Category: New Construction
Project Spotlight: Vibrant Custom Ranch Home with a Magnificent View
Glenn and Maureen lived out of state, but they visited Lancaster County often over the years and grew to love the area. They dreamt of someday relocating to this area and retiring here. That dream came true in 2019 when they made the move and had a custom ranch home built by Metzler Home Builders. When looking for a home in Lancaster County, they had specific design ideas in mind, especially in regards to elderly parents and handicap accessibility. When they couldn’t find that in an existing home, they opted to go the route of building a new home. This enabled them to design the flow of the home to meet their specific needs.
Glenn and Maureen connected with a local realtor who helped find the perfect lot – one with beautiful farmland views for miles. The realtor also provided them a few options of builders to reach out to. After doing their research, they chose Metzler Home Builders. They loved the idea of working with a fourth-generation business, and one who would build exactly what they were looking for, not “a builder who modifies a handful of standard floor plans and calls it custom.”
Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash
A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking so it’s important that you consider every detail along the way. Your kitchen backsplash probably won’t break the bank, but it has the potential to complement big-ticket items like your countertops and cabinets. Here are five things to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash so it fits seamlessly into your beautifully designed space.
1. How Much Space Will Your Backsplash Cover?
When considering the design of the backsplash and selecting your backsplash materials, it’s best to approach it already knowing the area it will cover so you can make decisions that stay within your budget. Some materials, like a stone backsplash, are much more expensive than others, and they’re also harder to install—which makes it more labor-intensive (adding to the expense). Small, decorative tiles are also pricey, so while a lovely glass backsplash might make sense in a small space or as an accent, it may not be a practical choice financially to cover a large area.
Project Spotlight: A Truly Custom “Forever” Home
Derek and Sarah have always dreamt of building a new home. After moving to Lancaster County and experiencing an unsuccessful home search, they decided it was time to pursue that dream. They had certain requirements for their “forever” home and hadn’t been able to find a home that met their needs within their price range. They thought building a new home was not financially possible. After looking into it further, they found that building a new home was more cost-effective than buying a house that was on the market and having to make repairs and improvements to make it work for their family.
A realtor that was working with Derek and Sarah referred them to Metzler Home Builders. After an initial consultation with Jordan Metzler, they visited a house that Metzler’s had in the Parade of Homes and saw the attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. That helped “seal the deal” and they decided to move ahead with plans to build.
Gorgeous & Functional Kitchen Ideas
The kitchen is not just for preparing meals. Some of the fondest family moments occur in this room as you try a new recipe or share a plate with your loved ones. The kitchen is also an expression of your lifestyle. Cabinets, countertops, and floorplan designs reflect your style and personality. The good news is you can create a gorgeous and functional kitchen—one of your dreams—regardless of its size. Here are some ideas to consider before you meet with any remodeling firm about a kitchen remodeling project.
Pick a Neutral Color
Neutrals are so versatile, and a neutral kitchen can be the perfect canvas to personalize your space, with colorful rugs, glassware, drawer pulls, fixtures and more.
Leading Bathroom Design Trends
The bathroom can be one of the most used rooms of the house. It’s also a room that requires special attention to comfort and durability, as well as functionality. Bathroom trends have changed drastically over the years and will continue to do so. Here are some of the most popular bathroom design trends that are influencing current design.
Touchless Sensors and Smart Home Controls
Smart home technology for the bathroom is a growing trend with no signs of slowing anytime soon. Approximately 12.8 million people in the U.S. use voice assistance, such as Alexa, Google and Siri, at least monthly, according to eMarketer, and the bathroom is no exception. With voice control, you can adjust smart lighting or use your smartphone to update a music selection. Smart showers allow you to digitally control the water temperature, so you never have to step into a scalding hot shower again. Rain showerheads with LED lighting and Bluetooth built-in speakers can set the mood. Motion sensor faucets and smart toilets make a beautiful addition to any bathroom.
