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Three ways to keep your family toasty as the chilly season approaches

As chilly wind gusts whipped through Georgia and news that historic Hurricane Sandy had merged with a snow storm to create a rare fall blizzard for many of our neighbors to the North, we all became aware of the value of keeping our homes warm. With several months of falling temperatures in our near future, Highlight Homes has compiled the following list of three ways to keep your family toasty and warm inside your home:

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

2)      Weather Stripping – Weather stripping is a cost-effective way to save on energy costs, improve the comfort of your home by reducing air leaks around windows and doors, and can be easily installed by the homeowner him/herself. This simple tool is available at any big box home improvement store or mom and pop hardware shop for less than $10 for a 10’ strip of high density rubber foam self stick tape.

3)      Insulation – Do you find your home stays fairly cool in the fall and winter, no matter the temperature you set on the thermostat?  If so, then you may need to address the issue of insulation in your home. Our moms always told us to wear a hat in order to keep warm when playing outside on a cold day. The same holds true for a home – heat has a nasty habit of escaping through the top. Take a peek through your attic and make sure it looks properly insulated. Do you simply see a sea of pink and white and aren’t really sure what you’re looking for?  You may want to call in a general contractor (like Highlight Homes) for a consultation and to hear their suggestions.   If you also feel a draft around your outlets and light switches – particularly those set on the interior of an exterior wall – you can purchase special neoprene insulating foam strips to seal them. This is so easy – a homeowner can easily do this step on their own.

Needless to say, we’re also big fans of roaring fires in the fireplace and snuggling on the sofa under a big blanket – but felt the three ideas above offer more of a lasting effect to help you “weather” the chillier seasons – and not just this year, but for years to come.  While we’re on the subject – if you do build a fire inside your home this fall and winter, make certain the flue is open following the long spring and summer months and – if you have a wood-burning fireplace – be sure to have your chimney cleaned regularly (standard is one time per year) to avoid the risk of your fire spreading beyond the hearth itself.

If you require assistance implementing any of the initiatives above (particularly window replacement – which is one of our specialties… among many), we encourage you to contact the Highlight Homes’ team!  Highlight Homes can also design and build a showcase fireplace inside your home or a stunning outdoor hearth on the exterior of your home. We can be reached via phone at 678-873-9234, via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com, or via online contact form. To learn more about the design-build professionals at Highlight Homes, be sure to visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com. If you’d like to stay up to date on the latest Highlight Homes’ news and specials, be sure to “like” us on Facebook!

For even more great tips for keeping your family toasty and warm through the fall and winter, be sure to read our blog “Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold.”

Image credit:  © 2006-2011 Photogen / J. Klemenz

At Highlight Homes, we just love this time of year. The store shelves are cleared of the obligatory school supplies to make room for Halloween costumes and décor, which are then cleared to make room for holiday decorations and great gift ideas. Outside, the heavenly aroma from backyard barbecues is paired with the slightest hint of a chill in the air. Leaves crackle underfoot and neighbors seem a little bit friendlier as the holiday spirit begins to take hold. We can find lots of inspiration in the people, places and things associated with the holiday season, but here are four of our favorites leading into November:

