Highlight Homes

While the holidays are naturally a time filled with food, family and fun – the friendly folks at Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration have compiled a short list of five great ways to make the holidays even happier. From our family to yours, we wish you a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

1)      Give to Those in Need: Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration was so proud to offer our services to the victims of the Atlanta floods in late 2009, that we have opted to continue that mission with our very special “Help Atlanta” division. We are primed and ready to rush to the aid of local victims of natural disasters who reach out to us and submit a request to helpatlanta@highlighthomesga.com.

2)      Take it on the Road: While so many Atlantans will opt to take their holidays on the road this season, Highlight Homes went mobile this year in a completely different way. Through our new partnership with mobilezen, we launched an innovative TextSite. To access the Highlight Homes TextSite through your mobile device, simply text “builder” or “HighlightHomes” to 99699 or click HERE to catch a sneak peek of our TextSite online.

3)      Smile Pretty for the Camera: As we all eagerly await those annual holiday photos sent to our inboxes and mailboxes from friends and loved ones, Highlight Homes is proud of the fact that we were in the spotlight in several publications this year. Featured in Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine last December, Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration is also honored to have been featured in The Atlanta Journal Constitution and Remodel Atlanta Magazine, among others this year.

4)      Spread Glad Tidings: Did you know that nearly 75% of our remodeling business is based on referrals? If you know someone who is considering a renovation of their current home, we would truly appreciate your help in spreading the word of Highlight Home Restoration’s high level of quality craftsmanship and dedication to pleasing our clients. Please feel free to pass along our phone number at 678.873.9234 and e-mail address at info@highlighthomesga.com. THANK YOU!

5)      Begin Planning for the New Year: Aside from those New Year’s Resolutions we are all planning to make on December 31 and January 1, there are other changes you can begin planning for right away. Make a list of renovations you are considering undergoing at your home, then call the design/build team at Highlight Home Restoration to set the wheels in motion. We are happy to meet with you , offer suggestions, and write estimates for some or all of the jobs you have planned. By tackling them all at once, you could find yourself walking away extremely happy with significant savings. Call us TODAY to schedule your on-site evaluation at 678.873.9234 or fill out our convenient online contact form.

Changing the Look of Your Hearth in Time for the Holidays

For centuries, the hearth has been symbolic of home, warmth and security. In many modern homes, the fireplace serves as far more than just a place to warm yourself and hang the stockings with care. When designed properly, it could not only become the focal point of the room but could also set the tone for the atmosphere of the entire living space. In the event that you have grown tired of the outdated or understated appearance of your fireplace, a quick remodel might just transform your hearth into a space Santa would be honored to arrive from.

1)      Stacked Stone – A lovely stacked stone hearth can lend the impression of a luxurious mountain lodge to the room.  Throw in some exposed beams and hardwood floors, blended with naturally-inspired décor and you can create a beautiful, tranquil environment. An option to stacked stone is the smoother river rock, equally stunning but slightly more casual.

2)      Marble – A marble fireplace conveys the notion of elegance and refinement, and is best accompanied by rich crown molding and flanked by built-in bookcases that soar to the ceilings. Line the shelves with stylish bric-a-brac, black and white photos, and hard-covered books – and place a vase of fresh flowers on the mantle to produce a sophisticated ambiance.

3)      Concrete – One of the more recent arrivals on the fireplace surround scene, a concrete hearth is perhaps the most modern in appearance – offering clean lines and a chic vibe.  Since concrete can be stained and sealed, you can choose from a variety of colors and sheens – as well as textures. It can appear austere and striking – much like a piece of modern art.

4)      Brick – One of the more traditional materials for hearths, brick holds timeless appeal. Can be made to recreate the look of the brick on the exterior of your home for a consistent feel, or can be created to have a look all its own. If you are an antique buff, the incorporation of reclaimed bricks from an older home or building blended with the use of white mortar will add an air of Old World Charm to the room. Whereas intricate use of patterns might lend itself to a more Modern feel.

