We are pleased to announce that we have been honored with the Best Custom Home Awards by 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, from building and remodeling, to community service, outdoor projects, and designs.
Awards are judged by qualified industry experts from across the state. Judging criteria includes thoughtful design, creative use of space, quality craftmanship, testimonials from homeowners, and more.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized once again and I’m grateful to have a committed team of experts that are focused on delivering quality & value to our customers,” said Jeff Henry.
About the winning home: It is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, single-story home. The first floor consists of 2,850 sq.ft. of living space and the basement is partially finished at 1,650 sq.ft. which includes a wet bar, finished full bath & billiard/entertainment/recreation area. The 10′-0″ foundation walls, multiple windows & open staircase make this basement feel connected to the first floor of the home. Oversized 3 car garage with expansive covered front porch and rear patio finished with brick pavers. The exterior of the home is stone & Dryvit. Additional features include an open concept floor plan, custom cabinetry throughout, custom tile shower & Sun Room to the rear of the home, offering access to the rear patio. YBA Award Video
It’s amazing the impact that a few short months have had on the way many of us feel about our homes. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a shift in priorities regarding home spaces.
As we discuss new custom home designs or home upgrades and remodels, here are some of the wish-list items we’ve been hearing more of.
Home Office Space
Many statistics show that over 50% of employers say that some form of remote work is here to stay. As you might have guessed home offices are at the top of the request list. Many homeowners either want to upgrade their home office or create a home office or multi-use space that didn’t exist previously.
We expect home office space will continue to be in high demand. For some families, this even means multiple work-from-home spaces.
Home Gyms and Multi-Use Spaces
Home gyms are also growing in popularity. With many of us losing access to our “gym experience” at the onset of staying safe at home, some form of home workouts have become a necessity. Purchases of home gym equipment have exploded since the beginning of 2020 and many gym owners now find themselves wondering how many of their customers will return.
For homeowners with smaller homes, multi-use spaces that can serve various needs and transform from office to gym to playroom or guest room have moved to the top of the priority list.
Kitchens
While the kitchen has always been a critical space for gatherings, there has been an even greater focus on the kitchen space recently. Due to spending much more time preparing meals in their own homes versus eating out during the pandemic, kitchen upgrades are more popular than ever! Months of isolation offered homeowners plenty of quality time to really focus on their kitchen wish-list items! Homeowners want upgraded technology, easy to clean & disinfect surfaces and appliances, more space, more functionality, and more style in their kitchens.
Outdoor Living
The restrictions that most of us have been under have really given homeowners time to reflect on just how important their home is as a safe place and a comfort. Many people who previously thought of an enhanced outdoor space as a luxury, began to see it as a necessity for reducing stress. Having a comfortable outdoor area is good for emotional health and it’s a great way to extend your home’s overall living space.
Have ideas on designing your custom home or redesigning your existing home? We’d love to hear about them. Contact us today.
If you’re considering a custom home, we couldn’t agree more! With a custom home, you have the freedom to express yourself in all of the details and have the peace of mind knowing that quality craftsmanship and materials went into every detail! Click here to read 5 of the Best Things About Building a Custom Home.
Home is your safe place. Your very own sanctuary where you can relax, entertain, raise your family & build forever memories. Making our homes “our own” to suit our tastes and reflect our personalities is something we all invest time and effort into.
So, when it’s time to build or buy a new home, one of our first questions is about customization. It can be a major pro of building a new home.
If you’re thinking about a custom home, here are just a few of the benefits we believe are worth considering!
Customization – We all want to express ourselves. When we buy a home that is already built, we often allow for things that are less than ideal because we really value one or more features. For example, the floorplan might not be exactly what you want, but you absolutely love the natural light! Or, you love the layout of the home, but many of the elements – like kitchen cabinetry, flooring, etc. do not reflect your personal style. With a custom home, it’s ALL about you! No concessions necessary. Some tract home builders may offer the flexibility of choosing colors, finishes, countertops, etc. but options are typically limited.
Build Where You Choose – Maybe you want to be part of an existing community or you have dreams of a secluded lot. When you build a custom home, the decision on lot choice and how much privacy you have are completely up to you!
Quality Materials & Workmanship – When you buy a home that is already built – even if it’s a new home, you don’t always know what building materials were used. When you work with a quality custom home builder, you can expect high standards and you will have opportunities to provide input about products, brands and pricing. Your builder should make sure you are well-informed about the pros/cons of your decisions. Custom home builders have existing relationships with suppliers and contractors that they can rely on to provide quality products, materials and pride in their workmanship. Whether you prioritize cost, brand, style, energy-efficiency/sustainability, technology, etc., when you work with a custom home builder, you can fully consider all your options.
