Here we present yet another story where Portis Building & Interiors was able to save the day.  In this case, the homeowner wanted to update her master bathroom.  This bathroom originally had  a vaulted ceiling that looked pretty dated.  To solve this problem, Sam was able to design a drop ceiling that came right above where the large window began (see picture of bathtub to the left).  He also added treys, which were trimmed out to provide the design with a more traditional feeling.

The homeowner’s selections began with Dark Emperador tiling for the top of the bathtub.  (Dark Emperador stones are primarily chocolate brown with white veining.)  All other choices by the homeowner was worked around this specific selection.  We used 20 x 20 tiles on the new tub deck, which saved the homeowner a good amount of money.  The front of the tub panels were designed in a manner that one could remove them in case someone needed to access the tub motor at a later time.

As you’ll notice on the floor, we added an accent tile which creates a balance to the added ceiling effect and a blend with the dark stone color throughout the bathroom.

The result was a success…one that we call a master bath remastered.

Tweet

Follow

You couldn’t wait to get home to relax and forget about the hard day at work you just experienced. Yet, imagine walking in your house after a long day of work to discover a flood from the top floor all the way down to the basement.  Walking into this situation could feel like a nightmare.  How could your day get any worse?

Believe it or not, these situations occur.  In this case, one homeowner discovered his upstairs hall bath had a toilet tank with an unknown crack. Unfortunately, this crack lead to a leak and 8 hours later his entire 3 floor home was flooded.  He called Portis Building & Interiors once the house had been mostly gutted of lower drywall, some cabinetry, some flooring and carpet, and all of his furniture.  The homeowner wanted a reputable company to come in and work with his insurance adjuster so that he’d receive the best value.  He was having trouble convincing the adjuster that the cabinets needed to be replaced.

The problem was as follows; When cabinets are built on site as they were in many older homes, they are assembled and nailed to the wall during assembly.  If you were to take them out to replace the flooring, then you typically couldn’t put them back.  In this case, the insurance company didn’t want to replace the cabinets.  We were able to explain the problem to them on a professional level, in which they were able to understand this particular crisis.

The owner also wanted to do a few upgrades that he paid for out of his own pocket.  Portis Building & Interiors was able to provide a full breakdown with design plans for his home.  He basically kept the same thumbprint for the kitchen, but added a bar area in one location.  Also added were hardwood floors located in the kitchen, a reworked fireplace, and bookcases to the den.  We even took a wall down to open the area of the den to the stairwell, where there was once a hallway.

In conclusion, what once began as a nightmare ended as somewhat of a dream come true.  Design upgrades to a home and a brand new interior that the homeowner could proudly walk into from another hard day at work.

Although, I bet he’s made it a habit every morning to check that bathroom for any small cracks and leaks before he heads to work.  Could you blame him?

Tweet

Follow

This project began as a one story ranch, in which the owners wanted to stay put at their current location. They were in a great school district with young children on a large lot. Originally, the kitchen of this specific home was closed-in with a den next to it. The owners had a closed in kitchen that was not open to the den.  We were asked to open the space for them, so we took down the wall between the two and added a beam to support the roof line.  It was a load bearing wall that was to be removed.

The customer also wanted white cabinets, a fridge for just drinks, a drop zone for the children which served an area to post school newsletters, drop keys, place school supplies, etc.  A large peninsula was added in the kitchen to seat the entire family.

To show off a bit, we added a place above the cook top to place oil and vinegar bottles.  In accomplishing this, we were able to showcase a bit of the tile that the owner selected.

Photos show a pull out pantry, a kid’s beverage area, a shorter storage area for supplies with chalk and bulletin boards above, and baskets for keys and garage door openers.

Tweet

Follow

Check the Portis Building & Interior Sister Blog from Molly Portis, titled “Sleeping With The Contractor”

Molly Portis is a partner in the full service design/build firm, Portis Building & Interiors, located in Dunwoody, Georgia. When she is not managing the office, picking up job permits, putting together customer design selections, paying the subs, answering the phones or putting out fires she enjoys quilting, sewing, keeping up with her 21 year old twins, and volunteering in the community.

