Charleston Home + Design Magazine's
100 HOT REMODELING TIPS

Replace your old concrete or asphalt driveway with an Accu-Brick paver driveway for added curb appeal and low maintenance.

Try Centurion-treated primed pine trim boards from Liberty Cedar Exterior Products to give your exterior a facelift. They have a 50 year warranty against pretty much everything, including termites, rot, cupping, and splitting.

Determine how the trim of replacement windows might change and interfere with your current or future window treatments from Best Buy Blinds.

Expand your view with steel cable handrail for your deck or back porch from Charleston's Rigging and Marine Hardware.

Replace existing light switches with controllable light switches from Controlit, Inc., and save time and energy with the ability to set lighting scenes throughout the entire home, like Goodnight, Entertain, and Vacation, with the push of a button.

Make a show-stopping first impression by replacing your dull, outdated foyer floor with ceramic, porcelain, or properly sealed honed natural stone from Melcer Tile. For a real dash of panache, opt for an artistic inlay.

Make your bathroom remodel a splash with American Standard’s Americast tub from Noland. A revolutionary alternative to cast iron, the Americast is more durable, 50 percent lighter, and costs less to install.

Apply LED tape from Charleston Lighting and Interiors to tight spaces to provide energy efficient accent lighting in many colors.

Let Muhler create a custom-designed sunroom so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors year-round—free of adverse weather and pesky biting bugs!

Design and install custom closet solutions in two weeks with the advanced computer software from English Custom Closets.

Install a CoastalMister Misting System from Palmetto Mosquito Control to save yourself seasons of swatting. Fully automated, the system delivers a fine mist twice a day to keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay.

Increase the value and functionality of your home with automation and lighting control systems from Connect-Tec.

Kick up your pest control services with Palmetto Exterminator’s quarterly pest service, which includes protection against tons of creepy-crawly species. Bonus? Palmetto’s technicians will remove exterior spider webs and wasp nests for free during visits.

Take advantage of the low price of copper and install a classic Charleston metal roof from Homewerx.

Spruce up your discolored and cracked concrete driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks with Cemex's Vintage Cobble Tumbled Pavers.

Not ready for a complete kitchen remodel? Let Palmetto Surfacing come out and replace your countertops with an affordable, beautiful surface like Cambria Quartz. A one-week turnaround time gives you a fresh look fast.

Retrofit your home with an Elevette custom elevator from ESC Elevator and make your home more accessible.

If you are going to remodel your home, you will receive the largest insurance discount by protecting your windows with impact-rated windows or hurricane shutters. Storm Resistant Homes can give you the details.

Dress up your windows with Hunter Douglas Silhouette Window Shadings from Murray Window Coverings, which feature soft fabric veins suspended between two sheer facings to soften and diffuse light.

Call PermaCoat of Charleston for an application of TexCote’s “CoolWall” coating to your home’s exterior. It looks and feels like paint, but is 10-15 times thicker, eliminating future painting, maintenance, and repairs.

Decorate your home with the hues of natural wood flooring ranging from rich cherry to the warm tones of mahogany and oak finishes from Floor It Now.

Take a cue from HGTV’s Candice Olsen and invest in Silestone Quartz countertops, available at Prestige Marble. Built-in Microban antimicrobial protection, along with National Sanitation Foundation- and GreenGuard-certification, makes it safe, smart, and stylish.

Change out existing cabinet hardware with new styles from Builders Hardware of South Carolina, Inc. to reflect your individual personality and style.

Save money by turning off the lights and install a Solatube Daylighting System from Coastal Transformations, which qualifies for a 30 percent Federal Tax Stimulus credit.

Install a HomeLogic Intelligent Home Control system from Carolina Custom Security & Sound for complete home automation and management.

If your HVAC unit cannot handle additional square footage and you would like to undertake an addition, have Platt’s Heating & Air put in a ductless mini-split. Requiring no ductwork, mini-splits mount on the wall like the units in hotel rooms.

Give your home a sense of history with Charleston One Source's Antique Barnwoods Collection, and choose from the more formal look of a re-milled floor or the authentic sawn surface and natural patina of their Old Original options.

Everyone can use a little help becoming more organized at home and Quality Mirror and Glass can aid by installing new shelving in your existing closets.

Turn an un-used bedroom into a home office from Closets & Organization By Design: Get rid of the bulky bed and replace it with a wall bed or use an existing reach-in closet to install a work counter, file storage below, and shelving or cabinets above.