Increased Functionality – Sometimes existing floorplans don’t suit your lifestyle. You’re either stuck living with logistics that don’t quite meet your needs, or you ultimately spend more to remodel to ensure your home is functional. A custom home is suite to your needs. By working with your builder on design from the start, you can rest assured that you’re making the very most of every inch of space!
Budget Control – You may find it surprising but building a new custom home can be more cost-effective in the long term. Big-ticket issues with the foundation, roof replacement, etc. are more likely with an existing home. Perhaps you need to build an addition or remodel to better suit your needs. Major renovations can be a big expense. A lack of energy-efficiency is often a costly culprit in a pre-existing home. Newer homes have the latest technology and are built to be more energy-efficient. Newer, more energy-efficient homes offer greater comfort and sustainability and lower energy bills. The cost for an older home may be lower up front, but unexpected complications can pop up.
A home is likely one of the biggest purchases you will make. You should feel empowered to make decisions about exactly what goes into that purchase! With a custom home you have the freedom to express yourself in all of the details. You have the peace of mind knowing that quality craftsmanship and materials went into every detail!
It’s May and many of us remain under stay-at-home orders. Maybe you’ve maxed out on Netflix or organizing closets. If you’re looking for something new to occupy time, here’s a thought! It’s spring and you can never go wrong with outdoor spaces.
Spending Time Outdoors is Therapeutic
It’s scientifically proven. Spending time outdoors is good for energy levels, your immune system, it boosts creativity, provides an essential source of Vitamin D, is good for positive mental health, and lots more. Best of all, spending time outside is free!
Before sheltering in place, maybe you already had plans to create or update your outdoor space. Sure, you could learn a new language or catch up on another entire season of reality tv, but considering how beneficial outdoor time can be, we think planning an outdoor retreat is time well spent!
Plan Your Outdoor Paradise Incrementally as Time & Budget Allow
In addition to the multitude of benefits we know spending time outdoors provides, here’s another plus to dreaming up your own piece of paradise – you can do it incrementally. It doesn’t have to be like gutting a bathroom and finding yourself pretty much locked into finishing the job. As you plan your backyard escape, you can start small and implement in stages. Check out this article from HGTV on how to logically plan out your outdoor space.
Popular Options for Your Outdoor Living Space
Decking – Decking can be simple or more expansive and multi-tiered. In any case, decks are an excellent way to transition from inside to outside since they typically connect to the outside of the home. Whether you choose wood or composite decking, a deck can add aesthetic appeal to your home. When you add outdoor seating, decks are also a great way to extend your living space. Some experts say that decking can increase a home’s value and provide a better return on investment than adding a bathroom. Keep in mind that higher quality decking materials generally result in a more maintenance-free, longer-lasting deck, which will have more appeal for future buyers.
Create an Outdoor Room – Don’t have a lot of space to work with? Try using fencing, bushes, latticework, weathered barn wood or doors, etc. to create “walls” for an outdoor room. You can even protect your room from the elements by adding an awning. Need some inspiration on creating your very own outdoor room? Check this out.
Patios and Porches – Patios and porches come in all shapes and sizes and can extend your home’s living area. Patios are versatile enough to be stand-alone features wherever you choose. Patios can serve as ideal entertaining spaces or quiet, more secluded areas depending on your intentions for the space. Design with pavers, stone, concrete, or other building materials that complement the style and colors of your home, and you are set with a relatively low-maintenance, easy-to-clean outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining.
Whatever you plan to do with your outdoor space, one of the best parts is decorating and making it uniquely your own. Add finishing touches like planters, outdoor area rugs, furniture, water features, fountains, drapes, stone, mulch, lighting, swings, hammocks, etc. There are tons of options for any amount of space and budget! Invest a little time and money into making an outdoor area that is fabulous and customized to your needs! You won’t regret it.
Ready to start planning your next custom build, remodel, or amazing outdoor space? Reach out to us via phone or email, we’d love to hear from you!
If you’re considering building a new home today, there’s much more to think about than how it looks on the outside or what custom features suit your needs. Your builder should also discuss with you during the planning stage just how important it is to ensure that all of your home’s systems and components are built to interact effectively, delivering the best possible health, comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes Include: • Reduced Energy Usage/Better Performance • Lower Energy Costs • More Durable • Increased Comfort • Better Resale/Return-on-Investment • Better for the Environment
So, what are some of the critical variables that impact the comfort and energy efficiency of your home and help you save money?
