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Well it's the Lancaster PA Remodeling Tips & Tricks moment you've all been waiting for... our very first Project Spotlight blog! And don't worry, we'll have plenty more for you in 2011.
THANK YOU to Doug Vogel & his family for letting us spotlight their project, and extra big ups for supplying the pictures and answering all my questions!
Now, sit back, relax, and let's close our eyes and drift off to Before-the-project land... (hint: make sure you open your eyes again to read the Q&A):
what was your project?
Remodeling our backroom and bathroom. The shower was only a stall, and the bathroom itself was very tiny.
how long have you lived in the house?
We have been in the house for a little over 6 years.
had you ever done a major remodel before?
No, this was our first one.
how long had you been wanting to do it?
Ever since we moved in.
why did you decide to do it?
We were trying to sell the house, then I lost my job. So we had to take the house off the market. We then decided we were going to be in this house a little longer so why not have a bathroom we actually liked and could use without bumping into the wall.
Now, in this During section, I'm hoping to portray a real, honest perspective of the remodeling process. Homeowners who have never done a major project before are often surprised at how 'routine-changing' they can be.
how did the process go?
The process went very well.
was it easy choosing the color/flooring/etc or did you consider a lot of options?
For the most part, seemed like Lowe’s was switching items when we were looking for them. So that made it a little difficult.
was the remodeling process more or less difficult than you expected? The remodeling was fine, except for that the floor we wanted had like a 14-day wait on it. Had we known that about the floor we would have had that ordered before it was needed to go in. That held up the remodel.
pros and cons of the remodeling experience?
Pros – new bathroom, large shower/tub downstairs/more room to move around/backroom doesn’t feel cavernous
Cons – having to take a bath for over a month and not a shower
So, is all well that ends well? After:
how did it turn out?
I thought it turned out great.
are you happy you did it?
Yes. Taking a shower in a stall everyday is slightly better than taking a bath on a daily basis.
how often do you use the room?
It’s a bathroom/laundry room, so just about every day.
do you think you’ll remodel in the future?
Someday, but hopefully not in this house.
is mbc the raddest lancaster county remodeling company on twitter? _X__YES ___ NO
Hope you enjoyed our Project Spotlight. I can't say THANK YOU enough to Doug & the Vogels for choosing us to do their project, then helping so much with this blog. Please check out Doug's design company Get Fresh Designs.
If you're considering a bathroom remodeling project of your own near Lancaster County, PA, please give Mike Blank, CGR CAPS, a call @ (717) 371.5136 to set up a free appointment!
Thank you for reading!
Matt Blank
Parents know that they rarely have the same ideas and opinions as their children, and this is never more evident when it comes to do give their room a new look - you might want one design while your 8-year-old daughter has a completely different concept in mind. Here are a few helpful decorating tips that aim to please the whole family. 
First of all, talk to your child and understand his or her vision for the room and incorporate some of those ideas in the design. Keep in mind your daughter or son are the ones living in the room, so even if it is hard for you to do, compromising with them on what they want and what you'll allow will yield the greatest results for both of you. If you don't want to get too crazy with painting, use a neutral wall color in the room; add punch and color with accessories and accents.
Here's a look at some of the hottest trends for children's bedrooms:
For Both: Functionality is important in a child's room. Adding items like a desk or table to work on is a great idea. Try and set up cubbies or shelves to store supplies and help keep things in order. Organizational tools like these will help maximize space, which is especially important in smaller rooms. That way, you can (hopefully) keep things off the floor!
As for decoration, educational letters and images capture the imagination. Many online retailers have inspirational and motivational posters, which can help instill focus, drive and passion in your little one's as the dream big. You can also simplify painting by choosing colors to match the bedspread you have going, to connect the room together without going overboard.
For Girls: It's all about bright colors for girls, from purple to lime green to the ever-popular pink. Think personalized sweetheart pillows and throws. Adding items that can be personalized are a great way to make your child feel like the room truly is her own special place. If you’re handy with fabric, you could create her very own canopy bed, perfect for your little princess!
Having an area for dolls and reading on the floor, such as a small toy shelf and bean bag chairs, can give your little lady and her friends a nice comfy spot to explore their imaginations!
For Boys: Color wise, boys usually like blues and greens, but talk with him to see what his thoughts are – he may surprise you! Does your little guy love sports? Choose accessories that have his favorite professional logo on them, such as a bedspread or poster. You could also visit a used sporting goods store for various gloves and bats to hang on the wall without breaking the bank.
If your son isn't a sports nut, you can incorporate any interest into affordable decor that will personalize the room. Consider using a corner for trumpet practice, with a music stand and shelving for books and accessories. By painting some music notes on the wall, you’ll have a brand new music studio! For younger boys, a “Road” rug will give them the perfect spot for playing with all those cars they have.
