Highlight Homes

Community Involvement Division of Renovation and Construction Firm Answers the Call Once Again

I wish to extend my heartfelt sorrow and prayers to those individuals, businesses and families affected by the massively destructive tornadoes that hit Alabama and Georgia late last month. As a native son of Alabama and the father of native sons of Georgia, I feel a strong connection to the people of both states. I cannot sit idly by and watch the devastation on news reports when I am in a position to offer assistance through my company, Highlight Homes, LLC. In 2009, I was prompted to start a community involvement arm of my company aptly titled “Help Atlanta” following hail storms that rocked the Newnan area earlier that year and massive flooding that affected the entire region later that same year. In the event of a natural disaster, such as the one that changed so many lives on April 27, my company, my vendors and I are all prepared to offer aid and advice to those in need.

By submitting a request for assistance, victims of the April tornadoes in and around the Atlanta area may receive two hours of our services completely free of charge. Because we restore and renovate homes for a living, we can work quickly to help them put their homes and lives back together. Over the course of those two hours, we can aid with general clean-up, assess structural damage and the need for repairs, and offer valuable advice on how to spot a potentially fraudulent contractor. One of the sad facts I’ve learned in nearly three decades in this industry is that during disasters such as this, unscrupulous characters have a tendency to crawl out of the woodwork and descend upon unsuspecting homeowners in order to take advantage of them in their time of need in the hopes of separating them from their hard-earned savings or insurance settlements. They are often unregistered, uninsured and not licensed to practice contracting work within this or any other state. Chances are, the home may wind up in even worse condition that when the storm first cleared. I’m proud of the fact that Highlight Homes is a Better Business Bureau accredited business, and each of my contractors and sub-contractors is fully licensed, insured and registered in the state of Georgia. In the event that a homeowner elects to retain our services beyond the initial clean-up and consultation, we will work diligently and swiftly to see that their home is lovingly restored to its former glory. I can also happily act as a liaison between the homeowner and their insurance representative to lessen the stress and aggravation on the homeowner.

If your home or the home of someone you know was recently impacted by the April tornadoes in Georgia, I invite you to contact Highlight Homes to submit a request for assistance. In the event of an overwhelming response, we simply cannot guarantee that we will be able to assist everyone who calls – but we will do our best. Requests will be fulfilled on a first come-first serve basis. Please submit requests by phone at 678.873.9234 or via e-mail at helpatlanta@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes – please visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com. Best wishes to you and yours for a swift return to your “home sweet home”.

Image credit: FreeStockPhotos.com

With Spring in full-swing, seasonal gems like May flowers, flip flops and Spring cleaning are top of mind for many folks throughout the Atlanta area. At Highlight Homes, we’re no exception. May flowers call to mind yard after beautiful yard of professional landscaping (a service we proudly provide), flip flops make my team and I think of the promise of summer vacation, and Spring cleaning is the inspiration behind our latest brilliant idea.  Too often when all is said and done, homeowners who’ve recently undergone a home renovation or repair project are left with a big mess to clean up. Whether they opt to brave a “Do it Yourself” venture or hire a team of professionals to perform the big jobs, there’s frequently a trail of sawdust, woodchips, discarded materials, and trash left in the project’s wake. They are then faced with the task of scrubbing, dusting and sweeping before they can ever begin enjoying their newly remodeled living space. At Highlight Homes, we don’t believe that should ever be the case. That’s why this season, we’re following the lead of my Superintendent, Chris Gilliam and launching “The Big Spring Clean” – a brand new benefit to contracting with my company and just one more thing to add to a long list of attributes that set Highlight Homes apart from many other Atlanta remodeling firms.

Once the job is done – before we leave you, we’ll make certain that your home is professionally cleaned and free of the mess that so often accompanies a home renovation. Because I pride myself on being a Green Builder, my company will see to it that all recyclable materials are properly disposed of. Not only will you and your family be left with a brand-new living space where you can make memories together for years to come, now you’ll be able to start making those happy memories right away!  To learn more about Highlight Homes and all of the other “above-and-beyond” services my company provides, I invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Our renovation division specializes in:

• Whole Home Renovations
• Room Additions
• Decks, Patios and Porches
• Basement Finishing
• Kitchen Remodels
• Bath Remodels
• Home Theaters
• Window & Door Replacement
• Roofing
• And so much more!!!

