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Over the course of the past few weeks, the U.S. stock market has taken investors on a mind-numbing roller coaster ride. Pundits point to world-wide events such as the economic aftershocks still being felt from the Japanese earthquake in March 2011, the on-going European debt crises, and the recent downgrade in the United States’ credit rating by Standard and Poor from a AAA to a AA+ as a handful of the major causes for the stock market’s less-than-stellar performance. Regardless of the reasons, uncertainty reigns supreme and folks have begun circling their wagons. Faced with the fear of the unknown, more and more American families and businesses are sitting on their money – rather than spending it.

As a small business owner with a fairly tight grasp on the concept of Economics, this is a truly daunting scenario. No matter your feelings regarding the current administration and Congress’ handling of the nation’s economic state, as individuals – the ONE way we can help move toward recovery as individual consumers is to SPEND.  And not just SPEND, but spend wisely. While some may deem a home remodel as a unnecessary indulgence, a house is often a family’s most important asset – making a home remodel a wise investment. To that end, I’ve compiled the following list of five great reasons to remodel despite the stock market’s sorry state:

1. Economics 101: Whether you aced your Econ 101 course or failed it, most people can recall that Economics at its core is a cycle based upon two elements: supply and demand. If there is no demand on the part of consumers, it knocks the cycle completely out of whack. Companies are forced to cut back their supply levels, and eventually their work forces. With people out of work, that compounds the demand issue even further. Although it may not feel like it, YOU – as the consumer – are in the so-called “driver’s seat”. If we all begin spending again (wisely) – companies can begin increasing their supply levels and eventually begin growing their staffs, meaning less people in the unemployment lines and more people in the checkout lines at the local store. By hiring a renovation company like Highlight Homes, you wouldn’t just be beautifying your home – you would be putting money back into the economic cycle. You demand a kitchen remodel, we supply the kitchen of your dreams – it really is that simple.
2. Support your Local Economy: Different parts of the country are faring better than others. While many states in the Midwest are keeping their heads well above water, parts of the West Coast are in major need of life preservers. In order to keep our heads above water, it is vital that we support our local economies. By hiring a service company like Highlight Homes to complete a home improvement job, it has a resonating effect. I will in turn be able to use those funds from your job to pay my talented staff to complete the work necessary, hire an additional staff of skilled subcontractors, and purchase the supplies required to achieve your home’s transformation from local vendors and suppliers. Together, we will not only be working toward your home’s renovation – we will also be joining forces to support our local economy.
3. Don’t Use the Stock Market as Your Guide: It’s a false idol! While it can give certain key indicators to economists – if you listen closely, not even the most skilled economic experts can always agree on what those indicators, well… indicate. For folks who base financial decisions on things like the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) from one day to the next, it’s no wonder we’re in the mess we’re in. Just take a peek at the index on nearly any given day lately and you’ll see a colorful trail of peaks and valleys from the opening bell to the market’s close. Invest in something solid – your family’s home. Because the housing market in Georgia remains somewhat bleak, more and more people are making the decision to stay put. Take this time to renovate your home into something you can love for years to come, that fits your family’s needs, and will increase your market value once the housing market comes back online.
4. Make Wise Investments: On the subject of investing in your house with a home remodel, you need to make sure it’s a WISE investment. While you may have always wanted lime green flooring with countertops to match in your kitchen, chances are – when it comes time to sell – potential buyers may be put off by that particular color selection. It’s always a good idea to keep the concept of trends to items that can be easily changed – such as accessories and wall paint – and utilize classic, timeless elements at the core of every home improvement project. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2010-2011 for the Atlanta area, the projects that often provide the greatest return on investment include entry door replacements, garage door replacements, window replacements, deck additions, basement remodels, attic bedroom conversions, kitchen remodels, and siding replacements.
5. Be an Agent for Change: We can’t just expect change to happen. The economy stinks – on that we all agree, but Albert Einstein has been credited with defining insanity as the belief in doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. We can sit idly by, waiting for the folks in Washington to duke things out, or we can go about the business of jump-starting the economy in all of the ways outlined above. Don’t worry about dividing things neatly into a column of wants vs. needs. We NEED to get the economy going again. By being an agent for change within your own home, you could actually be an agent for change on a local, regional and national level.

