Tips to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

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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:

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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

Roy Metzler – Dan Metzler – Abe Metzler – Jennifer and Jordan Metzler – circa 1985 The picture above is the only photograph that shows all four generations of Metzlers that have owned and operated the family business. Abe Metzler, my great grandfather, passed in a car accident in 1986. I was two years old at the time.I have always enjoyed the stories my father (Dan) has recounted to me about the ways his dad (Roy) and grandfather (Abe) operated the business in the early stages. He speaks about their differences and how they didn’t always agree on where to go or what to do that particular day. The times were certainly simpler in those days, but family business is never without its unique challenges.​ Jordan Metzler – Dan Metzler – Roy Metzler – 2011 after I joined the family business I like to think my grandfather, and great grandfather would be proud with where the business is today, seeing another generation take the torch and continue a legacy of creating homes for our community. My grandfather did get to see me begin working in the family business just a few years before his passing in 2013. It was very special to him to see the continuation of another generation in the business. His legacy lives on of course through the family ties, but also the fact that two of our longest tenured and current employees were hired when Roy was still running the operations of the business 35+ years ago!My hope is that I can continue to build and grow Metzler Home Builders to the point that my children have the opportunity to continue the legacy of family business, if they desire. Jordan and Anna Metzler, Jordan Jr, Evelyn and Hudson – Fall 2024 Post by: Jordan Metzler

In our last newsletter, Kent provided a list of key questions to ask your contractor when considering a new home. You can read it here: ​Before the Dust Settles

While many of those questions apply to additions and renovations, there are some additional questions you may want to ask your remodeler.

When planning additions or renovations, it’s important to recognize that construction will affect your daily life. You may find yourself interacting more frequently with the workers in and around your home. As you begin selecting a renovation contractor, consider asking these thoughtful questions to help open lines of communication and build a trusting relationship.

Experience & Approach

• Have additions/renovations always been part of your business?
• Do you specialize in certain types of additions/renovations? (i.e. whole house renovations, suite additions)
• Do your employees perform all the work or do you utilize subcontractors?

Planning & Customization

• How do you develop my ideas to enhance my existing home?
• Should I build an addition / renovate my home or is moving a better option for me?
• Who is responsible for permitting and inspections?
• Can I live in my home while the additions/renovations are constructed?
• Is it possible to phase the project to accommodate my living situation?

Timeline & Construction Process

• What is the estimated timeline for my additions/renovations?
• What are the daily start and end times during the construction? Is there any flexibility to these times?
• What steps will you take to protect me and my property?
• Who do I contact with questions or concerns throughout the project?
• What level of cleanliness can I expect at the end of each day?
• What is your process for handling unforeseen or hidden issues during construction?

Trust and Commitment

• Does your company have the required registrations and certifications?
• Can I speak with a previous client who has a similar project?

Clear communication and understanding are essential in all our relationships. Discussing these questions with your remodeler develops a basis of trust that can guide you through the construction process.

Post by: Tim Zehr

For years the construction industry has faced challenges around perception, largely due to a small number of negative experiences. Like other fields, such as law and finance, these industries sometimes suffer from the actions of a few that overshadow the dedication and honesty many professionals bring to their work.

As you prepare to select the right builder for your project, here are some key questions to help you better understand their experience, approach, quality and commitment to relationship. These can guide you toward a partnership built on trust and transparency.

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Experience & Approach

• How long have you been in business or working in this industry?
• Do you have experience with projects like mine? (e.g., mid-century modern design, passive heating/cooling, seamless barn-home connection)
• Can you share an example of a challenge you faced on a project? How did you address it, and what was the outcome?
• Describe a project where you had to manage high expectations or complex requests from a client. What steps did you take, and how did you keep the client satisfied?
• Who will be my main point of contact through this process, and what methods do you use to keep communication open and effective?

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Planning & Customization

• What steps do you take at the start of a project to understand your client’s vision and expectations?
• What is your design process, and how would I be involved in it?
• How flexible are you with customization and unique requests?

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Timeline & Construction Process

• What’s the estimated timeline for my project, and how are potential delays handled?
• What’s your process for handling unexpected changes or requests during construction?
• Will I have access to the site during construction to stay updated on progress?
• Do you anticipate any unique challenges for my project that might affect the timeline?

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Quality Control

• What quality control measures do you have in place throughout the project?
• Who will oversee daily activities on-site to ensure everything is on track?
• Do you offer any post-construction follow-ups to check in on the client’s satisfaction with the completed project?

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Trust and Commitment

• What kind of warranty do you provide on the home and major systems?
• How do you manage warranty claims or address issues that arise after construction?
• How do you address disputes or concerns if they arise?
• Do you have long-term clients?
• Can I speak with previous clients?

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These questions can help establish a solid foundation for your working relationship, making it easier to achieve a smooth and satisfying building experience and beyond.

Post by: Kent Mylin

Excellence is not a unique or uncommon pursuit in business. Even when not a stated value, many growth-minded companies would say they are striving for excellence in what they do. Why exactly is this included in our five most important values at Metzler Home Builders and what does it mean to us?

