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Editorial: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Figure Out Your Home Goals

As Pratt Home Builder’s Real Estate Matchmaker, my job is to be a bridge between our digital and physical real estate. I talk and e-mail with hundreds of prospective buyers per month, all at different stages of the building or buying process. While I sometimes hear of retail buyers looking at 20 or 30 homes before making an offer sometimes, it was my goal as a retail Realtor to find something a buyer would be willing to make an offer on within three showings. The process of asking questions is something that’s just as helpful in determining whether, where and how what to buy or build. To summarize one of my favorite quotes by Rainer Maria Rilke, “Try to love the questions.” Most of us avoid asking ourselves questions, but I think of this process as motivational interviewing. Asking the right questions is one of the best ways to figure out what we do and don’t like! I love when buyers tell me what they don’t like because that narrows the options and brings us closer to discovering what would be the best fit. Below, I’ve outlined some tips both Realtors can use with their clients and Buyers can use for themselves to help understand what a person’s true home needs and wants are before you ever start your Web search or drive to a community. By asking the right questions, we can arrive at the best location, timeline, price point, and overall home plan to fit your ideal lifestyle.

What’s prompting your move?

One of the first questions to ask seems simple but is very telling. Why are you moving? Maybe it’s a new job, family changes like a parent moving in or child moving out, or changing health requires a single level home instead of a two story. Determining your “why” and keeping it in mind can help eliminate options that really aren’t viable and bring you closer to finding “the one”.

What’s your ideal home plan style?

Prospective buyers come to us with all different types of home history. Some are first-time buyers, many have owned several homes, and I have even talked to a few who have owned over a dozen. One of the best ways to figure out your ideal home plan style is to share what you have both liked and disliked about any past living experiences. Maybe you’re committed to a separate dining room for a piece of furniture or family gathering you love, perhaps you love to read and another family member loves to enjoy the game or late-night Netflix a a separate living room is a non-negotiable.

What school district would you like to be in?

Here is a quick way to get to the real contenders for your new home. For many buyers, school zone is one of their top priorities and they may be willing to be flexible on a almost any other aspect of their search to meet this crucial piece of their criteria. Luckily, we have a wide variety of communities and home plans available in a number of great school zones. Earlier this year, we had a buyer whose daughter’s school closed so they needed to relocate to another part of town. Our team was still able to help them make their perfect plan work and now they’re building the home they love close to a school that was a great fit for their child.

What do you like to do for fun?

While we are confident you’ll want to spend a lot of time in your beautiful new construction home, It’s important to determine what types of shopping, restaurants or businesses you would like nearby. This turns out to be a very important topic to many buyers, especially those who may be moving to the area for work and aren’t necessarily familiar with what to do for fun. What are your “must have” destinations within 10, 20, 30 minutes of your home? Some buyers want to be in close proximity to a gym or golf course, others want to be within a short drive of family members, or their favorite places to eat, shop, or explore.

What type of neighborhood environment appeals to you?

This question is a great one to figure out the lifestyle you want to have in the future. A new home is a new chapter! We have had buyers who always had to make the drive to their grandkids who want to be the cool grandmother with the pool and fun house to visit. Other buyers have an on-the-go lifestyle so need something like yard care wrapped into the HOA services. Some want to downsize but want onsite amenities to enjoy in the time they used to spend maintaining an older home. Buying a new home is personal, but with a sale always comes a transformation. You buy a new outfit for the way it will make you feel, and the same applies with a new home. So what does your future life look like and what do you hope to get from your new home and community? We hope your new home purchase brings you closer to the lifestyle you want the future “you” to enjoy.

The Hawkins family, pictured above, was able to choose and build their dream home site unseen by asking the right questions and working through questions I posed to them, and then through more conversations on the phone with our Onsite New Home Consultant. If they can do it, you can too! If you have any other questions for me about our process, homes, or communities, reach out anytime: BrittanyNewman@prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687. We look forward to helping you love where you live, and how you live.

Editorial: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Figure Out Your Home Goalsgmwebservices2025-09-30T13:23:50+00:00

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Living

By Brittany Shaw Newman | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Chattanooga, Tennessee has been referred to as “The Boulder of the East” and is the only city to be named as “The Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine. Our fair city has received recognition for its transformation from the one-time most polluted city in the country, to being recognized nationally and internationally for its Riverfront renovation, natural outdoor beauty, nation’s fastest internet and more by various well-regarded brands and respected publications. The Scenic City lives up to its reputation by offering beautiful natural environments for outdoor adventures for residents of all ages, skill levels and interests. As the Greater Chattanooga area attracts health enthusiasts from all over the globe, we are happy to not only enjoy these activities around town, but as one of the area’s placemakers, we are also excited to offer opportunities to live healthier and simply have more fun, right outside your own front door.