Is your bathroom bland? Let the lighting designers at Rick's Lighting & Supplies assist you with selecting a new sink vanity and coordinating light fixtures for a very cost-effective way to bring new life to a tired space.

Create multiple shallow shelves in the pantry with the help of California Closets rather than deep shelves for improved functionality.

If you have room in your backyard, why not splurge with a new swimming pool from San Juan Pools of Charleston. Punch up your poolside pizzazz by having their experts add Fiberstars lighted water features.

If you’ve decided to perk up your pad with some new furniture, do a good deed and donate your old duds to Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore; proceeds from purchases benefit the charitable organization.

Install a glass or stainless steel tile backsplash from Buckhannon Brothers Tile Showroom for an inexpensive way to update the kitchen.
Perk up your patio with a teak lounge set from The Teak Hut. Not ready for the full set? Purchase a few key pieces to ensure your outdoor space is party ready in a pinch.

When planning for tile in a bathroom, think about boosting the impact by incorporating a subtle, inexpensive border in your shower as well as recessed soap and shampoo shelves from FloorCo.

Update the cabinet finish or transform the look of the kitchen by replacing drawers and door fronts from Carpenter’s Antiques and Restoration.

Build a new AZEK Deck from Buck Lumber & Building Supply, Inc. for superior stain resistance and durability.

Let Southcoast Electrical & Plumbing take your home into the future of lighting with a LightTouch integrated control system, which actually allows you to call your home before arriving to have the lights turned on.

Update your kitchen with a new set of stainless steel kitchen appliances, or show your laundry room some love with a new Maytag Performance Series washer and dryer set from Wholesale Appliance Center.

Replace older kitchen cabinets with Plain and Fancy cabinets in a white or cherry finish from Designer Kitchens & Baths, Inc.

Protect your home from UV radiation passed through glass windows with window films from Solarworks Group. Energy-efficient, the films cut down the loss and gain of heat and, ultimately, cut down your energy bill.

Add composite or IPE decking from Dockmasters Construction, LLC for an updated and maintenance-free dock.

Need new windows? Enjoy noticeable energy savings as well as a $1,500 tax credit on your next tax return when you choose affordable ENERGY STAR-rated vinyl replacement windows from Southcoast Exteriors.

Flex your remodeling ingenuity by having the professionals at Southeast Kitchens convert solid panel wall cabinet doors to glass for a chic and easy kitchen update.

Upgrade inadequate attic insulation with AirTight SprayFoam insulation to save both energy and money. Ask them about available tax credits, too!

Don’t underestimate the value of acquiring the help of a closet professional trained to maximize your space. Tailored Closets will help you design and install a custom-tailored system to keep clutter to a minimum.

Take that dated, dirty, moldy guest bathroom and give it a one day makeover from Coastal Additions, changing the tub, shower, and fixtures for a quick, inexpensive, and hassle free update that guests will notice and appreciate.

Stow and transport furnishings in a UNITS mobile storage unit during your remodel to protect investments from sawdust, nails, and other on-site debris.

Improve the appearance of your home and save roughly 20 percent on your energy bill by having US Pest & Environmental Services utilize spray foam insulation to create a closed crawl space in your home.

Get creative and eco-friendly with concrete countertops from Palmetto Concrete & Coating Services. One hundred percent recyclable, concrete is a green product that can be customized myriad ways.

Use a plaster finish on a bad wall situation for better coverage than plain paint or apply faux wood grain on trim to match new cabinets with Gale Ray Faux Finishes.

Create a cozy alcove in your home with a Lennox fireplace from William Smith Fireplaces & Home Accents. Available in a variety of styles and price points, Lennox fireplaces instantly make a space more inviting.

Change out existing window coverings, or add a cornice and drapery panels from Advanced Window Fashions to accent your existing treatments for an immediate change in the room’s feel and beauty.

Thinking about installing a new pool in your backyard? Clear Blue Pools can integrate a waterfall or spa spillover into your pool so you can stay cool while enjoying the calming sound of trickling water.

Take advantage of the latest technology trends by retrofitting energy management products such as automated lights, shades, and HVAC from Audio Warehouse.

When was the last time the mature trees around your home were given a check up? Properly maintained trees add value and curb appeal and Arborscape Tree Preservation will help them live longer.

Transform your existing kitchen cabinetry by adding decorative accent pieces and crown molding from Verde Fine Finishes.

Solar Reflection can help protect your home from UV radiation passed through your windows and doors by providing energy-efficient films that come in many attractive styles.