• Outrageous Interiors: Nothing sets off a beautifully crafted renovation by Highlight Homes like a great décor plan. With 24 years in the interior design industry to their credit, the associates at Outrageous Interiors can help you transform a relatively blank canvas of a room into something that is worthy of a four-page spread in a home décor magazine. From furniture and accessories to lighting and linens, Outrageous Interiors has the “look” you may be looking for.  In addition to four Atlanta locations and a convenient online store, Outrageous Interiors also offers in-home design services. There’s plenty of time left to turn your home into a showplace in time for the holidays!
• Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort: If you really want to get into the holiday spirit and find inspiration to start stringing holiday lights at your own home, you should make for the lake to enjoy the Islands’ renowned Magical Nights of Lights. On November 16, the lakeside resort will flip the switch on their 20^th year of delighting guests with mile after mile of animated holiday light displays. Be sure to pop by the Legacy Lodge and pay attention to the gorgeous water features and beautifully crafted stone and timber entry – they might motivate you to incorporate a little of that classic “Great Camp” style on your home’s exterior (a look we love.) If that’s the case, we encourage you to call Highlight Homes to make it happen. Oh, and before you go, stop off at the Holiday Village to visit Santa, roast marshmallows, and hop aboard some good old-fashioned carnival rides.
• BrandMortgage: A Georgia-based full-service lender that has not only survived but thrived throughout the Great Recession, what makes BrandMortgage one of our favorite things is its people. These honest hardworking folks are big believers in the American Dream who will do everything in their power to help you obtain the right loan to finance a one-of-a-kind home renovation or stunning custom construction home by Highlight Homes. Check out their website for a branch location near you. This time last year, we were proud to have been named a BrandMortgage Repair and Renovation Partner. Click here to read the press release.
• Great Lighting: An often overlooked “ingredient” in any successful home renovation is the incorporation of proper lighting – both decorative and functional. If properly chosen, lighting can also serve a dual purpose:  illumination and decoration. Not only will well-planned lighting give your home’s interior a brightly lit boost, but it can also serve to showcase your home’s exterior beautifully through lighted walkways, uplighting around trees, and spotlights to highlight key areas of the home.

Check back every month for a new edition of Shades & Highlights from Highlight Homes!

Fall is one of those seasons when Mother Nature is at her best. The trees that line valleys and mountains all over the South are transformed from a rolling sea of green to a cornucopia of color – fiery reds, warm oranges, bold yellows, and chestnut browns. As the season progresses, those leaves will fall from their lofty perches to the Earth below. Homeowners often enjoy the time-honored tradition of raking the leaves in their yards as the neighborhood kids take turns jumping into heaping piles.

But those are just the leaves we can see. As they make their autumnal descent, leaves also have a nasty habit of getting caught up in the rain gutters and downspouts that line the home. Just because we can’t see them from the ground, doesn’t mean they are not there. Gutters filled with leaves means they can’t function in the way they were intended. The leaves serve to clog and slow (or completely halt) drainage during a heavy rain. In turn, the water that is backed up in the gutters and downspouts may cause costly damage to a home’s foundation, wood trim and roofline. Therefore, it is imperative – particularly if you live in a heavily wooded area – to clean your gutters before the season’s end.

The best time to clean one’s gutters is ideally after most if not all of the leaves have left the trees. This is usually late fall – sometime in November.  If tackling this project on your own, tools you will need include:

• Sturdy ladder
• Gloves
• Gutter scoop (a garden trowel works just as well)
• Bucket
• Spotter to hold the ladder

While you’re up there, be sure to check around the gutters and roofline to look for problem areas, such as wood rot, missing shingles, holes, corrosion on the gutter, leaks, and compromised hangers that hold the gutter in place.

A great shortcut is to wait for a dry day when the leaves will not be as moist and to place a special leaf blower attachment at the end of a downspout. This will help blow the leaves up and out of the downspouts and at the edges of the rain gutters. No matter which method you use, you may want to check the effectiveness of your work by running the hose and creating your own mock rainstorm.

We never recommend cleaning gutters from the roof – this method forces you to lean forward repeatedly, increasingly the likelihood that you might fall off the roof. If you know you struggle with heights, you may want to hire a gutter cleaning company to come out and get the job done for you – quickly and efficiently.

For more home maintenance tips, be sure to check the Highlight Homes blog often. To learn more about Highlight Homes, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com. When you’re in the market for an excellent design-build home improvement company – look no further than Highlight Homes of Georgia. We welcome your calls at 678-873-9234 – call us TODAY to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Everything from small touches to major renovations designed to make your guests feel right at home during the holiday season

While you may still find sand from that last beach trip in the trunk of your car and you’ve barely begun to break in this year’s pair of boots, one thing is for certain… the holidays will be here before we know it. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be greeted at every mall entrance by the familiar sound of the Salvation Army bell, holiday cards will begin showing up in the mailbox on a daily basis, and talk about where holiday meals should be hosted will ensue. Whether hosting a small gathering of friends or a full-on fun-filled houseguest extravaganza, there are a number of ways you can vie for the title of “host/hostess with the mostest.” From small thoughtful touches you can do yourself to full scale home renovations that require the aid of a professional contractor, there’s plenty of time left to get your abode houseguest-ready.

