Highlight Homes

Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration are pleased to announce that we have recently received the “stamp of approval” from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This means that Highlight Homes has undergone review from this nationally recognized and well-respected “watchdog” agency and has met the very high standards they set for their code of business practices. BBB accreditation is based upon Eight Standards of Trust:

1. Build Trust – Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration have been doing this for our clients all over Georgia for years – but it’s nice to be recognized for it!
2. Advertise Honestly – Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration ads have been seen in such upscale publications as Points North, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and Remodel Atlanta Magazine.  We’re not about smoke and mirrors, just good old fashioned quality craftsmanship.
3. Tell the Truth – Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration always approach every project we undertake with a straightforward approach, utilizing only the finest materials and subcontractors we can find. If anything, we are known to “under-promise and over-deliver”.
4. Be Transparent – Openly identify the nature, location and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy. We let our work speak for itself at Highlight Homes – there’s no need for the “hard sell”.
5. Honor Promises – Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration has grown quite a reputation for exceeding expectations. Where other remodeling companies or builders may draw projects out weeks or months beyond the original target date, with dozens of change orders representing added expense for the client, Highlight Homes strives to complete each project ON time and ON budget.
6. Be Responsive – Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith. Fortunately, “marketplace disputes” are something we’ve never had to deal with.  Armed with the desire to please each and every one of our clients, we make adjustments when necessary – long before any inkling of a dispute were to arise.
7. Safeguard Privacy – Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding use of their information. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration is honored to have met and served our clients – we will never sell or share your information with a third party.
8. Embody Integrity – Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions, and commitments with integrity. After more than 20 years in the construction, renovation, architecture and land development industries – Highlight Homes’ Principal Tony Pourhassan handpicks each member of his team based on vision, skill set, talent, dedication and integrity.

We’d like to express our gratitude to the Better Business Bureau for honoring us with this distinction. While we are privileged to become a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business, Highlight Homes is perhaps most grateful for the accolades we receive from our clients. We invite you to read just a few of their wonderful testimonials. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration welcome you to consider us to complete your next home renovation project or design and build your new custom home. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com or text “highlighthomes” to 99699 for our mobile textsite. If you’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss your upcoming project, please call us at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form.  We look forward to hearing from YOU soon!

From the dawn of Man, we have always been drawn to water. For centuries, Native American Indians would often plan their settlements near rivers and streams where water and fish were abundant. Early settlers to the United States set up encampments and built towns near harbors, ports, or busy river systems to aid in the easy transport of goods and people. Even today, millions of people continue to flock to ocean shorelines each year to walk along the surf and ponder the horizon. Whether gazing out over the glasslike surface of a lake, listening to the babble of a rushing brook, delighting in the wonder of a cascading waterfall or creating ripples in a pond with a perfectly skipped stone, there is something powerful, yet so serene about the element of water. You, too, can harness this power and create a peaceful oasis right in your own backyard by incorporating a water feature.  Here are just a handful of reasons why you should add a pond or stream to your outdoor landscape:

1)      Enhance the Beauty of Your Backyard: Envision a stunning retreat just outside of your back door – a place where you can escape with a great book and a glass of wine, and let the cares and woes of the day drift away on a breeze.  Adding a water element to the exterior of your home is a great way to augment the beauty of your landscape, and could very well make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood. Picturesque landscaping also increases the curb appeal and possibly even the resale value of your home, so any opportunity you have to beautify the interior or exterior of your home – go for it! Highlight Home Restoration can help!

2)      Invite Tranquility to Your Backyard: According to the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, water can help create balance, harmony and prosperity in your environment. Introducing a water feature to your outdoor oasis is also a terrific way to reduce stress. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing – drawing the eye with a great focal point for daydreaming, but they also provide soothing sounds to help block out the noise of world beyond your garden gate. To create perfect balance, consider incorporating a fire pit nearby.

3)      Focus on Fauna: Attention nature lovers, a water element will likely attract more birds, butterflies, and other small wildlife like frogs and turtles to your backyard. Incorporate attractive bird feeders, bird baths and butterfly bushes in different parts of your landscaping, and you could be creating your very own nature preserve paradise.

4)      Find New Flora: A water garden is truly a thing of beauty, and presents the ideal opportunity to introduce entirely new species of flowers and plants to your backyard landscape. Stunning flora such as water lilies, lotus, canna, and cattails will set your outdoor oasis from the rest of your neighbors.

5)      More Fish = Fewer Annoying Bugs: If you decide to make your water element a koi pond, consider the big benefit of the fact that koi love to eat mosquito larvae, snails and grubs. While snails and grubs can lay waste to your garden, mosquitoes can quickly take all of the fun out of your al fresco dinner party.  Be careful about investing a great deal of money on your pond plants, though – koi will eat those, too!

