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Ten Terrific Reasons to Add a Sunroom to Your Home

With the arrival of Spring to the South comes the inevitable return of that fine, layer of yellow dust that covers our cars and makes us sniffle – POLLEN.  What if there was a way to enjoy the Great Outdoors without the worry of your allergies going completely haywire? A simple solution that allows homeowners to feel like one with nature without stepping foot outside is by adding a sunroom to their existing home. Aside from the benefit of avoiding yet another agonizing sneeze attack, Highlight Home Restoration has compiled the following list of “Ten Terrific Reasons to Add a Sunroom to YOUR Home”:

1) Sunrooms Add Value – More and more homeowners are making the decision to stay in their current home longer and renovate rather than move.  However, it’s always wise to address the concept of increasing your home’s market value in the event that you do decide to move in the future.  By increasing the square footage of your home through a sunroom addition, you are adding value as well as elevating the aesthetic beauty to potential buyers.

2) Sunrooms Add Space – As stated in Terrific Reason #1, you are increasing the square footage or “liveable” space of your home when you add a sunroom. Depending on the design, you can also open up your floor plan and give the illusion of even more space through the incorporation of lots of windows.

3) Sunrooms Enhance Your Home’s Beauty – Inside & Out – Don’t think solely in terms of just making the home more attractive to future buyers, a sunroom – when designed and constructed properly – can give your home a more elegant and sophisticated flair both on the interior and from the exterior.  If you have professionally designed landscaping or are a master gardener yourself, a sunroom is an ideal way to showcase your yard.

4)  Sunrooms Allow You and Your Family to Enjoy the Outdoors Year-Round – In the Southeast, where the winters are relatively mild but the summers can be downright brutal, a sunroom offers the perfect escape from the harsh temperatures while allowing you to enjoy a night under the stars or an afternoon nap in the sunlight in the comfort of your climate controlled home.

5)  Sunrooms Provide an Economical Way to Increase Living Space – The thought of a room addition can sometimes be daunting, but a sunroom is often built on a pre-poured patio slab or by enclosing a pre-existing porch or deck. Rather than building from the ground up with more expensive materials, a sunroom can be designed to fit your family’s needs, your home’s structure AND your budget.

6)  Sunrooms Offer a Terrific “Flex” Space – A sunroom can be designed to serve any number of purposes: Indoor Garden, Reading Room, Entertainment Space, Children’s Playroom, the list goes on and on!

7)  Sunrooms Can Often be Built Quickly, With Less Disruption to Your Family’s Life – Aside from expense, a room addition can be intimidating because of the way it may disrupt your home for sometimes months on end.  Depending on how elaborate your design is, a sunroom can often be completed in weeks and – since it’s often an extension of your home, construction can be relatively non-invasive.

8)  Sunrooms Provide Lots of Natural Light Which Can Equate to a More Energy Efficient Home – Known as “daylighting”, the use of natural light through energy efficient window systems in place of artificial lighting during the day could decrease your energy use significantly and is recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy.

9)  Sunrooms Mean No More Raining On Your Parade and No More Bugs at Your Picnic – Sunrooms provide a terrific space for entertaining!  In the event of an unexpected storm or a swarm of pesky yellow jackets, you can always bring the outside IN by hosting a party or indoor picnic in your new sunroom.

10)  Sunrooms Help Redefine the Concept of the Family Room – That’s right, peel your eyes away from the TV and head to the sunroom tonight to star gaze with the kids, play your family’s favorite board games, or swap stories of the day’s events. At Highlight Home Restoration, we don’t just build rooms – we create living spaces where you and your family will make memories together for years to come.

What are you waiting for? You could be enjoying a good book, a candlelit dinner under the stars, or a neighborhood gathering in your very own sunroom within weeks!  When you’re ready to get started, the talented team of designers and builders at Highlight Home Restoration is eager to assist you in enhancing your home’s character and living area. Simply give us a call at 678-873-9234, fill out our online contact form, or e-mail your request to info@highlighthomesga.com.  We look forward to the possibility of adding a little “light” to your family’s life!

Adding a Deck to Your Home Equates to A New Outdoor Living Space AND Could Increase the Value of Your Home

As Spring begins to take hold, the days grow longer and the temperatures grow warmer – the desire to “go outside and play” will be stronger than ever. Wait ’til the motors of the lawn mowers begin humming in the distance and the scent of a backyard barbeque envelopes you on a Spring day breeze.  This is the perfect time of year to enhance your home by adding a deck! At Highlight Home Restoration, we don’t just build rooms and decks – we create unique living spaces where you and your family will make memories together for years to come. Imagine the al fresco parties and neighborhood grill-outs. Consider taking some of the family dinners out of the dining room and setting them under a canopy of stars. Allow yourself to dream of relaxing to the sounds of nature while sipping on sweet iced tea and reading a good book from the comfort of your brand new deck. Your backyard should serve as your sanctuary – your escape from the hectic world of carpools, rush hour, spreadsheets, and deadlines. You deserve an outdoor space that says RELAX the moment you lay eyes on it.

Benefits

Personal enjoyment aside, adding a deck to your home has several benefits. Not only does a deck extend your living spaces to the great outdoors – if done properly, it can also add to the aesthetic beauty and overall value of your home.  It’s a less expensive option than building a room addition, but serves the very much the same purpose by allowing the homeowner to expand their living area.  Think of it as an open- air parlor or family room. Consumer Reports recently referred to a deck addition as a “high return item” and Remodeling Magazine found that more than 85% of the cost of building a wooden deck could be recouped during resale (2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report).

In addition, many outdoor “extras” can serve a useful purpose while adding appeal for potential future buyers. An added outdoor fireplace or fire pit can add an air of romance, while providing warmth for four-season enjoyment.  A water feature adds an ambiance of tranquility while helping to block street noise. Landscape lighting is always lovely after the sun has set, increases the viability of your outdoor space after hours, and highlights some of the best features of your home. A gazebo, pergola or trellis can offer shade from the hot afternoon sun and provide privacy from closely situated neighbors.

Importance of selecting a quality contractor

Some decks can be built two- to three-stories off of the ground. It is imperative that you hire for quality over price when the safety for your family and your guests are at stake.  A deck expert or qualified contractor will be up-to-date on all of the required building codes, and will be licensed, insured and registered. The experienced team at Highlight Home Restoration is all of those things and so much more.  We build things to last, so you can expect years of enjoyment out of your Highlight Home Restoration deck.

Alternatives to a deck

If your home or lawn is not designed to house a deck, there are many ways Highlight Home Restoration can help you design and build outdoor living spaces to fit both your home AND your family. For flat lots, a gazebo may add the same effect a deck would. Perhaps a flagstone patio with a pergola and open fire pit is the best option for your family. We can also help you create a backyard oasis with koi pond, screen-in your current patio or build a glassed-in sunroom.  The only limits are your imagination and budget!

