Metzler Home Builders Blog

How will regulations affect my build?

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.

“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

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Love Your Home Again: Top Renovation Ideas for 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Behind the Build: Mike Trout

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.

Watch the Episode on YouTube by Clicking HERE.

Our Mission

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

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.

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Parkside at Lampeter Update

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

Building Resilience: Durability

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:

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.
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

2024 Recap; 2025 Outlook

It’s 2025, and here at Metzler Home Builders we are excited for the year ahead. There were many highlights to celebrate from last year, as well as plenty to look forward to this year.

A Few 2024 Highlights

Parkside at Lampeter Ground Breaking

After many years of planning and waiting, we finally broke ground on this legacy project which has been in the works for 15+ years. We are excited that we have almost half of the lots in phase one sold, and we project phase one to be sold out and close to being built out by end of 2025.

Award Winning Parade of Homes House

We went a different direction than our typical design approach with a more contemporary style for this home in a wooded setting. The “Woodland Contemporary” garnered numerous awards at the Lancaster BIA Parade of Homes Gala, and more recently the home has gone under contract!

Award Winning Renovation Projects

We received two awards for major renovation projects we completed for the BIA’s Pillar Awards this fall.

BIA Pillar Awards

Continued Steady Growth

We added one additional team member this year. Derick May, who is working as an architectural drafter, was hired in May, 2024. In addition, Nate Buckwalter, who was hired in late 2023, has settled into his role as our site supervisor at Parkside at Lampeter.

Looking forward to 2025

We are excited about the continued interest and sales at Parkside at Lampeter, as well as many great custom home and renovation projects that will move from design and preconstruction phase into construction.

We expect to continue growth of our team through an additional design and selections position, as well as a project management position that will soon be openly recruited. Metzler Home Builders is excited to find motivated individuals who share our values to add to our growing team.

We are also continuing to provide new ways to bring value to our clients. Metzler Home Builders will be offering a comprehensive “Home Care” program at some point in 2025 to our past clients and those in our immediate service area. This program will be a proactive take on home maintenance and much more. Stay tuned throughout the first part of this year for more details!

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Reflection

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I’m a day late with the Christmas greeting but we hope you still receive it. My celebrations are extending several days beyond Christmas this year.

Celebrating Christmas is different for me every year. As I get older, the shopping, the trees, and the lights hold less and less meaning. It is in true giving from the heart that I sense the deepest joy in this season. As a Christ follower, I view this season from the lens of God’s true gift to us in the birth and life of Jesus. In this Advent season, I find myself seeking Jesus in the same ways and different ways. (Advent means arrival and it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.) In anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, I reflect on the history around Jesus’ birth. I am also awaiting and preparing myself for the arrival of his return. What I’m noticing in a newer way are the ways Jesus’ light is reflected in the people and nature around me. I find myself searching for these arrivals with anticipation.

As we anticipate the turn of the year, it is a good time to reflect. Looking back on the year, not just at the events, but how we showed up, or not, in these moments. Reflecting on who we are and how we are present to others and ourselves can help us understand who we hope to become. I’m not referring to a banal New Year’s resolution but something deeper and truer to who you are… your reflection.

Some of you may come from a different place of belief or understanding than what I shared. If you’re interested in chatting, I’m always open to a mutually respectful conversation.

From all of us at Metzler Home Builders, no matter how you celebrate, we wish you and those you love a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! May you be a reflection of true Light in the days ahead!

Post by: Tim Zehr

Deck the Halls (and Your Walls)

Tips to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebration, thankfulness, warmth, and making memories with loved ones. Whether you’re settling into a newly built home, enjoying the fruits of a recent remodel, or reclining in a well-loved home, thoughtful preparation can ensure your house is both festive and functional. Here are a few tips to get your home holiday-ready:

1. Smart Holiday Lighting

Lighting is a cornerstone of holiday decor, and planning for it during construction or remodeling can make a big difference. Strategically placed receptacles on switches, particularly around eaves, porches, and mantels, allow you to easily power string lights without unsightly cords running through your home.

Inside, use layered lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Dimmer switches in living and dining areas allow you to adjust the brightness for festive dinners or relaxed evenings by the fire.

2. Seasonal Comfort and Decor

Make your home a haven from the winter chill by layering textures and colors. Plush rugs, throw blankets, and seasonal pillows can warm up both new and old spaces. Highlight architectural features like fireplaces or large windows with garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights.

For outdoor spaces, ensure pathways and driveways are well-lit and clear of ice or snow (if we have it). Patios or decks can be transformed into cozy winter retreats with heaters, lighting, and festive greenery.

3. Guest-Ready Details

If your home includes a guest suite or flex space for those out-of-towners, prepare it with comfort in mind. Fresh linens, festive accents, and a basket of essentials like toiletries and snacks will make visitors feel welcome.

Other minimal thoughtful design elements such as USB outlets, bedside lighting, or even a small coffee station in guest areas can be homey touches.

4. Plan for Storage and Cleanup

The holidays come with extra clutter, so plan storage solutions to keep your space tidy. Built-in cabinetry, mudrooms, or closets with adjustable shelving are perfect for organizing holiday decorations, coats, and gifts. If you aren’t at a place to construct something, consider adding pull-out bins or hidden storage to maximize functionality without sacrificing style.

5. Time Savers

· We recently purchased a robot vacuum (the kids affectionately named it “Rob”) to perform small cleanup tasks between meals and events. This has saved us more than thirty minutes a day in cleanup.

· Consider adding timers or smart plugs to automate your holiday lighting, saving energy and effort.

· Create a gift-wrapping station. This can be as simple as a folding table, but having a space where wrapping paper, tape, and scissors are always present can keep gift wrapping efficient.

With careful planning and a touch of creativity, your home can be the perfect backdrop for a joyful and stress-free Christmas season.

Post by: Kent Mylin

What’s Behind Our Tagline – Building for Generations

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