To ensure a seamless transition from ordinary to extraordinary in YOUR backyard, you may want to enlist the help of a professional landscaper.  A professional contractor will know the best placement of your pond, which plants will perform well in your landscape, and whether or not fish will work for you in addition to designing and building your new outdoor oasis for you. Creating unique outdoor living spaces is only one of the many specialties the design-build team at Highlight Home Restoration has to offer Atlanta home owners.  If you are considering taking your backyard to an entirely new level with the incorporation of a deck, patio, fire pit, water feature or all of the above, we invite you to contact us by calling 678-873-9234, e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out our helpful online contact form TODAY. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your vision further, and appreciate the opportunity to make your home a “highlight” of your life.  To learn more about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com or text “HighlightHomes” to 99699 from your mobile device.

Fast and Frugal Tips for Changing the Look of the Heart of Your Home

So much more than a food preparation chamber, the kitchen truly is the heart of many an American home. It’s a social nerve center for many a neighborhood gathering, the place where revelations are made and shared between family members. It’s a homework zone, a bonding space, and – yes – the room where many a fabulous meal is prepared. With so much time spent in such a central area, this one room should reflect the family’s personality and – in doing so – help set a mood for each new day. Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration have compiled the following list of fast and frugal tips for giving your kitchen the “face lift” it deserves:

1)      One, Two, Switcheroo: If you enjoy the current layout of your kitchen, but are tired of the look of your cabinets and/or countertops – you have the option of simply re-facing your cabinetry and installing more updated counters.  Re-facing your cabinets is a cost-effective way to alter the surface appearance in your kitchen, and – in its most basic form – entails the introduction of new cabinet doors in place of your old ones. This is most effective when the cabinetry can be painted or stained to match OR already complements the look of the new doors and drawers. If you love your china pattern, you might elect to use glass doors for some of your new cabinets and install special lighting to showcase it. If your counters are outdated or showing excessive wear and tear, it might be a good idea to switch these out at the same time. Granite continues to hold the lead in most desirable material for kitchen counters today, but less expensive alternatives such as solid surface “man-made” polymer materials, granite, or ceramic tile, and laminates come in a wide variety of styles and colors and can dramatically change the look of your kitchen.

2)      Paint and Polish: It is possible that a fresh coat of paint over your current cabinets might do the trick, followed by the introduction of new door and drawer pulls.  Consider going after your walls with a fresh new paint color that complements your new cabinets, as well, to really make your houseguests say “WOW!”  According to the experts at Pantone – the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries – you can create a mood in a room with your paint color selection. Red is daring and energetic, while blue is peaceful and refreshing. Orange is inspiring, inventive and gregarious while purple is aristocratic and enchanting.  Green is clean and earnest, while brown is earthy and familiar.  Grey is powerful and timeless, while yellow is uplifting and playful.  Touches of black throughout the room add an air of sophistication.  Don’t forget to pull it all together through your choice of linens for the table and windows, as well as a great throw rug and brand new dish towels.

3)      De-Clutter and De-Stress: With all this talk of setting a mood, let’s not forget that clutter can correlate to your stress level. Clean, uncluttered countertops will not only help lower stress – but they will give the impression of a spotless kitchen.  Stow your appliances away in cabinets or the pantry, and become an advocate for “less is more” with regard to knick-knacks in your kitchen.  This might be a great time to invest in some organizational shelving for your cabinets and pantry to maximize your use of space.

4)      Spotlight, please: You could accomplish a great deal by incorporating beautiful new light fixtures over your kitchen table and island.  When well-chosen, these fixtures could serve as a focal point. If your kitchen area is small, you might want to also consider adding track or pot lighting to brighten your space (and stay away from dark cabinets and wall colors as they will only serve to diminish the size further). A growing trend is the introduction of task lighting under cabinets that can lighten up your work space while chopping, blending and mixing – or showcase gorgeous new countertops (just be sure to keep them shiny and clean!)

In the event that you are looking for a complete kitchen overhaul – one that will exceed your wildest dreams – Tip #5 should be to call the friendly folks at Highlight Home Restoration.  We will listen carefully to your wants and needs, examine the space, and design something spectacular to fit both your vision AND your budget. Because we are well-versed in structural engineering, architecture and construction – we are your one-stop shop to taking your kitchen remodel from concept to completion. We can completely revamp the layout of your kitchen space, while adhering to the look and style of your home so it flows beautifully and seamlessly into your home’s design. We can also help with smaller jobs, like those outlined above – from re-facing cabinets, to replacing countertops, from installing organizational shelving to helping you incorporate new lighting fixtures to your kitchen space. Needless to say, our expertise can be of use all over your home – basement finishing, bathroom remodels, sunroom additions, decks and patios, and so much more.

Keep in mind that a major kitchen remodel often equates to an over 70% return on investment when a house is resold.  To get started on the exciting renovation of your family’s kitchen, call Highlight Home Restoration at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our convenient online contact form.  To learn more about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, visit us on the web at www.highlighthomesga.com or from your mobile device by texting HighlightHomes to 99699. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and to making your kitchen one of the many “highlights” of your family’s life!

