Highlight Homes

Georgia Housing Market Continues to Sputter; Remodeling Index Holds Steady in the South

According to the National Association of Home Builders’ Improving Market Index (IMI) – a nationally recognized measurement tool of the number of metropolitan areas that are witnessing an improvement in the local housing market – the list has grown to 99 markets showing signs of recovery across the nation. That number is up from just 80 markets in last month’s IMI, and is representative of metropolitan areas in 33 states, including the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, the current index does not include any  cities from Georgia. As a matter of fact, the only three Georgia cities that were on the IMI last month – Hinesville, Warner Robbins, and Rome – fell off the list this month.

On the other hand, in a Remodeling Market Index (RMI) report released in late July by the NAHB, current market conditions and future indicators for the second quarter of 2012 – such as backlog of jobs and three months of project commitments – show that the remodeling market is holding steady in the South. Comparing the numbers from both reports, it would appear that more Georgia homeowners are apparently opting to stay in their current home and remodel, rather than sell in a down economy.

A well-executed remodeling project is an excellent way to mold a home to fit a family’s current needs. If more space is required, a garage can be converted to another room, an entire floor can be added to a ranch to transform it into a two-story house, a basement can be finished to create more living space or a room can be added onto the home. If the home feels old and out-dated, a thoughtfully planned revamp to the layout and décor could mean all the difference in the world. By bringing a trifecta of structural engineering know-how, exquisite design taste, and quality craftsmanship to every project we undertake, Highlight Homes is able to not only accomplish the project with which we’ve been tasked, but to also exceed our clients’ expectations.

We don’t think it’s right that you and your family should feel “stuck” in your home. Your house should be your escape from the world outside, a place worthy of the phrase “Home Sweet Home.” We understand that your family is the highlight of your life, we just truly believe that your home should be, too!  While it might not be a wise time to make a move, it may be the perfect opportunity to make a change. We invite you to contact us for a no-obligation consultation where we can discuss your wants and needs, as well as some possible solutions. Call us TODAY at 678-873-9234 to get started!  You can also reach our experienced design-build team by e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out Highlight Homes’ helpful online contact form.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sources:

NAHB Press Release “Remodeling Marketing Index Adjusts Downward from Recent High, Future Market Activity Steady” (July 26, 2012)

NAHB Press Release “List of Improving Housing Markets Expands to 99 in September” (September 10, 2012)

Vote Highlight Homes!

Choosing the right candidate is a subject that is particularly top-of-mind for many Americans today. Amidst a flurry of speeches and campaign rhetoric at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, blended with an endless throng of campaign ads and a fair amount of mud-slinging, voters will have to make up their minds as to whom they will grant their vote come November. Whether they choose according to party lines, via their individual moral compass, or by the power of a Magic 8 Ball, at some point – the American voter will have to make their choice.

In our business, Highlight Homes is extremely familiar with the concept of choice. We understand that there are dozens of contractors and builders out there vying for your home remodeling projects – firmly believing that they are the right candidate for the job. We understand this, because we are one of them. The thing that separates us from the masses is that we don’t just believe we are the right candidate – we know we are.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t always use research to guide their choice – they use the Magic 8 Ball approach, and make their decision according to price. At Highlight Homes, we have built a solid reputation in Atlanta for the quality of work we provide – and quality comes at a price. So while we may not come in at the bottom with regard to the price of our job estimate, we assure you that the results will exceed your expectations.

When you are prepared to launch a home remodel and wish to find a qualified home renovation company to design and complete the job for you, we highly recommend that you take the following into consideration to measure your choices – rather than basing your decision solely on price:

1)      Word of Mouth – Word of mouth is a free and valuable resource, and – for Highlight Homes – is representative of up to 75% of our business through referrals. When planning something as significant as a modification to your home, it’s wise to look to friends, family, neighbors, and business associates for advice regarding general contractors and professional renovators they have used in the past or have heard good things about. Take word of mouth one step further and visit the company website to see if their methods and philosophy fits with your own, examine the work they’ve done, and read all of the reviews and testimonials you can get your hands on. Perform a web search and look for any negative feedback, as well.