How to get started:

1. Begin by deciding the PRIMARY use for your backyard. Do you have young children who would enjoy a playground? Do you LOVE to entertain and envision a built-in outdoor kitchen complete with Tiki Hut? Do you prefer a quiet refuge where you can reflect and relax?
2. Consider which materials and elements you’d like to incorporate.  Are you a stone and timber fan? Do you like water features? Do you like lots of greenery or are you looking to establish a classic English Garden?       In other words, what is the overall theme to your backyard dream?  Whatever you choose, it should complement the style of your home.       Also, be honest with yourself about the landscaping – if you are a low maintenance kind of person, you need to focus on mostly hardy plants.  Don’t forget things like sun exposure – if your yard gets lots of afternoon sunlight, your dream of a shade garden may not be in the cards.
3. Keep in mind the limits of your property and city/home owners association rules and regulations.  Do a walk-around of your yard to learn where the problem areas may be. If you have a favorite tree you’d like to keep or an old shed you want to get rid of, make note of it. Then do a little research to learn what obstacles you may face with your HOA or city.  Some of these issues can be worked around, but it’s always better to know up front.
4. Take pen to paper.  On one page, make a list of all of the above – primary use, favorite elements, and possible problems.  On another, make an elementary drawing of what you see in your mind’s eye.  This is just a “jumping off” point, and a really good designer can take your vision to entirely new heights.
5. Baby Steps.  If budget is an issue, know that you can always build your backyard oasis in bits and pieces.  Begin with a design, and then break it into steps. You may want to work on building the garden one year, then lay the hardscapes the next – or build the deck first, and add on from there.      Don’t look at it on the whole, but as an ongoing process.
6. Call Highlight Home Restoration!

Let your home blossom this Spring! It can grow in new directions you never even dreamed of.  Call on the experts at Highlight Home Restoration at 678-873-9234.  We are happy to come out and evaluate your home and lot, listen to your wishes and needs, then draw up exciting plans and give you an estimate for your NEW outdoor living space. What are you waiting for?

Sources:

Highlight Homes Debuts First Issue of

“Highlight Homes Herald”

Like any good builder and renovator, Highlight Homes recognizes the need to make some “renovations” of our own at times and work hard to continue to build upon past successes. 2009 bore witness to a major revamp of our company’s website – http://www.highlighthomesga.com, as well as the addition of our Highlight Homes blog containing informative articles about the renovation and residential construction industries, helpful tips on home maintenance and remodeling, and the latest company news. We also officially launched our new renovation division – Highlight Home Restoration – which specializes in kitchen/bath remodels, room additions, decks & patios, basement finishing, whole home renovations and much more. The main inspiration behind all of these changes is our desire to provide the best possible service to our current and future clients.

As we continue to evolve into the New Year, March 2010 kicks off with the debut of our monthly e-newsletter – The Highlight Homes Herald. The Herald is designed to help us keep in touch with current clients and affiliates, as well as those we’ve worked with in the past. Each of them has played a valuable role in contributing to the past and future success of our family-owned and operated business. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to say THANK YOU each month, and keep our readers informed of the latest industry news and trends. Each issue will contain a word from the founder of Highlight Homes – Tony Pourhassan, as well as useful advice, special offers and important links to related websites. If YOU would like to join our mailing list and receive a copy of The Highlight Homes Herald each month, please follow this link to fill out our online contact form or send your request via e-mail to marketing@highlighthomesga.com.  We welcome your suggestions for articles you’d like to read about in The Herald and on our blog. If you feel inspired by what you read in The Herald to make some renovations to your existing home, we look forward to your phone call at 678-873-9234 to discuss your family’s unique needs and Highlight Home Restorations’ exciting solutions.

Make Sure You’re Completely “Covered” in Time for April Showers

It’s an age-old phrase – “April Showers Bring May Flowers”. While we all look forward to the rewards of Spring, we sometimes need to guard against the unfortunate after-effects of a harsh winter and prepare for the less than sunny side of the coming months. Heading into what is often considered the rainy season, you may want to start your home maintenance measures at the top – your roof. Follow Highlight Home Restoration’s easy steps for a quick roof inspection, and learn about the most common causes of roof damage.

1) Look UP!

You can do a cursory inspection on your own to look for potential issues before calling in a professional.  It’s as simple as looking up, and knowing what to look for.  Begin on the inside – head up to the attic and look for discolorations on the roof deck , ridge beam, sheathing and  rafters.  These discolorations may indicate a possible leak. Mark any areas you find with chalk, so you can find them later. If there are any visible holes in the roof, push a wire to the roof’s surface so you can find them easily when you (or a professional contractor) are on top of the roof. If you suspect you may have a leak, at the next rain – run up to the attic to check for moisture. Remember, whenever you are in the attic around insulation – it’s always wise to wear loose fitting clothing, gloves, eye protection and a face mask.  You should also inspect the ceilings in all rooms, especially under the roofline. Don’t forget to check in closets and behind furniture for telltale signs of mold and spots. Spots on the ceiling are possible indications of a roof leak, and it may be time to enlist the help of a professional!

2)  Look OUT!

Your next step should be to inspect the roof from the outside. Stand back from your house and assess the condition of the surface, flashing, valleys and eaves. If you have difficulty seeing, try a pair of binoculars. Make sure the ridgeline is horizontal and the rafters are straight. Sagging may indicate a structural problem, which may require a professional. Also look for dark streaks or spots – these could be from algae or mold growth on your roof, a common problem in humid areas. While algae growth is less than attractive, it rarely affects the longevity of your roof. If you DO decide to replace your roof because this issue affects the overall beauty of your home, consider replacing your shingles with an algae resistant product. Also, keep an eye out for buckling in the roof, curling of the shingles or missing shingles.  While each of these may be the result of improper installation, if caught early enough they can help you prevent costly damage in the future. A professional roofer is your best answer. Replace shingles or elements of your roof rather than replacing the entire roof. Next, peek around for damaged flashing. Flashing is galvanized metal or aluminum sheets designed to serve as extra protection against roof leaks. It is most often placed where roof lines intersect, around chimneys and skylights, and at vent fans and roof valleys. Flashing is easily replaced and – if caught early enough – could save you from pricey repairs.  For the brave of heart, you can inspect your roof up close and personal.  Exercise extreme caution when mounting your roof. Climb a ladder that is sturdy and in good repair. Wear shoes with good traction, have someone on the ground to spot you and walk on the roof as little as possible. While up there, check for shingles that are broken, curled or missing. Look for nails showing. These are all indications that the roof needs repair. Inspect flashings around chimneys, plumbing vents and attic vents for rust or broken seals. Also, check gutters and downspouts for rust or damage. Use a screwdriver to scrape areas of wood with noticeable damage. Rotted areas require replacement or repairs.  Lastly, observe the surface of your roof closely. A loss of the granular surface from your shingles can reduce their ability to protect the decking. from moisture.  Please keep in mind that if your roof has a slippery surface or steep lines, it may be best to leave the “up close and personal” roof inspection to the professionals.