Pratt Home Builders President and Co-Founder, Win Pratt, said “Many buyers are considering their lifestyle when they evaluate the market now, so our goal is to offer the new construction home plans we are known for, along with innovative community features that give our homeowners the balance they’re looking for.”

Whether you want a great place to walk the dog, spend time with friends and family, host the cool birthday parties, or enjoy some friendly competition with the neighbors, Pratt Home Builders offers a variety of options for achieving a lifestyle you’ll look forward to coming home to enjoy for years to come. You might even find your gym membership collecting dust as fun activities in the great outdoors take center stage at communities like the ones featured below.

Seven Lakes

Do you enjoy a morning or evening run? Seven Lakes is perfect for a serene walk with the dog or reading a book with a cup of coffee to start your day on the benches by Willow Trees at one of the lakes. If you’re feeling ambitious, take a walk up Bear Claw for some solid cardio – and one of the most breathtaking views around.

Boulder Pass at The Canyons (Falling Water)

People move from all over the country to enjoy Chattanooga’s world-renowned climbing. Now, you don’t even have to leave home to practice your Picture-perfect views of Signal Mountain surround this serene neighborhood. Imagine the fun to be had at the pool and boulder playground, while your eyes can take a break from the screens of modern day society and instead rest easy – and take in 360 degrees of lush greenery and mature trees.

Creekside at Hampton Meadows (Ooltewah)

A new pool and splash pad are among the ways Creekside residents get to have fun and stay active. Whether you want to cool off under the cabana, or take a few turns on the pool curly slide, these amenities amid a rural setting are a great way to unwind after work or on weekends. A few weeks a year aren’t enough time for relaxation. At Creekside, friends and family can easily gather under the spacious cabana for weekend parties, reunions, or fun “just because”. Residents at The Farm at Hampton Meadows can also use the amenities at Creekside.

GreyHawk Trails Signal Mountain

A true mecca for outdoor lovers on Signal Mountain, which in and of itself is known for its abundance of natural wonders and outdoor activities, GreyHawk Trails offers a stunning lake, resort style pool, walking trails, a ball park, play area, and a catch-and-release pond and even more just outside your doorstep. Children and adults alike can enjoy the variety of fun to be had within walking distance of home.

Magnolia Farms

The best exercise is the kind that feels like fun, right? Enjoy the ball park, soccer field, our biggest pool ever, a swim up bar, and the gorgeous green spaces and nature preserve with your family, friends, children and pets. Enjoy over a 5K worth of sidewalks, sit at the nature preserve listening to the birds chirp, or round up some neighbors for a round of baseball, soccer or volleyball. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the fun can continue at the patio with barbeque and fire pits. It’s safe to say this community is poised to foster health and happiness in many ways.

(The below photos is representative and reflects the style of the upcoming Magnolia Farms resort-style pool.)

Our team works hard to make sure when you get home at the end of the day, it’s an experience – and gives you the time to soak in the moments of life that matter most! Are you ready to love where you live, and love how you live? Get in touch with us anytime at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687 and we’ll help you find the best match for your lifestyle goals.

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Livinggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:52:03+00:00

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and More

Guest blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Pratt: The beginning of August is an annual reminder that summer vacation is coming to an end, and it’s almost time to head back to school. Many aspects of children’s success at school can effect the dynamic at home. At Pratt Home Builders, our hope is that the children of our community, county and beyond have a positive school experience. We reached to Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, for an update on what students can look forward to this year, and his best tips on helping them achieve success.

Back to school brings new opportunities and a renewed focus for children in Hamilton County Schools

Back to school time is near with the first day of school scheduled for Wednesday, August 8 in Hamilton County Schools. The first day of school is an exciting time for children and families with kids ready to see friends and parents ready for the kids to see their friends. Summers are fun, but learning and growth must resume preparing our children for the possibilities of their future. We are looking forward to a great school year for you and your child with exciting new learning opportunities in our classrooms that will open the door to a world of new possibilities for the future.

The beginning of the school year is also exciting because it begins our work under a new action plan we call Future Ready 2023 that will provide the direction needed to set our district on the path to becoming the fastest improving school district in Tennessee. We have worked with school leadership teams to develop action plans and clear focus areas for schools for the new school year to make sure we provide the instruction needed for each child to reach their academic potential. The action plans will focus on overall academic achievement for children, but literacy and math skills will be at the forefront.

Improvements in technology

The district is gearing up for the use of additional technology throughout the district from elementary to high school; this was an important key concept parents shared with district administration during community listening sessions held last school year. Hamilton County middle schools will provide a laptop for every child in grades six thru eight to improve access to learning tools available online. Future Ready Institutes at the high school level will feature technology used in the workplace in the Tennessee Valley to allow teens to experience the work world of careers in our area.