2)      Ask the Advice of a Local Real Estate Professional – If you feel you need a more professional perspective when it comes to word of mouth, very rarely will you find a resource as valued as a local realtor or broker when searching for a qualified remodeler. These folks often have their finger on the pulse of the latest trends and best return on investment for most remodeling projects and frequently have a direct line to a skilled contractor or design-build firm.

3)      Professional Organizations – It is always wise to dig a little deeper in order to discover if the general contractor or design-build firm you are considering for your next home renovation or improvement project is above board and will not leave you standing in the midst of a half-finished home while they take off with your deposit. Some companies may take your project to completion, but their craftsmanship is shoddy, they may not have filed for all of the necessary permits, or they are not properly insured and licensed and your project may end up costing you far more than you originally planned in the long run.  One way to guard against any of these scenarios from happening is to look into the company’s/contractor’s professional affiliations. If they have none, that’s probably not a good sign. Many of the professional builders organizations in Georgia and the United States require a membership fee to join as well as a review of business practices – in other words, they’ve already done a lot of the research for you.  Highlight Homes is pleased to announce that we are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and are members of the National Home Builders Association, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), Certified Professional Home Builders of Georgia and the GAHBA’s Remodelers Council . Highlight Homes is also the proud recipient of several Obie Awards – a great honor in the highly revered Atlanta Home Market, in addition to being a certified Earth Craft House Builder, Energy Star Partner, and LEED Certified Home Builder – fully committed to protecting the environment by promoting green initiatives in both design and construction of the homes and home additions we create.

Bear in mind that your home is not only one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, it is also the place where your family lives, loves and laughs day in and day out. It should be entrusted to a home renovation candidate who is most concerned with pleasing the people who live in that home and less concerned with profits.  If you elect to VOTE HIGHLIGHT HOMES for your next home renovation project, we welcome your calls at 678.873.9234 and your e-mails at info@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, view our work, and take a peek at our professional affiliations, please visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com.

It’s time once again for another installment of Shades and Highlights – a monthly “sneak peek” at the companies, trends, places, and products that inspire the design-build team at Highlight Homes.  For the month of August, we are proud to feature:

Lake Martin: This scenic lakeside community in Alabama was particularly hard-hit during the historic tornadoes that rocked the landscape in Spring 2011.  Highlight Homes was honored to do our part to help in the rebuilding process, and that’s why we feel compelled to shine the spotlight on the incredible recovery by homeowners in the area. What once appeared hopeless during our time there last May has nearly been restored to its former glory during our return visit this summer. There is still a fair amount of work to be done, but we wanted to pay tribute to the collective stalwart spirit of the residents of this lovely Southern slice of heaven.

Koi Ponds: Life can be tough. Between endless reports of a beleaguered economy and unemployment rates on the rise, to-and-fro travels through rush hour traffic, and the daily grind at the office, a family’s home should be a place of peace and serenity. A well-executed landscape design with a tranquil water feature – such as a koi pond – provides our idea of the perfect outdoor oasis, an escape from the world beyond your fenced in yard. Imagine putting down the briefcase, popping the cork on a bottle of wine, and heading out to the backyard to relax before dinner ­– ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  Water features are one of our favorite renovations to design and implement, so if this sounds like something that might enhance both your backyard and your life – call Highlight Homes at 678.873.9234 to schedule a walk-through of your outdoor living space and no obligation consultation.

Pinterest: We don’t just like Pinterest, we LOVE Pinterest!!  Not only is it an amazing platform for finding images of living spaces that inspire us – it’s an awesome way to showcase our latest projects. Like proud papas and mamas flashing pictures of our babies, we invite you to follow our Pinterest page and stay up-to-date on what the design-build team at Highlight Homes has been up to! From stunning outdoor living spaces to captivating kitchen renovations, we bet you’ll find plenty that’s “pin”-worthy! Check back regularly, because we plan to add new photos every time we complete another exciting project.

LandWatch.com: Every cloud has a silver lining. While many of us – homeowners and homebuilders alike – have suffered through the recession and housing market crash, one benefit that has arisen from the gloom and doom is that lot and land prices are at historically low levels.  If you’ve always dreamed of owning land – something that can stay in the family and be passed down from generation to generation, you might want to become familiar with LandWatch.com – the self-touted #1 online destination for land and rural retreats.  Once you’ve found that perfect spot, contact the architects and quality craftsmen at Highlight Homes to build a custom home that will exceed your wildest expectations.