Among one of the most important reasons for a home remodel that did not make the list is the joy it can bring to your family. I have been so honored and touched by the reactions of the families I serve once their home remodels are complete. Smiles, hugs, and tears of happiness are always in large supply. Changes to your house can dramatically increase your family’s enjoyment of some of the most commonly used areas of your home OR even portions of the home that you rarely used before. If you’re ready to do your part to kick-start the economy by supporting a local small business while augmenting the beauty and value of your home, contact me and my team at Highlight Homes TODAY! We 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!

To learn more about Highlight Homes and all of the ways we can help you, visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Atlanta Builder and Developer Seeks Partners to Aid Victims of North Dakota Floods

I’ve become somewhat of an expert in recent years in helping homeowners recover from natural disasters. Following destructive hail storms in early 2009 and damaging floods later that same year, Highlight Homes’ helped Atlanta families recover from damage to their homes and prompted the establishment of Help Atlanta – a charitable affiliate of our residential construction company. Feeling the need to extend the size and scope of that charity beyond Atlanta city limits, we recently changed Help Atlanta’s name to The Georgia Redevelopment Foundation and its designation as a 501(c)3 non-profit tax-exempt corporation is currently in the pipeline. We answered the plea to help once again following the devastating tornadoes in Georgia and Alabama earlier this year – spending many long weekends working in the hard-hit Lake Martin, AL area. Most recently, the call came from further away when I received a request from my friend, Realtor® Staci Mordew to help in the recovery efforts following the historic floods in Minot, North Dakota.

She contacted me after watching the flood waters destroy her hometown of Minot in June. She explained that Minot was already experiencing a housing shortage due to the influx of people working in the oil fields, and the flooding made a difficult situation worse by destroying and damaging over 4,000 homes. Staci, a Realtor® with Fickling & Company Real Estate Services in Warner Robins, Georgia feels that Minot needs contractors and builders who have experience in natural disaster clean up and rebuilding, and believes our involvement will be beneficial to Minot and the surrounding area.

Once I saw footage of the swelling of the Souris River and learned that it had forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and the subsequent devastating destruction of homes and businesses – I felt a familiar overwhelming urge to bring my company’s skills to the aid of those in need. Since many of the homeowners in Minot have suffered complete losses, my talents as a community developer through Highlight Homes’ sister company, Vesmont LC will prove most helpful. I am currently in the process of putting together a crew of local trades in Minot and have been in touch with the Minot Association of Builders. It is our hope that we can partner with a number of investors and supply vendors both here in Atlanta and in North Dakota to help us return that community to its former glory through home restorations and new housing developments. Once there, we can team up with talented local contractors and builders to rebuild Minot as quickly as possible.  It’s my understanding that because the last flood in that area was over 40 years ago – prompting the incorporation of a major dike and overflow channel system, most of these homeowners did not have flood insurance. The situation is simply heartbreaking. If we can raise the funds necessary, we hope to begin building there soon.

When we arrive in Minot, as in times past Highlight Homes can also help homeowners assess structural damage and assist in general clean-up. Additionally, my team can offer valuable expertise regarding further repair and maintenance, as well as provide advice on how to steer clear of unlicensed and unqualified contractors. After all, these folks have been through enough. Anything we can do to lessen their stress, my team and I will happily do. If possible, their homes will either be lovingly and thoughtfully restored or rebuilt. While Minot is located more than 1,600 miles away from Atlanta, these are our neighbors and their need is so great. We have the skill and the tools to help them, but lack the necessary funding.