Hire a Builder TODAY

With the country still reeling from a beleaguered economy and new construction on single-family housing at one of its lowest levels since the start of this current financial crisis, this summer the inventory of houses on the market dipped down to numbers not seen in over 40 years (Reuters). What’s more is, colorful charts displaying the rollercoaster ride that new and existing home sales have taken in recent months do not indicate any clear pattern. No one can say for sure when the housing market will recover. However, one thing is clear – with inventories of homes at historically low levels, once the market DOES rebound – we could face a housing crisis.

That doesn’t have to be the case, and you could be an agent for change! This is the ideal occasion to make renovations to your existing home, affording you ample time to enjoy them, and helping to increase your house value should you make the decision to sell in the near future. If you are considering buying a new home, this is also a terrific time to invest – with interest rates and house prices combining for unprecedented cost savings. Keep in mind that in the event that you purchase a foreclosure or new home that has been on the market for some time, you may require a few simple renovations to bring that home back to its former glory. Each time a person buys a new home from a builder, chances are they are freeing the builder up to build more new homes by increasing his or her capital. Ever consider building the house of your dreams from the ground up? There are a treasure trove of talented architects, builders, construction professionals, and suppliers vying for the opportunity to help you achieve your dreams. By signing on the dotted line, you are helping to employ a staff, stimulate the economy, and – in turn – grease the wheels of progress. We simply can’t wait any longer for the folks in Washington to fix the situation – we all have to do our part to help turn this economy around.

Like many of our colleagues, Highlight Homes has faced our own set of challenges the last couple of years. While countless builders and supply companies have been forced to close their doors, we have weathered the storm. We feel that speaks volumes about the value and quality we provide to our loyal customer base. We welcome the opportunity to have you join our growing list of clients and can assist you with everything from basic home maintenance, to kitchen and bath remodels, to complete home renovations, to basement finishing, to decks and patios, to new home construction and more! To help turn the economy around, do your part to aid in the housing market recovery, and support a local builder – contact Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration by calling 678-873-9234, e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out our helpful online contact form.  To learn more about us, we invite you to visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com or text Builder or HighlightHomes to 99699 from your mobile device.  We look forward to meeting you, and learning how best we can serve you and your family!

Five GREAT Reasons to Finish Your Basement

Just imagine it! The basement doesn’t have to serve solely as a disorganized storage shed, a final resting place for old toys, or hiding place for dozens of scary spiders (and perhaps, even the Boogey Man). It’s a pre-constructed space that can be finished and transformed to virtually anything you want it to be!  Sit down with your family and work out the best use of this space to fit your needs, as well as your budget.  Once you’re ready to roll forward, the friendly folks at Highlight Home Restoration can help you design and build the basement of your dreams. Doesn’t that sound so much better than a dank, dark hole that smells funny and exists somewhere in your nightmares?  If you need a little more inspiration, here are five more GREAT reasons to finish your basement:

1)      The “Envy of Your Friends” Man Cave – Since the dawn of man, males have sought refuge from the stresses of daily life in spaces they can call their own.  From a young age, they will use whatever materials necessary to build their fortress of solitude – from a super cool fort made out of sheets draped over a table and chairs, to a tree house constructed of scrap wood and emblazoned with the warning “Keep Out” in bold red paint.  A basement offers the ideal space for a man to get away from it all – whether his man cave is designed for entertaining at a full-size bar with beer taps and flat panel TVs hung overhead, or as a supreme “sky box” with an enormous big screen TV at center stage and huge overstuffed sofas on which to watch sporting events to his heart’s content.

2)      The “Rowdy Recreation” Room – Just as men may need a space to get away from it all, moms may need a space to send the kids to play and… well… be kids. Whether you have young children who would benefit from an enormous playroom with built in shelving, storage and craft spaces, or teenagers who would enjoy a safe hangout with their friends – complete with video games, pool table, foosball table, air hockey and refrigerator filled with snacks.

3)      The “Happy Home” Office – As more and more adults are enjoying the benefits of working from home, the need for practical home office space is growing. Gone are the days of setting up a laptop on the dining room table – you need a dedicated space to work and create, separate from your home life so you can leave your work “at the office” by shutting the door at the end of the day. If your particular county or city ordinances allow, you may even be able to run a small business from your home. If you have a handful of employees on staff, this space can be converted to easily accommodate them – complete with cubicles, bathroom facilities and water cooler. You may even be able to write off a portion of this space on your taxes!

4)      The “Majestic Theater” Media Room – For the family who loves movies AND entertaining, the ideal answer for the use of their basement space is to design a unique home theater.  With the addition of risers, curtains, a projection screen, top-of-the-line sound system and popcorn maker – you may never go to the movies outside your home again.  Roll out the red carpet and invite the neighbors down for movie premiers, or plan a sleepover your kids’ friends will NEVER forget!