If you wish to learn more about Highlight Homes, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomes.com and be sure to “like us” on Facebook! When you’re ready to begin construction of a unique home renovation or break ground on a quality-crafted custom home, call us at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form.

* Highlight Homes is not directly affiliated with the community of Lake Martin, Pinterest, or LandWatch.com. These are merely the opinions of the design-build team at Highlight Homes.

Three Great Reasons to Build a Custom Home

Highlight Homes has built an excellent reputation in recent years as a premier Atlanta renovation company. It’s a standing we are extremely proud of and look forward to furthering in the coming years. However, our first and greatest love is (and will always be) the design and construction of beautiful custom homes. Rather than following the herd and becoming a cookie cutter construction company, Highlight Homes prefers to hang our hat on something that is lasting, something that is truly cherished by the family who lives there.  That’s why we say, “Keep your cookie cutter in the kitchen drawer!”

1)      Give Me Land, Lots of Land Under Starry Skies Above: Just as home prices and interest rates are at historically low levels all throughout the U.S., the same holds true for lot and land prices. Aspiring homeowners can select an estate-sized home site in an area or neighborhood of their choice and then acquire a custom home builder to create the home of their dreams OR they can select the builder first and work together to find the ideal “blank canvas” on which to build their home. Less money goes into the purchase of land, meaning more money left over to invest in the design and completion of the home.

2)      A Work of Art vs. Just Another “Product”: An unfortunate truth is that with even the most reputable builders, over time their houses seem to become “products” – an endless chain of spec houses and cookie-cutter elevations that they virtually crank out on an assembly line. That is never the case with Highlight Homes. Every renovation and custom home we complete is nothing less than a work of art. This is our passion and it shows in everything we do. From special design touches to well-plotted layouts that make sense for the client, real heart and soul goes into each element of the construction process.

3)      An Heirloom vs. A House: At Highlight Homes we work closely with our clients in all phases – from design and layout to construction and completion – so that they are very much a part of the home before they ever put their key in the lock. Most clients who elect to build a custom home are not first-time home buyers – they’ve lived in other homes before and know what they like, what hasn’t worked in the past, and what they’ve always hoped for in a home. Their home becomes an “heirloom”, something that they can look at with pride and consider sharing with future generations as the house THEY built. We believe home should be so much more than a house where one’s family sleeps at night and shares the occasional meal, a place that is easy to leave behind when it comes time to move on. A custom home should be an heirloom – a place you never want to leave.

To schedule an initial consultation to discuss the design and construction of your future custom home, contact the talented and experienced design-build team at Highlight Homes. We can be easily reached by calling 678.873.9234, e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com, or filling out our helpful online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Cite: Porter, Cole. Don’t Fence Me In. 20^th Century Fox, 1934.

It’s been a long, hot summer filled with a fresh crop of family memories of sun-soaked days and star-filled nights. For some parents, it’s also been a compilation of weeks marked by wet-bathing-suit-strewn floors and stubbing-toes-on-toys-injuries. Once the kids climb aboard that school bus and sail off into a new school year, it may also be an ideal time to set your sights on reclaiming the rooms of your home.

Two of your best allies when recovering your spaces from the glut of beach toys, stuffed animals, electronic gadgets, and craft supplies left behind by the kids are the tried-and-true tactics of De-Clutter and Organize (in that order).

De-Clutter: Perhaps one of the best ways to prepare for this portion of the “home salvage” project is to watch a few episodes of one of those hoarding shows, then take a good look around your own home. Think “What do we need/love” and “What is just taking up space/I never liked that”. Go room by room and make a list of what can be removed. Can it be stored elsewhere, made “like new” if moved to another room, or is it time for it to go?  You could host a garage sale to fund future purchases or box the items up to make a contribution to a local charity. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time for phase 2.

Organize: You could spend a fortune on storage boxes that you’ll likely rarely open or you could incorporate special forms of organization into your home décor for a fun and functional new twist. Built-in bookcases, storage benches (set around the kitchen table or under a window on the stairs), strategically planned closets, and installed office spaces all prove excellent organizational tools. There may even be space in your home that you aren’t even aware of – from an attic that could be finished to create an entirely new room to a space under the stairs that could serve as an ideal storage space. By enlisting the aid of an architect, structural engineer, and construction expert – you’re all set! Fortunately, you can find all three of those specialties rolled into one at Highlight Homes. Not only can we review your structural layout to examine all of the possibilities, we can design AND build those exciting organizational changes into your home so that they flow in with the décor and personality of your house.

