and years to come.

Countertop Comparison

Are new countertops something your home needs? Corian is dead and gone, Formica is a thing of the past, and tile countertops never should have happened! The two best choices currently are granite and quartz.  What are the differences?

 

Granite is a natural material- it is mined, and like any natural mineral or rock, there are variations in the appearance of the slabs, even within the slabs. It can stain or crack if care is not taken, and it must be sealed periodically. It is an eco-friendly surface, and requires less energy to produce than quartz.

 

Being a manufactured product, quartz has a more consistent appearance than granite, and can come in a wider variety of colors. Quartz is made from quartz dust and resin, so it is non-porous and requires no sealing. We are also seeing a migration away from granite; some clients tell us "everyone has granite, I want something different."

 

The starting price point on granite is lower than on quartz, however there is a much wider price range on granite.  Why?  Granite pricing is generally based upon availability/scarcity of the stone. Where the stone is quarried also affects the pricing.  For example, blue-toned granite is said to come from deeper beneath the earth's surface, making it rarer and more costly.

 

You may be wondering about marble.  Marble is much more porous than most granites, and therefore requires more vigilant maintenance and sealing.  Today's quartz offers an extremely realistic marble visual and is much easier to take care of in a heavy-use area like a kitchen, so most of our clients choose quartz.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

A smallish kitchen needing one slab of granite normally costs $3500 to $4500 installed, including plumbing.  Quartz runs a little more, starting around $4000 installed with plumbing.  Of course, prices vary based upon the actual stone you selected.

 

Design Tip

New stone countertops add value to your home, but if your lighting is bad, it is hard to appreciate any selection. When choosing colors, consider the kitchen's lighting. If your kitchen has little or no natural light, select granite that has a significant amount of white or gold, or lots of light-colored specks. Dark colors like deep blue, mahogany and black look best in areas that receive substantial light. Under-cabinet and pendant lighting make good lighting options to enhance the beauty of the stone.

 

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

From one of our all-time favorite clients in Alpharetta:

"Since moving to the Atlanta area back in 1994 we have used Enhance Floors and More numerous times over the years to up-date and/or install hardwood floors and new carpeting. We've had them not only do our kitchen flooring but also coordinate an entire updating of our kitchen and kitchen dining area. While recently installing a new hardwood floor in our family room they also updated our fireplace setting. The reasons we keep coming back to them is that they: are creative in their approaches, cost conscious in not trying to over sell anything; have real talented, skilled professionals available; stayed in time frames given; personally involved themselves in all facets of the job; followed-up on the completed job; go out of their way to be sure the customer is thoroughly satisfied with the finished product. We'll be seeking them out to re-do/update our bathrooms. We would give them a 5++++ rating if available!"

Your Questions Will Be Answered

What will 2017 look like in home décor and furnishings? Well, it depends on who you ask- one authority says metals are out, the next says metals are making a strong comeback, and so on and so forth. So: we're going to talk about trends for 2017 that were unchallenged (as far as our research went, at least.)

 

There are four rooms that are being written about. A LOT. These are

1) the kitchen (no surprise here)

2) the bathroom (also no surprise)

3) the entryway, and

4) the laundry room.

 

In the kitchen, black stainless steel is the big news. And white appliances are a thing of the past. If you've shopped lately for a new refrigerator or dishwasher, you already noticed that- it's all stainless.  And black stainless is hot hot hot! It is still silver, but toned down, and very pretty. It's a dark, matte finish, muted silver, and we love it!

 

The other news in the kitchen is that it 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. And make coffee- coffee stations are the new "must-have" in kitchens. And along with this transition, less all white, less sheen, more colors from nature- greens and blues especially. Terracotta and cork floors are trending in a big way- natural and eco-friendly.

