Publishers letter for Summer issue 2008

It's definitely summer time in the Triangle – because it's HOT! Speaking of sizzling, how is your yard looking this summer? If you’re like me, you gave up during the drought last year and promised to start implementing a strategy this year to keep everything alive.

It’s definitely summer time in the Triangle – because it’s HOT! Speaking of sizzling, how is your yard looking this summer? If you’re like me, you gave up during the drought last year and promised to start implementing a strategy this year to keep everything alive. And, if you’re like me, you kicked back during the spring rains this year and thought “well, it might be a milder summer…”. And here we are again. According to our Greenbuilding Series author, Kelly McCall Branson, it’s still not too late to Xeriscape. What’s Xeriscaping? Read the article starting on page 54 to find out. This article is loaded with good information on how to make the best of the dry, hot weather this summer while keeping your yard as “green” as possible!


Have you ever thought about having your own backyard retreat? If you’re thinking about it, check out our “Before and After” article on page 80 and see how one remodeler, H. Glazer Builder, Inc.,  worked with a homeowner to turn their less than “cool” deck into a “Bountiful Veranda,” a place that anyone would want to spend time in – regardless of the weather!


Hopefully you love your house so much that you also enjoy spending time indoors. If you want some creative ideas for remodeling or renovating, we have several articles in this issue to choose from. Starting from the ground up, read about some options for new flooring in “What’s New Underfoot,” starting on page 88. Or, if you want to get away into your own bathroom “oasis,” check out the “Refresh and Renew” article, which features five bathrooms starting on page 20. (Two of these baths are actually cool retreats for “mans best friend” during the “dog days” of summer!)

Maybe you are simply looking for a new home that already has everything you are looking for: beautiful flooring, a great bathroom, or a beautiful (and healthy) yard and other custom amenities? If so, you have come to the right place! On the “flip side” of New Homes & Ideas, you will see the best selection of the Triangle’s new home communities arranged by geography and price.


With interest rates at an all-time low and the Triangle labeled as one of the very best places to live and work in the country, now truly is a great time for you to buy a home. So what are you waiting for? Stop dreaming and start shopping beginning within these pages!


For additional information on homes, home products and services available in the Triangle, please go to www.NewHomesAndIdeas.com. In addition to what you see here, we have a plethora of articles archived on our website that will answer your questions on builders, new home communities, renovating, remodeling, decorating and more! So please – relax and enjoy this issue and stay “cool”! Remember, it all starts with a great idea!


Darcia Black, Publisher