Reflections of 2010 – Asheville PWB

by Amanda Ballew – Chair of PWB Council

During 2010 I have served as the Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association. As I reflect on all we have accomplished this year, I am proud and thankful for all that our Council has achieved. I extend a personal Thank You to the other Board members, the AHBA Staff and to the individuals who participated during the year. We have worked hard to remain a leading group within the Association and the Asheville Community. These are some of the events and activities of this past year.

PWB held on-site meetings at member locations of White Insurance and Core Installations to learn more about what our members offer enhancing the theme “Do Business with a Member.” Following the Spring AHBA membership drive, our Council held a PWB membership drive making calls to each of the AHBA members to encourage PWB membership.

The Professional Women in Building hosted multiple education classes including a panel discussion regarding Foreclosures and Quick Sales. We held a three part series class taught by Gary Charles of G Social Media on Social Media for Businesses earning over $400.00 in funds for our Scholarship and teaching over 20 new students about Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Follow us and connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AshevillePWB and Twitter @AshevillePWB. We recently hosted the Free Webinar: "Think Solid: Creating Home Sales in ANY Market" as a benefit to our builder members of the Association.

This year we awarded our first scholarship in June; a $500 award to Monica Williams, a very deserving student who is pursuing her education in Architecture. The fundraising committee worked extremely hard on the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction “Wines for the Thanksgiving Table” held November 18th at Wine Studio of Asheville and earned over $3000 for the Scholarship Fund. We were also given a seperate $600 donation by Push Asheville Fashion presented during our Holiday lunch.

Thank you to the Asheville Community for your support during my year as Chair. We look forward to serving the AHBA and the community again next year.

Thank you to the 2010 Board of Directors:
Chair - Amanda Ballew - More Space Place
Vice-Chair and Fundraising - Maria Aponte - Salon Blue Ridge
Secretary / Treasurer - Gina Kidder – Core Installations
Director - Jenny Brunet – Cool Mountain Construction and Realty

The 2011 Board of Directors will take office in January:
Chairman: Maria Aponte of Salon Blue Ridge
Vice Chairman: Kate Duinkerken of Duinkerken Homes, Inc
Secretary/Treasurer: Amanda Ballew of More Space Place
Director: Angela Ramsey of Hi-Tech Integrated Systems, Inc.

I Have Gift Closet Envy

In discussing gifts for the upcoming Holidays, my friend was telling me about her gift closet. This past summer she began clipping coupons and has saved a fortune on groceries and other household items. She also heard about a major clearance sale happening in Asheville on toys and made a serious investment in toys that were on sale up to 70% off. My friend stocked up on toys that are for both genders and in several age groups. Most of the toys that she purchased were originally in the $20-$35 range, but she got them at bargain prices. She has been using these clearance toys for birthday parties since the summer and still has presents for nieces and nephews. She also found some larger toy items for her own children that will be quite a surprise for these little ones.

I am envious of her gift closet. I think this sounds like an awesome idea with a closet dedicated to storage of these presents. You can organize the presents based on the types of gifts with toys, games, stuffed animals for different age groups. Keeping on hand gift bags and tissue for quick and easy "wrap and run" makes you prepared to dash out the door to the next party. After Holiday sales would be a good time to start a gift closet like this. I think I will start a gift closet as well.

More Space Place Asheville on Foursquare

If you are a foursquare user you can check in at More Space Place Asheville. Come see our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Suite 7 (near Apollo Flame Bistro) and make a "visit". Ask for Amanda.

Ten Reasons I Enjoy Membership in Home Builders Associations

Ten Reasons I enjoy membership with the Home Builders Associations. (not necessarily in order)

1. Maybe its obvious... but that's where the builders are. New construction and remodel builders are members of the Home Builders Associations. 

2. Networking with other local businesses who are members.  The moto of the industry is "Do business with a member." I have formed many friendships from my contacts at the Asheville and Hendersonville Home Builders Association.

3. Increased local exposure via the directories. If someone is looking for a closet company, they can find More Space Place via the Asheville, Haywood, or Hendersonville directories.

4. The Professional Women In Building Council is a core group of women leaders within the industry. I am currently the Chair for the Regional PWB under the Asheville Home Builders Association.

5. Establishing a brand within the industry has been key for our business. Local, State, and National associations have levels of sponsorship which companies can financially support the industry.

