Metzler Home Builders Blog

10 Ways to Save Water Around the House and Garden

When it comes to preserving our natural resources, conservation is always on our minds. Here we offer a list of small changes you can make to save water around the house and in the garden.

Around the House

Check faucets and pipes for leaks. According to EarthEasy, a small drip from a leaking faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day.
Laundry – Use Correct Setting. Ideally, you’ll want to run a full load of laundry every time, but when you don’t have a full load, adjust your settings accordingly.
Dishwasher. Some people set their dishwasher timer to run daily, during the overnight hours, but if your dishwasher isn’t full, you’re just wasting water. Waiting to run your dishwasher when it is full will save water and energy, not to mention wear and tear on your plates and utensils.
Toilet aren’t wastebaskets. Every time you flush a cigarette, tissue or other small piece of trash down the toilet, you are flushing gallons of water with it as well. While Federal plumbing standards specify that new toilets can only use 1.6 gallons per flush, older toilets can use 3.5, 5 or even 7 gallons of water per flush.
Change your habits. Don’t leave the faucet running when you brush your teeth, shave your face or wash dishes. Instead, partially fill the sink with water to rinse your razor or wash dishes.

In the Garden

Install a rain collection system. Use natural rainwater for your yard and garden, and lower your water bill. A roof area of only 1,000 square feet can provide as much as 600 gallons of water during a one-inch rainfall. (Source: EarthEasy)
Mulch around trees and plants. A thick layer (2-4 inches) of mulch not only will prevent the growth of weeds, but it will also hold in moisture that plants, trees and shrubs need – reducing how often you need to water.
Pick your watering time wisely. The best time to water your plants and garden is early in the morning because the loss of water to evaporation is reduced.
Plant drought-resistant vegetation. Many lovely plants thrive in drought-like conditions; your local garden center can help steer you to varieties best for your climate. Another option to help save time and water is to replace your perennials with native plants.
Use alternatives to clean. Instead of using the hose to clean your driveway, sidewalk or patio, pull out the broom between Mother Nature’s showers. A broom will get those pesky cobwebs off the house, too.

Tips for Selecting the Best Kitchen Appliances for You

With so many products on the market, kitchen design has taken front-and-center attention in new homes and remodeling. From lighting to flooring, backsplashes to cabinetry, there are hundreds of choices to make your kitchen beautiful and functional.

Our kitchens are the workhorse of our homes, so one vital aspect of any kitchen are the appliances. Before you pick out your kitchen appliances, here are some tips for selecting the very best choices for you.

Big Box Store vs. Appliance Store Purchase – While the appliances may look exactly the same at both stores, the truth is that often the appliances sold at the big box home improvement stores are actually different. Sometimes they are built with lesser-quality parts, have a different warranty or lack some of the features of those sold at appliance stores. Additionally, there may be add-ons – such as delivery and installation – that are already included with an appliance store purchase. Just be sure that you are weighing all of the variables before deciding where to purchase. We often direct our clients to visit LHB Appliances and/or Martin Appliances as they are two appliances companies we work with.

Energy Efficiency – Your kitchen appliances use a lot of energy, so you may want to consider selecting one with an EnergyStar® certification. The EnergyStar® website can help you to determine which ones will save you the most money annually.

Cooking Style – For range-top cooking, there is electric, gas or induction, which cooks in less time and is becoming more affordable. When selecting your range, consider how much heat is lost from the burner to pan (which not only wastes energy but also heats up your kitchen). If you are leaning toward gas, look at the variable control – how long can the burner maintain “simmer” without the flame going out?

Ovens – If you are a baker, you’ll probably want a traditional oven, but if you like meals cooked fast, a high-performance convection oven may be the way to go.

Refrigerator/Freezer – Besides storage options and capacity, the biggest factor in selecting this appliance is the compressor. A single compressor cools both the refrigerator and freezer while the dual does each. A dual compressor will keep your food fresher longer, so if you tend to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables or gourmet foods, this may be a feature to invest in. Additionally, some units have built-in purifiers for water and ice, while others simply run water to the unit.

