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New home construction can help you get the features you want in your house. However, the process requires careful research and planning. Here are some questions to ask a builder.

• Make sure you understand what is included in your basic home build and what will cost extra.
• Your new home construction should include a written warranty.

When it’s time for a new home, you have many options. One of them is building a brand new house for yourself. The idea of getting just what you want, choosing your paint colors, flooring materials, and countertops is very exciting; however, building a new home comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some questions to ask when building a home.

What Comes Standard With the Home and What Constitutes an Upgrade?

The home builder you choose will give you a set price to build the house. That price includes a list of standard features, such as fixtures, countertops, and flooring. If you want to consider an upgrade to any of those standard features:

• Ask for the cost of the higher quality item.
• If you saw a model home, keep in mind that you probably saw many upgraded items.
• Get a clear understanding of whether the standard features include any external design elements such as landscaping as part of the building process.

What Kind of Warranty Comes With the Home?

Your newly constructed house should come with a home warranty. Be sure that you get the specifics of this warranty in writing. The document should include a clear statement of how quickly repairs will be made. Your new appliances will have assurances from the manufacturer. The roof of a new construction usually has a warranty as well. A walk-through home inspection before the move-in date can identify many things upfront so the builder can correct them before you close on the property.

What Are the Plans for the Surrounding Area?

Of course, it’s essential to know the plans for the neighborhood, but do your research on the surrounding area as well. For example, you want to ensure that your beautiful lake view won’t be obstructed by a hotel right after you move in. The city or county government development office can tell you what is in the works. Your building may know some of this information, but the buyer is responsible for seeking it out from the most direct source possible.

Does Your New Neighborhood Have an HOA?

An HOA is a Homeowners Association. It is an organization that sets and enforces rules related to properties and activities in the community. Usually, the HOA takes care of maintaining common areas like streets, pools, or community centers. An effective HOA can make the neighborhood a better place to live by protecting the property values for everyone. As a potential new homeowner, make sure that you understand all the requirements and fees associated with the HOA so you can budget appropriately.

Where Can I Learn More About Buying a New Construction Home?

If you’re planning your next move into a new construction home in the Moseley, Virginia area, consider the Summer Lake development. Choose your new house from a variety of luxury plans. The community offers a pool, sports facilities, and activities for the whole family. Summer Lake is in Chesterfield County, home to some of the highest performing schools in the state. Contact us today to check out all we have to offer.

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The interior design trends for 2021 celebrate our newfound appreciation for the comforts of home.

• Many of the tried and true rules of decorating are out the window for 2021.
• The newest home trends are varied, including everything from bold colors to rustic to sculptural furniture.

With so many people spending extra time at home during 2020, it’s no surprise that 2021 is the year of home redecorating. So if you’re looking for some ideas to spruce up your living space, here are some of the hottest home design trends of the year.

Go Big With Colors and Prints

No longer are homeowners bound by minimalist designs and consistent patterns. For 2021, it’s all about the bold. Mix contrasting prints and large and small shapes with a couple of primary colors that pull it together. Then, use the variety to create visually appealing layers that coordinate across the furniture, linens, and walls. Checks and stripes and circles and flowers are two possible combinations.

Primary colors make a return for 2021. A lamp in a brilliant red or sunshine yellow, for example, brightens up space when used against a more neutral background. Wood furniture and flooring gain new life when you add some cheerful primary colors to the room. A brilliant shade of yellow is trendy this year.

Rustic Is All the Rage

Rustic decor is comforting and cheerful, and for many people, it brings about fond reminiscing. If your home already has the look of a country home, such as exposed beams or hardwood floors, rustic colors, fabrics, and finishes are a perfect match. Reclaimed wood, with its rough textures and woodgrain, is a big part of this trend.

Choose Sculptural Furniture Pieces

Sculptural furniture comes in a variety of shapes that make a dramatic statement across the room. Even when the pieces are neutral colors, they draw the eye of everyone in the room. Sculptural lamps cast light in lovely patterns, and ceramic pieces on a shelf fill in the small spaces.

Transition to the Tropical

Whether it’s a beautiful green palm leaf pattern or something reminiscent of the beach, tropical brights and colors are popular in 2021. They’re soothing and relaxing after a stressful and hectic homebound year. In addition, travel-related room themes, such as sailing, remind us that it’s time to return to wandering the world.

Consider a Wall Mural

Murals take many forms. Some are painted on the walls with lively patterns and artistic scenes. Other murals are woven tapestries that span the area of the wall. This element is a versatile design element that works in large and small rooms and can take on almost any theme, from classic art pieces to fairytale scenes.

Visualize Vintage

Whether they’re genuine antiques, reclaimed or repurposed pieces, or retro items, vintage furniture and color schemes are versatile and classy. Even if you don’t go all out and replace all your furniture, you can subtly reference the look through the colors you choose and the layers you create. Intense colors centered around a single vintage piece with lots of contrast and gentle lighting are winning formulas.

Where Can I Learn More?

If you’re looking for a place to create your own 2021 showplace in the Chesterfield, Virginia, area, check out the lots and new homes of Summer Lake. Every house is custom-built. At Summer Lake, we’re all about families with proximity to excellent schools, parks, and many activities for adults and children to do together. Contact us today to learn more!

