Preparing to build your new dream home, can be an exciting time, no doubt. However, a process that is by no means cheap. In this time of excitement, there is no need to rush into any situation that can make this more costly. Therefore, we will steer you clear of the more common oversights made when people choose build a new house. Consequently, what follows is part one of our two-part series listing Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home.

1) Hire a General Contractor…You Are NOT Qualified for This!

We can chalk this one up to the excitement factor that was spoken of above, I suppose. Regardless, this is one of the most common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home. It’s plain and simple, it’s cut and dry, and there is no in-between! The general contractor that is hired to supervise and oversee the construction of your home is qualified for this. Just to be clear, in most cases, you are not.

The importance of the previous statement calls for it to be spoken clearly. A general contractor’s duties include (but are not necessarily limited to) identifying and sourcing out sub-contractors. They are also responsible for gathering bids for the various parts of the job. Thus, hiring a reputable contractor will be more likely to deliver the quality results that you want when building a new home. To explain, when a sub-contractor is hired out by a known, respected general contractor for your job, they can create an opportunity to get more work in the future by delivering quality work in a timely fashion. On the contrary, if you are personally “the contractor,” they can be almost sure they will never work with you again. Thus, they are much more likely to not pay attention to detail and quality or stick to budgets and scheduled completion times.

To summarize, you may look at hiring a general contractor as an unnecessary expense. However, not hiring one, we feel is the first of our Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home.

2) There is a Difference Between Spending Wisely and Being Cheap…Now is NOT the Time to Be Cheap!!!

There are many areas and aspects of life where saving a few bucks is a commendable move. When making the major life decisions involving the building of your new home, is not one of these aspects or areas. Thus, looking to be frugal when sourcing out bids for your home build for sure falls among our Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home.

This mistake is one that is understandably made. Due to the process being expensive, looking to save in certain spots may seem a wise idea. Rest assured that builders bidding to build your home are familiar with this method of thinking from customers, too. This can lead to them offering a lower price and a faster schedule for completion in their bidding. However, there is a fair chance that they used the lower price and time table to secure the work. 

What will follow from there, is anyone’s guess…and again, “guessing,” will not guarantee you anything. It will, however, place you securely among our list of Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home.

3) Be Sure to Have Your Own Back Covered…Because No One Else Will!

Building a new home is unquestionably one of the biggest investments you will make in this lifetime. In this process, there are many opportunities for a savvier and more experienced party involved to take advantage of your inexperience. Therefore, our third entry among our Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home is to be actively aware of all steps in the building process and oversee every single detail. In other words, COVER YOUR OWN BACK, every step of the way!

Our first suggestion here is to become familiar with any and all legal documents in the building process. Likewise, it is advisable to read and go over any documents with a lawyer. This includes a copy of the contractor or subcontractor’s insurance policies. (To make sure you are not liable for an on-site injury!) While you are with the attorney, it also is wise to go over the agreed upon floorplan and home features you have agreed upon. Once the construction process begins, changes to the plans can prove very costly.

Read up on the documentation, discuss and share this and all paperwork with a lawyer to be sure you understand exactly what they read and what is expected in the building process.

4) Get What You’ve Got Coming to You! Always Ask About any Incentives Being Offered!

We mentioned above that in the case of an experienced contractor, they may take advantage of your inexperience or lack of knowledge in some areas of this process. These same contractors and builders are many times offering incentives and deals if they are selected for the job of building your home. The next of our Mistakes to Avoid when Building a New Home is to make sure you ask and are aware of these incentives. If they are giving you something (or in the case of price taking something off!) you want to be aware of it and “get what is yours!”

Usually, the home builder’s incentives for you selecting them to build your house are pretty valuable. Some examples of the incentives that may be offered include money off of the closing costs or overall home prices. Likewise, they sometimes will give upgraded features, appliances or amenities.  

Regardless, when incentives are offered they likely something that you will want. After all, how often are you offered something of significant value for free?

Location, Builders, Budgets and More to Come in Part Two

In our next post we will look at our final four Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home. There we will discuss the importance of taking your location into consideration. Likewise, look at the budget you have for building and selling your previous home. In addition we will touch on what is the “right” or “wrong” builder.

