White custom kitchens

8 Reasons Why We Love White Kitchens

By | Kitchens, Remodeling | No Comments

A kitchen renovation is a popular way to transform your living space and boost home value. Consider a white kitchen if you are looking for a classic approach to the kitchen of your dreams. In this blog post, we’ll cover 8 reasons why we love white kitchens, although we could probably think of a few more! Unlike some kitchen trends, white kitchens tend to stand the test of time and will likely continue to do so for years to come.

Is a white kitchen right for you?

Whether you are building a new home or planning a kitchen remodel, here are some reasons we think white kitchens remain timeless.

  1. Classic and Versatile: White is a neutral color that complements almost any design style, from traditional to modern. It provides a clean and fresh look that doesn’t clash with other elements in the kitchen. As a result, white kitchens can adapt to changing trends and personal tastes over the years.
  2. Bright and Spacious: White reflects light, making spaces appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. White can help create a sense of openness and airiness in smaller kitchens or ones with limited natural light.
  3. Enduring Elegance: White kitchens exude a sense of elegance and sophistication. They give a timeless, high-end appeal that doesn’t feel outdated with the passing years.
  4. Resale Value: White kitchens are considered a safe choice for homebuyers. Since they are widely appealing, they can positively influence the resale value of a home, making it an attractive option for homeowners and real estate developers.
  5. Easy to Personalize: White acts as a blank canvas, allowing you to inject your personality and style through various decor elements, like colored accents, backsplashes, or trendy accessories and appliances. This versatility makes white kitchens adaptable to changing preferences.
  6. Clean Aesthetic: White kitchens convey a sense of cleanliness and hygiene. They create a pristine and organized atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a tidy space or want to maintain a minimalist vibe.
  7. Timeless Appeal in Photography: White kitchens photograph well, contributing to their popularity in interior design magazines, online platforms, and social media. As these platforms continue to influence design choices, the allure of white kitchens powers on.
  8. Designers’ Choice: Interior designers often recommend white kitchens to their clients because they provide a reliable foundation for various design schemes. This professional endorsement has further solidified white kitchens’ enduring popularity.

While kitchen trends may come and go, the timelessness of white kitchens lies in their adaptability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to complement a wide range of design styles, making them a classic choice for homeowners remodeling in York County and around the world!

Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel in the York, PA, area? If you are searching for a remodeler in York County with integrity, the award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. has been building and remodeling homes in the area for over 35 years with a focus on meeting the customer’s needs. Reach out today!

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Basement Home Theatre

7 Ideas for Your Basement Remodel

By | Remodeling | No Comments

A basement remodel is more than just a way to boost your home’s value. It’s also an ideal way to add living space for work, play, entertainment, and more. If you are considering investing in a basement remodel, here’s some inspiration.

1. Mancave

The ever-popular “man cave” can be designed with a theme in mind – whether it’s auto racing, football, hunting, music, arcade games, technology, or a sports bar. A mancave might include comfortable couches, a mounted television, a pool table, and a mini or full bar, depending on your available space.

2. Play Area for the Kids

Create a safe play area for the kids once your remodel is complete. Basements provide additional space for toys and playing without cluttering the main floor of your home. Plus, a basement play area offers plenty of year-round space to run around and burn off excess energy even when the kids can’t get outside time due to the weather. Consider shelving or other storage options for all those toys and games and keep your other areas clutter-free.

3. Home Gym

A personal workout space is a great way to stay motivated. Home gyms are an on-trend choice for all or a portion of many basement remodels. With a workout space in your basement, you can customize it for your specific needs and interests, skip the commute and monthly payment to the gym, plus there’s no waiting for equipment, it’s private and open 24/7!

4. Entertainment & Home Theater Area

An entertainment and home theater area is a popular choice to consider when remodeling your basement. An entertainment room with a home theater is great for gatherings and parties. Watching movies as a family is super convenient, with a home theater readily available in your remodeled basement. Also include a popcorn machine, as well as board and video games in your entertainment room & home theater area.

5. Bar/Cocktail Lounge

If you enjoy entertaining, a basement bar or lounge is popular for basement remodels. If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you can always feature a bar cart to showcase your collection of spirits or opt for a full-sized custom wet bar with taps and a wine fridge if you have the space to accommodate it. If your budget and space allow, why not go all in on a wine cellar? Decorate your basement bar in your own style or model it after your favorite lounge and provide plenty of seating for friends or family to get comfortable. Have kids? Dedicate an area for a kid’s table or include some gaming options to make it family friendly. A bar in your basement provides the ultimate space for entertaining and hosting get-togethers.

