At Home in Berks Spring/Summer 2024

Fun and Inspiring

Outdoor Living Spaces

Focus On Your Lawn

Step-by-Step to

Beautiful Planters

2024 HBA Berks Board of Directors

OFFICERS

President

Peter J. Bonargo IV SAH, Inc.

Secretary/Treasurer

W. Lee Prussman, CPA, CVA Prussman – Goss

Past President

Kert Sloan

AA Remodeling/Aluminum Associates

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Builder Member Directors

Duane Bialek ABBI Co.

Maureen Dolan Dolan Construction, Inc

Stefanie Rico Grande Construction

Associate Member Directors

Jessica Ott

Martin’s Flooring

Christopher Muvdi

Masano Bradley, Attorneys at Law

HBA STAFF

Cathy Sloan, CGR, CAPS, CGP Executive Officer

Home Builders Association of Berks County

2907 Mannerchor Rd. Temple, PA 19560

Consumer Awareness

Peter J. Bonargo IV, President

Why should a consumer use an HBA member?

Why use an HBA member? They are in it to win it, just like you and me. We live and work here. We have a vested interest in Berks County.

Did you know, PBA has a program to develop awareness of local HBA members, so consumers know why they need to find us (another way your three-part membership pays off). The state is working to raise awareness for all of us at the local HBA and at the state level.

This then leads into Networking what is it for you?

For me it is talking with people, being able to say, “I know someone who could help with that.” I have on a regular basis referred other HBA members to potential customers and existing customers. I know how well and professional these companies are. Other HBA members have referred a customer to me.

Get to know us at the HBA. I challenge you to reach out to me at one of our networking events in the future. Let’s have a conversation about what you do, what is exciting or new with you and your company. Let’s make that connection.

In 2025, we are bringing back the Home Show - HBA of Berks County Home Run Building and Trades EXPO. We are moving the show to the NEW Redner’s Center at First Energy Stadium, The Reading Phillies.

Come network with us at the following events. Instead, if referring a member, you could end up referring a friend.

And Remember Refer a Member. Bring a non-member friend to an upcoming event. Maybe we can make them members and then all of us can refer to each other. The more members we have the more we can do for each other and for Berks County.

Don’t forget our reduced-price Reading Phillies tickets.

This helps support the Berks Education Scholarship Fund. The local Career and Technology schools are training our future business owners and employees in the Trades.

Fun and Inspiring

Outdoor Living Spaces

By Karen L. Chandler

Now is the perfect time to think about how to make your outdoor living space a true staycation for any day of the week.

Do you have a small space? Lots of homeowners are getting creative and adding small patios and decks to maximize the ways they use even tiny yards. And no matter the size of the yard, large and small covered and screened decks and porches are gaining in popularity to increase the months you can enjoy your outdoor spaces.

What’s the biggest trend in 2024? Design experts believe that blending indoor and outdoor living will be the focus this year. Your construction pro can help you blend your interior and exterior spaces with large, glass doorways and floors that blend from indoors to outside using options like stone, wood, and tile. And your décor choices in colors and furniture styles should blend to continue your indooroutdoor living theme. Think about these year’s color trends in nature-inspired shades!

How about cooking al fresco? Outdoor kitchens are still a popular choice for homeowners who enjoy entertaining guests with counters and bars, refrigerators, custom pizza ovens, and built-in fireplaces, all convenient on a deck or patio. An expert contractor can design and build an outdoor kitchen with all the options you need for fun meals ahead.

Are you ready to ditch your plastic patio furniture? 2024 brings growing options for comfortable outdoor seating that doesn’t discolor and crack like those rickety plastic chairs. Polyvinyl furniture and resin wicker are comfortable, sturdy, and hold up under harsh weather conditions. And the new performance fabrics give lots of cushion and throw pillow options that tolerate sun and rain for lots of seasons to come.

Do you dream of an inspiring outdoor space? Interesting colors and patterns are big for outdoor living this year. The neutral shades of a few years ago are fading out and being replaced by the colors of summer, bringing to mind a tropical vacation, a cool forest, or cheerful citrus. If 2024 isn’t your year to replace your outdoor furniture, play with color in pillows, throws, and a patio umbrella to set the stage on your porch, deck, or patio. If bright tones aren’t your thing, natural materials are also big this year, so add some plants and terracotta, jute, and rattan touches to create a relaxed feel.

No matter how you update your outdoor spaces this year, 2024 could be the year to spend some time in your own great outdoors.

Get Your Yard SPRING Ready!

By Karen L. Chandler

Are you ready to spring into spring?

Here are some ideas for your early spring to-do list!

Start Your Seeds

If you enjoy seed shopping for exactly what you’re planting this year, most annual flowering plants and vegetables should be planted indoors between six and eight weeks before planting outside. Check the planting guidelines on your seed purchases to be sure seedlings are ready to go when temperatures are just right for them to head outdoors.

