News
The latest at Renewal . . .
Remodeling In this Economy: Should You Do It?
Renewal Design-Build offers two free seminars in September focused on homeowners who are considering renovation projects in the current economy. The seminars, Remodeling in Today’s Economy and Kitchen and Bath Design Trends, will be held at the Renewal building, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur. Enjoy refreshments while you look at design and finish samples in our onsite showroom. The award-winning Renewal design team will be available after each seminar for free consultations. Seats are limited, so call 404.378.6962, or email info@RenewalDesignBuild.com to reserve your space today.Thursday, Sept. 9, 7 pm: Remodeling in Today’s Economy
Thinking of starting a renovation project, but not sure it’s worth the investment? Hesitant to pull the trigger? This seminar examines remodeling in today’s real estate marketplace, and identifies projects that are good – and bad – investments. Free design consultations follow.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 pm: Kitchen and Bath Design Trends Got a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project in mind? Here is an opportunity to learn from our experts about design basics, product selections, the latest trends in design and technology, and return on investment. Free design consultations follow.
Renewal Wins Five New Awards for Outstanding Projects
Five projects recently completed by Decatur's Renewal Team have earned awards for excellence. On the national level, Renewal earned Chrysalis awards for best bath, best kitchen and best green remodeling project. Locally the firm has earned two Decatur Design awards — one for a porch project, and one for improving a home's curb appeal.
"It's gratifying for our work to be recognized by our industry peers at a national level," said Renewal CEO Peter Michaelson, "but its especially gratifying for Renewal to earn kudos from the design professionals in our community where we focus our efforts."
Check out the award-winning projects: 
Best Bath Remodel
Best Kitchen Remodel
Best Green Remodeling Project
Award-winning Porch
Award-winning Facade
Renewal Wins Regional CotY Award for 2009
Renewal Design-Build is a NARI Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Best Whole House Renovation, $250,000 to $500,000 category. Entries were judged on functionality, problem solving, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation. Renewal's winning project, located in Oakhurst, is EarthCraft certified and was featured on Planet Green’s “Renovation Nation.” This is Renewal's second consecutive regional CotY award.
See the latest winning project here and the 2008 winner here.
Professional Remodeler: Renewal's a Remodeling Company that Bucks the Trend
As the effects of the recession started to hit the company in late 2008, the Renewal team gathered to discuss the numbers and develop a plan to preserve staffing and weather the downturn. The results are encouraging to say the least.
"As the economy is recovering for us, we've got our biggest book of work in our history," says Peter Michelson," . . . good-size job starts for the next three months. We couldn't do that if we had to ramp up with new hires."
Renewal Featured in Atlanta Business Chronicle
Renewal Design-Build has prepared for an economic rebound by keeping its talented staff and getting aggressive with marketing. While the long-term impact of the federal government's stimulus program for the mortgage industry remain to be seen, in Atlanta the renovation and remodeling sector is already showing signs of recovery.
"We're seeing a return of confidence," Peter Michelson says. "A lot of clients who put projects on hold at the end of the summer and in the fall are now saying they're ready to move forward . . . People are doing more than just the bare necessities. Large projects, such as master suite additions, which had pretty much gone away last year, are strongly coming back."
Renewal Profiled on Decatur News Online
The Michelson brothers understand the value of community awareness and what potential lies in name recognition . . . "We are only as good as our last job," Peter said. "Word of mouth should be every company's number one marketing strategy. Every client, if they are happy, will become a promoter."
Click here to read the article
Renewal Featured in EcoHome Magazine
"A savvy homeowner and green-tuned remodeling team transform a tiny bungalow into an efficient, comfortable space."
Click here to read the article
Click here to see the full renovation
Click here to see the award-winning kitchen
EcoHome Magazine
See Renewal on HGTV's "Curb Appeal: The Block"
In October 2009, Renewal was part of a team that spruced up the facade of a home in Decatur's Winnona Park neighborhood. The house got a complete makeover that included repainting with a more modern color palette, a landscape design, framing of the porch, and new fencing. The episode is now scheduled to debut on HGTV on Feb. 20 at 9:30 pm.
Read more about the episode on the HGTV website:
"A Single Mom Gets the Home Remodel of her Dreams and Her Daughter's School Gets A Touch Up of its Own"
Read our blog to get our behind-the-scenes peek at the project and taping as they took place.
