RSVP: Remodeling and Home Additions – Part I

Our children in the Courtyard. Justin Penn, center, is a Project Manager at Penn Homes.

At Penn Homes, we consider it an honor and privilege to be invited into your home. What do I mean by ‘invited’ into your home? You know…’invited.’ Invited to come and look at your home to discuss remodeling, renovation or a home addition. I get an adrenaline rush when I walk in the front door — endless possibilities. I love it! Mike is the more analytical one who can turn the dream into reality, but I love the creative side.

For the first 15 years of our marriage, Mike and I lived in two new homes built by Penn Homes. I loved them both, but I was interested in the challenge of taking an older home and customizing it for my family’s specific needs. As I type this blog, I’m sitting at my kitchen table (the hub of every home) looking out a beautiful window into a koi and goldfish-filled pond. The pond is situated in a beautiful courtyard with mondo grass nestled between blue stone pavers. The iron fence and gate surrounding the courtyard were re-claimed from an estate down the street. It’s the quiet place you’ll find us most afternoons after a long day at the office. Simply beautiful…

I’ve often been asked how did we decide what to do. What can you do to a home that gives the most return on your investment? What is the most value-added enhancement to a home? How did we have the vision? Over the next few weeks, I’ll blog about the renovation of our home and different remodeling and home addition projects for others that have been crafted by Penn Homes. I’ll have comments from some of our remodel customers about the projects…and, hopefully, you’ll be inspired and see the potential in your home and ‘invite’ us over.

Independence Day — A Cause for Celebration!

Thank you for all your Support! –MWSS 274 HE PLT - Camp Leatherneck Detachment

We’ve had a great 4th of July weekend in Shreveport-Bossier. Thousands of people participated in the 26th Firecracker 5K on Saturday. Mike and I always cheer on the runners and walkers as they go by our house; this year we waved our American flag, had signs encouraging them to “run” and provided relief with our waterhose! We were thanking them for running in honor of our Country and they were thanking us for the respite of cold water!! Our neighbors across the street were passing out freeze pops! Next year we’ve decided to add patriotic music. Mike is already selecting his tunes!

Last night, there was a great fireworks display on the Shreveport riverfront including a B-52 flyover from Barksadale Air Force Base! We are so fortunate to have the Air Force Base and all who serve as part of our Shreveport-Bossier community. Thank you, BAFB.

On a personal note, I’d like to mention my nephew, Ryan, who is serving in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps.  Like many who serve in the Marine Corps, Ryan embodies the core values of the Marines — HONOR — COURAGE — COMMITMENT.

HONOR – Marines are held to the highest standards.  They are to act morally and ethically in every situation and are to treat others with dignity and respect.  In his e-mails, he always refers to everyone by their rank and last name — yes ma’am and no ma’am are peppered throughout his communication.  And always, always talks about how he has a “job to do” and how proud he is to serve.

COURAGE…is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face fear and overcome it.  Mental, moral and physical strength are ingrained in every Marine.  This enables them to deal with stress and unknown circumstances and confrontations.

COMMITMENT – the spirit of determination and dedication found in every Marine.  It is what compels them to serve our country and the Corps.  I am proud of my nephew and all who serve in the military — they sacrifice so much so that we have freedom.

The opportunity to live, work, worship and pursue our dreams in America is not to be taken lightly.  Shreveport-Bossier’s quality of life is second to none and we know how to show our appreciation for America’s freedom. We had a great celebration and everyone in our community had a great time! God bless those serving and God bless the United States of America!

Boathouse

Every project Penn Homes undertakes is unique because every family is unique. Some projects have more challenges than others and this was definitely one of them. Weather seemed to be one of the largest with high winds, excessive rain, and snows that we don’t typically see in Shreveport, Lousiana area.

The art of this project is in the details. Balancing sleek high end appliances and finishes combined with the reality of lakeside entertaining requiring durability. The beauty of the stainless steel and granite rests comfortably with the wood and ironwork detailing of the stick shaped hardware on the cabinetry.