 

Bathrooms are also looking more natural, and feeling more comfortable. Vanities are being made, if not from old furniture, then to look like furniture. Wainscoting is gaining popularity in the bathroom, as are clever storage niches, tucked into the wall between studs. Vessel sinks from natural materials, stone, wood, and onyx, are beautiful and earthy. Tiles continue to be large, with minimal grout lines, and not glossy, but matte, and looking like stone or wood planks. Window seats in the bathroom are a great look, and extremely practical, providing a place to perch while you're getting dressed or applying after-shower lotion, as well as allowing for storage for extra towels and other bathroom necessities. Alternatively, we are seeing high tech toilets becoming more popular here, after many of us have seen and loved them in other parts of the world, especially Europe and Japan.

 

Pretty front doors are everywhere! No more plain stained Colonial with 6 raised panels, oh no! Painted bright to complement the rest of the home's exterior, the front door will now be a Statement Piece. And it will open to an enhanced entry way, again with furniture, comfort, and color.  The entryway is setting the tone for the rest of the home. And the tone it is setting is "Welcome, come in and relax."

 

Lastly, the laundry room, surely the most maligned room in the home. Nothing fun ever happens in the laundry room, even though the very nature and function of the room makes it indispensable to a happy home. So, if it's no fun, at least it can be pretty, and uber-functional. Sinks, pretty cabinets, dog-washing stations are a few of the added features that are going into high-end homes' laundry rooms. And pretty tile floors, planned storage and custom features, such as pull-out sweater drying racks.

 

Overall, the picture of 2017's homes is a welcoming retreat in every room, an easy place to live and celebrate. More natural fibers and textures, like wool and linen, and more organic shapes. Lots of houseplants. Life will be more green- both in color and in idealism. Recycling is gaining in popularity, and repairing instead of tossing and buying new. We are all seeking homes and belongings that will comfort us, lend themselves to our health and wellness, and create less of a long-term impact on the earth.

 

Please Join Us

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most complicated and expensive rooms in your home to update.  There are so many decisions to make, and different specialized tradespeople needed to complete the work.  These updates also have some of the largest return on investment of all home improvement projects.  You want to do it right, and make selections that you will be happy with for years.  Where do you start?  How do you learn about all the factors that you need to consider when planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel?

 

By attending our Kitchen and Bath Expo!  Meet with the experts and learn about:
~~Kitchen Design Trends
~~Countertops 101
~~All About Plumbing and Appliances
~~What's In Style in Tile
~~Renovations and the Resale Value of Your Home

Enjoy wine, beer & appetizers at our FREE event Tuesday, January 24, from 12 pm til 7 pm.  Get all your questions answered by the Pros in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  We look forward to seeing you at the Enhance Floors & More Design Center for our Kitchen and Bath Expo.

How Much Does It Cost?

It's funny, when we price out a kitchen remodel, our clients really don't have much "sticker shock."   We guess they know it is going to be a lot of money.  However, there is almost always a lot of surprise over how much a bathroom "gut and redo" costs. 

 

Every years Remodeling Magazine compiles the average costs by major city for various home improvement projects.  This is a great report to read so that you will know what to expect things to cost.  The 2016 numbers are in:

 

In Atlanta in 2016, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $20,612. A major kitchen remodel was $62,208. An upscale kitchen renovation averaged $123,584. 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 either refacing or painting or refinishing the existing cabinets.

 

The average cost in 2016 in Atlanta of a midrange bathroom remodel was $18,680. This includes all new fixtures, vanity cabinet, frameless glass shower doors, faucets, countertops, tile, and labor (plumbing, electrical, etc.) An "upscale" bathroom remodel was $60,014.  Most of our bathroom remodels are a little more costly than the midrange number once the fixtures are added in, but nowhere near as pricey as the upscale average price.

 

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

Julie in Marietta recently reviewed us.  Here's what she wrote:

"Enhance Floors did a great job. They did wood floors, ceramic tile, and carpet, and it all turned out great. The employees were great-they were professional and respectful. At first, I had called another company I saw on TV. They came out, and they refused to quote me because my husband wasn't on-site. So, we went to Enhance, which was right up the road from us. I'd give them an A-I had no complaints at all. I would use them again in a heartbeat."