So Now What? If your roof appears to be in good condition and there are no leaks, make sure to re-check it each Spring. However, if you find a leak, something should be done about it as soon as possible.  Call in a professional to follow-up your inspection and evaluate the necessary next steps. Most legitimate companies no longer do “leak repairs” or patches.  If a roofer fixes a leak on a roof, he may be held liable if the roof leaks later on – even if the leak is in an area he did not work on!  At Highlight Home Restoration, we are committed to being here when you need us. That means we make good choices and are committed to only doing work that will last. We don’t take risks and that means you can count on us. If your roof leaks and you can’t fix it yourself, you may need a whole new roof. If you don’t, we’ll tell you.

If you decide you need a new roof, consider quality over price point.  It is very difficult to determine the price of a roof replacement without actually seeing the home first. Some companies will give you a low price over the phone and hope to talk you into paying much more once the project begins. Most companies provide free estimates, but make sure that you confirm that fact before they come out to look at your home. Most times, the main determinate of the cost of your roof is the size. This will be significantly greater than the interior footage of the house. This is due to the fact that the slope of the roof adds to the size, and the width of the eaves add even more. The second factor of cost is the type of material that you prefer to use. A tile roof is two to three times the cost of a standard composition roof.  Make sure your roofer is not only licensed, but is also experienced, insured and has a large enough crew to handle the removal of the damaged materials and the swift replacement of your roof.

Why do roofs leak? Mother Nature can take a serious toll on the life of your roof. Georgia has seen its fair share of tornados, hail storms, downed trees and high winds.  Whenever your home weathers any of these occurrences, follow the steps above to check for damage, and then call a professional before the next storm hits. Other problems can occur because of improper installation and the steady passage of time. The good news in all this is that most asphalt shingle roofs can last as long as 20+ years. Roofs made with organic materials – such as cedar shake – may not last quite as long due to splitting, discoloration or termite damage. Highlight Home Restoration is a division of Highlight Homes, LLC – Atlanta-area builder of custom homes. We are well versed in building homes from the ground up – therefore, we are well prepared to help you tackle every sort of home maintenance issue. Roofing is one of our many specialties. If you feel your home may require roof repair, we invite you to call us at 678-873-9234 to schedule an evaluation. To learn more about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, please visit our website at http://www.highlighthomesga.com.  All of our contractors are registered, licensed, and fully insured. Don’t get “soaked” by an inexperienced or less than honest contractor, call Highlight Home Restoration TODAY for integrity, affordability and quality craftsmanship.  For other helpful home maintenance tips, read our blog “Spring Clean From the Outside In!”

Resources:

“Do You Need a New Roof?” http://roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/thingsyoushouldknow/needaroof.aspx

“How to Inspect Your Roof” http://www.startremodeling.com/inspect_roof.htm

Highlight Home Restoration Launches Exciting NEW Referral Rewards Program

Like most small businesses, Highlight Home Restoration depends upon good old-fashioned word of mouth to grow and flourish in today’s tough economy. That said, we also understand that many of our clients could use a “bailout” of their own these days. This month, Highlight Home Restoration – the remodeling division of Highlight Homes, LLC – is excited to announce the launch of our NEW Referral Rewards Program, The Highlight Hundred Club. For every customer you refer to Highlight Home Restoration, you will be given the choice of $100 cash or $200 off your next Highlight Home Restoration project* (see terms below).  If you know someone who is considering a remodel of their kitchen or bath, wants to add a room to their existing home, is interested in finishing their basement, wishes to develop their outdoor living space or needs a general home maintenance contractor – just give them our name and phone number (678-873-9234) and/or e-mail address (info@highlighthomesga.com), and we’ll do the rest! Make sure to tell them to mention YOUR name when they contact us. Once their job has been completed and paid for, you will receive the choice of a check in the mail or a discount off a future remodeling project of your own. It’s that simple! Do you know someone who is in the market for a one-of-a-kind custom home? For every customer you refer to Highlight Homes, LLC, you will be given the choice of $500 cash or $1,000 off your next Highlight Home Restoration project* (see terms below).

We truly appreciate the fact that our clients recommend our custom home building and renovation services to their friends and family, and we want to make sure they know it! What better way to say “GEE, THANKS for the referral!” than with cold, hard cash? If you would like to receive some of our business cards to hand out to your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors – please contact us with your request at 678-873-9234. Thanks in advance for your part in helping us spread the word about Highlight Homes, LLC and Highlight Home Restoration!

*Official Terms and Conditions of “Highlight Hundred Club” – Highlight Home, LLC’s Referral Reward Program. No purchase necessary. Referrals must be for new customers. Referrer’s name must be mentioned at time of project inquiry, and customer may be asked to provide contact information for the referrer in the event that Highlight Homes does not have it on file. Payment of $100 or discount of $200 will be awarded to referrer via mail within 4 to 6 weeks of successful completion and payment of Highlight Home Restoration project, and payment of $500 or discount of $1,000 will be awarded to referrer via mail within 4 to 6 weeks of successful completion and payment of Highlight Homes custom home. Referrers may receive more than one reward. Offer subject to change without notice.

Maintenance Tips to Start the Season Off Right

It’s (nearly) time to shake off the last of winter’s chill and prepare our homes for what is perhaps one of the prettiest seasons in the south – SPRINGTIME. With an official start date of March 20 this year, Spring is often heralded by fresh flowers in the flowerbeds, new green growth in those long-dormant trees and the annual pastime called Spring Cleaning. Aside from the all-important surface stuff – like reorganizing closets and deep cleaning baseboards – there are a handful of issues you should pay close attention to before the season begins. With all of the rain, flooding, wind and low temperatures from late 2009 to early 2010, this winter may have been particularly rough on your home. The friendly folks at Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration in Atlanta have compiled the following home maintenance checklist that you may want to follow in order to save yourself possible major expense and needlessly darken your dreams of Spring Break on a distant shore.

Spring Clean Home Maintenance Checklist 2010:

From the Outside:

• Provide a Firm Foundation – Check for hairline cracks in your foundation walls – mark them with tape and keep an eye on them for a few months. If there’s no change, they probably indicate mild settling and can be patched up with an epoxy-injection system. If they’ve gotten worse, it may be time to call in a structural engineer. Other ways to ensure a firm foundation in your home include:

* Spy for holes in your siding or foundation walls and filling them in with expandable foam – this will prevent creatures and water from creeping in.