That’s where you come in! We need your help to spread the word of this overwhelming need in Minot. Individual investors, construction vendors, and corporations who wish to partner with Highlight Homes to assist in restoring homes and developing new communities in Minot, North Dakota are invited to call 678.873.9234 or e-mail me at info@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, please visit our website at www.highlighthomesga.com. On behalf of myself, my family, and the Highlight Homes’ Team, our thoughts, prayers and best hopes go out to the citizens of Minot.

A deck can be a wonderful addition to any home. They serve as a functional extension of your living spaces into the Great Outdoors. A deck can be an outdoor dining room under a sea of stars, a peaceful escape from the hustle-bustle of life beyond your backyard, or a gathering space for neighborhood parties and family celebrations. Unfortunately, if not constructed properly – a deck can become an accident waiting to happen.

Last year, deck collapses in Roswell and Marietta sent a number of people to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor abrasions to broken bones. Just last month, two people were rushed to the hospital following a deck collapse in Powder Springs.  As a matter of fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) – in 2009 there were more than 16,000 injuries nationwide caused by outside attached structures, including decks. Nearly 2,000 of those injuries resulted in hospitalization or death. One of the most tragic deck collapses in recent history occurred in Chicago in June 2003.  When a third story deck gave way, 12 people lost their lives and more than 34 others were rushed to the hospital with injuries.

If you are considering adding a deck to your current home, it is of utmost importance that you work with a contractor who strictly adheres to code ordinances and has your family’s wellbeing in mind. Because safety is such a concern, a deck is no place to cut corners. Select someone who is able to provide references, is fully licensed and insured, and has no blotches on their record with watchdog organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. If you already have a deck, you should do a little investigating of your own before your next big al fresco get-together. Take a flashlight and look closely at every inch – do you witness any wood rot?  Are there any nails sticking out?  Pay particular attention to the integrity of the flooring, railing, and attachment to the house. If your home is an older home and the deck has been there some time – there’s a chance it was built before code ordinances when it was considered suitable to attach a deck to a house using only nails. If you have even the slightest inkling that your deck could be deemed unsafe, you should call in a professional home inspector or deck contractor to suggest if a deck repair or replacement is in order.

The talented team of contractors at Highlight Homes has been designing and building decks for several decades. With my background in structural engineering, I can assist you with the inspection of a current deck or the creation of an entirely new one. Not only are our decks safe, they are custom-designed to fit your family’s needs and are nothing short of beautiful. To schedule an inspection of your deck or a consultation to discuss the addition of a deck to your home, call me TODAY at 678.873.9234. We can have a gorgeous deck in place for your Labor Day Weekend picnic and a slew of tailgate parties this Fall. I can also be reached via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com or through Highlight Homes’ convenient online contact form.  To learn more about me and my team, and to take a peek at our portfolio online – please visit the Highlight Homes website.

In this brave new age of social media networking, online forums, and life in the “blogosphere” – our voices are louder than ever. Thanks to the internet, any thoughts and questions we care to share can reach from one hemisphere into the next. As a small businessman with big ideals, I’ve spent the past few years dipping my toes into the relatively unknown waters of “growing my online footprint” while completely submerging myself in the exciting realm of digital design with programs like 20/20 Kitchen Design Software for Kitchens & Baths and AutoCAD Architectural Desktop for house plans & 3D renderings. I’ve climbed onboard with social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, MerchantCircle, and LinkedIn, launched a redesigned website, debuted a monthly e-newsletter (click to sign up for your very own copy), introduced a mobile textsite, and premiered a blog relating to the latest trends, expert advice and up-to-the-minute news about my company, Highlight Homes. In step with a growing consciousness toward environmental stewardship, I have also leant my lifelong love of the Great Outdoors to the development of a wealth of eco-friendly initiatives within the company that keep us at the cutting edge. Yet throughout all of these exciting digital-age changes, Highlight Homes has remained wholly committed to providing a combination of good old fashioned customer service and unsurpassed quality craftsmanship to every project we take on. While we are excited to provide the latest “tweets” about Highlight Homes to our followers and take great pride in every issue of The Highlight Homes Herald that we send to inboxes throughout the Southeast, nothing excites us more than starting a project with a client and seeing the look of joy on their faces upon the project’s completion.