6. Guest Area or Guest Suite

Maybe you have frequent out-of-town visitors but don’t have enough space for guest rooms. All or part of a basement remodel can be dedicated to a guest area, guest suite, or even an entirely separate living space for parents or other family members. Having a private and dedicated space helps visitors feel comfortable and welcome. Depending on your basement’s setup, your guest suite can also include a full bathroom and kitchenette. Of course, you’ll need to be aware of local building codes and make sure your guests have a proper emergency escape route.

7. Dedicated Home Office

For those who work from home, creating a dedicated home office in your basement can allow you to expand your workspace. So often, we see homeowners who have their office space crammed in a corner of a bedroom or maybe they’ve just taken over the dining room table. A dedicated basement office can include doors for privacy – resulting in more productivity – and it frees up space in the rest of your home.

Contact Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. For Your York County Basement Remodel

If you decide to move forward with a basement renovation project, working with a local home remodeler is the next step. Whether your objective is a place to host guests, hang out & unwind or get down to work, a basement remodel is an excellent investment and significantly expands your useable living space.

Planning a basement remodel in York County, PA? We’d love to hear about the basement of your dreams! The award-winning team at Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. has over 35 years of experience in home building and home remodeling. We are fully committed to providing the best possible experience for our homeowners in York, PA.

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apartment complex manager job

Job Opening: Apartment Complex Manager

By | Job Opportunities | No Comments

Our Apartment Complex Manager of over 20 years is retiring!

We are seeking a full-time Apartment Complex Manager for our apartment complexes in York County, PA.

Required responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Advertise and show apartments to prospective tenants
  • Process rental applications and negotiate new leases with tenants
  • Collect rent and security deposits from tenants and track accounts
  • Coordinate and communicate with tenants, Apartment Complex Maintenance Worker, and landlord
  • Help prepare vacant apartments for occupancy as needed
  • Handle all administrative and financial tasks related to apartment complex
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidate should have:

  • Attention to detail
  • Must have general knowledge of bookkeeping & math
  • A working knowledge of tenant laws
  • Computer literacy – knowledge of QuickBooks & Excel preferred
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to learn
  • Valid driver’s license and transportation
  • 1-3 years related experience preferred

Benefits include:

  • Competitive wage based on experience
  • Vacation (after 1 year) and paid holidays
  • Company sponsored 401k plan

Please send resume for consideration to jhbuilder@aol.com or contact 717-487-3609.

luxury bathroom - a popular remodeling trend for 2023

Six Remodeling Trends for 2023

By | Remodeling | No Comments

Maybe you’ve noticed for a while that your home might be teetering on the edge of what people call “dated.” Or perhaps you passed that milestone a while back. We get it. Time flies, and before you know it, decades have whizzed right by. In this blog post, we’ll review some popular remodeling trends for 2023 that may provide some inspiration.

There are many benefits if you’ve been thinking about a home remodeling project this year. Remodeling projects can increase your home’s value, modernize critical areas, increase energy efficiency, ensure your home functions in alignment with your family’s needs, and improve your lifestyle by adding convenience – and even luxury.

Here are six remodeling trends for 2023 (and beyond) that can help improve form, function, and lifestyle!

remodeled master bath in york pennsylvania

1. Luxury/Spa Bathrooms

Our physical environment plays a significant role in our mental, physical, and emotional health. We have a lot of stress daily, and people want their homes to be an escape. Luxury baths have been an emerging remodeling trend for several years, and this is one of the areas where homeowners continue to focus. Combining the calming features of spa baths, large modern showers, and heated floors with other luxury features into a bathroom with built-in cabinets and shelving that provide both comfort and beauty provide an oasis for unwinding and optimal functionality.

Luxurious bathtubs, walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, beautiful shelves and cabinetry, built-in mirror lighting and charging stations, radiant flooring, heated towel racks, bidets, and mood lighting are just a few popular bathroom remodeling trends you might consider.

bedroom with window wall - a remodeling trend for 2023

2. Window Walls

Large window walls or glass walls are making a memorable comeback. Sleek and modern floor-to-ceiling windows (the kind that offers more view and less window) can be a focal point in any room, provide gorgeous natural light, and make a space feel more open.

large kitchen islands are a popular remodeling trend

3. Large Kitchen Islands With Storage

Kitchen islands have always been on trend. However, large kitchen islands designed to be multifunctional with additional storage remain one of the most popular homeowner remodeling “wish list” items.