Guest Room:

Small touches – Take a good look around. Is it time to invest in some new linens and an updated comforter? Place photos that might mean something special to your guests around the room, have a clean bathrobe at the ready hanging in the closet, make sure there are plenty of extra blankets, and leave some new magazines for those late nights when the sugarplums are dancing particularly loudly through one’s head. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch.

Major renovation – Expecting more than one guest, but only have one guestroom? Could the guestroom you DO have be described as a large closet? If so, there are a number of solutions a skilled contractor can help you with. A repurposed home office that sees little to no use, or the conversion of an attic space or basement into guest quarters could be a wise investment that continues to pay off for years to come.

Guest Bath:

Small touches – Beyond the fact that this room should sparkle and shine in time for your guests to arrive, you’ll want to practice the Golden Rule here. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Examine the things that make you feel most welcome when you enter a restroom. Fresh towels and plush rugs underfoot, a lovely new shower curtain hanging on the rod, another clean bathrobe hanging on the back of the door, a drawer filled with basic essentials such as toothbrushes and deodorant, some light reading material and plenty of lovely scented soaps and shampoos will all go a very long way in making your guests feel welcome.

Major renovation – Is your guest bathroom woefully outdated? If so, then this may be the perfect excuse to renovate this space into a room you’re proud of. You’ll be amazed by the difference a new shower stall, some Italian tile, beautifully fashioned fixtures and paint can make!

Kitchen:

Small touches – One of the best things you can do to create the illusion of more space in a cramped kitchen is to de-clutter. Move everything you possibly can off of the countertops and into the drawers and cabinets for a nice, clean look. Set a pot filled with orange peels, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and water on the stove to simmer – it fills the air with a wonderful holiday scent. Have some holiday tunes playing lightly in the background to help put everyone in the spirit, and leave little bowls of finger food about to take care of guests with the munchies.

Major renovation – A kitchen renovation is not only one of the most popular home remodeling projects, it’s also one of the best investments. By partnering with a contractor who has experience in structural engineering, you may be pleasantly surprised by the amount of space that is being wasted by your current layout. A skilled contractor can open up your kitchen space and totally transform the look with new cabinets, light fixtures, appliances, countertops, and flooring. If done correctly, this will be a holiday gift you give to yourself as this room finally earns the moniker of “heart of the home”.

Outdoor Living Space:

Small touches – Oftentimes, when you have a house full of guests – some of the activities naturally spill outdoors.  If you don’t already have a space that might qualify as an outdoor living space – such as a deck or patio – you may want to create an impromptu open-air parlor.  Make a large circle in the backyard with stones – fill it in with sand or pea gravel. At the center, place a circular firepit from your local hardware or home improvement store. Surround the firepit with seating such as brightly colored Adirondack chairs or a number of benches. Have plenty of sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars on hand for s’more making!

Major renovation – A patio can be screened in or enclosed with glass to make it more of a four-season space so there’s more room for entertaining. A permanent outdoor hearth of stone or brick can be incorporated on a porch or terrace for a wonderful space to sip wine and share memories of holidays past.

These are just a handful of ways you can make your house feel more like “home” for your guests throughout the holiday season – and there’s plenty more where those came from. The talented design-build team at Highlight Homes of Georgia welcomes the chance to help you get your home houseguest-ready over the coming weeks.  We invite you to give yourself and your family an early holiday gift – one that will keep giving, year-after-year – with a renovation by Highlight Homes. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call Tony Pourhassan, owner of Highlight Homes, at 678-873-9234 TODAY.  To learn more about Highlight Homes, visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com and be sure to “like” us on Facebook!