Many would think of excellence in home building or renovations as the finished product, the quality and performance of the materials, both individually and collectively. The finished product that we deliver to our clients is very important to us. We are placing a higher emphasis on education, training and not always just using techniques and methods because “that’s the way we’ve always done it”. I believe that while making the end product better is absolutely part of the excellence we are trying to achieve, I also believe it goes much deeper.

The previous core values we explored — relationship, integrity, flexibility and communication — are all examples of areas in which we strive to be excellent. You see, it is not just about the PRODUCT we deliver, but also about the PROCESS of how we get there.

If our team was able to deliver a functional, aesthetically pleasing, high quality project to you in the end, that is great. If, however, we failed to stick to our budget (integrity), didn’t address your concerns along the way (communication), took no time to develop a mutual trust in the beginning (relationship), and didn’t provide any deviation from what we wanted (flexibility) – then we failed.

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The product and the process must both be excellent. I believe it is why many people tell me that Metzler Home Builders has such a great name and great reputation. It is never just about the end product. The excellence in what we do must also be represented in the way that we get there. Over many years, Dan and Janet Metzler, without even speaking these values, instilled them into a team of carpenters, project managers, and office staff, and the results speak for themselves. I am honored to carry on the legacy and the values of this great family business that the previous generation has established before me.

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Well, friends, the cooler weather we’re experiencing reminds us that Fall is here. I’m pulling out warmer clothing. These evenings find me seeking comfort with a blanket and a mug of chai tea (maybe yours is pumpkin spice). The past few weeks of damp cloudy weather have exacerbated these feelings. I hope the forecasted stretch of sunnier skies is brightening your day.

This transition to Fall also reminds me of the things around our homes that need attention. Here’s a short list of a few home maintenance items we should all keep in mind over the coming weeks to preserve our homes. Also, check out the links at the end of this article for additional tips.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Check gutters for any foliage build-up and remove all debris. Also, make sure the downspouts are clean and extend at least two feet away from the foundation walls.

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​Outside Hydrants

Disconnect your hoses from all outside hydrants. This will prevent water from freezing and cracking the hydrant, which can cause leaks and damage to your home.

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Sump Pump Testing & Maintenance

With the potential of heavy fall rains, check the grading around your home to be sure it slopes properly and that there are no holes that have developed from the summer rains. If you have a sump pump, it is important to test it and make sure it is functioning properly.

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Air Filters

Indoor air quality is a vital aspect of our health. Forced air heating and cooling systems have air filters that clean the air we breathe. Now is an ideal time to replace your filters. Check out Kent’s last writing about particulate matter and filtering options. https://metzlerhomebuilders.com/particulate-matter/​

Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance

It is important for the safety of you and those you love to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Testing the detectors and replacing the batteries are the easiest things you can do to ensure they are working.

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Windows and Door Seals

Harsh weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals. Inspect them and make repairs as needed. You can reduce your heating bills by preventing air water from entering your home and causing damage.

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Maintaining and ensuring any repairs are complete not only preserves our homes, it allows for a more comfortable environment. It may also make that beverage taste sweeter. Just sayin.

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Post by: Tim Zehr

Indoor air quality (IAQ) might sound like the kind of thing only scientists worry about, but it turns out we all should be paying attention. After all, we spend over 90% of our time indoors, and it can lead to sneezing, coughing, and in some cases, serious health problems. So let’s talk about what’s floating around in that air and why you should care—particularly when it comes to particulate matter.

First off, particulate matter, or PM, is simply tiny bits of “stuff” (or particles) in the air. Some are natural, like dust and pollen, while others come from less glamorous sources like vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and your frying pan when you try to make bacon without setting off the smoke detector. Not all particulate matter is created equal, though. That’s where the labels PM2.5 and PM10 come in.

PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. For comparison, that’s about one-seventh the width of a human hair. PM2.5, on the other hand, is even tinier, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less—small enough to invade your lungs.

What makes these particles so dangerous is their ability to travel deep into the respiratory system. PM2.5 is especially notorious because it can reach the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in your lungs where oxygen gets passed into your blood. The smaller the particle, the deeper it can get into your respiratory system. Long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 has been linked to heart and lung diseases. PM10, while less sneaky, can still wreak havoc on your health, causing asthma and other respiratory issues.

So, what’s a person to do? Enter filters!

To save your lungs you can use various types of air filters in your home. Since your HVAC system distributes air throughout your home, this is the first place to start. Many HVAC systems host a MERV8 filter in the system. These filters provide a basic filtration to protect the mechanical system, but do not filter well for humans. Below is a chart to help make a wise and informed decision for the filter in your HVAC system. These filters are simple to replace and can clean the air of these particles while you run the system for comfort.

Additionally, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will capture those particles and help not only clean the floors, but also the air and your lungs.

Finally, remember to turn your range hood on while you cook. This captures particles such as grease, smoke and other byproducts that would otherwise be in the air and removes them from the home.