5)      “Love Your In-Law” Suite – With more and more elderly parents moving home to stay with the kids, some families are finding it a useful addition to transform their basement into an apartment complete with kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom and separate entrance. Your parents can enjoy a feeling of independence while living close enough for you to keep a regular eye on their health and well-being.

When you finish your basement, you are adding useful livable space to your home. The plusses to this are that your family will have more room to spread out, a special space that fulfills your family’s needs, AND you will effectively increase the salability of your home in the future. A couple of changes to consider are the added costs to heat and cool this space, and increased taxes for adding livable square footage. However, a recent survey by Remodeling Magazine indicates that homeowners can expect a return on investment of 75 cents on the dollar for basement finishing – so the good will typically far outweigh the bad. To begin the exciting design phase of your new finished basement, contact Highlight Home Restoration TODAY by calling 678-828-9234. You can also reach our talented team of designers and builders by e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com or by filling out our helpful online contact form.

Adding Special Luxury Elements to Your Home Renovation

Just as you would add a beautiful bow to finish off the wrapping of a special gift, or a cherry to the top of an ice cream sundae – there are ways to take your home renovation from ordinary to extraordinary with the introduction of certain luxury elements and design accents.  Highlight Home Restoration – the design/build renovations division of Highlight Homes, LLC – has compiled the following list of upscale additions that will add a “touch of class” to virtually any home improvement project:

1. The Sky’s the Limit – Adding a trey ceiling not only gives the impression of more headroom and a “loftier space”, but it also adds an opulent feel to any room.  If your ceilings are already at heights above 9 and 10 feet, you may want to add coffers to give the ceiling more character and dimension.
2. A Room With All the Trimmings – A category that can spans the spectrum from inexpensive to costly is decorative trim.  From chair rails to baseboards to crown molding, the introduction of any of these elements to a sheet rocked room instantly transforms it from a basic box to a future study, library, dining room, any room you like. You can also experiment with different color combinations between your wall color and trim color based on your decorative style.
3. Your Windows to the World – If adding an addition or closing off a space, windows and doors will play a vital role to the overall charm of the room.  French doors, transoms and stained glass have always served to up the ante from basic builder-grade window and doors.  This is an area where you can have some fun with shapes, too – making that new casement bay window with box seat the centerpiece of your room.
4. Bottoms UP! – When finishing your basement, you are effectively adding a floor to your home. Instead of being a dank, dark space where moving boxes, old toys, broken appliances and spiders converge – you can transform this space to fit your family’s needs.  If entertainment is what you have in mind, consider adding a wetbar as well as a media room for watching movies or the BIG GAME. Transform those ugly, but absolutely necessary support posts into graceful columns.
5. Pay Close Attention to the Selection of Materials – When planning a home renovation, there are certain high-end materials that convey a sense of luxury and refinement.  Items such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, glazed maple cabinetry, ceramic and marble tiles, natural stone, polished nickel door knobs and drawer pulls, trendy to classic paint colors and ornate lighting fixtures can all serve to enhance the room you are renovating.  In some instances, they may even MAKE the room. A very well-connected architect or building contractor may be able to find these elements at significant discounts.
6. Make Sure You Cross That Finish Line – In order to finish off your room in a manner that befits the luxury elements you’ve assembled therein, you’ll want to do your homework by thumbing through interior design books and magazines, watching lots of interior design shows or hiring a gifted interior designer.  With more than 20 years in the Southeast’s design and build industry, the friendly folks at Highlight Home Restorations are happy to point you in the right direction.  A really good interior designer can help you pull all of the final pieces of the puzzle together – furniture, rugs, accessories, lamps, throw pillows, artwork and more.

Did you know that many aristocratic early settlers to the New World tried to convey a feeling of luxury in their homes, as well?  Short on high-end materials like marble, they would commission an artist to paint their wood mantles to LOOK like marble. Today, an imaginative and talented designer-builder can help you create a space that exudes elegance without breaking your budget.  Highlight Home Restoration is proud to be among those that make up the “imaginative and talented” category!  Infusing special luxury touches into our designs is just one of our many hallmarks. To begin your home renovation with a “touch of class” contact Highlight Home Restoration TODAY by calling 678-828-9234. You can also reach our talented team of designers and builders by e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out our online contact form.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits Before It’s Too Late!

