Ask the Expert 2023

ASK THE EXPERT

Whether you’re building your dream dwelling, updating your abode or sprucing up your outdoor living space, you need someone who can fulfill your vision, navigate trends — and keep you on budget. Get to know some of the area’s most knowledgeable and creative home experts. After all, when it comes to improving your living situation, you don’t want to open the front door to just anyone.

ASK THE EXPERT

Whether you’re building your dream dwelling, updating your abode or sprucing up your outdoor living space, you need someone who can fulfill your vision, navigate trends — and keep you on budget. Get to know some of the area’s most knowledgeable and creative home experts. After all, when it comes to improving your living situation, you don’t want to open the front door to just anyone.

American Moving & Storage Page 86

Broad Street Interiors Page 87

Budget Blinds Page 82

Counter Fitters Page 81

Guerry Lumber Page 83

Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products Page 84

Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades Page 88

ShelfGenie of Savannah Page 85

Victory Plumbing Page 88

Photography by EMMA HOPSON, KATHERINE IVES, KATIE MCGEE, KEITH MORGAN & ECKERD O’HERRON

I LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE: It’s home. Savannah is where I was born and raised. I love having the opportunity to meet people who are moving to Savannah and making connections with the ones who have lived here and are improving their homes.

–Carley Gunn

WE SPECIALIZE IN: Providing a team of experts who can guide you through the process of finding the perfect countertop for your project. From start to finish, we will assist you with picking out the right slab, layouts, radius corners and everything in between.

CONSIDERING A HOME-IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?: Make sure to budget! Before launching into any home-improvement project, you need to make sure to set a budget and have a plan of how to stay within that budget. Make a list of “must haves” and make those things a priority.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE THAT WE ARE: Knowledgeable and personable. Renovating and building is stressful. As countertop fabricators, we are typically the last stop in the renovation/ building process so we try to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for our customers.

WE’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE: Every customer is different from the next. There are so many different tastes and styles out there that it makes our jobs so fun seeing each customer’s vision come to life.

A NEW TREND IN OUR INDUSTRY: Growth! Savannah is expanding by the day. The new Hyundai plant is going to create more than 8,000 jobs in the next two years. That means more than 8,000 families who need homes. Our team is ready to take on all the new construction needs.

Carley Gunn and Bailey Huggins

I LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH

BECAUSE: Of the people. My family is from Savannah, so I have many wonderful connections in this town. But more and more, our clients are coming from all over the United States. It’s gratifying to meet new people, hear their stories and help them complete their homes in Savannah.

NO HOME UPDATE IS COMPLETE

WITHOUT: Proper window treatments! The right window treatments make a house feel like a home. They provide UV protection, light control and privacy

as well as adding a decorati e finish to the room.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: Blinds, shades, shutters and drapes. With 30 years of style and expert service, Budget Blinds brings the showroom to you. We expertly measure your space, install beautiful window treatments and back it up with the best warranty in the business.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE: That they can count on us to guide them toward the best products for their particular needs. We have

years of experience in the industry and regularly participate in continuing education programs to stay current in our knowledge. We understand what will work in any given situation and what will not. We aren’t just selling, we’re helping clients make the best investment to protect and decorate their more treasured asset.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I love spending time with my family or in my art studio. I love to be creative. It’s a great way to unwind, and it’s a great way to be expressive in a quiet way.

GUERRY LUMBER COMPANY

123 W. 44TH ST. | SAVANNAH, GA 31405 912.232.3128 | GUERRYLUMBER.COM

WHY OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE US: Because we have “Everything to Build Anything.” Established in 1927, Guerry Lumber creates for our customer an unmatched supplier experience by providing quality materials, dependable service and competitive prices. Our clients love that we have been serving Savannah for 96 years. We have the experience to get you the right material for your job at the right time.