* Make sure that the ground around your home slopes AWAY from the foundation (about 1 inch) – otherwise, you could have a settling issue on your hands.

* Keep an eye out for shed wings or pellet-shaped droppings, which could indicate a possible termite infestation.

* Clear all the dead leaves from around the base of your home – rodents, snakes and spiders love to nest in these.

• Make Sure You have a Good Roof Over Your Head – Check for damage to your roof by beginning in the attic or rooms directly under the roofline. Look for water stains or slight discolorations to the ceilings and rafters – indicating a possible troublesome leak. Next, examine your roof from the outside, look for missing or damaged shingles and pay close attention to the siding under the roof eaves. An ounce of prevention is ALWAYS worth a pound of cure – so make sure your gutters and downspouts are flowing freely and are clear of debris. If you believe you may have a leak, it’s always best to leave roof repairs to a professional. Keep in mind that asphalt shingles are designed to last about 20 years, so if you live in an older home – it may be time to replace the roof before those dreaded April showers begin. Highlight Home Restorations can help!

• All Decked Out – Check for damage to your deck by paying particularly close attention to water stains and warping – especially where the deck connects to the house. This could indicate possible wood decay, which could weaken the structure of both your deck and your house. If you have any question about the overall structural integrity of your deck, call in a professional to check it out before you host your first seasonal grill-out. If you feel like your deck’s structure is in good shape, but could use a quick makeover – get rid of moss and mold by pressure washing and adding a fresh coat of deck stain. If you don’t have a deck, but have always wanted one – contact Highlight Home Restoration. We can custom design any outdoor living space to fit your family’s needs and unique personality!

• Stay Cool – Make sure your outdoor A/C condenser is clean and free of debris by FIRST switching off the power, and then carefully removing leaves, twigs, and weeds. You can use gloved hands or tools such as a vacuum attachment, blower, or garden hose. To make sure it’s performing at its optimal level, you should have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by your system’s manufacturer. Replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months.

• All the Trimmings – Check the windows, doors and trim around your home for deterioration. At any indication of wood rot, call in a professional to patch and repair – or replace. If water gets behind the trim or window seals, you could be looking at a far costlier repair in the future.

• A New Spring Coat – Carefully inspect your siding and trim to see if a new coat of paint is in order. Paint not only enhances the beauty of your home’s exterior, it also serves to seal and protect.

• Stay Sharp – Check all of your outdoor tools to make sure your lawn mower blades, edgers and trimmers are clean and sharp, and ready to roll. Replace if necessary.

• Go With the Flow: Check your lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to try and pinpoint the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before the heat of late Spring/early Summer hits and your lawn needs water.

• Outside Looking In: Stay on top of your window and door screens by cleaning them at the start of the season and checking for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen entirely. It’s a wise move to store any screens you remove to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged window and doorframes, and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Make sure screens are securely fastened or a gusty wind could damage them beyond repair. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.

• Bug Off! In order to control pests, make certain to limit the amount of garbage and debris around the exterior of your home. Do what you would do inside, and get rid of junk. Inside, check the house for entrances and gaps where mice and insects may be tempted to come through. Seal up cracks, even if you just did so in the winter. Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. It’s good to keep a barrier between your mulch and your home.

• Garage Door Check-up: This is a great one for those brave do-it-yourselfers out there. 1. Begin by giving the door and mechanism a top-to-bottom inspection. If you notice that a pulley is out of line, move it into the correct position and secure it with lag bolts.2. Clean and lubricate all moving parts, including the pulleys, cables, tracks, rollers, and pins. A lightweight bicycle lubricant should work nicely, but consult the garage door manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using approved lubricants and/or cleaners. Be sure to wear heavy rubber gloves when working with lubricants and cleaners.3. If approved by the door manufacturer, spray a bicycle cleaner/degreaser on the pulleys, then clean out the groove with a towel. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the pulleys. 4. Spray some of the cleaner on your towel and wipe the cables on both sides of the door.5. Be sure to pay attention to all the moving parts, and don’t forget to lubricate the bearings of the rollers. Clean and wipe out the tracks for the rollers, too.6. Tighten any bolts holding the door sections together, and clean and lubricate the locking mechanism.7. If your garage door opener uses a chain drive, clean and lubricate the chain. Be sure to clean out the track for the chain. If you are at all uncomfortable doing any of these steps yourself, pick up the phone and enlist the help of a professional.

To the Inside:

• Safety First – To protect your home and family against fire:

* Clean the stove exhaust hood and air filter in your kitchen
* Have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system
* Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher on hand and easily accessible to all family members
* Make sure all your light fixtures contain light bulbs with the correct wattage
* Protect all of your computers, TVs and electrical appliances from power surges and lightning with surge protectors
* Clean your clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
* Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
* Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries, if needed
* Review your fire escape plan with your family

• Bottoms Up – Protect your home’s basement by installing a sump pump. If you already have a sump pump, but have invested in having your basement finished -“ you may also want to consider having a battery operated backup pump, just in case. Finishing your basement not only adds living space to your existing home, but it also increases the enjoyment of the space for every member of your family. If you haven’t finished your basement, contact Highlight Home Restoration for a quote.

• Cabinet Clean-Up – Kitchen cabinets are notorious for collecting all sorts of grease and dirt from various sources such as stovetop cooking and oils from your skin. Be sure to clean them every couple weeks or whenever you clean the rest of the kitchen. Cabinets are often overlooked because their grime is not easily seen. However, you should be careful what you use to clean your cabinets. A cleaner containing large amounts of alcohol may penetrate a wooden cabinet’s finish, causing drying and cracking of the wood cabinet – ultimately doing more damage than good. Test any product you are going to use on a small part on the inside of the cabinet door. We recommend that you clean your cabinets with a mixture of one gallon of water and 1/4 cup of mild soap or oil soap. Simply scrub the cabinets with the solution, and then use the dry rag to wipe off any moisture that is left. To remove sticky residue left behind by stubborn fingerprints, try rubbing the spots with mineral spirits and No. 0000 steel wool. Once clean, a good tip for protecting cabinets from future grease and moisture build-ups is to apply a coat of wax to them. To do this, use a light furniture wax — either liquid or paste will do the job. Rub the wax into one small area at a time in the direction of the grain. If you use a spray wax, make sure you spray it onto the cloth, not the surface because the cloth will absorb and distribute the wax evenly onto the surface. Repeat this every six months to keep the protective coat effective. Avoid mounting or placing any small appliances underneath your cabinets. The heat from these appliances will damage the integrity of the wood in your cabinets. QUICK TIPS: For cabinet interiors we suggest that instead of using shelf paper, use old place mats to keep kitchen shelves clean. One way to avoid direct contact with the cabinets is to add a ribbon pull that matches the decor of the kitchen to the handle or knob of the cabinet door. Make sure it dangles down enough so it is easy to grab and pull. When it gets dirty, simply throw it in the washing machine. If you want a new look in your kitchen, simply replace the hinges and knobs on the cabinet doors. They can drastically change the look of the kitchen without a lot of time and money.