The internet provides you with a treasure trove of ways to have your voice heard, as well and I want you to know that Highlight Homes is listening. I invite you to look to our blogs as an opportunity to express your own thoughts, questions, and concerns about the homebuilding industry and renovations by utilizing the comment section at the bottom of each blog. I also welcome the opportunity to respond to your messages on our wall at Facebook. If we’ve completed a project for you and you wish to sing our praises, please feel free to do so on any one of our social media outlets – as a matter of fact, we may just include your kind words on the testimonial page of our website. Word of mouth has always been a means of growth within my industry – and with so many new ways to spread the word, YOU could represent the next big boom to our company. Additionally, I am happy to hear your ideas regarding topics you’d be interested in reading about in one of our upcoming blogs and/or in a future issue of our e-newsletter. E-mail your ideas to us at info@highlighthomesga.com. If you are interested in witnessing our “old world craftsmanship” up-close-and-personal, call me –Tony Pourhassan, principal at Highlight Homes – to set up an appointment to discuss ways I can help you build that custom home of your dreams or transform the home you currently own INTO the home of your dreams. Call me today at 678.873.9234!

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When the Housing Market Gives Us Lemons, Let’s Make Lemonade!

The statistics are staggering and the numbers don’t lie. Whether it’s the sorry state of the housing market or the fact that they just really love their homes, more and more Atlantans are opting to stay in their current residences longer. According to real estate search engine, Trulia – the number of home sales in Atlanta from June 2010 to June 2011 has plummeted sharply by an estimated 80.9% and the number of listings has dropped by nearly 1,000 in the last month alone. While listing prices seem to be slowly creeping their way back up and certain neighborhoods such as North Buckhead and Southwest Atlanta appear to buck the trend at times, it appears we’re still in for a long and bumpy ride for some time to come as the ship struggles to right itself. Shy of the necessity to move for a job relocation or inability to keep up with current mortgage payments, many of us are choosing to stay put and make the best of the home that we loved enough to invest in and call “home sweet home”.

The most important thing you can do is to avoid feeling as though you’re trapped in limbo. Don’t look at it as a house – it’s your home, the place where your children’s laughter rings through the hallways, where meals and memories are shared, and where love and happiness flourishes. Of course, families grow and their needs evolve – so while you may feel tethered to a home you’ve grown a tad weary of, there are some relatively easy ways to spice things up and make that “home sweet home” even sweeter. If you feel as though a move is definitely in your future, you’ll want to invest wisely in any home remodeling projects.  According to the National Association of Realtors’ Cost vs. Value Report for 2010-2011, in Atlanta the top ten remodeling projects that saw the greatest return on investment when it came time to resell included:

• Creation of an attic bedroom (72.2%)
• Basement remodel (70%)
• Deck addition (wood  – 72.8%; composite – 66.2%))
• Entry door replacement (102.1%)
• Garage door replacement (83.9%)
• Major kitchen remodel (68.7%); minor kitchen remodel (72.8%)
• Siding replacement – vinyl (72.4%)
• Window replacement (vinyl – 71.6%; wood – 72.4%)
• Two-story addition (65%)
• Bathroom remodel (64.1%)

You may find that each of these home improvements can dramatically increase your family’s enjoyment of the home during the time that you remain there, in addition to allowing you to recoup a major portion of the cost when it comes time to move. Replacement of doors, windows and siding can enhance the exterior beauty and curb appeal of the home, while renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms can update the look of the interior. Additions – such as a second story to a one-level home or a deck to the rear of the residence – can add much-needed interior and exterior living space. The same can be accomplished by simply finishing an attic and/or a basement. There’s no need to feel trapped in a home when you can virtually customize it to meet your family’s specific needs and collective personality – while keeping in mind that you are making a smart investment and potentially increasing  your home’s market value.