Did you know that the tax credits for eco-friendly home improvements and products end December 31, 2010? If you have been considering “going green” at your home or are in need of some basic home maintenance, you may want to take advantage of these tax credits right away – before it’s too late.  These tax credits were first enacted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, but were extended and expanded upon in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Items covered by the current tax credits include:

• Biomass Stoves – These stoves burn biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water.  Biomass fuel includes plants, grasses, wood, wood waste, and more.  Requires thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.
• Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) – This category includes items such as advanced main air circulating fan; air-source heat pumps (good for moderate climates); central air conditioning; gas, propane, or oil hot water boiler; natural gas or propane furnace; and oil furnace. Visit http://www.energystar.gov to learn the requirements for each individual item.
• Insulation – Adding adequate insulation to your home is one of the most energy-efficient upgrades you can do. Insulation like batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place can qualify, as can products that reduce air leaks like weather stripping, spray foam, air sealing caulk and house wrap.  Make sure they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement.
• Roofing – Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with suitable cooling granules that meet ENERGY STAR requirements are eligible for these tax credits. If you need a new roof, these qualified products reflect more of the sun’s rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F.  This will help decrease the amount of heat transferred into your home, and save you money on cooling your home.
• Non-solar Water Heaters – Gas, Oil or Propane Water Heaters OR Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters are covered under these tax credits. Conventional water heating can equate to 14-25% of the energy consumed in your home.
• Energy Efficient Windows, Skylights and Doors – When properly installed, these can help reduce energy bills.  Installing storm windows and doors offers a less expensive alternative and can also improve energy efficiency as they combine with you current windows and doors to create a barrier between the interior of your home and the weather outside.

Consumers who purchase these items for their CURRENT primary residence are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of their cost, with a cap of $1,500.  Second homes, rental properties and new construction homes are not eligible for these credits.  Often, installation costs are covered as part of the total cost of the product.

If you’re REALLY serious about energy efficiency, these tax credits are extended through December 31, 2016 for the following eco-friendly home improvements:

• Wind Energy Systems – A residential wind turbine collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with your home’s electrical system. To qualify, your turbine must have a nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts.
• GeoThermal Heat Pumps – These use the earth’s natural heat to provide heating, air conditioning, and – in some cases – hot water go your home.  They are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies available today.
• Solar Energy Systems – These include Solar Panels that capture light energy from the sun and convert it directly into electricity and Solar Water Heaters that use the sun’s thermal energy to heat water for the home. To qualify, at least half of the home’s energy generation must come from the sun.
• Fuel Cells – Thought to be the future of energy, fuel cells offer a cleaner, more-efficient alternative to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels.  To qualify, your residential fuel cells must offer an efficiency of at least 30% and have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

Items that fall under those four categories are eligible for 30% of the total cost in tax credits with no upper limit, except for fuel cells which have a cap of $500 per .5 kW of power capacity. Rentals and second homes are NOT eligible for these credits, but existing primary residences and new construction homes are.

To learn how to apply for these energy efficient tax credits, CLICK HERE.

Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration is committed to green building and quality construction – whether building a custom home from the ground up or renovating an existing home. It’s never lost on us that the materials we use, including the very framework with which we base our homes or home additions, are among some of our most precious natural resources. With our combined love of building fine homes and doing our part to protect the environment, Highlight Homes is most proud of our distinction for being a Green Builder.  Aside from the great care we devote to developing  special communities featuring an abundance of beautiful green space, Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restorations also places a major emphasis on designing homes and home additions that reduce energy consumption and material waste. The benefit to the homeowner is found not only in their utility bills, but also in the comfort, durability and air quality of their home – effectively enhancing their quality of life.

Our dedication to developing our own Earth-friendly initiatives and carefully following green building guidelines are an important piece of what sets us apart from other Atlanta builders.  In   order to become a certified Green Builder, certain criteria must be met and recognized by third-party certification programs such as Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Program, Energy Star and Earth Craft House.  Highlight Homes has certifications from all four of these nationally and regionally recognized programs. When you’re ready to go green, Highlight Home Restoration can help! It’s as simple as picking up the phone – call us TODAY at 678-873-9234. You can also reach our talented team of designers and builders by e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out our online contact form.

Act now before it’s too late!  So many new and repeat homebuyers missed out on the homebuyer tax credits of $6,500 to $8,000 by not entering into a binding contract by April 30, 2010.  While many have received an extension through September 30, 2010 to complete the purchase of their new home – if they didn’t have a signed contract by the end of April, they no longer qualify. REMEMBER – in order to meet the criteria for the energy efficient home improvement tax credits, you must have your products purchased and installed by the December 31^st deadline to make a claim on your 2010 taxes.

With Summer just beginning to heat up, and record temperatures already being reported throughout Hotlanta and all across Georgia – your air conditioning is something you definitely should NOT take for granted. Thanks to some help from our friends at the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Highlight Homes has compiled a list of some basic facts about how your air conditioning works, the best ways to maintain your unit, and valuable energy saving tips that could save you money.

How Central Air Conditioning Works:

A/C units are comprised of three basic components and a chemical in order to cool your home. The chemical in your A/C is known as a refrigerant, and the three mechanical components that convert the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again are the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator coil. All of these pieces of the puzzle work together to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside air. This process begins when the refrigerant arrives at the compressor as a cool, low-pressure gas. It leaves the compressor as a hot, high-pressure gas and enters the condenser. A fan draws air from the outdoors which cools the refrigerant and changes it to a high-pressure liquid before moving it indoors through tubing which converts it to a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid by the time it hits the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil serves to absorbs moisture in the air through the return vents while a powerful fan blows over the coil and the refrigerant – ultimately cooling the home through air supply vents. Once the refrigerant leaves the evaporator coil, it returns to the compressor as a gas and the cycle begins all over again until the desired temperature you have set on your thermostat is reached.