Wall Mount Floating Vanities
Although the crisp lines of floating vanities are generally seen as contemporary, the versatility in storage, along with an array of configurations, make wall mount floating vanities an attractive choice for any bathroom. Because they do not take up any floor space, they create an airy, clean feeling in the space. They also make cleaning the bathroom floors much easier.
Large-Format Tiles
Tiny mosaic tiles are beautiful, but there is a growing movement toward large-format tiles on bathroom walls. This tile style can make a room feel luxurious. With fewer grout lines, not only is it easier to clean, but it takes less material to achieve the same visual effect.
Wood-Look Tiles and Heated Flooring
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) report, porcelain and ceramic continue to be top-ranking materials for the bathroom, much in part to their versatility. As a result, consumers can expect to see more use of porcelain and ceramic tiles that mimic natural hardwood and marbles, as biophilic design continues to gain momentum, particularly in the bathroom. While not new, heated flooring has become increasingly popular. Not only do they offer that spa-like touch, but they are great for keeping your feet warm.
Space-Saving Soaking Tubs
While showers are still taking up more of the bathroom layout footprint, the tub is no longer sacrificed. The pandemic has only increased homeowners’ desire for relaxation, making soaking tubs a top bathroom feature. The Houzz bathroom trends study notes that freestanding, flat-bottom tubs will be more popular than clawfoot models or other decorative bases; many options do more in less space.
Backlit Mirror and Medicine Cabinets
According to Houzz, 77% of homeowners install new mirrors during a major bathroom renovation, and most now choose illuminated mirrors that offer soft ambient lighting without adding unwanted glare or reflections. When dimmed, this embedded feature can double as a nighttime bedroom nightlight.
Smart Toilets
According to the NKBA 2021 design trends report, smart toilets and bidets are becoming more common in post-pandemic bathroom design. Smart toilets have self-closing lids and touch-free flushing, which greatly reduces touching surfaces that typically have a lot of germs. Some even offer self-cleaning technology, such as a bacteria-killing light under the lid.
Ready to dive into your bathroom design project? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Project Spotlight: A Gathering Place
Since Daryn and Meg married 20 years ago, they always had the dream of someday building a home that would be a gathering place for family and friends. They had plenty of time to envision and plan for the dream that would eventually become a reality. They are delighted to finally be in their new home and are enjoying the open spaciousness their home provides.
Daryn and Meg already had a connection to Metzler Home Builders prior to building their home. Daryn’s great-grandfather was Abe Metzler, the founder of Metzler Home Builders. The business is now led by the third and fourth generations, Dan and Janet Metzler, and Jordan Metzler. “Even if they weren’t family,” stated Daryn and Meg, “the reputation of Metzler Home Builders precedes them and they would have been our top choice.”
Special features of this 3,690 square foot beauty include a gorgeous stamped concrete front porch, engineered hardwood flooring on the entire first floor, and a screened-in porch for comfortable outdoor living. Beautiful cabinetry is found throughout the home – abundant custom kitchen cabinetry with a separate buffet cabinet, lots of laundry cabinets for storage, built-in bookshelves on either side of the gas fireplace, and a bench with cubbies in the mudroom.
The homeowners especially love their kitchen – it’s a welcoming space to host get-togethers with family and friends. Other favorite features of their home are
the screened-in porch, the great room with gas fireplace and the master suite with the soaking tub.
“The entire Metzler team was a pleasure to work with,” said Daryn and Meg. “Jordan and Janet really helped us bring our ideas to life, and were always available when we had questions or needed advice. As stressful as building a house can be, we felt like they made it as easy as possible!”
How Kitchen Material Selections Affect Indoor Air Quality
The things you put inside your home can greatly affect your health. Building materials, stains and paints, flooring, furniture, fabrics, and glues can all impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). These pollutants are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can cause respiratory irritation, headaches or other health problems. However, with the proper information and using the expert guidance of your remodeling professional, you can reduce indoor pollutants in your home.