6. Our membership with the Association helps to establish trust with our clients. People like to do  business with  companies that are affiliated with Associations and are giving back to the community. We participate in the volunteer days.

7. I have received many referrals from the HBA Associates and Builder members. I regularly attend the meetings and they know me, they know I will return calls and help the clients they send to me.

8. The local and state associations have fun events. I participate in the golf tournaments, Parade of Homes, TEAM Day, 21st Century Expo, and Holiday Parties. They make being a member fun and exciting.

9. Our local, state, and national home builders all provide educational classes for both associates and builder members. Many times the classes are geared toward very current topics for our industry - like social media, the economy and green building for example.

10. The National Home Builders Association participates very actively in pushing the legislation that affects the livelihood of its members. Locally, they are working on things like zoning laws and steep slope ordinances that affect when and where people can build new houses. I participate in BuildPac yearly to help this cause for legislation.

Asheville PWB Scholarship Fundraiser via Wine Tasting and Silent Auction

On Thursday evening November 18th  - The Asheville Professional Women in Building in conjunction with Asheville Home Builders Association and The Wine Studio of Asheville will host a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction to benefit the yearly PWB Scholarship Award. Tickets are available thru Amanda at More Space Place Asheville or thru the Home Builders office at 299-7001.

Please join us for a fun night of networking and perhaps find some Holiday gifts!

If your business would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Amanda prior to October 30.

Closets featured in 2010 Asheville Parade of Homes

You may have heard that the Asheville Parade of Homes is happening the next two weekends in October. This is the premier showcase of home builders and their subcontractors in the Asheville Area of Western North Carolina. The 2010 Parade features 23 homes open for public viewing on October 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th from noon - 5pm daily at no charge. Many of the homes this year are custom homes (meaning they were designed and built for specific homeowners) so you will get a variety of styles and finish selections choices made by actual owners.

Custom Closets by Amanda Ballew at More Space Place Asheville can be viewed in the following homes during the Parade:

Biltmore Farms Homes

Biltmore Farms Homes has a new Cottage Collection in Biltmore Lake, NC featuring custom closets throughout the home.

This home features his and her master closets with drawer units, shoe storage, and hanging. This product is our Wild Cherry Melamine made from eco-friendly materials.

Redtree Builders, Inc.

Redtree Builders has a custom home featuring a organizational closet systems in the pantry and the master closet. With double dresser units in the master in our Chocolate finish with maximum efficiency of space. The Pantry features corner wrapping shelves and pullouts for cans in White.

Wright Family Custom Homes

Wright Family Custom Homes has a custom home in the Ramble of South Asheville.The homeowners ordered a built-in linen storage and shoe storage in the foyer to their master closet. All closets in the is home  feature our Antique White Melamine. The master closet features Hafele Wardrobe Pull-downs to maximize the hanging space available in the 10 foot ceilings.

Other homes on the tour that are still under construction but have plans available on site for what they will receive once the construction process is far along to install:

Bass and Royster

Bass and Royster Builders have a custom home in the Ramble. The homeowners are having More Space Place Asheville install a garage system and a custom storage room complete with wrapping station in the bonus room.


For a tour guide book / magazine for the 2010 Asheville Parade of Homes stop by our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road Asheville, NC and pick up a copy. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please contact Amanda at 828-665-9665. Amanda with More Space Place


The above renderings were created for the Parade of Homes Magazine by artist Lorraine Plaxico.

New Product in Asheville More Space Place Showroom

I am pleased to present to you the newest item in our Asheville showroom. More Space Place Asheville now offers replacement doors for closets. The doors are available in sliding as shown above and also in bifold. They come standard with the aluminum frame and frosted glass, but the look can vary with a change of the melamine. We chose to showcase the black melamine to coordinate with our contemporary New Yorker Panel Bed. We think they make a stunning pair.



Come visit our showroom at 1025 Brevard Road, Asheville NC or call for appointment 828-665-9665 Amanda

Asheville Green Home Tour Call For Entries

Hafele Interviews Asheville Interior Designer

I was recently interviewed and featured in the Hafele Co. Closet Spotlight Newsletter published for August 2010. The newsletter goes out to closet companies and other cabinet vendors around the world who use Hafele products. The purpose of the interview was to allow peers to get a perspective of how things in other areas. Below is my interview:


1. Which areas of the home (closet, home office, home entertainment, garage) are your customers most looking to improve?

Amanda: "I think clients are looking to save space in almost every area of their homes. Multi-purpose rooms that are functional and beautiful are still in demand. We achieve this with our Murphy bed and panel beds creating rooms that act as offices or craft areas when the guests aren’t there."