 

Thank you, Julie, for the kind words.  Enjoy all your new flooring---it's like a brand-new house, isn't it?

Now and Later Tips and Trends

 Holiday Survival Tips

Christmas is less than two weeks away, and we are all hustling and bustling to get everything done.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your sanity this holiday season:

~~~put all family activities on a calendar and always check it first so that you do not over commit

~~~set up a wrapping station in a low-traffic area of your home; wrap gifts as you buy them

~~~spend some time in your guest room if you are having overnight visitors.  Assess the mattress, linens, and pillows and make any needed changes.  Be sure there is adequate lighting and a luggage stand. Is there adequate tabletop and drawer space for belongings?  A place for hanging clothes?  Do your window coverings block streetlights and the early morning sun?

~~~set aside a single place to collect all receipts for returning or exchanging items

~~~buy or charge batteries for gifts, cameras, etc.

~~~guests coming over?  The holidays are all about the treats. Even if you can't bake, slice up pre-made cookie dough and stick it in the oven. The smell of cookies baking is enough to put anyone in the holiday mood.

~~~and, most important, remember that Christmas is not about things.Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends

 

Design Tip

Interior colors you'll be seeing a lot of in 2017:

~~Pale blue hues

~~Warm golden colors, soft coral, peach and yellow, skin tones

~~Earthy colors that symbolize nature:  deep greens, red wine colors, all shades of light and dark brown, soft orange, peach, and pinkish-orange

~~Soft and tender light pinks

~~Greige, grey, taupe

 

Descriptive color names to look for include Blue Serenity, Stormy Monday, Wet Concrete, Sea Life, Rose Quartz, Sealskin, Shadow, Pink Bliss, Mountain Air, Guacamole, Grandfather Clock Brown and Brandywine.  Inspired yet?

 

Wool---Not Just for Sweaters

Speaking of trends- everything old is new again! We are seeing a huge resurgence in the popularity and sales of wool carpet. Of course, wool was the first carpet fiber, and remained the leader until new fibers came along mid-century. First polyester, then nylon, and later Triexta (which is still our strongest seller.)  However, wool never really went away. It had, for many years, a reputation for being high-end. And while it is relatively pricey, as the King of Carpets it is a great investment. Wool is the ultimate green carpet, as it is a renewable resource, and is extremely low in chemical processing (usually only for an anti-static treatment.) We have many beautiful wools to choose from, from manufacturers like Karastan, Fabrica, and Stanton, in Berbers, patterns, and prints. Wool is an elegant and sophisticated carpet choice, and will look beautiful for many, many years.

 

Buy Now, Install Later

No one ever likes to hear about price increases, but you need to know that we have received notifications of first of the year cost increases from almost every one of our product manufacturers.  This is not unusual in our industry; the New Year seems to be a clear date for price changes to be made effective.  These increases are averaging around 6%.  That is around $150 on a typical $4500 project.

 

The good news is we can order products and accept delivery and store your order in our warehouse until you are ready for your installation in January.  So, if you plan on making a flooring purchase soon, but just can't get it installed til after the holidays, don't worry.  All you need to do is get everything finalized by December 30 and your price is locked in, regardless of any future increases.

 

When You Have Some "Me" Time

Work on building your profile on Pinterest or Houzz. Both are such handy tools! On both, you can save pictures of rooms, furniture, appliances, practically everything that you like. After you have done this for a while, you'll begin to get a really good sense of your style in more than just words. Both can be accessed through our website (www.enhancefloors.com).

 

Houzz is a website that focuses on home improvement projects. There are thousands of articles about decorating, remodeling, design, furniture, and more. Pinterest is a giant application that allows you to have a virtual corkboard and "pin" anything you like--- from hairstyles, to wall colors, to weddings, to remodeling. Both are also good ways to see new trends, and to conduct your own research for decorating, DIY, or remodeling projects you have in mind.

 