Groom Your Veggie Garden

Make sure your vegetable garden spaces are ready to roll in time to plant your seedlings or direct plant your cold weather crops. Once you clear away leaves which blew into your planting areas, you can think about tilling the soil after it’s dried from the sun. Choose your soil amendments from options such as compost, minerals, or manure so the ground is in top form for a big harvest. Consider a row cover in case of an unexpected late frost so all your young veggie plants stay healthy for the season.

Focus on Your Flower Beds

Clear any debris and weeds from your ornamental beds and be sure all your perennial plants are cut back before they show new spring growth. Add some manure or compost to give your flowers a long-lasting surge of vitamins and mulch them to reduce weeds and keep plants moist when temperatures rise. Be sure you have fertilizer on hand to keep feeding your perennials so they stay beautiful all summer long.

Divide Those Daisies

A great time to divide most perennials is when you first notice their spring growth. Dividing perennials is a great way to gain free plants for your flower beds and a fun way to trade with friends and neighbors for new plants.

Shape Up Shrubs

Some shrubs, roses, and perennial vines thrive with a springtime pruning. Shape up these varieties and remove all their dead branches when you notice their spring green starting to pop. Because spring bloomers should be pruned after they’re finished flowering, it’s best to check out the correct pruning times and methods for all your plantings.

Treat Your Garden Tools

Be sure your gardening tools are washed and dry and consider adding a coat of linseed oil to their metal parts to prevent rusting. Check to see if your loppers and pruners need sharpening before early spring pruning and don’t forget to make sure your mower, trimmer, and leaf blower are all ready to go.

Install Irrigation

If you haven’t already added an irrigation system, it’s time to schedule a professional to offer advice and a professional install. If you have a system in place, ensure all irrigation lines are in good shape for spring watering. Turn on your outdoor faucets when temperatures are safely above freezing and double-check your garden hoses for leaks.

Pretty Your Ponds

Springtime is also a great time to contact a pro to create the water features of your dreams. If you already have ponds and fountains, be sure they’re looking great and working their best. Clean out any debris that may have blown into ponds and start thinking about algae control methods to use this summer. Be sure any filters are either clean or brand new to keep water circulating and your pond water clear.

Freshen Your Furniture

Give your patio and deck a good cleaning and bring out your outdoor furniture. Check everything for damage and wipe off the dust from storage. If it’s time for some new furniture options, head out to pick up some great pieces while selections are plentiful for spring. Once your shed is clear of furniture, think about organizing your outdoor supplies to make yardwork easier this summer.

Clean Your Containers

Get your flowerpots clean and ready for spring planting. If you just can’t wait to plant annuals that need warmer weather, hit your garden center and pick up cold tolerant choices like pansies and ornamental kale to fill your pots with early spring color.

And last but not least, enjoy your time outdoors in the big buildup to summer!

Create Some Curb Appeal

By Karen L. Chandler

When warmer temperatures come to Pennsylvania, it’s the perfect time to head to the front yard and check out your home’s curb appeal. If you need some updates or just a fun and fresh look, we have some great ideas for you to try.

Just like the color trends of 2024 are inspired by nature, so are the exterior materials you can choose for your home.

Real Wood, Stone, Brick, or Siding

Incorporating wood into your home’s exterior will both warm up the façade and add texture to the design. Think about a real wood front door, garage door, porch posts, or shutters. If you’d like to start small, large wooden planters or warm wood seating options will make a welcoming entrance.

Whether you choose to use stone or brick on your home’s exterior, or incorporate it into walkways or other design features, the natural feel of both materials will work in a rustic design or add to a modern feel. Both are the perfect way to add even more texture and interest to the look of siding.

The warm shades of nature are big in this year’s siding options, so warm neutrals, off-whites, blues, and greens are right on trend. The perfect blend of neutrals with pops of color will give a ton of curb appeal for your home. Siding has come a long way and the low-maintenance and wide variety of vinyl and concrete siding can be used in an array of home styles, giving a long-lasting bang for your buck.

Easy Landscape

Do some research or seek out a landscape contractor to learn which shrubs and plants will be the most low-maintenance and an easy way to keep your curb appeal at its best. Things to know are how much sun and shade are in your landscape beds and how much time you have available to prune, weed, and water. Incorporating an irrigation system is a huge time saver and a great choice to keep the landscape looking fresh during the growing season.

Creating Harmony

If you’ve chosen some ideas to incorporate into your home’s curb appeal this year, you may be looking forward to the warmth of earth tone colors, some attractive landscape updates, and the texture of modern materials. For a final touch, consider adding symmetry to your exterior design by choosing your home’s focal point. If it’s your front door, paint it a warm color to compliment the home’s façade or add large planters on each side in a beautiful color or natural texture. Matching outdoor seating with beautiful throw pillows and cushions can highlight two sides of your front porch. New lighting flanking your front door will also add to your symmetric and harmonious feel.