Appliances and Home Electronics– When you really think about it, there are quite a few appliances in your home that consume energy. From refrigerators, stoves, washers/dryers to televisions, dehumidifiers, computer and audio systems. One study showed that about 13 percent of your energy bill can be attributed to a running refrigerator. The positive news about appliances is they are one of the easiest home items to upgrade to more energy-efficient models.
Insulation and Air Sealing – According to the American Chemistry Council, as much as 40% of a building’s energy is lost due to air infiltration. Talk with your builder about the best type of insulation for your home and location. Proper insulation not only reduces energy costs and increase the comfort of your home temperature but can also add structural integrity.
Lighting – According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, light accounts for 14% of the electrical budget in an average home. Research lighting and bulbs that increase energy efficiency. Though they may cost a little more upfront, they are well worth the investment.
Heating & Cooling – The HVAC systems that go into your home play a major part in your home’s energy usage. When building your home or upgrading your system, keep in mind that heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats can also provide savings simply by changing how you time your heating and cooling.
Water Heating – Water heaters are another easily upgraded culprit of significant energy use. Certainly, the water use in your home also contributes to your home’s energy efficiency in relation to water heating.
Window, Doors & Skylights – Don’t lose all of the benefits of proper insulation and air sealing by overlooking sealing and stripping around doors and windows. Energy-efficient doors and windows also add value to your home.
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%.
Have ideas about the custom home of your dreams? We have gorgeous lots available in the well-established community of New Brittany II.
Located in York, PA, the New Brittany II subdivision is conveniently located to I-83, Route 30, shopping and more. It is located in the Central York School District. Buy now and build now or buy now and build according to your own timeline!
John and Maria Pollis worked with Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. previously when they decided to build their forever home in York County, PA. The Pollis family had a great experience and agreed to give us a tour once their home was furnished and offer a York custom home testimonial.
According to Maria, “Jeff was really great to work with. We knew we wanted a lot of customization, and Jeff was very open to our ideas. He recommended I go on Pinterest for inspiration and find things I liked. He was very hands-on throughout the project and even accompanied me on a few day trips to look at countertops, cabinetry, stone, brick, and bluestone.”
“People talk about the nightmares they live through when building a home, but we experienced nothing like that. The entire crew was great. They worked through any issues and kept us on schedule. They all seem to work very well together, and it’s clear they’ve been working together for a long time. We really like that.”
The Pollis York custom home is 4,532 square feet and French Country in style, so it features a significant amount of custom woodwork.
“The finishing is impeccable,” said Maria. “The first thing everyone notices is the finish work.” Mark, the trim carpenter, is amazing. You just tell him what you want and he makes it beautifully.”
The project kicked off early in 2019 and took about 10 months to complete.
Have ideas about the custom home of your dreams? We’d love to hear them. Contact us today!
In 2000 we decided to build a new home. Our boys were still
in high school, so we chose to stay in the same district. We contacted and
spoke with several builders.
Jeff Henry was building homes in the neighborhood we were
interested in. After meeting with Jeff, we quickly realized he was going to be
our choice. Jeff was very easy to work with. His knowledge and guidance made
decision-making throughout the building process much simpler.
The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. crew and subcontractors all worked well together, and our custom home was completed in a timely manner.
2005 – Our Second Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Home
After five years in our beautiful home, we decided to build a larger one. With no hesitation, we called Jeff Henry. In 2005, we broke ground on our “forever home.” We planned on much more detail in this one. It was both amazing and comforting to find the majority of Jeff’s crew and subcontractors remained after five years. We believe this is a testament to Jeff’s ability to manage and run a custom home construction company with integrity. Working on our second home with Jeff and crew was a pleasure.
With home #2, we were already confident in the quality and
workmanship and once again, our home was completed on schedule.
Jeff will always follow through on what you ask of him.
However, he will first clearly explain both the benefits and the drawbacks of
moving forward with ideas.
2016 Takes Us to Sunny California
Todd’s work took us to California in 2016. We did not sell
our York, PA home. Our son, his wife and their children moved into our home of
11 years.
2018 – Our Third Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Home
Two years later we returned from California and found ourselves in need of a home. Time was an issue and to our good fortune, Jeff Henry had a new home available. There was NO hesitation in our next move. We value the quality and craftsmanship in a Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. home and MAY have the record for owning the most Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. homes!
“If you are in the market for a new custom-built home, we
strongly recommend Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. The impeccable quality and service is
second to no one in central PA. Although we may have the record of three
Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. homes in 20 years, the 4th is NOT out of the
question!”