Microwaves – This selection is mostly about where the appliance is located. You can have it on the countertop, over the range or built into the cabinetry.

Dishwashers – Just like refrigerators, this appliance has made many advances over the years. When choosing a dishwasher, look into the decibel level (e.g., how loud it will be when running) and any additional features you want, such as adjustable ranks or smart sensors.

Finally, appliances today come with a lot of bells and whistles, but if you don’t need them or would rarely use them, why pay for them? The key to getting the best appliance for you is to select one that has the features you will use now and will be happy with for years to come.

Want more kitchen ideas? See them all on our Houzz page.

And if you are thinking about a kitchen renovation, contact us to set up a time to talk. No fee. No obligation. Just us sitting down together to hear about your plans and ideas.

Home Pool Safety Guidelines

A favorite summertime family activity is spending time by the pool, but for children 5 and under, drowning is still a leading cause of accidental death, according to the CDC. Here are a few guidelines to follow to reduce your family’s risk around the pool.

Secure the perimeter of the pool. Make sure your fence is secure and that your gates are latched. If you have an above-ground pool, make sure that the steps up to the pool are locked up.
Swimming lessons. Studies have shown that children who take formal swimming lessons have a reduced chance of drowning. Make sure that everyone in your family (including the adults) knows how to swim, and if not, enroll them in swimming lessons.
Supervise the kids. Every parent has said that things happen in a split-second, so when you are at a pool, make sure there is a designated adult to keep a close eye out for the kids. And don’t discount the baby pools; a child can drown in less than 6 inches of water.
Wear properly sized life vests. This is so important for young children around any pool; if a life vest is too large, the child will slip out.
Establish and reinforce rules for safe behavior. Important rules suggested by the Red Cross include “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy,” and “walk please.”

Visit the Red Cross’s website for more pool safety guidelines like these.

The Metzler Experience

Did you know that most of the team at Metzler Home Builders has been with the company for 20+ years? This fact, combined with the longstanding relationship with many of our sub-contractors, is one of the things that allows us to deliver a quality product and the consistent customer service you deserve!

See exactly how long our employees (and the bosses!) have been at Metzler Home Builders:

Dan Metzler – since 1973, 41 years

Janet Metzler – since 1981, 33 years

Jake Riehl – since 1986, 28 years

Tim Zehr – since 1988, 26 years

Harris (Skip) Butler – since 1989, 25 years

Barry Yoder – since 1993, 21 years

Mike Trout – since 1995, 19 years

Jordan Metzler – since 2011, 3 years

Home Maintenance Checklist

June is a good time to take care of a few miscellaneous chores around the house to detect any minor issues and potentially help you avoid costly repairs later.

Schedule air conditioning maintenance. If you haven’t done so already, contact your HVAC professional to have your air conditioning unit looked at and cleaned. Peak season is here and you’ll want your unit running at top efficiency to keep the inside comfortable.

Change your air filter. One of the key elements to keeping your air conditioning unit running well is a clean air filter. Filters should be changed every 30 days, particularly during peak usage months.

Schedule your chimney sweep. Spring and summer are the best times to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. That way, if any repairs are needed, there is plenty of time to get them done before the cold weather returns.

Reset automatic timers. If you have timers on exterior lights or lawn irrigation systems, you may want to adjust them slightly to account for the longer daylight of summer. Also, if you plan to go away for vacation, make sure you also set timers for interior lights.

Clean your dryer vent and check your washer hoses. The lint trap doesn’t catch it all, so periodically clean out your dryer vent to keep it running at top efficiency and reduce the chances of dryer fires. While you are at it, look at your washing machine hoses to make sure they aren’t cracked. If they show signs of wear, replace them to avoid an increased chance of leaks or bursts.