Transformation of middle schools

Middle schools will have a new focus called Future Ready Preps that will transform the way we look at the middle school experience. The new focus will seek to personalize learning to meet every child where they are academically, expose them to a variety of careers, and support their social and emotional learning. Academic performance will be the focus and teachers will spearhead the instructional and cultural shifts required to achieve the new vision for the middle school experience.

Preparing for future possibilities with Future Ready Institutes

High schools will launch Future Ready Institutes this fall that will provide smaller learning communities within traditional high schools. Major employers in the area are working with our high schools to provide expertise and resources to make this a true community effort to energize the high school learning environment. The institutes will operate in a team concept with subject area teachers working with career focus instructors to connect classroom instruction to the real world and prepare our graduates to be successful after graduation. Over a third of our incoming freshmen have already registered for a Future Ready Institute with more to come in the first few weeks of school.

Learning Communities

When school starts, Hamilton County Schools will launch four new learning communities called Rock Point, Harrison Bay, Missionary Ridge, and North River to bring a sense of community to our schools. Schools across the district have been grouped into Learning Communities to provide a greater sense of community between the schools, the students, parents and those who live and do business around the schools. These four will join the fifth learning community, the Opportunity Zone, as we work to become more responsive to the diverse needs of the communities our schools serve in Hamilton County.

School Safety

Facility upgrades will improve safety across the district. New door security equipment uses a camera system to monitor visitors and give the visitor access to the building only after being verified by someone inside the school. The new door locks and cameras will provide another layer of security for our children. Additional school resource officers will also be in our schools this year as we work with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department to train and staff these important security positions.

Four Ps of Back to School
Prepare:

Identify important dates: the first day of school, registration, start and end time of school
Note the beginning and end times of extra-curricular activities
Begin now to establish a daily and evening routine
Locate the school supply list and purchase necessary items

Plan:

Go ahead and work on your emergency plan to determine what your family will do if bad weather impacts the school day. Who will your children stay with if the school is closed for the day or how will they get home from school if the school must close early? Planning will make those bad weather days much less hectic.

Participate:

Connect with the school website to learn about upcoming activities
Visit the school to understand your important role in the education process
For elementary children, read to them each day or have your child read to you
Connect with teachers and counselors so that you build a strong relationship to assist your child
Get involved in PTA meetings or other opportunities for involvement
Share your thoughts on your child’s school and education with the school and district so that you can be a part of the education process

Pilot your child’s course to success:

Sign-up for PowerSchool and be aware of your child’s progress
Talk to teachers about your child’s successes and work together on areas needing improvement

These four Ps will help parents get ready for school. The changes coming with the new action plan Future Ready 2023 will prepare teachers to return to the classroom with learning opportunities that will ignite each child’s passion for learning. Starting day one this school year, the excellent teachers in our schools will begin the transformation of the learning experience in Hamilton County Schools to match dreams with possibilities for the future for our children, their families, and our community.

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and Moregmwebservices2025-07-31T16:58:20+00:00

The Secret to Maximizing Your Open Concept Home Plan

Guest blog by Interior Design Coordinator, Lauren Miller | Published by Pratt Home Builders

One of the most common questions customers moving from an older home into a new construction home is, “Where do I put my furniture in an open concept plan?”

While an open concept floor plan may be ideal for entertaining, it can feel challenging to determine furniture placement. It may be tricky to define the space the way you’d like to, while still keeping the design of the home feeling natural. With open concept plans, it’s best to define which activates you’d like to accommodate in your given space, then furnish it accordingly. To really get in the mindset of a designer, you’ll need to keep your daily events in mind, too.

For example, let’s dissect a dining room or breakfast nook. Do you often need extra chairs for seating? If so, you may need to consider space for storing chairs or opt for a larger table with more seating to better fill up the room (but don’t lose your 36” of clearance for ease of flow!) Does your dining space provide any other function than being a place to eat? Maybe your children use that space for their homework area, or maybe that’s the first place you drop the mail? In a situation like so, it would be ideal to have a storage piece that can accommodate miscellaneous items. These types of studies will help you really dig into each space and decide what furniture pieces will be needed, first and foremost. Tip: always pay attention to the dimensions.

Once you’ve determined the activities for each of your “open” spaces and have selected some furniture pieces, it’s best to use natural focal points and your starting point in defining your spaces (i.e. fireplaces, large windows, or an accent wall). Rugs are also a great way to anchor your furniture without overdoing it. Lets say your dining room and living room are essentially one room – how do you provide a natural definition without overcrowding and squaring off your spaces? Start with placing your furniture focusing on your architectural features, then add an appropriate sized rug to anchor those pieces. Stools, ottomans, and accent chairs can also act as a divider without feeling heavy with too many sofas or tables.

