Handcrafted Homes, Inc. Wins National Award for Midtown Remodel

Atlanta-based Handcrafted Homes, Inc. has received national honors from NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) for a one-of-a-kind remodeling project undertaken for a Midtown Atlanta homeowner. Handcrafted Homes, Inc. won the national CotY (Contractor of the Year) Award in the category of Residential Interior Under $75,000 for designing and creating a beautiful and functional Carving Studio in what was once an under-utilized garage. The project first won local and regional honors, before competing nationally with regional CotY winners from seven geographic areas. A panel of judges selected this year’s CotY winners based on each entry’s functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, problem solving, degree of difficulty and entry presentation.

The winning project came about while Handcrafted Homes, Inc. was undertaking a whole-home renovation for an Atlanta client. The homeowner carved wood as a hobby, and had created a space to enjoy the pursuit in the basement. Recognizing that the single-car garage in the older home was too small for its intended use, Judy Mozen, president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc., suggested transforming the garage into a dramatic, yet functional carving studio.

“Handcrafted Homes, Inc. has been in business for over 40 years, but this is the first carving studio we’ve ever designed and built,” said Mozen. “It’s such a unique and beautiful space, and we are so thrilled and gratified that NARI honored it with the remodeling industry’s most prestigious annual award. I believe the judges recognized that while the end result is absolutely beautiful and meets the functional requirements of the homeowner, it was an extremely challenging project. First of all, we had to work within the footprint of the original garage, which was only 10 feet, six inches wide. The client wanted the design to reflect his love of beautiful wood, but also provide him with ample storage, specific HVAC capabilities, plumbing and various work stations.”

The new space now contains its own HVAC system, tankless water heater and fine particulate air filter to take care of airborne sawdust. Light and security are provided by carriage doors with windows. Functional additions include a sink, workbench, spot lighting and custom cabinets where the homeowner can store his hand tools. One of the more innovative features is a custom-designed, remote-control insect screen that can be used when the carriage doors are open. The upper portion is insect netting to let in the air and light, but not the bugs! The bottom portion is vinyl, so the homeowner can partially lower the screen with the carriage doors closed to block the windows and provide security – especially at night. When not in use, the screen retracts to the top of the doorway. Decorative touches include the bookmatched hickory cabinets, Bubinga plank style countertop and Western Red Cedar soffits and beams, which are both structural and decorative, reflecting the homeowner’s love of beautiful wood.

About Handcrafted Homes, Inc.

Handcrafted Homes, Inc. was founded in Atlanta in 1976 to provide custom home design, construction and remodeling services to homeowners throughout metro Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains. President and Founder Judy Mozen is a NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) Master Certified Remodeler and Green Certified Professional, recently serving as 2016-2017 Board Chair of the National NARI organization. Handcrafted Homes, Inc. Vice President Randy Urquhart is a NARI Universal Design Certified Professional. Both he and Mozen are EarthCraft Builders and Renovators. The company focuses on providing the highest level of customer service, and has won numerous national, regional and local awards throughout the years, including honors from NARI, the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association, EarthCraft and Chrysalis. www.handcraftedhomes-inc.com/

About NARI

NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) is a professional association whose members adhere to a strict code of ethics. To be considered for a CotY Award, a company must be a NARI member in good standing. NARI members are full-time, dedicated remodeling industry professionals who demonstrate high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility. Remodeling Done Right™ is NARI’s promise to consumers as well as to members and the industry. www.nari.org. Atlanta boasts one of the organization’s strongest local chapters: www.nariatlanta.org