• Down the Drain – Except for a coffee maker, anything dripping in your house is probably a bad sign. Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems. On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and make note of moisture around the dishwasher. Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion (see below for more tips for maintaining your hot water heater.)

• Some Like it Hot!: In order to properly maintain your hot water heater, you should follow these simple steps – 1. Turn off the Water Supply. If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker-box. If yours is a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located close to the thermostat, but don’t open the valve yet. Turn off the cold-water supply that feeds the water-heater. 2. Drain the Hot Water. Open up one of the hot-water faucets in one of your sinks or tubs. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines. Go back to the water-heater, and open the drain valve to drain the hot water out of the tank. Make sure the far end of the hose is draining somewhere that won’t be harmed by hot water. (an outside driveway is ideal.) 3. Flush out the Remaining Sediment. Once the water stops flowing out of the far end of the hose, turn the water supply back on. This will flush out any remaining sediment left behind in the heater. Once the water runs clear from the end of the hose, close the DRAIN valve. Don’t forget to turn the hot-water faucet inside your house back off. The heating element could possibly blow if there is no water in the tank. Some tanks may need to be completely full in order to prevent damage. When in doubt, always read the warnings and instructions on the tank label carefully because each tank may vary! 4. Test the Pressure-Release Valve. Turn the power-supply to the water heater back on at the breaker box (or the thermostat), after the tank has filled with water. Once the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure-relief valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This safety device is designed to prevent excess pressure build-up or overheating inside the tank. If it’s faulty, you may need to have it replaced by a licensed plumber.

• Light up the Room – Clean all light fixtures and chandeliers. This is a great time to LOOK UP and notice those collections of little bugs and debris that may have gotten trapped in light fixtures, or spider webs that have taken up residence in your chandeliers. Carefully remove globes and shades and put what you can in the dishwasher. Place crystal in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Delicate or fragile things – like painted glass shades – will need to be carefully hand washed then set out of the way where they won’t get broken. Take this opportunity to replace any blown out bulbs & check for the proper wattage

• Scrub-a-dub-dub – To avoid a major Spring Clean in your bathrooms each year, get into the habit of wiping down shower walls and tub after each use to eliminate soap and scum build-up. However – while you’re in spring-cleaning mode, pay attention to worn grout between floor tiles In the bathroom or kitchen. A small crack in the grout or caulk can lead to an expensive repair later. If necessary, re-seal as soon as possible.

• The Ground You Walk On – It’s important to maintain the carpet throughout your home. After all, carpet can either enhance or detract from the overall appearance of your home. In order to protect the ground you walk on, we recommend the following tips – 1. Get in the habit of removing your shoes before entering a carpeted room. Shoes can drag all sorts of unwelcome things into a home so considering placing a special mat or shelving unit at the door to hold them. Buy some slippers that can only be worn in the house to change into. 2. Keep a “carpet cleaning kit” handy. Begin by soaking up as much of the stain or spill with a lint-free rag as possible. Be careful not to rub as this will push the spill into the carpet fibers. Coat the area with a dry, foam or liquid cleaner. The best bet is to let the cleaner set, and then remove as much of it as you can with a plastic scraper. This allows you to scrape away as much of the cleaner as possible without rubbing it into the carpet fibers. Once that’s done, blot away the rest with a clean rag. The last item in your kit should be a soft-bristle brush to brush the fibers of the carpet back into shape.3. Vacuum at least two times a week and more if the room gets a lot of foot traffic. Your vacuum is the best defense against early retirement for a carpet so keep it maintained. Change the bag before it gets full, remove debris such as string or fibers from the brushes (these cause the vacuum belt to work harder, possibly damaging the motor) and wipe the vacuum with a little white vinegar to keep it dust free. Always check the hose to see if any obstruction is blocking the airflow before starting it (pet hair and new carpet fibers lost from the manufacturing process can really clog the hose up). 4. UV rays from sunlight can age carpet so shut blinds or drapes before you leave for the day. This simple step will really make a difference in the longevity of your carpet, especially with darker carpet colors.

• Tip Top Shape – At the start of Spring, it’s a good idea to check your attic for proper ventilation and birds nests. Aside from the inspections mentioned earlier for water spots, roof flashing leaks and wet spots on insulation, you should also keep an eye out for obstructions over vents and damaged soffit panels. These things will ensure good airflow, which could save you money when it comes to cooling your home during the long hot summer. Remember to wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from insulation when you’re rooting around up there. If necessary, you can add extra insulation to help the efficiency of your heating & cooling units.

Spring is also a great time to consider a makeover! The talented professionals at Highlight Home Restoration can visit your home and develop a plan to increase the overall flow and enjoyment of the interior and/or exterior of your home. To get started, simply call us at (678) 873-9234 or e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration, we invite you to visit our website at http://www.highlighthomesga.com.

What Homeowners Need To Know About the Dangers of Lead Paint

Well-known for its durability, moisture resistance, and ability to enhance colors – lead was a common ingredient in house and furniture paint up until the late 1960’s and ’70’s. Once it was discovered that this particular element was extremely hazardous to people, especially children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned it from use in residences, household furniture, and children’s toys manufactured in the U.S. Unfortunately, lead still poses a health risk to countless Americans. Homes constructed before 1978 most likely contain lead-based paint. Peeling paint may indicate a risk that lead particles are in the air. Infants and small children may eat paint chips and breathe the lead particles into their lungs. Sadly, exposure over time can lead to serious illness, even death.

Signs of Possible Lead Poisoning:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Aggressive behavior
• Anemia
• Constipation
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Loss of previous developmental skills (in young children)
• Low appetite and energy
• Reduced sensations
• Very HIGH doses may lead to vomiting, staggering, muscle weakness, seizures or coma

Why not just strip away all of the old paint and start fresh with a new coat of paint? Unfortunately, your family is at greatest risk when lead-based paint is stripped or sanded. Both of these actions release fine lead dust into the air you breathe. If you live in a home that was built before the late 1970’s, it is of utmost importance that you consult a professional regarding any renovations to your home. “Do it Yourself” is simply not an option when your family’s well-being is at stake.