Requests for Dual Master Suites Growing

At Highlight Homes, we’re accustomed to taking unusual requests. We welcome them, actually. Our team of designers and craftsman understand that every renovation we complete is a reflection of a homeowner’s needs, dreams, and unique personality. A man cave made to replicate an old English pub, a master bathroom that is reminiscent of a European spa, a sprawling kitchen makeover that would make a professional chef weep with joy – no problem!

One of the unusual requests we’ve been receiving lately is quickly becoming a new standard – dual master suites. These spaces often consist of spacious quarters with plenty of closet space and an attached bathroom. Some reasons for this rise in dual master suites requests include:

• Friends who wish to co-own a home – think of roommates who are all grown up, ready to move out of the city and into the suburbs.
• Rising trend toward moving aging parents into the home with their grown children – a spacious bedroom honors them and gives them a place they are proud to call home.
• The desire to truly be the “hostess with the mostest” – easily accomplished when providing sleeping quarters that match your own in space and décor.
• Some couples may choose to “keep the love alive” by providing a separate bedroom for the spouse who may have an issue with snoring and doesn’t want his/her better half to be denied a good night’s sleep.
• On occasion, a secondary master suite is utilized for a spouse or family member who is combating a terminal illness.

The good news about this rising trend is that this addition could very well add value to your home when it comes time to sell. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report, the recouped costs associated with addition of an attic bedroom could be as high as 72.5% and a master suite addition could be somewhere in the neighborhood of 60%.

If you’d like to discuss the addition of another master bedroom suite to your home, contact Highlight Homes’ talented design-build team for a no obligation consultation. We can be reached via e-mail at info@highlighthomesga.com, by phone at 678.873.9234, or through our convenient online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes, view a complete list of services we provide, and sneak a peek at our online portfolio, we invite you to visit us online!

Image credit:  BLUE BEDROOM © Colleen Coombe | Dreamstime.com

Cite: “Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012” Remodeling Magazine. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2011/costvsvalue/national.aspx. (online, 9/27/12).

In this latest installment of Shades and Highlights, the design-build team at Highlight Homes would like to shine the spotlight on a number of people, companies and design trends that inspire us. That’s right, even gifted craftsmen like ours look outside the walls of our own office for inspiration from time to time. We do so to constantly grow, learn and improve so that we might inspire YOU with our original custom home and renovation designs.

• 

  Fall Colors: As the temperatures start to drop, it’s easy and affordable to “warm up” the interior of your home through the use of beautiful fall paint colors. Try a splash of Sherwin Williams’ earthy orange Gingery (SW 6363), luxurious deep Burgundy (SW 6300), or rich dark chocolate Marooned (SW 6020) and put a little “fall on your wall” this season.

• Zana Dillard of Dillard & Company Realty Group: Builders often build more than houses. In this industry, relationships with trusted sources and word-of-mouth are key elements to a company’s success. Zana has proven herself to not only be an excellent advocate for Highlight Homes’ work, but she’s also an outstanding and highly respected licensed associate broker, senior marketing specialist, and certified luxury home specialist who has personally closed more than $120 million in residential sales since 1998. She is the first president of the luxury homes division of Keller Williams. To learn more about Zana and her realty group, visit Dillard & Company online.
• Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine: Not only is this beautifully wrought publication a great local resource, the fine homes displayed within can serve as inspiration to your own future renovation projects. While we hate to suggest that you cut photos out of a pristine issue of AHL, you could collect the images that really speak to you in a “Dream Book” as you plot and plan an upcoming remodel. Not only will the “Dream Book” help you shape your projects, it will serve as a valuable communication tool between you and your contractor/remodeling company. Learn more about the “Dream Book” in our article, Inspiration Accumulation.
• Weather Stripping: This simple tool is available at any big box home improvement store or mom and pop hardware shop. While the current early fall temperatures invite us to open the windows and let the fresh air in, there will come a time when you’ll want to keep those nasty drafts out. There’s no time like the present to prepare for that inevitability. Weather stripping is a cost-effective way to save on energy costs, improve the comfort of your home by reducing air leaks around windows and doors, and can be easily installed by the homeowner him/herself.

