Blox News

18/07/2025

Throughout Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh, open land and refined neighborhoods provide the perfect backdrop for multi-generational estate properties. Designed to evolve alongside a family’s needs, these homes embody the quiet luxury of permanence, privacy, and thoughtful architectural clarity. Will Johnson Building Company builds more than structures—they create enduring legacies.

Explore how Will Johnson Building Company designs and builds estate homes and family compounds across Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and the Triangle—homes built for generations.

18/07/2025

Platform protections like Airbnb’s Host Guarantee are often misunderstood by coastal hosts. While they offer some limited help, they don’t provide true insurance protection when it comes to guest injuries, property loss from storms, or periods of forced vacancy.

Coastal rental properties demand more than a general policy—they need solutions tailored to local weather patterns, occupancy rates, and commercial use risks. Explore Barber Insurance Agency's insights for North Carolina hosts:
https://insuringnc.com/blog/airbnb-vrbo-insurance-in-coastal-nc-what-every-host-should-know/

14/07/2025

Permitting for custom homes in North Carolina’s Triangle region can be a complex journey involving multiple agencies and regulatory layers. A builder experienced with local jurisdictions can help navigate the paperwork, inspections, and approvals that can otherwise result in costly hold-ups.

Early and proactive engagement with permitting officials, combined with an integrated design-build approach, supports a smoother process, aligning construction progress with municipal expectations. For more details, visit https://speightbuilt.com/blog/what-to-know-before-building-a-custom-home-in-north-carolina/.

09/07/2025

Thinking about building a home in Raleigh? This guide walks through the real costs involved—from land prep to finish selections—and it’s one of the more transparent breakdowns I’ve seen.

It touches on everything that can quietly shift your budget, like grading, permitting timelines, and even neighborhood-level differences across the Triangle.

Really useful if you’re in the early stages of planning: https://speightbuilt.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-custom-home-in-raleigh-nc/

27/06/2025

Accidents on Someone Else’s Property Aren’t Always Accidents.

A slip on a broken sidewalk. A fall down unsafe stairs. An injury at a crowded event with poor safety measures. When property owners neglect basic safety, the results can be painful—and costly for the victim.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it’s not just unfortunate—it may be grounds for a premises liability claim. Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors, guests, and customers.

What happens next matters. Taking the right steps immediately can protect your rights and your ability to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

This guide breaks down exactly what to do:
✔️ How to document the scene
✔️ What information you need to collect
✔️ Why notifying the property owner is critical
✔️ When to speak with a personal injury attorney
✔️ What to expect from the claims process

Whether it happened at a business, someone’s home, or a public event like a July 4th gathering, this is information you’ll want to know.

Read the full guide: 👉 https://www.zaralawgroup.com/post/what-to-do-if-youve-been-injured-on-someone-elses-property

25/06/2025

Design vision without context often leads to misalignment, especially when building a one-of-a-kind residence. Understanding how traditional craftsmanship or modern minimalism aligns with available land is critical when exploring opportunities in Raleigh, Durham, and beyond.

Larger lots may initially seem ideal until style-driven setbacks or topography limit their function, while smaller parcels offer surprising versatility for forward-thinking layouts rooted in efficiency and light. This in-depth article examines how style and lot selection shape the building journey, helping homeowners uncover the best fit for their long-term goals and daily lifestyle. https://speightbuilt.com/blog/classic-vs-contemporary-custom-homes-choosing-the-right-lot-for-your-custom-home/

18/06/2025

Cracks, Crumbles & Costly Repairs—Why Fireplace Tuckpointing Can’t Wait

If your fireplace shows signs of cracking mortar, flaking joints, or uneven bricks, it’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a signal that your fireplace’s structure may be at risk. At Chicagoland Fireplace & Chimney Restoration Company, we’ve seen firsthand how deteriorated mortar can lead to fire hazards, energy inefficiency, and even structural failure if left unaddressed.

Tuckpointing is more than patchwork—it’s preservation. Our professional team restores your fireplace’s integrity by removing damaged mortar and applying a precise, durable blend that seals joints, resists heat transfer, and restores original charm. From historic indoor hearths to exposed backyard stone fireplaces, we match mortar color and style to blend seamlessly with your home’s design while reinforcing its safety.

Why does this matter? Because well-maintained masonry isn’t just safer—it holds value. Repairing mortar early can save thousands in full rebuilds and elevate the resale appeal of your home. Whether you’re seeing visible gaps or subtle signs like drafts or musty odors, it’s time for a professional evaluation. We serve homeowners, HOAs, and property managers throughout Chicagoland with industry-leading craftsmanship and decades of local masonry experience.

We also specialize in multi-unit, HOA, and historic property tuckpointing—ensuring compliance, consistency, and curb appeal across larger structures and landmark homes.

🧱 Cracks wider than 1/8 inch 💨 Drafts or moisture near your fireplace 🌫️ Smoke backflow or musty smells 🌧️ Visible water staining or flaking mortar

These are all signs your fireplace is calling for help.
🧰 Learn more about the value of professional tuckpointing and our full process: 🔗 https://www.chicagolandfireplacechimney.com/fireplace-blog/mortar-matters-tuckpointing-services-for-indoor-outdoor-fireplaces
📞 Call us at 1-708-649-9000 📧 Email [email protected] 📍 Serving the entire Chicagoland area from Villa Park, IL
Your fireplace deserves more than a quick fix. Let’s preserve it the right way. 🔥

10/06/2025

Learn how tuckpointing preserves your indoor or outdoor fireplace. Discover signs of mortar damage, benefits of repair, and expert tips from Chicagoland Fireplace & Chimney Restoration.

04/06/2025

Homes Designed with the Environment in Mind

From energy efficiency to biophilic design, Speight Built creates homes that are carefully aligned with both their surroundings and the people who live in them. Window placement is based on light modeling to optimize daylight throughout the home, while skylights and solar tubes introduce natural light into central or enclosed spaces. Design decisions—such as translucent partitions, glass railings, and open floor plans—are made to encourage a sense of continuity between interior and exterior.

Materials and finishes are selected not only for their visual appeal but for how they respond to light and reinforce a calming, natural atmosphere. Through this thoughtful integration of architecture and environment, Speight Built delivers custom homes that support comfort, clarity, and long-term well-being.

Read how Speight Built designs with intention and light in every corner: https://speightbuilt.com/blog/bringing-the-outdoors-in-designing-custom-homes-with-natural-light-and-views/