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Many high-tech, high-priced home security products are available today. Fortunately, there are less expensive - but no less effective - ways to protect your Lancaster County, PA home, too.
Check out these smart home security tips!
Eliminate Hiding Places.
Keep all entry points to your house well lit.
Trim shrubs and trees that could provide cover for an intruder. Trim tree limbs that could enable intruders to gain entry via an upper-floor window or balcony and keep items such as ladders locked inside the house.
Don’t be an easy target.
Burglars want to hit the easiest target on the block so give them reasons to skip your house.
Home-security decals or “Beware of Dog” signs are good deterrents. Home security alarms are also good.
A subscription to a monitoring service is a good idea, but even the sound of an alarm is often enough to scare off a thief.
Lock windows and doors.
Department of Justice statistics report more than half of all burglaries occur with no sign of forced entry -- meaning a robber was able to enter the house through an unlocked door or window.
Use a heavy-duty deadbolt that is bolted to the door frame with three-inch screws.
Appear to be home.
When you’re away, have someone pick up your mail and newspaper or have them stopped for the duration of your trip. In addition, have someone mow your lawn. Also, use timers to turn specific lights on and off in the house to make it seem as if someone is home.
Know your neighbors.
Make sure neighbors know when you’re planning to be away and how they can reach you in an emergency. Leaving an extra key with a trusted neighbor is a good idea. It’s better than hiding one under a mat or in some other outdoor hiding place.
The new year is quickly approaching! In the spirit of change, we decided to put together a list of some of the kitchen remodeling trends that are in store for 2012. The general contracting we do here in Lancaster County, PA brings us into a variety of kitchens every year. We get to experience first hand these growing trends, and have decided to discuss the following topics - Design Styles, Appliances, Colors, Cabinetry, Countertops and Lighting.
Design Styles - A recent survey done by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has shown that remodeling clients really are looking for "a multi-functional space, which reflects their individual style. One component of this trend is the integration and concealment of appliances, which opens the kitchen floor plan, embracing adjoining areas of the home, rather than becoming an intrusion into them. The economy continues to encourage homeowners to consider products and designs that are affordable and deliver long-term value."
Traditional style remains the most popular kitchen design, although it has dropped slightly in popularity compared to last year. Shaker style, which is characterized by its simplicity, un-ornamented yet functional, finely crafted style, overtook 'contemporary' style in 2011 as the No. 2 most popular kitchen design style, and that trend should continue into 2012.
Appliances – Concealed appliances, such as warming drawers and steam ovens are more popular than ever. By hiding appliances away during your kitchen remodel, you allow more space to incorporate multiple guest functionality. Kitchens are fast becoming a warm gathering place for the clients family and friends.
Colors - Stainless steel will continue to be a favored choice for your kitchen appliance finish. It has been used in kitchens for over 100 years. This is due to its universal appeal, its ability to provide a sterile surface and its shiny appearance. All of this has helped forge its association with luxury.
The next most used color is currently black. It usually gives the space a more formal appearance in relation to the rest of the common areas of your home. The top 5 colors list is rounded out by grays, beiges, and bones.
Cabinetry - Maple cabinetry looks to be the front-runner in 2012. As for finishes, various shades of white/off-white hues, some finish distressing or glazes remain popular. Dark natural finishes also have been trending. Light natural and colored painted finishes also remained fairly common.
Any of these finishes can help contribute to a comfortable and relaxing kitchen many homeowners and buyers are looking for.
Countertops - Natural stone and quartz counters remain remodeling prospect favorites, but other renewable and recycled materials, such as laminate, concrete, paper, glass and stainless steel are seeing increased interest. Consider a low-maintenance surface to help cut down on cleaning and disinfecting time!
Lighting - LED energy-efficient lighting options continue to rise in popularity. Not only do they offer fresh, modern designs, they also help you save money and energy!
Thank you for reading our blog! I hope these trends will give you some fresh ideas to spice up the new year. If you have any questions or are thinking it is time to remodel your kitchen in Lancaster County, PA, please give us a call!
-Matt Blank
MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC
[717].[371].[5136]
At least that is the question a lot of homeowners we meet with ponder: Should I move to a new home, or remodel the home my family is in now? Well, since we at MBC do remodeling in Lancaster County, PA,
you should definitely remodel… JUST KIDDING!
With our housing market still down, you don’t want to rush into any decisions involving your largest asset. Does your family like the area and how long do you plan on staying in the home? You want to consider not only what your family will gain from your choice, but also the financial investment you stand to gain down the road. Your family’s well-being and overall happiness should always be at the heart of your decisions.