5)      Wood – The use of wood for the mantle and surround of the fireplace is perhaps the most economical and flexible option, but still allows for creativity when defining the theme for the room in which the fireplace is sent. When painted the same color as the trim, the fireplace may give a room a traditional Colonial feel. The use of old timber may add to a rustic Great Camp mood – try to repeat the use of wood throughout the room to enhance this impression. Intricate carvings will add an air of sophistication, while simpler styles will increase the likelihood of your mantle’s timelessness.

A new fireplace design could really heat things up at your home. A relatively simple remodel job on the surface, the difference it makes to your home’s interior or exterior could serve as the “firestarter” for more exciting big changes down the road.  It’s also a terrific way to judge the skill and work habits of the remodeling company you choose. At Highlight Home Restoration, we don’t just renovate rooms – we create unique living spaces where you and your family will make memories together for years to come.  To discuss the possibility of creating a new look for your home’s hearth or fireplace surround, contact the talented team of renovators at Atlanta-based Highlight Home Restoration by calling 678-873-9234, e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com, or filling out our helpful online contact form.  We look forward to the opportunity to help you get fired up about all the possibilities your home holds!

Five GREAT Reasons to Replace the Windows and Doors in Your Home During the Fall

Have you ever really looked at a child’s drawing of a house? They often seem colorful and full of life – with the windows serving as cheerful eyes and the door as the mouth of their animated home’s “face.” Now, take a jog outside and really look at YOUR home’s “face.” Would the incorporation of new windows and doors give your home the facelift it deserves? Aside from the charming cosmetic aspect of adding updated windows and doors to your home, a well-chosen window and/or door replacement can serve as a wise investment in your overall home maintenance and improvement. Aesthetic beauty of your happy abode aside, we’ve compiled a list of Five GREAT Reasons to Replace the Windows and Doors in Your Home During the Fall:

1)      Make it a Double: If you currently have single pane windows, the addition of energy-efficient double pane windows will help seal out moisture and cold – effectively saving you a pretty penny in heating costs. Fall is a terrific time to schedule a window and/or replacement, before Winter’s chill settles over Georgia and seeps through the cracks and casements of your current windows. This benefit will continue year-round into the warmth of Spring and scorching days of Summer by sealing OUT the heat and locking IN the cooler air-conditioned air, thus saving you again in cooling costs.

2)      Old = Mold: If you live in an older home, your current windows might actually prove a danger to your family’s health. Old windows often equate to lead paint and dated sealing. The proven toxicity of lead paint (often found in homes constructed prior to 1978) can pose a threat to your family’s well-being and must be removed by a certified professional. Dated sealing around windows and doors becomes inefficient with time, letting in more than just cold air. Inefficient sealing can also allow moisture to enter the home and seep into the walls – which could, in turn, lead to mold. Mold has the potential to spread quickly throughout your home and can be dangerous for people with suppressed immune systems or acute cases of asthma. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mold exposure can also lead to allergic reactions and respiratory complaints.

3)      Save the Planet: Many modern windows are earth-friendly – not only will you be protecting your family and your wallet, but you will also be saving the planet in small ways every day! By installing energy-efficient windows, you will be ensuring a cozier seal on your home’s interior from the outside elements.  If you regularly heat your home by means of a fossil fuel like natural gas, this seal will equate to a significant reduction in green house gases emitted from your home into the environment.

4)      Thank You, Uncle Sam: You have until December 31, 2010 to purchase and install qualifying energy-efficient windows and doors to be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the purchase price (equal to or less than $1,500). To meet the requirements, windows and skylights must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of less than or equal to 0.30. These ratings must be certified by the National Fenestration Rating Committee (NFRC). To make things simple, be on the lookout for an EnergyStar Label indicating that the product that you are buying is either eligible in the State of Georgia or in all 50 states.

5)      Satisfaction Guaranteed: Most respected window and door manufacturers extend a warranty on all of their products. For instance, popular manufacturer Marvin Windows and Doors will honor a 20-year warranty on their insulated windows to guard against visible obstruction caused by a failure of the insulating glass air seal and a limited warranty guaranteeing their products will remain free from defects in manufacturing, materials and workmanship for up to 10 years from the purchase date.