No matter if you’re looking to follow the trends of 2024 or create your own inspiring curb appeal, this spring and summer will be the perfect time to give your home a fresh look that’s guaranteed to welcome everyone to your front door.

FEATURES

Focus On Your Lawn

By PA Builders Association

Everyone knows the importance of making a good first impression. When it comes to your home exterior, your front lawn is a feature people tend to notice. A well-maintained lawn enhances your home’s curb appeal and helps sustain and strengthen overall home values throughout the neighborhood.

With the spring season in full swing, now is the perfect time to focus on your lawn. Preserving a lush and healthy lawn involves mowing, hydration, fertilization and overseeding.

Mowing

Know what type of grass variety makes up your lawn to select the appropriate height to mow. You can strengthen the roots of your grass by cutting off the top third. If you cut your lawn too short, your grass is susceptible to weed infestation. To keep your grass straight and strong, change direction each time you mow. Put the rake away. Grass clippings and leaves are full of nutrients and reduce your need for fertilizers.

Hydration

An inch of water per week, through rainfall or in combination with irrigation, will produce a verdant lawn. The amount of watering your lawn needs depends on seasonal changes, sun and shade. Plus, many states, municipalities and HOAs have specific rules regarding when and how much residents can water their lawns. The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning or early evening. Generally, there is less wind and heat during those times of the day. Water will penetrate the soil and generate less run-off.

Fertilization

Fertilization encourages leaf growth, reduces weeds and protects the richness of the soil. The amount of nutrients from fertilizer needed depends on the type of grass you have. Apply fertilizer based on your grass variety to avoid damaging your lawn. Most fertilizing packages will provide details on how and when to apply the material. Any unused fertilizer is effective for one year if the material is stored in a sealed container located in a cool, dry place.

Overseeding

Lawns with bare areas can benefit from overseeding. This technique adds grass seed to an existing lawn. New grass installation is recommended if more than half of your lawn is in poor condition. Before overseeding, determine the underlying cause of your yard damage such as weeds or insects to prevent further lawn destruction. The type of seed needed to improve the density of your lawn depends on the variety of grass in your yard.

Taking steps to energize your lawn will renew the look of your home. Following these lawn care ideas can make the grass greener on your side of the neighborhood.

To find expert landscapers who can help you have a lush yard, contact your local home builders association.

Step-by-Step to

Beautiful Planters

By Karen L. Chandler

If you’re looking for a splash of color for porches, patios, and decks, planting in containers is the way to go. With a little planning and a bit of effort, your planters can be amazing additions to your outdoor spaces throughout the growing season. You’ll need just a few materials to start this year’s planter projects and they can be as simple as containers, plants, potting soil, and water.

STEP #1

Pick a container you love.

There are a few features to consider when choosing planters. Not only does your container have to fit the style of your space, but also your budget. Containers can come in anything from terracotta to concrete to plastic, but always be sure they have drainage holes in the bottoms before you start to plant. If the previous years’ plastic containers are looking faded, pick up some spray paint made for outdoor plastic furniture and give them a blast of your favorite colors of the season.

STEP #2

Choose your colors and plants. Narrowing down some colors can help when you encounter that overwhelming array of plants at the garden center. Pick colors that blend with your home and your planter containers but be sure all your plants have similar needs for light and water. Plants should be included in odd numbers with at least one thriller plant which gives height to your planter, one filler plant which is a mounded shape usually at the base of the thriller, and a spiller plant which hangs over the edge of your container.

Keep in mind that too many plants in a planter can keep them from thriving and numbers should be restricted to about three plants in a 10 to 12 inch pot, five to seven plants in a 14 to 16 inch pot, and up to nine plants in a 16 to 20 inch pot.

STEP #3

Add potting mix.

Fill your container about two-thirds full with potting soil, and avoid using garden soil which makes a pot super heavy and the soil less able to drain. To save money filling a large container, grab some small containers or something from your recycling bin and place them in the bottom of the pot to take up space before adding your potting mix.

STEP #4

Start

planting.

Tap and squeeze the pots from your garden center to gently remove the plants and don’t be tempted to pull on the plants themselves. Untangle the roots to keep them from remaining rootbound once they’re planted. Place your plants onto the potting mix, keeping the tops of the root balls a few inches from the top edge of your container. Add more potting mix around the plants but be cautious that you’re not covering more of the stems than were covered in their nursery containers. Press down on your potting soil to carefully stabilize the plants and remove any air pockets.

STEP #5

Water your planter.

If you water immediately after planting, you’ll be sure the soil compacts a bit, and your plants are even more stable. If the potting mix settles too much, add more, but keep it those few inches below the pot’s edge to keep water and soil from spilling over the side.