If you have children who do their homework in the kitchen or plenty of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and devices you would like out of sight, a kitchen island built with storage in mind is a win-win.

Multifunctional kitchen islands can include everything from Lazy Susan storage solutions to different-sized drawers to hide away all of the extra “stuff” that doesn’t have a home, causing clutter and taking up precious counter space. Large kitchen islands with built-in storage also make an excellent selling point if and when your home goes on the market.

multifunctional rooms are a popular remodeling trend for 2023

4. Multifunctional Rooms

Regardless of your home’s size, a multifunctional room allows you to “do more” without the hassle. And who doesn’t need more flexibility in their lives these days? Multifunctional rooms can seemingly add to your home’s square footage by providing extra kitchen prep space, a quiet place for school or remote work setup, a playroom, a home gym, or even convert into a spare bedroom when you have overnight guests.

If you’re thinking about an addition or remodeling project and your current space is limited, a multipurpose room that can do “double duty” can help you make the most out of the space you have!

drop zones are one of favorite remodeling trends for 2023

5. Drop Zones/Mudrooms with Storage

Mudrooms and drop zones are another home remodeling trend that has been coming back over the past decade or so. Not only are they great for storing outdoor gear like shoes, jackets, umbrellas, backpacks, dog leashes, and more, but they can also incorporate storage solutions.

If you’d love to rid the clutter from an entryway, hallway, etc., a mudroom/drop zone area is the ideal designated space for storing everyone’s daily go-to items. A drop zone can be as simple as transforming a small space with a bench, a hook, a basket for each family member, and a shoe rack or something more extensive, like a custom cubby for each person with built-in storage, shelves for phone charging, and more. Simple or elaborate, a drop zone or mudroom can help get you on the path to a more organized home!

custom built in storage is a popular remodeling trend for 2023

6. Built-In Storage

Let’s face it. Many of us end up having a lot of “stuff.” Some of it is necessary, and some might be sentimental, but keeping our belongings safe and organized is big business and likely a trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Custom built-in storage solutions are a request we often hear from homeowners. Anything that helps us make the most of our space is always good. Built-in cabinets, benches, bookshelves, customized cubbies, and hideaway storage in the kitchen island all help us keep things looking beautiful visually while at the same time maximizing the spaces we have to work with.

Planning a remodeling project in York, PA? The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team is committed to quality craftsmanship and personalized customer attention. We’re an award-winning custom remodeler in York County, PA, and we’d love to hear about your next project! Contact us!

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custom kitchen

Choosing a Kitchen Layout

By | Home Building, Kitchens | No Comments

The kitchen is one of the most heavily trafficked areas of a home. Maybe you don’t consider yourself a master chef, still, you have likely entertained guests, served drinks, or even played games in your kitchen area at some point.

When it comes to designing your kitchen layout, choosing a design that is not only attractive but functional is key. Your kitchen layout will be a determining factor in its efficiency.

The Kitchen Work Triangle

If you’re considering a new custom kitchen or a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to take some time to learn about your options. One concept that can be helpful when designing a kitchen layout is the work triangle. This tool, also known as the golden triangle, forces you to consider the three pillars of your kitchen – the stove, the kitchen sink, and the fridge, and how they are configured.

The concept of the kitchen work triangle is that for maximum productivity, a triangle is the shape formed when you connect the refrigerator, stove, and sink. Ideally, each leg of the triangle would be at least 4 ft but no longer than 9 ft.

kitchen work triangle

The kitchen work triangle concept works with a variety of kitchen designs, still allowing you to select a layout and design personality that reflects your style. Reviewing some of the most popular kitchen layouts can be helpful in selecting a kitchen design that is just right for you and your home.

Island Kitchen

One of the most popular kitchen designs is the island kitchen. Kitchen islands are incredibly functional – providing additional cooking and entertaining space and often may include added storage space. Because they are typically centrally located, the kitchen island is ideal for prepping, washing, and socializing.

Galley Kitchen

For those who live in smaller spaces or want to introduce a more compact and efficient layout into their kitchen, consider a galley layout. A galley kitchen typically includes a room that appears as an open hallway or two walls facing each other. The Galley-style kitchen can make good use of both walls for countertops, refrigerators, stovetops, and appliances. A galley kitchen is a space saver that works well as a mother-in-law kitchen or a second kitchen in a larger home or loft.

