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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

Testimonial: The Hawkins Family

Home is where life happens.

It’s the backdrop for so many of life’s most important memories. All of us at Pratt Home Builders love helping people make their dream home a reality. “Teamwork makes the dream work” is one of our favorite mantras. We’re dedicated to finding the best balance of location, price point, style and timing for your goals.

The Hawkins family recently contacted us online from where they were based with the military in Hawaii and after numerous phone calls and emails, now they’re well on their way to building a home where they can enjoy life for many years to come!

They began with a call to Brittany, our Online Sales and Digital Marketing Coordinator. After several late-night calls (they began the process from Hawaii!) discussing the goals related to their timeline, price point, and home plan desires, they narrowed down their favorite styles and selected a community. With the guidance of New Home Consultant, Charlene, and several more calls, e-emails and the assistance of online tools, the Hawkins family selected the home they could see their family making memories in. Then, they worked with the help of a relative and Pratt’s Director of Design, Sharon, to choose the exteriors and interiors of their new construction home — all site unseen. They even had part of their design sessions via FaceTime! Isn’t it amazing what we can accomplish between technology and teamwork?

Check out what they had to say about their experience working with Pratt Home Builders as first time buyers purchasing remotely!

“Pratt’s team has gone above and beyond our expectation so far. As an active duty United States Sailor and family we appreciate the amount of support they have given us based on our circumstances. Their effort really shows they care about our service members.” -LT Steve Hawkins, USS John Paul Jones

Pratt Home Builders is always proud to serve members of our military, and a significant number of our homeowners are Veterans. Whether you’re near or far, we have many tools to help you feel right at home during the home building process.

Testimonial: The Hawkins Familygmwebservices2025-07-31T17:07:19+00:00

Stop Thinking Trendy and Start Thinking Timeless

Timeless design has staying power- it was not meant to be temporary.

When designing a space that’s geared toward trends, odds are it will already be outdated once the project is finished. My job is to share a few tips and tricks that will save you from hating your trendy home in 3 years.

Think “Classic.”

When designing your home, the best route to go is “classic.” Have you ever entered a space and just thought, “Wow, this is beautiful”? Most of the time that occurs when the space is classic and elegant, rather than decorated from the trend of the year. To achieve this classic style, you may want to draw inspiration from Greek Architecture: Moldings, columns, stripes or bold solid colors.

Your timeless home will play upon these details. Also, incorporate natural resources and fibers such as woods, stones, brick. Mixing materials and colors is what brings interest in.

Think Color.

Neutrals are key to a timeless design. They set a perfect backdrop for art and furniture, without overdoing it. Beiges, grays, and soft blues have a strong presence in timeless homes, often accented by crisp, bright whites of moldings in ceilings, arches, and doorways. But not all timeless homes are painted in neutrals. You can try classic colors such as black, navy blues, and dark greens that are often complemented by these neutrals. My word of advice: When in doubt, aim for simplicity, maturity, and elegance.

Think Accents.

If you can’t get over a particular trendy accent, however, use it! After all, this is your home and you’re going to have to love it. But with that being said, trendy patterned furniture may be a risky move. Accents are much more suitable to design with, for they are easily replaceable as trends change. It’s all about balance.

Stop Thinking Trendy and Start Thinking Timelessgmwebservices2025-07-31T17:07:42+00:00

Design Spotlight: Sharon Chase, Director of Design

Sharon Chase is the Director of Design at Pratt Home Builders! Our design team is growing as the company expands to more residential communities and into commercial real estate. In 2018, we will be sharing design trends and tips from our design team, so we wanted to get started by introducing the woman who oversees the many details of designing hundreds of homes per year with ease, grace and high-level organization skills! (Maybe we will do a separate post to see what we can glean from her organizational skills in the future!) Today, we’re getting to know the designer behind step two of the Pratt Process: personalize!

BN: Sharon, what initially inspired you to get into the design world?

SC: I knew when I was 5 years old that I wanted to design houses. I was sketching out my dream house on graph paper and wanted to build models of my dream home. I have always loved architecture (all styles!) and interiors so interior design was a perfect fit for me.

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

SC: I have been with the Pratt family for 8 years.

BN: How have the styles changed since you first joined the Pratt brand?