The Kitchen
Items in the kitchen can have VOCs being emitted into the air, degrading the indoor air quality. These compounds can be emitted from the countertops, cabinets and flooring.
Not to worry, though. If this is a concern for you, there are ways to improve the indoor air quality in your kitchen simply by making smart material choices.
Countertop Materials
Countertops can contain additives that can break down and re-release themselves into the environment. For that reason, keep these points in mind during discussions with your professional remodeling firm on how countertops can be less intrusive to your home environment.
- Countertops that are made of natural stone (i.e., granite, slate, marble) or wood are the most sustainable and low-emitting options.
- Look for finishes that demonstrate the use of low chemical or particle emissions. Additionally, select a finish that is water-based and low-VOC rated as opposed to a petroleum distillate.
- Ask your contractor to use an adhesive that is low-VOC rated to install the countertops. Or, instead of adhesives, they may consider mechanical fasteners instead.
Kitchen Cabinets
There are many articles online about how kitchen cabinets contain formaldehyde, which is used in the adhesives to bind composite wood. This is true, but it’s not something to be scared of once you fully understand the context. According to the Kitchen Cabinets Manufacturers Association (KCMA):
“All wood species, and therefore all wood products, contain and emit small amounts of formaldehyde. An oak tree, for example, emits 9 parts per billion (ppb) of formaldehyde … Formaldehyde also is found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, meats and coffee.”
All cabinetmakers use composite wood in the construction of cabinets, but they are not the only ones to use composite wood in construction. It is a vital material for the industry as a whole, but it is especially essential with cabinetmakers who build cabinets. Urea-formaldehyde adhesives are used to bind these materials together, which allow them to stand up to the durability and performance that homeowners expect while providing an appealing aesthetic.
Although you usually cannot avoid composite wood totally, this industry is regulated. Since 2013, all pressed wood sold in the United States must be California Air Resource Board (CARB) compliant, made with ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) or no-added formaldehyde (NAF). These standards are the lowest in the world!
Keep in mind that although we are discussing kitchen cabinets, formaldehyde can be emitted from many other products you bring into the home. Here are some actions you can take to minimize exposure to formaldehyde:
- Ventilation is key when introducing any new products into the home. Open windows to bring in the fresh air and use fans to circulate the air. Keep in mind that the best-ventilated rooms in the home are already the kitchen and bath.
- Wood holds up best when heat and humidity are consistent. Monitor humidity levels in the winter and summer, which tend to be extremes of dry and humid, respectively.
Flooring Materials
Here are some things to consider when you are choosing flooring options for your home.
- Polished concrete or tile are great choices for zero-VOC, as they are inert and do not emit anything toxic.
- Most brands of engineered wood are eco-friendly with low-VOC. Look for a plywood or solid slat core, and a stain/varnish that is zero-VOC.
- Natural linoleum is made of all-natural products and is one of the greenest flooring options available today.
- For other parts of the home, natural wood floors are a great low-VOC choice, although it isn’t always the best option for the kitchen and bathrooms because of wet conditions.
- If you choose to lay down rugs on the hardwood or ceramic tile flooring, avoid synthetic or vinyl rugs. These emit higher amounts of VOCs.
Thoughtful selection choices during the renovation process can greatly improve your home’s indoor air quality. We can help you make selections based on wellness, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Contact us so we can learn more about your specific needs and make a plan together.
Cubbies and Benches
Cubbies and benches are being included in the majority of new homes being built today. A catch-all space to hold coats, shoes, backpacks, keys and much more, this area, often called a mudroom or dropzone, is usually located inside a back door or near the garage. There are endless possibilities to the type of cubbies and benches that can be built. Check out the photos below for some inspiration if you’re thinking of adding a cubby or a bench to your home. We guarantee that once you have this great organizing space in your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Mudrooms & Dropzones: Great Spaces for the Home
Mudrooms are the perfect way to ensure a clutter-free room. These rooms serve as a transition space where family members can keep purses, backpacks, electronics, footwear, wallets and keys, as well as other items they “grab-and-go” as they enter and leave home.