2. Do you find that you are closing more projects in certain areas of the home? If so why?

Amanda: "The master closet continues to be the most important aspect for my clients. An organized master closet can free up space in the master suite as well as save time and frustration during the morning routine."

3. What have you found to be the best method of reaching customers today?

Amanda: "Nothing will every replace a referral from a happy client, however, constant and consistent local advertising is important for our business. Consumers today are more tech savvy, so I think the current and future method of reaching clients will be via social media outlets. I try reaching people via several different platforms (blog, YouTube, Twitter) so that I am present in their world when they do need my services."

4. What new trends do you see regarding your business?

Amanda: "The trend in housing is to build more efficient, smaller homes that have more amenities packed into them. This is a natural fit for the custom closet industry as homeowners want to maximize space and multi-purpose rooms."

5. What is the most unique customer experience that you have had?

Amanda: "A couple came to my showroom for a closet proposal presentation, the wife wasn’t feeling very well so she laid down and fell asleep on one of the Murphy beds in the showroom. Meanwhile the husband and I continued to review the plans, made changes, and completed a sale for the closets. The day of the installation I went to check on the job and the wife was embarrassed that she didn’t recognize me as she had slept thru the entire sales process; fortunately she was thrilled with her “surprise” closet."

Amanda Ballew, Interior Designer

More Space Place Asheville
1025 Brevard Road Suite 7 Asheville, NC 28806
828-665-9665
Email: aballew@morespaceplaceasheville.com
Follow me on http://twitter.com/avlcustomcloset

Asheville Chamber Event was Success

On Tuesday August 17th, the Asheville Area Chamber hosted a Business Before Hours at More Space Place Asheville sponsored by BB&T and catered by Colorful Palate. Many of the participants were first time visitors to our showroom and got to experience Murphy Beds and Custom Closets up close for the first time. The food was delicious and the networking was fun. 




Holly Decker, Vice President of Certified Business Services at BB&T Asheville gave a personal testimony of her experience with More Space Place Asheville and how we provided a custom built wall unit and desk for her home. Thank you Holly!




Thank you to Gary with GSocialMedia for taking these clips.

If you would like a personal tour or consulation please contact Amanda at 828-665-9665.

My experience at Asheville Pizza Wars 2010

On Saturday August 14th, I participated in the Asheville Pizza Wars held at the Garage at Biltmore and presented by AskAsheville thru GSocialMedia. I bring to you some perspective of what happened behind the scenes and in the "fishbowl" we called the Judges room during the pizza wars.

My responsibilities the night of the pizza wars was to oversee the judging competition during the event, an organizational persons job for sure. Mary and I accepted and "private labeled" the pizzas to be judged as the entries were brought in. We kept the pizza company name identification secret from the judges so that they did not know who's pizza they were judging. The criteria for the judges to consider for each pizza entry judged was "appearance" and "taste" with a scaled system and separate categories for Cheese and Speciality (up to 5 toppings). The pressure was on as hundreds of people peered thru the window as they passed by curious to see and the pizza company representatives waiting anxiously for results.

The judges room was the coveted place to be for many reasons; at first the air-conditioning and then the 26 awesome pies spread out on 3 tables and no beer line. This was a beautiful site and a tummy rumbling aromatic experience as they dug in. Each of the judges took their responsibility very seriously, contemplating each pizza and savoring their responsibilities. All the judges were "full-filled" by the time they tasted a judges sample of the 13 pies from their category along with their beer or water for beverages.

 The panel of judges selected for this event were awesome. I would like to thank them for their time and "sacrifice".  They arrived when requested ready to help with any last minute set-up, eager to judge and devour the 26 pizzas, and support the non-profit Families Pursuing Justice. Not everyone in the room knew each other at the beginning - however, everyone has a common thread in addition to the love of pizza and beer - that is Twitter. Each of the judges have a twitter handle - you can follow them if you want to connect with them just click on the names below:

Kevin  Dani  Jose  Anne Fitten  Austin  Vonciel  Christopher  Adam  Sonia  Timmy  Jamie  Justin

As the evening progressed and the pies were sampled and judged the group talked, mingled and enjoyed each others company. This was an extremely pleasant and desirable group of Tweeps (short for twitter peoples) who worked very well to achieve the goal of awarding the prizes to the winning pizza companies. I think all of them had fun and are looking forward to next year.