Check back every month for a new edition of Shades & Highlights from the design-build team at Atlanta home remodeler, Highlight Homes. To learn more about Highlight Homes and the services we provide, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

To schedule a no-obligation consultation with Highlight Homes to discuss remodeling your home in time for the holidays, call us TODAY at 678-873-9234!

Georgia-Based Highlight Homes Invites Homeowners to Make their Home a Rising Star in their Local Neighborhood

Earlier this year, Hanley Wood – publishers of Ecohome, Ameican Dream Homes, Remodeling Magazine and more – released their Residential Remodeling Index (RRI) for 2012. The RRI designated the 20 best performing markets from a Top 100 List that consisted of Mid-and-Southwestern cities Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Houston, Dallas and Austin among the top performers; and Cleveland, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia among the list’s “Rising Stars.”

As a Rising Star, Atlanta has shown one of the biggest jumps from last year’s numbers as it makes its way into the RRI’s Top 20 for the first time – climbing 40 spots to peak at #18. Also making the Top 100 list from the proud state of Georgia was Augusta at #61.

“In addition to the fact that many homeowners are opting to stay put in their current homes due to a lagging housing market and lack of security with regard to the economy, many of the homes that were part of the housing boom in Atlanta during the mid-90’s through 2008 are in need of repairs and renovations,” explains Georgia-based Highlight Homes’ principle, Tony Pourhassan. “Add to that a trend toward college students moving back in with their parents following graduation and elderly parents moving in with their adult children, and many renovation companies are receiving an increased number of requests for projects that include expansion of space, such as room additions, basement finishing, garage conversions, attic conversions, and even additions of a second story on a ranch home. More and more homeowners are viewing a home renovation as a viable and cost-effective solution as opposed to packing up and moving.”

Highlight Homes serves all of metro Atlanta and the surrounding area. The design-build firm takes its clients from the planning phase all the way to completion – on time, on budget, and above expectations. Among its many specialties – including custom home construction, Highlight Homes focuses on:

• Major and Minor Kitchen Renovations
• Bathroom Remodels
• Whole Home Renovations
• Sunrooms and Deck Enclosures
• Patios, Porches, and Decks
• Landscaping and Water Features
• Basement Finishing
• Garage Conversions
• Room Additions
• Man Caves and Home Theaters
• Window and Door Replacements
• And So Much More!

If you are a homeowner in or around the metro Atlanta area who is considering a home renovation, Tony and his talented design-build team at Highlight Homes invite you to schedule a no-obligation consultation by calling 678.873.9234, e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com, or filling out a helpful online contact form today!  With Atlanta listed as a “Rising Star” among the Top Renovation Markets, it should follow that your upcoming renovation makes your home a rising star within your neighborhood. To learn more about Highlight Homes, please visit them online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Credit: “City Watch: A closer look at the 20 best-performing markets on our Top 100 list.” http://www.remodeling.hw.net/remodeling-market-data/city-watch_5.aspx Remodeling Magazine. January 2012.

Image Credit: Downtown Skyline ©1998, Kevin C. Rose – atlantaphotos.com

Georgia Housing Market Continues to Sputter; Remodeling Index Holds Steady in the South

According to the National Association of Home Builders’ Improving Market Index (IMI) – a nationally recognized measurement tool of the number of metropolitan areas that are witnessing an improvement in the local housing market – the list has grown to 99 markets showing signs of recovery across the nation. That number is up from just 80 markets in last month’s IMI, and is representative of metropolitan areas in 33 states, including the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, the current index does not include any  cities from Georgia. As a matter of fact, the only three Georgia cities that were on the IMI last month – Hinesville, Warner Robbins, and Rome – fell off the list this month.

On the other hand, in a Remodeling Market Index (RMI) report released in late July by the NAHB, current market conditions and future indicators for the second quarter of 2012 – such as backlog of jobs and three months of project commitments – show that the remodeling market is holding steady in the South. Comparing the numbers from both reports, it would appear that more Georgia homeowners are apparently opting to stay in their current home and remodel, rather than sell in a down economy.