To set an appointment to discuss your upcoming home improvement project and take advantage of “The Big Spring Clean,” call me TODAY at 678.873.9234, e-mail me at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out my convenient online contact form.  I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Happy Spring!!!

Highlight Homes Makes a Business of Seeing That Clients’ Wishes Come True

From custom homes and unique architectural designs to one-of-a-kind renovations and commercial tenant improvements, Highlight Homes finds its inspiration in the clients we serve. As founder of Atlanta’s premier design-build firm, I take great pride in never getting “too big” to take the time to sit down with my clients and learn their fondest wishes with regard to building a home from the ground up, transforming someone else’s house into their very own dream home, or converting an office space to fit the collective personality and needs of its tenants. I listen carefully to not only their wishes, but also their needs as a family or company – then blend those findings with nearly thirty years of know-how to begin what is perhaps one of the most exciting phases of any project – the design phase. Once a design has been laid out and agreed upon, we use those plans as our guide – with room to tweak and tighten along the way. The construction phase is an in-your-face, dust-covered portion of the project – but no less exciting, as the homeowners or tenants get to observe our progress on a daily basis. My clients can be as involved or as removed as they like from the selection of materials for a project – from new kitchen appliances and dramatic lighting fixtures to granite countertops and cabinetry, we utilize three decades worth of relationships with local associate vendors to find the highest quality materials at the very best prices. The final walk-through of the completed project is often my favorite part, as I get to witness firsthand the joy that we bring to our clients’ lives. We’re not just in the business of building houses and renovating rooms – we create unique living spaces where you and your family can make memories together for years to come! I am extremely proud of the fact that Highlight Homes has built a solid reputation in the Atlanta market for completing projects on time, on budget and above expectations. I am honored to be selected to take on such a personal journey for my clients, as one’s home is such a valued part of our lives. Highlight Homes serves the metro Atlanta area – including Buckhead, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Peachtree City, and more. We welcome the opportunity to make your wishes come true! To set an appointment to discuss those wishes with me, I invite you to call me at 678.873.9234. You can also reach me via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out a helpful online contact form, and I will get in touch with you shortly. If you’d like to learn more about Highlight Homes, please visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Timeliness, Tidiness, and Talent are Just Three of the Things That Set This Atlanta-based Renovation and Construction Company Apart

In a city well-known for its graceful luxury estates and fine collection of affluent communities, it’s no wonder why discerning Atlanta residents have come to expect the best. From some of the finest restaurants the South has to offer to forward-thinking entrepreneurs blazing a trail up and down Peachtree Street and beyond, savvy business leaders have learned to answer the call and strive for excellence. They’ve figured it out – the customer deserves no less. As the Principal of Highlight Homes, I am proud to constantly endeavor to provide a superior level of customer service to each and every client my company serves. I do this by listening to their needs, fulfilling their wishes and even occasionally allaying their fears. In more than 25 years of working with renovation clients, common topics of discussion during initial consultation meetings involve the subjects of price, time frames, and intrusion on daily family life.  At Highlight Homes, we address this handful of issues by employing The Three T’s…

TIMELINESS: On one hand, you’ve made the decision to transform your home and you’re ready to begin enjoying it as soon as possible. On the other hand, you want to make sure the job is done right.  By partnering with my talented team of designers and contractors, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. We have worked very diligently to build a reputation of completing our projects on time and on budget – all while exceeding our clients’ expectations. I expect nothing less than a job well done in a timely fashion, and so should you. The sooner we complete your home renovation, the sooner you and your family can begin making memories in this new and unique living space. Where other companies and contractors may take months to complete the same project, Highlight Homes may fulfill our duties in as little as a handful of weeks. That’s the mark of hiring a consummate professional with a proven track record of success, and only one of the things that sets Highlight Homes apart from the fray of general contractors around town.