Tweet

Follow

Assuming its cheaper to do it yourself

“If you are a handy person with a small project, doing it yourself will save you money on your labor costs.  But only on your labor costs and only if your project is small!  Here is where doing it yourself will cost you MORE:

*Materials cost – professionals buy their materials cheaper than you can because they buy at contractor rates, a special bulk rate for those who buy in large volume.  Contractors are also professional buyers of building materials; they shop for and negotiate the most advantageous prices.  Special discounts, warranties and returns privileges are also available for contractors that simply are not given to regular consumers.

*Cost of tools – professionals use the highest quality tools.  They also always have the correct tool for the correct job.  Don’t underestimate the damage the wrong tool or a cheap tool can do to your project.

*Code violations cost – do you know the current building codes for your area? Are you capable of remodeling to that code? An out of code remodel can actually devalue your home.

*Cost of your time – if you are working on your remodel when you would otherwise be working in your own profession, you are losing money.  If you are working on your remodel when you would otherwise be relaxing or spending time with your family, you could be putting your health and your relationships in jeopardy.”

Article from “15 Biggest Remodeling Mistakes…and how to avoid them” by Cindy Jo Mencavage (www.castlecreekconstruction.com)

Tweet

Follow

Sam Portis serves as a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). But what does this mean to the homeowner?

Deciding to remodel your home is a big decision. Outside of buying your home, it may be the single biggest investment you make. You need to know that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. NARI’s certification program offers this assurance through its extensive screening, training and testing process. In addition, NARI certification programs require on-going education and training to maintain certification status.

Only full-time, professional remodeling contractors are eligible for certification by NARI. You can be assured that any time you hire a NARI certified remodeling contractor, you are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry and to his or her business. And because remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for at least five years, you know that the NARI certified remodeling professional you hire for your home improvement project has had many years to develop the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive
hands-on practice.

Isn’t it good to know that your remodeling contractor has a long-term commitment to his or her work?

Tweet

Follow

Designing a space to meet your every need and then finding the space to fit it in is not as easy as one may think.  In this kitchen we had every inch of space accounted for and still needed to create a drop zone just for mom.

A place to keep up with appointments, the kids schedules and school projects, dinner plans, etc. is provided, resulting in one happy mother.  Wake up every morning with your day planned and organized, relieving all the headaches that come with a very busy day.

Tweet

Follow

At this current time, finding a contractor that you can trust can be challenging and regretful at worst, while rewarding and satisfactory at best.  Sam Portis of Portis Building & Interiors  is a Certified Remodeler and member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry [NARI].  Here he presents some words of advice on choosing a builder from fellow member Patrick Bentivegna.

How should a homeowner conduct builder interviews?

Get suggestions from people who were happy with their contractors.  Then make a list of questions to ask.  Are they licensed and insured?  Do they have recommendations about your project?

How do you develop a good builder-homeowner relationship?

Often homeowners go into the relationship thinking builders are thieves.  Interview builders until you find a good communicator you can have a friendly relationship with.  Don’t hire someone if you’re waiting for days to get responses to e-mails or calls.  This is your hard-earned money, and you shouldn’t feel guarded while spending it.

What if the relationship crumbles?

Make sure you have a progressive payment schedule contract.  After the foundation: one payment.  After the framing: another payment, etc.  That way, if you need to remove someone, there’s no money loss on either side.  It’s fair.

Find additional questions and answers from NARI pros at bhg.com/advice/ask-a-pro

Tweet

Follow

Come and join us as we design and remodel the PBI social experience. Help us build our network of loyal customers, friends and associates. All we ask is that you open the front door of this experience as we keep you updated on what we are working on, how we are helping our community and our thoughts on what’s new in our industry.

Portis Building & Interiors, Inc. is a full service design/build firm that handles all phases of remodeling for your home or office. We are members of (NARI) National Association of Remodeling Industry and the (BBB) Atlanta Better Business Bureau. We have over 25 years of experience in the construction industry in the Atlanta area and have had offices in the Dunwoody area the past 18 years.

Portis Building & Interiors, Inc. is Georgia State licensed and insured.We are committed to providing our customers with high quality, custom service; our ultimate goal is client satisfaction. We hope you will let us provide that service to you on your next project.

Tweet

Follow