In conclusion, the process of building a home is a costly one. You don’t need to make it become even costlier. However, if you keep in mind these Mistakes You Want to Avoid When Building a New Home you can save yourself a headache. To see the floor plans currently available here at the Belmont Lake Preserve golf community, visit the “New Homes” section at belmontlakepreserve.com.

For nearly 70 years kids growing up in this area have delighted in the activities and exhibits at the Rocky Mount Childrens Museum and Science Center.

Founded in 1952, even almost seven decades later, the variety of fun and educational experiences to be had are too plentiful to list. In this, our next series of articles on entertainment in the city of Rocky Mount, we will touch on fun places and activities for the whole family.

One of the Originals: Humble Beginnings of the Rocky Mount Childrens Museum

Rocky Mount hosts one of the first museum’s in the entire United States aimed solely at children. Rocky Mount Childrens Museum opened its doors 67 years ago. The original concept of the museum for kids is credited to the Rocky Mount Jaycees and Junior Guild.

These two entities were able to raise the funds needed to open the museum. The Rocky Mount Childrens Museum secured space in the basement of the old Braswell Library and in 1952 was open to the public.

A Permanent Home for Growth and Development

Under two years after initially opening the doors, on Easter Sunday of 1954, Rocky Mount Childrens Museum reopened. Its doors were now at its new permanent home in beautiful Sunset Park. The facility continued to grow and develop at this point with the addition of the “Science Center.” Consequently, it was at this point that the city of Rocky Mount became involved with the museum.

Due to the fact that it was now a division of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum saw continued growth and development in the coming years. In 1967 another 3,000 square feet of new exhibit space becomes part of the museum..

A Flood, A Move and Adding Some Science

After 30 years in the same location, in the Fall of 1999, the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum falls victim to mother nature. This was due to a flood and the after-effects of Hurricane Floyd. The Museum, much like a good part of the city felt the effects of the flood. It was at this point the Museum, is relocated to a temporary site the down town area.

Consequently, this would lead to the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum again seeing an expansion. It moved in with the Arts Center, and a Science Center became part of the Museum also. This is now the extremely popular Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, which likewise hosts the Children’s Museum and Science Center.

Visit the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center Today: It’s “Out of this World”

Today, the Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. It is the home of the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center. In addition to the exhibits, there is also regular programs and classes offered at both the museum and Science Center.

There is also a Theatre section that likewise offers classes and live performances. Artist opportunities are also available in several genres. One of the newer main attractions is also Cummins Planetarium, located in teh Science Center.

Just a Short Drive from Belmont Lake Preserve, Enjoy “A Rocky Mount Original” with the Whole Family

The Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center is just minutes from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve community. To see all the great upcoming events there, visit imperialcentre.org. For more information on the great new homes in Rocky Mount NC at Belmont Lake Preserve visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

In choosing to relocate to Belmont Lake Preserve, many factors weighed into selecting Rocky Mount. Location and access to may points across the East Coast certainly was a factor. However, one factor that could keep you in shape, feeling great, and living long into your retirement is the nearby Senior Fitness Programs offered at the Harrison Family YMCA.

“Keep Movin’ and Stay Connected at the Harrison Y in Rocky Mount”

There are several options for Senior Fitness Programs at the Harrison Family YMCA. However, before making a decision on which may be best for you, there are several items to consider.

In the brochure, they offer for Senior Fitness Programs, the Harrison Family YMCA starts off explaining their understanding of how tough keeping to a program is, especially as age goes up.

“97 percent of Americans struggle to complete their regular exercise each week,” it starts. “Even though we know how important it is to our health and well being.” This introductory piece concludes by saying the following. ” We will get you started and give you the tools to keep going.”

What are the Benefits Both Physically and Mentally?

In the same Harrison Family YMCA brochure, they bullet point all the ways in which their Senior Fitness Programs can benefit you. The obvious ways are physically, but as shown below, benefits may also be mental and even social. Below is the list of Senior Fitness Programs benefits.