TIDINESS: Renovations can be invasive and messy. I’ve heard horror stories that would make your head spin about projects that took forever to complete, and contractors who left a slew of sawdust and project waste in their wake. At Highlight Homes, we have a strict policy of project site management and stewardship. We are always honored to have been chosen to renovate the homes of our clients, and show our respect by cleaning up after ourselves after every work day in an attempt to lessen the impact on your family’s daily life. Dedicated to our standing as a “Green Builder”, we employ earth-friendly practices by disposing of much of our construction debris through recycling. Upon project completion, we offer professional cleaning of the project area and adjoining spaces affected by the renovation so you and your family can enjoy your “picture perfect” new home right away.

TALENT: While price is often an important factor for many homeowners considering a renovation, it’s important to keep in mind the age-old adage “You get what you pay for.” Chances are, by going with the least expensive bid on the table – you can expect to be disappointed. In addition to timeliness and tidiness, Highlight Homes offers a wealth of talent from expert advice and original design to quality craftsmanship and skilled project management. Because Highlight Homes is a design/build firm, I am able to control all elements of a home renovation – from start to finish. Each Highlight Home team member is handpicked by me to deliver on the promise I make to every one of my clients – to leave them with a sense of getting MORE than they paid for by taking their visions to entirely new heights.

I welcome the opportunity to illustrate each of the Three T’s to you and your family firsthand. Call me TODAY at 678.873.9234 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your upcoming renovation project. Highlight Homes proudly serves the Metro Atlanta area, including the Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Peachtree City communities. I look forward to your call, and am eager to learn how the Highlight Homes team can help you transform your house into the home your family deserves. To learn more about Highlight Homes, I invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Highlight Homes says “TAG!  You’re IT!”

Spring is officially here!  The birds are singing, lawns are returning to welcoming shades of green, first leaves are making their debut on the trees, and the glorious Cherry Blossoms are already in full bloom. People seem to smile a little easier as the outdoors beckon following a long, cold winter. What does Spring mean to you? Is it a time to gather with family, a season to visit with neighbors who’ve been hiding out in hibernation, a collection of moments spent in the garden as you weed, seed and grow your Spring garden, or a seemingly endless spell of outdoor grilling and entertaining to the enchanting hum of lawnmowers in the distance? Whatever Spring means to you, Highlight Homes can help you set the stage for one of the best Springs in recent memory.

Why just hang out in the backyard when you could be gathering in style in a beautiful outdoor living space? From expansive decks and trendy patios to tranquil water features and breathtaking landscaping, the talented team at Highlight Homes is primed and ready to help you make your home blossom in entirely new ways.  Imagine entertaining friends and family from an open luxury outdoor kitchen featuring stainless steel, warm timber, and stacked stone accents – the laughter mingling with the aromas of the incredible meal you are about to share, carried away on a breeze in the mild evening air. Envision endless afternoons spent winding down from a long, hard day at work next to your personal private oasis – a serene pond featuring waterfalls and a fountain, fully stocked with slowly meandering Koi fish and surrounded by exquisite landscaping offering plenty of shade.

Not a big fan of pollen?  No problem! With a custom designed sunroom by Highlight Homes, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from morning to night from the comfort of your home without ever having to contend with the yellow stuff or the bugs. A sunroom makes an excellent addition to any home, offering a flexible year-round space for relaxing with a good book, hosting a gathering of friends and neighbors, playing board games with the family, or serving as a terrific kid’s playroom (a great option for homes without a basement). Whether focusing on the Great Outdoors or the cozy indoors, we’d love to meet you to discuss your Springtime Home Improvement Projects! To schedule a consultation with one of Highlight Homes’ talented designer/builders – call us TODAY at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Flooring replacement is a home improvement element that is very often needed, and too often overlooked. An outdated carpet can negatively impact the overall look of your home, as well as serve as a haven for dust mites, grime, and unpleasant odors. A good rule of thumb is to remember that the average lifespan of moderate-grade carpet is about 8 to 10 years, but factors like heavy traffic patterns, maintenance, pets and children can dramatically shorten that window. You can try hiring a steam cleaning company to freshen it up, but if those factors remain in place – how long will it last?  New carpet is just one of many options available to you, Highlight Homes list our top five picks for you below:

1)       Hardwood Flooring: Perhaps the most beautiful (AND most expensive) option in flooring, hardwood adds a sophisticated, timeless look to any home. Available in a wide variety of colors based on the natural wood and stain utilized, hardwood does require a certain degree of upkeep – anywhere from buffing and polishing in order to maintain its original sheen to stripping, sanding and refinishing to repair fading, scratches and unsightly nicks. The use of purposefully imperfect, eco-friendly reclaimed wood and the trendy yet durable bamboo are rapidly gaining favor among consumers. Hardwood floors can dent and scratch rather easily – so it might not be the best option around kids or large dogs that fall into the rambunctious category, unless you like your floors to have a little “character”.  Engineered wood – a real wood veneer over a plywood base – offers the look and feel of hardwood at a more palatable price. Unfortunately, they don’t hold up quite as well as the real thing.

2)      Laminate Flooring: This popular synthetic flooring option can mimic the look of natural materials such as wood or stone, is more durable than carpet, and often falls into a mid-range with regard to price – depending on your choice of manufacturer. It’s considered a wise choice for families with small children and pets because of its resistance to stains and proven record of superior wear. Top notch manufacturers like Armstrong and Pergo offer warranties, and boast that their laminates stand up beautifully to regular household use with minimal care and cleaning.

3)      Ceramic Tile: One of the most ancient forms of flooring, the use of ceramic tile in architecture dates back many centuries. As the name implies, these tiles are made of clay that has been fired in a kiln to increase their durability and enhance their beauty. Resistant to stains, fading, odors and allergens – ceramic tile is not only practical but can provide a lovely, clean look to the interior of your home. Manufacturers like Mohawk have been hard at work in their laboratories in recent years playing around with the look and feel of ceramic tiles in an attempt to mimic natural materials such as marble, travertine and slate. A chic twist on an old classic, ceramic tile can be found in great rooms, kitchens, foyers and hallways of multi-million dollar estates all over the world. A couple of drawbacks that bear mentioning include its inability to provide the same warmth of a carpet or hardwood, the fact that the grout that surrounds it is not resistant to stains and may not be quite so durable, and the ease to which it can crack when the house settles or something heavy is dropped on it.

4)      Linoleum: Depending on the manufacturer, linoleum can either be derived from natural renewable materials such as linseed oil and wood products like cork or synthetics such as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. PVC linoleum tends to be one of the least expensive flooring options, offering a wide range of color and pattern choices. Check out Mohawk’s Congoleum and Armstrong’s Linoleum for some very attractive options. Both manufacturers also offer a wide array of sheet, tile or plank vinyl crafted to have the appearance of natural materials – at nowhere NEAR the price. Bear in mind that the less expensive you go, the less likely your flooring will hold up over time. While durable and stain resistant, inexpensive linoleum can scratch and scar easily.

5)      Carpet: And so we come full-circle! While we may curse the occasional carpet stain, vowing to get hardwoods and never look back – the truth is that nothing quite compares with the softness and warmth of wall-to-wall carpeting. With so many colors, textures and patterns – from berbers, to frises, to shags – it’s no wonder why it continues to be a major contender in the flooring business. Manufacturers have really begun wising up, and have started marketing entire lines of stain resistant carpeting. It’s far better suited for impromptu wrestling matches between brothers or an all-girl slumber party. The higher the grade of carpet AND the pad underlay, the longer the life expectancy.  If stains are of particular concern, you’ll definitely want to consider a stain resistant variety and might even explore a multi-colored short-pile for a little added “camouflage”.

When you’re ready to select the ideal flooring to fit your family and have it installed by a team of professionals, call Highlight Homes at 678.873.9234. We can also be reached via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com or through our simple-to-complete online contact form. We look forward to helping you and your family update the ground beneath your feet.

