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Turn Your Home Inside Out for Summer

Photo credit: Photogen.com
Photo credit: Photogen.com

A growing trend in homes throughout the nation involves bringing a little bit of that interior charm to the Great Outdoors. Rather than just sticking a picnic table in the yard for family gatherings and hauling out a few extra folding chairs when neighbors pop by to visit, homeowners are beginning to place as much of an effort in the layout and décor of their exterior living spaces as they do with the interior rooms of their home. Large luxurious overstuffed patio furniture reflects the consumers’ desire to infuse a little elegance and creature comfort into their outdoor oasis. These are a few more trends I just happen to love:

  • The Outdoor Kitchen: As a man who loves to grill, this has to be the end-all-be-all for me! Instead of the obligatory black grill stuck on the corner of the patio shrouded in a cover faded by the sun, it’s entirely possible to create a sleek, chic look for your outdoor living space. By incorporating a stainless steel grill paired with outdoor sink, mini-fridge and even a dishwasher all set in a granite countertop surround, complete with lots of storage for your kitchen tools and bar essentials – you suddenly have an outdoor kitchen that could well make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.
  • Take Cover: Some homeowners may choose to make their outdoor living space either partially enclosed or covered, making it even easier to infuse elements of the interior of the home. A pergola makes it possible to string lights for a festive atmosphere, and hang an exterior ceiling fan for the comfort of your guests on those hot summer days.  A continuous cover adds protection for your furniture against elements like the sun and rain, and may make it possible to incorporate a flat-screen TV that is specially designed to resist harm from dust, bugs and the elements. You can also add dramatic lighting fixtures, an outdoor rug, and lots of throw pillows to really create that exterior living room feel. Imagine watching the Atlanta Braves on the flat-screen from the comfort of your big, overstuffed outdoor sofa while burgers are grilling and the kids are playing nearby. You’ve just increased your home’s living spaces, as well as its curb appeal and value for future homebuyers. By screening this space in, you can still enjoy the Great Outdoors but let the bugs know they are no longer invited to the party.
  • The Outdoor Hearth: Perhaps one of the hottest trends out there (no pun intended), the outdoor hearth offers the ideal focal point for any outdoor living space.  It can be as simple as a firepit surrounded by multi-colored Adirondack chairs – perfect for roasting marshmallows and swapping ghost stories, or as dramatic as a towering stacked stone fireplace with mantle – the showcase piece for the entire backyard. Outdoor hearths not only create atmosphere and add an air of romance to your oasis, they can be practical additions by enhancing the light and warmth of the space – increasing its enjoyment to all four seasons.
  • The Outdoor Aquarium:  Aquariums date all the way back to Ancient Rome. People have long been mesmerized by the gracefully gliding meanderings of fish. There’s something to be said for the undeniably relaxing nature of incorporating water elements into your backyard. If you seek an outdoor sanctuary rather than an exterior entertaining space, the addition of a waterfall or koi pond surrounded by benches could be all you need to achieve your own personal balance.

The best part is, my team at Highlight Homes and I can help you turn your home inside out for summer! Whether you choose to enclose an existing patio, build a deck addition, or create an entirely new living space further back on your property, Highlight Homes has the talent and know-how to not only design it, but to also build it from the ground up. Consider your existing backyard as a blank canvas, then imagine the possibilities! Which elements do you feel could best serve your family, increasing the overall enjoyment of your home? We can help you decide that, too. Getting started is as easy as picking up a phone or sending us an e-mail. My team and I can be reached by calling 678.873.9234, by filling out our convenient online contact form, or by e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and learning how best Highlight Homes can serve you and your family.

Highlight Homes Goes to the Dogs – in a Very Good Way

Photo Credit: ImageBase
Photo Credit: ImageBase

Local Residential Design-Build Firm Tackles an Exciting Commercial Project at Atlanta Area Animal Hospital

Well-known throughout Atlanta and the surrounding region for our beautifully crafted custom-built homes and luxury renovations, Highlight Homes was honored to tackle an entirely new kind of project recently – the expansion of Red Oak Animal Hospital on Ben Hill Road in College Park. Open since 1985, Dr. Ronald Tolbert – Veterinarian and proud owner of Red Oak Animal Hospital – felt his busy veterinary practice was in need of a renovation, including the addition of a new kennel facility, surgery room, and ICU – as well as a solution to a serious rain-flooding problem. Dr. Tolbert found a number of contractors online, and reached out to five who had received five-star ratings. His search led him to Tony Pourhassan and Highlight Homes.

“Tony and Highlight Homes has more than exceeded my expectations! I have dreamed and tried on my own to make my Animal Hospital the best it could be, but Tony made it happen,” explains Dr. Tolbert. “He is driven, conscientious, thorough, imaginative, and a pleasure to work with. He is a problem-solver who has given more than I could have asked for.”

Red Oak Animal Hospital is a highly touted veterinary practice that serves small companion animals such as cats and dogs, but also treats horses, exotic pets, and “pocket pets” on a limited basis. Their client offerings include a full range of medical services, anesthesia and surgical services, pain management and control, wellness and vaccination programs, boarding, and grooming. Tony and the Highlight Homes’ team understood that we would need to complete the work as quickly as possible in order for Dr. Tolbert and his staff to resume the all-important business of caring for their clients’ pets. We didn’t waste any time – from start to finish, the project was completed within five weeks.