WHAT WE DO: From traditional treated wood products to trending composite decking and railing systems, Guerry Lumber is Savannah’s

premier source for all of your outdoor living space needs. It is important to invest in decking materials that are engineered for our coastal conditions. Our trained sales team can assist in finding the best materials that are low maintenance, provide lasting beauty, resist moisture and withstand insects. o deck is complete without the finishing touches. Cable rail systems, integrated lighting, ornamental post caps, concealed and traditional fastening systems, are just a few of the options that we offer!

WHAT SETS US APART: Our management

team has more than 90 years of experience in the industry, and our inside and outside sales team is available to help walk-in, DIY and professional builders with their projects, from the foundations to door locks. We also have a full-time estimating department to provide detailed material lists broken down by each stage of the job to ensure on-time and full deliveries based on the customers’ needs.

WE SUPPORT: any area nonprofits, includ ing The Savannah Tree Foundation, United Way, Horizons Savannah, The Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity and more.

PRIDE POOLS, SPAS AND LEISURE PRODUCTS INC.: Builds and installs above-ground and in-ground pools, sells and installs luxurious spas and carries a large line of Big Green Eggs and Green Mountain Grills. We have all the chemical and maintenance items needed for your pool. lus, we offer an array of oats, hammocks, coolers, pool and outdoor games as well as a full-time service department. We now offer monthly and weekly pool cleanings.

OUR FUNDAMENTALS:

LOCAL Customer Service

LOCAL Relationships

LOCAL Service Department

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IS: Quality customer service with well trained, dedicated and knowledgeable staff.

WE ALWAYS TELL OUR CUSTOMERS: To check their water weekly. Get into a habit. This could help prevent future pool problems.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: BACKYARD. FAMILY. FUN. Since 1975, Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products Inc. is the name many know and trust when it comes to making backyard dreams come true.

OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL: Personalized service, R eadiness to serve, I ntelligent product knowledge, D edication and E nthusiasm to go the extra mile.

Smith, Sherry Buckman and Marshall Smith

OUR

SHELFGENIE OF SAVANNAH

912.417.3116

SHELFGENIE.COM/SAVANNAH

MOTTO: “Everything Within Reach”

OUR EXPERIENCE: We bring years of experience and expertise to the ShelfGenie family. Tresa has a degree in interior design and has extensive experience with residential design, including cabinetry, granite, millwork and more. Chris is a licensed general contractor and seasoned business owner. We enjoy redesigning spaces to improve function and livability. Nashville natives and parents of six children, we were excited to move to the coast to pursue our hobbies of fishing, kayaking and going to the beach.

WHAT WE DO: We transform your home’s pain points, eyesores and trouble areas into organized, accessible, usable spaces. Our custom Glide-Out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustrations in the kitchen, pantry, bath and office. ur custom designed storage solutions add more space, organization and accessibility to your existing cabinets.

OUR THREE-STEP PROCESS INCLUDES: Free consultation, custom-made designs and installation. Our designer will visit your home and generate a 3D rendering of a custom solution in real time. You

can choose which solutions you want. A certified installer will take measurements, and our U.S.-based manufacturing team will hand-craft your shelves out of high-quality, durable materials in your preferred finish. erything will be professionally installed.

OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “ShelfGenie has saved my back! Our storage is much more efficient with pull out shel es. am impressed with the quality of the shelves, and appreciate your attention to detail during the installation.” – Betty I.

Tresa and Chris Dorris, Owners

AMERICAN MOVING & STORAGE

101 KAHN INDUSTRIAL COURT | SAVANNAH, GA 31405 912.401.0362 | AMERICAN-MOVING-STORAGE.COM

WE SPECIALIZE IN: The relocation of commercial and household goods (locally, nationally and internationally), freighting and port services. We are the preferred moving and storage company of real estate brokers and agents and have received the Savannah Area ealtors Affiliate of the ear award three times. e pro ide warehousing ser ices for all types of customers, including interior designers, medical facilities and large hotels.

I LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE: was born and raised in a annah and on Tybee sland. t s home sweet home

MY PHILOSOPHY IS: o whate er it takes to get the job done correctly – and never stop mo ing

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY: y being acti e with many community e ents sponsored by industry associations like Savannah Area Realtors and the Women’s Council of Realtors. We also support many other charitable organizations like the Vic ell im alsh Foundation, oward iar Jr. Memorial Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Savannah Ambucs, SD Gunner Fund, Salvation Army and more.

Kevin Allen, President

AMERICAN MOVING IS PART OF: The National Van Line family. We have been an agent for all of this 90-year-old company’s interstate and international moves since 2010.

CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US: ecause we ha e a pro en track record of dependability and the highest quality of service for more than 15 years. Thanks to our grass roots and proven relationships with real estate agents, brokers, builders, communities, community managers and other mo ing related people and industries, we ha e grown exponentially e ery year.

WE ARE: Savannah’s newest coastal modern furniture and design studio.

WE OFFER: Interior design services, custom furniture, lighting, art, rugs, custom drapery, wallpaper, outdoor furniture and architectural services.

CONSIDERING A HOME-IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?: Do your homework. Keep mood boards, a Pinterest page and always have visuals to share with your contractor and/or designer. It will help everyone to be on the same page.

WE LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH

BECAUSE: We are surrounded by amazing architecture and many different styles, from downtown brownstones and Lowcountry-style homes to beach cottages. Living alongside so many creative people also adds to our appreciation of this great city.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE THAT WE ARE: Well versed in many styles and always up-to-date on the direction the design industry is heading. We also select items that are classic and will stand the test of time.

TRUST US, YOU WANT TO INVEST IN: Classic and high-quality upholstery. They are the items used every day and take the most abuse.

WHEN WE’RE NOT IN THE OFFICE: We travel all over the world to bring back design ideas to share with our clients.

OUR STORY: We met 15 years ago while living in Atlanta. Since then, we have worked on many projects together. We are not only business partners and friends, but we also consider ourselves family.

Joe Gallo, design principal, and Pat Portera, design coordinator, have more than 20 years of experience in the design industry.

SAVANNAH BLINDS SHUTTERS AND SHADES

5500 WHITE BLUFF ROAD SAVANNAH, GA 31405 912.224.0459 | SAVANNAHBLINDS.COM

WE SPECIALIZE IN: Custom high-end window treatments. Our team services you for sales, ordering and installation. We offer the best selections and services in the area. Don’t believe me? Read our reviews and see what our past customers have to say.

A NEW TREND IN MY INDUSTRY IS: New motorization components. We are seeing great improvements on motorization and rechargeable and smart home options. Motorization is an investment that will certainly pay off for you in the long run, and I highly encourage you to discuss this as an option for your window coverings.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I go boating! It’s such a great pastime to honor my coastal roots. enjoy fishing with my wife and son on warm days. I mostly enjoy the quiet time on the weekend with them to reconnect after our work and school week is done.

VICTORY PLUMBING

2109 COLORADO AVE. UNIT D SAVANNAH, GA 31404 912.429.9428 |

I SPECIALIZE IN: Challenging situations. As a plumber, I enjoy underground work, such as sewer repairs and replacement and tapping sewer lines and water service lines. In cities with modern infrastructure, you typically know what you will find. n a annah, it s like unwrapping a present when you get down to the pipe and sometimes it s a bad one.

MY PHILOSOPHY IS: Treat the people whom you work with like family. Plumbing is a hard trade with a dwindling workforce. I want the best in the area, and to keep the best you need to offer the best. e pay 00 of our employees medical benefits because it s the right thing to do.

CONSIDERING A HOME-IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?: Have a plan. When working in older homes, there are a lot of obstacles. Know what and where everything is going before starting so you can keep the obstacles and costs to a minimum.

Kyle Hagemes, Owner and Master Plumber, Backflow Prevention, Cross Connection, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Morgan Petitt, Owner