On April 22, 2010 – a Federal mandate regarding lead paint containment will go into effect and Highlight Homes of Atlanta will be prepared. As of this Spring, all general contractors who work on homes built before 1978 must be Lead Based Paint Containment Certified. If a contractor is caught performing work on an older home without this certification, they will face a fine of $32,500 A DAY. Before the mandate even goes into effect, Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration will be a Certified Lead Containment Firm and Renovator in order to meet mandate guidelines and those set by the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources (EPD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to help YOU “get the lead out.” We can not only aid in paint removal and renewal, but we can also help with all of your renovation needs from bathroom and kitchen remodels to basement finishing and general repair. To learn more or to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and receive a quote, please call us at 678-873-9234 or e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com.

Source: “Lead Poisoning.” Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002473.htm

Easy Ways to Save the Planet (and Cash on Your Utility Bills)

While still in the grip of Winter’s chill, it may not be easy to think in terms of things like your air conditioning unit.  However, now is the perfect time to get a jump on Spring by going “green” before the grass and those first beautiful little leaves on the trees do. Whether building a custom home from the ground up or renovating an existing home to restore it to its prior glory (or better), Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration encourages each and every one of our clients to take simple steps that are not only eco-friendly, but are also healthier alternatives for both your family AND your wallet.

Simple Ways to Go Green This Spring:

1. Purchase energy-efficient appliances for your kitchen. A kitchen remodel is a terrific time to have this done, and you may even qualify for a nice tax credit during the next tax year to offset the cost.
2. If you’re considering a bath remodel, you might want to have a low-flow or dual-flush toilet installed. In the event that you also need a new tub, many tubs and toilets are now being manufactured from post-recycled materials and include slick surfaces that reduce the need for “environmentally Unfriendly” bleach products.
3. By replacing or installing insulated doors and windows in your home, you will reduce the amount of thermal transfer and cut down significantly on your energy bills.
4. Need new flooring?  You may want to consider using earth-friendly bamboo, which is sustainable, readily available and fast growing – so no need to lose sleep over cutting down a forest to have beautiful wood flooring.  You can also use tiles made from recycled materials such as glass, plastic and rubber.
5. The act of substituting your HVAC unit for a more energy efficient model – units with 15 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or greater will mean lower energy bills and higher efficiency. You could also look into using a Geothermal model, which relies upon the entirely renewable resource of Earth’s thermal energy to heat and cool your home.
6. Have a tankless water heater installed in your current or new home.  No more waiting for the water to get hot (thereby saving countless gallons each day), plus you’ll help save the planet AND money in the process. Imagine never running out of hot water! Solar water heating through the use of solar panels connected to water tanks contained within your roof are quickly growing in popularity for their efficiency, as well.
7. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), indoor air is 3x more polluted than outdoor air and is among the top 5 hazards to human health.  Use of non-toxic paints such as natural, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) or zero VOC paints on the interior walls and trim of your home will reduce the levels of toxicity in the air your family breathes.
8. Add insulation to your attic to help avoid heat loss during the winter months and air conditioning loss during those hot summer days.  This simple addition will help you enjoy a warmer home in the winter and cooler home in the summer.
9. To be a really aggressive eco-superhero, consider installing solar panels and wind generators to power your home.  You could be the first one on your block to lead the way to the future of earth-friendly power.

Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration can help you and your family take steps to Going Green in the coming months. 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, we also place a major emphasis on designing homes and home additions that reduce energy consumption and material waste. The benefit to you can be found not only in your utility bills, but also in the comfort, durability and air quality of your home – effectively enhancing your family’s 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 and renovators. In order to become a certified Green Builder, certain criteria must be met and then 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:

• Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design for Homes (LEED-H) Program: National system that recognizes excellence in Green Building – made up of volunteer mem-bers of the U.S. Green Building Council who lend their expertise to the technical develop-ment of its criteria to meet one of four different levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In 2008, Highlight Homes was recognized as having met the LEED Gold Standard.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Program: The NAHB hopes to move green initiatives into the mainstream for all of its builder/members by raising the bar with its recently developed National Green Building Program. Homeowners who buy homes with this distinction should know that their homes have met some of the highest standards set for Green Building.
• Energy Star Program: The Energy Star certification is based upon a set of strict guidelines established by the Environ-mental Protection Agency. Homes achieving this certification are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to meet the standard International Residential Code (IRC) established in 2004. Many Energy Star Homes include additional energy-saving features, making them typically 20-30% more efficient than IRC homes. Every Highlight Home meets the Energy Star standard.
• Earth Craft House Program: A regional certification program recognized in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama – the aim of Earth Craft House is to help builders become better stewards of the environment. Homes built under these guidelines will be more energy efficient equating to reduced utility bills and a healthier living environment. Every Highlight Home that meets the distinction of becoming an Earth Craft House has demonstrated a 20-30% greater energy performance than a standard home.

While we often construct homes to meet the criteria of these nationally and regionally recognized certification programs, we also set a higher standard for ourselves – aptly named “The Highlight Homes Method”. Thorough planning is crucial and occurs long before the home is actually built or renovation takes place. We continuously review the latest construction products and green building methods in order to best improve a home’s health, comfort and value as well as to reduce the overall operating cost. Site selection and stewardship are key to assuring we don’t negatively impact the environment in which a home will be based. Through appropriate design and responsible construction strategies, we can minimize the impact on the site because less time is spent on-site on building activities and staging. Energy efficiency is achieved through the use of the appropriate building science, technology and equipment – leading to lower operating costs for you. A Highlight Home is well-sealed and insulated – our thoughtful finish selections and quality construction practices will aid in enhancing the indoor environmental quality – safeguarding the health of the home’s future occupants – your family. In the end, we have an In-house Quality Assurance Team that thoroughly inspects the house not only once it is completed, but also throughout the construction process. We constantly strive to improve our construction practices, both for the environment and for the benefit of you and all of our homeowners.

In the event that you choose to heed our advice and Go Green this Spring, but elect to go with another builder or contractor – we highly recommend you discuss your desire to use eco-friendly practices with your builder/contractor. Ask him or her questions about their use of green materials, construction techniques, and commitment to recycling and eliminating wasted materials. You can even go so far as to ask that old fixtures and cabinets be recycled (if possible), and that demolition debris be separated so recyclable materials can be reused.

The folks at Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration wish you the very best of luck in your quest to GO GREEN – whether it happens this Spring or sometime in the near future. After all, homeowners like you will help save the planet! If you would like to schedule an appointment to talk about your desire to Go Green with us further, we invite you to call us at 678-873-9234 or e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com.

Sources:

Gan, Kaja. “Going Green in Home Renovations.” (2007). www.superhomeideas.com.

“Non-Toxic Paints” (2000-2010) www.eartheasy.com

Determining Whether or Not a Move is YOUR Best Move

No matter the economic climate or the state of the housing market, as a people – we are often nomadic by nature. We seek change. We strike out in search of new horizons. Once we find what we’re looking for, we settle down and make a home for ourselves. This has been our way since the dawn of man. When you think of it – nothing has really changed in all that time.