Above all else, make sure your home is comfortable and suitable for your needs! All families are different, so don’t be afraid to tweak these tips to your requirements. Happy designing from Pratt Homes!

The Secret to Maximizing Your Open Concept Home Plangmwebservices2025-09-30T13:23:57+00:00

Community Spotlight: Creekside at Hampton Meadows

Published by Pratt Home Builders | Guest blog written by Charlene Bickford

It is a beautiful summer day as I sit to write this at Creekside at Hampton Meadows. The sun is shining, a breeze is blowing, and I have a lovely view across the gorgeous pool of all the truly amazing people that have chosen to make this community their home.

The pool and cabana are a great spot for homeowners to gather and fellowship over a shared lunch or maybe an evening cocktail and apparently no one is too old to give the pool slide a try! The homeowners are active in HOA committees and plan activities to bring neighbors together and to make sure that new homeowners get plugged in to the fun.

While the homeowners are unique and individual they all share at least one point of common ground; that when they were considering a move they chose Pratt Home Builders at Creekside at Hampton Meadows! All the owners here recognized the great value of the homes we offer and share a love for the high-style, quality features we build into each one. The added value of our 1-year Pratt Peace of Mind Warranty and extended 2-10 PWSC Warranty ensures that buyers can be confident that Pratt Home Builders will be there for them even after the sale.

Some of our homeowners chose to select a home site and plan and have the entire Pratt Home Builders experience. Once under contract on their new home they had the pleasure of attending meetings with our Board Certified Interior Designers who helped them to select their choice of dozens of included elements for their new space. Our designers were also able to help them determine if the buyer’s own design aesthetic dictated any upgrades that they might want to add out of the hundreds of options and upgrades available at our 2,800 square foot Design Center. Many a dream home has started out just that way at Pratt Home Builders.

Others of our owners decided to forego the time to build and myriad choices at design for one of our many Market Homes that we offer at Creekside at Hampton Meadows. At any given time we are under construction on fantastic homes that have already had design selections made and are on their way to being ready for you to move in!

We have just opened our newest phase at Creekside and are currently under construction on 12 market homes! These 12 homes will all be different plans so that buyers can get a real taste of the different homes we offer and get a better feel for which ones might best meet their individual needs. Of course, we have many available home sites in case you are thinking you want to make all the decisions yourself.

I am Charlene Bickford, New Home Consultant here at Creekside at Hampton Meadows, and I invite you to come visit me here at the decorated model at 8454 Gray Fox Court, Ooltewah. The model hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11am – 6pm. On Saturday from 12pm – 6pm and on Sunday from 1pm – 6pm. I do take appointments at our office downtown sometimes and often show homes in another of our communities, The Farm at Hampton Meadows. So, to ensure that I am available when you want to come please call Brittany Newman at 423-757-7687 to arrange your appointment with me. I look forward to meeting you and helping you make your Pratt dream home in this fantastic community a reality!

Community Spotlight: Creekside at Hampton Meadowsgmwebservices2025-07-31T16:55:56+00:00

Getting to know us: What kinds of homes does Pratt build?

Published by Pratt Home Builders | Written by Brittany Shaw Newman

Potential customers are at all phases of the learning process about home building when they contact us. Many buyers start the process with questions about the timing of their new build, finishes, and design process. Are you curious as to whether Pratt Home Builders a good fit for you or someone you know? Here’s a quick rundown of what options we offer to anyone dreaming of building a new construction home in the Greater Chattanooga area.

Pratt Home Builders builds in communities. Many of these are communities that the Pratt team has designed and include special lifestyle amenities and unique features. For more information on communities we build in visit this link. We do not build outside of these areas, but will work with buyers to find the best option in terms of a buyer’s desires for their home plan, timeline, location and price point within our developments. We have nearly 50 home plans to choose from, and a different combination of home plans are offered at each community. Within each community, we offer two different types of homes: Market Homes and Pre-Sales.

One option for buyers is Pratt’s Market Homes. This means our team of design professionals including architects, engineers, and interior designers work together to determine a homesite, homeplan and even selects all the interior and exterior finishes. As the name suggests, Market Homes are built for the current market. Based on our research, current trends, and needs of the market, these homes are curated to accommodate sellers who may not have the time or desire to build from the ground up. The Pratt in-house design team selects all the elements, so buyers who prefer to leave design process to the professionals are often drawn to Market Homes.

They are also great for resale, since our in-house interior design team chooses the interior and exterior finishes. Our designers are trained in color, lighting, and space planning, so these homes reflect the latest finishes and trends. If you do choose to sell in the future, they will shine on the MLS due to the quality finishes like granite, hardwoods, tile and trim details you will find in most Market Homes. These homes are sold as designed, but there may be an opportunity for buyers who get in early in the process to select paint colors. Future Pratt Market Homes will also be going onto the MLS and Zillow when they are in framing.

