Letter From the President
O
ne of our primary goals here at the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg (HBA) is advocacy. We define it in our strategic plan as “Government relations to protect and advance builders and communities.” I want to share with you that a number of our volunteer leaders have recently participated in an effort called “Bringing Housing Home.” We met our area Congressional Delegation at their home district offices and discussed housing industry concerns as well as proposed legislation at the federal level.
Gary Lenker
Donco Construction
Within the footprint of this Association are three counties, in which many of you reside: Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry. We span over four congressional districts. The HBA met with all four of our Congressmen: Lou Barletta, Charlie Dent, Scott Perry and Tom Marino. In our meetings with these Representatives, we stressed that although the housing industry is posed for a strong recovery in 2015, there are a number of issues that affect consumers’ ability to obtain the “American Dream of Homeownership.” Hurdles such as low existing home price values, necessary appraisal reform and tough credit standards blocking mortgage access exist. We focused on the importance of continuing the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) and the need for “Housing Finance Reform.” In case you’re not familiar, the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) has been part of tax code since 1913. Homeowners may deduct interest up to $1 million of acquisition mortgage debt and up to $100,000 of home equity loan debt. The problem is, these amounts were set in 1987, and have not been adjusted for inflation. While there are many misconceptions, the vast majority of homeowners with a mortgage—seventy percent in any given year—benefit from MID. It is an essential tool for younger, middle class buyers looking to enter the housing market and expand as their families grow. The HBA is also a strong proponent of “Housing Finance Reform.” With Fannie Mae and Freddy MAC still operating under conservatorship, services reform discussions have been underway in Congress. Unfortunately, there is not yet widespread agreement on the specific components. At one point, the House of Representatives considered completely removing the government’s role in the U.S. housing market. The Senate engaged in bi-partisan efforts to preserve the federal support necessary for the market’s proper functioning. While we support steps to increase the role of private equity in the U.S. housing finance system, the market cannot rely exclusively on private sources. History shows us the limitations of the private mortgage market. During bad times, private mortgage credit evaporates, leaving qualified buyers high and dry and the housing market in a free fall. While investors are slowly returning to the market, this will dramatically decelerate without a government backstop. And federal support is particularly important to the availability of the affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which has been a staple of our country’s housing finance system since the 1930s. The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg will continue to be an industry advocate and do all that we can to support a healthy housing market here in Central Pennsylvania. If you or a family member have encountered any of the above mentioned issues that have prohibited you from purchasing a home, it is vital that you contact your Congressman and U.S. Senators to share your experience. To those of you who are current homeowners, we hope that the content in this magazine inspires you and teaches you something new and useful. To those seeking homeownership, we’re cheering you on! Thank you for your readership and have a wonderful summer season.
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Central Keystone Living Magazine is owned by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg.
Contents
SUMMER 2015
Green Living 4 The Aggressively EcoOur Mission: Supporting Building Industry Professionals & Serving as a Respected Community Resource.
PRESIDENT
Gary Lenker, Donco Construction
Friendly Passive House
Home Improvement 6 Color Quick Tips
VICE PRESIDENT
Terry Loughran, Bridlewood Builders
TREASURER
Bill Pierce, Fulton Mortgage Company
SECRETARY
Steven Cook, UGI Utilities
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
8
Turning an Ugly Duckling into a Swan
10 Planning Ahead
Robert Fisher, R.J. Fisher & Associates
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT
Wayne Keech, Affiliated Settlement Services Group
BUILDER DIRECTORS
Meghann Connor, Connor Design-Build, LLC Russ Goodling, Russell C. Goodling Construction Bobbie Van Buskirk, A.P. Williams, Inc. Bryan Rodriguez, Ryan Homes Sherry Krodel, HOME-TIME Renovation, LLC Paul Hepler, Yingst Homes, Inc.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Ann Marie Haggerty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Jim Rhoads, Swartz Kitchens & Baths James Pigott, Jr., Pigott Agency Mark Toto, Budget Blinds of Susquehanna Valley
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
David Sheppard, Jr., CAE, Dave@HarrisburgBuilders.com
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Linda McMasters, Linda@HarrisburgBuilders.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
Ask The Expert 14
10 Tips for an EnergyEfficient Summer
Tips & Trends 17
27
Get the Facts 22 Regulation &
Its Unintended Consequences
Achieve Outstanding 24 Results in Interior Design The Interior Re-Design Roadmap 30 Top 5 Lighting Trends of 2015
The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home Saying ‘I Do’ to a New Home
Lee Casher, Lee@HarrisburgBuilders.com
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS Amanda Kahl, Mandi@HarrisburgBuilders.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (PART TIME) Barb Rowe, HBA@HarrisburgBuilders.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (PART TIME)
CONTACT US: Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg • 2416 Park Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-232-5595 or 1-800-281-5539 • Fax: 717-232-5605 • www.harrisburgbuilders.com
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES:
The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of print or digital articles without written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg is forbidden. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by the HBA of Metropolitan Harrisburg.