The talented craftsmen and renovators at Highlight Home Restoration have each received their Certified Window Installers Level RLC-1 from the Architectural Testing Institute, Inc. Simply put, this means we are certified to install windows and doors for every major manufacturer in compliance with each individual company’s installation standards. Add this to the fact that Highlight Home Restoration is also Lead-Based Paint Containment certified, and we are the ideal choice for window and door replacements in homes constructed prior to 1978 all the way up to new construction. We are also wholly concerned with maintaining our standards as a Green Builder in Atlanta, so we will be happy to provide the research and proper installation necessary to make sure your new windows and doors are energy-efficient. To schedule an assessment of your home’s windows and doors, call Highlight Home Restoration 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 Home Restoration and our parent company, Highlight Homes, LLC – we invite you to visit us online. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and welcome the opportunity to show you that Highlight Home Restoration isn’t just another pretty face, either!

Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration Offer the Perfect Blend of Creativity and Craftsmanship

While some companies may elect to concentrate their talents in either design or building only, with more than 20 years of structural engineering, architectural design and construction under our workbelts – the talented team at Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration chooses to specialize in the entire process – taking our innovative designs from concept to reality. When hiring separate architect firms and construction companies, the homeowner must not only spell their idea out more than once and pay for both services – they must also have faith that the builder can interpret and deliver the architect’s plan according to the original vision. When hiring a design-build company like Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, architectural design and construction are housed under one roof – making the addition to your existing home or creation of your custom home a seamless and wholly enjoyable process. We are with you every step along the way from initial consult to final handshake thanks to our valued standing as designer/builders.  It’s just another in a long list of qualities that set us apart from other Atlanta-area builders.

Taking Advantage of Highlight Homes’ Design/Build Method is as Easy as 1-2-3:

1. On-site Visit and Consultation – Shortly following your initial contact with Highlight Homes (either by calling 678.873.9234, e-mailing us or filling out our online contact form), one of our talented designer/builders will schedule an appointment to meet at either your home or at the site on which you plan to build your future home. During this visit, we will listen carefully to both your needs and wants – then discuss honestly and openly possible solutions and the timeframes involved, as well as give you an educated guess as to the probable costs. This visit is a terrific time to build a rapport between homeowner and builder – if selected to complete the work, we will be working closely together throughout this exciting process. We are extremely honored to be considered to design and build your addition, renovation or entirely new home.

2. Design Outline and Proposal – After closer examination, Highlight Homes will provide you with a recap of our meeting, an outline of our design ideas, and the cost to move on to the next step – The Design Process itself!

3. Design Process: The homeowner is welcome to be as involved or removed from the process as they like, we want you to be happy! Have fun and enjoy brainstorming ideas with us, or kick back and let the professionals do all the work – it’s up to you! After Signing the Proposal…

• Highlight Homes Will Create an Original Design based on your requests and/or specifications through a special mix of good old-fashioned creativity, professional experience and the latest technological advances in drafting and architectural design. We will also take “before” photos of the room/site and research zoning for your area.
• Proposed Design Presentation – Highlight Homes will once again meet with the homeowner to unveil a first draft of the design.  If we don’t hit it out of the park the first time, we will take copious notes to make sure we are on the same page during our next meeting.
• Initial Bid & Construction Contract – Once a design is agreed upon, Highlight Homes will draw up an initial bid based mainly upon a projection of permits, labor costs and materials.  Highlight Homes will do everything in our power to work within your timeframe and budget with NO SURPRISES.  If you are pleased with our bid, you will then sign a contract with us to begin the THRILLING construction phase!
• Pre-construction – During this phase, we will secure the necessary permits for you, order materials and make sure we have everything in place for a next to perfect construction phase (needless to say, we can’t control the weather).
• Site Preparation – Our construction team will work diligently to cover and protect the other rooms of your home, so that nothing is damaged and there is as little disruption to your daily life as possible. We will also carefully plan for the removal/recycle of discarded materials throughout the construction phase.
• Let the Construction BEGIN! Now you will begin to see your idea really take shape.
• Regular Meetings – Highlight Homes will meet with the homeowner regularly to touch base and gauge your excitement.  We are accessible as often as you need us – whenever you wish to discuss your project, a supervisor will be right there on-site or the owner of Highlight Homes is just a phone call away!
• Change Orders – If after one of our meetings, we agree that a change needs to be made to the project – it will be documented in a change order and may affect the pricing.
• Your Idea Brought to Life – Once construction has been completed, the space will be professionally cleaned and photographed. It is our hope that we not only met your vision, but surpassed it! Tears and cheers are not uncommon at this point.