Renewal Featured in American Builders Quarterly
"As a designer/builder, you learn to listen to your customers and successfully execute what they are looking for. Each Renewal customer gets a tour through their proposed project with a 3-D virtual presentation— allowing the customer to experience the reconstruction of their home before their very eyes."
Click here to read the article (PDF)
American Builders Quarterly
Dearborn Park Benefits from Second Annual Park Renewal Day
Teams Clear Ivy and Privet, Win Cash Prizes
Teams from local organizations and schools gathered at Dearborn Park in DeKalb County on Nov. 7 to clear weeds and compete for prize money on Park Renewal Day, part of an ongoing effort to rid local parks of invasive plants and debris. By the end of the event, the teams were weary from pulling up ivy and privet, but gained a real sense of accomplishment, community spirit and cash.
The prize money, donated by Renewal Design-Build, was awarded to the five highest-scoring teams. The grand prize of $1,000 went to the Midway Woods Neighborhood Association appropriately named Ivy League while two teams from Decatur High School students won 4th and 5th places. A celebration of food and music from local Decatur band, The Grits, followed the cleanup.
And the proof is in the park. Its great to see what the communitys efforts have brought to Dearborn Park, says Mayor Bill Floyd. If you havent walked through, do so.
Winning teams
First place: Ivy League;
Second place: Invasive & Persuasive;
Third Place: Team Awesome;
Fourth Place: DHS Close-Up Club;
Fifth Place: 2013 Bulldogs
Visit Park Renewal Day online for photos, videos and more.
Renewal Design-Build to Be Featured on New HGTV Series
August 17, 2009 – In September Decatur’s Renewal Design-Build films an episode for a brand new HGTV series called Curb Appeal: The Block. The episode documents a two week renovation involving the exterior facelift of a Decatur home. The show premieres in 2010.
Each episode of The Block features a real home and homeowner working with designers who aim to improve the home's appearance. The show helps homeowners learn how to look at their homes with new eyes and even provides the budget for each project. Then the crew goes to work, transforming outdated and boring homes with stunning makeovers. The show is shot reality-style, following the makeover process as it happens.
Renewal was chosen for the show because “We really like the family-oriented aspect of Renewal and feel that they ‘get’ the community building aspect of our show,” says Alyssa Kaufman of Edelman Productions, a company who produces some of HGTV’s hit shows.
Renewal team members plan to blog about the project throughout the process at renewaldesignbuild.com/blog. Be sure to check in often for behind-the-scenes photos, notes and commentary!
Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, porches, decks, small projects and repairs.
For more information, call 404.378.6962.
Renewal on the Inc. Magazine 500|5000
Renewal is number 2,022 in the Inc. 500|5000, an annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
But this is just one of several local and national awards and top rankings earned recently by the Renewal team.
Renewal Design-Build Announces Seminars for Homeowners
Owners of older homes (and newer ones, too) can learn all about “green” renovations in a series of seminars presented by Peter Michelson, CEO of Decatur-based Renewal Design-Build, and certified home performance consultant Joe Thomas of Renewal's sister company Renewal System Solutions. The seminars are designed to help homeowners identify renovations that can reduce energy costs and improve the quality of indoor environments.
Park Renewal Day 2009: Eradicating Invasives in our County Parks
Teams of volunteers will meet on Saturday, Nov. 7, to help restore the natural ecosystem at DeKalb County's Dearborn Park while competing for prize money. Participants will uproot and remove non-native and invasive plants, such as Chinese privet and English ivy. Prize money for charitable causes will be awarded to the four highest-scoring teams. Click here for more information.
Renewal System Solutions Now Offers Home Energy Audits
Are drafty windows and doors, leaky ducts or other problems making your home inefficient and generating high utility bills? Call on Renewal System Solutions for Home Performance with Energy Star®. Utilizing diagnostic equipment, this comprehensive home assessment pinpoints problems and provides you with solutions. And now, Georgia Power offers rebates in addition to generous tax credits available for green home improvements made in 2009 and 2010.
Renewal Rewards: Refer Friends and Family to Renewal, Earn Cash
If you refer someone to Renewal, and he or she signs a construction contract with us, you can earn cash or a credit toward your future Renewal project invoice. There is no limit on how much cash you can earn.
Renewal Now Offers Gift Certificates
Got a wedding in your future? New baby on the way? Special anniversary coming up? Celebrate with Renewal gift certificates!
Renewal Wins a Decatur Design Award
Renewal is proud to be a Decatur Design Award winner recognizing our work on an addition to a Decatur bungalow.