Jean Zimmerman, Jean@HarrisburgBuilders.com
Kay Shuey
717.454.9179
Kay@HoffPubs.com
Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc.
2921 Windmill Rd, Suite 4, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 610.685.0914
Cover Photo: J. Hirsch Interior Design, LLC
By Robin & Terry Loughran, Owners of Bridlewood Builders
L
ast season, we began the Green Living Series by introducing the concept in an article titled “What’s the Deal with Going Green?” This season, we’ve broken ground. Not only are we building another green home, but we’re bringing European-style energy efficiency to the heart of Central Pennsylvania. We are building a Passive House.
What is Passive House?
There’s green building, and then there’s Passive House. The idea behind Passive House is simple—design a home that minimizes the need for energy use. Some Passive Houses, even in very cold climates, have no need for a conventional heating system. All the while, they enhance the general living comfort for the homeowner.
The Components
Certified Passive Houses are built according to a rigorous series of design principles that promote energy efficiency and reduce waste. The basic building block of a Passive House is a virtually airtight, extremely well insulated building envelope that prevents the infiltration of outside air and the loss of conditioned air. The envelope is like a cocoon that wraps around the entire house, starting under the foundation and concrete slab, going up the exterior walls and continuing through the roof. Think of it as living in a giant Styrofoam cooler. As for a fresh air source, a Passive House is equipped with a mechanical ventilator that exchanges stale inside-air with fresh outside-air. During the heating season, as part of that exchange, heat from the exhausted air is transferred to the cooler air that is being drawn in from the outside. In summer, that process reverses. And
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finally, the ventilator also controls moisture and humidity. With an airtight envelope, there would be no way for humidity generated inside the home to get out without this ventilator. Today, most new homes are built with the minimum amount of insulation required by the Building Code. In Central Pennsylvania, walls are required to have a minimum value of R-21, and ceilings of R-38. A Passive House design for Central Pennsylvania will include walls with R-54 insulation and ceilings with R-80! What is “R value”? Basically, the “R” value of a material, such as the insulation in a wall, is a measure of thermal Resistance, or, how well that material allows heat to pass through. The higher the R value, the less heat will move through the material. In other words, the higher the R value, the better the insulation.
Incorporating highly efficient windows is vital for a Passive House. It is counterproductive to build super-insulated walls with an R-54 insulation value and then fill the wall with windows that have an insulating value of only R-2. When building a Passive House, we will use special Passive House certified windows that include triple-pane glass and air-tight frames.
Along with the airtight envelope and the mechanical ventilator, another element of design is eliminating thermal bridging. This means removing ways for heat to transfer through the envelope, resulting in an indoor temperature change. This happens when heat is transferred through materials with very low R-values, such as wood studs in a wall, inefficient aluminum windows, concrete walls, etc. The point of energy-efficiency is to keep the temperature inside the home constant, and not allow air leakage or thermal bridging to uncontrollably alter the temperature. The final component of design is passive solar gain—the utilization of heat from sunshine coming through the windows. Passive Houses are positioned to capture the sun’s natural heating capabilities in the winter, while preventing overheating in the summer. We orient the house in a way that takes advantage of the warmth of the sun, placing the majority of the windows on the south side. We carefully determine the size and number of windows that will allow the home to use solar warmth as the primary heat source. To help avoid overheating during the summer, shading for the home is also carefully designed to manage solar gain.
