All Posts By

Melissa Fritchey

Mar 30
0
custo built in bookcase

7 Remodeling Projects and Trends for 2022

By | Remodeling, Uncategorized | No Comments

After the 2019 global pandemic, millions of homeowners began to spend more time at home, providing plenty of opportunities to redecorate and remodel. As spring and some warmer weather arrive, new remodeling projects are also starting to take off.

Floor-Length Windows and Doors

One of the biggest remodeling trends includes floor-length windows and doors. Increasing the natural lighting you have throughout your home can help improve your mood and your home’s overall value while providing you with a brand-new sunlight-centric environment!

Adding Color Again

Minimalism has been trending for some time, especially as we advance with technology and automation in our homes. However, the minimalistic vibe can quickly become drab, especially if you’ve kept things monotone. A simple yet popular remodeling trend in 2022 is adding color to spaces again. Adding a splash of a vibrant, bold color can provide an instant boost and an uplifting aesthetic.

Home Office Upgrades

One of the most significant transformations that resulted from COVID-19 was the transition to home offices and remote work. With so many people working from home indefinitely, a home office space facelift is a great way to infuse your workday with some inspiration!  And according to Zillow Research, homes with remote-friendly features and environments are associated with higher premiums.

An upgraded home office may include:

  • Soundproofing
  • A Zoom-friendly background
  • High-speed broadband access
  • Eliminating clutter and excess furniture
  • A fresh coat of paint to help spruce up the space.

Expansive Outdoor Areas

Getting outside and spending time in nature is healthy physically, and highly beneficial for mental and emotional health. Unfortunately, being quarantined or transitioning to remote work can be difficult and stressful for those who enjoy getting out in nature or socializing regularly. Expanding the space you have outdoors with new landscaping, an outdoor kitchen, a hobby zone (who doesn’t love a she shed?), or an entertainment area can help to improve your mental health while getting the most out of the outdoor area you have available.

Zillow Research also notes that outdoor retreat spaces at home, once considered a luxury, are now wish list items for buyers that can command higher prices.

Functional Spaces

Creating functional spaces is another top remodeling trend that is not likely to go anywhere anytime soon. Declutter your current space(s), eliminate unnecessary furniture and begin brainstorming ways to create a functional space in your room. From built-in bookshelves to closet storage and foldable tables or workstations, functional spaces can help you make the most out of your home.

Luxury Bathroom Designs

Creating luxury spas and bathrooms is another recent remodeling trend that is not slowing down. There’s been a significant shift toward selecting luxury features for bathrooms. Rather than sticking to simplistic fixtures, more people are investing in bidets, sleek fixtures, spa-like atmospheres, and luxury finishes like detailed tile and stunning marble or perhaps more low maintenance quartz or granite countertops.

Eco-Friendly Features

According to Zillow Research, home features that promote sustainability or energy-efficiency have gained popularity in the last several years and are also attributed to homes selling faster. Want to make your home eco-friendlier? This post on What Elements Go into a New Energy Efficient Home? offers some great ideas. You might also consider an electric vehicle charging station, upgrade to a smart thermostat, double-pane windows, energy-efficient appliances, etc.

Whether you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, want to add some vibrancy into your home, or carve out more functional space, there are plenty of remodeling projects that will really pay off!

If you are not the DIY type and you’re looking for professional help with your upcoming remodeling project in York County, PA, we’d love to hear from you!

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Feb 19
0
new home dining area

What Makes an Energy Efficient Home?

By | Home Building | No Comments

An energy efficient home has become an important priority for new home buyers today. There are many reasons for wanting to increase the energy efficiency in a home. Not only does it help keep your utility costs down, but an energy efficient home can also earn you more when it comes time to sell. Not to mention, less energy consumption is much better for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the home’s carbon footprint. Here are six areas that make a real impact on a home’s energy efficiency.

1. Air Sealing

To reduce drafts, you’ll want to ensure a tight seal around all doors, windows, outlets, and vents. Along the same lines, your ductwork may be leaking if you feel that some rooms are too hot or cold compared to others. Keeping these areas sealed up tight saves energy costs and keeps must, mold, and allergens out.