Market homes sell at all stages of construction, so they can be a great solution for buyers who want a new construction home, but need something sooner rather than later. For example, a buyer may find a Market Home he or she could close on within a few months. Many Market Homes sell in the early stages of construction, so if you’re curious what we have coming up in our pipeline of Market Homes it’s best to get in touch with us directly at info@prattliving.com or by calling 423-757-7687.

The other option we have available at Pratt Home Builders is our Pre-Sale homes. Buyers can select their homesite and home plan within the community of their choice. Exploring our home plans and interactive home plans is a great way to see how you can “edit” our home plans. When you purchase a Pre-Sale, there are options available and opportunities to put more of a personal touch on the home plans we offer.

The best way to get started on a Pre-Sale home to is to call our office or get in touch with our Online Sales Counselor to learn what the best fit for your home plan goals would be. You can go over your desires for your layout and square footage, talk over your preferred locations and ideal price point, and we can make suggestions about what communities and home plans will be the most ideal fit. Then, we will set an appointment to visit the community in person. There, our onsite New Home Consultants for each respective community will help make sure the homesite and home plan work together.

Pre-Sale buyers receive to finish is approximately six months. Of course, there can always be variables due to weather, land development challenges, and other factors. Pre-Sales are a great option for buyers who like to have more choices, and are a way to spend your new home budget on the features and finishes that are most pertinent to your family since they allow for more opportunities to personalize.

We have Pre-Sales available at many of our current communities. We recently opened our brand new Magnolia Farms community, a new phase in Boulder Pass at The Canyons in Falling Water, and a new phase is open in Creekside at Hampton Meadows so these are all great options for buyers who want to be able to choose their homesite, home plan and finishes.

With questions about any community, get in touch with us online at prattliving.com or by calling 423-757-7687. You may also visit any of our communities any day except Tuesday and Wednesday, but we recommend calling ahead for an appointment.

Getting to know us: What kinds of homes does Pratt build?gmwebservices2025-07-31T16:57:02+00:00

Your Home Warranty and Pratt’s Peace of Mind Plan

Pratt Home Builders is celebrating 20 years in business and is rapidly approaching over 1,400 homes built in the Greater Chattanooga area. Throughout the last year, the Pratt team has been diligently focused on standing behind the multiple warranties that come with every Pratt home by making the follow-up process even more effective. We have added a full-time home warranty department and customer care technicians. Robin Warren is spearheading our Customer Care department and is sharing insight about the details of the fifth piece of the Pratt Process: the Pratt Peace of Mind Plan.

BN: Robin, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do in terms of Customer Care.

RW: I am a full time in-office assistant to all of our customers and to these gentlemen who make up our warranty team. I will be our customers’ first contact when reaching out about any warrantable concerns. I help coordinate service orders for our technicians and gather data to help improve our department.

BN: I know all of us on the Pratt team as well as our homeowners are so glad to have you all! Can you tell us more who else is involved in this rapidly growing department?

RW: Our team members include Josh Gunter, Chad Gadberry, Brandon Whitworth and we are looking forward to a new specialist joining our team later this month!

Josh is a Chattanooga native who joined the team in December 2017 as one of our customer care technicians. Soon, he is starting his transition into our construction side as a Pratt builder. We’re going to miss him on our team, but are extremely happy for him as he pursues his building career. When he’s not working, he enjoys all things outdoors like hiking and kayaking.

Chad Gadberry is another one of our customer care technicians who started working for Pratt earlier this year. Outside of work, Chad enjoys cooking for friends and family, working on his home and spending time with his wife and children. We are very grateful to have Chad on our team. He’s very efficient, thorough and all of our customers love him.

Brandon Whitworth is our director of customer care. He is approaching his one-year anniversary with Pratt Home Builders. He loves to spend time outside of work with his wife, Tina and their three children: Brandon, Bailey and Cooper. They enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and camping. I (Robin) really enjoy working with Brandon. He is always on top of issues, willing to help anyone with all tasks and is diligently working to improve our customer care department.

We are also very excited about a new employee coming soon to join our team later this summer!

BN: Can you tell us more about what’s included (warranty-wise) when a buyer purchases a Pratt Home?

RW: Pratt homeowners get several types of warranties with their new home. The Pratt Peace of Mind Plan outlines these in depth, and each owner gets a copy of this plan for their reference. Here is an excerpt from The Plan highlighting each warranty type.