Corner/L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen – also referred to as a corner kitchen, typically includes appliances, cabinetry, and even sinks on two walls that connect at a 90-degree angle. This design leaves an open floor plan for the remainder of the kitchen while providing one central workspace in the corner of the room. L-shaped kitchens are often used in small to mid-sized kitchens where the space is shared with dining space or a kitchen table; however, the corner or L-shaped kitchen may also allow for an island.

Wall Kitchen

Another modern kitchen layout to consider is the wall kitchen design. A wall kitchen appears like an island kitchen without the island countertop. A wall kitchen is ideal for those who live in a space with an open floor plan and/or high ceilings. One-wall kitchens need to make good use of vertical space. The wall kitchen can be an efficient solution for those who live in high-rise apartments or homes with vaulted kitchen ceilings.

U-Shaped Kitchen

U-Shaped kitchens (sometimes also referred to as a horseshoe kitchen) are a classic kitchen design. If you are someone who likes to perform different tasks in particular zones of your kitchen workspace, this might be a great option. The U-shape makes use of three walls and can also help streamline kitchen operations if there are multiple “cooks in the kitchen,” allowing everyone space to perform their work. U-shaped kitchens can often incorporate an island.

If you are looking for a kitchen design for your kitchen remodel, take the time to compare types of kitchen layouts that genuinely suit your function and aesthetic needs. The right kitchen design will not only streamline cooking and prepping activities, but it will also help you feel more at home in a kitchen that is truly your own.

Dreaming of a custom kitchen or kitchen remodel in York, PA? We’d love to hear about your ideas and see if we can help bring your kitchen dreams to life! Contact us today to get started!

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open concept living is one feature that buyers want in a custom home

7 Features Buyers Want in a Custom Home

By | Home Building | No Comments

What features do buyers want in today’s custom homes? In an age where personalization is paramount, from customized smartphones to tailor-made search results and curated television ads, custom homes have transitioned from an exception to a standard. Homebuyers are increasingly drawn to collaborating with a home builder to handpick features that align seamlessly with their lifestyles. At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc., we excel in building custom homes from the ground up, ensuring that every detail reflects the homeowner’s vision. Recently, we’ve observed a surge in requests for these home features that encapsulate modern living. Here are 7 features buyers want in a custom home today.

  1. Open Layout Kitchen & Dining

According to Fixr, 90% of homebuyers want an open floor plan. Once a utilitarian realm, the kitchen has become the epicenter of home life—a space for entertaining friends, assisting with homework, and sharing precious family moments. Embracing an open layout between the kitchen and dining area enhances these experiences, allowing seamless interaction among family members engaged in diverse activities. Some homeowners opt for a fully open design, eliminating any division between rooms, while others prefer to restrict spaces with a peninsula or the ever-popular kitchen island, artfully connecting the two areas.

  1. Custom Laundry Room

The humble laundry room, often overlooked until recently, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, convenience, functionality, and the strategic placement of a laundry room are pivotal considerations for many families. Beyond the practicalities, homeowners are infusing style and design into their dedicated laundry room. Think of built-in storage solutions, captivating, patterned floor tiles, elegant quartz countertops, and more—transforming an often-forgotten room into another stunning facet of the home.

  1. Modern Custom Kitchen

For many households, the kitchen reigns as the heart of the home. A coveted feature is the kitchen island, a versatile and family-friendly addition. Ample built-in extra storage, including a walk-in pantry, remains in constant demand. Contemporary designs favor clean lines and neutral tones, allowing homeowners to inject their personality through custom cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, lighting, and more.

  1. Neutral Colors

Today’s discerning homebuyers gravitate toward a predominantly neutral color palette. Timeless shades such as white, off-white, an array of grays, beige, select browns, and even black find favor. While most homes boast bright and light color schemes, occasional darker shades may appear, lending character to floors or serving as accent colors against white or light gray backgrounds. This restrained color palette simplifies the addition of vibrant splashes through rugs, pillows, and upholstery without overwhelming the space.

  1. Built-In Technology

As a growing number of first-time homeowners hail from the Digital Native generation, they expect their smart homes to align with their tech-savvy lifestyles. Wireless controls for lighting, smart thermostats, door locks, and home appliances stand at the forefront of home automation and smart technology. Planning for these integrations during the design phase is key to avoiding cumbersome retrofits once construction is underway.