The Bottom Line
Passive Houses are the most comfortable homes ever developed. Energy costs in a Passive House are reduced sixty to ninety percent over conventional homes. They provide a healthier indoor environment. They make excellent homes for anyone with allergies or other respiratory issues, as air quality is very controlled. Any increase in up-front cost is quickly recovered through energy savings. It is no wonder why the concept is trending. Be on the lookout for photos of the Passive House coming to Central Pennsylvania. Next season, we’ll share all about it, and hear from the Derry Township family who decided to pioneer this healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
MEET THE EXPERT Bridlewood Builders, a PHIUS certified Passive House Builder, is currently breaking ground on a Passive House in Hershey, Pa. See the story of its construction in the next issue of Central Keystone Living. If you are interested in learning more about Passive House, or seeing the real-time updates of its construction, contact Bridlewood Builders at (717) 651-0058 or info@bridlewoodbuilders.com. You can also find more information by visiting our website at www.BridlewoodBuilders.com.
In addition to using the sun as warmth, these homes make use of heat from components inside such as appliances, showers, lighting, cooking and other electrical devices. Because the homes are super-insulated and airtight, even body heat from people and pets help to keep the home warm.
Price Tag
The typical purchase price of a Passive House runs five to ten percent higher than a traditional stick-built home. However, Passive Houses have proven their ability to reduce utility expenses by an average of sixty to ninety percent—so that additional cost is recouped in a very short time.
Serious Comfort
Most of us have come to accept that houses have cold spots, hot rooms and drafts around windows and outlets. We are used to heaters and air conditioners that cycle on and off many times an hour, in an effort to keep the interior temperature constant. In a Passive House, things are much different.
Passive Houses are extremely comfortable in all seasons. There are no drafts or temperature variance and indoor air quality is superb. And yes, you can open the doors and windows of a Passive House just as you would in a conventional home if you wish.
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Home Improvement
COLOR QUICK TIPS By Barbara Tabak, CID, WFCP, Decorating Den Interiors
How do you choose a color scheme? It’s really quite easy. These helpful tips are a good place to start. FORGET THE RULE THAT WHITE WILL MAKE A SPACE APPEAR LARGER. White will only reflect the available light. If you have a small room with little light, it will reflect the shadows, making the space more desolate.
SELECT COOL COLORS, BLUE FOR INSTANCE, FOR A RELAXING INTERIOR. Cool colors tend to slow us down, and give us a calm feeling.
NEED A LITTLE ENERGY? Then warm colors like reds and yellows are the ticket, because they tend to be very stimulating. Yellow, for instance, is associated with the mind and actually stimulates mental activity i.e., yellow legal paper and yellow Post-It notes.
NEED A LITTLE MORE BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE? Give green a try. Green is the only color that has no effect on the physical system, because it contains both warmth (from yellow) and coolness (from blue).
BRIGHT COLORS ARE FAST PACED. If your life isn’t, then adding some bright colors to your surroundings might give your energy a little boost.
EMBRACE FUN. Paint is relatively inexpensive, so experiment. If it’s not right, repaint.
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MAKE A COLOR PLAN. Piece-meal color design will get you into color trouble. Find your scheme by falling in love with wallpaper, a painting, an area rug, even a floral arrangement—and your color scheme will magically appear. Anything with a pattern, including upholstery or drapery, can give your color choices a starting place.
CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLOR LAST. It seems counter intuitive, but choosing a paint color is the last selection to make when pulling together a decorating scheme. You have thousands of paint color choices, but relatively few choices in fabrics. So, restrain yourself, and make your fabric choices for your furniture and draperies, then paint the walls to compliment your fabric.
KEEP IT NEUTRAL ONLY IF YOU TRULY LOVE NEUTRAL COLORS. Staying with a neutral palette is, well…safe. Let your personality shine, step out of the comfort of beige into a stimulating color palette. But, if indeed you truly love neutrals then go with it. Be sure to add dimension and interest to the room by selecting fabrics and finishes that add texture to the neutral color scheme.
DON’T PANIC! It takes at least two weeks to become comfortable with any change, even when the change is for the better.
MEET THE EXPERT: Barbara Tabak, CID, WFCP Award-winning interior decorator who has been creating beautiful interiors in the Central PA area since 1998.
