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Showcase Remodeler Profile

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

John Holthouser opened his own construction company in 1975 after graduating from Wake Forest University and serving in the Army for two years, and the former Demon Deacon says that he has actually incorporated some of his college sociology studies into his building career.

"When you're working in someone's home, it's very important to get along and make everyone comfortable," Holthouser said. "You have to be careful when you're in a family's home every day; you want the situation to be as easy as it can be for everyone involved."

Holthouser's Showcase of Remodeled Homes entry at 2201 Buena Vista Road is an expansive family room addition. For the addition, Holthouser increased the home's living space by more than 850 square feet, incorporating an office, reading nook, screened porch and patio.

"The homeowner is an architect and drew his own plans for the addition," Holthouser said. "The biggest challenges were trying to make the addition look like it had always been there and providing what the homeowners wanted while overcoming the constraints of what is available on the market. It's always a challenge to make the new blend with the old in a graceful manner."

Holthouser accomplished his mission at the Buena Vista residence. When visitors or neighbors pass by, they often can't tell where the old part of the home ends and the new begins. Inside, the expansion provides a seamless transition from the kitchen to the family's main living area, and the bay window and barrel ceiling add noteworthy architectural elements.

"The homeowners picked out the colors, and they wanted to include unique features like the custom screen doors," Holthouser said. "We built those at the shop, and they tie the old and new sections together."

In the past, Holthouser has done several large-scale renovations that involved removing the roof from an existing home to add a second story. He said his company also does a lot of kitchen, master-bath and master-bedroom projects and added that he has built his business by word-of-mouth referrals.

"We work mainly in Buena Vista on high-end, larger projects," Holthouser said. "We like to do things that make us proud.

"I consider myself nothing but the hands of of the homeowner. Over the years, I've been fortunate to work for people with exquisite taste and high standards, and I hope that continues in the future."

Holt House Builders is a member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem and of the NAHB Remodelers. For more information on HBA or NAHB Remodelers, call 336-768-5942. For more information on Holt House Builders, call 336-817-2707.