Kentucky Coffee Tree Makes Unique Furniture

At New Earth we are always looking to expand the number of materials in our inventory from which we are able to create our craft. Our latest addition to our catalog is the Kentucky Coffeetree from which we will carve a full dining room table from.

From Wikipedia
"The Kentucky Coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus, is a tree in the subfamily Caesalpinioideaeof the pea family Fabaceae, native to the midwest of North America. The seed may be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee beans; however, unroasted pods and seeds are toxic. The wood from the tree is used by cabinetmakers and carpenters.

From 1976 to 1994 the Kentucky coffeetree was the state tree of Kentucky, after which the tulip poplar was returned to that designation.^" 

We are very excited to have this opportunity to showcase our craftsmanship and our appreciation for materials that are not only eco-friendly but that have very unique natural beauty. 

To keep track of progress of this project and other New Earth projects, please visit bookmark our blog.

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Featuring Pella

New Earth is always looking for quality durable products to feature in its lineup of services. We're really excited to tell our customers that we are currently offering Pella products as part of our offerings. Pella is a company that we really like because they have been around for many years and they offer quality construction in all of their windows and doors, so you know that you will be getting a product that not only lasts but also looks nice. 

They have an extensive product catalogue so our customers can find different home solutions that fit their budget and are also energy efficient. They've made it a point to specialize in doors and windows and not over extend themselves so they can get it right, every time. We are strong believers of the Pella guarantee and want our customers to join us in that belief. 

Give us a call today so you can get more information about how New Earth can incorporate Pella products in your home, your satisfaction is very important to us. (804) 955-0257

Get Your Mind In The Gutter!

Autumn is here, and temperatures are about to drop to weather that is a little bit nicer and cooler. As the seasons start to change here in Virginia, specifically in the Central Virginia and Richmond areas, we will see the leaves colors change. It is truly a beautiful sight to see, however with each season there are somethings that we should all look for when we are a home owner or renter. 

Check the Gutters
We've talked about it in the past, but this is reminder that all those pretty leaves that will cover the ground this autumn will also be clogging your gutters. This can cause a number of problems including but not limited to: 

-Creating puddles of water in your roof, which can lead to leakage and both internal and external damage to your home
-A concentration of dry leaves is prone to fires, this can be of catastrophic proportions
-Creating nests for animals, pests are never a good thing
-It just doesn't look good. No further explanation needed on that one. 

Structural Damage
Before you know it, it will be winter. Checking and fixing structural damage when it is raining or snowing is a pain in the butt and in some cases impossible. Take care of that stuff now, it is just proper home maintenance and it can help you prevent some other serious issues in the future. This includes: wall cracks, faulty roofs, damaged floors. 

Fireplace and HVAC
Not everyone has these but anyone who does knows how expensive it can be to repair a chimney flute or their HVAC system, so instead of having to pay an expensive repair have someone come and check these out so they can be properly maintained and so that you can have a care free winter and fall. 

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Sunday Park

What ever happened to just enjoying a beautiful day in the park? Most of us are so busy with hectic schedules that sometimes we forget to just stop and appreciate nature and beauty that surrounds us. Visiting a local park is a great way to connect with nature, the outdoor air can be good for your health, it's relaxing and best of all it's free. 

Some fun ideas to do at the park are: setting a play date for the kids, having a picnic with friends or loved ones, practice that artistic hobby that you've been wanting to pursue like photography or painting, or just simply take a nice long walk. Fortunately Richmond has some great places to take a nice Sunday park stroll. We've put together a list of some of our favorites. 

Hollywood Cementery

This park can be a little under rated but if you look at different travel guides for people visiting Richmond, you'll always find it on their list of attractions. Hollywood Cementery offers breath taking views of downtown Richmond and the river, the view from there offers some of the most iconic scenes of Central Virginia. When you think of cementeries, you don't immediately associate that with a beautiful park, this Cementery manages to offer a unique view of the city, a sense of peace and different corners for added privacy when visiting the park. There are areas all over the park where one can relax, read a book and just take in some sunrays and because of the way that the park was built, there are enough hills and trees to create separate areas where people can hang out. 

Where?

412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220

Byrd Park & Maymont

Byrd Park

Even though Byrd Park and Maymont are in close proximity to each other, they serve two different purposes. Byrd park was design with people in the area in mind, it has courses where you can exercise including push up stations, monkey bars, balancing obstacles among other exercises. These are all located alongside a trail that people can run around. Other areas of the park include, a pond with a waterfountain in the middle, tennis courts and the Dogwood Dell Amphitheather were many different productions have taken place which are typically free to the public like the 4th of July Symphony and the Opera at the Park productions. 