  1. Function & Flexibility

Today’s discerning homeowners demand functionality and adaptability from every feature in their custom home design. Spacious closets with ample shelves, cubbies for extra storage, and hanging space are highly sought-after in master bedrooms, capable of evolving alongside changing lifestyles and wardrobe needs. Bathrooms and dedicated laundry rooms must offer abundant storage solutions for towels, linens, beauty products, and cleaning supplies. The preference for versatile spaces that serve multiple purposes is a growing trend among homebuyers.

  1. Energy Efficiency

The call for energy efficiency resounds among 90% of homebuyers. Eco-friendly HVAC systems are prized for their utility cost-saving benefits. Smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers/dryers, earn their place in custom homes by optimizing water and energy usage. Energy Star-approved windows also feature prominently, reducing heating and cooling costs by nearly 12%.

For those considering building a custom home, inquire about the Home Energy Rating System (HERS Score), an industry-standard energy efficiency measure. A lower score signifies superior energy efficiency, and the U.S. Department of Energy attests that a typical new home is 30% more energy efficient than a resale house.

We’ll keep tracking features buyers want in a custom home and let you know as trends shift!

Your York County, PA Custom Home Builder

At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc., we take pride in being a leading custom home builder and remodeler in York County, PA, attuned to the evolving desires of today’s homebuyers. Craftsmanship and design excellence define our approach to every home project. Contact us today to share your vision and embark on the journey of bringing your dream home to life.

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of our new custom homes and remodeled homes!

Best of York PA

Jeffrey L. Henry Earns Best New Home Builder in York Title

By | Awards | No Comments

We are delighted to announce that we made the 2022 Best of York winners list from Susquehanna Style! Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. earned the title of Best New Home Builder in York, Pennsylvania.

A big thanks to everyone who voted, and congratulations to all 2022 Best of York winners!

If you are looking for a local builder in the York, PA area with integrity that offers personalized attention, exceptional quality custom home building and remodeling work, and years of expertise, you’ll find it with Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc.!

open floor plan kitchen living area

Pros & Cons of the Open Floor Plan

By | Home Building | No Comments

An open floor plan has become a popular layout for new homes over the last few decades. Often referred to as “open concept,” we get many requests for open floor plans when building custom homes in York County, PA.

So, what is an open floor plan? The open floor plan typically refers to the home’s main living areas. For example, the living room, dining, and kitchen areas are one grand open area, rather than having barriers dividing them into individual, more closed-off spaces. Wondering if an open floor plan is right for you? Here are some things to consider.

Pros of an Open Floor Plan

Better Traffic Flow – With fewer walls and doors in the way, it can be easier to carry a heavy load of groceries or reposition furniture. Love to entertain? An open floor plan is ideal for hosting guests – they can easily move about. An open floor plan is also especially beneficial for people with disabilities and aging generations to navigate around the main living areas.

Improved Sightlines – Parents love open floor plans for kitchen and living spaces because it allows for easier multitasking. You can be in the kitchen preparing dinner or cleaning dishes while also keeping an eye on the kids as they play or watch TV nearby.

Makes Your Home Feel Larger and Brighter – Along with a more modern feel, fewer walls and doors help to make your common areas feel spacious. Additionally, an open floor plan optimizes the natural lighting since all your space benefits from the windows on the exterior walls.

Cons of an Open Floor Plan

It May Feel Too Large – If you prefer small, cozy spaces, an open concept living area may seem too big – especially if these areas take up a good amount of square footage.

Lack of Privacy – Just as open sightlines allow for easier multitasking, they can also make you feel as if you are never alone. If you like to listen to music while working in the kitchen, keep in mind that it may compete with a TV in the family room. That goes the other way as well! While watching TV, you may also hear sounds from the kitchen – like the dishwasher, blender, etc.

Obvious Clutter – Without separating walls that often provide nooks and crannies, there are not as many obvious places for storage and organization to hide the clutter of everyday life in open concept living. Maybe you prefer to keep your kitchen messy. With an open floor plan, your messy kitchen is always on display.

Have Something in Mind for Your York County Custom Home?

Share your ideas with us and get inspired to create your dream custom home in York County, PA, with Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. We’ll discuss your needs and preferences to design a floor plan that works for your life now and in the future.  Reach out to us online or call 717-246-5509 for an appointment.

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