Asheville Chamber Business Before Hours at More Space Place Asheville

Friends, Clients, other Professional Networkers and Asheville Area Chamber Member Businesses are invited to join us on August 17th at 8 am for our annual

Murphy Beds and Mimosas Event.

Presented by: BB&T

Catered by: Colorful Palate

Hosted by: More Space Place Asheville   828-665-9665

Letter from a happy client of Amanda's Asheville Custom Closets

I want to share with you a letter I received recently from a pleased homeowner after their custom closet project with More Space Place was installed. I would be happy to meet with you regarding custom closets for your home. Call or email me for a complimentary in home design consultation.






Dear Amanda,

We would just like you to know how pleased we are with the beautiful custom closets your company installed in our new home. They are even more than what we expected or envisioned. The fine touches and workmanship comes only from a business with true professionals.

We especially appreciated your assistance since everything was handled long distance through phone calls, emails, and faxes. Your patience and suggestions were wonderful. We were really glad that we were in Asheville just as the installation was completed.

Thank you again for your personal and conscientious attantion. You are definitely in the right line of work!

Sincerely,

Pam and Herb H.
June 25, 2010

Asheville Custom Closets - Best Value Compared to Online Competitors

Today I would like to talk with you about why it is not a good idea to buy closets online. Many companies offer online "custom closet" sales.  I would ask you to reflect on  a couple of questions that might start you thinking about why you should consider a local company:


1.  How do you know what to order? What parts and pieces are important?  How will it fit?  As a competitive designer in the Asheville area market I have had many homeowners bring designs to me that they have either created themselves online or had the automated computer create via an online closet source. Many of these designs have not been what I would consider "good" designs. They are inefficient - not using all of the closet space or sometimes just don't make functional sense. A closet designer will ask many questions about you, your lifestyle, your clothes, how many, how big, how much, etc and help decide what goes where and the most efficient use of space and functionality. I travel in the Asheville Area and all of Western North Carolina to assist homeowners with custom closet designs - see my closet video.

2. When they say "shipped to your home"  - do you realize this means on a "semi - truck" that you must unload and then count the parts and pieces that come to make sure you got everything. A current builder client of More Space Place has a horror story of how he tried to save a couple hundred bucks on his closets and when the semi truck arrived with some parts damaged and no instructions on how to assemble the parts, he was quite regretful. He will only buy closets from More Space Place Asheville now.

3. Who is going to install this for you? Are you going to install the closet rails and parts and cut the shelves to length? Do you have the tools?  If you hire a handy-man is he reliable? Does he know where to put the rods? Our installers are trained to install closets. They have a complete set of instructions with notes that you and I have made regarding placement of any accessories and rod heights. These guys could install closets in their sleep. They have years of experience and can finish a complete house of closets in just hours.

4.  Are you getting the best deal? What really is the price?   I have compared many closet quotes. From local to national vendors, to online resources. Apples to apples is not easy to spot for the untrained consumer-  More Space Place can provide you with the BEST VALUE in the Asheville Area. We INCLUDE installation and tax in every quote. We do not nickel and dime our clients. A one time complimentary adjustment is available if you need shelves or rods moved once you get your clothes in place.  Just this week, I had a homeowner who brought me a set of plans from an online source. Their price was $4200.00 including shipping (no tax). My price was $4500.00 for a finished installed in-home project including our 7% NC tax.

5. If you can support a local company that has families living in your neighborhood - why would you buy a product from an online source?  Our employees are part of the local economy, we live, eat, go to school, and spend our money with other local companies when possible. We have a showroom at 1025 Brevard Road in Asheville NC where you can touch and test the products with smiling faces to greet you.

Call Amanda Ballew, Interior Designer for an appointment or email - I will show you how More Space Place Asheville can provide you with the BEST VALUE in custom closets for the area.