– Materials and workmanship for 1 year

– Certain major home systems for 2 years

– Defined structural defects for 10 years

In general, the Plan is a commitment that materials and workmanship are warranted for

one year from the time of closing. The heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing

systems are warranted for 2 years from closing. Defects in materials and workmanship

in the structural elements of the home are warranted for ten years from closing. Some

appliances, equipment and other components included in the home are not warranted

by Pratt, but are covered by separate warranties provided by the manufacturer or

supplier. These warranties are assigned to the Homeowner by Pratt at the time of

closing. In the event that a timely claim is made under one of these warranties without

response, Pratt will assist the Homeowner in attempting to resolve the problem with

the manufacturer or supplier.

BN: What are the main differences in the various warranties, respectively?

RW: There are many different elements of a new construction home, but I believe most buyers will be pleasantly surprised by the items covered. Check out the time and terms on the warranty coverage I’ve listed below (from the Peace of Mind Plan).

One Year Coverage – Pratt warrants the construction of the home will conform to the

tolerances for materials and workmanship, as defined in the Performance Standards, for

a period of one year after the closing date.

Two Year Coverage – Pratt warrants the workability of the plumbing, electrical,

heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other mechanical systems, as defined in the

Performance Standards, for a period of two years after the closing date.

Ten Year Coverage – Pratt warrants the construction of the home will conform to the

tolerances set forth below in the Performance Standards for Structural Elements for a

period of ten years after the closing date, subject to the limitations set forth below.

Structural Elements are footings, bearing walls, beams, girders, trusses, rafters, bearing

columns, lintels, posts and floor systems. A Structural Element will not be deemed

defective, and no action will be required, unless there is actual physical damage that

diminishes the ability of the Structural Element to perform its load-bearing function such

that the home is unsafe.

BN: Why is this warranty unique?

RW: Our warranty program is growing rapidly and we are making daily progress to benefit our customers and this is one important attribute that sets us apart from our competitors. The warranty itself stays with the home, not the homeowners. So, essentially if you purchased a “used” Pratt home and it’s still within our one year, two year or 10 year warranty period, then the new homeowner still gets to reap the benefits of our warranty program.

BN: If a customer has any type of issue, what’s the best way to get in touch with the team and how soon can they expect to have the issue resolved?

RW: During office hours, a call can be made to myself at 423-267-9917 ext 312 or an e-mail made to me at RobinWarren@PrattLiving.com. If an emergency arises, homeowners can call our office line at 423-267-9917 and press 9 when prompted for an emergency call.

We will always have someone on stand by for emergency issues such as no heating/air or water leaks. While emergency warranty situations are rare, prompt response is essential when they occur. Trouble shooting tips are provided to you but if your efforts fail to correct the problem, you can call us at (423)267-9917 or call the necessary trade contractor or utility company directly.

Your Home Warranty and Pratt’s Peace of Mind Plangmwebservices2025-07-31T17:28:05+00:00

Design Spotlight: Camellia Butterfield, Interior Designer

In this Pratt Home Builders Design Spotlight, we get to know of the newest additions to our in-house interior design team, Camellia Butterfield. She left Tuscaloosa, AL to join our team in Chattanooga, TN, which has proven to be a great fit since Chattanooga is such an incredible outdoor mecca and offers an abundance of opportunities for one of Camellia’s great loves: rock climbing! At work, Camellia does a great job with helping customers realize their personal style within our many home plans and design options. Read further to learn more about her Camellia’s nature-inspired design style, love for tacos, and – what everyone wants to know- how she came to have such a fantastic name.

BN: First of all, how did you come by your beautiful and unique name? And how often do people ask you this question?

CB: Originally born in the west – in Yorba Linda, California – I roamed the earth for nearly 24 years as Camellia Oleda Aslami. When I turned 7, my family moved to Alabama, which coincidentally has the Camellia as the state flower. My name changed in the fall of 2013, when I married into the most southern name I could have ever imagined for myself, Camellia Oleda Butterfield (and no, to answer everyone’s most asked question, I did not seek my husband out for his last name).

BN: What inspired you to become an interior designer?

CB: My passion for interior design hit me when I started attending the University of Alabama. Walking from one campus building to another, I was not only inspired by the aesthetic design differences between new construction and remodels, but I also developed a new appreciation for the good versus bad function within interior spaces.

BN: What specifically is your degree in, and what experience have you had so far?

CB: I received my Interior Design Bachelor’s degree in 2012 through the Human Environmental Sciences College at the University of Alabama. As a student, I interned as a Design Assistant for the UA Furnishings & Design Department, where I gained invaluable commercial project experience. Upon graduation, I accepted my first job with a design firm, Lampadas LLC, where I was able to change gears and manage high-end residential projects while gaining exposure to the small-business and furniture industry.

BN: How long have you been with the Pratt Home Builders team?

CB: I joined the Pratt Home Builders family at the beginning of January 2018, so I’m just shy of 5 months of being at the company, but everyone has been so welcoming that I feel like I’ve been here for years!

BN: What is your favorite part of the design process?