2. Windows

Not only is a tight seal around your windows vital for energy efficiency, the type of windows you purchase can have a big impact as well. Look for double-pane, low-e windows when building your new custom home. They reduce drafts and heating and cooling costs and limit the amount of outside noise.

3. Lighting

Light bulbs are one of history’s greatest inventions, but they haven’t always been very eco-friendly. Instead of choosing traditional incandescent bulbs, opt for more energy efficient CFL bulbs or even LED lighting choices. These can help reduce your new home’s energy use by 50-75% over existing homes.

4. Equipment

One of the most important areas for energy efficiency is the equipment you use every day without even thinking about it. Your furnace and air conditioning system, as well as the water heater, can reduce your monthly utility bills if they are newer, high-performing models. Look for high-efficiency equipment and a thankless water heater.

5. Insulation

Insulation helps to keep the warm or cool air you’re paying for from the HVAC system inside your house, instead of escaping to the outdoors with all your hard-earned cash. It also helps to block excess noise from the street from entering, so you can enjoy a quieter, more comfortable home.

6. Appliances

One of the most common ways to impact a home’s energy efficiency is with your appliances. Look for Energy Star models of washer and dryer combos, refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers when building your new home. These can help reduce your energy use by half, even over models that are only 10 years old.

ENERGY STAR Standards for New Homes

At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. we are a builder participant in the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program. This means we must calculate the performance score of each qualifying home. The same ENERGY STAR® label that indicates efficiency for home appliances is also used to certify new homes. A home only receives the ENERGY STAR label after passing a series of stringent inspections and performance testing. Homes built to ENERGY STAR standards typically achieve energy savings of 20-30%.

Ensure your next custom home building project is a success. Contact us online today or call 717-246-5509 to start talking about your custom energy efficient home in York County, PA.

In 2019, the Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team won the York Builders Association’s PEAK Achievement Award for Best Green Home in the Energy Efficiency/Sustainability category sponsored by the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program. Learn more about that here.

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Sep 18
0
home exterior

JEFFREY L. HENRY INC. AWARDED BEST WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL

By | Awards | No Comments

We are pleased to announce that Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. has been awarded the Best Whole House Remodel in the $100-$150K category from the York Builders Association (YBA). The award is part of the PEAK Achievement Awards, presented annually by YBA. The PEAK Achievement awards recognize excellence in all aspects of the building industry in York County, PA, from building and remodeling to community service, outdoor projects, and designs.

2021 Categories included: Building, Remodeling, Design, Volunteerism, Sales & Marketing and more. Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. and other award winners were honored at the 2021 PEAK Achievement Awards Banquet on September 16 at Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown.

“Qualified industry experts from across the state judged the PEAK Achievement Award projects, so the winners represent the very best projects voted on by an audience of their peers,” said Haley Miller, Director of Events for the York Builders Association. “We’re incredibly proud that these businesses are part of the York Builders Association. They set the standard for quality craftsmanship, value, innovation and in this case, client satisfaction is also one of the judging criteria.”

Link to Video 

Link to Portfolio Images of Remodeled Home

Jul 27
0

Why We Love Living in York, PA

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

Sure, we happen to be York County natives, so we might be slightly biased. But we’ve had the opportunity to see the world and still proudly sing York’s praises. Why do we love living in York, PA? Here are just five reasons why we love calling the White Rose City our home.

It’s Multi-Faceted! Not a small town, but far from being a big city, York has lots to offer. Whether you love nature, a thriving (and quite charming) downtown area with a blooming arts community, hiking and biking trails, great restaurants, etc. York also has a rich history – claiming at one time to be the home of the Continental Congress and the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation.

It’s Gorgeous! Rolling farmland, more than 4,300 acres of area parks and recreational opportunities, a diverse blend of beautiful natural landscapes, trendy city, and comfortable suburban living, there is a backdrop for everyone in York, PA.