No matter if you choose a monochromatic white, a bright shot of citrus, an array of pastels, or even an all-green leafy display, step back and enjoy your spring and summer planters. And don’t forget, if planting is not your thing, you can always call your favorite landscape contractor to create the containers of your dreams.

2024 Color Trends are Nature-Inspired

By Karen L. Chandler

The top colors this year are all about nature, whether a sandy neutral and brilliant blue to start us dreaming of a tropical vacation, or the deep green of a shady forest.

Follow along for the best of the best and think about how to incorporate the newest colors into your indoor décor and paint. And with warmer temperatures on their way, it’s the perfect time to add some trendy shades to your outdoor living spaces.

Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore

You’ll think of the blue and violet of a summer sunset when you choose Blue Nova. It blends well with warm neutrals and will create anything from a peaceful, moody room to an amazing kitchen island. A perfect shade for outdoor décor.

Bay Blue by Minwax

This stain will surely make you think of a Caribbean vacation and offers an intense color that can be incorporated into either sophisticated or beachy décor.

Bluebird by Krylon

An amazing choice for outdoor furniture and décor, Bluebird is the perfect option to pair with bright colors and bright whites, and can create a modern feel.

Upward by Sherwin-Williams

Upward is a breezy blue neutral that pairs perfectly with the other neutrals of summer. This new twist on a neutral adds a calming feel to any room and can look either blue or gray depending on your lighting.

Limitless by Glidden

Warm neutrals are on the scene for 2024 and Limitless is a warm beige, verging on buttery yellow. Limitless can be used in any size area and is guaranteed to make your spaces feel warm and welcoming.

Renew Blue by Valspar

A beautiful sky blue, Renew Blue is the perfect addition to give a calm feel to any indoor or outdoor space. A guaranteed winner to pair with warm neutrals and bright whites to give a summery feel all year around.

Cracked Pepper by Behr

This year’s soft black is a grounding, inky shade that suggests the darkest soil in the forest and the bark of a birch tree.

Use Cracked Pepper in décor styles ranging from midcentury modern all the way to rustic farmhouse designs.

Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

A youthful twist on citrus, Persimmon is a neutral and warm apricot shade sporting pink undertones that is just the right shade to add a happy note and a personal touch to any space. Pair Persimmon with other warm neutrals for an amazing living room or bedroom or take it outside for a beautiful front door.

Ironside by Dutch Boy

Picture the deepest green in a shady forest and you’ll understand the beauty of Ironside. The moody dark olive will create a space that is both sophisticated and cozy.

Personalize Your Living Spaces with Unique Flooring Patterns

By Scott Paparella, Martin’s Flooring

When creative decorating comes to mind, homeowners typically think of hanging art on the walls or unique pieces of furniture. Flooring should be added to this list. It’s the largest space in your home, giving you the most room to let your creative juices flow. Your floor is also the first thing your guests see when they enter your home — so why not make it a show-stopper?

What to Consider Before Installing New Flooring

Choosing a unique floor that aligns with your family’s lifestyle may feel challenging. You need to consider if you’re happy with the current look of your home, how much foot traffic your floors will get, and what your budget is like. Take the following considerations in mind before you settle on one style:

• Your interior design style. Your floor should flow nicely with the current interior design style of your house. Even if you’re going for unique flooring, it shouldn’t clash with the rest of your decor. That will negatively draw the eye. Make sure any flooring option you consider creates a cohesive look from room to room.

• Your geographical location. The climate in which you live impacts which floor is right for you. Certain flooring options work better in humid areas, while others thrive in dry regions. Plus, certain materials will be easier to find in specific regions.

• How long you plan on staying in your home. Do you consider your current house to be a starter home? If so, don’t invest too much money in flooring. But if you’re planning on staying there for the long run, it’ll be worth investing in a stylish and unique material that will bring your family joy.

• Any pets in your home. If you have cats, dogs, or any other pets in your home, you need to take into account what is under their paws. Select a flooring option that’s comfortable and provides them with plenty of traction as they walk and play. Remember that accidents happen. Make sure to pick something that’s durable and easy to clean as well.

• DIY vs. self-installation. If you’re planning on installing flooring yourself, research what options are affordable and easy to install. But if you don’t feel comfortable with a project like that, there’s no shame in calling in professionals.

• Allergies in your home. Consider if any of your family members have allergies. If so, go with a hard surface floor or a low-pile carpet.

• Who is walking on your floor? Do you anticipate any elderly people or small children walking on your floor? Make sure to select an option that caters to those loved ones.

As you can tell from the list above, choosing flooring products can be very confusing with the vast selection of textures, finishes, applications, design aesthetics, and best use scenarios. Hence, our best recommendation, before making any decisions, is to suggest you visit your favorite HBA member flooring center for advice and guidance in helping you achieve the greatest levels of success and satisfaction from your planned projects.