Where?

600 Swan Lake  Dr. Richmond, VA 23221

Maymont

This park used to be a rich estate finished in 1983, over the next few years after that more attractions were added. Some of the things added to Maymont over the course of a few years were a mini zoo and petting center, an italian and japanese garden, and a nature center. Maymont is an experience on its own and it is easy to spend a few housr in this hundred acre estate if you have not been before. There are scheduled tours of the house that sits on top of the hill which offers a glimpse into everyday life over a hundred years ago. 

Where?

1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220

Libby Hill Park

Probably one of the most historic parks in all of Central Virginia, Libby Hill Park offers a close up look of downtown Richmond. It sits at the top of a hill that overlooks the river and the Lucky Strike building. Richmond got its name from the view from this park that resembled that of a town in England. Libby Hill Park doesn't have all the amneties that some of the other parks offer so it is a more quiet space to meditate and relax. Because this park doesn't have a lot of traffic coming through it, it is an ideal place to bring your dog for a nice breezy walk. 

Where?

2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA

Joseph Bryan Park

This park is on the outskirts of downtown Richmond, closer to Hermitage Rd. This park's greatest strenght it that it is quite large which makes it ideal for joggers and bikers. They have well defined trails that are mostly closed off to through traffic. This park has a kids playground, frisbee games and a soccer field. You could say that this park is mostly aimed to families with kids and young adults. The park has a lot of trees and shade with many sections filled with flowers and assorted plants. 

Where?

4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA

Even though we have not covered all the parks that exist in the area, these are some of the best ones, each having its own weaknesses and strenghts. 

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Renovations in RVA - A Young Perspective

(photo courtesy of Wikimedia, VCU)

Have you been downtown lately? It's the middle of the summer so you'd expect the city to be quiet with all the students on summer break. When you visit downtown though, even in the middle of the day, the city is vibrant with city life. 

A quick drive through the VCU Campus, Carytown and even Shockoe Slip will prove that there is a lot happening downtown. There are buildings being constructed left and right, spaces that have been previously unnoccupied are running as busy commercial spaces, and even the those streets that were considered as some of the less desirables areas are now being occupied with restaurants and small businesses. MCV keeps expanding adding the need for more student and resident housing close to Shockoe Bottom. VCU has created the demand for more restaurants and retail shoppes. Carytown has attracted more business in the past couple of years than they ever have with places like: Carytown Cupcakes, Mellow Mushroom, The Daily and a couple of Froyo places. 

Downtown is making a comeback and as homeowner or investor you should take advantage of an emerging housing market. As a homeowner you have the opportunity to make improvements on your existing property, don't let it detiorate in value because this area keeps growing and you need to grow with it. When it is time to sell, there is a good potential for a great return, especially if you're home is up to par with the modern architecture of the renovated warehouse spaces turned into apartments. You'll even have the upper hand because your home will be more in line with Richmond's traditional architecture. 

As an investor, it is time to look at downtown with the respect that it deserves, so many people have been turned off by the idea of living in a home that needs a lot of renovations. This challenge should be accepted as an opportunity to see the potential down the line. With the economy of downtown growing as exponentially as it has, this is a great time to invest in a property that is of a good value and bring it up to date. There will be interested parties that are willing to purchase a home that is ready to move in at an alarming rising rate.  

There is a lot of a lot of value in Downtown Richmond, you just need to have the vision for it. 

Around RVA: Festivals

Whether you are new to Richmond or not, there's always so many things to do. We're so impressed with this comprehensive list that Richmond.com has put together of things to do this week. We're also really glad to see Magpie on this list, since it is a restaurant that New Earth VA has helped remodel. Check out the article below for details on what's going on around Richmond! (Article via Richmond.com)

Wednesday, July 23

Treveri Sparkling and Fried Food Pairing at Metzger Bar and Butchery

Stop by this new Church Hill-area restaurant to learn all about Treveri Cellars sparkling wines and try some of chef Brittanny Anderson's snacks. Four wines, four snacks. $25. Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 24

Free Meet, Greet, and Eat with Free Run Wines and Andrew Jones of Field Recordings Wines at Saison Market

California winemaker Andrew Jones will be in town tasting his wines and chef Adam Hall will be cooking up some pairings for each wine. Free. Starts at 6 p.m.

