Welcome to Metzler Home Builders

Welcome back to another episode of Behind the Build, a series to take you behind the scenes with the Metzler Home Builders team.

In this episode we sit down with Nate “the great” Buckwalter.

Watch the Episode HERE

​ Earlier we took a look at a few different categories of regulations that can affect your building project such as zoning, stormwater and building codes. This week we will take a closer look at how zoning laws and regulations impact how and what we can build in residential construction.Zoning Ordinances create rules around dimensional allowances (setbacks, lot coverage, building height, etc.) as well as the “use” or function of the property. One of the ways this works is that throughout a municipality there will be different areas (Zones) designated as Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial or Recreational Use. This naturally keeps like or similar uses in certain areas of a specific township.In residential zoning, there will often be several classifications within a specific municipality such as (R1, R2, R3 Zones) These residential zones will typically have different setback requirements based on the lot sizes that they are designed to create. Higher density zoning is typically reserved for areas that have public water and public sewer infrastructure available. It is much more practical to create smaller building lots when a well and septic system isn’t required to serve the home as these obviously require more land to be developed. Aerial Image of Parkside at Lampeter currently under Construction Regarding planning a build on a single lot, the most impactful zoning regulations will often be the building setback requirements, lot coverage requirements, and building height. Building setbacks simply dictate the distance your home must be placed from front, rear and side property lines, this ensures property distance from neighboring homes and keeping homes situated safely back from the street.Lot coverage requirements are typically a percentage allowance that your home and another other impervious surface is allowed to take up relative to the entire lot area. Building Height limits are pretty self-explanatory and are generally around 30-35 for most residential zoning areas. If you are exploring a custom home build, let us help you navigate the zoning regulations that will impact your build.​ “Zoning has been the most influential innovation in American land-use regulation—and one of the most controversial.”​ ​— Jane Jacobs, paraphrased from The Death and Life of Great American Cities Post by: Jordan Metzler

We live in an undeniably global world. Our access to products and services impacts our lives, from the variety of food in our stores to the vehicles we drive, from the clothing we wear to the lattes we sip. Whether we realize it or not, individuals around the world touch our lives. ​Don’t worry—this post is not directed at politics or economics—at least, that’s not my intent. I hope that we can all become slightly more aware of how we rely on people around the globe. ​​ The homes we build, renovate, and inhabit are impacted by our global connections. From the tools at our fingertips to the materials used to construct our homes, the places we call home are enhanced by these connections. Here are just a few examples. Our Canadian neighbors provide a significant amount of lumber for the construction industry. Some steel, aluminum, cement, and gypsum, a key ingredient in drywall, are imported. Roofing shingles, vinyl siding, fuel for deliveries, and a plethora of other items are impacted by the oil industry. Even copper, which is used in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, while mined in the U.S., saw a net import reliance of 45% in 2024 (according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025 report). Have you ever admired Calacatta marble from the Apuan Mountains in Italy? What about ceramic tile? While some tiles come from Italy, imports from India, Spain, and Mexico typically top the list. ​ While this list could continue ad nauseam, I hope these examples provide awareness that we no longer build or live off the land directly around us. So when you’re turning on a faucet or peeling a banana, remember that others around the world make it possible. May we all become more mindful of our global citizenship. Post by: Tim Zehr

Welcome back to another episode of Behind the Build, a series that takes you behind the scenes with the Metzler Home Builders team.

In this episode we sit down with Derick May.

Watch the Episode HERE

The residential construction industry is not for the faint of heart! We are governed by many different layers of regulation and codes. Most of these rules and regulations make a lot of sense at a high level, but some become confusing and challenging to navigate in practice.

Adding to the complexity for builders, contractors and our clients is the issue of how these different regulations get interpreted and enforced. Within Lancaster County alone there are 60 different municipalities whose zoning officials, engineers, and building inspectors often have distinct and unique views on the rules and regulations they enforce.

For the purposes of this series, we will start with a broad overview of several different segments of these regulations we must meet, and dive deeper into certain categories as we go.

