Some rules are meant to be broken, but then there’s color! Have you ever thought about why we find one place appealing and another one appalling? Why we are attracted to one product versus another? The answer is color! Whether it’s architectural or in a product color accounts for about 60% of our response to an object or a place. Today there is such a vast array of color palettes out there, but sometimes too many options mean even the pros are bound to make an occasional mistake. Here are a few things to avoid when choosing a paint color so you can stay clear of a wrong turn on the color wheel.
•Don’t pick your paint color first
This is one of the very last things you should pick in a room. If you pick the paint color first you can really limit yourself as far as finding things to match. Get the room planned first and then select the paint color. You can take color ideas from fabrics or even a main statement piece.
•Don’t pick a color that’s to bright of a hue or to saturated
In order to follow this you first need to know the terms:
•Hue is a color. Pink is a hue; blue is a hue.
•The value of a hue means how light or dark it is.
•Saturation is how dominant the hue is. For instance if we go from red to pink, the red hue becomes less dominant as white is added.
•Intensity is the brilliance of a color. For instance pure colors such as red, blue, yellow etc. are much more intense than combined colors and a intense color will usually have a more dominant hue.
So now that we have learned all about the terms let’s talk about brightness:
A bright rich green can look absolutely beautiful as a lamp because it has a sheen to it, or even as a pillow because it has depth, but when you put that same really bright color on the wall it looks a whole lot stronger then it does on a lamp or a pillow. Light colors or muddy colors (these have more gray or black mixed in with them) work much better than a really bright hue. However, if you have your heart set on making the walls scream a with bright color make sure you furnish the rest of the room in neutral tones or even white.
•Don’t forget your home is a whole
Even if it’s a small condo or cabin transitioning color from one room to the next can be tricky. It won’t flow well if you’ve got bright yellow in one room and dark red in another.
•Don’t loose sight of how you feel
You might be thinking my favorite color is pink, I’m going to put that in my bathroom! But what you really want is a space that is relaxing and calm. So you see there is a disconnect between picking a color based on what you like and what you want the space to feel like. If you want a room that’s relaxing and calm you might want to look at cool colors like light blue and green; if you want something energetic and exciting look at warm colors like yellow and orange.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains
For many generations, even dating back to the ancient pyramids stone has graced buildings and architectural wonders of the world. Stone lasts forever and is magnificent to look at. In recent years though faux stone has made an appearance in the market. Faux stone provides the looks of stone, but without the high cost. Before you decide on either one though take a look at the pros and cons of each:
Stone
Stone used for your home is manufactured from real rocks and stones that are harvested directly from the earth, however, the process of obtaining, transporting and finishing the stone contributes to very high costs. It is also not the most environmentally friendly approach either because we are depleting the earth of its natural resources. Natural stone is very heavy and as a result the effort put in for labor is increased. This makes the cost of installation and the time required for the whole process quite high.
On a positive note though, stone cannot be matched in terms of durability and quality. It will last for hundreds of years, but this also raises the question of whether the structure will be around for that long. Stone can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer if it is used out doors and it resistant to heat, sunlight and ultraviolet rays. It will not peel, crack or fade in color. Even if there are accidental cracks it will still look beautiful because the entire material has the same look both inside and out. Stone is also resistant to moisture and humidity and very few materials can compare when it comes to the elegance and natural beauty of stone.
Faux stone
Faux stone is an engineered material that mimics the look and feel of natural stone. In fact most people can’t tell the difference between faux and real stone. The veneer applied on faux stone plays a large role in the overall appearance of the finish. Faux stone is very durable and most varieties come with a warranty of about 25 years. However, it certainly does not share the ageless quality of natural stone and faux stone can be damaged under the high intensity of a pressure washer.
