7 Tips for Touring A New Home

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Made the decision to explore new construction homes for your next home? Congratulations!

Touring a new home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.

There’s a ton of benefits from going this route. From custom upgrades to choosing your home site, there’s a lot to love about new homes.

One of the first major steps in the home buying process is the preview. Ashdon Builders is here with a few tips to help you along the way!

Make a List of Wants and Needs

One of the first things to consider before visiting the community is writing down what you want and need in a new home.

  • Are there any specific locations you are looking for?
  • How long of a commute is ideal?
  • What nearby amenities are you looking for?
  • Are there any features you want to include in the home such as a downstairs Master Bedroom, mudroom or a large kitchen?

By writing down home priorities, you begin to develop a solid foundation of what you are looking for, before even visiting a new home community. Listing items that you want vs. need in a new home will save you a lot of time and let you focus on the communities that are the best fit.

Take a Ride Through the Neighborhood

It’s worthwhile to take a couple of minutes to ride through the new home community to get an idea of the area. A quality new home builder will have picked a location that reflects the beauty of the home. Explore the nearby neighborhood as well as research the local schools, if you have children.

View a Model Home

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to visit!

When you visit the model community, pay attention to the small details. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the size of the kitchen and the bedrooms. Inspect the craftsmanship and the finishes incorporated throughout the home. A quality home builder will make sure that every detail flows together as part of a bigger picture. The details and craftsmanship are what make the home.

Take Notes

Remember to take notes while you are touring the new home. Write down some of your favorite features so that you remember them. This will help you compare/contrast between communities when you sit down to make decisions later. Taking notes can also include picture and video. Sometimes having a photo of the bathroom can jog your memory on its use of space or the quality of the fixtures.

Know What to Ask

Inquire about customization options, customer service after the sale, and how many years the builder has been in the business.

If you are visiting a builder who does customization, ask what options are available. You’d be surprised about the scope of upgrades that a builder can provide. Additionally, some of the features in the model home that you visit may be custom as well, so don’t be shy and ask the site agent if they can also be included in your home!

Ask About Builder Warranties

A builder warranty can be a huge deciding factor for many people when looking into new homes. Even if you work with a quality builder, it’s wise to ensure they have a warranty included in a new home purchase. One of the best warranties to look for is the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty®. The 2-10 Warranty includes:

  • 10 full years of structural defect coverage for load-bearing components.
  • 2 full years of systems surety coverage against defects in wiring, piping, and ductwork in electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilating, and mechanical systems.
  • 1 full year of surety coverage against defects in workmanship and materials.

This kind of warranty is vital for a new home purchase. Don’t forget to ask your agent what warranty would come with your new home.

Have Fun with It!

All the tips listed are designed to help make a big decision a little easier. While you’re touring a new home, be sure to enjoy the experience as well. Do your research beforehand so that you can enjoy the process of touring the new home. Explore your options and have fun!

Hottest Hampton Roads Fitness Centers

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Hottest Hampton Roads Fitness Centers

 

With Summer just around the corner, you may be looking to amp up your fitness. Hitting the gym, however, doesn’t have to mean mindless hours on a cardio machine.

Make getting fit fun this year by trying out the hottest Hampton Roads fitness centers. Most offer free or discounted trials, so you can see what your favorite way is to get fit.

We scoured the web and found something for everyone!

For the Climber

Virginia Beach Rock Gym – Your arms and legs will surely be burning after giving a climb a try. This rock gym uses a color tab routes ranging from beginning to advanced, so no matter your skill level, you can scale the wall.

LATITUDE Climbing and Fitness – Located in Norfolk, this is more than just a climbing facility. In addition to offering climbing intro classes for beginners, this gym offers High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, as well as yoga to stretch and strengthen sore muscles.

For the Cycler

TIDALWheel – Whether you like beat-cycling, endurance, or have never cycled before, TIDALWheel has a variety of classes that will get your heart rate way up.

CYCLEBAR – Want to monitor your performance? CYCLEBAR offers CYCLESTATS®, so you can track calories, heart rate, and more!

MY Ride Indoor Cycling & Fitness Studio – This cycle studio has a little bit of everything. From classic cycling classes, to weighted classes, to even circuit training off the bike—you’re sure to get a full body workout at this studio.

For the Group Fitness Lover

iNLeT Fitness – With two Virginia Beach locations, this studio always has something to mix up your workout. Try cycling, yoga, Chisel, TRX, Barre, group training, and more!

Pure Barre – You know this is a popular studio with locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. If you’ve never taken a Barre class, let’s just say, get ready to feel the burn with ballet-inspired training!

For the Jazzerciser

Jazzercise Chesapeake South Hickory Fitness Center – Really, this Jazzercise studio is the inspiration for this whole section. Whip out those leg warmers and leotards and get your sweat on 90’s style!

For the Yogi

Studio Bamboo Institute of Yoga – As one of the most highly rated studios in the area, you can try out a variety of yoga classes at their Chesapeake or Virginia Beach locations. All levels are welcome, even offering a Chair Fitness class, for a low impact workout.