Visualize the completed project before you commit with the Artistic Design & Construction 3-D walkthrough capabilities to save costly changes later (for more information see page 26).

Construct an addition to your home with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) fabricated by Global Building Solutions and installed by Crown Home Builders for long term energy savings.

Bid goodbye to the unenviable task of cleaning clogged gutters for good with a Leafguard gutter system. Guaranteed never to clog, Leafguard gutters are custom-fit, durable, and available in a variety of colors.

Pre-wire anything and everything when updating and remodeling your home. Audio-Tech Systems can install an audio/video system in conjunction with the installation of a Control 4 home automation controller.

Consider the proper electrical loads when you are remodeling and be sure to use only certified electricians like CurrentSafe Home Electrical Services.

Not sure what to do with your seemingly endless stacks of books? Have Charlestowne Caseworks build you a custom home library complete with enough shelving and storage to stash all your treasured tomes.

Maintain the protective envelop of your home with Safe-Way hurricane wind load struts and an Amarr or Windsor insulated garage door for added energy efficiency available from All About Garage Doors.

Prevent costly remodeling mistakes by hiring Kitchens By Design to assist with your kitchen project. Co-owner and Designer Duval Baynard Acker, ASID, is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer with over 29 years of experience designing and renovating kitchens!

Give your great room a focal point by having Mantles, Marble & Granite Specialties create a custom mantel piece. Up the ante by integrating it with a granite fireplace surround.

Updating your home office? Toss out that uncomfortable old chair and replace it with Relax the Back’s stylish and ergonomically correct Lifeform Ultimate High Back Executive Office Chair.

Backsplashes are not just meant for the kitchen. Try adding a tile backsplash from Connolly's Bath & Tile Works around your bathroom vanity or tub surround for a punch of color and texture.

Maintain the quality of your dock and enhance its longevity with a comprehensive dock service plan from Imperial Docks by Design, which can be custom tailored to your specific needs.

Install a whole house dehumidifier and condition a crawl space with a dehumidifier from Environmental Solutions and Service to reduce electrical consumption and improve occupant health.

Maximize your enjoyment of the beautiful Lowcountry scenery and add valuable outdoor living space by having Thomas M. Evans Master Builders build you an expansive back porch onto your home.

Bring depth and drama to your home while enhancing safety and security with a landscape lighting system from Moonlighting.

Resurface the inside of your pool from traditional white plaster to a pebble surface from Blue Haven Pools & Spas for a more polished look.

Freshen up your floors with Hakwood wide plank, long length flooring from Palmetto Hardwood Floors. Go for bold impact with Iroko or Wenge species.

Make a dramatic statement with a Chelsea wall-mount, Keva-style fireplace from M & M Oil and Propane—it’s a surefire conversation starter.

Treat yourself to every homeowner’s dream…let the experts at Second Wind General Contractors gut your tired, outdated kitchen and replace it with a delectably designed culinary delight.

Add architectural interest to your kitchen with custom slotted top cabinets from The Charleston Group. Pair with other craftsman-style details for a look worthy of Charleston’s charming downtown homes.

Whip your “blah” bathroom into shape with a complete remodel by Renovation Solutions. Go for the glitz with the granite countertops, ceramic tile floor, and whirlpool tub you’ve been dreaming of.

Create that outdoor sitting area you’ve always wanted with a Lowcountry paver patio from Lowcountry Paver. Choose from their “Lowcountry Traditional Colors,” such as Shrimp Boil and Marsh Mud, for an authentic Charleston feel.

Knock 30 percent off your utility bill by upgrading your old hot water heater to a solar hot water heating system from SolarTEK Energy. Plus, substantial tax credits can bump your savings to roughly 60 percent!

Update the look of your home and increase its value with moderate renovations from Custom Designs, such as installing hardwood or tile rather than carpet or laminate and synthetic decking instead of traditional wood.

Protect your investment by installing hurricane shutters from Windward Shutters, which offer a lifetime warranty and qualify for tax credits and insurance benefits.

Determine the exact HVAC tonnage required to properly heat and cool your new addition with a Heat Load Calculation from Mills Brothers Heating & Air.

Preserve your biggest investment with routine maintenance plans and skilled repair work available from Riverland Repairs.

Have Colson Elevators install a Waupaca Elevator on your existing home; they allow you the option of designing a custom car and fixtures within code constraints for size and capacity.

Transform your ordinary gray concrete driveway or patio into an elegant and unique feature with an Italian Slate or London Cobblestone finish from Extreme Concrete.