Eyes Wide Open When Shopping for Washers & Dryers

By Kieffer’s Appliances

How do you make good decisions on purchasing new laundry appliances when standing directly in front of rows and rows of washers and dryers? Odds are you don’t! We find it’s best to understand several factors before hitting the stores so you know what will work best for you, and help you avoid circling the drain after purchase. Here’s what you should know before you go, starting with the different types and applications of washers and dryers.

Top-Loading or Front-Loading Washer?

There are two types of top-loading washers. Regular toploaders use about 40 gallons of water and an agitator to wash the clothes. The second type of top-loaders are referred to as HE (High-Efficiency) Top Loads. While similar, they do not have an agitator, making them capable of washing more clothes using less water (approximately 25-35 gallons).

Front-loaders are the current favorite. These machines only use approximately 15-20 gallons of water. Their design allows them to have faster spin cycles that remove more moisture, resulting in faster drying times.

Advantages of Front-Load Washers

1. Ability to Stack - takes advantage of limited space

2. Water Efficiency - use the least water per wash

3. Energy Efficiency - Energy Star-qualified can save you anywhere from $45 to $125 per year on power costs

4. Gentler Tumbling - no Impeller or Agitator inside the unit so your clothes gently tumble

Capacity: How Much Do You Actually Need?

When it comes to capacity, the immediate assumption is to go for the largest available washer, but before doing that, consider the following:

• Washers are available in capacities ranging between 2 cubic feet all the way up to 6 cubic feet.

• A household with only two adults would not require a washer larger than 3.5 cubic feet.

• The average family of 4 uses a washer with a capacity of 4.2 cubic feet.

Gas vs. Electric Dryer: What’s The Difference?

It is very important to know the fuel type of the dryer you need. They’re available in electric, natural gas and liquid propane models. Electric dryers use three- and four-pronged cords. Check your current dryer’s plug to determine if you need a 3- or 4-prong plug, but keep in mind that electric dryers do not ship with a cord as they are sold separately. Gas dryers always accept natural gas but can convert to liquid propane with a conversion kit that is sold separately.

What Cycles Should You Look For?

Laundry appliances have come a long way and here are some features found on certain washers. Keep in mind that these features affect the price of the washer.

• Cycles (Gentle, heavy, pre-soak, hand-wash, active wear)

• Allergen Removal

• Steam Cycles

• Heat Boost

• Variable spin speeds (for delicate clothes)

• Towels

5 Tips to Improve Water Savings at Home

By PA Builders Association

Water is an essential resource for our livelihoods. Unfortunately, many home owners may not realize how much water they waste at home. There are a number of measures you can take to improve your water savings, and many of them are easy and affordable. Here are five tips you can follow to get started:

Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

Low-flow showerheads and faucets, WaterSense-certified toilets, and high-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines can make a difference in your home. These appliances can save you hundreds of gallons of water per year. Look for fixtures and appliances that have earned the EPA WaterSense label; these products are certified to use less water than standard models without sacrificing performance.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a standardsized certified dishwasher costs about $35 per year to run and can save an average of 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime.

Fix any leaks.

Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over time. Check your faucets, pipes, and toilets regularly for leaks, and fix them promptly. A single leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000

gallons of water yearly, and a leaky toilet can waste even more. You can check for leaks by inspecting your faucets, pipes, and toilets regularly. If you see any drips or signs of a leak, call a plumber as soon as possible.

Take shorter showers.

Showers account for a significant portion of indoor water use. If you shorten your showers by just a few minutes a day, it will compound over time and you can save a lot of water and money.

Water your lawn and garden less often. Most lawns and gardens only need to be watered once or twice a week. Watering more often can be a waste of water and lead to runoff.

Collect rainwater. Rainwater can be used to water your lawn and garden, wash your car, or even flush your toilet. There are a number of rainwater collection systems available, from simple barrels to more complex systems that can be integrated into your home’s plumbing.

In addition to these tips, there are a number of new water technologies that can help you save water. For example, smart irrigation systems can adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

There are also smart leak detectors, which alert you if there are leaks early on before they cause damage. And lastly, atmospheric water generators are useful because they can produce water from the surrounding air, however, they can be quite costly.

By following these tips, you can make a big difference in your water consumption and help to conserve this precious resource. To learn more about the home building process in your area, contact your local home builders association.

Keep Your Cool this Summer Spring HVAC Maintenance

By Karen L. Chandler

Are you looking forward to summer? It will be here before we know it and spring is the best time to get your HVAC ready with a few easy steps!

1. Give your outdoor HVAC unit a good look to check for any damage that may have occurred this winter and clear any leaves, dirt, or other debris against and around the system. Prune back shrubs or trees that are growing near the unit. Clean buildup from the coils with a vacuum or hose to keep the system in top shape.

2. Have a professional duct cleaner come in to clear any dust, mold, or other allergens which may have accumulated indoors and to ensure your system has good air flow. Consider calling in a pro every few years or even sooner if you’ve had indoor renovations that may have caused extra dust and dirt in the ducts or if you have an allergy sufferer in your home.