Collective Yoga – This yoga studio also has something for every yogi. Candlelight flow, prenatal yoga, Core yoga, and 8 other class offerings.

A New Home Community That Matches Your Personality

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Before Ashdon Builders ever breaks ground on a new home community, there’s a lot of thought that goes into delivering the amenities and conveniences that matter to our future homeowners.

If you’ve taken a look around our website, you may start to notice that each of our new construction communities have a distinct look, feel, and even personality.

Whether your dream home involves easy water access, nature trails, close proximity to the beach, lots of activities nearby, or small-town living, we have a community that fits your family’s ideal lifestyle.

 

Princess Anne Quarter East

Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, this community is perfect for the social butterfly. Easy access to fine dining, entertainment, recreational activities, and the beach—there’s always something to do close by.

Princess Ann Quarter East (PAQE) highlights:

  • Nearby Schools: Princess Anne Elementary, Princess Anne Middle, and Kellam High
  • Flexible floor plans with 4-6 bedrooms
  • Square footage ranging from 2,300 to 3,801
  • 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, in addition to the One Year Builder Warranty

Open Daily at Noon!

Riverside Estates

In the western section of Suffolk, Virginia, located on the Nansemond River, this location is ideal for the boat and water

lover. Most properties boast deep water access with stunning water views. Enjoy a beautiful day on the water or an evening on a pier, taking in the view!

Riverside Estates highlights:

  • Nearby Schools: Oakland Elementary, Kings Fork Middle, and Kings Fork High
  • Flexible floor plans with 4-6 bedrooms
  • Square footage ranging from 2,300 to 3,801
  • 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, in addition to the One Year Builder Warranty

Bella Manor

Located in the heart of Hickory in Chesapeake, VA, Bella Manor is perfect for the growing family—with spacious lots and up to six bedrooms! This location is conveniently located to shopping and entertainment in both the Hickory and Great Bridge areas of Chesapeake.

Bella Manor highlights:

  • Nearby Schools: Southeastern Elementary, Great Bridge Middle, and Great Bridge High
  • Square Ft: 2,300 – 3,801
  • 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, in addition to the One Year Builder Warranty

Last opportunity to become a new homeowner in this community—only one home left!

Greenbrier Station

This new home community is opening March 1, 2019 for the Carriage Home architecture-lover! With a limited number of available homes (both carriage homes and single family homes available), we’re excited to bring this neighborhood to market in Chesapeake! An added bonus—the Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Mt. Pleasant boroughs are all minutes away.

Greenbrier Station highlights:

  • Location: Close to the Great Bridge Bypass, Kings Daughter’s and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and of course, the Greenbrier Mall is within close proximity.
  • Nearby Schools: Greenbrier Primary, Greenbrier Intermediate, Greenbrier Middle School, Oscar Smith High School, Greenbrier Christian Academy, Tidewater Community College

New models opening soon!

White’s Landing

In the Western Branch area of Chesapeake, the White’s Landing is another perfect community for the boating and water lover, with waterfront properties and deep water access. Launch your paddleboard or take off on your boat right from your back yard!

White’s Landing highlights:

  • Location: Waterfront community
  • Nearby Schools: Western Branch school system
  • Square Ft: 2,861-3,200
  • Bedrooms: 5

Act fast – only two water front homes still on the market!

Find the new home community that fits your family’s personality today!

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a New Construction Home

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Buying a home is a big milestone in our lives and it’s typically the largest purchase we will ever make. So it stands to reason that we would want a new home to be as perfect as possible. It’s especially exciting to start fresh, in a new construction home. Imagine moving into a home that is completely pristine, without a fingerprint on anything, modern features, energy efficiency, and options that you can customize to your own tastes.

For new homebuyers, often there can be worries of the buying process being stressful and confusing. It doesn’t have to be so however. With a little planning, research, and patience, homebuyers can stay in control of, and enjoy the process.

 

Where to start? Breathe.

And do not start looking at homes yet. Consider first, is the time right to buy a new home? Do not make your decision to purchase a home on the idea that you are throwing away money on rent or because it’s a buyers’ market. Make the decision to buy a home because you want to become a homeowner, you are ready to settle down in one place for several years, you are ready to take on the responsibility of maintaining a property, and because you are financially ready.

 

Determine what you can afford

Take a look at your current financial situation and your financial habits. If you are not saving for a down payment, start immediately. Having a down payment can make a huge difference in your monthly mortgage payment; more on that in a moment.

If you have the time, it also might be a great exercise to do a dry run of paying bills with a mortgage. This can help you experience the reality of making a mortgage payment each month before making the commitment. One important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to compare rent to mortgage. When looking at mortgage payment calculations, there are always additional costs to be added in, including homeowner’s insurance, PMI (private mortgage insurance) depending on your down payment, and property tax. On the flip side however, there are really some great tax benefits for homeowners such as deductions for property tax and mortgage interest.