Renewal Construction Unveils New Name
Jan. 1, 2009 – Renewal Construction has taken a new name – Renewal Design-Build – to more clearly reflect the scope of its services and capabilities. The award-winning home renovation firm is based in Decatur, Georgia.
“We want people to know that we do more than just construction and project management,” says Renewal CEO Peter Michelson. “We design and build a project, working with the client from start to finish. The result is a close client relationship and a smooth renovation process.”
Renewal’s design team includes renovation consultant Heather Shuster, who specializes in design and project planning. “My role is to listen closely to the client’s needs and preferences and develop appropriate design solutions,” she says. “I use computer modeling to present the design options in 3-D, so clients can clearly see how the finished project will look.”
Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, small projects and repairs.
For information, call 404.378.6962 or send email to Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com.
Renewal Construction is the 2008 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) for the Best Residential Kitchen in the $30,000 to $60,000 category. Entries are judged on functionality, problem solving, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation. The CotY awards are announced each year by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
So, what does an award-winning kitchen renovation look like? Click here to view photos of the finished project.
Park Renewal Day Fights Invasives — and Wins!
On a drizzly Saturday morning in November 2008, more than 100 enthusiastic volunteers gathered in Decatur's Dearborn Park to chop out non-native invasive plants choking the park's ecosystem. Eleven teams cleared more than an acre and were scored by a panel of community notables. Prize money for charitable causes was awarded to the four highest-scoring teams. Pictured is Dana Perkins, representing the second-place winning team "Ivy League," with Renewal CEO Peter Michelson.Click for photos
See Renewal Construction Projects on the Decatur Tour of Homes
You followed our progress on the Boyce-Frost home and saw it on Renovation Nation. Now you can see it for yourself, decorated for the holidays. It's one of eight homes featured on this year's Decatur Holiday Candlelight tour of Homes. During the tour, be sure to drop by the Renewal Construction headquarters open house.
The Boyce-Frost home, originally built in 1928, has been transformed from a 900 square foot bungalow to a 2,300 square foot Prairie Style home with four bedroom and three baths. The homeowners' goal was to double the size, but cut the energy costs in half. A PowerCost Monitor helps them check energy usage which is reduced by "amped up" insulation, Kolbe & Kolbe windows, a geothermal heat pump, a Rinnai tankless water heater, Panasonic Energy Recovery Ventilator and a solartube. Windows are placed higher than typical windows, providing natural light and privacy. Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwoods are used downstairs and light-hued bamboo floors are upstairs. The kitchen has recycled IceStone glass countertops and Energy Star appliances including a Bosch dishwasher and Maytag refrigerator. The upstairs bath also has IceStone countertops and a dual flush toilet. Paints and finishes are no-VOC. Of course, compact fluorescent bulbs are used throughout the house. Renewal Construction's offices are designed with practical green applications. As you approach the entrance, it's hard to miss the 1,100 gallon rain cistern to the left of the porch. The collected rainwater is currently used for irrigation and will soon supply water to be used for toilet flushing. Renewal is proud to purchase no bottled water for staff, but instead uses a reverse osmosis five-stage drinking water filtration system. The exterior walls of the building are sprayed with Icynene foam insulation and there are two high efficiency HVAC systems. All windows and kitchen appliances are Energy Star-rated. The recessed lighting inside uses CFL bulbs. The hardwood flooring is certified "green" by the Forest Stewardship Council and the kitchenette floor is certified green "Marmoleum."
Registration Deadline Extended!
Register your team by
Nov. 7. Don't wait —
slots are filling up fast.
Join Us for Park Renewal Day Nov. 15 at Dearborn Park
September 2, 2008 – Decatur-based Renewal Construction has partnered with the City of Decatur and DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Dept. to establish an annual event based on keeping our community’s parks free from invasive plant species, including privet and English ivy.
The event, planned for Saturday November 15 at Dearborn Park, will feature teams competing to clear and uproot invasive plants for the chance to win big prize money. Officials from DeKalb County and Decatur, along with other prominent community figures, will judge the quality and quantity of work done to each team’s designated plot. Prize money will be allocated to the top four teams ($1,000, $500, $350, and $250, respectively).
“This is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how the public and private sectors can work together to make our community a better place,” said Peter Michelson, CEO of Renewal Construction. “Everyone at Renewal, the City of Decatur, and DeKalb County has a shared vision for keeping our parks clean, healthy, and accessible to residents. Park Renewal Day is a great example of people working together to make a difference in their community and environment.”
