Category Archives: New Home

Home Features You’ll Love for Pets

Home Building, New Home

Pets are an integral part of our families. We love them, so it’s natural to keep your fur-babies in mind when planning your dream home. Here are a few pet-friendly features to love when building and designing your new Horizons East home.

 

Doggy Door

Tired of letting the pups in and out every time they have to go outside? Wish they could let themselves out early on a chilly morning? A doggy door may be the solution for you! Ensure it opens to a fenced in yard or area to keep your neighbors happy and your pets protected.

 

Built-in Gates

Adding a removable barricade can be an inconvenience and an eyesore when you want to keep your pets out of certain areas. Instead, use built-in gates or a pocket door to contain your pets when needed. These can double as a baby-proofing addition, too!

 

Home Grooming Station

Dogs can get muddy and shed a lot, which may not be something you want to track into your bathtub or shower. A home grooming station keeps dog hair out of your luxurious human bath and can be built to meet the individual needs of your dog or cat. 

 

Pet-Proof Flooring 

Potty accidents happen, and claws can scratch hardwood floors over time. Make sure to consider your pets when choosing your flooring! A rule of thumb is to minimize carpet in high-traffic areas, and hard, impermeable materials are best, like tile, laminate, waterproof vinyl planks, cement, etc. 

 

Enclosed Patio 

Build the “catio” of your kitty’s dreams or add a screen so your fur babies can experience the often gorgeous weather in Coastal Carolina while still being “indoors” officially. 

 

Fenced in Yard 

Let your pups (and kids) run wild inside the safety fence around your yard. A good fence will help deter wild critters and will keep your pups and children from meandering out into streets, woods, or other areas where they might get lost or injured. 

 

Pet Bedroom 

Building a bedroom just for your pets isn’t as crazy as it may sound! Even if it’s just converting a closet under the stairs, your pets will have a private space of their own to escape to when you have lots of guests, a thunderstorm rolls into town, or when they’re tired and want a nap. You can also plan to include pet toy storage, easy leash access, and other pet-specific use needs.

What is a Semi-Custom Home?

New Home, Semi-Custom Homes

A semi-custom home takes an already designed floor plan and customizes elements of it to your specific needs and style. You can choose from a portfolio of pre-designed floor plans to find one that closely matches your family’s desires, then make specific customizations to that floor plan. It’s more affordable than a fully custom-designed home, and gives you more freedom than a standard plan.

You might wonder, what kind of changes you can make in a semi-custom home tailored to your dreams. Here are some of the most common customizations new home buyers request.

1. Interior

Regardless of your floor plan, you can choose your flooring, wall colors, appliances, and light fixtures. These customizations will make your house feel like a home, when you’re surrounded by your favorite colors, textures, and finishes. We’ll provide options to help make the selection process easier for you.

2. Exterior

Just like the interior, you can choose your siding, brick, roofing, landscaping, and more to suit your individual tastes.

3. Optional Additions

Many of our Horizons East floor plans come with optional patios or a larger garage. These types of customizations provide more outdoor family space and help store vehicles, recreational gear, workshop tools or other items.

4. Reverse the Floor plan

If having the garage on the western half of the property isn’t ideal for your land, or your preference, we can quickly reverse a floor plan to better suit those needs.

5. Make it Larger

Need a bigger garage or just a bit more space in general? Adjusting the overall scale of your home is a fairly simple adjustment for an existing floor plan. 6. Small Layout ChangesYou may want to remove a wall or add a fireplace to the living room. We allow for a few small changes to our floor plans so you can fully love your home from day one.

This is just a short list, but you can explore more about building a semi-custom home with our professional team. Contact us today, and we’ll help you start your home-building journey!

Home Gift Ideas

New Home

Building or buying a new home is a huge life event. After saving, financing, finding land, selecting a floorplan, and finalizing so many details, moving into a new home is an accomplishment! It’s also a new chapter. If you know anyone celebrating their first holiday season in a new home, here are a few gift ideas to inspire you.

 

  1. House Portrait

Personalized gifts are always meaningful. A custom watercolor portrait of their new home is a gift that will fit any decor and become a keepsake.

 

  1. Our Place Nonstick Pan

This nontoxic, nonstick frying pan is a worthwhile investment, and any homeowner who spends time in the kitchen will get a lot of use out of it. It comes in 11 dreamy colors to match any kitchen style and is designed to replace 8 different pieces of cookware.

 

  1. Indoor Herb Garden

The kitchen is the heart of any home, and fresh herbs make recipes shine! This small hydroponic garden puts fresh herbs at your fingertips, no matter the season.