Pros typically recommend the following for financial preparedness:

  • Your mortgage should not exceed 28% of your income; less if you have several other high costs such as private school for example
  • Aim to have 3-6 months of income in an emergency fund.
  • Also plan to have funds saved separately to use for any home improvement and future maintenance. Even with a new construction home, maintenance is a must to keep it in great shape!
  • Be prepared to make a down payment, unless you have VA eligibility. Most loans will require a down payment, the minimum is often at 3% of the purchase price.  It’s important to know however, the more you put down, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. And if you are able to make at least a 20% down payment, you will avoid having to pay the PMI (private mortgage insurance) which will save quite a bit as well.

 

Determine Your Ideal Location

We know the phrase “location is everything”, and that has never been truer when it comes to where you live. Whether it be for a convenient commute to work, proximity to shopping and entertainment, or a particular school district, the location of your new home is a huge factor to consider before you start looking. Once you have narrowed down the locations that would be ideal for your preferences, then you can start looking for new construction homes and communities within those areas.

 

Decide which features are “must-haves” and which ones are “nice-to-haves”

Before you start shopping for your new home,it’s important to make a list of all the features you want in a home and determine which ones you can’t live without. This is a large investment, and it’s also the place you will call home for several years to come. Your new home should always be a source of comfort and be able to evolve with you as time goes by. For example, if you happen to love gardening but your new home doesn’t have a mudroom, you may find yourself wishing for one as time goes by. Once you have a list of all the features you want, separate them into the “must-haves” (the deal breakers) and the “nice-to-haves”, features that you might be able to add later or live without.

 

Start house hunting

Now the real fun begins. Searching online is an excellent way to get started, but definitely take drives around the areas you have decided to search in. Get a first-hand look at the communities, layouts, amenities, the neighbors, and look for the open models. Depending the time of day, odds are you can stop at the model and take a tour! Also, be sure to jot down the community and builder details so you can check them out online for more information. Narrow your searches based on your features list and preferred location and enjoy browsing!

A tip to keep in mind. Don’t fall in love at first sight because, sometimes there are other potential buyers who are also falling in love. You don’t want to get your heart set on a home until you know your offer is in and you’ve got your dream home in the bag!

 

Reach out to the site agent

You don’t need to have a real estate agent when buying a new construction home. Your best bet is to work directly with the site agent who will have the most in-depth knowledge of the homes they are selling and can usually get you a much better deal than a third-party agent. He or she can discuss all of the options available with each model and will have a thorough understanding of what the builder can offer and customize. Your site agent will also be able to guide you through the entire purchase process to make it a streamlined and stress-free experience.

 

Understanding the types of loans available

There are several types of loans, and multiple options out there, so it pays to do your research to understand what to expect for your financial situation. The most common types of loans include conventional, FHA, and VA. Conventional mortgage loans are not part of any government program and are not guaranteed by the federal government. These loans can sometimes offer additional features based on guidelines set by lenders, for example, using stocks and bonds as security. FHA and VA loans (among others) are government-backed and insured. Benefits include low (FHA) or no (VA) down payment, which makes buying a home accessible to more people.

When you start working with a builder, they will connect you with their lender who can help with all the complexities and specifics of loans. The benefit of working with your builders preferred lender is that often they will be able to provide additional incentives.

 

Get Pre-qualified

You’ll hear the terms “pre-qualified” and “pre-approved” used frequently when starting your search for a new home, but it can sometimes be confusing to know the difference. Pre-qualified is the first step, it’s fairly simple, and helps you get an idea of what you can afford. Based on your financial picture, including your assets, debt, and income, you will get an approximation of the amount of mortgage you may be approved for. This does not guarantee an amount but will get you started with planning. Getting pre-approved is a more in-depth process, and involves completing a mortgage application, as well as extensive checks into your financial background and credit rating. Your builders preferred lender will be able to help you through this process.

 

Research homeowner’s insurance

Home insurance is a must! Often you can get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance by using the same company you use for your automotive insurance. A few questions to ask when shopping for insurance. What will the policy cover and what won’t it cover? How much do I need to protect? How much would it cost to rebuild my new home?

 

Making it official

Once you have found a home you like, it’s time to take the step of making it official. This can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once, but your site agent will help you through the process and handle all the paperwork. Be prepared, there is a lot of paperwork, but the site agent will review it all with you in detail. You will also be required to put forth “earnest money” as a show of good faith to secure your interest in the property. These funds are held in escrow and are applied to your down payment at closing.

 

The walk through

Either the day before, or sometimes on the day of closing, you’ll take one more walk through of the home you are about to purchase to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction. If everything looks good, it’s time to go sign your final paperwork at closing.

 

Closing the deal and getting the keys to your new home

By now, you’ve traversed the full path to new home ownership and you are just moments away from the next phase of your life.  Be prepared to review several legal documents including the agreement between you and the lender on your mortgage terms, and the agreement between you and the builder. Once you have signed all of your paperwork, you will be given copies of everything, and the keys to your new home.

While buying a new construction home does involve many steps, it can be a very pleasurable experience. We encourage you to take your time shopping for the right home, enjoy all of the wonderful, exciting moments along the way, and most of all, have fun making memories in your new home. Cheers!

