On the Home Front Blog
On the Home Front - a guide to custom-built homes.On the Home Front
Our AB Homes blog is a local’s guide to custom-built homes in Hampton Roads. In our blogs, we will share information about the decision-making involved in constructing a new home. We want to be your resource for all things related to building your new dream home. We hope you enjoy our “On the Home Front” blog.
Modern Farmhouse Style Inspiration for The Grayson, our Newest Floor Plan
Leaf through any home and lifestyle magazine, and you will see beautiful new homes built in the modern farmhouse style. Combining clean architectural lines with rustic features, this look inspired us in developing our newest AB Homes plan, The Grayson. From the pitched roof to the casual open floor plan, this is a country home that even city folks will love.
How to Give Your Home a Good Spring Cleaning
A good spring cleaning sets the stage for company and entertaining, and nothing seems as welcoming as an immaculate household. Now that the weather is warming and pollen season is over in Hampton Roads, the time is ripe to declutter and thoroughly clean your living spaces. Use our DIY checklist to make sure the job goes smoothly and efficiently—from entryways to interiors. Then sit back, relax, and say hello to summer!
The Importance of Locking in a Mortgage Rate in Today’s Homebuyer’s Market
Locking in a mortgage rate has become vitally important in today’s housing market. Home builders, buyers, and sellers in Virginia are experiencing a sales frenzy. It started a few years ago, as more people moved from big cities for life in small, rural communities—including those in Hampton Roads. Houses are selling so fast here; it is hard to get your foot in the door, make an offer and have it accepted. If you are in the market to build a home or buy a resale home, move quickly and “lock” your mortgage rate early.
Terrific Home Design Ideas for 2022
Excited for new home design ideas for 2022? Interior designers have been busy with their forecasts, and we’re seeing some terrific, creative ways to rejuvenate your home in the year ahead. Many recommend the use of muted colors, calming textures, and natural light throughout the house. The idea is to create mindful spaces to make you feel good and be more productive in your abode. This all sounds great to us, and many of their concepts work well with the traditional home styles and floor plans we offer at AB Homes. The following design suggestions caught our eye. We think you will like them too!
Looking for a timeless custom-built Home? Consider The Kitty Hawk floor plan.
We have a soft spot for The Kitty Hawk floor plan—and so do our buyers. Named for the North Carolina coastal town where the Wright Brothers took flight, it evokes a warm, cottage vibe. From the optional stone accent wall on the front, to the board-and-batten siding and metal roof, it’s a classic custom-built home plan you’ll love flying home to. Step inside, and see for yourself. With 2,166 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and 2.5 baths, The Kitty Hawk floor plan is a real crowd-pleaser.
Navigating Home Repair Issues
Knowing who to contact – warranty provider, manufacturer, or builder – can save you time and frustration. “Who should I call for a home repair?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from homeowners. From their standpoint, it may be hard to tell if the repair is a warranty issue or the responsibility of the manufacturer. Maybe it’s time to call the builder? Most builder warranties (like ours) cover certain repairs for the first year or more. It depends on the exact issue and how long you’ve owned your home. From time to time we receive calls about home repairs, so we thought the following information would help in determining who to call—and when.
Ready to build your forever home? Retirees love Suffolk!
We’ve worked with many buyers who decided to retire and build their forever homes in Suffolk. They chose the area for its waterfront views, small town charm and slower pace over some of the larger cities in Southeastern Virginia. Combined with an affordable cost of living, Suffolk is growing in popularity as a place to put down permanent roots. Take it from us; this is a lovely area to live, no matter your age. But for retirees especially, there are wonderful reasons to consider Suffolk.
The Many Benefits of Hiring Local
Hiring local workers has benefits that extend beyond a company’s day-to-day needs. At AB Homes, this has been good for us—and for our community. When we started our business in 2013, Dan and I wanted it to reflect the things that were most important to us. Our goal was to offer a superior custom home-building experience; use quality materials; and hire local workers and suppliers as part of our team. As the general contractor for the homes we build, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this last point. We work with approximately 30 subcontractors, who live here in Hampton Roads.
Top Pet-Friendly Features in a Home Floor Plan
Today’s home buyers seek more than an open-concept kitchen and large master bath when looking at homes; now they want pet-friendly features for Fido and Fluffy. Pet ownership increased this past year, as more humans turned to furry friends for companionship to ease the stress of quarantine. We noticed this trend at AB Homes. More of our homebuyers were looking for roomy interiors and ample outdoor space to accommodate them and their animals.
AB Homes – On the Homefront Blog
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AB Homes is a custom new home builder in Suffolk Virginia, Isle of Wight County, and in the surrounding cities and counties of Hampton Roads Virginia. We build new, affordable single-family homes for all stages of life, including single people, families, retirees, and the military. With many floor plans to choose from, AB Homes builds on large lots and include a home warranty. We are a Class A Licensed contractor and a VA Loan Approved Builder. Check back for new On The Homefront Blogs.
Contact an AB Homes sales agent for an updated list of standard features. Some pictures and videos may display options or upgrades not included in AB Homes standard features. Standard features are subject to change without notice.