What are you waiting for? By contacting Highlight Homes TODAY, we can get started by the time the kids head back to school. Simply click HERE to fill out an online contact form, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or call us at 678.873.9234. To learn more about Highlight Homes and sneak a peek at our virtual portfolio, we invite you to visit us online!

Incorporate Exposed Beams, Hardwood Floors, and Stacked Stone Accents into your Home Décor for the Feel of a Luxury Mountain Lodge

In honor of National Log Cabin Month, Highlight Homes would like to dedicate one of our July blogs to a subject near and dear to our hearts. As real “outdoorsy” folks, we love the occasional get-away to the mountains and the lake – two places where log cabins and lodges are most prevalent. As designers and builders, we are firm believers in surrounding oneself with the things you love in order to make a house a home – regardless of whether its overlooking a lake, perched high atop a mountain, or located inside a nice, quiet cul-de-sac in the suburbs.

At Highlight Homes, we love to use natural elements – so creating the log cabin look and feel is a snap for our renovation design team. In homes with cathedral ceilings, the incorporation of exposed beams gives a room the relaxed yet refined sense of a mountain lodge. The same can be said of hardwood flooring and charming interior doors. As a green builder, we like to use reclaimed timber with loads of character. Stacked stone accents around columns and fireplace surrounds will also serve to enhance the Adirondack ambiance both inside and outside the home.

To set up a free consultation with the design-build team at Highlight Homes to discuss ways to transform your home into something you and your family with love – from the feel of a beachside cottage to the air of a log cabin in the mountains – call us TODAY at 678-873-9234. We can also be reached via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com or through our convenient online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes and all of our service offerings, please visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Be sure to “Like” Highlight Homes on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Image credit: LOG CABIN © Rocky Reston | Dreamstime.com

In our second installment of Shades and Highlights – a monthly article devoted to revealing some of Highlight Homes’ latest favorite things that are specific to the renovation and custom home construction industry – we shine the spotlight on a new round of incredible companies and concepts:

• Home Depot – You’ve heard the phrase “kid in a candy store,” right?  Well that’s how we feel about this big box home improvement retailer. Designed to fit the needs of both the at-home handyman and commercial construction professionals, Home Depot offers a wealth of project supplies and row-after-row of inspiration for that next great project. We’re also big fans because – just like Highlight Homes – Home Depot is a homegrown Georgia-based company.
• ThisOldHouse.com – What began as a home improvement TV show more than 30 years ago has grown into a multi-tiered brand that is trusted by homeowners across the nation. In addition to the show, This Old House has added a magazine, a number of books, and an incredibly informative website to its workbelt. While we believe all of their divisions are incredible tools for inspiring a great home improvement project, the website is a particularly terrific one-stop shop for great articles and idea-provoking images.
• Ballard’s Backroom – With two locations in Georgia – one in Roswell and the other in Atlanta – Ballard’s Backroom offers a treasure trove of amazing design elements at outlet prices from interior design powerhouse, Ballard Designs. From furniture and artwork, to chandeliers and rugs – every visit to Ballard’s Backroom can lead to an exciting new discovery that will serve to enhance your home remodel beautifully and affordably.
• The Outdoor Kitchen – This growing trend is a particular favorite of ours! Imagine playing the role of master chef of your own show to the delight of your dinner party guests. From a built-in stainless steel grill with granite top work station and bar surround to a Sicilian-inspired pizza oven with an Italian pergola strung with lights overhead – the possibilities are endless when the love of great food with good friends and a passion for design collide.  The experts at Sunset.com offer some awesome ideas paired with beautiful images to help get your wheels spinning in “Our Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen.”

Stayed tuned for the August edition of “Shades and Highlights” to learn about more things the talented design-build team at Highlight Homes likes. If you have suggestions for things YOU like that you feel we should check out, please let us know below in comments. Ready to start fresh and create that “blank canvas” to work within? To contact us to discuss an upcoming home remodel, we invite you to call us at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form. If you wish to learn more about us, visit us online at www.highlighthomes.com and be sure to “like us” on Facebook! * Highlight Homes is not directly affiliated with Home Depot, ThisOldHouse.com, Ballard Designs or Sunset.com. These are merely the opinions of the design-build team at Highlight Homes.