A well-executed remodeling project is an excellent way to mold a home to fit a family’s current needs. If more space is required, a garage can be converted to another room, an entire floor can be added to a ranch to transform it into a two-story house, a basement can be finished to create more living space or a room can be added onto the home. If the home feels old and out-dated, a thoughtfully planned revamp to the layout and décor could mean all the difference in the world. By bringing a trifecta of structural engineering know-how, exquisite design taste, and quality craftsmanship to every project we undertake, Highlight Homes is able to not only accomplish the project with which we’ve been tasked, but to also exceed our clients’ expectations.

We don’t think it’s right that you and your family should feel “stuck” in your home. Your house should be your escape from the world outside, a place worthy of the phrase “Home Sweet Home.” We understand that your family is the highlight of your life, we just truly believe that your home should be, too!  While it might not be a wise time to make a move, it may be the perfect opportunity to make a change. We invite you to contact us for a no-obligation consultation where we can discuss your wants and needs, as well as some possible solutions. Call us TODAY at 678-873-9234 to get started!  You can also reach our experienced design-build team by e-mailing info@highlighthomesga.com or filling out Highlight Homes’ helpful online contact form.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sources:

NAHB Press Release “Remodeling Marketing Index Adjusts Downward from Recent High, Future Market Activity Steady” (July 26, 2012)

NAHB Press Release “List of Improving Housing Markets Expands to 99 in September” (September 10, 2012)

Vote Highlight Homes!

Choosing the right candidate is a subject that is particularly top-of-mind for many Americans today. Amidst a flurry of speeches and campaign rhetoric at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, blended with an endless throng of campaign ads and a fair amount of mud-slinging, voters will have to make up their minds as to whom they will grant their vote come November. Whether they choose according to party lines, via their individual moral compass, or by the power of a Magic 8 Ball, at some point – the American voter will have to make their choice.

In our business, Highlight Homes is extremely familiar with the concept of choice. We understand that there are dozens of contractors and builders out there vying for your home remodeling projects – firmly believing that they are the right candidate for the job. We understand this, because we are one of them. The thing that separates us from the masses is that we don’t just believe we are the right candidate – we know we are.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t always use research to guide their choice – they use the Magic 8 Ball approach, and make their decision according to price. At Highlight Homes, we have built a solid reputation in Atlanta for the quality of work we provide – and quality comes at a price. So while we may not come in at the bottom with regard to the price of our job estimate, we assure you that the results will exceed your expectations.

When you are prepared to launch a home remodel and wish to find a qualified home renovation company to design and complete the job for you, we highly recommend that you take the following into consideration to measure your choices – rather than basing your decision solely on price:

1)      Word of Mouth – Word of mouth is a free and valuable resource, and – for Highlight Homes – is representative of up to 75% of our business through referrals. When planning something as significant as a modification to your home, it’s wise to look to friends, family, neighbors, and business associates for advice regarding general contractors and professional renovators they have used in the past or have heard good things about. Take word of mouth one step further and visit the company website to see if their methods and philosophy fits with your own, examine the work they’ve done, and read all of the reviews and testimonials you can get your hands on. Perform a web search and look for any negative feedback, as well.

2)      Ask the Advice of a Local Real Estate Professional – If you feel you need a more professional perspective when it comes to word of mouth, very rarely will you find a resource as valued as a local realtor or broker when searching for a qualified remodeler. These folks often have their finger on the pulse of the latest trends and best return on investment for most remodeling projects and frequently have a direct line to a skilled contractor or design-build firm.