Prevent A Holiday Nightmare: 8 Safe Holiday Decorating Tips

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“And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.” Care being the key word.

To prevent your holiday from going up in flames, we highly recommend considering these 8 safe holiday decorating tips, so that your family can enjoy the season free from harm.

 

Not taking us seriously? Here are some stats from the National Fire Protection Association that may surprise you:

  • U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 840 decoration fires each year—not including 200 average fires cause by Christmas trees alone.
  • Altogether, these fires lead to an average of 8 deaths and 52 injuries per year.
  • Holiday fires lead to an average of $11.4 million in property damage.
  • Candles started more than 1/3 of home decoration fires.
  • Christmas Day is the second highest day for holiday-related cooking fires (coming second to Thanksgiving).

 

If this piqued your interest like it did ours, you’ll be interested in these tips and reminders below to ensure you keep your family and home safe this holiday season.

1. Keep the Christmas tree away from fireplaces and heaters

Enjoy picking out the annual Christmas tree each year? Just beware, Christmas trees (especially dry trees), are flammable. Be smart about tree placement and avoid fireplaces, heaters, and candles. Also be sure to water regularly; the drier the tree, the more flammable.

2. Place your glass ornaments and decorations out of kid’s reach

In order to prevent injuries and to keep your adored Christmas ornaments safe, hang these up higher and in a stable area, where little hands can’t get a hold.

3. Beware of poinsettias

Poinsettias are extremely toxic to pets—keep these out of reach by placing on tables or mantles (or opting for a fake alternative).

4. Set a lights timer

With timers, not only do you save on the electric bill, but you also don’t let your beautiful lights burn all night—potentially leading to a fire hazard.

5. Remove nearby flammable objects from candles

Candle displays can be gorgeous for the holiday season, but be sure to remove any nearby objects that could catch fire. For instance, if you’re lighting a Menorah, placing it near the drapes is not the best idea!

6. Consider using LED candles

Better yet, consider replacing candles with an LED version—recently, there have been a variety of LED candles that give off a surprisingly similar glow to a wax candle.

7. Be careful when using a ladder

This is a no-brainer, but always use precaution when using a ladder for Christmas lights and décor. Never stand on the very top of a ladder, ensure the ladders feet are stable and secure, and never carry a load that could make you lose your balance.

8. Don’t leave the stovetop and oven unattended

With the holiday season comes delicious cooking! However, this is the reason Christmas Day leads to an unfortunate number of fires each year. It’s easy to get distracted with the celebrations, but avoid leaving the stovetop or oven unattended.

Looking to enjoy the holidays in a new home next year?

Check out these Ashdon Builders New Home Communities.

Autumn Is Coming: All The Fall Activities Near You

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Fall is coming, fall is coming!

Although Fall in Hampton Roads sometimes means shorts and tank tops, that’s not going to stop us from whipping out the flannel, boots, and pumpkin spice everything!

We know the homeowners of our Ashdon Builders New Home Communities have been looking for all the fun-filled fall events, so we wanted to compile some of the classics in the area—as well as a few new additions.

 

Suffolk

Reoccurring Saturdays- November 17: Suffolk Farmer’s Market — Enjoy a beautiful fall morning perusing the local produce and artisan goods, enjoying performances, and taking part in the kid craft stations. Read more.

October 4-7: Suffolk Peanut Fest — A true Hampton Roads Fall tradition. This festival offers live music, amusement rides, shrimp feast, fireworks…and of course, peanuts! Read more.

 

Chesapeake

Reoccurring Wednesdays & Saturdays- November 21: Chesapeake Farmer’s Market — Promote the local farming community and enjoy a day at the Chesapeake Farmer’s Markets stocking up on produce, milk, eggs, meats, and artisan goods. Read more.

September 15 – October 30: Hickory Ridge Farm Pumpkin Patch — Pick out your favorite pumpkins, while having tons of family fun with hay rides, family friendly farm animals, toddler hay maze, and other fall fun classics. Read more.

September 21-October 27: Bergey’s Corn Maze — Open Fridays & Saturdays for you to try your wits at this annual corn maze and enjoy the farm activities, such as their petting zoo and pedal tractor course. Read more.

September 29-October 31: A Haunting at Greenbrier Farms — Is there anything spookier than a haunted farm house?! Guided walking tours are held Thursday-Sunday nights. Read more.

October 6-28: Mount Pleasant Farms Fall Festival Weekends — Wagon rides through the orchard, petting zoo, pumpkins, and more! Read more.

October 13: AutumnFest — A Harvest-season celebration for all ages! Get your hoedown on with square dancing, a pie baking contest, pony rides, pumpkin painting, and even a petting zoo at the Chesapeake Arboretum! Read more.

October 6-28 (Re-occurring Sat. & Sun.): Fall Festival Celebrations — Head to Mount Pleasant farms for fall activities all month long! Enjoy classics such as, orchard wagon rides, corn maze obstacles, pumpkin picking, and all your season favorites. Read more.