Park Renewal Day takes place on Saturday, November 15. The competition has a “shotgun” start at 9 am and teams work until 1 pm, followed by judging, food, live entertainment and an award ceremony.
For more information on Park Renewal Day, or to register your team, visit www.ParkRenewalDay.com.
Renewal CEO Peter Michelson to speak at Decatur Old House Fair in October
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Plaza, 130 Clairemont Ave.
Look for Peter Michelson on the the schedule at the inaugural Decatur Old House Fair Oct. 25 where he will lead a seminar on Hiring a Contractor for Your Old House. Drawing from his long experience with renovations on old and historic private homes and structures, he will provide tips and insights for what to expect as you begin a renovation on an old house.
The Decatur Old House Fair is a day-long celebration including a large exhibition space with vendors in the home improvement, historic preservation, renovation, interior furnishings, and construction business. There will be a variety of seminars including hands-on demonstrations on restoring historic windows, improving an old house’s energy efficiency, developing a maintenance plan for your old house, researching old houses, and tax incentives for certified rehabilitation.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at:
• Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St.
• Smith Ace Hardware, 601 E. College Ave.
• Intown Hardware, 1404 Scott Blvd;
• The 17 Steps, 235-M Ponce de Leon Pl.
• Kudzu, 2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
• Mission Motif, 1963 Hosea Williams Dr.
• Intown Ace Hardware at 854 N .Highland Ave.
Cash or check only for tickets.
The fair is hosted by The City of Decatur, DeKalb History Center, and Decatur Preservation Alliance.
For more information, visit www.decaturoldhousefair.com or email regina.brewer@decaturga.com.
Renewal Construction Is Ranked in Atlanta's Top Ten, Number One in Decatur
August 18, 2008 - Decatur-based Renewal Construction has been named one of Atlanta's Top Ten residential remodelers in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Book of Lists." The list, revised and published annually, surveys and ranks the top companies in a variety of industries across the 20-county metro area.
Ranked number seven for the entire metro area, Renewal beat out all other Decatur-based competitors, including companies established long before Renewal opened its doors in 2001. "We are honored to be ranked as one of Atlanta's top ten remodelers." said founder and CEO Peter Michelson. He notes that growth for the company, which works primarily in Decatur, Avondale and intown Atlanta neighborhoods, has been steady. Renewal President David Michelson added, "The local community is tremendously supportive of Renewal. Homeowners in the area really embrace the energy-efficient and 'green' renovation principles we've promoted for so long."
Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oakhurst Home Renovation in 'Planet Green' Spotlight
"Most people don't believe it's a renovation, said Anna Carbone with Decatur-based Renewal Construction. "It's such a change from what it used to be," she said. "It went from a small, one-story bungalow to a two-story, Praire-style, kind of modern-looking home."
> Click here to read the article
Atlanta Intown, August 2008: "Before and After"
"Renewal's project was recommended for Renovation Nation by Southface, the Atlanta-based nonprofit that promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities."
> Click here to read the article
See Renewal on TV, Shows Airing Now!
Renewal's episodes of Renovation Nation on Discovery's new Planet Green cable channel are in frequent rotation, and available on Comcast OnDemand.
Discovery Network selected Renewal Construction and the Boyce-Frost project to be featured on a new show called Renovation Nation. The show, hosted by Steve Thomas (formerly on the PBS show This Old House) follows the progress of the Boyce-Frost project, located in Oakhurst, that incorporates green building principles.
Click here to read more about the project.
Click here to read more about the show.
Remodeling Magazine recognized Renewal Construction as a Big50 member at its recent annual leadership conference in Washington, D.C. This prestigious award identifies the nation’s best-run remodeling businesses who are committed to promoting and utilizing the industry's best practices.
"Big50 remodelers are among the best in the business, and we are honored to receive this national distinction," says Peter Michelson, CEO of Renewal Construction.
Visit www.remodelingmag.com to find out more about Remodeling Magazine's Big50 program.
Missed out on the recent Go Green Summit? You can still hear Peter Michelson's green remodeling tips and thoughtful insights into current green building technology, market trends, financing innovations and business practices.
You may click on the link and replay it for free. A fee is required to download the seminar feed or transcript.
> Listen now!
Renewal Featured in Creative Loafing"For some clients, it's all about the dollars," Peter Michelson says. "For some people, it's about ecology. For some people, it's about both. But green is about all those things – what's good for the environment, health, return on investment, having something that's better built and won't deteriorate."
> Click here to read the article
Click to view Renewal Construction's segment in 11Alive's Earth Hour special that aired on March 29, 2008.