3. Replace the filter or consider upgrading your existing filter. Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder than necessary and should be switched out every 30 to 90 days. Consider a new high-efficiency pleated filter with an electrostatic charge to attract more dust and bacteria.

4. Consider installing a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat can both cut your energy bills and lower the stress on your unit, hopefully giving it a longer life span.

5. Give your HVAC system a break for a few weeks. When spring temperatures hit a spot where you don’t need heating or cooling, open your windows to improve your indoor air quality and give your unit a well-deserved break before the heat of summer.

6. Look for air leaks around your home. A leaky house will undoubtedly make your HVAC struggle to operate efficiently during both heating and cooling seasons. Likely spots to check for leaks are around door jambs and windows.

7. Make sure your cooling is working well before you need to use it. Lower your thermostat a few degrees and be sure the HVAC turns on and cool air is coming out of the vents throughout the house. Check for any unusual noises while it’s running.

8. Keep up with yearly HVAC Maintenance! It’s best to have a professional service at least once a year to be sure your refrigerant levels are correct and your air flow is at its best. Certified technicians will tighten all the components of your unit and check for wear on any parts.

Regular HVAC maintenance is the key to making your system work efficiently and help it last as long as possible. A trusted HVAC contractor can help you understand repairs or upgrades and options you have for the most energy-efficient ways to operate your heating and air conditioning.

Course Dates:

Apr. 2, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

Apr 4, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

Apr. 9, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

Apr. 11, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

May 16, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

May 21, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

May 23, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm EMISSIONS

April/May Course Dates:

Apr. 30, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

May 2, ’24 – 5:30-9:30pm

Is Your Garage Safe from Intruders?

By Karen L. Chandler

When it comes to having a garage door that is safe from intruders, it’s time to think like a burglar. If you can think of a way to invade your home through the garage, someone else can too! Garage doors may not be the most likely place for an intruder to enter, but about 110,000 burglaries occur each year through that access point.

Secure the door.

1. Get a remote opener or use a key code to open your garage door. Doors that open manually are more susceptible to a break-in.

2. Change your garage door code once or twice a year to a new and unused code, especially if you’re going on vacation or traveling.

3. Consider turning off the power to your garage door when you’re away for an extended period to prevent the door from opening at all.

4. If you keep your garage door remote in your car, be sure it’s in a safe place and not visible to anyone looking into your vehicle.

5. If you or your family sometimes forgets to close the garage door, you can install a timer that closes the door every day at a specified time.

6. Keep the door leading to the inside of your home locked in case an intruder does manage to enter your garage. And be sure all your exterior doors and all windows remain locked and secure. Think about keeping ground level windows covered so no one can see what’s inside your garage or your house.

Add some lighting.

1. Install outside lighting or motion sensors around the perimeter of your garage, especially near the door and any garage windows. Be sure to light up areas that are sheltered by landscaping and provide a place for an intruder to hide. Even better, remove or cut low any shrubs or trees that create a safe haven for a burglar looking for access.

2. Interior lights are a big help to create an area that’s likely to suffer a break-in. Illuminate the interior of the garage near the doors and windows, and either put those lights on timers or consider motion sensors. There are also lighting options that can be synced to a cell phone and controlled on demand or set to turn on any time the garage door opens.

Consider cameras.

1. Placing a security camera aimed toward your garage is a huge help and can reduce the likelihood of a break-in by about half. Connecting your cameras to your cell phone will allow you to know minute by minute what’s happening at home.

2. A camera showing the interior door leading from your garage is an added safety measure on the off chance a burglar does enter the garage and may protect the inside of your home from invasion.

3. Even if you don’t have a security system at your home, simply installing security signs in your yard can deter intruders from considering an invasion at your property.

Activate an alarm.

1. Installing a home alarm will let both you and your neighbors know if there’s a potential break-in occurring. Alarms are a huge help during nighttime hours or if you’re away from the house.

2. Consider contacting a security company to determine what type of alarm system is best suited for you and your property.

Many homeowners leave their garages off their list of concerns when it comes to security. Don’t forget to think like a burglar and potentially prevent a break-in at your home.

INSPIRING? Naturally!

Outdoor School

Team Anewalt’s just held its first Outdoor School experience, a day to reconnect students with God’s Nature to ensure a strong future for both the upcoming generation and our environment.

Sixteen eighth graders, many of whom are residents in the City of Reading, came from Sacred Heart School in West Reading to spend the day at Anewalt’s in Bernville, learning and exploring nature.

Violet Foster, the Assistant to the VP in Training at Anewalt’s, spent the day at Outdoor School.

“What inspired me the most was seeing everyone working together, willing to learn new things, and even being excited about it. I don’t see many kids who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and do something completely new, and during Outdoor School it seemed like a lot of them did just that. I loved to see them getting excited to learn things they had never known about before.