Four Beautiful Seasons – If you appreciate all four seasons (we do), York County Pennsylvania offers the seasonal essentials for a high quality of life! They say variety is the spice of life and we couldn’t agree more when it comes to seasons! Summer in York, PA can range from sunny and mild to hot and hazy. Whether you enjoy your summer days at the local pool, kayaking on Lake Redman, or staying cool in the A/C, the heat only lasts a few short months. Fall in PA is crisp, refreshing, and offers up a stunning array of autumn colors as the leaves change. Winters can span from moderate temperatures to bitter cold with snowy roads. (A lovely mixture of four distinct seasons keeps things interesting!) Yet again, winter only last a few months and before you know it, the snow melts, the flowers bloom, the days get longer and it’s onto the beauty of springtime in Pennsylvania!

It’s Conveniently Located – Pennsylvania was dubbed the Keystone State for a reason! Along with the fact that PA was very important to the US as a whole, Pennsylvania also acts as a bridge between the Northeastern states, the Southern states, the Atlantic seaboard and the Midwest. Destinations like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Gettysburg are all a comfortable commute.

It’s Affordable – The cost of living in York is slightly lower than the national average and lower than that in nearby communities found just a short drive south over the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, according to usnews.com.  This also applies to home prices. If you’re looking to buy or build a home in York, home prices are significantly lower in York than U.S. median home prices. This is why York has become a bedroom community for a growing number of commuters.

Of course, we could offer many more reasons why we love living in York – just for starters, there’s great shopping, excellent schools, the best neighbors, and a ton of character!

Need a Custom Home Builder or Remodeler in York, PA?

If you are thinking about remodeling or building a custom home in York County, we’d love to hear from you! We have been building custom homes throughout York County, PA for over 30 years.

Learn More About Where We Build

At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. we don’t just build homes, we build relationships. Our reputation for quality, our commitment to our clients, and our extraordinary culture are a few of the things that set us apart as an exceptional custom home builder in York County. Learn more about the Jeffrey L. Henry Difference!

Ready to talk about your dream home? Reach out to us!

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Mar 17
0

Job Opening: Apartment Complex Maintenance Worker

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

We are seeking a full-time Maintenance Worker for our apartment complexes in York County, PA.

Required responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining grounds
  • Preparing vacant apartments for occupancy
  • Must have general knowledge of carpentry, drywall, light electrical, plumbing & appliance repair
  • Complete work order requests
  • Performing snow removal
  • On-call emergency response

Qualified candidate should have:

  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Willingness to learn
  • Valid driver’s license and transportion
  • Willingness to work in various weather conditions
  • Professional attitude
  • Ability to safely lift heavy items, climb ladders and stairs
  • High school diploma/GED

Benefits include:

  • Competitive wage based on experience  $17 – $25 per hour
  • Vacation (after 1 year) and paid holidays
  • Company sponsored 401k plan

Please send resume to be considered to henryrealty717@yahoo.com

Dec 17
0
Custom bathroom york pa

7 Popular Bathroom Trends

By | Bathrooms, Remodeling | 3 Comments

Whether you’ve decided your bathroom needs an upgrade or you’re planning out your custom dream home master bath, we’ve got a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing. Since bathroom remodels are one of the higher return projects you can do to your home if you ever plan to sell, it makes sense. And according to one real estate survey, homeowners feel more “joy” in their homes after a bathroom remodel or refresh, so it’s a win-win!

Here are 7 bathroom trends that can make a big difference:

Double Vanities

Double vanities are certainly not a new trend but are considered a must-have in most master bathrooms. We’ve also heard from many couples shopping for their next home that not having a double vanity is a deal-breaker!

Custom bathroom featuring double vanities

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs are a more recent trend, and though they used to be more of a specialty item, they’ve become much more affordable. They do require a bit more space than a more traditional built-in tub, but they can really add style. And since freestanding tubs are available in so many different shapes and sizes today, you can find the right aesthetic – whether it’s vintage, contemporary, or something in between!

bathroom featuring freestanding tub

Mirrors

Sure, every bathroom needs a mirror, but have you ever considered how common it is to have standard straight-line mirrors in bathrooms? A statement mirror can easily and affordably dress up, adding personality to a bathroom.

bathroom with glass shower door and statement mirror

Walk-In Showers

Not only do walk-in showers feel spa-level luxurious, but they also deliver many advantages, including accessibility and ease of cleaning (tile as compared to porcelain). Larger walk-in showers can also accommodate a variety of cool shower heads, jets, built-in seating, etc.