If your spouse, the kids and yourself love the neighbors and neighborhood, their school and your distance from work, changing the layout or adding space to your home by remodeling is probably a better choice. You will improve your enjoyment of your own home without losing your perfect location.
How long do you plan on staying? The investment in remodeling your home could take 5-10 years to fully appreciate in value, depending on what type of project you are planning. Spending $10,000 on remodeling will not add $10,000 to your homes value. There is no set percentage of gain from project to project or location to location. Kitchens and baths are always the best investments because people spend a lot of time there. Keep in mind you could always break down large projects into smaller sections, or lessen the scope, such as a kitchen re-facing versus a complete remodel.
Also, keep in mind that if your home is already the nicest in the neighborhood, putting on a room addition or renovating the kitchen will really not add much value to the home, only to your enjoyment of it. Now, if you are in a less valuable home, you can remodel to be average or above average with the other homes in the area. One example would be adding another bathroom if you currently have 2 but the others in the neighborhood have 3 to 4.
You must find a balance between Enjoyment & Investment Return to help steer your decision. Talk with an experienced contractor and real estate agent to get opinions and figures on the actual costs you are looking at. Take a look at this list Pro’s and Con’s to consider when you are thinking of remodeling or selling your home:
Remodel:
Pros:
• You will see at least some return on your remodeling investment when you go to sell your home.
• More functional home, plus you will increase everyone’s enjoyment of it.
• Makes your home fit your family’s lifestyle better.
• Stay in neighborhood/school district you like,
Cons:
• Certain projects pay off more than others.
• Don’t upgrade beyond what your neighborhood is worth – a $500,000 home in a $200,000 area won’t return the cost of remodeling. If your home is already the biggest and nicest around, it will not appreciate much more when remodeled.
• Remodeling is an invasive process.
• May take 5+ years to fully increase your home’s value.
Move:
Pros:
• The layout you are looking for is already there with no time or work to be done.
• Your budget is the only limit on the size, style and area you move to. Depending on lot size, etc, you may not be able to remodel your current home into the dream you envision.
Cons:
• Real estate fees– real estate commissions, taxes and closing costs; plus minor improvements in new home, furniture & window treatments, movers, etc
• Selling your current house.
• Cost of moving - time, money and energy spent moving
Free Resources:
Check out these free resources to help guide your decision whether to move, or to remodel.
Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value 2011 report.
This site compares the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale. Choose your state to display data for one of 9 regions; choose any one of 80 U.S. cities to download a PDF with local data.
RemodelorMove.com’s Cost Calculator.
Here you'll find home remodeling and moving cost comparison tools, articles with advice and tips on remodeling and moving and more.
Thank you for reading our blog. When the time comes for your home remodeling project here in Lancaster County, PA, please call MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC at [717] 371.5136.
Dreaming of your own fantasy island here in Lancaster County, PA? No, I don't mean the island with white sandy beaches, palm trees and sun... a kitchen island. They are increasing in popularity here; and with the interest both the attractiveness and innovations of kitchen islands continue to grow. Centrally located, islands are easily accessed and ideal for kitchen tasks such as food prep, cooking, clean up and entertaining. Here are the newest kitchen finds and options to consider when building or turning your fantasy island into a functional, stylish workspace.
Create Levels - Multi-level islands are becoming increasingly popular since most homeowners not only want a work area, but also an informal place for entertaining guests. With the kitchen as one of the main gathering areas in a home, your guests will be able to sit, chat or rest their beverage glasses on the high-top counter, while the lower tier of the island features an ample work area and storage area.
Be sure to incorporate enough drawers and shelves below the work area to keep key ingredients, utensils and your favorite cookbooks right at your fingertips.
If you love to entertain, consider adding a wine refrigerator to maintain proper temperatures for your reds and whites. You could also use the other side for seating like the picture above shows.
Turn Up the Heat - Installing cook tops as part of your kitchen island brings counter top burners within easy reach, while also creating room for amenities below, such as additional storage or warming drawers.
Easy Clean Up - Install a sink and faucet in your kitchen island to make food prep and clean up quick and easy.
Top It Off - Add character to your island countertop with a dramatic surface finish, such as granite, metal, solid-surface, marble and new custom, hand-applied finishes with unique designs, such as full circles and waves.
Finish off your counter with a thick butcher block, making it an easy spot for all your cutting needs.