 

Virginia Beach

Every Saturday: Shore Drive Farm Market — Is there anything better than spending a morning at the Farmer’s Market? Enjoy local fall produce Saturday’s from 9am to noon. Read more.

Every Weekend: Taylor’s Farms — Taylor Farms is a classic for all kinds of family fun, including an animal park, playgrounds, and bounce houses. Read more.

October 13: Light The Night Water Lantern Event — Write down and release messages into the night sky with breathtaking water lanterns. The fun starts at 4p.m. with games, music, and food. Buy tickets to reserve seating next to a fire pit, kids’ entries are free! Read more.

 

Newport News

October 20: City Center Fall Festival — Fall fun for kids and adults! Enjoy tastings of craft beer, hard cider, and wine, while the kids enjoy hay rides, pumpkin painting, and face painting! Live music, food trucks, local vendors, and more! Read more.

Follow Our Facebook Page for More Fun Events Near Our Ashdon Builders New Home Communities!

 

Top Golf Courses in Hampton Roads

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Had enough of the surf and sand this summer? Enjoy a beautiful day at one of Hampton Road’s many top-notch golf courses!

From the golf pro to the recreational golfer, we did the leg work to track down the highest rated golf courses near our Ashdon Builder New Home Communities.

From country clubs to public golf courses, the Hampton Roads area has something for every golfer.

 

Top Chesapeake Golf Courses

With Chesapeake being the second-largest city by land size, the area has ample opportunity for sprawling golf courses, and these do not disappoint!

  • Chesapeake Golf Club—Their website emphasizes “you will be treated like a family”—aside from a quality course, the Chesapeake Golf Club also boasts a restaurant, Traditions, as well a pool area.
  • Cahoon Plantation Golf Course—Claiming the only bent grass golf course from tee to fairway to green in the area, they promise the smoothest playing service available. The Cahoon Plantation Golf Course also offers a bar and grill to enjoy after a round of golf.
  • Battlefield Golf Club—With elevation changes of 35-40 feet, this course challenges golfers to make extra calculations unusual to the other Hampton Roads area golf courses.

Nearby Ashdon Builders Communities:Bella ManorWhite’s LandingGreenbrier Station

 

Top Virginia Beach Golf Courses

If you’re a golfer, then you know Virginia Beach has A LOT of golf course options. And that’s an understatement.

That’s why we went to the experts at GoldAdvisor.com to find the courses that outrank the rest—but are still super convenient to our Virginia Beach Ashdon Builders New Home Communities.

  • Red Wing Lake—Red Wing Lake is one of the golf properties owned by Golf Management, Inc. According to their Facebook page, the mission for this course was to bring the feeling of “serenity, tranquility, and surrounded by nature.”
  • Virginia Beach National Golf Club—With a name like that, you know it’s a great course. According to their course Architect Pete Dye, “The job of the designer is to provide a challenge to advanced players without creating so much frustration that beginners leave the game of golf or migrate to a less difficult course.”
  • Hell’s Point—Rated one of the 100 best designed golf courses in the country by the American Society of Golf Course Architects, this course touts the recognition to earn the respect of golfers at all levels.

Nearby Ashdon Communities: Lago MarPrincess Anne Quarter East

 

Top Suffolk Golf Courses

With Suffolk’s gorgeous water views and rolling grass fields—it’s no wonder it’s a golfing destination.

  • Riverfront Golf Club—This public course provides spectacular views and a newly added café and banquet room for gatherings.
  • Sleepy Hole Golf Course—This course is absolutely picturesque located on the Nansemond River. Sleepy Hole Golf Course tests players of all skill levels with its legendary 18th hole rated “most challenging in Hampton Roads.”

Nearby Ashdon Builders Communities: Riverside EstatesHolland Meadows

 

Be sure to take advantage of the Hampton Road’s area’s top rated golf courses near some of our most popular new home communities!

A Historical Tour of Hampton Roads

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Virginia is one of the most history-rich states in the country. As one of the original 13 colonies, European settlers first began settling in our area over 400 years ago. The Hampton Roads area, in particular, is a melting pot of historical sites and attractions—from all different eras!

Get a glimpse of the past, while visiting these fascinating historical locations and museums, in the Hampton Roads area.

 

Virginia Beach

Cape Henry Lighthouse–This lighthouse, completed in 1792, sits next to the site where English Settlers arrived in 1607. The lighthouse was approved by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton.

Old Coast Guard Station–As a tribute to the Virginia coastal communities and the shipwrecks of bygone eras, this museum hold 1800 artifacts, thousands of photos, and a library.

Military Aviation Museum–Interested in the World War I and World War II time periods? The Military Aviation Museum boasts one of the largest private collections of WWI and WWII military aircraft in the world. On top of that, visitors can even book rides on a historical plane!

Francis Land House–The home of Francis Land VI, a wealthy plantation owner in Princess Anne County, Virginia, offers tours where visitors can see and learn about a working plantation of the 1800’s, and the roles of each household member

Adam Thoroughgood House–This house, built in 1719, shares stories from many Thoroughgood generations and the changes the home went through during each one.