CB: At Pratt, my favorite part of the design process is getting to be creative with each buyer. Every house we build at Pratt, is specifically customized to meet the needs of our buyers, so that allows me to explore varies design problem solving solutions per house plan.

BN: What are some of your most memorable experiences with Pratt customers so far?

CB: One of my favorite moments at Pratt was working with one of our out-of-town buyers, who asked to bring their dog to their meetings (so they didn’t have to hassle with overnight boarding, etc.). As a fellow pet owner, I was more than happy to accommodate the additional four paws at our meeting, and by the end of our design sessions I wanted to take the little rascal home because he was so well behaved!

BN: What are three things you wish people knew about designing their new construction home?

CB:

The contract closing dates, assigned to each buyer’s home during the sales phase, is an estimated date. Home construction is a fluid process, and the schedule will inevitably vary with weather and site conditions, therefore the closing date will get revised during construction.
Pinterest is a great resource for interior design inspiration, however it can be very misleading for new home buyers going through new construction. There are several cases of installation that are pictured online that are not built per code, or set up buyers with high expectations that result in high-end, expensive custom methods.
The design process is always more than you expect it to be. There are so many details that go into each interior selection category, that also connect to other categories, to create a cohesive interior and exterior design concept. To make this process smoother, it is always helpful when buyers are aware of their personal taste when it comes to selecting material, function, aesthetic – this eliminates the guessing game for your designer, and helps speed the process up overall.

BN: What’s your favorite Pratt home plan?

CB: The Waterford is my favorite Pratt home plan because the first floor is great space for entertaining with the open concept, in addition to the function of a family-friendly layout for daily traffic with kids (and pets too).

BN: What is your favorite source of design inspiration?

CB: Nature is my overall design inspiration. You can source everything from material to patterns through nature’s elements. My personal design taste is derived from all things natural. I love having exposed wood throughout my interiors, mixed with organic tile textures, patterns, metal accents, topped with hints of greenery for simple accessories. I believe great interior design is accomplished with strategic window placement and layout, to frame in nature as much as possible, thus becoming a focal point – or art.

BN: What do you like to do in your spare time?

CB: If it’s weekday after 5:00 p.m. or the weekend, you will most likely find me nearby rocks or tacos. My husband and I love being outdoors every chance we get, which typically involves rock climbing (indoors at the gym on rainy days). If you’ve ever rock climbed, then you know what follows – hunger; therefore, tacos are my first choice of food after a good climb.

Design Spotlight: Camellia Butterfield, Interior Designergmwebservices2025-07-31T17:28:19+00:00

Buying a Resale isn’t Your Only Option: 7 Reasons to Buy New

It’s no secret that the greater Chattanooga real estate market is booming. When starting the search for a new home, many buyers seek out a Realtor and begin the quest by perusing the MLS. The retail and resale market is very competitive, so often buyers end up in multiple offer situations, which can be stressful and disappointing since so much effort is required just to find a home you feel comfortable making an offer on. Often, by the time the process of multiple searches and offers is complete, many buyers could have built a new home with more of what they really want in a similar timeline. Here are a few reasons to consider buying a new construction home.

New and in style

Of course, the most obvious reason to build is that new construction is move-in-ready! Everything is exactly how you want it – no need for renovations or remodeling. Pratt’s in-house design team creates each market home and consults with buyers on to-be-built homes, so each new construction home boasts modern trends, inherently more energy efficient features like Hardie siding and better-insulated windows, plus stylish granite, hardwood, tile, and fixtures. Every new Pratt-built home also comes with a warranty so you can sleep easier knowing we’ve got you covered.

More options

With nearly 50 home plans, 19 communities, and multiple new communities opening every year! Our communities offer a variety of amenities and atmospheres! From resort-style pools to splash pads, catch and release fishing, ballparks, soccer fields, green spaces, clubhouses, cabanas and so much more, we have a community to match every lifestyle.

Less competition

Because we sell at every stage of construction, it’s fairly uncommon for homes to reach completion without being sold. This means many homes may not ever make it to the MLS and a Realtor representative may or may not know about available homes.

The same financing

There’s a common assumption that to build a new home means obtaining a new construction home loan. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn this is a myth! You can actually use whatever lending product you would use on a resale home. We handle the construction, so by the time you purchase you’ll own a completed home. We accept cash, convention, FHA, VA, and THDA/USDA where it’s applicable. A deposit is required for a to-be-built (that means you choose the site and plan) and earnest money is required for our market homes (just like for regular transactions).

More ways to personalize

When you build your own home, you can invest where it matters most to you. Maybe that means more square footage, a special homesite, or certain structural changes or finishes. Most of our home plans come with over 20 options, so buyers who want to build can match their home to their lifestyle needs. Maybe that means choosing a screened porch, trey ceiling, or bonus room. There are not only structural options to choose from but also an incredible variety of interior and exterior finishes. Each Pratt home reflects the unique style of the owners.