So what’s the moral of the story? Clean air matters and filtering particulate matter can go a long way to help. Whether you’re cooking, living near a busy road, or just trying to relax in your newly renovated house, there are small steps we can each take to help make our home (and the air we breathe) healthier.

Post by: Kent Mylin

Listening to our clients and hearing their needs and wants for their home

Explaining a particular stage in our process so a client knows what to expect next

Creating a mock-up of to portray a realistic visual during construction (see below)

Examples of Communication with our clients

Explaining to a trade partner why we want to change a method or detail of construction

Discussion in our staff meetings regarding a new product we should be exploring

Collaboration around a specific design concept on a project in schematic design phase

Examples of Communication within our immediate and extended team

In the residential construction industry, the amount of information that is handled on any one project can be overwhelming. This is why we believe communication is important enough to be the focus of one of our core values.

We take seriously the role we play in communicating with you, our clients, to hear your wants and needs. We are then able to translate your ideas into our plans and documents, and ultimately to our team of project managers and trade partners who are executing the work on your project.

There are certainly phases of the design and building process that can become overwhelming, but we believe with enough communication and the right kind of communication, we can meet and exceed your expectations.

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Here at Metzler Home Builders, we meet with a lot of people. Getting to know new people is continual. Each one communicates in their own way with their unique style. While words are not the only way to communicate, they are fundamental to how we relate to and understand each other. It is one of the primary skills we teach young children. Even in the second half of my life, I hope to expand my vocabulary continually.

Imagine with me for a moment trying to describe the space you live in without using the following words: floor, wall, roof, window, door, kitchen, bath, table, or chair. Try describing a hike without: path, trail, tree, plant, brown, green, or blue. Having words to articulate the meaning we intend is key to allowing others to understand our ideas.

The same is true as we attempt to express our feelings. The more nuance we can share about how we feel, the more others can understand us and respond appropriately. For example, while knowing that you are surprised is helpful, hearing you say you’re excited or shocked provides specific meaning to your surprise. For true understanding, both the person sharing and the person listening must understand the words being used. This is referred to as emotional intelligence.

Stereotypes always fall short, but I’ll use one here. Our society typically allows more freedom of emotional expression to women and men are generally cultured to stifle emotion. This trickles into other areas of our lives. When was the last time you heard a man in your life describe something blue as sapphire or ocean blue?

Emotional intelligence is as vital to us at Metzler Home Builders as building and color intelligence. When you tell us you want your home to be your “happy” place, we want to truly understand. Does “happy” mean a space where you feel content and joyful, or is it a space where you feel optimistic and creative? Is it a peaceful setting where you feel loved? These nuances are important to us as we work together to design and construct houses that you can call home.

Post by: Tim Zehr

Electromagnetic Field

​My wife recently informed me that Electromagnetic Field (EMF) concern has been spreading through social media channels lately. Given its relevance, it’s a great starting point for a discussion. After all, our health is our biggest investment, both in time and money. Unfortunately, it’s also an arena ripe for fearmongering. Each of us reacts differently to external influences, making it crucial to understand how EMF radiation impacts us personally.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is emitted by numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and microwave ovens. This form of energy surrounds us, but prolonged exposure at high levels has raised health concerns. While research on the health effects of EMF radiation is ongoing, some studies suggest links to headaches, sleep disturbances, and more severe conditions like cancer.

The simplest way to reduce exposure is through distance. The exposure levels decrease dramatically as we add distance between us and our devices. Here are a few practical steps to take at home:

1. Limit Electronic Device Use: This can be challenging in our tech-centric culture, but small changes help. Use speaker mode or earphones for calls to keep your phone away from your head. Wear smartwatches only during exercise, and turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals at night. This allows people to call if an emergency arises, but keeps your phone from searching and connecting to nearby signals.
2. Optimal Placement of Wi-Fi Modems and Routers: Avoid placing these devices in bedrooms or high-traffic areas. We keep ours in a mechanical room and use a timer to power it down at 11 pm and back up at 5 am. This ensures our bodies are free from this EMF source during our time of mental and physical rejuvenation.
3. Use EMF Shielding Products: Protective cases for phones can significantly reduce EMF exposure. I’ve tested two options: a full case that blocks nearly 100% of EMF radiation and a sticker that is more minimal but blocks around 50%-70%.
4. Avoid Using Devices While Charging: Battery powered devices such as phones, iPads, laptops, and others emit significantly higher EMF radiation when plugged in due to increased electrical activity while charging. In our home, we have a dedicated charging niche to minimize use while charging.

These are just a few simple steps will help reduce EMF exposure and as more research develops, continue to stay informed about the most effective reduction techniques. If you’re interested in learning more, here are resources to visit:

​EMF Guide Lighthouse – this website gives a deep dive into the subject and provides in-depth guides for remediation.

​Microwave News – this website updates frequently with the latest testing and studies being done worldwide.

Additionally, here is an EMF meter that has been very helpful in my understanding of the exposure within my environment.

Post by: Kent Mylin