Ferry Plantation House– The Ferry Plantation House, facing the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River, has been known by many names over the years. Tour the plantation to get a feel for what this property experienced in the 1700-1800’s.

Chesapeake

Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Park–The historic Battlefield Park serves as a tribute to the history of the Battle of Great Bridge and is soon to be the home to a museum.

Norfolk

USS Wisconsin–An Iowa-class battleship that that participated in World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War, the ship was decommissioned in the 1990’s and moved to Norfolk in December 2000. The USS Wisconsin is now open as a museum vessel and for tours.

Hampton Roads Naval History Museum–The official museum of the United States Navy, the museum studies over 240 years of history in the region.

MacArthur Memorial–General Douglas MacArthur served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and this memorial in downtown Norfolk serves as a museum and research center that explores the life of a legendary leader.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church–As with other historical sites, this church has been known by many names since its first establishment in the colonial era. The Church has been the location of several historical events, including surviving the bombardment and burning of Norfolk in 1776. St. Paul’s Episcopal Churchyard is open to the public during the day, and self-guided tour brochures are available in the church vestibule.

Portsmouth

Lightship Portsmouth Museum–Like lighthouses, lightships were vital navigational aids in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. These vessels attached lights on top of their masts to help guide ships. Ships would often anchor at strategic locations at sea for months at a time. Currently, the lightship serves as a museum in Portsmouth and is open for tours.

Hampton

Casemate Museum–Within Fort Monroe, the Casemate Museum shares the military history of the fort beginning in 1609. One of the highlights includes the room where Jefferson Davis was held briefly as prisoner following the American Civil War.

Newport News

The Mariners’ Museum & Park–America’s National Maritime Museum is home to maritime artifacts and small crafts—including the American Civil War Ironclad’s iconic gun turret. In addition, the museum also features a 5-mile hiking trail and paddleboat rentals.

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg–Colonial Williamsburg is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of the region’s historical locations. The 18th century city is the world’s largest living history museum—including over forty sites, four historical taverns, and two museums.

Jamestown Settlement–The first permanent English colony, the Jamestown Settlement explores 17th-century Virginia. The historic site includes ship re-creations, gallery exhibits, and outdoor tours.

Yorktown

Yorktown–This site is most noted for the Battle of Yorktown where General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, which was ultimately a decisive factor in the end of the American Revolutionary War. Tours of the battlefield and colonial culture are available.

Smithfield

Historic St. Luke’s Church–Virginia’s oldest brick church holds over 400 years of history. Daily tours are available, along with periodic religious services.

Smith’s Fort Plantation–The land was given by Chief Wahunsenacawh as a dowry for his daughter Pocahontas and her marriage to John Rolfe. The historical site is host to an 18th century manor house that preserved a large amount of original woodwork. There is a museum store, guided, and self-guided tours on the premises.

 

This list of historical sites and landmarks is only a fraction of what our area has to offer—take advantage of the rich history of Hampton Roads and learn more about our fascinating past.

Organization Tips for your Garage

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garage

If you are like many, the garage is the place for hobbies and storage. From working on furniture and cars to storing tools, toys, sports equipment, lawn care items and many other things besides, the garage is the place to put things that have no place elsewhere in the home. This is as it should be because garages are meant for all those things, but it’s easy for the catchall garage to become a disorganized, cluttered mess of pathways and poorly labeled boxes. This can really throw off your inner neat freak, not to mention make it a frustrating space to function in. Such is life. We have “stuff” and we need to keep it somewhere! So, let’s talk about how we can really make the most of our garage space for the purposes which we need.

 

Clean it up

First things first. Cleaning time. Take a nice day (or a weekend), open up the garage and move everything out into the driveway. The garage is at best a little dirty, but it is easy for dirt, dust, pollen, leaves, sawdust, pet dander, dead bugs, and other debris to collect here. With everything out of the garage, use a leaf blower or a broom to clear any dirt or mess. If you have pets or work on cars, you may need to clean the floor.

For grease or oil stains, cover the spot with sawdust or cat litter. Try to leave it there for a day if possible then sweep it all up with a firm bristled push broom. If that doesn’t work all the way or you are limited in time, try pouring dry dish detergent powder on the stains. Leave it for about an hour, then pour boiling water on it and use a scrub brush or the broom and a little elbow grease to clean it up.

You may also find some cracks in the concrete as you are cleaning and these can simply be filled with an epoxy paste. Once dry, you may need to run over the filled cracks with a little sandpaper to smooth it out. If time permits, one proactive step you can take to make future cleaning easier is to seal the floor. See the references for more information about how to do this.

Floor plan & zones

Once you’ve gotten the space clean – and don’t forget any cobwebs in the corners – then you are ready to start organizing. First, you’ll want to create a floor plan and define the zones of the garage. Designate sections of the room for whatever you need – lawn tools, chemicals, automotive, pantry items, toys/sports equipment, etc. Then pull back in any furniture, appliances, or shelving you plan to keep and place them where they fit in the plan. The idea is to keep the floor space as open as possible so that you can use the garage space efficiently and be able to reach anything you need quickly. Now, let’s take a look at some cool ideas to best organize your space and your gear.