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

(Just Another Reason To Trust Highlight Homes)

On April 22, 2010, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began enforcing a requirement that all contractors, renovators, painters, restoration companies, roofers, plumbers, property managers, carpenters, electricians, and installers who work on homes constructed prior to 1978 become lead-containment certified under their Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Due to the large number of individuals and companies who were out of compliance across the nation at the time of the ruling, the date for certification was extended to December 31, 2010. Today, there are still a large number of professionals out there who do not meet the requirements set forth by the EPA to safely contain and remove lead paint particles when working on a home built before 1978. Highlight Homes is pleased to announce that we have been designated a Lead-Safe Certified Firm by the EPA since before their RRP ruling went into full effect. This means we have completed the training and are fully aware of the guidelines set forth by the EPA regarding the proper testing, handling and disposal of suspected lead particles in any home we are renovating or repairing. We are completely committed to the safety of our clients and their families, as well as the pursuit of ongoing education to make certain we are continually providing the very best levels of expertise to the people who select us to construct or improve their home.

Why is this important? While a homeowner will not be found liable for using an uncertified contractor (UNLESS the work is being completed on a rental property), the contractor they hire will be in violation of the law and may be forced to pay hefty fines. Needless to say, a homeowner could very well find themselves smack dab in the middle of a home improvement or maintenance project without a contractor. More importantly, improper containment and disposal of lead particles could prove hazardous to you and your family. Lead is a highly toxic metal that is particularly dangerous to children. For whatever reason their growing bodies absorb more of the metal, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its damaging effects.  A percentage of kids linked to lead exposure – even in low levels – have shown signs of reduced IQs, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, reduced attention span, and impeded physical development.  Lead poisoning in adults can increase blood pressure, cause irritability, lead to poor muscle coordination, and damage the kidneys, nerves and brain over time. Paint that is chipped or peeling, or is converted to dust particles during a home renovation or repair can be ingested or breathed in by every member of your family.  Is that a risk you’re willing to take?

Although the use of lead-based paint in housing was banned in 1978 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is believed that nearly three-quarters of the homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. It may be found on any surface, but is most commonly discovered on exterior-painted surfaces, interior woodwork, doors, and windows. If you live in a home constructed prior to 1978, you owe it to yourself and your family to work with only Lead-Safe Certified Firms. A list of these companies can be found on the EPA’s website – Highlight Homes is proudly listed there under our parent company, TyCam Development.  We welcome the opportunity to assist you with any necessary repairs or planned renovations to your home, and invite you to contact us to discuss your needs and wishes.  Our talented design/build team can be reached by calling 678-873-9234, by e-mail info@highlighthomesga.com, or by filling out our convenient online contact form – a member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

A breath of Springtime just in time for, well… Springtime

Late last year, Pantone – THE global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries – announced their 2011 Color of the Year, the whimsical and romantic 18-2120 (also known as “Honeysuckle”). With the first stirrings of spring alive and well throughout the Atlanta area, we felt this was a perfect time to reveal this hot color trend to our readers. This vivacious, playful pink is a perfect pairing for navy – another HOT color in interior fashion this season, as well as the ever-classic black and tried-and-true white. It can breathe new life into understated tones of brown, or blend with similar spring shades of lime green, lemon yellow, and true turquoise to completely transform a room with bold and happy hues.  Whether you elect to introduce Honeysuckle into your home by painting a few pieces of accent furniture or perhaps an entire accent wall, toss in a few throw pillows and artwork, or add some table linens and flowers to your tabletop – the result will be nothing less than utterly refreshing. Described as a “dynamic reddish pink” by the color geniuses at Pantone LLC – an X-rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT) – Honeysuckle is designed to be both energizing and uplifting. As 2010’s calm and relaxing PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise passes the torch to PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, we hope that 2011 is every bit as vibrant and exciting as Pantone’s choice of color.

