Category Archives: Neighborhoods

5 Reasons to Build a Home in Eastern North Carolina

Neighborhoods, New Home, Residential

There are lots of reasons to call Eastern North Carolina home. Commonly rated one of the best places to live, North Carolinians experience higher quality of life. For starters, neighborhoods are safer, people are friendlier, the pace is more relaxed, and commutes are shorter.  If you’re coming from an urban area, you’ll see benefits in the cost of living, too. Let’s look at 5 key reasons to build in coastal North Carolina and make this beautiful place your home!

1. Moderate Climate

The climate in eastern North Carolina is mild and you can enjoy time outdoors in all four seasons. Summer months are warm, but when living on the coast, you can visit one of the beaches or spend your days by the pool. You won’t have to worry about ice storms or much snow in the winter, and you can enjoy outdoor living spaces most of the year.

2. Waterways & Beaches

With rivers flowing throughout most of the region and intercoastal waterways and beaches nearby, anyone who loves spending time on the water will love to be in ENC. Boating, kayaking, swimming, and walking on the beach are favorite pastimes.  Freshwater and saltwater fishing are readily available, and fresh seafood will have you feeling right at home in coastal North Carolina.

3. History to Explore

New Bern is the original capital of North Carolina and is home to several historical attractions like Tryon Palace and the original Pepsi store. The first English settlement was on Roanoke Island, and North Carolina’s oldest continuous settlement is in Bath. Tour the USS North Carolina in Wilmington and the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville.  Take a Quilt-Square tour and visit local art spots.  Eastern North Carolina has artisans and quaint history in many of its towns that are sure to charm.

4. Nature & Wildlife

In addition to the waterways and beaches, there’s plenty in ENC for those who love hiking, exploring parks, and enjoying nature. You can experience wildlife up close at aquariums, go horseback riding or visit wild horses on Shackleford Banks.

5. Cost of living

North Carolina is below average in cost of living, with higher ratings of quality of life! In coastal North Carolina, you will enjoy less urban congestion, lower crime rates, cleaner water, safer neighborhoods, and a more relaxed pace. You’ll see the people are friendlier and life is good in the coastal communities of Eastern North Carolina.

 

If you’re looking for a great place to raise a family, relax, or retire, welcome.  We’re sure you’ll see why we love calling this “down east” coastal area our home.

20 Terms Homebuilders Use

blog, Custom Homes, Home Building, Neighborhoods, New Home, Residential

Jargon in any industry can be confusing. This is true for the construction industry as well. If you’re interested in building a home, here are 20 terms homebuilders use to help you have a seamless home building experience.

  1. Spec Home – a “speculative” home that a building company constructs without a purchase contract with the hopes of selling once they’ve started. Some spec homes are complete; others can still be personalized with the buyers’ choices for finishes and fixtures.
  2. Lot – a measured amount of property (land) with fixed boundaries.
  3. Survey – a land survey determines the boundaries of a person’s land.
  4. Framing – the process of putting up a house’s frame which is the supporting structure that acts as the skeleton of a house.
  5. Plumbing Rough-In – the stage of construction where plumbing systems are installed before walls and ceilings are closed.
  6. Footings – these are concrete and rebar reinforcements to support a home’s foundation
  7. Punch List – a to-do list created by the general contractor, project manager, or homebuyers of things that need to be fixed by the contractor. A punch list would include things like missing trim or paint touch-ups
  8. Split Level – a house in which various sections of the floor plan have different floor and ceilings heights.
  9. Balusters – The vertical posts in stair railings
  10. Amore edge – a decorative edge of a countertop
  11. Fireplace surround – the structure or decorative finish around a fireplace
  12. Slab Foundation – a concrete “slab” foundation is a flat, level base of a home
  13. Drywall– also called plasterboard, gypsum board, and sheetrock, drywall is a large building material used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings
  14. Tray Ceiling – also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, a tray ceiling is a decorative ceiling design with a raised section that resembles an upside-down tray.
  15. Wainscoting – paneled wooden lining of an interior wall, usually the lower three or four feet, which differs from the top portion of the wall.
  16. Board and Batten – a type of wainscoting with vertical wood boards spaced evenly around a room.
  17. Builder Warranty – many builders offer a one-year warranty on materials and a ten-year warranty on structural issues. New homebuyers will also have warranties provided by manufacturers and other service providers such as roof warranties, pest control warranties, or appliance warranties.
  18. Certificate of Occupancy – a certificate issued after all inspections have been made by the local jurisdiction establishing that a home can be occupied. Until the CO is issued, no one can move into a new home.
  19. Change Order – a written document that modifies the original plans for the home’s features, floor plan, or finishes. Change orders may add to the price of the home and the length of time it takes to build it.
  20. Closing – also called the “settlement”, closing is the final step in the home financing process. Closing day is when all papers are signed and the ownership of the property transfers from one owner to the next.

We hope this helps you with your home building journey. If you’d like to learn more about the home building process, you can contact us here.

 

Thank you for visiting Horizons East Building Co

Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Commerical, Custom Homes, Home Modifications, Kitchens, Landscaping, Living Space, Neighborhoods, Outreach, Residential, Semi-Custom Homes, Uncategorized

Horizons East is a residential and commercial building company located in Jacksonville, NC. Horizons is your go-to builder for all things construction related. Whether you are looking to build the brand new custom home of your dreams, purchase a new home already under construction, remodel your current home, or build your new office, Horizons is the company for you. Continue reading →