Get more Home Tips here.

Parade of Homes Preview

For the first time in years, Metzler Home Builders will have more than one Parade of Homes entry. Both are semi-detached duplex homes. One is located in the Willow Bend Farm Community in West Lampeter, and the other is located in our brand-new community, the Villas at Featherton in Elizabethtown. Below is a sneak peek of each home.

The Willow Bend Farm home features:

1,700 sq. ft. semi-detached home with open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths
First floor master suite with walk-in closet and owner’s bath
Swartz kitchen design including granite countertops, peninsula with bar seating and stainless steel appliances
Living room featuring gas fireplace with slate hearth and surround
Hardwood flooring throughout first floor living space
First floor laundry room with custom bench and pegs storage unit
Efficient natural gas heating system
Private concrete patio
Large basement with 9’ Superior walls
Located in Willow Bend Farm community with walking trails, open space and community center in Lampeter-Strasburg School District

The Villas at Featherton home features:

1,630 sq. ft. semi-detached home with open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ Baths
First floor master suite with walk-in closet and owner’s bath
First floor living space features completely open floor plan with cathedral ceiling
Cloister Cabinetry kitchen design including granite countertops, island with bar seating and stainless steel appliances
Large great room featuring gas fireplace and hardwood flooring
Efficient natural gas heating system
Beautiful craftsman exterior with stone and vinyl materials
Composite deck with vinyl railing off dining area
Precast Superior walls in basement
New Villas at Featherton Community in Mount Joy Township, Elizabethtown School District, with easy access to Rt. 283

A Funk-Free Fridge

stainless steel fridge If you refrigerator is smelling a bit funky, it is definitely time to give it a full top-to-bottom clean. Here are some tips for keeping your fridge funk-free.

To start, clean out all uneaten leftovers and expired food.
An easy and effective refrigerator cleaning solution is a 50/50 solution of warm water and vinegar/baking soda. You can also add a few drops of dish soap. This solution not only cleans the gunk, but also has odor-eliminating properties.
Make sure to pull out the drip tray that is located beneath the refrigerator – it most likely will need a deep cleaning.
Once your fridge is sparkling again, put a box (or small bowl) of baking soda with a few drops of lemon essential oil inside the fridge to keep it smelling fresh.

Lancaster’s Top 5 Kitchen Trends for 2015

Have you been toying around with the idea of remodeling your kitchen and thinking that 2015 may be the year?

How you plan to use your kitchen will greatly influence the design. Everything from more storage to a larger prep space for both you and your spouse, should be considered. Often homeowners are looking for “something different” in kitchen design, yet not so off-the-wall that the room becomes dated in just a few years.

kitchen area with island and dining seating

Here are five kitchen trends that can give your kitchen a fresh, not dated look for many years to come.

Modern-Traditional Design. This sleek, yet comfortable design style continues to be on the rise, and manufacturers are responding as there is no shortage of products on the market. This style often mixes flat-panel doors (such as Shaker), stainless steel, marble countertops, glass-tile backsplashes and white subway tiles to give a kitchen a modern style that has charm.
Touch-Me Surfaces. Kitchens are being designed with more and more interesting elements. Cool granite countertops, sleek cabinetry fixtures, warm tile backsplashes, texturized flooring and fascinating pendant lights all beg to be touched.
Dimensional Cabinetry. Cabinetry comes in all shapes and sizes now to accommodate storage needs, and varying cabinetry height along the perimeter of the room can also create depth. Instead of the kitchen looking ho-hum, this effect makes the space look stunning and furnished.
Deep dark with soft white. Kitchen designers across the country all agree that black and white is “in.” If you like this contrast, but you aren’t quite ready to commit to bold black, consider espresso-colored cabinets. It will give you that modern-traditional look you want, without it being as harsh as black.
Lighting. Gone are the days of kitchen lighting being strictly for function. Today’s homeowner can integrate fun and personality into their kitchen lighting selections. Recessed ceiling lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, pendant lights hung over the island become conversation pieces, and subtle cabinetry lighting can set the mood.