 

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There’s something special about living in Virginia. They say Virginia is for lovers, but these cities in Virginia show that Virginia is also for families who want all the amenities of resort-style living without the expense. Compare the top five places to live in the Old Dominion and discover where you can plan your forever home in this wonderfully diverse and scenic state.

1. Centreville

With a population of over 73,000, Centreville is a mid-sized city that has plenty of diversity. For families new to the area, you’ll find surprisingly affordable homes and a welcoming community of young families. While this city size may be too large for families looking to get away from it all, two forested parks have reasonable recreation opportunities.

2. Richmond

The capital of Virginia offers big-city living and a thriving economy to move up in your profession. The bustling city of 213,000 has eight Fortune 500 companies, state government, and other professional opportunities. The average home value is relatively low for a city of its size, and a convenient public transport system keeps you connected to all parts of the city.

If you’re looking for a calm neighborhood in a laid-back community, Richmond is not for you. Families looking for a slower pace of life for their forever home may need to look elsewhere. If you have a remote job or other reason to avoid the hustle and bustle of the professional world of Richmond, you may want to look for a smaller city.

3. Williamsburg

Take a stroll through Colonial Williamsburg for daily history lessons for your young ones. This former capital of the colony boasts 15,000 residents, 301 acres of a historic district, and shopping opportunities for visitors and residents alike. It’s also a great way to rub shoulders with Hampton Roads and Tidewater areas while still finding an affordable home.

Of course, you may not want to have a major tourist attraction in your hometown. A forever home next to a historic district that hosts four million visitors every year may be exhausting for growing families.

4. Bon Air

Find an affordable home in this Victorian-style town. Highly rated schools and low-cost homes combine to make Bon Air a popular place for growing families. With just 17,000 residents, it’s a much more comfortable size than Richmond or other major cities in Virginia.

While affordable, many homes in Bon Air may feel more like starter homes than forever homes. These homes are great for families just starting out, but if you’re looking for unique amenities and comfortable walking areas, Bon Air may not be the right fit.

5. Moseley

Take a stroll through Summer Lake in Moseley, Virginia, to instantly fall in love. Create your custom home tucked away in a community full of family-friendly amenities. View homes for sale or purchase an empty lot to create your dream home on a blank canvas.

Young families may be surprised to find out how affordable these homes are. Beautiful craftsman homes, a comfortable community and playgrounds, tennis courts, and a large swimming pool create a neighborhood truly personalized for growing families.

Explore Family-Friendly Home Designs in Summer Lake

Contact Summer Lake today to schedule a visit to our Model Court. Taking a walk through a community may be the best place to live in Virginia for your family. Explore Moseley, view available properties, and work with a custom designer to build a home to match your family needs.

Your starter home may be full of memories, but a custom home can give you space, neighborhood, and personalized design you deserve. Explore these five key things to know before you work with a professional builder near Richmond, VA, to enjoy a custom home in Summer Lake. Use these when working with a local build team to create the perfect home for you and your household.

1. Plan for the Future

Whether you’re just getting started or you have growing children, it’s important to look forward to life as you plan your new custom home. Design features that appeal to a young married couple may not have the same convenience when you have a few children.

Look for a location with excellent schools, great amenities, and plenty of room for a growing family. These features are often the difference between a starter house and a forever home. Additional bedrooms, spacious living areas, and a great yard help you enjoy your new home through all stages of life.

2. Learn from Previous Home Design Mistakes

Is there anything you don’t absolutely love about your current home? A closed-off kitchen, cramped bedrooms, lack of bathrooms, and budget fixtures are just a few common features that many homeowners wish they could change about their current home.

Take advantage of your custom-designed home to fix these and other areas. By choosing an open-concept design, adding bedrooms, and investing in quality fixtures, you can create a dream home for you and your family. The design and fixtures of your home are the most difficult to change during a remodeling project, so work with an expert contractor to create a home you’ll love for a lifetime.

3. Wait Until It’s Finished to Move

It can be tempting to jump into your house as soon as you see four walls. While it may be possible to move in before landscaping, basement construction, and trim details are finished, it’s best to wait until your home is completed before unpacking boxes.

It’s much easier to make a punch list, which is a list of all the items that still need to be completed when you’re not living in your custom home. This step comes a week or more before the project is finished and is crucial to ensuring you enjoy a flawless new build in an ideal community.

4. Include Energy-Efficient Designs

Green technologies significantly reduce the utility costs of your home. While you’re designing a new home, be sure to include the latest energy-efficient appliances. The latest furnace, AC, water heater, and refrigerator are just a few items that can help you enjoy reduced bills and greater convenience in your dream home.

Energy-efficient designs aren’t just about reducing your electricity bills. Ask about the latest faucets, washing machines, and shower fixtures to see how you can reduce your water usage. Lowered water usage is great for the environment and great on your wallet.

5. Work With a Professional Team

Trust your new home to a qualified team of home builders to enjoy a hassle-free design and build. Work with custom home builders in Virginia to receive a stunning design that fits your lifestyle and custom home dream.

Contact us today at Summer Lake to learn more about building a custom home in our stunning, family-friendly community. Compare modern craftsman and luxury homes today before moving into your custom home in a vibrant, local community.