Zoning

Local Municipalities have Zoning Ordinances in place which govern things like “setback lines” – ie how close a dwelling or other type of building can be to its property lines, as well as “lot coverage” – ie what percentage of area buildings, driveways, patios, etc. can take up of the overall property size, and “building height”

These regulations are typically broken down into zones in a specific municipality to keep a level of uniformity and as well as strategy in future land use.

Stormwater Management

We’ll just scratch the surface here and take a deep dive in some later newsletters. Stormwater management in its simplest definition is to manage the rate and volume of rain water as it “runs off” impervious surfaces (roof areas, patios, driveways, etc.)

Ultimately the management of stormwater is a critical and necessary component of any building or development project. I believe we can all agree to protecting our downstream neighbors as well as the streams, rivers and eventually the Chesapeake Bay where our rain water ends up.

We will look closer at how these regulations affect, specifically “scattered lot” building, where one lot is being developed to build one custom home.

Building Codes

It’s hard to believe that roughly 25 years ago there were many places we built homes that didn’t require any building plan reviews or building inspections during construction. It is certainly a positive development to ensure a minimum standard of structural integrity and safety is being met in residential home building.

Many of the building code changes of the last decade have focused more around “energy code” updates and the requirements of making a home “tighter” and more energy efficient.

The reality is that some who are looking to build may have more familiarity or understanding of these terms and concepts than others, that’s ok. We are here to help! At Metzler Home Builders we have spent the last 20-25 years gaining greater understanding of building codes and zoning requirements, and the last 10+ years navigating the evolving and often complex regulations related to stormwater management on single lot construction.

We are here to help you understand what you need and be your partner and advocate as we guide you through these processes.

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“Regulations, like bureaucracy, tend to strangle creative effort. But [WE] must be a master of them, bending them to serve the art rather than allowing them to dictate mediocrity.”

-Frank Lloyd Wright

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Post by: Jordan Metzler

We regularly receive inquiries for various renovation projects, ranging from window and door replacements to whole-house remodels and second-floor additions. Over the years, we’ve observed shifts in the types of renovations requested. Here are the top five ideas we’re seeing in 2025.

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• Primary Suite Renovations

How we begin and close our days is important to our well-being. Our surroundings play a large role in how we feel. Updates to our bedroom and bath can help lift our spirits. Even maximizing closet storage can have an impact. Having a comfortable space where we finish the day, rest well, and refresh for each new day is vital to how we interact with those around us.

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• Multigenerational Living

Requests for multigenerational living spaces—whether you consider it an in-law suite, granny flat, elder cottage, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—are on the rise. With the rising cost of senior living accommodations, many families are considering this option. The financial, emotional, social, caregiving, and intergenerational benefits of multigenerational living are well documented. However, here in Lancaster County, zoning regulations impact what can and cannot be constructed or used as a multigenerational space. Contact us for assistance navigating these regulations.

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• Kitchen Expansion

When it comes time for kitchen modifications, the debate is whether to work within the existing kitchen’s confines or expand into existing or new areas. Frequently, working within an existing kitchen space is like moving sand in the desert; no matter how much you shift things around, the same challenges remain. Expanding your kitchen space provides more functionality and creates the opportunity for more features, such as double ovens, larger cooktops, and walk-in pantries. Additionally, warm wood tones are making a comeback as painted cabinetry moves out of the limelight.

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• Whole House Remodels

For many of us, the need to refresh our homes is stifled by not knowing where to begin or end. Every space needs something. A whole-home renovation can be a viable solution, allowing the renovations to occur over the shortest overall timeframe and, often, resulting in the lowest financial output. Whole home renovations can include both interior and exterior changes. These types of renovations have the challenges of finding space to live and storing your belongings while the work is being done. Some people chose to move out of their home; when this is not an option, phasing becomes a practical solution. Phasing increases the cost, so limiting the number of phases and the amount of time between them minimizes any cost increase.

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• Exterior Refresh

Updating your home’s facade has immediate appeal. Enhancing curb appeal isn’t only important when planning to sell—it’s vital to how you feel about your abode. Driving down the street and smiling when you see your home has a significant impact on your well-being. This isn’t just limited to the front of your home; refreshing all sides, including the outdoor living spaces, impacts the peace you feel with your surroundings.