Are those 'practical' ideas too BORING for your kids?!? How about these then? (thank you to CalFinder for the pictures!)
If you have more home remodeling or bedroom design questions in Lancaster County, PA, drop me an e-line (electronic line… get it?): matt[at]mbcremodeling.com
-Matt Blank
As the famous Christmas carol goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Unfortunately, coupled with the magic of the season, can be harsh winter weather. Freezing temperatures, ice, wind and snow can pose a direct threat to your home. Is your home ready to be your winter retreat? Now is the time to find out!
Here are five popular and sensible ways to get your home ready for the winter:
1. Exterior Home Inspection – Stop issues before they start!
Harsh weather can happen all year long. Was your home exposed to strong windstorms throughout the year? You may have loose or missing shingles, loose gutters and/or shutters. Any mature trees on your property may need trimming to prevent potential damage. It’s a good idea to start with an exterior inspection of your home before the change in the weather. An exterior home inspection will assure your home is safe, secure and protected from the elements.
2. Windows, Doors and Insulation Keep Jack Frost Away!
Could your home benefit from replacement windows or doors? Drafty windows and doors are the primary way heat is lost from your home.
Your attic should also be inspected to assure it is insulated properly. A blanket of insulation may do the trick to cut your heating bill significantly! Also, your home’s plumbing should be inspected to assure it is insulated properly to prevent damage caused by frozen, bursting pipes.
3. Some Lighting to Light up Your Life!
Brighten your home and surroundings with updated lighting. It’s wise to evaluate your space and determine if you need task lighting in the work areas in your home. Perhaps your home needs soft lighting added to the areas your family tends to gather. Consider adding exterior lighting for safety and to emphasize the exterior features of your home. Add to the spirit of your neighborhood and outfit your home with Holiday lighting for all to enjoy.
4. Give Your Home an Interior Face Lift!
Whether it’s adding shutters or replacing siding, it’s sure to add value to your home. If your home has a wooden deck, it may be time to clean, sand and reseal it. Assure your walkways are clear and your driveway is sealed and maintained also.
Once the bad weather hits, it’s time to focus your home improvement plan on the interior of your home. Develop a plan to make the most of the blustery winter days with interior projects.
Does your dream kitchen awaits?! Expand your livable space by getting your basement finished! Refresh the look of your home with a new paint palate… Whatever projects you choose, they will surely bring you enjoyment to carry you through the winter blues.
5. Plan Your Work - Keep Moving Forward!
Sometimes it’s more inviting to stay bundled up on those cold winter days, reading a good book and drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Others, you want to stay on track. By keeping a log of your plans your changes will be ready before the thaw of the Spring! Then, you can focus on any landscaping and outdoor living addition jobs (such as decks, sunrooms and mudrooms) you may want to have completed.
Before you know it, Spring will be here and you’ll only have to worry about opening the windows and letting the fresh air in!
If you have any home remodeling questions in Lancaster County, PA, please give MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC a call at [717] 371[.]5136.
In this post we continue our look at making your home improvements a breeze.
19. Refrain from running a time clock. This creates an atmosphere of distrust and may not be effective or a money-saver.
20. Save money by doing minimal tasks on your own, such as clean up and painting.
21. Review the sample materials, especially the paint chips and color swatches prior to the order.
22. Select your colors and finishes before the painter arrives to keep the schedule moving.
23. Have a “go-to-guy.” Pick someone to be the key contact between the
contractor and the family. This will help keep communication clean & clear and avoid confusion.
24. Be specific about where you want electrical outlets located and how many you want. By doing so, the electrical estimate should be more accurate.
25. Demolition should begin only after the new equipment and supplies have arrived. Particularly windows, doors, appliances or any other essential items.
26. To avoid loss, remove any valuables or easily damaged items from the work site.
27. Children and pets in the work zone should be avoided. Alternative arrangements should be made during work time if you are not present.
28. If possible, plan for a vacation or time away during the most disruptive part of the project, such as floor refinishing. This will allow you to come back refreshed for the remainder of the job.
29. If a change is made, be sure to have the new agreement put in writing before the work begins.
30. To prevent dust from the site landing in other areas, seal the entry point with plastic sheeting and blue painter’s tape.
31. Be courteous of your neighbors and inform the work crew where your property lines are located to prevent materials from being placed in the wrong area.
32. Keep your eye on the prize. Although the project will be disruptive, the end result will be worth it.
33. Schedule a final walk through inspection with your contractor. Make a note of any tasks that need completed.
34. Request an Affidavit of Final Release once the job is complete and the final payment is made. This clears you of any liability for third-party claims.
With a careful planning and a knowledgeable contractor, you’re well on your way to an awesome new space!
