The Home Office Re-Imagined for the New Normal
2020 has changed so many things, especially how and where we work. Before this year, many of us only conducted a few hours of business a week at home. We answered emails on our smartphones or did a little work on the laptop while sitting on the couch or at the kitchen island.
McKinsey recently wrote, “…estimates suggest that early this April, 62 percent of employed Americans worked at home during the crisis, compared to about 25 percent a couple of years ago.”
With the shift in how and where we work, a new emphasis on the home office has emerged. Trying to get solid hours of work into a day sitting at the kitchen table simply doesn’t fit our needs anymore. We want a place in the home that limits distractions and is more comfortable.
If you are considering renovating your home to accommodate a home office, here are our suggested four steps.
Grill Maintenance for Safety
Barn Doors Galore
Barn doors have been trending for several years now, and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. They are functional, fun and add aesthetic appeal to many spaces throughout the home. There is an endless variety of styles, making them practical for almost any home. They can be crafted from a variety of materials depending on the look you desire. For a rustic look, they can be made from reclaimed wood or if a more modern style is what you want, black matte metal and glass pair well together.
Project Spotlight: Master Bath Makeover
The master bathroom at Andres and Lauren’s home was in desperate need of a complete renovation. The original owner had built the bathroom with fixtures that were small and at a lower level than what Andres and Lauren preferred, which made the bathroom uncomfortable and not practical. It was also in need of a facelift.
Several homes in Andres and Lauren’s neighborhood had been built by Metzler Home Builders, and they were impressed by the beauty of the homes. They also had a personal connection with one of the family members and could vouch for the quality of the Metzler team and the work they performed.
Kitchen Storage: Now and Later
Is it important to have an organized kitchen?
This is a question that many of us have asked—and answered—these last few months. As we adjusted to a new stay-at-home work/school environment, we have experienced just how functional our home truly is. The kitchen has long been the hub of the home. But as this space continues to be asked to do more, we are seeing how the kitchen plays a vital role in the overall health of our home’s ecosystem. And the more organized it is (based on each family’s needs), the better it functions.
Project Spotlight: Two-Story Craftsman Style Home
Tony and Pam were looking to downsize from a larger home since three of their four children had left the nest. They had built two previous homes and liked the ability to create a space that fit their lifestyle and needs. They searched the market for a home they could purchase and renovate, but their hearts were in designing and building a custom home. Having seen some homes that Metzler Home Builders had built and having liked the craftsmanship they saw in those homes, they decided to meet to discuss building a new home. After meeting with Dan and Jordan, they knew they would enjoy the building process with the “family-like” atmosphere they found at Metzler Home Builders.
Managing Your Energy Use
LVP Flooring: An Alternative to Hardwood
If you’ve been in the market for new flooring, you most likely have seen a product called Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). LVP flooring has gained popularity in the last five years, and more homeowners are installing it in their homes than ever before. Most flooring companies have their own brand, and they’ve kept improving the appearance of the planks, giving them a very realistic wood or tile look. Many people prefer the look of luxury vinyl planks over sheet vinyl.
There are a large variety of planks on the market – from traditional to distressed looks. Plank widths range from 4 ½” – 9” and lengths are 48” or 72”. According to Shirley Lantz, Interior Designer at Wall-to-Wall Floor Covering in Strasburg, PA, there are many reasons this flooring is a top seller. One of the biggest reasons that homeowners choose luxury vinyl planks is the fact that it’s 100% waterproof, making it an excellent choice for homes with children and/or pets. It is easy to clean and can be used in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms without fear of getting water on the floor.
Home Tip: How to Select a Paint Color
Foundation Repairs Lead to Renovation & Addition
Andy and Lenore purchased their ranch home at an auction. The home is situated on a beautiful wooded lot, and while they loved the house, they also suspected there were some serious foundation issues. Because of this, they decided to combine the foundation repairs into one major project to make the home everything they wanted to meet the needs of their family.
Andy’s parents had a new home built by Metzler Home Builders in 2015 and were very impressed with the company, cost, employees, subcontractors and their final product. Andy and Lenore gave Metzler’s a call and began the design process with Tim. In addition to repairing the foundation issues, they added a sunroom and a deck with a screened-in porch area. They also renovated to include a new kitchen and bath and reconfigured the mudroom.