The Kick-Off for 909 Courtyard's new Wine Tasting Series

First up: Wine Tasting I. Terricinia St. Clair from The Tipsy Sommelier will cover "basic wine tasting techniques as well as the various identifying characteristics of five of the noble wine varietals (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon).  And at the end of the course you'll be able to identify them by sight, smell and taste. Tickets are all-inclusive at $30 and can bepurchased here. Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, July 25

Lickinghole Creek tap takeover for the 23rd & Main One Year Anniversary Party

Lickinghole is taking over the bar at 23rd and Main for an anniversary party with food and drink specials and live music from 5 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 26

RVAle Belgian Summer Ale Release at Center of the Universe Brewing

 

The COTU folks are honoring Wort Share Competition winner Scott Golden with an RVAle release party, with lots of beer, live music and food trucks from 3 - 9 p.m.

 

Every Monday

 

Wine Down Monday at Lehja

 

All day and night on Monday, Lehja in Short Pump is doing half-off selections from its award-winning wine list.

Thursday, Aug. 7

Hardywood Park Craft Beer Dinner at Morton’s, $85

A four-course dinner with steak as the entrée and a beer appetizer at Morton’s at 6 p.m.MENU. Call (804) 648-1662 for reservations.

Friday, Aug. 15

Wine & Whiskers at The Shops at Willow Lawn

This free event features wineries, food sampling, and live music by the 80’s cover band Party McFly. It's just $10 to do the wine tasting, 6 - 9 p.m. Details.

More upcoming dining events:

Saturday, July 26

Tiki Party & Pig Roast at The Rogue Gentlemen, $30

The Rogue Gentlemen are roasting up a whole Autumn Olive Farms heritage pig and torch-lining the patio for their tiki party. Side dishes re included with the pig (and ticket price) an there will be tiki drinks with flowers and umbrellas. Tickets. Party starts at 5 p.m.

Pop-Up Cookout at Amuse

It's a party on the patio at Amuse from 5 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, with gourmet hot dogs, corn dogs, kimchi tater tots, Hardywood beer flowing, tons of craft cocktails and much more. No reservations necessary, just show up and enjoy (and pay for your things a la carte).

Monday, July 28

La Urraca at The Magpie

In celebration of its third anniversary, The Magpie is transforming itself into La Urraca for one-night only. The restaurant will be serving a "a mix of Spanish and Latin American flavors with an emphasis on traditional style street foods and complementing cocktails." The party starts at 5 p.m. and goes until whatever. Reservations are encouraged but not necessary. Menu coming soon.

The menu (prices will be $5 - $14)

(Article via Richmond.com)

Pros and Cons: Wooden Floors

As a Class-A contractor, New Earth gets often asked to install wooden floors in all types of homes. We have realized that people usually have quite a few questions about the process, the cost and some of the benefits and disadvantages of wooden floors. We've put together a list of things to consider when purchasing a new home or updating an old one to wooden floors. Let's start with the positive first:

Pro's

• Easy Clean Up - What makes this particularly important is that you can easily recognize dirt or dust and clean it up. There are plenty of ways to clean a wooden floor, from: items you can pick up at your local grocery store to steam mops that disinfect.
• Cost Effective Repairs - If a section of your wooden floor happens to be damaged, it is very easy to target the replacement of the floor. You don't need to replace the entire thing. 
• Environmentally Friendly - Wooden floors come from natural materials which means they are biodegradable and it is a resource that can be replanted. 
• Hypoallergenic - Suffering from allergies is no joke, wooden floors allow to measure the amount of dust and allergens that live on the surface. Other flooring options like carpet don't give you that level of control since carpeting is often considered a breeding ground for allergens. 

Con's

• Cost - It usually costs more money upfront to install wooden floors, although in the long run you might see the value because it is a low maintenance option. 
• Durability - Even though wooden floor tend to last for a long time, it can scratch easily especially if you have pets or kids in the house.

Although the our Con's list is not very extensive, price is something to consider that can be a major factor in your decision. Keep in mind that this is a long term investment and that you'll probably end up saving money in the long run. 

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Pros & Cons of Owning a Pool

It's hot outside and you think to yourself it might be very nice to have a pool in your backyard. You think to yourself that it would probably be a nice addition to your home and that it could potentially add some value to your property if done correctly. We have compiled a list of Pro's and Con's so you can make a better decision:

Pros:

• In a neighborhood that is full of houses with pools, not having one might make your house less desirable to a house that does

• The weather here in Virginia will allow you to use the pool between three to six months per year depending on the weather

• If you have a roomy yard this can definitely make a very much welcomed addition

Cons:

• The cost of the pool. An in-ground pool can cost between $30k up to $100k depending on the additions and details that you decide to add to the pool. This is an investment that you may or may not see back once you decide to sell

• You may limit the market that you are selling to. Families with small children might not like the idea of toddlers around pools but on the contrary families with older kids might be highly interested. 