SC: I’ve seen so many trends over the years and have been lucky enough to design homes from contemporary to traditional and everything in between! I’ve seen the trends go from formal to now more informal and from warmer pallets to cooler pallets. But the rule book has been thrown out the window, so now anything goes and it’s so much fun!

BN: What do you see as the biggest design trends for 2018?

SC: The biggest trend I see coming would be pops of vibrant color and lots of texture. I expect to see more fun colorful cabinets, front doors and furniture gaining popularity. We have seen some of this trend coming on line over the past couple of years, but I expect that to get really popular in the upcoming year. I expect to see these colors mixed in with those traditional colors we are used to seeing so the accent color really stands out. I also expect to see more millwork trim details on walls (this is where texture steps in). The shiplap trend has really kicked this off in the past couple of years, but now I see people getting more creative with those types of details. I think the worn / rustic trend will continue in lighting and furniture as well as in flooring. The surfaces that really get used are more forgiving when they are distressed and adds great texture and softness to a home, so I see that trend to continuing through 2018.

BN: When customers purchase with Pratt, what do they receive in terms of design services?

SC: When a client purchases a Pratt home, they will meet with a professional interior designer that can guide them through the entire home to make sure it functions well for them as well as reflects their personal style. All of the Pratt designers hold degrees in interior design and are well versed in not just the fun pretty side of design but the nuts and bolts of a home like electrical and structural options. A well designed home should marry form and function for each individual family; our goal is to do just that.

BN: What’s a snapshot of your life outside of your work at Pratt?

SC: In one word “crazy”; but in such a beautiful way. Luckily I have a very supportive husband to help me! We have a 10 year old son who is very active in sports, so much of our time is spent in a gym or on a ball field. We also have 3 sweet fur babies that are like family to us. I am also extremely involved in my church as a member of our administrative council over education as well as volunteer with our youth ministry. So, there is just never a dull moment in my life!

BN: Just for fun – what is a structure or feature in Chattanooga that you consider your favorite or most inspirational design?

SC: My very favorite place to go is on lookout mountain. I love the architecture there and my husband and I love to just go riding around and looking at all the houses in that area. Architecture is just my thing, no matter where I go, I love to ride around in the car with the top down and just look at homes and soak in the sun and all the details of those beautiful homes!

Design Spotlight: Sharon Chase, Director of Designgmwebservices2025-07-31T17:19:10+00:00

Positioning Yourself for the Best-Possible Home-Buying Process

In real estate, one of most frequently used and important terms in the business is “time is of the essence.” Often, we think of this adage as it pertains to the exchange of contracts, but starting the clock ahead of time for your entire process will generally pay off substantially, both in regards to your sanity, finances and overall satisfaction with the process. Timeliness is one of the most important aspects of the new home purchase for many customers is when and how to optimize the sale of your current home, make maximum profit, and minimize the stress of how to time the process for less time between the sale of your old home and the purchase of your new construction home. Even if you don’t plan to purchase for a year or more, planning and preparing to address the following items will help create the best possible scenario for your new home purchase.

– First, check with your lender for a more up-to-date financial snapshot as it pertains to the purchase of the home, especially if your financial situation has changed since the purchase of your current home. Pratt Home Builders will require your current home be under contract to move forward on a new build. If you’re building from the ground up, consider how to best prepare for the 10% deposit – whether that’s starting to save more, transferring funds, or selling your home sooner rather than later.

– Next, research comps in your area to see how quickly homes are selling. If your home is in similar condition and in a similar price point to other homes selling in, for example, a 45 day window, you can in most cases plan on similar results. If your home is unique in style, needs updates, or has a layout that limits the potential customer base, be mindful that it could take longer to sell.

– Lastly, the more you can make updates to make your old home look like new construction home, the more easily you’re likely to sell it – and for more potential profit. Use lighter paint colors like whites and grays, pale blues or greens in bathrooms. Update hardware on cabinets to trend-friendly finishes and styles. Take down most personal photos and belongings so your prospective buyers can envision their family in your home. If your budget allows for it, consider hiring a stager or stylist to bring furniture and décor that looks updated and fresh! You may be surprised at just how much of an extra profit you’ll be able to yield on your old home – which is more to spend on that new construction home of your dreams!
If you have any other questions, never hesitate to ask us!

Positioning Yourself for the Best-Possible Home-Buying Processgmwebservices2025-07-31T17:12:27+00:00

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