 

  1. Throw Blanket

It’s hard to go wrong with a cozy blanket as a gift! Opt for a luxurious cashmere one from Williams Sonoma (available in 18 colors), or choose a more budget-friendly option like this cable knit throw from Target.

  1. Custom Door Mat

Welcome everyone to their new home in style with a personalized doormat!

 

  1. Cocktail Shaker and Glasses

For homeowners who love to entertain, gift them a classy cocktail shaker and glass set! Throw in a bottle of their favorite liquor or mixer to make it extra special.

  1. Board Game(s)

Family game night, anyone? Whether gifting to a family of six or a young couple, having a fun new game to add to the shelf is never a bad idea. You can also try it out with them during the holidays, while everyone is together! Shop board games on Amazon.

 

Whether you’re gifting this holiday season or working on your wish list, we hope these items sparked your gift-giving imagination!

Meet the Magnolia Ridge

Custom Homes, Floorplans, New Home

The Magnolia Ridge is a split floorplan offering both privacy for living quarters and abundant open space for family time and entertaining friends.  Upon entering the home from the covered porch, you find yourself in a large, open concept living space. This great family and entertainment space includes a large living room, dining room and kitchen combination.  Windows and doorways allow for ample natural lighting in addition to lighting fixtures throughout. The open kitchen features stainless steel appliances, countertop space and room for an island.

 

 

The floorplan offers a large master suite at the rear of the home that includes a spacious walk-in closet. You’ll also find a luxurious master suite featuring double vanities, a linen closet, and both a bathtub and shower.

 

 

 

A two-car garage and mudroom/laundry complete the lower level of this end of the house, giving you ample space for vehicles and storage.  Over the garage, an option for a generously sized utility space gives you space for a man-cave, playroom, office or guest room.

 

At the opposite end of the lower floor, two bedrooms flank a bath with a tub/shower, double vanities and linen closet.  Perfect for the kids or grandkids, this arrangement provides privacy for the master suite and space for the entire family.  With lots of upgrade options, you can truly make it your own!

 

View the floorplan rendering here                  Virtual Walkthrough of Magnolia Ridge

Get Your NC Home Ready for Winter

Home Maintenance, New Home

While winter doesn’t hit coastal North Carolina as hard as northern states, it’s still important to winterize your home and perform seasonal maintenance. Preparing your home for winter before temperatures reach a freezing point prevents damage and helps keep your family comfortably warm. 

Clean Gutters 

Regularly cleaning out gutters is always a good idea.  Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your house. But in winter, a clogged gutter can freeze.  If it does, it becomes very heavy and can break or fall. Make sure to clean your gutters before it freezes! 

 

Check for and Fill Cracks and Gaps 

Ensure that there are no cracks in your molding, foundation, or around windows/doors. Fill the holes in molding or foundation with caulk, and install weatherstripping for any gaps around doors and windows. Most doors have adjustable thresholds that can easily be adjusted with a screwdriver, this is a good practice to ensure proper seal of the sweep to the threshold. Doing so will prevent pests from entering your home and save on heating costs by keeping warm air inside your home. Also, check all windows to make sure they are fully closed and properly latched to prevent energy loss from cold air slowly getting in. 

 

Trim Tree Limbs 

Like gutters, freezing rain and temperatures can make tree limbs heavier, causing weakened branches to fall or break. Trim limbs that are close to windows or over your gutters or roof to prevent costly damages to your home.  Trimming shrubs and trees away from the house is also a great pest prevention tactic. 

 

Drain Hose Pipes 

When freezing weather is approaching, draining your pipes is a simple but effective prevention technique. Shut off the valve – labeled hose bib valve – inside your home, and then turn the hose on to let all the water run out of the pipes. This step is not needed frequently but is very helpful to know when we get a hard freeze in eastern North Carolina. 

 

Clean Vents 

Wiping down your vents before turning them on for the first time will prevent an unpleasant “burnt dust” smell.  

 

Replace Air Filters 

Make sure that the money you’re spending for hot air inside is being used efficiently! Dirty air filters prevent proper airflow. Replace air filters regularly as recommended by your heating/cooling unit manufacturer. Be sure to use the correct size to properly filter the air and not leave gaps for dust and debris to be pumped into the air return. 

 

These helpful tips will help keep your home cozy this winter and prevent damage to your property, and will also help save a few dollars on energy. 

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.