In recent years, Highlight Homes’ representatives have heard the following question echoed repeatedly, “Should I sell my current house and move into a new house in order to take advantage of record low house prices? I can get a lot more house for the money than I could a few years ago!” If you share this same sentiment, we pose the following questions and answers to help YOU find your way.

1. How long have you been in your current house? If you’ve been in your home less than 10 years, the sad truth is you probably have NEGATIVE equity in your home – thanks to the sharp decline in the real estate market over the past 3 years.
2. What do you believe your current home is worth? The Atlanta Housing Market enjoyed a virtual BOOM during 2001 to 2007. Due to the current economic state and the banking crisis, pundits predict that the majority of house values reflect prices that were seen as far back as the beginning of the millennium. Chances are that your home is not worth what you may believe it to be – and possibly less than what you paid for it.  If you’re still serious about selling, a phone call to your lender might be the next best step. They can help guide you to figure out how much you still owe on your home and give you a ballpark figure on your home’s value with a “drive-by” appraisal.
3. How many homes are for sale in your neighborhood? http://www.Trulia.com is a terrific online resource which allows you to type in your address to learn what homes in your general area are selling for and how much competition you might have out there.  The answer to finding the best price to sell your home for is “virtually” right at your fingertips.  Write down some of the addresses near you and hop in the car to take a look – you may actually find some For Sale by Owner properties during this field trip, as well.
4. Are you aware of any foreclosures in your neighborhood? Foreclosures are the #1 factor in loss to property values in any given neighborhood. Bank and Mortgage Company-owned homes tend to go at bargain basement prices because the lender just wants the home off of their books.  Therefore, even if you are fortunate to find a buyer who is willing to pay your asking price, an appraiser will likely be unable to get anywhere near it and will – more likely – come in closer to the foreclosure price.  The question is can you really AFFORD to sell?
5. What is the current condition of your home? Is it in good repair?  Is it up-to-date?  In order to compete in Atlanta’s competitive housing market – your home has to be at its best to attract potential buyers.  Maintenance issues that need to be addressed or dated decor may serve to turn buyers away.
6. What is the reason you are considering a move? Is this a WANT or a NEED? People move for all kinds of reasons.  Goals such as better school system, better neighborhood, heightened sense of status, and to be closer to family & friends may feel like needs, but may actually fall under the “want” category.  However, intentions such as the need for more space to accommodate a growing or blended family, relocation or job transfer, the inability to afford the house note due to job loss, divorce, and adult children leaving the nest are all “needs”.
7. How stable is your/your spouse’s current employment? Having a stable job and solid job history will make a difference in your mortgage rates.  If you are self-employed – you will probably have to provide more documentation than someone who is employed by someone else.  If you are considering a move to a home with a larger mortgage payment, ask yourself if you can still make the payments if you or your spouse loses their job.
8. Is your credit up to snuff? This is one of the #1 category Mortgage Lenders and Banks examine when you apply for a mortgage. It is vital that you pay all of your bills on time and keep close tabs on your credit.  Lenders are far stricter than in years past – it currently takes about a 700+ credit rating just to qualify for a conventional loan for a new mortgage or to refinance your current home. These standards continue to change on an almost daily basis.  Keep in mind that your lender will be looking at the “4 C’s” to determine if you qualify for a mortgage in today’s market:  Capacity (the ability to repay), Cash, Credit & Collateral.
9. What is your debt to income ratio? The debt to income ratio is a percentage used by lenders to determine if you can afford a home. Depending on the loan you are applying for – FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, ARM (just to name a few) – these percentages can fall into different ranges based on your mortgage payment. Lenders will first look at the “front-end” – your mortgage payment divided by your income (ex. A $1500 house payment divided by a $5000 monthly income = 30%) – to fall no higher than a range of 31-49%. They then look at the “back-end” – all of your bills including house payment, utilities, car payments, credit cards divided by your monthly income (ex. $1500 house payment + $450 utilities + $800 car payments + $400 credit cards divided by $5000 monthly income = 63% ratio).  In other words, add in groceries and a few other standard “life expenses” and you may virtually be maxed out month after month just to afford this house.

So… now what? Unless their reasons for a move are reflected as a NEED rather than a WANT, more and more people are making the decision to STAY rather than GO.  However, there is no reason for homeowners to feel STUCK – all is not lost. There are many affordable ways to gain that “change” you seek by freshening your existing home to make it seem like new again.  Highlight Homes and our newest division – Highlight Home Restoration – can help!

At Highlight Home Restorations, we don’t just renovate rooms – we create living spaces where you and your family can make memories together for years to come! There are fairly simple ways to add space, augment charm, and increase the enjoyment of your home for both you and your family, while adding value for future buyers. Here’s our list of the Top Six Renovations That Will Add Value to Your Current Home:

• Heart of the Home – Kitchen Renovations are the #1 change that will add value and increase appeal to future buyers when it DOES come time to sell.  In the meantime, you and your family can enjoy a possible new layout (which can often make the room seem larger), new countertops and cabinets, new energy efficient appliances and new up-to-date fixtures.
• Pamper Me – The #2 renovation would have to be the Master Bath. More and more homebuyers are looking for a master retreat where they can let go of their cares & woes. Wouldn’t you like to have that, as well? It’s amazing the difference a jetted tub, his & hers vanities with solid surface tops, an enclosed water closet and tile flooring will make to a bathroom.
• From Top to Bottom – If you have a bonus room or a basement that you’ve never finished, this is the time to do it! Not only will it vastly increase the living space for members of your family, but it will also increase your home’s value! When finishing, think in terms of rooms your family will enjoy most: Gameroom/Playroom, Media Room/Home Theater, Additional Guest Bedroom with Bathroom, Kitchenette/Bar.  The possibilities are endless!
• Divide and Conquer – A growing trend we are witnessing is the use of an attached garage as a storage area and workroom. More and more people are electing to ADD space by building a detached garage with a bonus room above. This move allows you to place your storage items in the detached garage, use the space above as an in-law suite or office, and park your vehicles in your attached garage as originally intended. This is also a great idea if you’ve always had a carport in place of an enclosed garage!
• Go Outside and Play – A recent trend that continues to gain momentum is the addition of outdoor living spaces to existing homes. A deck with a pergola or a bricked patio with small enclosure offers the ideal space to get away from it all – right in your own backyard! A fire pit or small pond will add to your enjoyment all the more.
• Mix Work with Pleasure – As the landscape of the world changes in relation to the economy, job market and the traditional skyscraper office building, more and more people are making the choice to telecommute.  Highlight Homes has witnessed a virtual explosion in the number of requests for home offices in the last two years, as folks begin to see the value in skipping rush hour to sit behind a desk in the comfort of their own home (slippers are optional!)