Most homes typically have one of two central air conditioning units – a split system or a package system. A split system (described in the cycle above) consists of an outdoor metal cabinet, which houses the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet that contains the evaporator coil. The outdoor cabinet is located next to the home and the evaporator coil is located inside the home, near the furnace – often in an attic, basement or crawlspace. It is important that the outdoor and indoor units are properly matched for efficiency. In a package system, all of the mechanical parts are housed in one cabinet, which is usually located outside the house.

Maintenance (and Money-Saving) Tips for A/C Systems:

We’re fairly sure you’ve heard the phrase “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Air conditioning is something you definitely do not want to go without, especially during the hottest months of the year in Atlanta, July and August. Aside from escaping unbearable temperatures and humidity, these maintenance tips can also help save you some money in the long-run!

1. Get in the habit of checking your air filters regularly. Change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or if they are particularly dirty. By changing the filter, you are keeping dust from collecting on the evaporator coil, but clean filters can also cut energy consumption 5 percent to 15 percent. Turn off the power to the furnace before pulling the filter out so the blower doesn’t come on and blow dust throughout the system. Be sure to position the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Take a walk outside to check the outdoor condensing unit, which is typically a large (sometimes noisy) metal box on the side of your house. Clear away debris such as leaves, grass clippings, weeds and plants that could block airflow and reduce its efficiency. You can also clean the outdoor condensing unit by spraying it off with a garden hose.
3. Make sure that all of the vents in the house are unobstructed. Air in your home needs to circulate easily through the vents. If you have floor registers, make sure they are not blocked by furniture.
4. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms so that your A/C unit isn’t having to work overtime to cool the WHOLE house needlessly.
5. Make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated – which can reduce your total energy use by more than 20 percent. Focus first on ducts that run through unconditioned space such as your garage or attic, and seal ducts with mastic or foil-backed tape. After sealing, insulate the ducts by wrapping them in insulation. The Department of Energy recommends minimum insulation levels for each part of the home, based on your climate. For more information regarding YOUR recommended insulation level, visit the ENERGYSTAR website at www.energystar.gov.
6. Install a programmable thermostat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a programmable thermostat can save you about $150 a year in energy costs if it is properly used. It is recommended for people who are away from home during set times of the day throughout the week. A word of warning – resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill. Set the “hold” button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going away for the weekend or on vacation. Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, lighting, doorways, skylights, and windows, and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts as they may give the thermostat “false” readings. Interior walls are typically best.
7. At the beginning of the season (typically Spring or Fall), hire a knowledgeable and experienced professional to service your central cooling and heating system. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems BEFORE they become a major issue. Make sure they:

• Check for the correct amount of refrigerant and test for refrigerant leaks.
• Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system.
• Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems.
• Measure air flow through the evaporator coil.
• Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
• Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously.
• Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary.
• Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear. Loose belts can increase furnace operating time. Replace frayed or cracked belts. Two or three drops of oil in the motor will keep it running smoothly. (Sealed blower motors require no lubrication. If you have questions, check your owner’s manual or call a heating professional.)
• Make sure blower doors are replaced properly. This keeps combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide separate from the warm air circulated through your home.
• Check to see that the exhaust flue to the outside is clear of obstructions and in good condition from the furnace to the roof cap with all connections securely fastened. A contractor will check it by removing the flue cap near the furnace and water heater and looking through the flue to the outside. The flue cap needs to be replaced securely. If the furnace or water heater is in an enclosed room or closet, they need to get plenty of air. These appliances need ten cubic feet of air for one cubit foot of natural gas to operate properly. Furnace rooms or closets should have door louvers or vents or a duct directly to the outside to provide sufficient combustion air.

If need be, replace old or failing mechanical equipment. Keep in mind that the average life span of central air conditioning systems is 12- to 15-years (IF it is properly installed and maintained). If your heating or cooling equipment is more than 10 years old, needs expensive repairs, or no longer keeps you comfortable, it may be time to go ahead and replace it. When replacing, look for performance certified equipment, which guarantees you that the manufacturers’ claims of energy efficiency performance are accurate. You can search the free AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance to find certified HVAC equipment and compare the efficiency ratings of different models. While replacement may seem like an expensive undertaking, now that air conditioning systems are required BY LAW to have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher, you will likely see reduced utility bills. Make sure you are working with a qualified installer who will properly size and install the correct equipment for your home. Check with friends, family and colleagues to find an installer you trust – and you may want to get quotes from several companies. It also vital that the duct work be installed properly. Otherwise, poorly installed duct work can result in less than efficient system performance and higher than expected utility bills.

