Category: Uncategorized
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
Most Popular Model: The Willow
Sold/Reserved Units: 11
Finished Homes for Sale: 1
Available Lots Remaining in Phase 1: 8
For the most up to date information on available lots at Parkside at Lampeter visit our website!
Post by: Jordan Metzler
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.
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
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 |
Questions to Ask Your Remodeler
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
Before the Dust Settles: Key Questions to Ask Your Contractor
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
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.
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
Preservation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Post by: Tim Zehr