Details to Include on Your Deck or Patio

New Home, Summer

Moderate weather in Eastern North Carolina, makes it easy to spend time outside in spring, summer and fall. Designing the perfect patio will keep you enjoying the extended living space of your home. There are many ways to make your deck or patio a favorite spot for your family.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

Add a Fireplace or Fire Pit

Adding a fireplace or fire pit to your outdoor living space will keep you spending time on your patio or deck in the evenings or during cooler weather in spring and fall. Kids will love the opportunity to make s’mores whenever you have a fire going! Be sure to check your fire pit or fireplaces manufacturer requirements, and your city’s code before adding any flame producing items to your deck.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill and an outdoor sink… or a completely built-in gourmet set up! In either case, it reduces trips in and out of the house while cooking outdoors.  If you’re entertaining, you can converse with your guests and they’ll feel more included in the process. Be sure to speak with your builder about your options!

Lighting. Lighting. Lighting.

Lights can define your space and set an atmosphere.  You’ll need some lighting to make the space functional, but lighting can do more than make it safe to move about.  String lights can frame your outdoor living space in soft light.  Fairy lights can create a starry night effect overhead.  There are many creative ways to use lighting to set the mood for your space.

Overhead Cover

Roof extensions, awnings or sun shades provide cover for your deck or patio and in some cases can easily be installed after your build in complete.  This will protect you, your outdoor furniture and your deck from sunlight, heat or even a light rain. An overhead covering can also be helpful in blocking falling leaves or bird droppings. If you plan to use your outdoor living space frequently, an overhead covering will make it more enjoyable.

Multilevel Decks

Create a dynamic deck with distinct seating areas, space for games or levels that step down to a pool or other feature.  Think about movement to and from different high-interest areas.  If a multi-level deck isn’t right for you, add a stone path to a fire pit area from your main deck to achieve a similar effect.

Built-in Seating

Instead of buying patio furniture, build in a bench or booth for permanent seating. You won’t have to worry about it blowing away in a storm, and as your style changes with the seasons, you can change out cushions to keep your deck or patio inviting and unique.

 

 

Items in this segment that would fall under our Classic or Classic + packages would be:

  • Lighting Upgrades
  • Roof Extensions

 

Items in this segment that would fall under our Signature or Signature+ packages would be:

  • Awning or Sun Shades
  • Multilevel Decking
  • Built-In Seating
  • Outdoor Kitchen Areas
  • Outdoor Fireplaces

Going Green in Your New Home

Home Modifications, New Home

In the past few years, we’ve all put more focus on sustainability and going green. We replace plastic straws with reusable or biodegradable ones, carry reusable water bottles, bring our own bags to the store, and put as much in our recycling bins as possible. There are also ways to go green when you’re building your home. Here are some simple ways that you can make a difference in the environment while building your home.

 

Appliances and lighting

Switching to energy efficient light bulbs and choosing Energy Star appliances will reduce energy and water use. They also use less energy and water, reducing your utility costs.

 

Insulation

Another money-saving and earth-friendly choice is investing in quality insulation. You will use less energy to heat and cool your home, which will cut costs on your electric bill. Talk to your builder about available options.

 

Solar Energy

You can choose solar panels to power your entire home or use solar energy to power just some parts of your home. There are vendors available to add these once your home build is complete.

 

Windows and Doors

The entry points to your home are also entry points for summer heat and winter cold. Choose high quality doors and double paned windows to keep your house at the temperatures you want it. Also consider low-emittance, or low-e, windows to reduce heat from the sun from entering your home, without reducing natural light. Horizons East’s uses low-e windows as a standard. One of which, is the Ply Gem 1500 series, and was recognized as the “Most Efficient” of Energy Star in 2021. Look for sustainable produced and low-e rated products when making selections for your new home.

Budgeting for Building Your Home

Custom Homes, Home Building, New Home

When it comes to building your dream home, you want to get all the “must have” features and beauty.  You also want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment.  Sometimes, that’s as simple as knowing which features to splurge on and which to keep economical.  Let’s take a look at a few key areas worth investing in as you build your new home.

 

Where should I make premium investments?

 

1. Insulation

Insulation will not only impact how comfortable your home is, but how much you spend on utilities every month of every year.  Remember, summer heat and humidity in Eastern North Carolina is no joke.

It is difficult to add insulation in the future if you need to, but it’s recommended and most cost effective to do so when building.  Investing in high-quality insulation during your build will save you money for years. Ask us about the different types of insulation available for your build.

 

2. Foundation

Anything that is considered permanent, or essentially permanent, merits a good investment. An experienced foundation contractor who uses quality materials is essential. Choose a slab foundation instead of a crawlspace or basement, but don’t skimp on quality materials or workmanship. Any of these can be good options if you use quality materials and contractors. A monolithic slab tends to be more cost effective than a raised foundation, or crawl. However, since you cannot raise your house after pouring the foundation really consider the investment at the beginning of your home build because it cannot be changed later.