On the upside faux stone is lightweight and easy to install. It is also much cheaper than natural stone. This is because the material is so easy to carry around. Faux stone although it can’t be pressure washed is still easy to clean and maintain. It is also resistant to moisture, mold, mildew and most environmental conditions. Faux stone is much more environmentally friendly then real stone too. In fact most products can be recycled and reused over time. Considering the cost benefits and durability of faux stone, many homeowners are beginning to choose it over original stone.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Designing your dream bathroom can take careful planning and you have to consider all of your needs. Below you will find some helpful tips in order to make your dream bathroom a reality:
1.Function
A bathroom is one of the hardest working spaces in your home. If it’s not functional, everybody will suffer. You need to keep all of these functions in mind when choosing the sink, tub, shower, toilet and any other pieces you might want to add. For example if your bathroom serves as a workstation for preparing for the day you might want to consider adding plenty of storage and quick access to outlets.
2.Make it relaxing
Bathrooms are not always about function. They are also meant to be an escape or a spa-like space where you are able to relax and wash off the stress of the day.
3.Map the space out
The plumbing will decide where you place the shower, toilet and tub, but you need to think like an engineer when making the bathroom floor plan. Walk the space with your contractor and play out the tasks required to get ready for the day. Do you want to store objects in a vanity? If so would you mind bending over to get them? Also consider your arms length. Do you want to quickly grab an object or do you mind reaching for it?
4.Plan for luxuries
Consider what other functions you might want to incorporate into your bathroom. Maybe you would like a seat in the shower or a steam room?
5.Choose a look
How do you want to feel when you’re in your bathroom? Is it formal (consider dark colors with white) or casual (consider neutrals)?
6.Style
It is okay to think outside of the box. You can choose a style that relates to the area that you live in (city or country?), a style of architecture (classic English country or modern?) or a style that you’re just attached to.
7.Choose a surface
When selecting surface products for the bathroom such as tile or marble, make sure that you know the pros and cons of each material. Will the marble or tile stand up to heavy wear? Do you want a polished floor ? Do you want heat resistant countertops? Etc.
(See our article titled “Shopping for a new countertop”)
8.Add fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are the crowned jewels of any bathroom. They are metallic and can add a dramatic effect to any space, just as jewelry can add a dramatic look to an outfit. There are numerous finishes and styles offered from brass to bronze and all the metals in between. Keep your style and maintenance requirements in mind though as you choose your bathroom fixtures. For example fancy gold fixtures probably won’t go well with a beach inspired bathroom.
9.Pick your lighting
Choosing the lighting is absolutely critical in the bathroom. Be aware that fluorescent lighting casts a bluish color, as opposed to the yellowish color of incandescent bulbs. Strongly consider how you want the lighting to make things look. For example if you combine blue wall paint and blue-hued fluorescent lighting you may end up looking like death becomes her in the mirror.
10.Add fabric
Use a small amount of fabric to reduce the harshness of many bathroom materials. Anything from towels and shower curtains to window treatments and small upholstered pieces, such as a vanity stool, will bring a soft touch to a hard space.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Choosing a roof for your house may not be as simple as you think. Today there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from than ever before! While each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, they all add a unique design element to your home. So how do you decide which one is right for you?
There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof such as:
•How long will it last?
•How it hold up if a natural disaster occurs?
•Is it too heavy for the roof framing?
•Will the roof have enough slope?
•Will the look complement the style of the house?
•Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
•How much does it cost?
Below you will find a description on the different types of roofing available:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing for homes. In fact over 80% of homes have this type of shingle.
Material: Asphalt shingles are made of either organic paper fiber mat (best for cold weather and wind) or fiberglass (best for fire and moisture resistance) and combined with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.
Style: They are available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated shingles.
Eco-Friendly: Asphalt shingles are a petroleum based product that is not eco-friendly, however they can be recycled and often taken to landfills.
Durability: These shingles are not very durable, but in humid climates algae resistant shingles are available to prevent staining.
Weight: Moderate in weight.
Slope: These shingles can be used on both fairly low and steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire resistance, fair wind resistance.
Cost: Inexpensive to moderate.
Metal
While this type of roof is more expensive than asphalt metal roofing does last longer and is more wind resistant.