Violet adds that Team Anewalt’s cares about investing time and e orts to in uence upcoming generations for the better, and that she loves being part of this mission at Anewalt’s.

During the day, Ed and Lori Anewalt shared background information with the students, led them in fun activities, and toured them through the very special Swiss-inspired Serenity Walk. e eighth

graders learned about Anewalt’s Trees & Bees for Tomorrow Program, a mission to save pollinators through the planting of pollinator gardens, and enjoyed exploring nature trails.

Je ompson, Anewalt’s Sales/ Account Manager, joined with Lori to discuss with students di erent aspects of plant identi cation and what certain plants have as their WOW factor – or - why you would choose the plant for your landscape.

Spring clean-up, pruning perennials, and garden tool safety topics were also covered by Je , who said of the

students, “If they take away a better understanding of plants and in turn a better understanding of the environment, we may have made a di erence.”

A relative and customer of the Anewalt’s, Cynthia Bickley was a teacher and early childhood director for twenty years. She joined in to guide the Sacred Heart students through their Outdoor School Experience and was inspired by the day.

Cynthia said, “ e impact of Outdoor School for me was how Lori was able to thoroughly engage the 8th graders in environmental science. e kids learned many skills: to observe, identify, prune, and plant. ey will be back in three weeks and so will I!”

DESIGN. BUILD. RELAX.

Lifescapes ®

Design.

Just as a plant needs the right conditions to become healthy and strong, your outdoor projects need the right staff with a passion for quality to ensure that your landscape dreams come true.

We work with you to design the perfect outdoor space you, your family and friends will enjoy!

Build.

From pools, patios, walkways and more, we work within your budget to build quality, timeless outdoor spaces.

Relax.

We provide year-round premiere landscape maintenance, so you can spend time enjoying your family!

“

e thing that impacted me the most about outdoor school was the serenity walk. It impacted me the most because it made me feel calm and relaxed for the rst time in a while” – Coy K

New Welding and Metal Fabrication Facility Brings State-of-the-Art Training to Berks

Welding and Metal Fabrication is one of the most desired and highest paying trades in American industry. Career pathways will include plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, welders, metal workers and more. The average salary for a Welder is $22.50 per hour in Pennsylvania.

The Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center (RMCTC) campus is located at 2615 Warren Road in Muhlenberg Township, providing career and technical education programming to prepare secondary and adult students for life after school.

In 2019, the Board of Directors of RMCTC started to explore options for the expansion of their high demand welding program, as the program had outgrown their space in the main building. “RMCTC is making sure we train and provide skills to the next workforce,” said Eric Kahler, Administrative Director of the RMCTC. “Welding is a highpriority occupation and qualified welders are sought by many local fabricators.”

Muhlenberg Greene (MG) Architects of Wyomissing was hired by the partnering districts to conduct a feasibility study

to perform a space use analysis of the existing location. This led to a comprehensive evaluation of the current utilization and analysis of the program’s future needs. Through this process, it was determined that the best way forward would be to build a new facility and the school board agreed.

MG Architects’ firm principal in charge of the project is Jim Sarro, AIA, who also sits on the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance board and is part of their Manufacturing Industry Partnership. “This project represents the goals of multiple stakeholders in our community,” said Sarro. “The new building supports the local manufacturing industry and its workforce needs.”

The 5.6-million-dollar project is an investment that supports career and job pathways after graduation. The work included new construction of a Welding Classroom building and required site modifications as well as upgrades to selected areas of the existing building to facilitate the relocation of the Precision Machining program to a larger space.

Today, the new welding and metal fabrication facility is set up to train the skilled metal workers needed by area manufacturers. The front of the building welcomes visitors

with a large icon of the gear that symbolizes the classes' logo. This state-of-the-art building has 25 welding stations equipped with advanced technology, multiple styles of welding machines, including an outdoor welding area, and can accommodate 50 students split into morning and afternoon training classes.

The former welding program location in the main building was adapted to become the precisionmachine classroom and lab where students are trained to operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines and other high-tech industrial machines. The interior renovations of the space include combining two classrooms to create one larger classroom to house the program, modifications to the existing HVAC systems, upgrades to the lighting and electrical systems, and finishes.

Working in this setting, students will achieve hands-on experience with many of the small power tools utilized in today’s industry,

including grinders, drill presses, cutting torches, shears, band saws, and pipe cutters. No longer a male-dominated industry, there has been an influx of female students to the programs. To accommodate this changing student demographic both classes feature boys and girls locker rooms.

Through the next few years, the job outlook for welders is extremely positive and the number of jobs in the welding field is expected to increase substantially. This growth in the demand for skilled welders makes RMCTC’s new Welding and Fabrication facility a great place to sharpen your skills and prepare for a successful career in manufacturing.

