Nearly 250 people attended the tenth annual LightHouse Awards gala hosted by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association and presented by SunTrust Mortgage November 13 at the Westin Resort to learn who judges chose as the Lowcountry's most talented builders.

"The home builders association was pleasantly surprised to find itself planning for the biggest LightHouse Awards program in its 10-year history," stated Ashley Feaster the association's executive officer. Feaster added, "What better way to celebrate a decade of achievement and craftsmanship than to honor more builders and entries than ever before."

First held in 1999, the LightHouse Awards are presented annually to builder members of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association for the demonstration of quality craftsmanship and design excellence in the construction of homes throughout the Lowcountry.

Thirty-two builders, including remodelers, custom builders, green builders and semi custom builders submitted a record number of 88 entries and competed for five construction awards: best bath, best kitchen, best exterior, best detail feature and best overall home or remodel. Newly added to this year's LightHouse Awards program were awards for best overall green home and best overall partial remodel.

The cost of construction of the homes entered ranged from $150,000 to more than $5 million and each award was subdivided into categories so that homes in similar price ranges and construction types competed against one another.

Nine judges were brought to Hilton Head Island to physically judge the construction quality of each home entered. The 2009 Lighthouse Awards judging panel included builders, remodelers, architects and other industry professionals from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Split into three teams, the judges spent three full days visiting entries. In many instances, the separation between runner-up and winner was only one or two points.

Master of Ceremony Monty Jett announced award winners as attendees followed along to a visual presentation of entry homes and features. The many skilled subcontractors and suppliers who participated in the design and construction of competing homes were also recognized at the gala. Winners received marble obelisk trophies representing lighthouses.

"The LightHouse Awards offers builders the opportunity to be recognized for the work and efforts they invest in building some of the most magnificent homes in this area," stated Dan Monroe, chairman of the LightHouse Awards program since its inception. "Our local area is exceptional with talented and visionary craftsmen who are able to turn dreams into reality," he added.

Monroe was honored during the evening's program with a crystal obelisk and standing ovation for his ten years of leadership and dedication to the success of the LightHouse Awards program.

Led by Monroe, the 2009 LightHouse Award Committee included Chris Cleland, Cleland Site Prep; Shirley Frampton, Peacock Cabinetry; Deborah Karambelas, Karambelas Enterprises; Suzanne McMurray, Superior Heating & Air; Deborah Monroe, LowCountry Home Magazine; and Ed Pitoniak, SunTrust Mortgage.

In addition to SunTrust Mortgage, the title sponsor, other sponsors included Cleland Site Prep, Distinctive Granite & Marble, Inc., J. Banks Design, LowCountry Home Magazine, Palmetto Electric Cooperative, PURE Insurance, StoneWorks, Inc., Superior Heating & Air, Inc, and The Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette. Special thanks also went to Custom Audio Video, Hagemeyer NA, Hilton Head Automotive and Skinner Nurseries.

For a complete list of 2009 LightHouse Award winners, click here.