Material: Metal roofing can be composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or alloy. Steel roofs can come with either a zinc coating or painted finish. Copper roofs are installed unfinished and will acquire a protective green patina with age.
Style: This roofing is available in both sheets and shingles that resemble other materials. It can also be installed with the fasteners hidden or exposed.
Eco-Friendly: Metal roofing can be made from recycled materials and can also be recycled when replaced. It also absorbs a 1/3 the heat than asphalt.
Durability: Metal can be fairly durable depending on the material.
Weight: Lightweight.
Slope: Metal can be used on both fairly low and steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good resistance to both fire and wind.
Cost: Moderate (steel) to expensive (copper).
Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymer is durable synthetic roofing shingles that resemble either wood shakes or slate.
Material: Plastic polymer is made from a high-tech plastic polymer material.
Style: It is made to resemble slate or wood shakes.
Durability: Plastic Polymer is claimed to be long lasting and low maintenance.
Eco-Friendly: Some types are made from recycled materials and they can also be recycled when replaced.
Weight: Light to moderate weight.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire and wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.
Clay Tile
While clay tiles are brittle and heavy, they can last a long time and are very fire resistant.
Material: Made from natural clay which is fired in a kiln.
Style: Clay tiles have a traditional Italian or Spanish look and can also be made to resemble wood shakes or slate.
Eco-Friendly: These tiles are made from natural materials but does require significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: Clay tiles are long lasting and low maintenance but they are brittle and can break.
Weight: Very Heavy and requires reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance and fair to low wind resistance.
Cost: Expensive.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles and are also heavy, but can last a long time and are very fire resistant.
Material: Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of Portland cement and sand.
Style: These tiles be made to resemble traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, or slate. The color can be throughout the tile or only applied on the surface.
Eco-Friendly: Concrete tiles are made from natural materials but does require significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: They are long lasting and low maintenance but can break.
Weight: Very heavy and requires reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance and fair to low wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.
Slate
Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials around. Although it is brittle and expensive, it is also very durable and resists both wind and fire.
Material: Slate is made from natural slate rock.
Style: This material is usually dark gray with irregular appearance.
Eco-Friendly: Slate is made from natural materials.
Durability: It is long lasting and generally durable. (The durability depends on where the slate was quarried).
Weight: Very heavy and requires reinforced roofing structure to support.
Slope: Steep sloped roofs only.
Fire & Wind: Good fire and wind resistance.
Cost: Very expensive and requires specially trained people to install.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles and shakes that are made from rot resistant wood have very low fire resistance unless they are treated.
Material: Wood shingles and shakes are commonly made of cedar, but they can also be made of other rot resistant wood such as redwood.
Style: This material gives a natural look and weathers to a silvery gray. It is available in shingles or thicker split shakes.
Eco-Friendly: Wood shingles and shakes are made from natural materials.
Durability: They have a short lifespan and will require periodic maintenance.
Weight: Moderate in weight.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good wind resistance, but poor fire resistance although it can be treated with a fire retardant.
Cost: Moderate.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
The two main things that mold needs in order to grow are organic materials and moisture. In homes there are both! The organic materials that mold lives on are wood, drywall and various other building materials. While you can’t get rid of the material, the moisture on the other hand can be controlled! Most types molds need 24-48 hours of moisture to begin to grow. Therefore if a suitable material in your home is wet for more than 24 hours then you begin to run the risk of mold starting to grow. Below you will find some helpful tips to prevent mold from growing in your home.
Prevent Water Leaks
There are a couple of main things that usually cause moisture problems in your home. One of them is water leaks! These include things such as cracks in your foundation where water can enter your home, leaking roofs, leaking walls, leaking pipes, leaking faucets and a leaking shower. If you become aware of any leaks in your home you should fix them immediately. You might even need to inspect your home and foundation to find any water leaks you didn’t know about.
Prevent Condensation
Condensation is another frequent cause of moisture. Condensation will form on cold surfaces when water vapor in the air cools and becomes liquid. You will often see condensation on metal pipes, concrete walls, water tanks, windows, etc.