4. Construction Phase: While we won’t ask you to pick up a hammer and go to work WITH us during this phase, the lines of communication will remain open throughout the remainder of the project. When dealing with a custom home, kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation – you may wish to be involved in the selection of materials, such as appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting and fixtures. If so, we can schedule a series of “field trips” to secure these items together so you can add your own sense of style and taste to the project (we find that this is often the homeowners’ favorite part!) If not, don’t worry – Highlight Homes’ has been heralded for our exquisite taste level.

5. Follow-up: Highlight Homes extends a one-year warranty on home renovations  and a “2-10” warranty on custom homes.  We will complete a punch list with you before we leave you to enjoy your unique new space with your family for years to come. If you are happy with your home renovation or custom home (and we are confident that you will be), we ask that you help us spread the word about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration to your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues!  We will be in touch periodically over the years by phone, mailings, and our Highlight Home Herald e-newsletters. We want you to know how much we appreciate the fact that you selected Highlight Homes to complete such an important job – the enhancement of your family’s home.

For a Limited Time Only – Highlight Home Restoration is offering a FREE ACad Concept Design of your remodeling project (valued at $500-$1,000) for all jobs contracted through the remainder of 2010.

We look forward to hearing from YOU soon!

Remodeling Division of Highlight Homes, LLC Recognized for Unique Kitchen/Deck Transformation

Highlight Home Restoration was recently selected to have one of our remodeling projects grace the pages of Remodel Atlanta Magazine, the official bi-monthly publication of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Atlanta Remodelers Council. “We feel extremely honored to have our work recognized by our peers, particularly when it’s a project we were so fond of ourselves,” says Tony Pourhassan, Principal of Highlight Homes, LLC – parent company of Highlight Home Restoration.  “This particular job clearly demonstrates our company philosophy and mission – to offer incomparable quality craftsmanship, unique custom touches and above-and-beyond levels of customer service to each and every one of our clients.”

In “Unique Kitchen Transformation” – the magazine’s 3-page spread of Highlight Home Restoration’s story of the Josey Project – the writer outlines the inspirations behind the kitchen, breakfast area and deck remodel.  The article and accompanying photos serve to illustrate the extreme transformation from a 1970’s galley kitchen to a sprawling modern gourmet kitchen complete with room and deck additions, allowing a seamless flow for entertaining from the indoors to the scenic outdoor living space overlooking a golf course. Special interior touches include the introduction of a workspace in the breakfast area, wine rack under the center island, lighting under the cabinets, focal-point light fixtures, updated stainless steel appliances, high-end cherry cabinets, and gorgeous granite countertops. The crown jewel of the room is an imported tile backsplash over the stove, displaying the Tree of Life custom painted by the oldest tile manufacturer in Jerusalem.

To begin a “unique kitchen transformation” of your own, simply contact the experienced design-build team at Highlight Home Restoration TODAY!  Our talents don’t end with just kitchens – Highlight Home Restoration can design and construct everything from bathrooms to basements, decks to sunrooms, room additions to whole home renovations, and MORE! Highlight Homes can even help you build the custom home of your dreams from the ground up. To set up an initial consultation, call us at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form.  At Highlight Home Restoration, we don’t just renovate rooms – we create living spaces where you and your family will make memories together for years to come.