• Build Success
• Commit to a Manageable Program
• Create Realistic Expectations
• Increase Energy Levels
• Reduce Fatigue
• Find the Connection Between Exercise and Feeling Better
• Tailor Workouts around Activities You Enjoy
• Connect with Other Gym Members and YMCA Staff
• Become Comfortable with the Facility and Your New Health Plan

Start Small, But Aim High with the “Senior Coach Approach”

To “start small,” there is one keyword, and that is “start!” You can’t move along in any of the Senior Fitness Programs unless you start one! One of the most popular programs at the Harrison Family YMCA for older members is the “Senior Coach Approach.’

The “Senior Coach Approach” will find you meeting once a week for a 30-minute session, for six consecutive weeks. The experts from the Harrison Family YMCA go on to explain. ” During these sessions, we will evaluate your goals together, give you advice in the right direction that will be most valuable to keep you moving and staying connected.”

In addition, you also will be introduced to the machines, classes, and certified staff at the YMCA. The staff also lays out what you can expect during your sessions, these are detailed in the bullet points below.

• Get friendly guidance to safely use the Precor brand of strength equipment and cardio equipment from a certified knowledgable wellness coach.”
• Receive an Overview of the Building, its Facilities, Programs, and Services
• Get Answers to Youe Exercise Questions
• Gather many great tips to help you stay on track, No Matter What Happens 

Stay Connected…for Free???

These particular Senior Fitness Program at the Harrison Family YMCA is what most would call “Healthy, Done the Right Way!” This would be because not only will you be in better health and mind, but also because the program is 100 percent free to all new or returning Senior Members.

The Harrison Family YMCA is located just a short drive from the Belmont Lake Preserve new home and golf community in Rocky Mount. Its located at 1000 Independence Drive in Rocky Mount. To read more about the Senior Fitness Programs visit harrisonfamilyy.org. For all the information available on Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.               

In this post, we move along in our educated predictions for Popular Kitchen Trends in 2020. This piece will detail the last four of the nine trends covered in a recent article at homesandgardens.com. As said in our previous post, the kitchen has seemed to gain momentum and attention to detail. Over time the kitchen has truly become one of the most important rooms in a new home. 

The following are the four remaining Popular Kitchen Trends for 2020. Once again the areas listed are taken from the experts at Homes and Gardens. 

• Unexpected Paint Combinations
• Black Walls, Cabinets, and Surfaces
• Ash Backsplashes
• The Return of Marble

“Throw Out” the Rulebook on Color Up Until This Point

The next of our Popular Kitchen Trends for 2020 is spoken of at homesandgardens.com. In the accompanying article, Jennifer Ebert, a blogger at Homes and Gardens discusses what she called “Color Pop.”

“Throw the rulebook out of the window in favor of unexpected paint-color pairings. Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets.” 

In conclusion, she does add that with an unexpected color pairing there should be at least some thinking ahead, however. “Start by deciding how much of permanent commitment you are willing to make. One of the easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall that can be easily updated should you tire of it. Choosing color is such a personal experience.”

Back in Black: It’s No Longer Just an Accent Color!

The next item on the Popular Kitchen Trends for 2020 list is a more prominent usage of the color black. Basically pigeon-holed for years as mainly an accent color, in recent months and heading to the new year, it’s fair to say “black is back.”

Whether walls, cabinets, or other surfaces, using black adds an inviting charm to your kitchen. Ms. Ebert agrees in her blog post, as she noted the following. “Black becomes livable, luxe and inviting, with textured woods adding rustic, homely charm.”

First There was Walnut, Now Its Ash!

“Out of fashion for a while, wood is now enjoying a bit of a revival,” Ebert begins. A bit paler than either walnut or oak.”

The usage of this paler, subtle grained wood helps to accent colors and tones around it. Ash can be used in many different spots throughout the kitchen, and the way momentum is going, the wood will be getting used even more usage.

Luxury, Style Await in the “Stone Age”

The final of our nine trend, two-part series brings us to the elegant appeal of strongly veined marble. Countertops and most surfaces if switched to marble can appear to be a whole different room than before the switch.