One way to reduce the condensation in your home is to keep the temperature warmer in rooms where it builds up. One example of how you can do this is by installing proper insulation. You can also insulate the surfaces themselves such as putting coverings over metal pipes.
Reduce Humidity
Did you know that many species of mold can start to grow from humidity alone? In fact the humidity only needs to be higher than 55% before some molds can begin to grow. It is especially important to properly ventilate the rooms where steam and moisture build up, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Exhaust fans help to reduce the humidity when doing things like cooking or washing dishes. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also reduce household humidity.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Have you been considering upgrades to your home but aren’t sure which projects will pay off the most in the long run? Below you will find several remodeling projects that yield the highest rate of return on your investment.
Toilets and Bathtubs
Toilets and bathtubs can fit over present plumbing, and are fairly easy to install.
You just simply remove the old one and replace it. A midrange bathroom upgrade like this will typically recoup about 78% of the cost when you sell your home.
*Note- When considering a new toilet, shop for a modern unit that conserves water.
Bathroom Sinks
Bathrooms sinks and vanities have become home fashion statements especially with the rising popularity of sleek stand alone sinks or vanities. If you can afford the extra cost with a higher priced sink consider going for it. When you sell your home your upscale bathroom remodel should return around 70% of your investment.
Kitchen Cabinets
Instead of redoing the entire kitchen resurfacing your cabinets is an easy, cost effective upgrade. You can refurbish your wood cabinets with a new look, giving them a darker finish or lightening them up. You can also consider painting them if you would like to have some color. While you’re at it, also upgrade the cabinet hardware. Small kitchen upgrades like these can recoup about 83% of the cost when its time to sell.
Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sinks sure do get a lot of use. Sinks have come a very long way in terms of design and function. If you replace a sink, you will probably want to spring for a new kitchen faucet as well. Luxury sinks and high neck faucets can be pretty expensive but the investment will likely pay off when you go to sell.
Kitchen Countertops
Are your countertops looking old and worn out? Natural stone counter tops like granite, have dominated the market for some time, but cheaper and traditional materials are now making a comeback! Improved laminate countertops are the more affordable option, but for a more expensive designer look, concrete or recycled glass might be good options.
Roofing
Roofing is very labor intensive, so it is not cheep and slate and tin roof installation costs even more then average. However,
most roofing shingles now come with a 20-year warranty, and upgraded shingles often come with a 30-50 year warranty. A new roof can make a big difference in the curbside appeal of your home and roofing upgrades will recoup around 63% of their cost when you sell.
Siding
Vinyl siding usually comes with a 20-year durability guarantee and it’s quick and easy to install, while fiber cement is more expensive, but usually has a 59 year durability guarantee. Siding comes in numerous colors and textures and by replacing your siding you can expect to recoup up to 87% of the project’s cost!
Windows
The energy efficiency of modern windows has dramatically increased compared to the windows of the 1990s. Besides keeping you warmer new windows can be a major selling point. You can expect to recoup around 78% of an investment in window replacement.
*Note- Depending on your window choice, you might have to replace the window frame as well as the trim, and that will cost you more.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
In the past basements were often ignored and considered to be to dark and musty. They were simply used as a storage unit and that was it. However, in recent years homeowners have realized that the basement has wonderful potential as an extra living space. It could be a place for kids to play on cold or rainy days, somewhere to do laundry, a mother-in-law suit, or even a space to rent out. If you are thinking about adding extra space to your home an unfinished basement is a great opportunity. In fact the cost savings of redoing a basement versus adding an addition can sometimes be up to 1/3 to 1/2 less! Plus aside from the cost savings and the benefit of extra space finishing your basement can also add value to your home. Before you jump in head first though there are a few things to do before you get started on your new space:
1) Make sure mold and moisture problems under control.
Before you start finishing your basement, make sure that you don’t have uncontrollable mold and moisture problems and ensure that you can stop water from getting in.
2) Set a budget for your renovations.