Take advantage of the “off-season” and remodel your home

As the long, hazy days of Summer give way to cool and crisp Fall mornings, you will begin to sense a change in more than just the temperatures. Within weeks, the leaves on the trees will begin their annual transformation from shades of green to a sea of brilliant reds, golds, ambers, and browns. This is the time of year when children go to bed dreaming of bags full of candy and what they will be for Halloween. Fall is when aspiring chefs begin planning for their Thanksgiving feast, and when avid College Football fans pray for an endless string of wins leading them to a glorious Bowl Game. It’s also a time when homeowners can take advantage of the “off-season” and begin remodeling their home at long last. While most remodeling jobs take place during the warm Spring and Summer months, many (if not all) builders and remodelers are willing to work year-round to get the job done. Just think, you could have your kitchen remodeled, basement finished, sunroom added, deck built and more in time for your guests to arrive for the holidays!

A major advantage to electing to conduct your remodel now is that you may not have to get in line behind an endless string of other homeowners wishing to renovate their home at the same time. Take a cue from Mother Nature and begin a few changes of your own this Fall. The gifted craftsmen at Highlight Home Restoration can help you transform the look of your home – inside and out. We are highly skilled at Whole Home Renovations, Room Additions, Architectural and Design Services, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Landscaping & Ponds, Decks & Porches, Sunrooms, Basement Finishing….and Much, Much More! Getting started is easy!  Simply call us to schedule a walk-through and consultation at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com,  or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to the opportunity to help you “FALL” in love with your home again!

Check Out These Hot New Trends (& Old Favorites) in Kitchen Countertops

While Granite continues to lead the market as the number one choice for kitchen countertops with its natural beauty and high-polished elegance, it is expensive and can prove cost-prohibitive to some kitchen remodel budgets. If you have been considering a kitchen remodel – the second leading renovation project that consistently receives the most return-on-investment (psst… deck additions are # 1) – there are less expensive materials that can be used for your kitchen surfaces to create a dramatic look without breaking the bank.  Here are just a few options to consider:

1)      “Man-Made” Polymer Materials – Also known as solid surface countertops, the most popular manufacturer is perhaps DuPont for their Corian line. Corian offers a wide variety of colors, styles, and edges to choose from – anything from classic and understated, to quiet sophistication and beauty, to thoroughly modern and in your face bold. Their new Terra Collection offers the look of stone in an array of earthy neutrals. A word of caution, no matter which color you choose – always have trivets and cutting boards on hand, as Corian is not scratch-or-scorch resistant.

2)      Silestone Quartz – Containing 100% natural quartz – Silestone provides that natural stone look you crave, but in a wide variety of daring colors so you can really find the look that will fit with your taste and decor. Best of all, Silestone is scratch-stain-and- scorch resistant AND it is considered earth-friendly (certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute). Wait, it gets better… Silestone has developed a product that offers antimicrobial protection. Even DuPont has recently gotten in on the act with its Zodiaq line of quartz surfaces. Quartz is definitely the “one to watch” as its popularity grows.

3)      Granite Tile – A far less expensive alternative to slab granite, homeowners may choose to use modular granite or granite tile to achieve a similar feel without killing their budget. The cost savings come from the relative ease of manufacturing and shipping tile as opposed to finding a piece of granite large enough and flawless enough to be custom cut and shipped to your home. While you may have to contend with the fact that you won’t have a smooth, seamless surface – you can still achieve a very beautiful and natural look to your new kitchen countertops.

4)      Ceramic Tile – You can create a pretty, natural look in your kitchen and pay virtually pennies on the dollar to what you would pay for a granite slab with ceramic tile.  Also offered in a wide variety of colors, sizes and styles – a touch of painted tiles in your backsplash can help incorporate a little bit of your own personality into the room. Just remember, ceramic can crack so be careful when putting dishes away in high cabinets.