My company – Highlight Homes, LLC – can help you with every single remodeling project on the list you see above. I’m happy to meet with you for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your family’s needs and develop possible solutions. My team and I can draw up the plans, then make your ideas leap from the paper into your very own reality. We’ve built a solid reputation for completing projects on time, on budget, and well above expectations. I welcome your call at 678.873.9234 or you can e-mail me at info@highlighthomesga.com. What are you waiting for?  Let’s get started!

The Importance of Creating a Dreambook Before Taking That First Exciting Step Towards Change

Motivation can come from lots of places – a visit to a neighbor’s home, a raise or bonus at work, a growing family, a desire for more storage, a need for an update, or simply that growing, nagging sense that your home is in dire need of a change. While motivation is easy to find, inspiration may be something you need to actively pursue. Once you’ve found it, the best way to communicate that inspiration to others – your family members, an architect, an interior designer, or someone like me, a builder and renovator – is to compile all of your ideas into a Dreambook. Whether you have one room or a whole slew of living spaces of your home that you wish to remodel, a Dreambook is the ideal spot to gather all of your ideas together. As you concentrate your efforts on creating your Dreambook, your vision of the perfect remodel will come into clearer focus.

How to Create a Dreambook

Ideas are everywhere!  Here are just a few places to look to help you get started…

• Friends, Family & Neighbors – If you step into someone’s house and say “What a lovely home!” (and MEAN it), make mental notes about what it is in their décor or design that speaks to you.  If you happen to have a camera or smartphone on hand, don’t be afraid to ask your hosts if you can take photos. Chances are they’ll be flattered, and the images will help you remember the elements that you liked best about their home. Print them out and add them to your Dreambook.  If you don’t have access to a camera during your visit, jot down a few notes and add them to your book.
• Magazines, Coffee Table Books, and Catalogs – Do your homework!  Thumb through the pages of home décor and remodeling magazines, coffee table books, and store catalogs (like IKEA, Lowes, Home Depot, Crate & Barrel, etc…) While you certainly won’t want to rip the pages out of a coffee table book, you CAN tear the pages out of magazines and catalogs to enhance your Dreambook. Make copies of the pages of the coffee table books that really resonate with you.

• 

  Home Décor, Interior Design, and Remodeling Websites – If you know which rooms you’d like to focus your attention, type that room into the search bar and see what pops up. From remodelers who specialize in certain areas of the home (such as kitchens and baths), to interior designers who just completed an exciting project, to entire websites devoted to the art and science of home décor – there are a wealth of images out there to inspire you.  The more you view, the more you will understand the styles that draw you in. Highlight Homes’ online portfolio is a great resource! Be sure to print out your favorites and add them to your book.

• Home Décor, Interior Design, and Remodeling Channels – Tune in to any one of many home improvement shows out there, then curl up with a good NOTEbook.  Take really good notes on all of the great ideas you see that might fit with your vision, even make sketches if that helps you recall what you saw. Don’t forget to add your notes to the Dreambook.  A word of warning: these shows can be highly addictive and may lead you to believe you could go it alone on your own home remodel.  If this is the case, be sure to read one of our most popular blogs – Do it Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional – before you dive right in.

Once you’ve pulled your book together and have a fairly strong idea of the direction you’d like to take, it’s time to look into budget and begin researching renovating companies. Make sure to add Highlight Homes to the list.  My team and I welcome the opportunity to make your ideas leap from the pages of your Dreambook to become a beautiful reality. Visit us online at highlighthomesga.com to learn more about our experience and specialties, then 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 and can’t wait to take a peek at your Home Renovation Dreambook!

Atlanta Custom Home Builder and Renovation Design-Build Firm Awaits Judges’ Decisions for Two Prestigious Awards

I know I’ve got my fingers crossed, along with my entire staff – so now it’s up to you and the rest of Highlight Homes’ growing fan base.  I am pleased to announce that we have recently submitted projects for consideration for two prestigious awards – The Remodeling Design Awards sponsored by Hanley Wood’s Remodeling Magazine and The OBIE Awards sponsored by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.  Both are designed to recognize excellence within our industry with regard to strength of design ideas, aesthetic and market appeal, sensitivity to existing structure, compatibility with the neighborhood, and functional value of a particular remodel project. We were very proud to submit recent kitchen remodeling projects to both award judges’ panels that we felt best displayed Highlight Homes’ signature quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The last time we entered the OBIE Awards, we walked away with two!