You will need to create a budget to find out how much money you have to work with. Don’t forget to take into account things like building supplies, labor, items such as toilets and showers, and extras. Hiring a contractor to do this is a good idea, as they can help you figure out how much money you need and where you can save a few dollars.
3) Plan out your renovations.
A good contractor can help you complete this task as you will need to know the lengths of all the walls you’ll put in, how much square footage of flooring material you’ll need, how much wall space you need to drywall, etc.
4) Get any necessary permits and inspections.
Before you start it is very important to get all of the necessary permits and inspections from your local building department. You wouldn’t want to do all that work and then have someone tell you you need to take it down or worse: hit a surprise water main!
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Although both hardwood and carpet are very different sometimes it can be hard trying to decide which one is best. In this article we will discuss each one to help you decide which one is perfect for you.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are known to be very fashionable. They are long lasting and are able to be refinished several times to freshen up the look. Hand scraped wood flooring which has deeper grooves will hide the small dents and wear and tear that can result from high traffic and pets. It is a higher upfront cost than carpet, but hardwood adds a lasting value to a home that carpet can’t match. Wood is a sustainable, renewable and natural material and can help relieve allergies because it does not trap dust, pollen, and mites. With hardwood it is also easier to clean up spills, pet hair, and debris more so then carpet. However, wood floors need to be cleaned, vacuumed or swept, and mopped more often than carpet. In fact it needs to be swept at least every other day. There is a large variety of woods, and several colors to choose from. Plus you can easily change a hardwood floor’s look with an area rug.
Carpet
Carpet is easier, faster and cheaper to install than hardwood flooring. While carpet generally doesn’t last nearly as long as wood it’s life can be extended with frequent vacuuming and by steam cleaning once a year. Carpet hides the dirt so you can clean it less often, but it does trap airborne dust particles in the spaces between the tufts. A family of four should vacuum once a week, or at minimum every other week. Be aware though that even with cleaning, stains never really go away. However, new more stain resistant synthetic carpet and more efficient vacuum cleaners make cleaning less of a hassle. Carpet is quieter than hardwood floors and warmer in the winter. A high quality carpet can last you about 10-15 years and you will have more color choices in carpet.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Radon gas is in the North Georgia mountains! Did you know that 8 out of 10 homes in North Georgia tested for radon gas have high results? First to get a better understanding of radon reduction systems lets talk a little about radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally occurs in the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Because the pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home’s foundation your home will act like a vacuum, sucking radon in through cracks and other openings. Radon can also be present in well water and can be released into the air when water is used for showering and other household uses. In most cases the radon entering your home through water is only a small risk compared with radon entering your home from the soil.
Radon is the estimated cause of tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Smoking is number one. So if you smoke and your home has high radon levels your risk of lung cancer is incredibly high.
The Surgeon General and the EPA recommend testing for radon and reducing radon in homes that have high levels. Fix your home immediately if your radon level is confirmed to be 4 picocuries per liter, pCi/L, or higher. However, radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still can pose a risk, and in many cases may still be reduced.
*Note- Any radon exposure has some risk of causing lung cancer. The lower the radon level in your home, the lower your family’s risk of lung cancer.
Having a radon reduction system installed can work wonders. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%! Below we will examine the different types of radon reduction systems:
Exterior Installed Radon Reduction Systems
When a radon reduction system is installed on on the exterior of your home, the pressurized components of the radon system are located outside while the interior components are under suction. This system “sucks” the radon out from inside your home and safely dispenses it into the air outside.
Attic Installed Radon Reduction Systems
A radon reduction system installed through the attic space will hide the radon system from view and offer better protection from freezing outdoor temperatures. In most situations the attic installed radon reduction system is routed through the garage to the attic space above it. If the garage/attic option is unavailable the pipes can, in some cases, be routed through multiple closets to rise to the attic space above the home. This system just like the exterior installed one takes the radon out from inside your home and safely dispenses it into the air outside.