Organization & storage

Containers – Plastic bins are infinitely better for garage storage than cardboard boxes. They can be clear, so you can see what is inside, take a beating without falling apart, keep moisture out, and bugs (eg. Cockroaches) don’t care about plastic. Store your camping equipment, or holiday decorations in these to keep them clean and in good condition. Jars of all sizes can be used to store small items too. Wash out your sauce and spice jars to use for screws, nuts and bolts.

Cabinets –Typically open shelving is better for the garage, but a locking cabinet is great solution for storing chemicals and other hazardous items, especially when you have little ones around. They are also good when you need to keep items free of dust and dirt.

Shelving – Use that wall space! Both free-standing and wall mounted shelving are a must for the garage and there are plenty of options out there. These are the perfect place to put your plastic bins and jars.

Other wall mounted storage – Magnetic strips can be used to hold drill bits. Hanging jars or cans that are open can be used to drop in brushes, pencils, screwdrivers, etc. Paper towel holders can also be used as garbage and lawn bag dispensers. Pegboard is great because you can always move things around to fit what you need.

Tubes and pool noodles – PVC pipe mounted on a wood base is great for vertical storage of your long handled tools like shovels and rakes. Got fishing poles? Use a pool noodle mounted on the wall to secure them.

Workbenches – If you don’t need to use a workbench very often, consider installing a simple fold-down style. You can also consider a mobile workbench, to help make space where you need it or to work where you need to in the garage. A simple table with casters would do the job and you can add pegboard to the sides to hang tools and items within easy reach. Don’t forget to get a stool for your bench!

Overhead – Don’t forget your ceiling space. If you have a lot of items that you don’t use very often, the ceiling is nice place for them! Mount some racks and slide plastic bins in to stay out of the way until needed. You can add labels to the bottoms so it’s easy to remember what you have inside the bins.

Space for the car – if you like to park the car in the garage (who doesn’t?) and have the space for it, add some scrap carpeting to the walls where you pull in to protect your cars finish. You can also hang a tennis ball on a string from the ceiling to tap the windshield when you are in the right spot.

 

Check out these great references for more in-depth and creative ideas on how to organize your garage and keep it that way!

 

References

https://www.lowes.com/projects/organize-store-and-move/clean-seal-garage-floors/project

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Garage-Floor

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/read-you-organize-your-garage

https://www.familyhandyman.com/storage-organization/brilliant-ways-to-organize-your-garage/view-all/

http://www.simplyorganized.me/2015/07/garage-organization-101-5-tips-to.html

https://www.wimp.com/19-genius-tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-garage-organized-and-clutter-free/

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-well-equipped-garage-tips-and-tricks-for-a-versatile-space-feature

A Short History of Useful Home Features

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home features

For thousands of years humans have toiled with cooking over open fires, going outside in the cold to answer nature’s call, and dealing with less than ideal use of space in their homes. Over the past couple hundred years, spurred by the industrial revolution in the 1800’s, we have experienced a snowball effect of improved and modernized home features. But all things come from humble beginnings. Here’s a look at some useful home features, and how they have evolved over time.

 

Ovens

Ancient people first began cooking with open fires on the ground or in firepits. The Greeks used simple ovens for baking breads, and in ancient China, people developed clay stoves with holes in the tops for pots to set down in. It was not until the middle ages, that the first real oven was recorded as being created. In the 1700’s improvements were made to wood burning ovens, one design worth noting is the Castrol oven invented in 1735 by French architect François Cuvilliés, which allowed the fire in the oven to be completely contained and reduced smoke and heat from escaping. Throughout 1700’s and into the 1800’s, iron stoves were becoming more popular and ever improving. The Rumford stove invented around 1800 was a large stove for big working kitchens and though it had one fire as the source of heat, it allowed the temperature to be regulated for each pot individually. During the 1800’s, there were also coal and kerosene ovens, and in 1826, the first successful gas oven became available. By the 1920’s most households had gas ovens and stovetops. Though they were around as early as the 1890’s it wasn’t until the 1930’s that electric ovens started to compete with gas.

Windows

Windows are such a common feature, it’s easy to take for granted how good we have it. Homes were not always so bright, open, and well-insulated. In Roman times, glassmaking was fairly advanced, and many homes had windows. But as with many of the wonders of Rome, this craft was lost and during the “dark ages” windows were much smaller with no glass. As such, homes were much darker, with fires being the main source of light. People would use shutters to keep out the cold, and sometimes would use parchment or animal skins to cover window openings and protect from drafts but still allow some light to enter. Glassmaking began to make a comeback during the middle ages in Europe. In 14th century France, windows began to have what was called crown glass which came in small circles or could be cut into diamond shapes and put together in lead panes.  By the 1500’s glassmaking was much more common, but glass was still a luxury for most. Only the wealthiest people could afford to have glass in their windows, and many only had it in the most important rooms. By the late 1600’s it was common to see glass window panes in a lattice style – the lattice was lead, thus giving these the name “leaded windows”. Wood framed, sash-style windows were also becoming more popular and it was around this time at the turn of the century that the weighted sash was developed which allowed the window to stay open without sliding. Over time, glassmaking was refined to produce clearer glass and the frameworks lightened and improved leading to a wide variety of styles and sizes seen in modern homes.