With a few island innovations, you’ll make the most of your kitchen space and create your own, customized fantasy island! When it's time to do your kitchen in Lancaster County, PA, please contact MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC.
We have been building wood, composite and solid PVC decks and screened porches here in Lancaster County, PA since 1999. With over 12 years experience I can tell you the decision most families struggle with is what kind of decking material to we choose for their new deck.
If initial cost were the only concern, the answer would always be simple: wood. Unfortunately, we must consider many important factors. Along with initial cost, the appearance you are looking for and long-term maintenance time and costs come into play. The types of fasteners used to secure the decking are also important to many homeowners. Please use this guide to help you decided whether pressure-treated wood, composite or PVC/plastic decking is what your dream deck is made of.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Why is the wood pressure treated? According to About.com: “Less durable woods, like Southern pine and Western fir, are treated with preservatives. This makes them more resistant to the elements, rot and insects.”
Wood is used for the structural pieces of your deck no matter what you choose for the top. The other types of materials used for the surface are most likely either not strong enough or too expensive (or both) to serve as the frame for your deck.
Pros:
- Cheaper option
- Looks like real wood… ‘cause it is!
- Easy to work with
- Mold-resistant
- Hidden or visible fastener options
- Usually comes with lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Higher maintenance costs
- Will rot and lose appearance if not maintained
- Contains chemical preservatives
- Can splinter
Composite
Composite or synthetic decking is a lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. It is more environmentally friendly than wood, and the popularity of composite brands, such as Trex, has exploded over the past decade in residential deck building.
Pros:
- Weather resistant
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance costs
- Made from recycled materials
Cons:
- More expensive than wood
- Varying appearance issues between brands
- Not resistant to mold or mildew. Especially shows in places where the deck is under a lot of shade.
- Tend to sag and bend over time more than wood
- They don’t last forever. Varying warranty lengths (10 years – lifetime)
- Can be difficult to work with
PVC
Plastic lumber (PVC), including products made by Azek, is a 100% recyclable decking option made from recycled plastics. It is said to need the lowest amount of maintenance of the materials we are discussing.
Pros:
- Stain resistant
- No mold or mildew
- Scratch resistant
- Will not rot
- 100% recyclable
Cons:
- More expensive than wood
- Varying appearance issues between brands
- Tend to sag and bend over time more than wood
- They don’t last forever. Varying warranty lengths (10 years – lifetime)
- Can be difficult to work with
Please comment on your experiences with any of these decking materials. If you are looking for a deck builder in and around Lancaster County, PA, please contact MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC at [717] 371.5136.
There are several types of Home Additions we do here in Lancaster County, PA. Believe it or not, every room addition we’ve ever done was unique…seriously! Additions are custom designed to your exact dreams and needs, and the needs and dreams of every family are different! However, there is one unifying theme of all of the families we work with; when you create the home of your families dreams, your family dreams of spending more time at home.
More Family Room:
Sometimes a homeowner wants to add rooms, both bedrooms and bathrooms, for their growing family. Two or second story additions allow you to add exactly the rooms you want at exactly the right size and color you want them. Since you have the option of going up (2nd story addition) or out (room addition), there is no need to go through all of that hassle moving to an entirely new neighborhood!
By adding more family space, you will not only enjoy your home more, but it will up the square footage and home value as well!
Garage Addition: What makes a garage addition so great? No stepping outside in the cold winter, the rainy spring or the hot summer. No matter what the weather, you can start up your cars and trucks in the comfort of your own garage.
Do you need a space for all of your Christmas stuff, bikes or sporting equipment? More storage is the name of the garage addition game. And again, since you are customizing the space, you can have as little or as much storage room as you want.
Have you been considering finishing your basement? (Possibly even your very own Subterranean Sanctuary or Man Cave) Unfortunately, sometimes our basements just do not have the square footage or layout to really become the room we are envisioning. A garage could house all of those art supplies, tools, exercise equipment or toys downstairs or up. Many garages we build have a room above turned into a master bedroom, but this space could be used for anything you want.
Home Office: As I mentioned in a previous blog post “Your 4 Home Office Options”, home additions are always the most exciting home office projects. An addition allows you to completely customize your new workspace. You have the capability of your own bathroom plus an outside entrance for customers. What better way to be close to the family than working from home?!?
Another benefit? You just set up the desk and you’re ready to go, no painting, flooring or worse… drywall!