HBA EVENTS

Golf Event

Friday, May 10, 2024

Rich Maiden Golf Course

Thirsty Thursday

June 27, 2024

Craft 2700 at Freymoyer's

Lobsterfest

May 22, 2024

Fish Pond West

Lunch & Learn

(In Person)

July 18, 2024

Reading Phils

June 14, 2024

All Event Information & Registrations can be found on www.hbaberks.org under the ‘Event Registration Tab’

MARCH 14-16, 2025

Deadline for Members to Register before it is opened to Non-Members December 31, 2024

More information: 610-777-8889 or cathy@hbaberks.org ORIGINAL HOME SHOW, NEW NAME

HBA NEWS

New Members

The Remodeling Authority

101 Bern Rd

Reading, PA 19610-2009

Phone: 610-698-7282

theremodelingrealtor@gmail.com

www.theremodelingauthority.com

All Temp Enterprise, Inc

2 Front Street Plaza

Mohnton, PA 19540-2007

Phone: 610-796-1233

Fax: 610-796-1237

jeff@alltempenterprise.com

www.alltempenterprise.com

Council / Affiliate Members

Renee Reeser – Lezzer Lumber

Join Today!

Renewing Members

1-10 years

ABBI, Co

ACC International LLC

Berks Transfer Inc

Berks-Fire-Water-Restorations, Inc

Best Buy

Brookside Builders LLC

Davies Hardscaping LLC

Dust B Gone

Elements Integration, Inc

H2-LLC

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Inc

Heck Construction Company, Inc

Jack Steiner Plumbing

M.A.G. Builders

Members 1st FCU

Nationwide Kitchen Installers

Power Kunkle Group, Inc

Precision Fire Protection, Inc

Prussman-Goss, CPA

Quality Plumbing Solutions, LLC

If your business is within the Berks County area, please consider joining the Home Builders Association of Berks County. Your membership dollars will help fight issues on all three levels: Local, State and Federal. Our members vary from Engineers to Lawyers, Accountants, Builders, Remodelers, Insurance Agencies, Bankers and more.

In order to offer members installment options and the ability to pay via the method of your choice (credit card, ACH, or check), we have joined NAHB’s Dues Hub program.

As a result, you may receive communications from a new software provider, Billhighway. You will also have the option to log in to their member portal to renew your membership and pay directly online. You may also be prompted to create an account before doing so.

Now Pay Online!

Renew Your Membership:

https://www.billhighway.com/login. You may be required to activate an account first, and this can be done by clicking the link near the bottom of the page.

New Memberships:

https://join.billhighway.com/nahb/group/hbaberks

For more info: www.HBAberks.org or 610-777-8889.

R & M General Contracting, LLC

Red Oak Restorations, LLC

Service 360 Group dba CC & M Services, Inc

Shelly’s Building Supply & Musselman Lumber

Snyder Landscaping and Property Maintenance

Sonlight Services LLC

Viwinco

Weaver’s Hardware Co

11-20 years

Anewalts Landscape Contracting

Bechtel Kitchens LLC

Berks Career & Technology Center

Berkshire Building Services, Inc

Berkshire Systems Group, Inc

Bogia Engineering Inc

D&S Elite Construction

Diebolt Landscape Co, Inc

Down to Earth

Esterly Concrete Co, Inc

Fisher’s Rental Center, Inc

Hartman’s Home Improvements

Hoffmann Publishing Group

Lehigh Valley Contractor Association

M & M Mechanical, LLC

Manmiller Electric, LLC

Martin Construction Co.

Masano Bradley, LLP

Pro Max Fence Systems, LLC

Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc

Telco, Inc

21-30 years

A D Moyer Lumber Inc

Blatt & Zaffary Electric Inc

Bodden Construction Group, Inc

Bursich Associates, Inc

Elite Vinyl Railings, LLC

Fulton Mortgage Company

Gallen Insurance Inc

Gentile Homes, Inc

Hahn Exteriors

Harding-Yost is the Endorsed Berks County Agency for the PBA Workers’ Compensation Program

Contact Tyler Eberly (717) 336-2231

tyler@hardingyostins.com

Herbein & Co Inc

MRD Lumber Co, Inc

Our City-Reading, Inc

Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center

Sherwin-Williams Company

UGI Utilities, Inc

31-40 years

B & G Glass

Dolan Construction

Jeffrey Zimmerman & Son Masonry, LLC

Ronnie C Folk Paving, Inc

Tompkins Community Bank

Visions Federal Credit Union

Welbilt Homes, Inc

41-50 years

Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corp.

Berkshire Greens, Inc

Culligan Water

Fronheiser Pools

Keystone Interior Systems, Inc

North Temple Builders, Inc

RE/MAX of Reading

Shank Door LLC

Bachman’s delivered friendly honest salesmanship that wasn’t high pressure and I felt confident in the team before work began. The job was done well and quickly and better than I had even expected.