Post by: Tim Zehr

We’re excited to launch Behind the Build, a series that takes you behind the scenes with the Metzler Home Builders team.

In this first episode, we sit down with Mike Trout as he shares both professional and personal insights.

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Watch the Episode on YouTube by Clicking HERE.

“We exist to build relationships by creating and improving homes for the betterment of our community”

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Metzler Home Builders has always been about relationships first. Whether client relationships, trade partners, suppliers, real estate agents or various business consultants who support of our business, we value long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

The designing and building of homes is WHAT we do, but it doesn’t tell the full story of the WHY behind it.

I like to break down our mission statement like this;

We exist…….

To: Build Relationships

Our “Why” is Relationships; if we can be a successful business and treat everyone we interact with as a true partner in what we are doing and not just a means to an end, we can all feel better about what we are doing at the end of the day.

By: Creating and Improving Homes

The “What” we are doing is the most obvious; Building Custom Homes, Building Homes in Communities; Improving Homes through Additions, Renovations and Service and Warranty work (soon to be rebranded and reimagined as “Home Care”!)

For: The Betterment of our Community

And ultimately “For Who?” –This certainly applies to the actual work we are doing in improving existing homes and creating new homes and communities. Our work naturally improves aesthetics, property values and we hope the morale of the community in some small way.

Beyond the actual outcome of our work as builders, developers or remodelers, our hope is that we can use our influence and success in business as a way to re-invest in the community. This is happening through partnerships with many organizations and non-profits that we support right here in our local community.

This month we spent time packaging food bags for children within the Solanco School District.

Solanco Neighborhood Ministries – Food for Snack Bags we packed at our February Staff Meeting. Click HERE to learn more about how you can help partner.

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Post by: Jordan Metzler

Our team and trade partners are hard at work bringing the Parkside Community to life. Here are some updates to show the progress that has been made since we first broke ground roughly 10 months ago!

Initial Ground Breaking on Site Work: April 2024

Ground Breaking on First Home: August 2024

First Settled / Occupied Home: Projected March 2025

Most Popular Model: The Willow

Sold/Reserved Units: 11

Finished Homes for Sale: 1

Available Lots Remaining in Phase 1: 8

Parkside Time Lapse Video

For the most up to date information on available lots at Parkside at Lampeter visit our website!

​Post by: Jordan Metzler

The devastating wildfires in California remind us of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and environmental conditions. While Pennsylvania may not face the same wildfire threats at this time, building resilient homes here is equally important—not just for durability, but also for ensuring the health and safety of those who live in them.

Durable Homes

Resiliency begins with durability. Our homes must withstand a wide range of weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to hurricane-like storms to near hundred-degree temperatures. Here are a few strategies to help keep your home durable:

1. Advanced Waterproofing Systems: High-quality roofing materials, like metal or impact-resistant shingles, and quality siding materials, like fiber cement and advanced wood siding, can endure strong winds, hail, and heavy snow loads.
2. Proper Air-sealing and Insulation: Proper insulation and air sealing can dramatically increase the health, comfort and durability of your home. With the recent snow, you have a great opportunity to review your heat loss. Examine your roof after it snows and see if there are spots that have melted faster than others. Those areas will give you an indication of whether there is heat loss in your ceiling. Below are examples of similar homes in orientation and roof pitch.

House #1: this home has an even amount of insulation. The snow has not melted except slightly near the ridge vent where air is venting.

House #2: this home has some heat loss near the chimney and right side of the home. This is indicated by the melted snow around these areas. Heat from the home moves through the attic in areas where minimal insulation exists and melts the snow above.

House #3: this home has dramatic heat loss. Most of the snow has melted off the roof due to minimal insulation. So much so, that the rafters in the roof are cooler than the attic and slow the snow from melting where the rafters are located.

A Community Effort

Creating resilient homes is about more than individual properties; it’s about fostering strong communities. Builders, designers, and homeowners must collaborate to prioritize durability and health, ensuring homes stand strong for generations while protecting those who live within them. Together, we can rise to the challenges of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Post by: Kent Mylin