Once again, homeandgardens.com spoke glowingly of the resurgence of marble. “It’s the time of strongly veined marble, the busier the better for unmissable luxury and next-level style.” The piece reads on. If there’s one thing that’s storming the style charts and shaking up interiors, it’s the return of marble.”

These trends as well as the ones we will cover moving forward are all items that could be discussed with and implemented by “America’s favorite Builder,” DR Horton at Belmont Lake Preserve. For more information on the DR Horton builder team at Belmont Lake Preserve, go to belmontlakepreserve.com. For more on the Kitchen Trends for 2020, visit homesandgardens.com.

In this series of articles, we will look at projected trends for new homes being built in 2020. Each article will be based on the educated forecast of some of the most respected publications in home design and real estate. Likewise, we will dedicate each post to a different room in the house and its projected trends. In this our first piece in the series, we will look at Kitchen Design Trends for 2020. 

In addition to listing each of the most popular trends expected in each room for the upcoming year, we will give a brief description of each. Due to this room having so many wildly popular trends, our initial two posts will be a two-part look at popular new ideas for the kitchen. While the experts at homesandgardens.com listed nine total trends, we will look at five of these today. Thus, our next article will feature the remaining four Kitchen Design Trends in 2020.

Kitchen Design Trends for 2020 Featured in This Article

• Gold Hardware and Sinks
• Walnut Cabinets
• Larder/Pantry Cupboards
• Handleless Cabinets
• Double Kitchen Islands

Going for the Gold!

With the popularity already on the rise regarding different finishes and colors of sinks, the Homes and Gardens experts feel this will continue to see an increase in interest. These Kitchen Design Trends for 2020 visit the upswing in the importance of the sink and an increase in seeing the gold sink as opposed to the more conventional finish.

In the article detailing these trends at homesandgardens.com, they speak with the Product Development and Training Manager from Home Appliance innovator, SMEG, Joan Fraser.

“Sinks have moved up on the scale of importance in kitchen design.” Fraser added, “Models are introduced to meet customers’ demands for a sink which, in addition to being purely functional, also makes a definitive style statement.”

Walnut for More Warmth

Another of our Kitchen Trends for 2020 includes “warming up” the look of the room. While there are many ways this could be achieved, in this case, we are talking about the use of walnut around the kitchen.

Homes and Gardens columnist, Jennifer Ebert gave the following take on the “wonder of walnut.” Ebert begins, “We have recently seen a rise in walnut cabinetry.” She adds, “It’s rich, dark color, fine grain and natural warmth are prized by makers for its feeling of instant luxury. “

Lots of Love for Larders

A somewhat consistent feature is the focal point of our next entry among Kitchen Design Trends for 2020. That trend is larder or pantry cupboards.”Having a larder makes perfect sense. All the food goods are in one place and not scattered around in numerous wall cupboards.”

Ebert goes on to explain, “Meaning people can be more organized when doing their food shopping.” In addition to making ones shopping less of a task, this also makes for less of a need for wall cupboards. Consequently, with more wall space, as a result, the choice is yours as to how to cover that open space.

Handleless is Handy…If You Can Handle It!

“‘Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2020, ” exclaims Busola Evans of Homes and Gardens. “… “For a more pared-back, streamlined look. It’s all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details.’ “

Doubling Up…on Islands???

The fifth and final of our Kitchen Design Trends of 2020 stays consistent with the kitchen becoming larger and more accommodating. This trend is having double kitchen islands.

Ebert echoes this in her article on Kitchen Design Trends. “With the move towards larger kitchens, in open-plan spaces, the kitchen island has become an essential kitchen feature.” She adds, “A pair of island units has become the last work in luxury, an expansive addition for when space is no object.”

Four More Kitchen Design Trends for 2020…To Go!!!

In our next article, we will cover the remaining Four Kitchen Home Design Trends for 2020. Any of these ideas can be implemented by explaining to “America’s Favorite Builders,” DR Horton at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) exactly which you prefer.

To view the great amenities and available homes at BLP, visit belmontlakepreserve.com. To see more on the Homes and Gardens predictions and more, visit homesandgardens.com.