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Home Improvement
Turning an
Ugly Duckling into a By Craig Deimler
E
very year, homeowners seek out remod- the ability for you both to communicate well. elers to help with renovation projects. When attempting a major transformation, With all of the horror stories about this ability can be the difference between remodeling contractors, it’s hard to know an enjoyable experience and the nightmare who to trust. Whether a simple or complex about which many speak. While the end project, finding the right one for the job can result is a finished project, the abilities of the be a challenge. Even more challenging is contractor to listen and translate what the finding a contractor who can see beyond what client wants, and convert that into a design exists—to the possibilities of what could be. with finalized selections can be a hurdle. You should never be afraid to ask questions. The Pictured here is a local residence in right contractor will welcome the opportunity Dauphin. The original structure was built to discuss all of your thoughts. as a cottage along Stony Creek. It was used for many years as a get-a-way retreat. Once the owners retired, they wanted to make this location their fulltime residence. The condition of the structure posed many problems in becoming livable year-round. It was too small for their needs and it did not have an open floor plan. Additionally, the owners had a laundry list of additional requirements for their new space, all the while keeping a cottage feel. On top of that, their ideal spot was unfortunately built in a flood plain. While the existing footprint was grandfathered in, no changes could be made to expand the base. This obstacle presented a major limitation for the project. However, they did consider the option of creating a second story. Interviewing contractors to find a good match is one of the most important parts of the process. While everyone wants to find a contractor that has the capabilities for the project scope, equally important should be
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Building rapport with the contractor will help tackle one of the most difficult subjects to discuss—the budget. For most people, this will be the driving force behind the design and selections. It’s good to know how much your project should cost prior to interviewing contractors. A helpful resource for determining preliminary budget numbers is Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report, found on the web at www.costvsvalue.com. Many homeowners will also ask friends who have done similar projects what to expect.
Before
AFTER
Ultimately, after you have done your research, a design. Getting it right required revisions be honest with your contractor about where to the plans. Throughout the process, the you would like to be financially. It is also contractor incorporated the owners’ desires important to be open to what the true costs within the budget. of remodeling can run. Projects, big or small, can be difficult to initially price. You can adWhile not all homes are ugly ducklings, dress this by using a design/build contractor many have challenges that do not meet the who will work with you to design and price needs of a 21st century family. The available accordingly during the design phase. Often housing in Central PA is much older than there is a fee for these services, however, some other areas of the country. When you combine contractors will apply the fee toward the cost an older housing stock with the second largest of construction. Asking the contractors you population of individuals over age 65, you are considering how they handle this process end up with design and remodeling challenges that are out of the familiarity of most. This is should provide reassurance. when the design/build/remodel professional Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day can be of great value to you. Transforming the rustic, weekend cabin The homeowners worked through the into a comfortable, fulltime home required design/build process with their selected the homeowners to create a list of needs and contractor, Deimler & Sons Construction of wants. The contractor used that list to create
Harrisburg. After a completed design within a budget where the client felt comfortable, construction began. Several months later, the owners have now moved in and are enjoying their new space and fulltime living along Stony Creek.
MEET THE EXPERT Craig Deimler, Owner of Deimler & Sons Construction. Interested in learning more? Visit www.gdsconst.com or email Craig@gdsconst.com.
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Home Improvement
By Allison Ong Shreffler, Architect
W
hen planning a home improvement project, using an experienced professional versus going ‘DIY-style’ can make all the difference. Homeowners’ budgets and needs are more easily met when taking advantage of professional insight. Avoiding future headaches begins in the planning process. As an architect, I encounter basement, kitchen and bathroom remodels or additions most often. Here are some first things to consider when preparing to tackle these popular home improvements.
The first project many new homeowners undertake is the basement remodel. It seems like a simple solution to increase living space without worrying about complicated structural framing. However, it’s more than putting down floor, sheetrocking the walls/ ceiling and painting. When planning a basement remodel, make sure water issues are non-existent. Dampness, foundation cracks and wet spots on the walls and floors after a heavy rain are signs that water has infiltrated the home’s foundation. If you don’t have French drains and a sump pump, this would be a good time to install them. There’s nothing worse than having a newly 10
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finished basement destroyed by water. Next, check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Many companies will not provide coverage if you haven’t installed sump pumps as fail safe measures. I personally experienced this after Tropical Storm Lee. I had new French drains, sump pumps and a backup generator installed. I chose “wood look” ceramic tile for my floor, pressure treated framing for the
walls and water resistant drywall. I even took it a step further and had my contractor hold the bottom of the wall 4 inches from the top of the floor and chose a 5 inch base molding to cover it. Now, the worst case scenario of flooding is minimized should I lose power and my generator fails. My finished basement will be safe!