If you wish to breathe new life into YOUR home, we invite you to call upon the talented design-build team at Highlight Homes. Whether you’re interested in introducing new colors, updating the look of your kitchen or bath, completely redefining the layout, or building on a room addition or deck – Highlight Homes’ creative team of designers and craftsman can transform your vision into a wonderful and lasting reality. Call us today at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our convenient online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly!

Source:  PANTONE Press Release –  December 9, 2010 http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20824&ca=10

Our Fearless Leader Picks Up A Shovel to Break Ground on Multi-Million Dollar Development Project in Birmingham, Alabama

Our favorite Renaissance Man – Tony Pourhassan – is the creative mind and talented craftsman behind Highlight Homes, LLC and sister company Vesmont, Inc. It’s not unusual for Tony to be involved in every aspect of a project his companies oversee – from initial consultation with the client, to design of the site plan, custom home or renovation, to getting right in there with his team to swing a hammer or turn a screw. He’s a highly esteemed entrepreneur who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, and on Saturday, February 19 – Tony found an entirely new reason to fall in LOVE with the prospect of getting his hands dirty.

On that clear, cool morning in Birmingham, Alabama – Tony Pourhassan stood alongside bishops, pastors and congregation members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) to break ground on an innovative concept. In addition to his role as Principal of Highlight Homes and Vesmont, Inc., Tony Pourhassan is President of TyCam Development – the company at the forefront of the site management and construction of a $24 million project in North Birmingham on land that has been in the church’s hands for decades. To the sound of applause before a crowd numbering in the hundreds, Tony and representatives of AMEC turned over the earth at the long-dormant former site of Daniel Payne College in a symbolic first step toward transforming the 153-acre property into an exciting faith-based mixed-use development called Daniel Payne Legacy Village.

Already touting the credo “Built on a foundation of faith, hope and prayer” Daniel Payne Legacy Village will include a community comprised of a beautiful church retreat complete with lodging and conference facilities at the development’s core. Recreational space, more than 50 acres of green space providing beautiful park-like surroundings, and a bungalow residential neighborhood of nearly 120+ single-family homes will encircle the retreat. Handsomely constructed office space and a retail center will serve as the face of the Village along Daniel Payne Road, making this a truly revolutionary “Live, Work, Play, Pray” community.

“This is one of the most awe-inspiring projects I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of,” says Tony. “Having designed and constructed award-winning family-centered developments in the past, it is truly inspirational when you consider the impact a development like Daniel Payne Legacy Village could have on the entire North Birmingham community.  While it, too, will be family-centered – by blending a mixed-use concept with an entirely new faith-based model, it brings new meaning to the word ‘ground-breaking.’ Bishop James Levert Davis and the AME Church are leading the way to a better and brighter future for the notion of a neighborhood.”

It was apparent that the feeling of community was already alive and well at the building site on the morning of the ground-breaking ceremony. Aside from elders and members of the church, other prominent community members in attendance included Alabama Senator Linda F. Coleman, Administrative Assistant to Mayor William A. Bell – Charles Long, Birmingham City Council Members Roderick Royal and Steven T. Hoyt, and Neighborhood Association President Ellen Spencer. Along with proponents for the $24 million project, Tony looks forward to beginning construction of Daniel Payne Legacy Village in Spring 2011.

As the sun shines over Georgia and the mercury begins its slow ascent in the coming weeks, thoughts start turning to Spring and all the beneficial changes it brings. The gardens will begin to bloom once more, lawns will shift from shades of gold to hues of green, the happy chirping of birds will begin to fill the air, and magazine covers bearing the latest Spring fashions and organizational tips will begin to line the shelves of grocery and book stores all over town. As you start jotting down items on your wish list of Spring projects to tackle around the house, consider what a relief it would be to incorporate more storage space in your home. The latest fashion trends in home décor have begun to lean toward refreshingly austere, luxuriously simplified spaces marked by splashes of color, bold artwork and uncluttered appearances. If you dream of having a home that could grace the pages of a coffee table book or interior design magazine, but is still practical and livable for your very REAL family – perhaps the provision of ample storage is the best place to start.

