Talking with Keith from K.M. Cash Construction in Virginia Beach he discusses with me three trends in new home construction seen this past year, that frankly, I love and you will too:
Beach Lifestyle
Post Covid-19 Pandemic, there has been an increase in families moving away from apartment living in big, expensive cities. Redfin predicts that these results may be because people can now work from home which has allowed homeowners the option to build homes by the beach in Hampton Roads or on the golf course in Cape Charles at an affordable price.
“A lot of our new homes are inspired by a seaside charm. It’s all about relaxation, family and home offices. Rooms now have the ability to be shut off with sliding doors so you can take that work call or close off the homeschooling room. People are spending more time at home and therefore they want to have flexibility in their new home. The home we build now needs to entertain, play, teach, work and relax”. - Keith Cash
During the first half of Covid I was working from home, and with two rowdy boys, the ability to close off areas to allow for our kids to play freely without being hushed, and for me and my husband to work quietly without being disrupted frequently would have been a game changer.
It’s a critical aspect to new home construction and although open plan has been a widely appreciated home layout, since covid-19 we have been reminded of the importance of doors!
Home Office
Yes, Covid-19 did make working from home the new standard for many employees and thus this is now appearing on new home construction designs. Neil still works from home, and his company will never go back to the in-person model, so an office is a necessity for him.
3. Outdoor entertainment
Wow, has this boomed during Covid-19. People are realizing how underutilized their backyard has been. It’s all about adding sunrooms, pools, firepits and outdoor patios. Keith works very closely with his clients in Cape Charles and Hampton Roads to build an outdoor entertainment space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
“It’s great that clients are now adding outdoor entertainment to their new home build. Usually this is forgotten, or cut from the plans. At K.M. Cash Construction we work closely with our clients to design and build an outdoor entertainment area for family and friends to enjoy”.-Keith Cash
4. Herb Drawer
Let’s be honest, herbs and spices are always a challenge to store. I know I use them daily, and I can’t just tuck them away and forget about their storage issues. It needs a solution.
Many parents are opting for built-in spice drawers in their new kitchen constructions. Some of these are quite creative and more importantly, solve the ever dreaded lifting up of every spice to read the label until I find the thyme.
When building your new home or renovating your kitchen Keith recommends a built-in sliding drawer with staggered raises. It’s a great solution to reading your herbs and spices, while looking clean and tidy. I love mine, and it was one of the things I knew I needed in my kitchen.
5. Chalkboard walls
“When building homes for families with young children I often get asked to add creativity to their child’s bedroom. One popular addition is the chalkboard wall. Creating a fun environment for kids to express their creativity”. -Keith Cash
Agreed! Here’s the thing. Kids are going to create. We can give them a designated space to do it, or we can end up with marker on the walls. (Ask me about the red permanent marker on my mom’s yellow walls… Whoops.)
I have one tucked away in the kitchen. I use it to write the kids' jobs, tasks and schedules there. It keeps them involved and active when they get to check off their jobs for the day. It’s also a handy place to write down items for the grocery list.
6. Technology
We all love our gadgets and now it’s moving into our homes. The most popular new techs that I want and love:
Door locks to control access - yes when leaving the house with kids and a baby you don’t need to manually lock your door anymore. One less thing to worry about.
Home lighting - get those kids to sleep by dimming the lights using your cell.
Security - forgot to set the alarm before going to sleep after a day of work and kids. Just use your cell to alarm the house
Heating and Cooling are all controlled by the phone. Kids wake up cold/hot? Now you don’t need to walk through the house at 2am to get to the thermometer - just grab that cell and open the app.
Grocery ordering via the refrigerator - moms dream! This simply sells itself.
K.M. Cash Construction
I asked Keith where he is currently building new homes and he mentioned one of my favorite places - Cape Charles. Yes, this place is booming with tourists and many new developments are being built near the water and golf course. Best of both worlds! Yes, living in Cape Charles brings a lot of silence, relaxation and tranquility. Keith mentioned that many people are moving out of big cities and looking for a more calming place to call home. To see the houses that are currently under construction and for sale click here.
01. They are low enough to the ground for little ones to be able to see and reach everything.
02. It allows kids to see the growing process of food along with the bees and pollinators.
03. While they pick berries to fill their basket, they are doing more than just using up energy; they are also feeling a sense of accomplishment as their basket fills.
04. Lastly, kids are more likely to try new recipes when they pick the food themselves. We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast, which my kids normally wouldn't have touched- a true score in my book.
Strawberries are ripe for picking in Spring, and blueberries and blackberries in Summer. Get out and spend a morning picking, you'll have fresh fruit for dinner.
There is no doubt that our country is in a time of change as we all take a deep look within ourselves and discover what shapes our views on social justice. These murals confront these issues head on, from poverty and women's equality to Black Lives Matter, and more. Here until October 3rd, six of the murals are indoors while the other seven are outdoors throughout the property. The museum is free for the rest of 2021. It's a great place to spend some time.
Friday:
Elizabeth City: South Water Street. Friday Art Walk. Starts at 4 pm, ends with fireworks.
Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.
Saturday:
Chesapeake: Celebrate Freedom, Chesapeake City Park. Concert and food vendors. $5 parking. Concerts from 7:00-9:30, then fireworks.
Isle of White- Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Show, food and vendors, Heritage Park Fairgrounds, gates at 5 pm, fireworks after dark.
Portsmouth: 102nd Patriotic Salute: kids games, activities, DJ, food, and programs, plus 40 vendors and a bike and skateboard parade. Takes place in Cradock Afton Square. Begins at 10:30.
Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.
Sunday:
Kill Devil Hills- Fourth Fireworks Show, Avalon Pier. Also, Freedom 5k.
Manteo: Fourth of July Celebration, kids games and activities, music, contests, and treats. Shows during the day. Fireworks after dark. Begins at 3 pm.
Nags Head: Fireworks Spectacular. Fireworks begin at 9:25 and launch from Nags Head Fishing Pier.
Norfolk: 4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks: Town Point Park. Food for sale and concerts. 5:00-11:00 pm. Fireworks at 9:30.
Norfolk: Ghent’s Bike & Dog parade. No fireworks, but join to watch or parade from 9:30-1:30 pm.
Norfolk: July 4th Fireworks Cruise: American Rover cruise along the Elizabeth River. Departs at 7:30. Best view of the fireworks.
Suffolk: Constant’s Warf Park & Marina. Opens at 5:30 for music, fireworks at 9:00.
Virginia Beach: Mount Trashmore. DJ and food vendors. Event begins at 8:00, fireworks at 9:30.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Multiple locations for music including 17th street and the 24th street stage. Fireworks at 9:30.
Williamsburg: Lights of Freedom at Colonial Williamsburg. Begins at 9:20.
Williamsburg: Busch Gardens, nightly fireworks at 9:15.
Yorktown: All day long events, fireworks over the York River at 9:15.