Renewal Featured in Georgia Trend Magazine"A powerful movement toward sustainable new construction and renovation has homebuilders, contractors and homeowners buying in, lured by environmental concerns and a desire to cut utility bills. Peter Michelson has been walking the green line for about 30 years . . . "
> Click here to view the article
Renewal Featured in Builder's Journal
"When CEO Peter Michelson founded Renewal Construction, Inc. in 2001, he set out to create a company that is 'the best renovation company to work for, as well as the best one for clients to work with.' He is well on his way with 70 successful projects completed in 2007; a team whose combined construction experience exceeds 150 years and recognition by Qualified Remodeler as one of 2007’s Top 500 Remodelers in the country."
> Click here to view the article
This year's tour marks the the centennial of the beginnings of development in what is now Druid Hills. The eight homes on this year's tour were selected for their historical significance and include a c.1916 home by famous architect Neel Reid, a New England manor placed in a Frederick Law Olmsted-inspired setting surrounded by ample green space and enchanting woods, an exquisitely renovated 1925 villa across from the Candler mansion, along with many other spectacular homes. There is also a plant sale and artists market.
> Druid Hills Home Tour website
Boyce-Frost Open HouseSo, you've been hearing for months about the "green" Boyce-Frost project that Renewal Construction is doing... Well, here's your chance to see it for yourself.
OPEN HOUSE - 601 Third Ave. in Decatur
Friday, March 21 from 4-7 pm
Saturday, March 22 from 9-1 pm
Admission is free and all are welcome
All new systems of the house will be in place, but the drywall will not have been installed yet. This is your chance to really see the "nuts and bolts" of the house.
Renewal Construction staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide factsheets explaining the systems and products being used in the house. There will also be an educational tour covering site selection, rain water harvesting, structural insulated panels, geothermal HVAC, sealed crawlspaces and recycling on-site materials.
As we announced in our last newsletter, the Discovery Network has selected Renewal Construction and the Boyce-Frost project to feature on a new show called "Renovation Nation" that will air later this year.
What's it like to be the homeowner in the middle of a renovation project like this? KC Boyce is keeping a blog with frequent, thoughtful entries about the project, the process and green building principles. Be sure to check it out: www.601third.com.
For more information about the project, click here.
Renewal Construction Featured in Decatur Living Magazine
“People are beginning to make important links between their homes and the larger environmental picture. Renewal has been a proponent of eco-conscious choices since our founding. We’re thrilled a current project, the Boyce-Frost residence at 601 Third Ave. in Oakhurst, will be featured on a new TV show on the Discovery Network, ‘Green Homes.’ It will highlight green building practices, principles and materials.” Read more >
In January, we are proud to sponsor the Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project, an annual volunteer home repair program that helps low-income seniors to remain in their homes in Decatur safely and comfortably. The project raises funds and brings together hundreds of volunteers to work on house repair projects during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. We invite you and your family to participate with us! Just email Marketing Manager Virginia Owen or call 404.378.6962 if you are interested. For more information about the project, click here.
Renewal Project on Tour of Homes
One of Renewal's former renovation projects, 923 Third Ave. in Decatur, is a feature on the Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes Dec. 7-8. If you're planning to go on the tour, be sure to stop by and visit with Renewal staff who will be volunteer guides for the home, greeting guests and answering questions. It's a great opportunity to get the inside story on one of Decatur's interesting homes and see Renewal's handiwork. Best of all, your ticket purchase ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) benefits the Decatur Youth Fund and the Decatur Preservation Alliance.
• See this home in our Portfolio
• More about the Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes
Renewal Construction, Inc., has been recognized for excellence in remodeling/renovation by Qualified Remodeler, an industry magazine of best practices, products and design. QR ranks Renewal among the Top 500 remodelers in the nation and among the Top Five in metro Atlanta. The rankings will be published in the magazine’s September issue and available online at www.qualifiedremodeler.com.
Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list is the longest ongoing recognition program in the remodeling industry. Each year the program recognizes remodeling companies for significant and sustained success in terms of:
• Installed remodeling dollar volume
• Total years in business
• Industry association membership
• Industry certification
• Industry awards
• Community service
The ranking is based on 32 evaluation criteria.
Interview
Decatur Living Magazine talks to Peter and David Michelson
News
Renewal Construction: 2005 Earthcraft House Renovator of the Year!
Read
Peter and David Michelson quoted in Professional Remodeler Magazine