Pocket doors

This space-saving home feature was used in the late 1700’s in the famous home of Thomas Jefferson – Monticello. Tour guests can see the double pocket doors that slide out to separate the dining room and the tea room. This feature became quite common during the 19th century in Victorian homes as a practical way to save space as well as to close off rooms that were not in use or for privacy. Today, they are seeing a resurgence in popularity in townhomes and condos as they work well in smaller spaces. A new style of pocket door, an “open pocket door” is also being seen more and more in new homes. Also known as a sliding track door, you can see this option in many styles such as industrial/modern or barn/rustic.

Indoor Plumbing

Modern indoor plumbing, became popular during the late 19th century and has advanced leaps and bounds throughout the 20th century. But plumbing in general has a long and fascinating past. Around 1500-1000 B.C., the people of Crete (Greece) had created sewage disposal and underground drainage systems. The Roman Empire, during the period of 500-455 B.C. developed very advanced aqueducts, underground sewers, public baths, and marble fixtures. In 1596, the Godson of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir John Harrington, developed the flushing toilet with a seat, a bowl, and a water cistern – though it is said that the queen was afraid to use it. In 1829, the Tremont Hotel in Boston was the first of its kind to offer indoor plumbing for guests and in 1833, the White House added running water to the first floor. Then, in 1891, Thomas Crapper (yes, that is where the name came from!) patented his toilet design and revolutionized the modern concept of plumbing.

Medicine Cabinets

With the adoption of indoor plumbing, bathrooms became an essential part of the home. Bathrooms in the early 20th century were viewed as the center of personal cleanliness and good health, and it stood to reason that this would be the place to store medical and cosmetic supplies. This specialized cabinet hung on the wall in the bathroom and was the first type of storage in modern bathrooms.

Electricity

Although humans have known about the existence of electricity for a very long time, we have only been harnessing its power for about 250 years now. Everyone knows the story of Benjamin Franklin and his famous kite experiment, and it is his experiments that created a foundation for future scientists and inventors. Before we had electricity to light our homes and power our appliances, people salted and smoked meats to preserve them, washed laundry by hand, read books by candlelight, and used the fireplace to stay warm in the winter. Between the end of the 1800’s and the first decades of the 1900’s, cities and towns slowly became connected to electricity. The electric vacuum cleaner and washing machine were both invented in 1908 and the first refrigerator came along in 1913. Homes of wealthier folks had electricity before rural farms of course, but by the late 1930’s most everyone had electricity in the home.

Kitchen Islands

Oh, how we love our counter space! The idea of a kitchen island probably started in the late 19th century as a simple table in the kitchen used as a workspace. They really took off during the 1950’s however when open plan homes were becoming a thing. It was a great way to add extra storage and workspace in the kitchen while being connected to the rest of the house; mom could watch the kids in the living room, while preparing dinner.

Mudrooms

A mudroom is essentially a second entryway to a home, typically on the side or the back of the house and connected to the kitchen. The term emerged in the 1950’s with the appearance of secondary, less formal entryways, but in past centuries these spaces were found in rural area homes where the roads were unpaved, people were out on the farm or working in gardens, and footwear was perennially muddy. Today, these wonderful spaces act as a buffer from the elements and help us keep our homes cleaner and neater.

Garages

In its earliest form, the garage was a carriage house, where horses were stabled, and the carriages and tack were stored. As automobiles started to become more popular in the 1920’s, the more modern version of a garage took shape. At first, they still looked like carriage houses, but eventually started to integrate with the home more, both in style and functionality.

 

Here are some great references for further reading:

https://interiorsforfamilies.com/2017/03/21/island-style-history/

http://porch.com/advice/brief-history-kitchen/

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/blog/mystery-of-disappearing-pocket-doors/

https://www.oldhouseonline.com/articles/design-traditional-mudroom

http://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.org/places/the-puritans-didnt-have-mudrooms/

https://www.johncflood.com/blog/general/history-of-plumbing-timeline

https://www.qssupplies.co.uk/history-of-plumbing-timeline.html

https://visual.ly/community/infographic/history/history-garage

https://didyouknowhomes.com/2015/02/12/the-history-of-garages/

http://americanhistory.si.edu/object-project/household-hits/medicine-cabinet

http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/60/kastner_day.php

https://prezi.com/8upfjjfeno1-/the-evolution-of-the-stove/

https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-oven-from-cast-iron-to-electric-1992212

http://blog.hhgregg.com/history-of-the-oven/

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/quick-history-windowsretrospect-165008

http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/products/pulling-back-the-curtain-a-brief-history-of-windows_o

https://www.clickenergy.com.au/news-blog/life-before-electricity/