Incorporating the Great Outdoors into Your Home Plan

While the housing market continues to lag and many folks are warming to the idea of staying put in their current home, the ongoing issue of the need for more space persists as a recurring theme. Although temperatures are currently lingering at the high end of the temperature gauge, it won’t be long until they’re back within a cozy “backyard barbecue” zone. During Highlight Homes’ most recent renovation, the homeowners have been astounded by the growth of their entertainment options thanks to an outdoor space overhaul where a simple back deck was transformed into a luxurious open-air grand hall – complete with stacked stone fireplace. Now, they can envision countless afternoons and evenings hosting friends and family in this beautiful new space (see second inset) or simply enjoying their outdoor oasis all by themselves.

It’s simple to grow the size of your entertainment space by turning your living spaces inside OUT. An outdoor room should serve as an extension of your home, with many of the creature comforts and décor set about to complete the story:

• Homeowners who enjoy spending their evenings catching up with friends might appreciate the concept of an outdoor living room. Deep and inviting seating add to the comfort, as do ceiling fans for those warm evenings and hearths or firepits for those cool evenings.
• Aspiring chefs may want to make food the centerpiece of this space with a large dining table with plenty of chairs, impressive outdoor chandelier hanging from a pergola overhead, and impressive grill kitchen with plenty of workspace for you to show off their skills.
• In the event that sports often play a role in your parties, a covered area that features an all-weather flat screen TV, comfy couches, and bar may be your ideal option.
• Those blessed with a green thumb may want their garden to be the focal point with walkways leading throughout and special spots for reflection placed here and there.

The sky’s the limit to the number of things your outdoor space can become. Highlight Homes is happy to help you decide what option might be best to fit both your needs and your personality during an on-site consultation. To schedule a consultation with our talented design-build team about incorporating your own custom built outdoor living space, call us TODAY at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes and our broad range of services, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Welcome to the first installment of “Shades and Highlights,” a monthly article dedicated to revealing some of Highlight Homes’ favorite new (and not-so-new) discoveries. Because we are aware that a home remodel may merely serve as the solid foundation of any residential makeover – a blank canvas, if you will – we’d like to take this opportunity to point you in the right direction with regard to filling that canvas with color, texture, “shades and highlights” in order to showcase your home sweet home in the best light imaginable.

Things we like this month include:

• Lonny Magazine – This exquisitely written, photographed and designed publication is jam-packed with ideas and imagery that can fuel any interior design project – from comfortably casual to luxuriously lavish. Flip through each elegant page online, and feel your imagination take flight.
• South of Market – The brainchild of visionary Southern interior designer, Kay Douglass, this trendy shop boasts locations in Atlanta and Charleston. Customers are presented with a true treasure hunt as they journey through an extensive inventory of “the rare, the beautiful and the can’t live without”. Unable to get to the store? No worries. Many items are also available for purchase online.
• Boise Cascade – As dedicated to sustainability as we are, Boise Cascade is a leading manufacturer of engineered wood products, plywood, particle board, doors and more – much of which Highlight Homes uses in our quality crafted home renovations and custom home construction. The best part is – while they are an internationally recognized company – their Georgia distribution center is located right up the road in Auburn, GA.
• Sherwin Williams – Whether you’re talking about a gorgeous kitchen renovation or a complete exterior facelift, we always recommend Sherwin Williams paints and stains. They have a wonderful application on their website called the Color Visualizer, where visitors can upload photos of a room or the exterior of their home and “paint” the space with a wide variety of shades and hues from the Sherwin Williams collection. It’s fun and enlightening!

Stayed tuned for the July edition of “Shades and Highlights” to learn about more things the talented design-build team at Highlight Homes likes. If you have suggestions for things YOU like that you feel we should check out, please let us know below in comments.

Ready to start fresh and create that “blank canvas” to work within? To contact us to discuss an upcoming home remodel, we invite you to call us at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form. If you wish to learn more about us, visit us online at www.highlighthomes.com and be sure to “like us” on Facebook!