walk in tile shower

Shower Enclosure Variations

If you choose that route, you can still opt for a shower curtain, but today, there are a wide variety of shower enclosures to choose from. Glass is a very popular choice. It’s clean and simple and doesn’t detract from the shower stall tile or design.

bathroom with glass shower enclosure, tile shower and soaking tub

Tiles & Textures

While tile is a fairly standard bathroom feature, there are many opportunities to add texture, dimension & richness to a bathroom’s design by incorporating differently shaped or raised tiles or various textures like natural stone, wood, glass, etc…

Bathroom with stacked stone wall, double vanity and soaking tub

Floating Vanities

Growing in popularity, floating vanities are no longer synonymous with contemporary design. They can help expand the space available in your bathroom, make cleaning easier, and allow your flooring or tilework to be the star of the show.

Bathroom with stacked stone, floating vanity and pendant lights

What’s your must-have bathroom feature or trend? Let us know in the comments.

Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel in the York, PA area? The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team would love to help bring your vision to life! Reach out today to discuss your next remodeling project. Elevate your bathroom to new heights of style and functionality with a contemporary transformation, including your favorite bathroom trends. With a wealth of expertise, our team has extensive experience revitalizing primary bathrooms, guest baths, and powder rooms across York County.

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Sep 02
0

Thinking About A Custom Home in York County, PA?

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

If you are considering building a custom home but are not sure where to get started, we can help! We’ve put together just a few of the frequently asked questions we get about the custom home building process.

FAQs About Building a Custom Home in York, Pennsylvania

Q: I don’t have land or a lot yet.

A: No problem. Many custom home builders can work together with you to find your ideal custom home site. If you are looking to build a custom home in York County, our team at Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. has lots available in Dallastown, PA, and in York, PA in the beautiful community of New Brittany II. Learn more about the custom home lots available in New Brittany II (Central York School District), here.

Q: What kind of financing do I need to build a custom home?

A: If you plan to build a new custom home, you’ll likely need financing that is more specialized than a standard mortgage. Construction loans are shorter-term loans (around a year) that are designed specifically to help cover the cost of building a new home.

If you need construction loan financing in York County, PA we suggest starting with the York Builders Association. Along with builders & remodelers that are local, licensed, and insured, YBA also has associate member companies that finance construction & mortgages, provide home insurance, settlement services, and more. Find a York, PA local pro for any of your home project needs here.

Q: I know what I like when I see it, but I’m not sure where to start with design & materials.

A: When you work with the team at Jeffrey L. Henry for your custom home build or remodel, we are always happy to make recommendations. However, we often suggest finding inspiration online. Look at photos of similar homes or projects. For example, you can see many of our projects in our portfolio, or on houzz. We even recommend finding designs and ideas you like and saving them on Pinterest.

Q: How do I find the right builder?

A: Finding the right builder is not something to take lightly. Building a custom home can take up to a year (there are many factors that impact timeline!) and it’s important that you feel comfortable and have a good working relationship with your builder as you embark on such an important project! We put this post together with five solid steps to take when searching for the right custom home builder.

Q: Is building a custom home more expensive?

A: The cost of your custom-built home depends on many things, but it is not necessarily more expensive than building a spec home (move-in ready home) or an older home you plan to customize to your needs. A spec home builder may select finishes or products specifically to keep costs competitive, for example. When you build a custom home, most of those selections are up to you, your tastes, and your budget. You may even be surprised to learn that building a custom home can be more cost-effective in the long-term!

Q: I’m still undecided about a custom home. What are the benefits of building custom?

A: Customization is probably one of the biggest benefits of opting to build a custom home. Other factors like the freedom to build wherever you like, exceptionally high standards, etc. are also important! This post covers 5 of the Best Things About Building a Custom Home.

Need a Custom Home Builder or Remodeler in York, PA?

At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. we don’t just build homes, we build relationships. Our reputation for quality, our commitment to our clients, and our extraordinary culture are a few of the things that set us apart as an exceptional custom home builder in York County. Learn more about the Jeffrey L. Henry Difference!

Ready to talk about your dream home? Reach out to us!

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