Federal Tax Credits:

If you do find you need to replace your air conditioning system, Highlight Homes highly recommends that you select an energy efficient model. In doing so, you may be eligible for federal tax credits under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – but HURRY, these energy efficient tax credits are for equipment placed in service on or before December 31, 2010. For residential central A/C units, an eligible split system must have a stated performance rating of 13 EER (energy efficiency rating – the higher, the better) and 16 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) for a tax credit of 30% of the total cost of the unit (price of the product itself + installation). An eligible package system must have a stated performance rating of 12 EER and 14 SEER. The maximum credit is $1,500.

For more information about air conditioning systems and to find a list of certified products, visit the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute online at www.ahrinet.org. To learn more about Highlight Homes and their NEW design-build remodeling division, visit www.highlighthomesga.com. When you’re ready to begin the exciting design phase of your really COOL home renovation or to lay the groundwork for the HOTTEST (and most energy efficient) custom-built house on the block, call Highlight Home Restoration and Highlight Homes, LLC at 678-873-9234.

Cite: Porter. Cole. “Too Darn Hot” Kiss Me Kate. 1948.

The Latest Trends in Lighting and Flooring

Just as the right accessories and shoes can make an outfit, choosing the right lighting and flooring can make a room. While some homeowners may choose to go with timeless classics that will age along gracefully with their home, many homeowners are using their floors and light fixtures to make a bold statement. Both should reflect your own personal style and taste level, but Highlight Home Restoration has compiled a list of the “highlights” when it comes to the latest trends in flooring and lighting your home:

From Top…

Give Your Home the Green Light – Make sure the bulbs you use are all compact fluorescent (CF) light bulbs, that you teach your family to turn lights off when they leave a room, and consider using “daylighting” as your primary source of light during the day by opening blinds or having skylights installed. According to Planet Green, if every American home switched JUST ONE of their incandescent bulbs to a CF bulb, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a YEAR! LED lighting is another terrific energy-efficient choice – many with 12 watt power usage and 65 watt light output. As for exterior home lighting, solar power is all the rage and can be found in pathway lighting, spot lighting and more!

Light Up the Heart of the Home – Uplights on tops of cabinets can accent a high ceiling beautifully, while placing spot lighting under cabinetry can show off the different dimensions in your granite countertops. Adding special “task lights” over areas where you do the most work – cooktop, island, sink – can also help you limit your energy use if you just switch those lights on when you need them. A really great looking lamp set on your countertop can serve as both a decorative accessory AND a task light. Striking pendant lights over the kitchen island are still trés chic!

Set a Mood – Dimmer switches are a great way to choose your light to fit the mood and occasion. Wall sconces along hallways illuminate the way while adding a beautiful design touch and an air of romance. Chandeliers aren’t just for dining rooms and foyers anymore – they can now be found in bedrooms, bathrooms, perfectly posh little girls’ rooms, and more. They add a touch of Hollywood lavishness to take a room from totally drab to totally fab.

Electric Eclectic – Don’t be afraid to blend contemporary designs with vintage touches, classic with art deco, or chic with traditional. Have fun with your lighting choices – but use similar colors or metals to tie everything together (e.g. Brushed Nickel or Black).

To Bottom…

Knock-Knock – What’s the #1 trend in flooring? “WOOD”n’t you like to know! Wood flooring continues to reign supreme in many home makeovers, but there’s a larger focus on being “eco-conscious”. Reclaimed wood or trees that are harvested in a sustainable manner – such as bamboo, cork or Lyptus – are quickly gaining favor for their earth-friendly quality and their natural beauty. Wood flooring complements a wide variety of design styles, has a timelessness due to the fact that it NEVER goes out of style, and can be warmed up with the occasional throw rug for color and effect.

Tried and True – For those who prefer the feel of carpet between your toes, shag is still leading the pack. If you want to be earth-friendly, but still enjoy the softness of a high pile carpet – fret not! More and more carpet manufacturers are developing environmentally sound carpets, such as SmartStrand® Carpet which is derived from sustainable corn sugar polymers. SmartStrand® is durable, stain-resistant and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, including cut and loop patterns. Most homeowners are opting for a tone on tone carpet in neutral colors this year.

Tile is Making its Way (BACK) to the Top – It’s not just for bathrooms anymore! Found on the walls, floors and ruins of ancient mosques and Roman temples, 2010 would not be one of the first times tile was in fashion. Well-known for its durability (ceramic tile can last 50+ years in modern homes), tile manufacturers are getting more and more creative with their designs. Made from a wide variety of elements such as porcelain, stone, glass and clay – tile can also come in a broad assortment of patterns, colors and textures. It can be made to look like rock, concrete, leather, reptile skin, marble and more. A really good tile contractor can design a one-of-a-kind pattern in your floor with tile inlays, alternating colored tiles and glass mosaic elements. Your floor could well become a work of art.

To begin remodeling your home from top to bottom, and everything in between – call the talented team of designers and builders at Highlight Home Restoration at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you SOON!