If You’re Planning for a New Kitchen… Unless you will be keeping the appliances and sink in their exact locations, you will want to finish your basement ceiling with a suspended acoustical tile instead of drywall. This will allow for easy access for future remodeling, or even for maintenance purposes should your pipes become clogged or frozen.
If you are considering a master bathroom remodel, installing grab bars in your shower and next to the toilet is a wise decision if you plan to age in place. If you are concerned
If You’re Planning for an Addition… Ask first, is it one story with a crawl space or full basement? Would a second story be in the future? If so, it will be important to provide the appropriate footing size and framing to support the added load. Would an enlarged basement be beneficial for additional storage or living space?
about the aesthetic aspect, manufacturers have recognized this—new products are now available that don’t look like the typical institutional stainless steel grab bar. They can actually look very nice. Many Baby Boomers who are homeowners are now opting to age in place. Careful planning for one level living may include enlarging door openings to accommodate wheelchairs, regrading your landscaping for easy entry and choosing floor finishes that are
Decorative Grab Bar
Photo featuring Great Grabz® by Best Bath Systems
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Home Improvement Continued… easy to clean and slip resistant. Door entry thresholds should not exceed 1/2". Additional considerations include special kitchen and bathroom details like a zero threshold shower stall, grab bars (as shown above), extra large floor space and under cabinet knee clearance. These are small but wise improvements that can be planned now and help save on what could be an expensive after-thought.
If You’re Building a Deck… Think about exposure—are there trees that will provide shade from the summer sun? Material choices could be cedar, treated wood or composite decking material. The more durable materials will cost more, but can save time and money on maintenance in the long run. Weigh the pros and cons for your needs and budget. Do you face south or west? Would a covered roof be beneficial? Outdoor rooms have become very popular. If this is a consideration for your home, then you may want to build a patio with footings to support the future roof, or, just put in pavers set in sand that can be easily moved and relocated.
Material & Finish Choices Are Quite the Decision. Allow yourself many trips to multiple stores before making final decisions. Your architect or designer can assist if this is too daunting for you. Proper material selection is paramount in reaching your expectations of use, maintenance, performance and aesthetics. You may love the classic look of carrera marble, but if you are an avid chef or red wine drinker, a better choice may be quartz, for its durability. Planning ahead by consulting with a seasoned professional will not only provide you with insights on appropriate solutions, product functions and expectations, but also prepare you well for future home improvement projects.
MEET THE EXPERT: Allison Ong Shreffler runs her own architecture practice here in Central PA. Contact her at 717-884-9808 or visit HarrisburgArchitects.net.
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Call For Editorial Submissions Central Keystone Living is a homeowner magazine designed to provide useful ideas, tips and information regarding every area of home ownership, from home design, construction and renovations, to interior design, outdoor living spaces and maintenance. Articles cover new trends and timeless winners in building and remodeling; home dĂŠcor and fashion accessories; outdoor living and landscaping; and much more.
If you would like to submit ideas for future editorial stories we invite you to forward your ideas to: AMANDA KAHL
Editor, Central Keystone Living Magazine mandi@harrisburgbuilders.com Preference for submissions is given to HBA members and timely topics.
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Tips for an EnergyEfficient Summer Temperatures are high and so are electric bills, as we struggle to stay cool in these summer months. If your home isn’t adequately equipped for the heat, it can be expensive. Here are ten tips to keep your utility bills at bay this season.
Find & Fix Air Leaks To prevent air conditioning from skyrocketing your bills this summer, find the leaks in your home and plug them up. Look around windows, doors and in the attic for any air leaks. These areas can be easily identified during the day, as light shines through cracks. Additional weather stripping should be added around doors and windows. In the attic or basement, there’s a chance that holes have formed in the insulation, allowing air to leak out. In such cases, homeowners will need to call a professional to insulate the areas that need it. This project needs to be handled by a pro because certain types, especially loose fill and blownin insulation, are hazardous to your health if ingested.