Book Cases: Built-in bookcases have long served as a benefit when selling a home, conveying both a sense of luxury and practicality. Perfectly placed throughout your home, built-ins can not only be aesthetically pleasing but can also serve as additional storage space for your books, photo frames and knick-knacks on the shelves above and your less eye-catching items behind closed doors down below. Store items that you wish to be readily accessible (such as board games, coloring books, DVDs, video games, etc…) here – within easy reach but out of sight. They can also help define a space – an unused corner by the stairs – into a charming book nook.

Window Seats: Often chosen for the beautiful view beyond, a large picture window can also serve as a great excuse to add more storage space. The construction of a window seat with storage not only provides an area to store books, toys, linens or whatever you wish – it can also transform a window into a beloved “me time” space where you can curl up with a favorite book or a glass of wine and enjoy the view. When incorporated in a kitchen space, it could actually add more seating around your dining table.

Walk-in Closets: If one of your biggest issues with your home is lack of closet space, you can pretty much guarantee that the same will be said by potential buyers when it comes time to sell your house. Seek the advice of a structural engineer to find out what your options might be – knocking out a non-load-bearing wall may just equate to double your current closet space – for many fashionistas and shopaholics, the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. While you’re doing that, you may want to look into having the contractor install a special closet system for smart storage of everything from your delicates to your ski boots.

Converted Attics: If you find that there’s no way to increase your closet space by knocking out a wall, you may have a last resort – the attic.  Through the addition of drywall, lighting, hanging bars and shelving – you may have the perfect space for a seasonal closet, a place where you store your off-season clothing for part of the year cutting the need for hanging space in your ACTUAL closet in half.  If your attic is easily accessible, you may be able to use it as a daily closet/changing room.  Depending on the size, you could even convert it to an additional guest bedroom – if the “storage” of guests is a concern.

Tech Centers: With more and more people trading the commute for the “tele”commute and working from their homes, the need for dedicated office space in the home is growing. If you’re short on space and don’t have an actual room to devote to a home office – a corner of the kitchen, a loft by the stairs or a large hallway can be converted to a “tech” center complete with electronic wiring, phone jacks, appropriate lighting, and cabinetry/countertops for a stylish homegrown cubicle that flows with the rest of the house rather than sticks out like a sore thumb.  Ample shelving and cabinet space with plenty of doors for hiding unsightly paperwork is KEY to making this addition appear stylish, uncluttered and organized.

Garages: Appropriate storage in the garage can not only help you organize the items you’d rather NOT store indoors, but can add an element of safety to this extension of your home. Toxic and flammable products can be stored behind cabinets out of a child’s reach, and shelves can be SECURELY attached to walls in the event that Jr. decides to play Spider Man and start climbing one afternoon. By choosing to add storage that makes sense in the garage, it’ll be that much easier to find the allen wrench or the garden shears when you need them without having to dig in cob-filled corners. Choose to make your garage an outdoor space that you enjoy rather than viewing as an eye-sore where you happen to park your car.

Room Additions: In the event that you find that you have utilized every nook and cranny of your home to their fullest potential, it may be time to consider a room addition. This is another area where both a structural engineer and a good design-build firm come in super handy. It just so happens that we offer it ALL at Highlight Homes!  Our structural engineer can take a look at your home to evaluate the best and most efficient placement of a room addition plus work out the logistics behind it, while our design-build team can create the space on paper then bring it to life for you and your family to enjoy to the fullest.  You simply need to decide the best use of that space – freeing up another room in the house for storage. OR, if you wish to incorporate a sunroom filled with beautiful picture windows, covering the majority of the space under them with window seats offering storage could be beautiful AND practical!

Highlight Homes, Atlanta’s premier custom builder and renovator is a design-build firm that welcomes the opportunity to help you utilize your home to its maximum benefit.  With families of our own, we are well aware that life can get messy – but with proper storage, no one need ever know JUST how messy it can get. We invite you to contact us TODAY to discuss possible storage solutions in your own home. Call our talented team of designers and builders at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our convenient online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.