 

3. Framing

A highly qualified framing contractor will save you in time, frustration, waste materials and repairs down the road.  If you can, consider 2×6 exterior walls instead of 2×4. This makes walls thicker, allowing more space for more insulation against weather and noise.

 

Where should I skip the splurge?

 

1. Appliances

Don’t panic!  Of course, you want great quality appliances.  But unless you’re a gourmet chef, you probably don’t need to invest in professional grade ovens and a blast chiller.

 

2. Countertops and backsplash

These are important to the aesthetic of your new kitchen. But keep in mind, they are cosmetic.  You can always change out a countertop or backsplash if styles change or you want a makeover in the future.

 

3. Paint Variations

Painters often charge based on the number of colors used throughout your house. Stick with one color for the majority of the home, using accent walls or varying colors sparingly at first.  Keep in mind, walls will be painted again over the years.  You can always add more color later to save a little expense now.

Normal Wear and Tear in a New Home

Home Maintenance, New Home

Every structure reveals signs of aging over time. If you see slight imperfections in your home over the years, don’t stress. They are a natural and unavoidable part of the home’s aging process. We’ll explain why these imperfections happen, give examples of normal wear and tear, and list some regular maintenance tasks that will help keep your home in great shape.

What Happens to a Home as Time Passes?

Exposure to the Elements

Daily exposure to the sun and other factors like wind and rain can cause minor damage to your home’s exterior. This will eventually lead to blemishes and may require paint touch-ups or minor repairs. This is expected over time.

Settling

Settling is a naturally occurring process that happens when the ground under a home shifts or compacts under the weight of the structure.  Every home settles over time.

Expansion and Contraction

The building materials in your new home are subject to seasonal changes in temperature. These changes in temperature can cause materials like wood and concrete to expand in the heat and contract once cooled.

The whole home undergoes these physical changes. The combination of expansion, contraction and settling will cause normal wear and tear on your home as time passes.

Here Are Some Examples of Normal Wear and Tear:

  • Faded paint
  • Slight cracks where the wall and ceiling meet
  • A slight lifting of baseboards
  • Nail pops (a nail starting to push through the drywall)
  • Drywall seam lines may become visible
  • Cracks or separations in grouting
  • Shrunken or cracked caulk
  • Sticking doors
  • Sidewalk cracks

Normal Use of Your Home May Lead to:

  • Cabinet and vanity scratches
  • Worn carpet or other flooring
  • Loose door hinges
  • Lightly scuffed floors
  • Other signs of use

Not all homes will experience the same types or levels of wear and tear, but all homes will experience some wear and tear.  Time, weather conditions, regular maintenance, and care are variables that contribute to the maturing of your home.

Regular Maintenance Tasks for Your Home

To keep your home looking its best and prevent small problems from turning into large ones, regular maintenance is required. Here are some steps you can take to extend the longevity of your home.

Indoor Home Maintenance

  • Check appliance and fixture care instructions to be sure you’re cleaning and maintaining them correctly and often enough. Check your home’s water heater, HVAC, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, etc.
  • Clean dryer exhaust vent regularly.
  • Ensure you’re using the right cleaning method for your type of counters and flooring.
  • Wipe down counters daily.
  • Clean floors weekly or immediately after a spill.
  • Deep clean carpets yearly.
  • Check caulked areas around tubs, sinks, thresholds, countertops, etc. annually and repair as needed.
  • Change HVAC filters each month, they don’t need to be expensive filters. TIP: Set Amazon to auto-ship.
  • Replace smoke/carbon dioxide batteries yearly.  TIP: Pick an easy day to remember like New Year’s Day.

Outdoor Home Maintenance

  • Inspect caulk, weather stripping, and sealants around doors, windows, exterior vents, piping, etc. each year and repair or replace as needed.
  • Keep shrubs trimmed away from the home to prevent scratches in your home’s siding.
  • Power wash your siding if you notice pollen, mildew, or algae build-up.  This is especially important in North Carolina.
  • Prepare your home for season changes by cleaning gutters, getting furnace and fireplace inspections, and checking for drafts/installing weather stripping as needed.
  • Wash windows every season or at least twice a year.
  • If your driveway ices in the winter, use sand instead of salt.  Salt can damage concrete.
  • Keep downspouts pointed away from your foundation.

A home provides your family with shelter, security, and peace of mind.  Maintaining and caring for your home’s interior and exterior will help it age gracefully and stay beautiful for years to come.

If you’re looking to become a new homeowner in Eastern North Carolina, let us know.  We’ll walk you through every step of the process.