We love it when clients can show us what they like instead of just trying to describe it---a picture is truly worth a thousand words! Simply allow us to look at your board or Ideabook with, for example, the picture of the backsplash design that you like, and we will be able to take you to similar products in our store.  There are so many helpful ways to use Pinterest and Houzz as you begin your home improvement journey.

 

I Was FLOORED by Enhance

Becky in Marietta writes that "Enhance just put in pre-finished oak flooring for us. We had a real challenging floor to put in-it's an older home-and they put it in very nicely. Their technicians were excellent; they knew what they were doing. The owner was a really good guy too, and he seemed to know what he was doing as well. We had gotten a couple of estimates, and we liked him. Their business is very close to where we live, and they've been in East Cobb for 15 to 20 years, so we figured if they're there that long with all these major outlets around, they've got to be doing something right. We're happy with Enhance. I'd give them an A."

 

Thank you for the great review, Becky.  Enjoy your new floor! And please call us anytime with any questions or concerns you might have.

Before You Go To The Grocery Store

Holiday baking, cooking, and entertaining are family traditions in many homes.  Before you head to the grocery store, first spend a little time in your pantry organizing and purging the contents. We all have that item we bought and thought we'd use that's been pushed to the back, or that can that lost its label long ago, or cake mix that's long expired. Before it's time to do your big shopping trip and fill up those shelves again, clean them out, organize them, and maybe you'll be able to mark a couple of things off your shopping list!

 

Maybe you will find it is time to start thinking about changing some storage systems or living spaces to make your home more functional. As you climb that step ladder to reach those top pantry shelves, consider how many more years you'll want to do that. As much as we don't want to face aging, it is a reality that we are getting older and staying in our own homes longer and later in life. Making a few changes can make that so much easier---and safer! Consider adding lighting over the kitchen counters and in the bathroom, pull-out shelves retrofitted into the lower kitchen cabinets, a curbless shower with grab bars, and even tiny modifications such as lowering the heat on the hot water heater to prevent scalds.

 

Toys for Tots

Enhance Floors & More is an authorized drop-off location for Toys for Tots.  All you need to do is bring in a brand new unwrapped toy (or two or three!) and we'll do the rest.  And we have a swag bag for you as thanks for your generosity.  You give....and you will get!

 

Design Tip

Are you struggling with all the new grey colored products on the market? Ready to make a design move in that direction, but not ready to make a full-on commitment to grey? Consider bringing in some elements of greige--a cross between grey and beige. It is a great compromise--greige coordinates well with brown, black, creams, whites and greys, so it offers a lot of flexibility. You can pull greige into your color scheme in flooring, furniture, or accessories, or in the kitchen or bathroom in tile on the floor or a backsplash. Try it, and soon you'll be a greige fanatic!

 

We Promise

The staff at Enhance is here to help you decide which flooring options are best for you and your family. That is part of our Customer Service Commitment: to ask questions and to listen to your needs, to give you real advice and accurate information, to help you make the best purchase to fit your lifestyle and budget, so that you have confidence you have purchased exactly the right product.

How Much Does It Cost?

We recently installed new laminate floors in a large area of a Kennesaw home:  the family room, dining room, living room, master bedroom, plus the hall, foyer and closets.  Our client chose one of the floors we have installed in our Design Center, Mohawk Huchenson color Sunbeam Acacia.  The cost was just shy of $5000, which included installing the new laminate floor, taking up and disposing of the old flooring, the required floor leveling, moving the furniture, new shoemold, and transitions.

 

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

From Carolyn in Roswell:

"This is the third time I have used Enhance Floors to install real hardwood floors in my house. The first time they did my master bedroom, half bath and re-finished 15 year old floors in my foyer, kitchen and hallways. It was stunning. Made me think I had a new house again. The second time a few years later I had them install hard woods in my formal living room. Beautiful! Two months ago, I had them pull up the old carpet in the den and install new hardwoods and it is absolutely breath taking.  They are one of the few business I have found where they show up on time; do what they say they are going to do; clean up behind themselves and make sure you are satisfied before you give them the final payment.  I have really been impressed with the friendliness and craftsmanship of this business. Real hardwoods, installed, sanded and stained. Trustworthy workers too. They are great.  I am a delighted customer and would recommend them highly."

