|
VPC BUILDERS WINS BEST OF THE BEST
|
|
Watauga Democrat People's Choice Awards
|
 VPC Builders was voted the Best Home Builder, for the second year in a row, and Best Fencing Company in Watauga County in the 5th Annual Watauga Democrat People's Choice Awards!
Watauga Democrat readers submitted their favorites in more than 100 categories, such as best doctor, best plumbing company, best body shop  and best steakhouse, among many, many others. The 2015 Best of the Best winners were honored Thursday, April 9th at a sold-out Watauga Democrat Best of the Best dinner and awards banquet at Boone United Methodist Church. We are so proud to accept these awards and appreciate the support from our community. Thank you for voting for us! Click here to read about the awards banquet. See all the winners here.
|
|
Whole House Remodel in Sugar Grove
|
VPC completely remodeled this charming log cabin in Sugar Grove from top to bottom. Added features to the home include new stone fireplaces in the great room and the bonus room with reclaimed barn wood mantles, along with added framing and supports under both to help carry the loads from the new fireplaces, new tile shower and claw foot tub in the master bathroom, and new vanities with granite counter tops in every bathroom.
Two closets were removed and a full bath was converted into a powder room to make space for a new bar area with custom cabinetry, granite counter tops, and a wine refrigerator. The loft bathroom was completely demoed and reconfigured. The vinyl tile in the laundry room was replaced with real tile in the laundry room and hardwood floors in the sun room. New cabinets, granite counter tops, and high-efficiency appliances were added to the kitchen. All the hardwood floors throughout the home were sanded and stained.
Click here to see more photos.
|
 Hello everyone! Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful spring weather, i.e. rain, we've been having! You know what they say, April showers bring May flowers!
Like many of us, homes need a tune-up after the long winter months. Everything from the roof to the garbage disposal needs a once-over after the winter season. To help you cover all the bases, I've compiled a spring-maintenance checklist for you. Complete it and your home will thank you.
- Inspect screens (both house and vent screens to attic or crawl space) for tears and bent frames.
- Clean window screens. Lay flat and scrub with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Inspect outdoor structures for deterioration - especially signs of rot. Use a small awl to probe posts, railings and window sills for soft spots. If you find any, have them replaced or repaired.
- Inspect gas grills. Remove cooking grills and clean with soapy water and a brush with brass bristles. Remove grease from lava rocks and ceramic briquettes by turning them over and igniting the burners for 10 minutes on high heat.
- Caulk open joints, particularly around windows and doors.
- Inspect the crawl space or basement after rains for water accumulation or excessive moisture. Look for signs of water damage on the sub-floor and joists beneath bathrooms, the kitchen and laundry. Find and fix leaks ASAP.
- Shut off the water to the washing machine, remove the water supply hoses and examine them and the washers. Replace worn and damaged ones.
- Check fire extinguishers for pressure, damage, and expiration.
- Check all weather stripping around doors and windows for wear, damage or loss of flexibility. Replace material that is no longer blocking air.
- Clean your garbage disposal. Grind two trays of ice cubes made from a mixture of one cup white vinegar to one gallon of water.
Hope you all can get outside and enjoy springtime in our beautiful mountains! To conclude, here's a little dog wisdom: "I feel sorry for people who don't have dogs. I hear they have to pick up their own food if they drop it on the ground."
Best Regards,
Thor
|
|
TEAM VPC FINISHES SPARTAN SPRINT
|
 Congratulations to team VPC Builders for completing the Charlotte Spartan Sprint on Saturday, April 11! Team VPC ran over 4 miles and tackled 22 obstacles through the mud all for a good cause. Team VPC Builders raced to raise money for the Purple Heart Homes - High Country Chapter, and raised a grand total of $5,265!! Thanks to everyone who donated!
Spartan Race is a series of
obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. The series include the Spartan Sprint (3+ miles of
 obstacle racing), the Super Spartan (8+ miles), the Spartan Beast (12+ miles), and the Ultra Beast (26+ miles). Learn more at
Spartan.com.
|
WHAT INSPIRES US...
JK Rowling Speech at Harvard Commencement
 JK Rowling, author of the internationally bestselling Harry Potter series, delivered a stirring speech called "The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination" at the 2008 Harvard Commencement exercises. The speech urges you to embrace and learn from your failures so that you can learn who you are and what you truly want in life. In her speech, the "Harry Potter" author spoke of her early struggles as a writer and the importance of failure as a "stripping away of the inessential."
"I have heard and read many commencement speeches, none more moving and memorable than J.K. Rowling's," Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust said in a statement. "Years after her visit to Harvard, people still talk about it and still find inspiration in her singular evocation of the idea that living a meaningful life so often means daring to risk failure." Watch the full speech here.
|
|
Super D Race Attracts Cyclists Statewide, Despite Overcast Skies
|
Rain held out for the Super D downhill mountain bike race, which drew cyclists from around the state to Boone for the second year in a row. The race, held at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, covered 1.25 miles of trails and featured a 300-foot drop in elevation. About 50 riders took anywhere from 4 to more than 6 minutes to span the trail. Read more.
|
|
County to Revisit Plans for 421 Business Park
|
Economic development advocates in Watauga County are again looking for some common ground with county commissioners to locate and build a business and technology park along the U.S. 421 corridor.