Built-in equity

In this dynamic real estate market, time is money. When you go under contract, your home plan, site, location and modern finishes are locked in at current market rates, so if the market skyrockets during what is typically a six to eight month build time, that potentially means your home is worth more when you close than when you went under contract, so you could have equity on day one.

The best match

Our in-house real estate matchmaker can determine the best fit for each buyer’s timeline, price point, location and home plan goals. We encourage buyers or their buyer’s agent to get in touch with us directly by booking online or calling 423-757-7687 to learn what inventory is available.

Buying a Resale isn’t Your Only Option: 7 Reasons to Buy Newgmwebservices2025-07-31T17:28:30+00:00

Design Spotlight: Lauren Miller, Interior Design Coordinator

For most home buyers, design is the most exciting and anticipated part of the process new home construction. Lauren Miller is their very first exposure to the process at Pratt Home Builders, and this soon-to-be UTC graduate ensures the design process helps accomplish all a buyer’s goals from start to finish. Our Online Sales and Digital Marketing Coordinator, Brittany, talked with Lauren about being part of the Pratt team and what she loves most about the design process.

BN: What is your position at PHB and what does it entail?

LM: I’m the Interior Design Coordinator at Pratt Homebuilders! I’m the first person of contact for any buyer once they have hit the Design phase: I schedule all appointments, prepare for client meetings, and so on. I also design the company’s market homes and aid in any reselections that a buyer may have before their closing date.

BN: What’s your favorite aspect of design?

LM: My favorite aspect of design is how versatile it can be. Everyone has a different style and perspective when it comes to their home. No client is the same, and I love that you can see someone’s personality come through with the selections they make!

BN: What is your degree in, specifically, and what aspects do you enjoy sharing with the customers and team at PHB?

LM: I’m pursuing my B.S. Interior Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! Because I have exposure to the deign world at Pratt and also at school, I’m able to see multiple different projects happening at once (some even being from the Commercial side). Some things I’m learning in school, I’ve already learned at Pratt, and vice versa!

BN: What are your current favorite design trends?

LM: There are some design trends that I’m loving right now, but my favorite has to be wood cabinetry making a comeback! I know it sounds crazy because trust me, I love a white kitchen, but I think the design world is bringing warmth back in better ways than we’ve seen in the past. We’re seeing wood cabinetry in the kitchen come back a lot softer than before – natural stains paired with stark whites are BEAUTIFUL! I think it will take some time for a lot of people to get on board with, but I think it will be a great option for transitional buyers that don’t necessarily love the contemporary, sleek look, but don’t love the dark, rich look either.

BN: What are your three top favorite home plans by Pratt?

LM: Oh, man! It’s hard to choose because I tend to think from a buyer’s standpoint – but for my personal preference, I’d choose the Magnolia Lane (my all time favorite), the Laurel, and the Callaway.

BN: Why is the Pratt design process unique and effective?

LM: The Pratt process is unique compared to other Production Builders because I don’t feel like we are one. We’re not the builder that repeats designs and uses generic pallet, in fact, we try very hard to make every single design different from another. We meet with every client through multiple meetings and guide them in designing every square inch of their home. They have someone different from Sales, Design, and Construction to lean on at all times – that’s what makes us unique and effective!

BN: What do you enjoy most about working with buyers?

LM: I enjoy seeing the personality of each buyer come out in what they’ve chosen. You build relationships with the buyers and learn about their personal wants and needs, so it’s enjoyable to see them light up when designing their home.

BN: What are some of your favorite designs you’ve helped customers create?

LM: My very first buyer was a Market – reselect home. She had purchased the home early on in the construction process, so she had the option to re-select almost everything from what was designed for previously…. and boy, did she! She through me through a loop and definitely made me work, but her home turned out so beautiful. She went with a timeless design – all white kitchen with stunning quartz counters, a neutral master bath that brought in so much light, and dark hardwoods to provide contrast.

BN: Where do you go for design inspiration?

LM: Shamelessly…. Pinterest! It’s such a good way to get inspiration from other projects – there’s definitely been a few times that I’ve found something on Pinterest that I had been trying to explain on paper or come up with in my head, then saw a visual of it in a similar way! I always encourage buyers to have a Pinterest board or to bring in magazines, photos, etc., of things that they like to their first meeting so that the designers can really get a feel for their style. I draw inspiration from older homes and structures of architecture too. My ideal Sunday would be to drive around a town (if it’s historic, that’s bonus points!) and peek into every older home and just soak in the design.

Design Spotlight: Lauren Miller, Interior Design Coordinatorgmwebservices2025-07-31T17:19:35+00:00

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