Mudroom: If you are getting tired of everyone tracking mud through the house, you can add a small mudroom. These are the perfect place to store the kid’s (big and small) coats, shoes, bags and more! You could also add a breakfast nook with a beautiful window looking out at your yard.
Screen(ed) Porch: No matter what you call them, a screen or screened porch is the perfect place to enjoy the spring, summer and fall with your family, from big kids to little grandkids, everyone enjoys spending time outside. Screened porches are perfect for entertaining events, such as birthdays and graduation parties.
Sunroom: Nothing brightens your mood more than sitting down in your very on sunroom to relax! Sunrooms offer complete natural light and heat, so they usually don’t use much energy, even during the coldest parts of winter. Reduce stress and reap the physical and emotional benefits of natural light in your very own home.
I hope these benefits of home additions helped you. There are of course many other benefits as well as drawbacks. When you are considering your own addition here in Lancaster County, PA, be it a second story, mudroom, home office, garage, screened porch or sunroom, please contact us for more information.
Thank you,
Matt Blank
MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC
[717] 371[.]5136
We are often asked by Lancaster County, PA homeowners of the best way to update their kitchen without completely remodeling. We always tell them the best place to start is the color! The kitchen is the perfect place to add character to your home with the use of new colors, whether it be painting walls, staining cabinets or both and more. Choosing the right color palette is an important part of the decision making process. But how do you choose colors that are compatible with your space and your taste? Here are a few helpful tips for guiding your color choices:
Cabinetry Color vs. Wall Color - Painting your kitchen walls is an easy way to add color and personality to your space. Soft blue wall paints, which are calming and easy to live with, are also versatile as they work well with both light and dark cabinetry. The color can balance cabinetry with a darker finish, such as cherry spice, or accent cabinetry with a lighter finish like maple butterscotch.
Go Bold - If you prefer the colors in your home to be trendy, consider using dramatic hues to brighten up your kitchen walls. Experts say that bold colors such as red and gold, the colors of China, are expected to gain interest because of the upcoming Olympics, while botanical greens are strong partly because of the environmental movement. If you are not quite ready to make such a bold commitment, buy a small container of paint and test it on an inconspicuous area of the wall to see how it works with your kitchen and your style.
Mixing Finishes and Countertops: How to Avoid a Color Trap - Another simple solution for taking a kitchen from drab to dazzling is to mix cabinetry finishes and/or countertop colors. Mixing finishes and countertops is a surefire way to avoid the common color mistake of matching everything. When everything in a room is the same color, it becomes either too intense or too bland. To avoid this painting trap, choose two finishes that balance one another. Or, keep the finish the same on both and use contrasting countertops for the main kitchen and the island to achieve the same balance.
It’s the Little Things that Make a Big Difference - If you do not want to transform your entire kitchen into a colorful oasis, but still want to show off your style, a little bit can go a long way:
- Incorporate a backsplash in a patterned, multi-colored, or even metallic tile to easily add personality without committing to a full-on color renovation.
- Include glass front cabinetry to create a dramatic backdrop for your vibrant glassware.
- For a quick and easy color pick-me-up, change your cabinet hardware; add colorful art prints; or invest in some bright appliances such as a toaster, food processor or mixer.
If you are considering your own Kitchen Remodel or Renovations in Lancaster County, PA, please give us a call!
MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC - [717] 371[.]5136
A lot of prospective home remodeling customers are worried that they will not be able to afford their project. Here are 5 tips for helping work with your budget when it's time for your remodel:
-buying materials yourself. See exactly what you want at some discount store? Grab it! While your contractor most often can get better prices (due to larger purchase volume), sometimes you really see a deal that is unbeatable. Just make sure you check with your contractor to make sure the product will work for what you were planning.
-painting. Got a free weekend? Why not get the family together to paint that new addition. Most contractors will leave drywall finished and ready to be painted. This is an easy thing to do if you have the time.
-keep existing cabinets, countertops, etc. Are your cabinets in need of some minor work? Consider repainting or staining them to make them look fresh and help cut costs on a bath or kitchen remodel.
-don’t just take lowest bid. Wait, you got that backwards don’t you? No, actually I’m serious. The lowest price is always intriguing, but make sure this prospective contractor has experience in the type of work you’re looking for. Lack of estimating experience can lead to much more costs down the road when the contractor realizes he completely underestimated his time on the job. Having a new contractor come and fix the old ones’ mistakes is never cheaper.