Do you cringe at the idea of starting a new home build or remodeling project? Sure, there is some level of anxiety to be expected with moving forward on any kind of major project. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your next experience with a professional builder or remodeler is as stress-free as possible! Heck, we’d even go so far as to say it should be gratifying!
Embarking on a major building or remodeling project will require some patience, but with good planning and the right builder you should be able to reduce worry and enjoy the overall process.
Ready for a stress-free building or remodeling project? Keep these tips in mind!
Choose a Builder or Remodeler You Trust. You know yourself and what kind of working relationship will help you feel comfortable through what could be a long-term project. In addition to trust, you’ll need to understand your builder’s communication style, know who your primary point of contact will be and be able to work well together to put a solid plan in place. Large projects can be disruptive. Make sure you hire someone that will be accessible to you, help you fully understand costs and timelines, and someone you’ll be able to speak honestly with about concerns that come up. If you’d like to learn more about choosing the right builder, we recommend you do these five things. Having the right contractor in place is a MAJOR key to de-stressing your project!
Select Your Design. You might have wonderful visions in your head, but solidifying a design will help you plan for important next steps like creating a realistic budget, timeline, etc. Your builder will be able to help you determine what it possible, make recommendations on how to maximize your investment, and provide a proposal for your project.
Have a Plan. Your plan should be comprehensive and will have many moving parts, so take your time in creating a one that makes sense for your individual needs. Your plan should include:
Timeline – How long is your project expected to take? Will you stay in your home (if remodeling) and what arrangements need to be made? If you’ll be living in your home make sure you work out the details with your builder as to family schedules, pets in the home, etc.
Budget – Make sure you have the financial resources available when you need them. Work out a schedule with your builder as to how/when your payments will be made. Payments are typically tied to major stages of completion and a percentage before work is started. Be wary of anyone asking for a very large sum or the total cost upfront!
Understand your Contract – Your builder should detail the project scope and include information about budget, payments, responsibilities, change order procedures, warranties, etc.
Keep Proper Files & Documentation – Organize your documents so that you have easy access to everything if/when you need to refer back to it. Consider keeping your proposal, contract, all correspondence, invoices, orders, payments, etc. together in a binder or project folder.
Be Able to Step Aside. With a respectable builder, a good design and plan in place, you should be able to breathe freely and enjoy the process from a distance. Keep your perspective and understand that things “will come up.” Weather, materials shortages or other unexpected events are inevitable. Stay focused on a positive end result, keep lines of communication open with your builder and prioritize time for yourself or the family to get away and enjoy some favorite activities.
A smooth building or remodeling process requires patience, planning and a partner that you have confidence in!
At Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. one of our primary objectives is building relationships with our clients and making the project experience a positive one. We’ve been making custom home and remodeling project dreams come true since 1987. Learn more about what makes Jeffrey L. Henry Inc. special!
There are many reasons to build your custom home or embark on your next remodeling project with the Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team. But the key things that set us apart as an exceptional home builder? Our reputation for quality, our commitment to our clients and our extraordinary culture!
A Reputation for Superior Quality – Surrounded by a family of builders, Jeff Henry set out to build his own business with a firm foundation in expert craftsmanship and exceptional attention to detail in 1988. Understanding that our homes reflect our personalities and are sanctuaries for everything we hold dear, the Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team takes the time to do things right. We challenge ourselves at the onset of every project to be the best custom home building and remodeling company we can be because that’s what our customers deserve.
Our commitment to education is demonstrated by the completion of various certifications, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional designation. And our dedication to excellence is recognized by dozens of awards, including 2019 Best of York – Best New Home Builder and 2019 PEAK Achievement Awards for Best Custom Home and Best Green Home.
Our Commitment to Clients – Whether it’s a small remodeling project, an addition or a custom home, the Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. team is committed to ensuring the best possible experience for the homeowner. As a custom builder, we don’t follow standard floorplan designs, but deliver based on the client’s taste and specifications – be it conservative, contemporary or ultra-modern. Our process is set up to keep our clients involved and informed and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Building trust with our clients is what keeps us in business. Check out our video – At Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Relationships Matter!
The Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Culture – We genuinely love what we do, and we believe that drives our company’s culture. When we treat clients and employees with integrity and do the kind of work that makes people feel good, we are successful. Our culture is unique in today’s environment and tends to attract individuals who are committed to their craft and enjoy being part of our team – resulting in low employee turnover.
Our roots and our work are in York County, Pa. We are invested in the community, including involvement in several associations, support of charitable organizations, schools, sports teams and more. We are a proud member of the York Builders Association (YBA), the Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
So, your dream home awaits! Are you ready to discover the Jeffrey L. Henry difference for yourself? Contact us today!