After digressing last year from the original plans for a business park to be located somewhere Boone and Deep Gap along the traffic corridor, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission is returning to that original master plan for the Four-Twenty-One South project.
Read more.
|
|
Direct-to-Farmer Grant Funding Allows Area Operations to Expand
|
 Funding from Heifer International through BRWIA has enabled eight farmers across the five county-region to start a variety of projects. Roughly $32,000 has been distributed to these deserving farmers. Heifer, a global nonprofit, is dedicated to working with communities to end hunger and poverty through sustainable agricultural practices.
Read more.
|
|
Your April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home
|
With gardens springing to life, the days lengthening and the outdoors beckoning (even if it is still chilly), April is a month of renewal. It's time to dust off the outdoor furniture, tidy up and refresh decor. And with Earth Day on the calendar, it's also a great time to adopt a few green habits. Here are 11 to-dos to get your home and yard in the spring spirit. Read more.
|
|
9 Tricks to Boost Your Home's Appeal for Less Than $400
|
 Whether you're redecorating or just doing a quick update, check out these ways to enhance your home on a budget. Even if you're not planning to sell your home anytime soon, these touches could help you make a welcome change to your home for a relatively low price.
Read more.
|
|
Kitchen Ideas: How to Choose the Perfect Backsplash
|
 The humble backsplash has come a long way. Once upon a time, its purpose was purely functionall. Today the availability of all manner of materials in a wide array of finishes means your backsplash can make more of a statement. To help you decide which material would work best for you, we offer expert advice on the 10 most popular backsplash materials.
Read more.
|
VPC BUILDERS + WINE TO WATER
Let us help you with your home projects and we'll donate 1% of the building cost to Wine to Water!
Wine to Water is a non-profit organization that has provided clean water and sanitation to people in need all over the world.
Nearly 800 million people in the
 world today lack access to adequate water and 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation. Wine to Water is devoted to fighting this epidemic. Please see their website to learn more about this wonderful group of people!
www.winetowater.org
All you need to do today is contact VPC Builders for any home project, reference this article, and we'll donate 1% of the building cost- it's that simple!
|
VP
C Builders is a full-service construction firm specializing in commercial and residential construction in North Carolina and South Carolina. We are the High Country's leading builder in Green design and LEED certification with solar and geothermal energy expertise. VPC Builders offers quality craftsmanship with exceptional customer service with an in-house design team specializing in drafting and interior design. If you need additional information about our services please don't hesitate to call.
Visit our website to learn more about our company and our recent projects!
|
|
|
MOUNTAIN VIEW SPEEDWAY
March 28-September 26
Mountain View Speedway at the High Country Fairgrounds in Boone is the home of the fastest cars in the mountains. Watch local hero's do battle. Bring the whole family to watch the excitement!
Find out more.
|
FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL
May 1 Shop, mingle and meet local artists from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at our shops and galleries and stay late for live music, food and drinks at one of our many fine restaurants.
Find out more.
|
BONFIRE NIGHTS AT CHETOLA
May 2
Every Saturday from 5-8pm at the new lawn firepit. Featuring live music, S'mores, and an outdoor bar. No reservations are necessary.
Find out more.
|
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN NATURALIST WEEKEND
May 15-17
A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered at Grandfather Mountain. Join us for three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of the mountain.
Find out more.
|
BEECH MOUNTAIN METRIC
May 16 A classic mountain metric century that finishes at the top of Beech Mountain, famed climb of past Tour DuPont rides. With 8000 ft of climbing, it's a true test for the strongest of riders.
Find out more.
|
SPRING FLING
May 16
Join the Blowing Rock School for their annual Spring Fling. Events include a 5k Fun Run(8am-10am), Food vendors, Health and Wellness Events, and more (11am-3pm)
Find out more.
|
BROOKS & DUNN TRIBUTE
May 16
Larry Turner and Doug Brewin put on a great show with good music and comedy as they perform as Brooks & Dunn at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater. Call for tickets, 336-246-2900.
Find out more.
|
MUSIC IN THE VALLE
March 28-29
Held at Valle Crucis Community Park and continues each Friday evening through September 11th. Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale.
Find out more.
|
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
May 26 Take a walk through the galleries with the Curator and learn about a few of our latest exhibits! Afterwards, have coffee and informal conversation with the Curator in the Community Meeting Room.
Find out more.
|
GRANDFATHER MTN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND
May 29-31 Learn from top nature photographers and photograph nature at its best on Grandfather Mountain. Presentations are planned in the evenings, while participants photograph spectacular scenery and native animals during the day.
Find out more.
|
BACKSTREET PARK CONCERT
May 29
Free Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series featuring Wayne Henderson & Helen White. Held every 3rd & 4th Friday nights May-August, 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music!
Find out more.
|
|
 |
|