Click here for Home Improvement Projects Made Easy Part 1.
Yea, we’ve all heard about the ultimate ‘man cave’ finished basement. You know, the place where a man can drink beer and talk sports with his buddies on Sunday’s.
But what about the ladies? They make up a large portion of homeowners and in most cases are the ones initiating remodeling projects in their homes. So, I wondered, what would their dream basement renovation consist of? I figured I’d go right to the source, so via LinkedIn I asked some Central PA women this very question. What did I learn?
First off, they don’t want anything resembling a ‘cave’. “Women don't want a cave - we want a retreat for relaxation or a fun space to socialize with family/friends”, says Deanna Fox of The Fox Groupe. Barbara Tabak of Decorating Den Interiors puts it simply “(Women) want a sanctuary to retreat to at the end of a hectic day.”
The recurring theme for all of the women was relaxation. When I asked for a better name than ‘women cave’ (hey, it sounded clever at the time…), words that came up were sanctuary, haven, retreat… words implying peace and quiet more than the place an animal lives. Alicia Miller of Rock Commercial Real Estate puts it perfectly: “we want a place to get away from all the everyday busyness of life and just be ourselves.”
Now, I did ask these ladies to consider their perfect basement without size or budget restraints. Lutricia Zerfing of Roundtop Mountain Resort said her perfect basement “would consist of a wet bar, sectional couch, large screen TV, universal gym, a large desk with ample storage to work on my hobbies and a sewing machine!” Of course your project must take into consideration the size of your basement and your budget. They all do… yes, even the highest-end projects, but don’t let these discourage you. By getting creative with your space and décor, you can save yourself money.
Usually you have space for at least a few different areas downstairs. These do not necessarily have to be different rooms either. While you could always put a wall in, you could also consider a divider of sorts that is only a few feet high. Maybe a small wet bar behind a countertop and cabinets? A half wall is another option. Not only will it give you some separation, it will also be a nice place for plants, pictures or a lamp. You can also save money by painting yourself. Work with your contractor on similar ideas to maximize your budget and your space.
Arts and crafts and other hobbies such as painting and sewing can be considered in one section of the basement. A place for exercise is always a great option as well. The finished basement is perfect for the yoga mat, treadmill and exercise ball. The hottest trend we are seeing? Many women (and men) here in Lancaster County, PA transform their basement into a home office. With wi-fi internet and some good lighting, you could cut your commute to a flight of stairs.
As Catherine Lockley of oz 2 designs LLC said: “I would have space and designated areas to practice oil painting, kickboxing, video gaming, crafting and sewing. At the end of a free day there would be scuffs and paint on the floor.” I loved the responses I got from all of the women I talked to. Fun was at the forefront of the conversation. Deena Malley, of DCM, told me her basement “would have hardwood or laminate floors with mirrors on one wall - to accommodate a sudden Flashdance urge or for an 80s dance off :)”. And remember; this is a team project - both you and your remodeling contractor should be ready and willing to have some fun!
Design & Décor
With that, why don’t we talk about the really fun part of this process?! Yep, I’m talking DESIGN & DÉCOR. JP Shaw of the Central Penn Business Journal says it better than I ever could; “My subterranean sanctuary would be really pretty - a place where I don't have to compromise design with my husband. I would use vibrant colors, really modern design, lots of fluffy pillows, lamps with crystal lampshades and tons of texture in the room (textured paintable wallpaper, sisal rug, velvet couch, shaggy pillows, metal and glass artistic coffee table).” Now that’s a vision! A lot of lamps will help provide a warmer atmosphere than those overhead bulbs or fluorescent lights. Large pillows and comfy sofas will increase the relaxation and joy for you, your family and your guests. The textures, well they speak for themselves. A few ladies mentioned mirrors as well. These will really help open the room up, which is especially helpful when your space is limited.
As for vibrant colors, they are often a good choice in a room with little natural light. If you want to go warmer with the paint, consider darker shades. Benjamin Moore Paints says different shades in the red, orange and yellow families can be considered warm (darker) or vibrant (brighter). I always recommend that our clients put together a ‘project idea folder’ where they can brainstorm ideas for colors, design, function and everything else. Buy some home décor magazines or search online for pictures to get ideas that shout out “I am the beautiful adornment of your utopian paradise!” And don’t forget – HAVE SOME FUN!
As with any home renovation project, find an experienced remodeler you feel comfortable working with. Basement remodeling is a team sport, and when you and your contractor approach it that way you will be overwhelmed at the transformation taking place in your cold, informal storage floor!
Whatever you call your ‘subterranean sanctuary’ in Lancaster County, PA, please keep MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC in mind when it’s time to remodel your basement.
Thank you,
Matt Blank