While I am excited to learn the results, I feel it’s important to convey that – win or lose – Highlight Homes always puts its best foot forward. We don’t have our eye on the prize when we enter into a relationship with a client – thinking “this could be our next great award-winning remodel”. Instead, our sole focus is on our client and the task at hand.  When all is said and done – if the client isn’t happy, nobody wins.  Based on the smiles (and sometimes even tears of joy) we see on the faces of our clients at the successful conclusion of our renovation projects, we’ve already won.  To our current Highlight Homes’ fan base, I just want to say thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your family’s life – your home. It is both an honor and a pleasure to serve you. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we learn the results from both award presentations, but in the meantime – feel free to help us spread the word about Highlight Homes, our commitment to excellence and our devotion to our clients. We tackle every new project with the same level of excitement – whether there’s an award on the line or not.

If you or someone you know is considering a home renovation, my talented design-build team at Highlight Homes can be reached by phone at 678.873.9234, by e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com, or via online contact form. We specialize in kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, basement finishing, room additions, decks & patios, landscaping and water features, whole home renovations, and so much more. We serve the metro Atlanta area and surrounding suburbs including Buckhead, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Peachtree City and beyond.

Say “Happy Father’s Day” With a Man Cave, Home Theater or Backyard Escape

As the proud father of two boys, I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to knowing what dads REALLY want for Father’s Day. Over the years, I’ve received my fair share of ugly ties, hand-molded ashtrays (even though I don’t smoke), and woodshop class projects intended to pay tribute to all of my hard work as a dad. While I will forever cherish each of these well-intended gifts – as all dads do – if asked what I would really love to receive on that one special day each year designed to celebrate fathers everywhere, it would be the gift of peace and quiet. A small part of the home that is solely mine, and I’m not talking about the obligatory fraction of the walk-in closet in the Master Suite – I’m talking about an entire room.  Just as little boys love their clubhouses and tree forts, no matter their age – grown men still desire the same feeling of solitude and exclusivity (minus the sign that reads “no girls allowed”).  Even though I will gladly share this space with the other members of my family from time to time, there’s serenity in the knowledge that I have a place to go when I want some time to myself.

This space may be different for a variety of fathers. For the grizzly bear of a dad, he may find solace in a Man Cave – a space carved from the basement or even garage of the home and filled with his favorite things – where he can while away a weekend afternoon or weekday evening after a hard day at work. If he is a tinkerer, his Man Cave may take on the appearance of a workroom filled with shiny new tools and a big manly workbench.  If he is a social creature, his Man Cave may look more like the set of Cheers – with a big bar lined with stools and a pool table perpetually set up for the next game.  If Dad’s the outdoorsy type, he may prefer a big backyard oasis where he can hang out at the built-in grill of his outdoor kitchen and take pride in his landscaping handy work. If Dad’s a big movie buff and loves all of the big action films, a home theater with big screen TV and surround sound may be his concept of the ideal escape.

My design team at Highlight Homes can help you give Dad a gift he will treasure long after the sun sets on Father’s Day 2011. While there’s really no way to complete any of these projects in time for Father’s Day, how cool would it be to hand over the designs to his new “MINE, MINE, MINE” living space or have him cut the ribbon on a room you’ve designated solely for him where HE can decide what that space will become? I welcome the chance to discuss with you what your next steps can be to make Dad’s dream a reality.  Simply give me a call at 678.873.9234, e-mail me at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out an online contact form – and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.  Keep in mind – Father’s Day is right around the corner on June 19, so we’ll have to work fast!  To give him a gift that says “Thanks for being a great Dad” every day of the year, call me TODAY.