5)      Laminates – Perhaps the least expensive alternative in countertop materials, laminates made by manufacturers like Wilsonart and Formica have come a LOOOOOOOOONG way, baby. Constantly reinventing themselves, laminate manufacturers offer homeowners the LOOK of granite at a fraction of the cost. They also offer solid colors, patterns, even wood grains. Unfortunately, some laminates continue to be plagued by issues such as scratches, scorching, peeling/warping and fading over time. If you choose to go with a laminate, keep in mind that it may not last forever.

6)      Polished Concrete – More of a hot new trend than a less expensive alternative, concrete that has been poured, tinted and polished to fit your kitchen is a really cool look in modern kitchens that bears mentioning. It is heat and scratch resistant, but will need to be sealed regularly in order to resist staining.

7)      Marble – An oldie but goodie, marble has been used in kitchens practically since the dawn of man. Adding an air of traditional sophistication, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. While it is less expensive in comparison, marble is also less durable than granite. It is a softer, more porous stone – making it susceptible to stains, scratches and even cracks.

The choices don’t end there! You also have stainless steel, wood and other natural stones such as limestone and slate to choose from. Do your homework to learn the benefits and drawbacks to each before deciding which route is best for your family. Once you do, contact the talented team of designers and builders at Highlight Home Restoration to help you install your new countertops.  We can even help you redesign your entire kitchen to suit the needs of your growing family, if need be.  If you need help in deciding which countertops are best for you, Highlight Home Restoration can do that, too!  We understand that this is no small decision – there’s a reason they call the kitchen the “heart of the home!” While we truly love working with granite and most other natural materials, our customers come first and we will do our level best to design a beautiful kitchen that meets both your needs and budget, while exceeding your expectations.  Call Highlight Home Restoration TODAY at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form.  We look forward to helping you make your kitchen one of the many “highlights” of your home!

(And Highlight Homes Can Help Get You Through the Front Door)

In light of a less-than-stellar economy and a roller coaster ride of a housing market during the past few years, treasure abounds throughout much of Atlanta in the form of bank-owned land and home sites many builders wish to have off their books. By going on a treasure hunt and purchasing a lot at bargain basement prices, you may find yourself with more to spend on the construction of a one-of-a-kind luxury custom home. By selecting a firm that offers both design and construction services – not only is the process far simpler than hiring a separate architect and builder, but you may find also yourself with more control over all of the elements that will make up your future dream home.

Highlight Homes of Georgia is a premier design/build firm that understands how important a house can be to a family. Far more than just a shelter, a house is a place where memories are made and happiness grows. Each room is so much more than four walls and a door – a living room may represent the family game night battlefield, a window seat on the stairs could really be the storybook nook, a kitchen might be more of the burgeoning chef’s workspace, and a bathroom may serve as the future pop star’s practice chamber. Life happens in every room of the house, and – since every family is unique – we feel your home should be, too. Highlight Homes’ talented team of designers and builders will work closely with you throughout every step of your custom home project to make sure your visions are being met. We are extremely proud of our solid reputation for providing excellent customer service and exceeding expectations, while staying on target with regard to timing and budget. We pride ourselves in being a Green Builder, and have certifications from the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program, Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design for Homes, Energy Star, Earth Craft Home, and the U.S. Green Building Council.

If you wish to purchase land on which to build a custom home, here are a few factors to consider:

• Location, location, location – Try not to get too wrapped up in the incredible DEAL you could get on a plot of land and think practically. Keep in mind important factors such as area schools, commute to work, medical facilities, water and sanitation, property taxes, flood plains, etc…
• Do Your Homework – In the event that you find an awesome bargain on a builder’s home site within a nice neighborhood, make sure that your concept of a custom home fits with the Home Owners Association’s Bylaws and Guidelines.
• Can You Dig It? – If you envision a home with a basement, make certain the lot is basement-friendly. Does it drain well, or will you have to contend with a flooded basement every time it rains? Is the building site sloped so you can have windows in your basement?