Asheville PWB - Scholarship Awarded

Pictured left to right

Amanda Ballew - Chair PWB

Monica Whitmire - Scholarship Recipient

Maria Aponte - Vice-Chair PWB

Caroline Sutton - Executive Officer Asheville HBA

On June 17, 2010 during the General membership meeting at the Hilton at Biltmore Park acting as the Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council, I was pleased to present the 2010 PWB Scholarship Award to Monica Whitmire. Monica is a senior at Enka High School and will be attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte to major in Architecture and minor in Art to become a licensed Architect. Monica’s specific career goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Architecture while working to obtain additional certificates. Monica states that “my biggest focus on residential design is to incorporate environmentally friendly aspects into every house, just because something is green doesn’t mean it has to look it.” Monica’s application exemplifies her leadership capabilities, work ethics and community involvement through volunteering with several organizations. Monica’s academic scores and grades are very impressive as well as the several letters of recommendation stating “Monica is so intelligent and focused on her future; she is a great student and an amazing young woman”. Congratulations Monica Whitmire!

The Professional Women in Building Council of the Asheville Home Builders Association is focused on supporting the Home Building industry thru education, community involvement, legislation, and networking with other women in the industry. We are accepting donations to the PWB scholarship fund for 2011. If you are interested in making a donation please contact the AHBA office.
Visit the Asheville Home Builders Association website
call the AHBA at (828) 299-7001.

Father's Day Wish from More Space Place Asheville

How many ways More Space Place can help you honor

your Father on his special day.

Amanda can create a masterful garage unit for storing all his special items.

Golf Clubs, Bikes, Car Care Equipment, Tools, Athletic stuff

Whatever your special man considers special for his garage area, Contact Amanda to help him keep a better garage in an organized and good looking manner like shown above.

Happy Father's Day to all the Asheville Area Dads!!

Community Team Day Volunteer Project Videos - Asheville & Hendersonville, NC

This year for the Fifth Annual Community TEAM DAY, on May 22, 2010, the Hendersonville Home Builders Association along with Housing Assistance teamed up to work on two homes in Henderson County. There were over 75 volunteers coming from different areas of the community to donate materials and time for the improvements to these homes. Amanda was there representing More Space Place and Professional Women in Building of the Asheville Home Builders Association. Transylvania County Home Builders had several volunteers who took on a special septic tank replacement as well as many volunteer hours on TEAM DAY. Site leaders were Sam Creech with Creech Solutions for Construction and David Mayo with Providence Custom Homes.



My jobs this year included sign-in responsibility for all volunteers on Mrs. Lyda's project to make sure we accounted for the volunteer hours. I also helped dig out the trench to help correct the drainage issue in back yard and cleared debris from the removal of the large shrub in the back yard. Gary with G Social Media and I also worked to gather photos and video to help document the day.



To learn more about TEAM DAY you can contact the Hendersonville Home Builders Association or Housing Assistance.

Amanda of Asheville MSP Closets visits The Container Store in Denver

Several people over the last few years have wandered into our Asheville showroom on 1025 Brevard Road thinking that we were like a "container store". So, when given the opportunity to visit The Container Store this week while in Denver, Colorado I was most interested.  My sister-in-law who lives in Denver really enjoys shopping there, so it was a fun shopping experience. I was quiet intrigued by their signage - one even included verbage that struck my eye "work smarter with more space"  -haha.  I like that one!

Given that I customize and design closets for homeowners in the Asheville area of Western North Carolina and my clients are always looking for baskets and hangers and other accessories that More Space Place does not offer, I wanted to see what was available at The Container Store.

I was more than impressed with the quantity and selection of hangers available in both adult and children's sizes. They also had storage hanging options for storing garmets for an extended period of time.

Storage options and containers abound for the home office area of the house. These are for storing files, cd, and other important papers. But black and white are not the norm, with bright orange, teal, floral patterns, and fun graphics being the standard by which interior designing the home office has now become. Your Asheville area home office need not be boring.  Amanda can provide the shelving, filing drawers and desk space and the homeowner can accessorize with items like these.

The Container Store visit was very interesting and we made a few purchases ourselves. However, if you are not in the area of a store you can visit The Container Store online.  You can also learn more about how to get custom closets or home offices from Amanda at More Space Place Asheville by following this blog or Twitter @AVLCustomCloset.  Thank you for reading.