• Maintenance is an added expense for a pool. There can be heating, filtration, repairs and materials for preservation of your pool. These all add to your already existing bills. 

There are many other things to consider when thinking of getting a pool and looking at alternatives like above ground pools that are sold as kits. What you need to take away from this article is that you may not get the cost of your pool back when you sell your home, try to keep the cost of your pool around ten percent of the value of your home so that way if you don't see your money back it is not a huge loss. Think of a pool as an added luxury that not everyone will want.


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Summer Insulation - 4 Tips

Insulation is not just for Winter, yes we want to stay warm during cold weather but just as heat can escape our homes or apartments over the winter so can cool air during the summer. Here are 5 things you want to look for in your home to ensure that you conserve as much cool temperature as possible while keeping your energy bill down.

1. Windows - A crack in the window, faulty seals, and lack of curtains can all contribute to increased heat in your home. Checking to ensure that there isn't any leaks of air can help keep the house a few degrees cooler which in turn will help with your electricity bill. Also, repairing and updating old windows can also affect how effective your cooling system is. 

1. Doors - They can expand and contract with the season's causing if they are made from wood, causing all kinds of gaps between the door frames, this can easily be fixed with door weather strips from your local home supply store. Also having a storm door can insulate better as well as allow you to have natural air flowing through the house during cooler days, this is an upgrade that is well welcomed by homeowners. 

1. Roof - Having little insulation in the roof can also have an impact because the roof receives so much heat during bright sunny days that if it is not properly covered, it can have some of that heat transferred indoors. We think of this especially during Winter because air rising but it is also important to keep an eye on it during the summer!

1. A/C Unit - Make sure your A/C unit is working the way it is supposed to, if you don't feel like the air it is pumping out is cool then check to make sure it has all the necessary fluids, that the unit has even properly maintained and that all the vents are cleared. A/C Units also have a warranty so make sure your warranty is active to qualify for free or reduced maintenance costs. 

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6 Reasons to Get a Brick Sidewalk

Thinking of building a sidewalk? Consider building one made from bricks, here are the top seven reason's New Earth Virginia thinks you should! 

1. Brick sidewalks are more durable than concrete. It is not one single unit so it is easy to fix, you just replace one two bricks at a time! 

1. Shifts and changes in the soil underneath won't ruin your sidewalk. Extreme heat, heavy rain, freezing temperatures can ruin a sidewalk, brick however allows room for: expansion, shrinkage and movement.

1. It will save money in the long run. You'll find the need to replace and fix your sidewalk very seldom, it might be a bigger investment upfront but it will be worth it!

1. Room for error. Laying the brick down might be a little more time consuming than just pouring cement out in a designated area, however making a mistake is a lot easier to fix with brick. 

1. Even if you don't make a mistake, a concrete sidewalk could get ruined during construction over climate, pets, kids, etc. These are things that are out of our control!

1. Think of the environment. The upkeep and the recycling of a brick sidewalk leaves a much smaller footprint than its counterparts. In addition to sustainability, it allows water to flow much naturally. This means less puddles or standing water and the soil is getting a constant flow of air and water. 

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Waterfalls

Many homeowners enjoy the advantages of having a garden or outdoor space in which to relax. This is one of the perks of owning a home, you can customize it to look and feel like a place that you'd want to be in. A great project idea to add value and enhance your garden can be to install a waterfall. 

• Serenity - it provides a quite and restful space for you and your family, a place where you can get away especially if your home is located in a busy area of town

• Value Added - this can make your home more appealing to potential buyers

• Pest Control - moving water won't allow mosquitoes to breed

• Bird Watching - you'll find that your small sanctuary will attract different types of animals in nature, including birds. 

There are many benefits to adding a waterfall but one of the best reasons is because of the relaxing and soothing sounds and space that a waterfall can create. A lot of people might think this could be an expensive project that requires a lot of maintenance or a big space in order to be built. This isn't neccesarily true depending on the size of the waterfall and the type of landscape that your home has. 

Landscape Planet points out a few different reasons on why this is a great idea for your home:

These are just a few of the reasons why adding a waterfall to your home is a good idea. We definitely support the idea of home improvements and making your home as appealing as possible since it will add overall value as long as it properly maintained and cared for. 