Among the things that Dr. Tolbert appreciated most about his experience with Tony and Highlight Homes was the team’s ability to come up with solid plans to get the job done, as well as our thoughtfulness, perseverance, and reliability. “I only wish my father was alive to see our open house when the project is finished,” says Dr. Tolbert. “He would be proud of what Tony has accomplished. I have come to know Tony and am proud to call him not only a friend, but my brother. I would recommend him without hesitation”

Tony and the talented team of craftsmen at Highlight Homes pride ourselves on not only creating special designs and live/work spaces, but also building lasting relationships with our clients – as was the case with Dr. Tolbert and his friendly veterinary staff. A very special thank you goes out to Dr. Tolbert and the crew at Red Oak Animal Hospital for entrusting us with such a significant job. To learn more about Red Oak Animal Hospital, please visit them online at www.redoakah.com. Whether you are considering a residential or commercial renovation, or know someone who is looking for a highly skilled contractor – we encourage you to reach out to Highlight Homes to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve the entire metro-Atlanta area and surrounding region, including Buckhead, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Peachtree City and more. We can be reached by phone at 678.873.9234, by e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com, or via our convenient online contact form. On the go?  Check us out on your mobile device or smartphone by texting “Builder” to 99699. We look forward to meeting you and learning how best we can serve you!

Highlight Homes’ Tony Pourhassan Honored with the Distinction of Being NKBA Certified

NKBAlogo_Name_BlueHiResLocal Builder and Renovator Recognized for his Expertise in Kitchen & Bath Design

Highlight Homes is proud to announce that our own fearless leader, Tony Pourhassan has added four all-important letters to the end of his name – AKBD, which stands for Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer. He received this highly respected industry certification from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) as a result of experience and education specific to this growing segment of the renovation trade.  The NKBA is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since 1963. With nearly 40,000 members and growing, the mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry.

To earn his AKBD certification, Tony had to document a minimum of two years of industry experience, successfully complete 30 NKBA Education hours, submit two professional affidavits, and pass the written AKBD academic exam. He did so with flying colors! The AKBD certification recognizes achievement in the competencies necessary for both kitchen and bathroom design, and in order to maintain this certification, Tony will have to meet mandatory continuing education requirements annually. At Highlight Homes, we’re no strangers to seeking out instruction and certifications in order to strengthen and improve our skill set and knowledge base to better serve our clients. 2010 bore witness to our company becoming a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business and a certified agency of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). We add these distinctions to a long list of affiliations and recognitions such as our standing as an Earth Craft House Builder, Energy Star Partner, LEED-certification, and memberships in the National Association of Home Builders and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.

In addition to stunning designs in kitchens and baths throughout the Atlanta area, we also specialize in room additions, whole home restorations, basement finishing, window & door replacements, decks & patios, landscaping & water features, roofing, design & architectural services, custom home construction, and more.  If you would like to put Highlight Homes’ expertise to the test with your upcoming renovation project, we invite you to call us at 678.873.9234 TODAY!  You can also reach us to schedule a free consultation via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com or by filling out our convenient online contact form.  We look forward to hearing from you SOON!

Highlight Homes’ “Help Atlanta” is prepared to Assist Victims of Georgia Tornadoes

Tornado - Free Stock Photos.comCommunity Involvement Division of Renovation and Construction Firm Answers the Call Once Again

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

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

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

Image credit: FreeStockPhotos.com

Highlight Homes Brings New Meaning to the Phrase “Spring Clean”

At Highlight Homes, we don't believe you should be left to sweep up the sawdust before you can begin enjoying your new home renovation. Leave the cleaning to US! Photo credit: Stockvault.net
At Highlight Homes, we don't believe you should be left to sweep up the sawdust before you can begin enjoying your new home renovation. Leave the cleaning to US! Photo credit: Stockvault.net

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

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

Our renovation division specializes in:

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

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

Happy Spring!!!

Make a Wish Then Watch It Unfold

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

Transforming your house into a dream home is almost as simple as making a wish. Be sure to share that wish with your friends at Highlight Homes, then watch it unfold right before your eyes. Photo credit: freeimagefiles.com
Transforming your house into a dream home is almost as simple as making a wish. Be sure to share that wish with your friends at Highlight Homes, then watch it unfold right before your eyes. Photo credit: freeimagefiles.com

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

Highlight Homes Proudly Practices “The Three T’s”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Outside and PLAY!

Deck AdditionHighlight Homes says “TAG!  You’re IT!”

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

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

Room AdditionNot a big fan of pollen?  No problem! With a custom designed sunroom by Highlight Homes, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from morning to night from the comfort of your home without ever having to contend with the yellow stuff or the bugs. A sunroom makes an excellent addition to any home, offering a flexible year-round space for relaxing with a good book, hosting a gathering of friends and neighbors, playing board games with the family, or serving as a terrific kid’s playroom (a great option for homes without a basement). Whether focusing on the Great Outdoors or the cozy indoors, we’d love to meet you to discuss your Springtime Home Improvement Projects! To schedule a consultation with one of Highlight Homes’ talented designer/builders – call us TODAY at 678-873-9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The Ground Beneath Your Feet

Photo credits: Photogen.com
Photo credits: Photogen.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You

Lead Paint is often found on trim, baseboards, window frames, and doors in homes constructed prior to 1978. Photo credit: Photogen.com
Lead Paint is often found on trim, baseboards, window frames, and doors in homes constructed prior to 1978. Photo credit: Photogen.com

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

(Just Another Reason To Trust Highlight Homes)

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

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

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

Source: “Enforcement Alert: Compliance with New Federal Lead-Based Paint Requirements” EPA Newsletter – January 2010. http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/newsletters/civil/enfalert/leadpaint.pdf