Want more kitchen design ideas? See them all on our Houzz page.

And if you are thinking about a kitchen renovation, contact us to set up a time to talk. No fee. No obligation. Just us sitting down together to hear about your plans and ideas.

Home Maintenance Checklist: May 2015

After much anticipation and longing, spring has finally arrived! Before hazy, hot and humid days descend upon us, this month is the ideal time to get some chores done around the outside of your home.

- Trim shrubbery and trees. If there are any bushes or tree limbs that look like they are damaged or may rub against the exterior of your home, trim them now before strong spring thunderstorms roll through.

- Clean decks and patios. Remove mold and mildew using detergents and a scrub brush, and for extra grimy decks, a power-washer may be necessary. If you have a wooden deck: as you clean, make note of any loose, warped or splintered boards that need fixed or replaced, and if needed, apply a new coat of weather-proofing paint or stain.

- Inspect your sidewalks and other concrete areas. Ground temperature changes can sometimes cause your sidewalks and other concrete areas to shift and become uneven. Additionally, ice melt used during the winter can cause your concrete to crack. If you find any issues, get them fixed so someone doesn’t trip and get hurt.

- Schedule air conditioning maintenance. Don’t be the one who gets caught without a working air conditioning unit during the hottest week of the summer! To keep your air conditioning running at maximum efficiency and to detect any potential problems before they become major issues, get your unit checked and cleaned by an HVAC company annually.

- Check your exterior hoses for freeze damage. To check for freeze damage, turn on the outside spigot. If you can stop the flow of water with your thumb, you most likely have a damaged pipe inside the house.

- Clean your grill. Before the Memorial Day weekend get-together, give your grill a good cleaning and replace any rusted or damaged parts. While you are at it, inspect the propane tanks (if applicable) to make sure they are in good working order.

Get more of our home tips here.

10 Ways to Save Water around the House and in the Garden

Around the House

Check faucets and pipes for leaks. According to EarthEasy, a small drip from a leaking faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day.
Laundry – Use Correct Setting. Ideally, you’ll want to run a full load of laundry every time, but when you don’t have a full load, adjust your settings accordingly.
Dishwasher. Some people set their dishwasher timer to run daily, during the overnight hours, but if your dishwasher isn’t full, you’re just wasting water. Waiting to run your dishwasher when it is full will save water and energy, not to mention wear and tear on your plates and utensils.
Toilet aren’t wastebaskets. Every time you flush a cigarette, tissue or other small piece of trash down the toilet, you are flushing gallons of water with it as well. While Federal plumbing standards specify that new toilets can only use 1.6 gallons per flush, older toilets can use 3.5, 5 or even 7 gallons of water per flush.
Change your habits. Don’t leave the faucet running when you brush your teeth, shave your face or wash dishes. Instead, partially fill the sink with water to rinse your razor or wash dishes.

In the Garden

Install a rain collection system. Use natural rainwater for your yard and garden, and lower your water bill. A roof area of only 1,000 square feet can provide as much as 600 gallons of water during a one-inch rainfall. (Source: EarthEasy)
Mulch around trees and plants. A thick layer (2-4 inches) of mulch not only will prevent the growth of weeds, but it will also hold in moisture that plants, trees and shrubs need – reducing how often you need to water.
Pick your watering time wisely. The best time to water your plants and garden is early in the morning because the loss of water to evaporation is reduced.
Plant drought-resistant vegetation. Many lovely plants thrive in drought-like conditions; your local garden center can help steer you to varieties best for your climate. Another option to help save time and water is to replace your perennials with native plants.
Use alternatives to clean. Instead of using the hose to clean your driveway, sidewalk or patio, pull out the broom between Mother Nature’s showers. A broom will get those pesky cobwebs off the house, too.