What are mudrooms and dropzones?
A mudroom is a space that is typically nestled inside an entrance of the home. The word “mudroom” refers to a dedicated space for removing muddy boots and wet clothes before entering the home. But today, these spaces can do so much more!
A dropzone, as a military term, refers to the designated area in which troops or supplies are “dropped” from the sky (via parachutes). Inside the home, a dropzone is a place where family members can “drop” their stuff upon entering the house. Just like a mudroom, ideally, it should be located near an entrance.
Remodeling your home to incorporate a mudroom/dropzone is becoming more of a necessity for busy families. The two biggest benefits include:
Adequate storage: While closets and entryways are traditional places where you’d store jackets, umbrellas and other items, these places are usually not spacious enough to accommodate everything. And they create clutter. Luckily, mudrooms/dropzone are an excellent way to make a dedicated space in your house where you can stash almost anything.
Less clutter: One place where everything can be hung and organized is ideal for a busy family. A mudroom/dropzone is where coats, hats, shoes, sports bags and backpacks can all be stored—instead of near the kitchen table or on the island, which creates an eyesore and unorganized mess.
What does a good mudroom/dropzone include?
Mudrooms are flexible spaces intended to balance functionality alongside style. Consider the following features to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your mudroom/dropzone.
- If space allows, the mudroom should be big enough to accommodate all family members and pets. You may even consider installing a pet bathing station.
- Install plenty of hooks and cubbies to hang coats, jackets, gloves and other clothing used on a daily basis so you can easily grab it as you leave home.
- Install benches for sitting while taking off shoes or organizing belongings.
- Create a “landing counter” where you can place mail and packages, instead of piling them on the kitchen counter.
- In this tech-savvy area, your mudroom/dropzone is a great spot for installing a charging station to plug in your mobile devices and other electronic gadgets. A dedicated spot like this helps to diminish the clutter in other spots in the home.
- Consider hanging a “must not forget” wall peg board where you can store outgoing mail, bills, to-do lists and face masks.
- Add a hamper to throw in socks or other dirty clothing that lay around your house, as well as damp clothes from swimming or a wet day playing outside.
- Since these floors experience heavy traffic, select a durable floor. Tile or luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) are two excellent options.
- Choose the color of the mudroom to complement the decor of the house.
- Go for an (ideally classy) design that helps you organize the area.
Constructing a mudroom/dropzone
While mudrooms/dropzones are a practical addition to the home, they do not have to be unimaginative or sterile. With the help of a creative design and thorough planning, you can transform an underutilized space in your home into a stunning and functional mudroom/dropzone. As your contractor, we can provide you with the best design options and solutions. Contact us to talk.
Project Spotlight: Spectacular One-Story Living
Bob and Claudia wanted to build their dream home that would enable them to stay-in-place as they grew older. They found a 10-acre parcel of land that overlooked a farm valley with a spectacular 3-to-4-mile view of the countryside. They had already worked with an architect to develop a plan for their 1 ½ story home, so their next step was to approach Metzler Home Builders about building their new home. Metzler’s worked with the plan and made it into a well-executed design to meet all their needs. Their top priority was to have a home that had all the main rooms on one floor, so Bob and Claudia could continue to live there as they age-in-place.
The 3,345 square foot home has an open floor plan and many floor to ceiling windows that allow an abundance of light into every room. With the kitchen, breakfast nook and family room all facing south, Bob and Claudia get to see phenomenal sunrises and sunsets across southern Lancaster County. A favorite area of their home is the covered patio off the kitchen, which features ample space for outdoor furniture and a fireplace and overlooks the pool in the backyard.