-make a list in 3 categories ‘must have/wants/dreams’ and plug and play to find what fits in your budget. Want your cake and eat it too? You’re not alone, but when you are working on a budget lists like these help you prioritize function over form. Plus, you could always use your list to help you plan the projects you want done in phases over several months or years.
I hope these tips help! When you're considering a home remodel in the Lancaster County, PA area, please give MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC a call at [717] 371_5136!
Mike Blank, CGR CAPS
As the new year is picking up steam, I thought it would be a good time to share my views on the future… the future of home remodeling that is. I present to you the top remodeling trends for 2011.
This year has been challenging for homeowners and remodelers alike. The good news is that although progress is slow, remodelers across Lancaster County, PA say that things are looking up.
Many homeowners are looking to 2011 with a renewed sense of optimism about remodeling their homes. Home prices have stabilized and the economy is moving in a positive direction. Astute remodeling contractors have found ways interesting ways to help homeowners stay within their budget. Many people think that 2011 will the best time we have seen in years to remodel.
The focus will be on creative use of existing space and moderate sized additions. The use of color as a way to define space and bring out architectural features will continue to gain popularity.
Kitchens will be made over to be brighter, open and less formal. Granite and quartz continue to be the countertops of choice, but soapstone is emerging as a unique alternative for an earthier feel in a solid surface countertop.
Many kitchen and bathroom remodels will include cost effective techniques to recycle or renovate features rather than replacing everything.
There has been great interest in renewing fireplaces to create a family centered area. The stacked stone fireplace continues to be a favorite. Creating open floor plans will be one of the leading home improvements this year it seems. Formal spaces in the home will be repurposed by opening up existing walls and creating more usable family centered space. Many people will find that their home can take on a whole new feel and function by reorganizing the seldom used formal living and dining rooms.
Master suites and bathrooms will also be designed around how we live our lives, with less focus on over the top extravagance. By focusing more on function and reasonable scale over flash, home remodels will have the feel and features we want without unsustainable budgets.
Lastly, home energy performance improvements with various types of remodeling projects will continue to grow in popularity due to their positive return on investment. Homeowners are discovering that advances in building science have illustrated that there are numerous cost effective adjustments that can be made to their homes. These adjustments and repairs will improve energy bills and make homes more comfortable at the same time.
When it's time to think renovations and remodeling in Lancaster County, PA, please think MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC.
Home Offices have never been more popular or practical than right now. They give you access to everything you need to get the job done without the rush hour commute and endless birthday parties. Even larger businesses can benefit. Home offices help save money on location and other overhead costs, as well as travel expenses (read: gas and maintenance costs) incurred with routine driving. And less driving is another great way to go green.
The biggest question is: where do you put it? Here are the 4 major options you have for your home office, as well as some pros and cons to think about before you start lugging your desk, filing cabinets and computer in there!
Bedroom: A spare bedroom can be the most convenient spot to put your office. Usually they offer you less room, but no structural or building work needs done to convert them. Remodeling a bedroom is a DIY (do-it-yourself) paradise; painting, drywall, shelving and electrical upgrades to handle more power may need to be considered. If you are not a DIY kind of person, a contractor can still get this done for you cost-effectively. Just don’t forget – will you need the room in the future? You may have to move your office all over again when the Grandkids start visiting.
Attic: Your attic offers a lot of pros but (possibly) one major con. The con? Being on the 3rd floor is usually not in close proximity to the bathroom, kitchen and other common areas. Though, depending how you work, that could be a plus; the attic will offer you the most secluded workspace. If the attic is big enough you can leave a portion for storage, giving the room multiple uses.
Basement: Your basement has some of the similar issues as the attic, just not always as extreme. You may have the option of adding a bathroom. Otherwise, you might only be 1 flight away. Similar to the attic, if you have the room, you can still leave yourself some storage space. Some cons: You may need to run electric, internet and phone wires to the basement. Anyone that has run wires knows that is sometimes easier said than done. Also keep in mind you may be required to add a Bilco door to be code-compliant when you remodel your basement.
Addition: Home additions are always the most exciting home office projects. An addition allows you to completely customize your workspace. You can add a restroom, or an outside entrance, and since you have the option of going up (2nd story addition) or out (room addition), having a smaller lot shouldn’t hinder you. Of course, this will be the most expensive option. The nicest part of when it’s done? Just set up the desk and you’re ready to go, no painting, flooring or worse… drywall.
When it’s time for your home office in Lancaster County, PA - whether it be by bedroom or attic conversion, basement remodel or home addition… - please give MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC (that’s us!) a call - [717] 371.5136.