Some of our ideas featured on this blog are ideas that you can execute yourself and can find different guides for online. For all your home improvement ideas that you need help with, call New Earth to get an estimate (804) 955-0257

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After a big storm...

Wow, what a week we've had here in Central Virginia. With so many unexpected rain storms that made some of our homes shatter to the very core. We've also had a very significant amount of hail in some areas, not to mention some of the trees that have fallen down in some of our neighbors yards.

Some of us might have experienced a little light leakage here and there in our windows. Most of us might not really see any signs of damage after a big storm so we might think everything is all and well. This can be true for the most part but it is always a smart idea to check out for leaks throughout the house especially in your roofs.

Roof repairs can be extremely costly and with every storm and season our roofs begin to wither and deteriorate. Over time you want to do periodic checks on your roof to ensure there are no major issues with it. Here are some of the things to check for:

• Overall appearance. Are there cracks or any general signs of wear and tear?

• Debris. Is your roof covered in branches and leaves? If so this needs to be cleared out to get a better picture on the state of your roof

• Drainage. Your drains and gutters need to be clear of any accumulations of leaves because blocking of these channel could cause water collection and eventual leaks

• Roof joints can be especially prone to damage so make sure these are inspected as well

If you do discover that your roof needs services, check to see if you have warranty with the manufacturer or with your contractor because this can keep repair and replacement costs down. However if you don't have a warranty you need to call a contractor or roof specialist to come and check out the roof as soon as possible. Leaks and punctures can cause thousands of dollars in damage to the interior of your home ruining: electrical equipment, furnitures, appliances and can cause flooding.

For all your home improvement needs, renovations and restorations - Call New Earth for your consultation (804) 955-0257

To read more on roof maintenance click here to visit Facilities.net

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Historic Home Restorations

There has been a great appeal for newly renovated history homes. Home buyers gravitate more and more to houses that have an antique exterior with historic moldings and accents but modern appliances and bathrooms. Young professionals with families are more prone to be interested in this type of property. Richmond is the perfect location for those who have interested in that specific type of architectural style. Areas like the Fan, Churchill and Northside have an increasing number of homes that are being renovated and resuscitated to new life with kitchen and bathroom additions. Part of the renovations also include opening the space, making common living room spaces larger to give the illusion that one sits in one large room. This wasn’t very typical of old homes since they were separated into small rooms. 

The decor of these houses is usually a combination of antique looking furniture with modern art pieces, chrome lighting fixtures, chandeliers and neutral wall colors. The flooring typically remains made out of wood unless it is a bathroom or kitchen were tile is being used. Different kinds of rugs and curtains are used to create multidimensional textures. Accent pillows and blankets are also used all over the property to create a sense of homeyness. Windows are expanded and exposed to enable as much natural light as possible in every room. 

We’d like to see more of these homes preserved, because even though they might not be in all of their original glory they can be transformed into livable and upgraded houses that retain some of their original charm.  

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Tips for Spring

Spring is here and soon it will be summer, before this wonderful weather runs out there are a few projects that you should consider doing that our friends at Forbes Magazine suggest. 

1. Gutter Check

This one seems simple enough  but most people overlook it. The reason why you should check your gutters is because a lot has accumulated over the Fall and Winter. Having a backed up gutter can cause all kinds of problems to your home including leaky roofs and fire hazards. This is a project that will not take very long but can save you a lot of money. 

2. Chimney Sweep 

A lot of older home in Richmond, VA have fireplaces. Again, they could be heavily backed up from use over the winter to all kinds of debris coming in from the outside. If a chimney is not properly kept it can be a major fire hazard. Do it now so you don't have to worry about it later on! 

3. Water Pipes

This one is definitely one that can be easily missed. Water pipes can freeze over the winter, especially in Virginia. Water freezes and expands in the pipes, sometimes rupturing them. This can be a very costly problem if it is not address immediately. Broken pipes can cause floods in unexpected areas of the house costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

4. Air Conditioning

Summer will be here before you know it and with that you'll have a vey expensive AC bill. Optimizing your home for climate control is a good idea for saving money down the long run. Make sure that you don't have any leaks in windows, doors, attic, etc. Also ensure that your AC unit has all the properly maintenance done: filters, cooling liquids, etc. You can find different set on AC maintenance by visiting different resource sites on the web. 

5. Roofing

Your roof has taken a beating over these couple of seasons so it is smart to check to make sure everything is in order. This is something that if you suspect could be a problem, you might want to call a professional to inspect your roof. It can be a dangerous spot to check yourself so if you have any doubts we recommend to leave it to the professionals. 

To read this article in full please visit Forbes.com

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