Volunteer for TEAM DAY Hendersonville May 22, 2010

On May 22, 2010 the Hendersonville Home Builders Association in conjunction with other regional HBA's along with Hendersonville Housing Assistance will join together for annual TEAM day. TEAM DAY stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. Over the last four years Amanda has participated in TEAM DAY each year. I have done a little of everything as a volunteer in the spirit of community. I have picked up trash and garbage and debris from a home that was littered so bad that the five kids living there couldn't play outside anymore, the family had not used a disposal system in some time. TEAM DAY volunteers cleaned up the property and arranged for them a regular pick-up for garbage. I helped the sweetest little lady inside her house one year and also cleaned out gutters for her. One TEAM DAY project was actually leveling and removing a house that was condemed and re-seeding the land so that the family could once again have an asset instead of a liability. Last year I worked on two TEAM DAY projects: one we laid carpet tiles in a house and the other I helped paint the exterior trim. Usually roof repair or basement leakage are typical issues that face TEAM DAY captains.

We are now having an open call for Volunteers for 2010 TEAM DAY. When you volunteer and show up for TEAM DAY come prepared to have a life experience. You will need sunscreen and work gloves, Clothes for heavy duty working, and the best community spirited attitude you can have. Families are encouraged to join in with kids of appropriate age for yard work. I look forward to working side by side with you on one of this years Hendersonville TEAM DAY projects as a volunteer.

Home & Garden Expo May 1 and 2 by Asheville Home Builders

Please Join Amanda of More Space Place Asheville, your custom closet provider for Western North Carolina at the Home & Garden Expo presented by the Asheville Home Builders Association this coming weekend.

We have an awesome booth planned and are excited to be presenting our Garage Systems and Custom closet systems along with information regarding our other services of Murphy Beds, Panel Beds, Home Office units, Custom Pantry, and Organizational Solutions.

May 1, 2010 - 10am until 7pm
May 2, 2010 - 12noon until 5pm

WNC Agricultural Center, Expo Facility
Over 30,000 sq ft filled with homebuilding products and services!

The 2010 Home & Garden Expo specifically targets your homebuilding needs.  Join us as vendors showcase the products and services of over 130 companies within our Asheville area!

Builders • Remodelers • Architects • Interior Designers • Landscapers • Custom Closets and Murphy Beds• Cabinetry and Home Furnishings• Rainwater Harvesting • as well as Green Products & much more!

During the expo Asheville Home Builders Association will host the Parade of Playhomes to benefit United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County. Tour the playhomes during regular show hours and join us for a live auction on the last day of the show, May  2, 2010. The last time these awesome Playhomes went fast, so you want to be prepared to take yours home.

Happy Earth Day Asheville

Happy Earth Day Asheville!

If you are in the Asheville area of Western North Carolina and need ideas for how to incorporate a recycle center into your home - allow Amanda to help. More Space Place Asheville can customize shelving and cabinets to accomodate your recycling of bottles, plastic, paper, compost or any other storage needs. Please have a consideration for how we treat our earth: reduce, reuse and recycle items so that our children and generations to follow have a beautiful Earth as well.

Happy Earth Day,

Amanda

Asheville: All custom closets are not created equal

A custom closet is an investment that you want to get right the first time.

It is very important when you are considering purchasing a custom closet in the Asheville, North Carolina area and WNC, that you hire a professional designer to assist you with designing your dream closet. Closet professionals will ask you lots of questions about what you are trying to accomplish and what items you want to store. We know the appropriate heights to allow for your clothing so as to maximize your space. Closets are much different to design than kitchen and baths - you want a professional who is familiar with the particular needs and has experience in solving challenging issues. Trim carpenters or handy-men in Asheville and elsewhere will tell homeowners that they can do closets, however, as skilled as they are, they are not trained in the appropriate heights for your clothes and the materials they use are often not adjustable and not of high quality. Often the closets prepared by trim carpenters are an inefficient use of space and the shelves are rough and pick fine clothing.


More Space Place Asheville provides a turn-key closet service which means Amanda will come to your home to measure and evaluate your needs, create a design for you, she will order product and her team of professional installers will install your dream closet. More Space Place will warranty not only our products but also workmanship. We also offer a complimentary after service adjustment - in case you need a rod moved or shelf adjustment once your clothes are moved into your closet (no one else in the Asheville area offers this).

To schedule your design consultation: email Amanda or call for appointment 828-665-9665 

Murphy Beds Installed in North Carolina and South Carolina

Our installers are eager travel to install our products in your home.  If you live outside of the Asheville area of WNC,  you can still have an awesome Murphy Bed or home office system. We are installing in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh, Walnut-Cove and surrounding areas later this month. Homes in that area are in need of design assistance from Amanda of More Space Place.  Our space saving concepts are not limited to the Western North Carolina area, we also travel into South Carolina. Earlier this year, I did a remodel project in Columbia, SC and we have installed several Panel bed / office custom furniture in Greenville, SC. Many of the condos in downtown Charlotte feature our Murphy Beds. If you need more information on how a Murphy bed operates, see my AVL video.


