Category

Uncategorized

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!

Related Posts

 

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!

Related Articles:

 

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

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!

Related Articles:

Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Awarded 2020 Best Custom Home Award by York Builders Association

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

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

How the “New Normal” is Impacting Priorities for Home Spaces

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

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.

Related Posts:

Tips for a Stress-Free Building or Remodeling Project

Our Most Requested Custom Home Features

5 of the BEST Things about Building a Custom Home

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

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!

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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!

Ready to find a builder that understands your vision? See our blog post on finding a custom home builder.

We love to hear any ideas you have about your dream home. Contact us!

Related Content:

Plan Your Summer 2020 Outdoor Space!

By | Remodeling, Uncategorized | No Comments

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!