We are also very proud of our distinction as a Green Builder here at Highlight Homes. There are ways you can bring a little eco-friendly change to your current home while saving yourself money in the long run. They will likely serve as additional benefits to potential buyers when you do decide to sell. The Top Four Energy Efficient Upgrades to Existing Homes include:

• Replacement of doors and windows with insulated products to aid with thermal transfer and help drive down energy costs.
• Replace HVAC with a more energy efficient model – units with 15 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or greater will equate to higher efficiency and lower energy bills.
• Replace your water heater with a new tankless water heater.  You will never run out of hot water, AND you’ll help save the planet AND money in the process!
• Add insulation to your attic to help avoid heat/air conditioning loss. Enjoy a warmer home in the winter and cooler home in the summer!

While the housing market struggles to right itself, it might be wise to just stay put and weather the storm. The repair to appraisal standards will be slow and steady – many pundits predict home values will rise between +0.5-2.5% year over year for the next 7 to 10 years. In the event that you choose to stay in your home and heed our advice with regard to home improvements, Highlight Homes and Highlight Home Restoration welcome the opportunity to become your “Home Transformation Partners.” To request an estimate and schedule a personalized consultation with one of our skilled supervisors, we invite you to call us at 678-873-9234 or e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, please visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com!

Credits:  “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”  The Clash, Combat Rock (1981)

More and more homeowners are making the decision to stay in their homes longer, and invest on periodic upgrades, necessary repairs and the occasional room renovation. However, any home renovation – from a simple bathroom remodel to a complete room addition – can seem like both an exciting AND daunting undertaking for most homeowners.  At Highlight Home Restoration, we’ve made a business out of making that home improvement project even MORE exciting than you imagined – while virtually eliminating the “daunting” aspect altogether.  We truly want to make the choice to remodel as easy a decision as possible for you, so we’ve outlined ten easy steps –  from start to finish, aptly titled “Remodeling 101″.  If, when you’re done reading our list, you think “Hey, we can do that!” – step #11 should be to give us a call. We can get started on transforming your rooms into living spaces where you and your family can make memories together for years to come!

1. Establish a Goal: What do you hope to accomplish with your upcoming renovation project?  Does your family need more space to spread out or grow? Do you want to open up your existing floor plan? Do you need to update the look of your home? Do you wish to add energy efficient products, windows, doors, etc.  that are eco-friendly and will save you money by lowering energy costs and a nice tax rebate? Write it all down on a piece of paper to help you better determine your wants and needs for this project.
2. Do Your Homework: Once you’ve established your goal and have a general idea of what you’d like to accomplish with your home improvement project, begin flipping through magazines, visit different home improvement websites, watch home improvement shows (without getting too caught up in the romantic notion that you can go it alone – see our blog “DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor”) and tour new construction homes.  Take good notes, print/cut out pictures, take photos, etc. and keep your own scrapbook.  This will help you develop an excellent mental image of what you’d like your project to look like.
3. Determine a budget: It’s good to have a range and a REALISTIC idea of how much you can spend on any given project.  Depending on the size and scope of your project, this may involve a cash outlay or a bank loan to get the job done. Think in terms of the number of people who will be working on your project/man hours, materials, design, quality, etc.  
4. Where’s the money coming from?: Once you’ve got a fairly good idea of what you are comfortable paying for this project, you need to determine HOW you plan to pay for it.  If you’ve saved your pennies and plan to pay in cash – GOOD FOR YOU!  However, 90% of Americans obtain some sort of financing in order to complete home improvement projects – so if you fall into this category, you are not alone. Many homeowners view the need for occasional home improvements as a wise investment in not just the resale value of their home, but also in the enjoyment level for their families. You may want to begin the process of securing a loan right away, so there are no surprises down the road once the project has begun.
5. Put Your Plan on Paper: Your average, everyday homeowner doesn’t always possess the skills necessary to draw up a set of blueprints. For larger projects, most people require the aid of an architect to develop a set of plans to build from. Because Highlight Home Restoration is a division of Atlanta builder, Highlight Homes – we have a talented architect on staff who will listen carefully to your wants and needs, then design something truly amazing based on your vision. There’s no need to hire a separate architect or designer!
6. It’s About Quality, Not Quantity: This is perhaps your most important step of all – finding a GOOD builder to complete your project for you.  Needless to say, we’d love nothing more than for you to choose Highlight Home Restoration – but we understand the need to research other builders and receive a number of bids, references, etc. Make certain to request copies of their insurance, and find out if they are fully registered and licensed (like us!)  Once you have all the bids in hand, try to fight the urge to go with the builder who is the cheapest – and consider instead who falls within your budget limitations, who you had the best rapport with and who you feel will do the best job. Unfortunately, some builders will come in with a low price and slowly up the ante with last minute change orders for items they “forgot” to include in their original bid.  While it is impossible to account for every situation that may occur in a home renovation or addition, and there may be a change order or two in your future – this should be the exception and not the rule. BE CAREFUL!
7. Obtain the Necessary Permits: Highlight Homes/Highlight Home Restoration can aid in determining the permits you will need for any given project and help acquire them for you. A step that many Do It Yourselfers may miss is that for any home improvement project, it is imperative under the law that you always obtain a building permit. Permits will also serve to protect you and give you the guarantee that things are constructed according to Local, State & National building codes.
8. Complete a Check List: At Highlight Home Restoration, we’re not happy until you’re happy! Once the project is complete, request an official walk through with your project supervisor to make sure that everything is done to your liking. In the event that anything does not meet with your complete satisfaction, make a list of any items that need to be addressed and we will agree on a completion date.
9. Call Your Insurance Company: Once the project has been completed, you will need to contact your insurance carrier and let them know about the changes you have made to your home. You may need to increase the value of your policy to make sure your investment is insured in case of fire, flood or other disaster.
10. Help Spread the Word: The latest statistics say that most builders rely on word of mouth for an estimated 85% of their business. If you’re happy with the work we did, we simply ask that you help us out by telling your friends and family about us. Not only will we be thankful for it, but your friends and family will be, too!

That’s remodeling in a nutshell!  It doesn’t include word one about the excitement you’ll feel as you work with the designer to put your visions on paper, and then watch that vision become a reality within your own home.  It says nothing about the hours, days, weeks and years of enjoyment you and your family will get out of the new space you’ve created.  It doesn’t mention the fact that you will make your home seem new again and guests will suddenly see your home in an entirely new light.  As you can see from the steps above, getting started is easy!  We invite you to complete steps 1-4 on your own, then contact Highlight Home Restoration and we can help you with the rest!  Fill out our online contact form found on our website (http://www.highlighthomesga.com), e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com or call us at (678) 873-9234.