3)      Professional Organizations – It is always wise to dig a little deeper in order to discover if the general contractor or design-build firm you are considering for your next home renovation or improvement project is above board and will not leave you standing in the midst of a half-finished home while they take off with your deposit. Some companies may take your project to completion, but their craftsmanship is shoddy, they may not have filed for all of the necessary permits, or they are not properly insured and licensed and your project may end up costing you far more than you originally planned in the long run.  One way to guard against any of these scenarios from happening is to look into the company’s/contractor’s professional affiliations. If they have none, that’s probably not a good sign. Many of the professional builders organizations in Georgia and the United States require a membership fee to join as well as a review of business practices – in other words, they’ve already done a lot of the research for you.  Highlight Homes is pleased to announce that we are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and are members of the National Home Builders Association, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), Certified Professional Home Builders of Georgia and the GAHBA’s Remodelers Council . Highlight Homes is also the proud recipient of several Obie Awards – a great honor in the highly revered Atlanta Home Market, in addition to being a certified Earth Craft House Builder, Energy Star Partner, and LEED Certified Home Builder – fully committed to protecting the environment by promoting green initiatives in both design and construction of the homes and home additions we create.

Bear in mind that your home is not only one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, it is also the place where your family lives, loves and laughs day in and day out. It should be entrusted to a home renovation candidate who is most concerned with pleasing the people who live in that home and less concerned with profits.  If you elect to VOTE HIGHLIGHT HOMES for your next home renovation project, we welcome your calls at 678.873.9234 and your e-mails at info@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, view our work, and take a peek at our professional affiliations, please visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com.

It’s time once again for another installment of Shades and Highlights – a monthly “sneak peek” at the companies, trends, places, and products that inspire the design-build team at Highlight Homes.  For the month of August, we are proud to feature:

Lake Martin: This scenic lakeside community in Alabama was particularly hard-hit during the historic tornadoes that rocked the landscape in Spring 2011.  Highlight Homes was honored to do our part to help in the rebuilding process, and that’s why we feel compelled to shine the spotlight on the incredible recovery by homeowners in the area. What once appeared hopeless during our time there last May has nearly been restored to its former glory during our return visit this summer. There is still a fair amount of work to be done, but we wanted to pay tribute to the collective stalwart spirit of the residents of this lovely Southern slice of heaven.

Koi Ponds: Life can be tough. Between endless reports of a beleaguered economy and unemployment rates on the rise, to-and-fro travels through rush hour traffic, and the daily grind at the office, a family’s home should be a place of peace and serenity. A well-executed landscape design with a tranquil water feature – such as a koi pond – provides our idea of the perfect outdoor oasis, an escape from the world beyond your fenced in yard. Imagine putting down the briefcase, popping the cork on a bottle of wine, and heading out to the backyard to relax before dinner ­– ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  Water features are one of our favorite renovations to design and implement, so if this sounds like something that might enhance both your backyard and your life – call Highlight Homes at 678.873.9234 to schedule a walk-through of your outdoor living space and no obligation consultation.

Pinterest: We don’t just like Pinterest, we LOVE Pinterest!!  Not only is it an amazing platform for finding images of living spaces that inspire us – it’s an awesome way to showcase our latest projects. Like proud papas and mamas flashing pictures of our babies, we invite you to follow our Pinterest page and stay up-to-date on what the design-build team at Highlight Homes has been up to! From stunning outdoor living spaces to captivating kitchen renovations, we bet you’ll find plenty that’s “pin”-worthy! Check back regularly, because we plan to add new photos every time we complete another exciting project.

LandWatch.com: Every cloud has a silver lining. While many of us – homeowners and homebuilders alike – have suffered through the recession and housing market crash, one benefit that has arisen from the gloom and doom is that lot and land prices are at historically low levels.  If you’ve always dreamed of owning land – something that can stay in the family and be passed down from generation to generation, you might want to become familiar with LandWatch.com – the self-touted #1 online destination for land and rural retreats.  Once you’ve found that perfect spot, contact the architects and quality craftsmen at Highlight Homes to build a custom home that will exceed your wildest expectations.

If you wish to learn more about Highlight Homes, we invite you to visit us online at www.highlighthomes.com and be sure to “like us” on Facebook! When you’re ready to begin construction of a unique home renovation or break ground on a quality-crafted custom home, call us at 678.873.9234, e-mail us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or fill out our helpful online contact form.

* Highlight Homes is not directly affiliated with the community of Lake Martin, Pinterest, or LandWatch.com. These are merely the opinions of the design-build team at Highlight Homes.