Amanda would be happy to discuss with you the options- call the showroom at 828-665-9665. Designers from the Hickory Furniture Market and High Point area call on More Space Place Asheville to install Murphy Beds for their clients.

WNCGBC Directory Release Party 4/8/2010 Green Building Products for Asheville, NC

Join Amanda  and Michelle from More Space Place Asheville on Thursday night for release of our new green product to the building industry. We are now offering our melamine product in Wild Cherry available with no-urea formaldehyde added as a standard product instead of special order. You can actually see the green in the product, which helps to identify it as the green product. This is an exciting addition to our already green (recycled content and EPP)  product line and one green builders have been waiting for from the closet industry. This product is available for our custom closets as shown in photo, shelving, murphy beds, office units, and other storage options. Asheville More Space Place is pleased to be a part of the WNC Green Building Council and will be at the release party on Thursday night April 8th from 6-9- details below from WNCGBC:

The Western North Carolina Green Building Council (WNCGBC) proudly presents the Many Shades of Green Extravaganza, April 7 through April 10, 2010, in Asheville, NC. All events are open to the public, and most are free. (See website for more info)
The 2010 WNC Green Building Directory Release Party will be on Thursday, April 8, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at Pack Place in Downtown Asheville. The 2009 event had approximately 300 attendees, and more are expected this year. Free and open to the public, the Party promotes the eco-friendly community in WNC by featuring an expo-like atmosphere that showcases businesses listed in the 2010 Directory. Light refreshments will be served, with all food and drink provided by local companies.

Contact information for WNCGBC:
Shifra Nerenberg
828-254-1995
office@wncgbc.org


Contact Information for Amanda at More Space Place:
amandamorespaceavl@gmail.com

Spring has come to Asheville, NC - Garage Organization a Priority

Spring is in the air in Asheville and Western North Carolina. The last few days I have had numerous calls to come measure and consult regarding Garage organization and storage units. Homeowners are preparing their yards for spring flowers and green grass. When they start considering the tools they are using, they are considering their storage options and are finding that they would like a better garage with things more organized. That is where More Space Place comes in with slat wall and accessories to organize and hang your yard tools. We have many different cabinet styles and finishes to create custom work benches and tool areas. We also partner with local garage flooring company for custom floor finishing.

 Call for a free consultation with Amanda.

Spring Sale Save 10-20% off Murphy Beds from Asheville More Space Place

Limited time only - thru March 31, 2010 More Space Place Asheville is offering 10-20% off MURPHY BEDS. Ask for Amanda when you call for appointment - 828-665-9665.

Beautiful cabinetry hides the hardware and mattress for your More Space Place Murphy Bed. Visit the showroom for an onsite demonstration of how these beds can multi-purpose your space.

Twin size Bed - side folding

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Asheville Green Theme Blog

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day this week I want to introduce you to a couple of downtown Asheville Businesses with a twist on a Green theme- just for fun. I shot these pictures today while downtown for a couple hours. I am in the mood for this holiday already – hopefully it is an indication of spring around the corner.

  

Green Man Brewing on Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville AKA Jack of the Wood has a variety of locally brewed beers. The micro-brewery is located on Buxton Ave and features a tasting bar slyly called Dirty Jacks. I recently met Dennis and Ben and found them to be quite interesting, although neither of them are green - ha-ha. My favorite brew currently on tap is the Imperial Stout, a high gravity brew, but they are well known for their IPA.

 Providing an array of organic coffees and teas as well as more sandwiches and quiches than you can eat in a month, the Green Sage Coffeehouse is a unique hang out. They open their doors to groups who are eco-minded for classes and speakers who are focusing on the green efforts in Asheville. They practice what they preach by boasting solar panels on the roof.

Let’s don’t just talk green, let’s add a little bling.  My last intro is to an old time favorite – Wick and Greene Jewelry also on Patton Avenue. Stop in and see Michael Greene, his family owned business has been providing Western North Carolina the finest jewelry since 1953.  I have enjoyed seeing the old timey clock on Patton Avenue my entire life and couldn’t resist this tribute.