Passive Radon Reduction Systems
Radon resistant new construction techniques can be used to prevent radon gas entry in new construction homes. Most radon resistant designs consist of a gas permeable layer of gravel under the concrete slab, a soil gas collection pipe buried within the gravel layer, a suction pipe that extends through an interior wall, and the exhaust point above the roof of the home. A correctly installed passive radon reduction system should also include the sealing of cracks in the concrete foundation. The passive radon systems work by creating a vacuum through natural stack effect in the suction pipes and can be converted to active radon systems by installing a radon vent fan.
Radon Mitigation For Crawlspaces
Crawlspaces can be a major radon entry point. Radon gas can enter the areas above crawlspaces and through the floorboards. To properly prevent this radon entry a crawlspace should be sealed using a durable vapor barrier that is air tight. When combined with a radon reduction system it will stop radon gas, plus reduce odors and make your crawlspace a cleaner area for storing items
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Concrete is the new and exciting flooring material choice for both designers and homeowners! Concrete is a very stylish choice for indoor floors in your home and is infinitely versatile. It’s surface can be finished in various ways with colors, stains, and aggregates, plus you can also give it a textured surface or buff it until it’s glossy. Below you will find the pros and cons of having a concrete floor in your home:
Pros:
1) Durability
To say that concrete is durable is definitely an understatement. Once it is poured you could drive a tank over it! That is why you typically see this type of flooring in places like warehouses, stores and garages. The only thing that will scratch a concrete floor is a jackhammer. Pet claws, furniture, heavy items, etc that would ruin a hardwood floor won’t hurt a concrete floor.
2) Price
The only reason you will have to replace a concrete floor is if you get tired of the look. Since it will most likely never need to be replaced, your savings will come in the form of a long-term investment. This is the upside of the pricing. The downside is that you will have to pay more for installation.
3) Energy And The Environment
Concrete floors are an investment that has the potential to save you money on your energy bills. In the winter months they absorb the heat from the sun and in the summer you will feel a few degrees cooler. Most of the time there’s already a concrete subfloor under the flooring that you currently have. Think about it. All you should need to do is remove the stuff that’s covering it! No new materials will have to be created, so it has a zero carbon footprint plus concrete floors do not contain harmful Volatile Organic Compounds. Did you know that most synthetic carpets do in fact contain VOC’s? Carpets are also notorious for dust mites. Concrete floors are virtually incapable of harboring any kind of pest. Plus concrete can be recycled!
Cons:
1) Moisture
You need to make sure that both the bottom and the top of the surfaces are sealed. If this doesn’t happen moisture will seep into the concrete. Even a little bit of wetness can harbor mold and mildew. If the temperature happens to dip below freezing with moisture in it, it will expand causing a serious crack in the slab. However, some people actually love the rustic, organic look that can be achieved by leaving minor random cracks exposed. Plus if cracks are perceived as an eyesore, micro-toppings offer the ability to hide them under a smooth, new surface that can accept a wide array of decorative treatments, including staining, stamping, and stenciling.
2) Hardness
Durability also means that a concrete floor is really hard! If you fall on a rug you may suffer a carpet burn, but if you fall on a concrete floor you may end up in the emergency room. Because of the hardness factor it is not recommended if you have elderly people or children living in the house.
3) Other Considerations
Here are some other things you might want to take into account before you make your final decision:
• High traffic areas will need to be resealed about 5-times a year.
• This is not a DIY project and even with a professional expect a major mess while it is being finished.
In short concrete is great! It’s durable, stain proof, waterproof, chic, and it gives your room a sleek and contemporary look. When properly sealed concrete withstands water, and bacteria. It’s resistant to fire, stains, and odors. It won’t scratch, it’s easy to clean, and the design is customizable. Concrete also contributes to good air quality, and it can help reduce energy bills when used properly. Keep in mind though that fragile objects can break if dropped on concrete, and standing on it for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. Hairline cracks can appear over time on concrete floors with heavy traffic and concrete floors will need to be resealed regularly.
Feel free to contact us about any questions you may have about concrete flooring.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.