You Give and You Will Get

November is the month of thankfulness.  It is also a great time to give to those in need.  Enhance Floors & More is hosting a food drive for Must Ministries.  We are also a drop-off site for Toys for Tots.  And we are giving away great prizes to thank you for your contributions.

Bring in five food items for Must Ministries or a brand new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and spin the prize wheel and see what you win!  

Prizes include: Restaurant and Retail Gift Cards - Area Rug - Store Gift Certificate

Come in today with food items or a toy and help those less fortunate.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

A Hot Topic:  Gas or Electric?

From Consumer Reports:  What's better---gas or electric ranges?  Each has its advantages.  Electric ranges are more popular than gas, and the best electric models in the CR tests consistently outperform the top gas models, largely because their more powerful range top element delivers faster heat and their broilers tend to cook more evenly because they cover a larger area than those in most gas ranges. 

But fans of gas ranges argue that it's easier to control the heat when cooking on the stove.  They have a point:  when you turn down a flame on a gas range, the heat reaching the food is reduced almost immediately. On radiant smooth top ranges---the most popular electric type-it can take a few minutes for the cooktop heat to fully reduce, which can lead to burned or overdone food. 

Grates in gas range tops can stand up to any type of cookware.  With an electric range, the ceramic glass cooktop can scratch or crack under heavy pots, and you will need to use flat-bottom cookware for the best contact with the cooktop surface.

If you are in the market for a new range, you may want to go with the best of both worlds:  a new dual-fuel model, which has a gas cooktop and an electric oven.

We Need Your Help

Last year, thanks to your votes, we won Atlanta's Best Place 

to Shop for Flooring. We are nominated again this year, and wow, we have a lot of competition. Please take a quick moment out of your busy day and vote for us!

We are under Remodeling/Design & Build or on the 5th page:
Best Place to Shop for Floors
Then choose Enhance Floors, and go to the end and submit.

You do not need to give any personal information and you can vote every 24 hours until November 15.  Thank you very much.  CLICK THE RIBBON TO VOTE!

                      

What's New at Enhance Floors?

COREtec Plus HD and Design by US Floors. This truly waterproof floor is available in beautiful wood and tile visuals, random widths, and the most realistic textures you will see in WPC/LVP. These floors are pet and kid friendly plus come with an attached cork back for added sound deadening, warmth, and insulation.

Come see these gorgeous new floors and create a beautiful new room(s) in your home that is as easy to clean as it is pretty!

How Much Does It Cost?

We recently installed a large Living Room in prefinished engineered hardwood floors to match the oak hardwoods that the client already had in his home.  We completed the job in one day and the total price was $2500, which included taking up and disposing of the existing carpet, pad, and tackstrip and installing new primed shoemold in the room.

Design Tip

We are indoors more in the fall and winter.  Now is a good time to stock up on candles. Make a simple and inviting centerpiece with a tray of flickering candles. Choose candles of different heights, and nestle them in a base of fall leaves (best to use freshly picked ones that aren't too dry), small pine cones or unshelled nuts. 

Next add seasonal throw pillows and small blankets to your sofa and chairs. There's no need to make major changes to your room's color palette to make it feel like autumn. Adding a handful of inexpensive pillows in cranberry, copper and gold and a small throw will warm up the space and make your room look more inviting.

I Was FLOORED By Enhance

Charles in Marietta writes that he found the Enhance team that installed his carpets "first class and a credit to your company.  They were courteous, worked continuously for the whole 2 days and cleaned up spotlessly.  Many thanks."  Thank you, Charles, we sincerely appreciate your business!