And don’t forget – I’m green too - Amanda @ More Space Place Asheville! Offering space saving furniture and interior design solutions for your home, you can have a smaller footprint for your home or more efficiently use the space you have. Follow my on my Facebook Page or  @AVLCustomCloset on Twitter. You can view how these Murphy Beds and Custom Closets work on my YouTube Channel. Thanks for reading. Have a Safe and Happy St Patrick’s Day.

Asheville Fun Depot Free $5 Game Card with Goodwill Clothing Donation during March

Today we spent our Sunday afternoon at Asheville's Fun Depot  we had a blast riding indoor go-carts, playing arcade video games, indoor mini-golf, mini-bowling, and bumper cars. They have something for every age kid and service hundreds of birthday parties.

This month, March 1-31, 2010 Fun Depot is promoting a Goodwill Donation Drive that I want to share with you. This is a super reason for Asheville to clean out your closets and get something fun in return.  Simply take

 three articles of clothing to the fun depot to be donated to Northwest North Carolina Goodwill and Fun Depot will reward you with a FREE $5 game card.. See attached photo for details or contact Fun Depot or look them up on Facebook.

Asheville, it's a great time to clean out those closets and donate your items that you no longer need to Goodwill, who supports job training programs in the community and get a  Free $5 game card for your three donated clothing items. Offer is limited to One Coupon per person, so take the entire family and have a blast at the Fun Depot!

Selecting A Builder For Your Asheville Home

After working with many homeowners who are in the middle of selections regarding their new homes while making choices for their custom closets, I have some advice for selecting a builder. When you are ready to start your process for building a new home or remodel project keep these tips in mind for selecting a builder. Your home building experience will be happier if you select wisely.

Interview several builders when considering who you want to build your home. You will be spending several months to two years with the builder and you need to get along well. You want someone who is going to respond to your calls and requests with respect. Be cautious of a low-bid, remember the rule "You get what you pay for"!

Find builders that have experience constructing the size and style of home that you prefer - familiarity is good. We have excellent builders in the Asheville Area - check the Asheville Home Builders Association Directory or the Western North Carolina Green Building Council for a directory of Green Builders.

Ask for referrals from friends and neighbors who have recently built homes in Asheville - a happy client is good business.  These referrals will be strong sources as they have successfully completed the process and will also have advice for you.

The method of payment for the builders can vary - some have fixed pricing while others work on a percentage markup, this can make a big difference depending on how well you make decisions and your budget.

Many builders in Western North Carolina are offering bonus services now - like working closely with Architects or have design/build firms and some are offering design consultation as part of their home package.

It is reasonable to check backgrounds, Better Business Bureau, Home Builders Associations Affiliations, Banks and Insurance documents to confirm that your builder choice is sound in business. This checklist might be helpful as well.

Visit Amanda at the Brevard Road showroom - More Space Place Asheville or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

How do I get a custom closet from Asheville More Space Place, Asheville North Carolina?

Here is a step by step of how to get your own Asheville More Space Place Custom Closets:

1. Consider the areas (spaces) in your home that you need organization or help with. Don't overlook areas other than the master closet like the pantry, garage, kids rooms, etc. Here are some picture ideas to get you thinking.

2. Consider what you might want for a spending allowance so that you can share that with your designer. (It is OK to not know) Custom closets can be done on many levels from very budget minded to extravagant- you may not know what it is going to cost, but it is good to have some idea of what you wish to invest.

3. Visit the Asheville showroom or call or email Amanda for a complementary in-home consultation.

4. Amanda will measure your spaces and ask lots of questions about what you want to achieve - measuring your clothing lengths and count your shoes, etc.

5. Amanda will create a design for you using a computer-aided program where you can see your space in 3-D. You will need to select color from the color samples what you want your new closet to look like.

6. Once the design is approved materials are ordered and in couple weeks time our team of professional installers from the Asheville More Space Place store will arrive to complete your dream closet. To prepare for your install: you will need to make sure that the area is clean and ready for them to work. If you have existing closet shelving that needs to be removed you will want to have that done and the walls patched and painted - ready for your new closet shelving.

7. Typically when filling up your new closet this is an opportune time to purge and get rid of items that you don't wear. Homeowners in Western North Carolina find that the sections and dividers in the closet system helps them to organize and group like items making it easier to find what you want to wear for the day.