Sources: Coleman, Theresa. “Hot Trends in Tile – Picking the Right One” HGTVPro.com. http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,,hpro_26519_5684284,00.html

The Latest Luxury Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

No matter what you call it – lavatory, washroom, powder room, toilet, little girl’s/boy’s room, outhouse, potty, privy or the john – the number one trend that’s sweeping the nation in bathroom remodeling is the transformation from a “necessary” room into a luxury retreat, something more worthy of the title “REST”room. More and more people are looking to their bathrooms as a place of relaxation and peace – a place where they can wash away the stresses of the day, calmly gear up for the day ahead or get all dolled up for an evening on the town. As this trend grows, more homeowners are looking to professional designers and remodelers to add special luxury finishes to this often-overlooked room of the house. We have compiled a list of the latest must-haves for bathrooms in 2010. We hope they make you “flush” with excitement!

A Touch of GLASS – With the addition of glass tile, mosaics (see photo), more mirrors, and more windows/skylights in the bathroom – these often-cramped spaces are made to seem larger and lighter. Multiple mirrors add to the illusion of greater space, while windows can increase the amount of natural light. Glass tile and mosaics give the impression of luxury – like a bathroom you might find at a 5-star hotel or a fine dining establishment. Glass jars are also a wonderful way to store cotton balls, q-tips, bath salts, etc.

The New Media Room – A trend now showing up in bathrooms everywhere is the addition of flat screen TVs, especially where they can be viewed from the tub.

Get Soaked – Perhaps the hottest trend to steam up bathrooms in recent years is the replacement of the jetted tub for the large, luxurious soaking tub. Popular since the 1990’s, jetted tubs are designed to give the occupant a relaxing massage, but can be quite noisy – ultimately taking away from what should be a calming experience. A soaking tub has been in vogue since the bathtub’s inception – the only difference is that many of the modern versions come double insulated, keeping your warm bath warm for a nice-long soak. The styles range from contemporary to a throwback to the classic claw-footed tub.

Your Own Personal Spa – From converting one’s shower to an actual steam room, to replacing one’s showerhead with dual heads or more powerful massaging jets, to infusing spa-inspired wood elements throughout, many homeowners are taking cues from European spas to transform their bathrooms into a soothing sanctuary. In years gone by, showers often consisted of three tiled walls & a shower curtain. In the last decade or so, many homeowners have begun choosing style over substance. Shower and tub surrounds today are virtually a work of art. Larger tiles with custom tile inlays surrounded by decorative trim pieces have become the norm. In many showers, the walls consist of tiles that run to the ceiling, and often the ceiling is tiled, as well. It is also not uncommon to have a combination of two showerheads and 4-6 massaging body sprays. Another growing trend is the incorporation of a rain head from the ceiling to immerse the shower’s occupant in a soothing cascade along with mood lighting using new LED colored lights or fiber optic lights to create a tranquil and ever-changing overhead light show. Many homeowners are using clear, frameless shower doors in order to show off the lasting beauty of their masterpiece shower.

Soften Around the Edges – By marrying soft lighting from beautiful light fixturing with neutral colors like taupes, beiges, olives, grays and other pale hues, this creates an atmosphere of calm and relaxation and adds to the feeling of a personal spa. Shades of brown are often associated with stability and security, while shades of gray add an air of sophistication. When using neutrals, you can always add a splash of color with your accessories and furniture.

Silver Reigns Supreme – The popular oil-rubbed bronze fixturing that has enjoyed a strong foothold in bathrooms for years is seeing a shift toward brushed and satin nickel, as well as polished chrome. Fixtures are also becoming more sophisticated – from beautiful curved lines and antique-inspired creations, to contemporary designs that create the look and feel of a waterfall.

Brush Your Teeth In a Thing of Beauty – Sinks are taking precedence in many bathroom remodels – more and more couples are seeking dual vanities and beautiful artistic sinks. With such a wide assortment of sinks to choose from – such as drop in, under mount, pedestal, or vessel – you are sure to find one that fits your unique style & personality.

Drawers, Doors and More – While many homeowners still share a fondness for the classic medicine cabinet, more emphasis is now being placed on innovative storage solutions. Lots of small drawers with dividers, deep cabinets to hold extra towels, and vertical storage units are leading the way to less cluttered countertops and a cleaner look in bathrooms.

Eco-friendly Loo – As homeowners remodel their bathrooms, they are beginning to incorporate “green” elements such as low-flow toilets, energy efficient lighting, sustainable building products, and on-demand water heaters.

At Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, we understand the importance of creating rooms of solace and retreat, places where you can escape the day’s stresses and worries, spaces where you can relax and recharge. Bathrooms are only one of our many specialties. We look forward to the opportunity to sit down with you to discuss the transformation of your bathroom into what may well become one of your favorite rooms of the house. Not only can we design the ideal retreat, we can build it for you! To get started on the exciting design phase of your exciting bathroom remodel, we invite you to call Highlight Home Restoration’s experienced designers at 678.873.9234, call us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our online contact form TODAY!