Seem a bit daunting?  Don’t worry! Highlight Homes can even help you find the ideal lot on which to begin building your home. We can meet with you to discuss your wants and needs, as well as budgetary restrictions. While we begin our quest for your new home site, you can begin putting together a special scrapbook of many of the elements you wish your dream home to contain. Pour through home décor magazines, search the internet, draw your own renderings, snap photos of other homes around town, etc… Once we’ve found the perfect lot, a Highlight Homes’ architect will sit down with you to look through your scrapbook , learn about your family, and develop a strong sense of what you are hoping for from your new home. He will then take this knowledge back to his drafting table to develop truly distinctive house plans custom made to fit your family. When you approve of the plans, an estimate of construction costs will be developed and – once approved – construction can begin. Highlight Homes will take care of the acquisition of the necessary permits and the execution of inspections so that the construction phase goes smoothly from start to finish. Depending on the size and scope of your custom home, once the permits are obtained you could begin moving in within 6 to 12 months and start making memories right away.

Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to become your family’s custom homebuilder. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting our website at www.highlighthomesga.com. When you’re ready to schedule a meeting, our team can be reached by calling 678-873-9234, by e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com, or by filling out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

With a new season of college football gearing up to start in just a matter of days, you may feel inspired to find innovative ways to show your school spirit at home. Short of painting the exterior of your home in your favorite team colors like Tennessee Orange and White or Florida State Garnet and Gold, there are several more tasteful ways to show your love for your college of choice. Highlight Home Restoration has come up with a handful that we believe are #1!

1. Show Your Team Spirit Sunroom – A fan as devoted as you deserves a special room for football worship!  A sunroom near the deck AND the kitchen provides plenty of opportunities for quick snack and grill runs. Load your sunroom up with comfy sofas, a big screen TV on the wall and pretend it’s your very own skybox every Saturday during football season.  Add splashes of school color through your accessories – such as throw pillows, rugs and bric-a-brac. Incorporate a pool table or foosball table, and this room can convert easily into a game room for the rest of the family to enjoy the remainder of the year.
2. Tailgate Terrace – Overlooking your very own “field of play”, you could have a deck to die for. Envision a vaulted ceiling with outdoor fan cooling you down when the game really gets heated, plus an outdoor fireplace with a big screen TV hung overhead for enjoying night games and s’mores on those cool Fall evenings.  A built-in grill allows you to combine your football watching and tailgating all in one. Hang school pennants from the rafters, and keep an open galvanized tub fully stocked with your favorite icy beverages nearby. Spend halftime partaking in a friendly game of flag football in the yard.
3. Head Coach Home Office – For the other 6 days of the week, you can still show your school spirit as you look forward to next Saturday’s game.  Integrate chair railing and crown molding along all four walls, then paint the base and trim to match your team colors – e.g. University of Georgia fans might consider pale grey walls with black trim and red accents.  Consider framing sports memorabilia stylishly in black frames, matted in school colors in order to keep your great love of college ball understated and sophisticated.
4. Backfield Basement –  Because your basement is not a centrally located room of the house, you can have a little bit more fun with your décor down here. Stores like Sports Moments & Memories and Stadium Stuff plus school bookstores and online resources offer a treasure trove of really cool sports memorabilia to line your walls, shelves… even floors. Transform your basement into THE ultimate sports bar/media room by adding a custom bar with granite countertops and cozy stools on one side of the room, and an enormous big screen TV with sound system and overstuffed leather sectional on the other. Be prepared to play host on most Saturdays, as word spreads that your basement is THE place to be on game day.

No matter what way you choose to show your team spirit at home, the talented design-build team at Highlight Home Restoration can help.  Whether you elect to construct an entirely new sunroom,  add a custom designed deck, convert a pre-existing room into a home office or (FINALLY) finish your basement – Highlight Home Restoration can not only design the project to fit your family’s needs– we can also secure the necessary building permits and build the space for you.  To schedule a meeting to discuss your profound love for your college team and the best ways to show that devotion at home, call the friendly folks at Highlight Home Restoration at 678-873-9234. We also invite you to e-mail your request for information to info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out a convenient online contact form.  To learn more about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com.