Upgrade the Thermostat If you reside in an older home, there’s a good chance the thermostat is outdated and wasting energy. ‘Tis the season to upgrade to a programmable thermostat! These devices save at least ten percent each month on the electric bill, while helping cool your home efficiently. And of course, set it higher when leaving during the day to cut costs. There are some types of more advanced thermostats that adapt to your patterns and can adjust automatically, or be controlled remotely. 14
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Repair or Replace Windows Windows are one of the greatest sources of air leaks and heat, which can dramatically increase the utility bill. Window repairs should be a priority, and because hollow metal allows air to get through easily, replace outdated aluminum frames with wood alternatives whenever possible. Consider replacing single-pane windows with their double-pane alternatives. Double-pane windows reflect sunlight better and insulate the home. There are even Energy Star-certified windows that are known to cut down energy costs by almost fifteen percent.
Change Air Filters HVAC air filters build up a lot of dust and grime over the winter when the heater is running. When the warm season rolls around, change them out so the HVAC system runs more efficiently. Clean air filters help the air conditioner work smoothly; a dirty air filter keeps cold air from getting out, which makes the A/C work harder to push the air out. Save some money with this easy task in half an hour or less.
Clean Air Vents Along that same vein, the air conditioning will work harder if the vents are dirty and musty. Vents cool every room in the house when the cold air pushes through the filter, releasing cold air in a room. If the vents are covered in dust and grime, less air comes out, and there’s a chance the dust and dirt comes with it. So don’t let the room get covered in dirt or make the A/C unit work overtime. Hire a professional to clean the ducts and vents for between $250 and $450. It can significantly lower cooling bills during the summer and prevent extra cleaning.
Add Ceiling Fans Another way to cut down on cooling costs is to find an alternative. Rather than keeping the A/C on all day and night, ceiling fans can make a great difference. If there are no ceiling fans in the home, one can be easily installed. The cost of installation averages between $150 and $300, but over the summer it may pay for itself. Ceiling fans push down cool air while pulling up hot air into the ceiling. They use significantly less power than air conditioning units. Fans create a chilly effect in the room that will leave residents feeling cool and comfortable on even the hottest day.
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Ask the Expert Continued…
Update Light Fixtures Replace all hot incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with their CFL and LED alternatives. Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs give off a lot of heat, which contributes to the internal temperature of your home. Rather than spending extra money to light and to cool the home, why not spend it on energy efficient bulbs that give off no heat? CFL and LED bulbs are just as bright, yet emit no heat when they’re on in a room. Although they cost slightly more upfront, they’ll pay back quickly in how much is saved every month on both the electric bill and cooling costs.
Adjust Your Laundry Routine Wash clothes and linens in cold water. For drying, use an outdoor clothes line or indoor drying rack. If you must use the dryer, make sure to clean the lint filter after every use.
Unplug Things When Not in Use Plug in home electronics, such as TVs and computers, to power strips and turn off the power strips when the equipment is not in use. Anything that’s plugged in is still utilizing some energy. This rings true for cell phone chargers too. If your phone is not plugged into the charger, unplug the charger! You’ll save dollars a month adopting this simple habit.
Blinds & Windows Keep the blinds and windows closed during the day and open at night. This is a very simple, nocost way to keep your home a little bit cooler.
This information was provided to us by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and Ann Marie Haggerty of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
MEET THE EXPERT: Ann Marie Haggerty, Sales Manager at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and member of the Home Builders Association Board of Directors. Have more questions? Send them to AnnMarie.Haggerty@CBmoves.com.
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Tips & Trends
ACHIEVE OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN
The Interior Re-Design Roadmap
By Heidi Hitz, Corporate Interior Designer & Visual Merchandiser, Wolf Furniture
T
he huge hurdle in any home project is figuring out where to begin. In this article, we’ll plug an empty room into our interior decorating GPS. While there are many routes to beautiful destinations, here is the roadmap our experts suggest—
Begin by going straight for something inspirational, such as a favorite color, piece of art, fabric, family heirloom, sculpture, etc. This is your no-brainer, needs-to-be-incorporated aspect of the room. Your inspiration will trigger ideas and help guide you as you design the rest of the room. Continued on page 18
Tips & Trends Continued…
Next, think about personality and what you’re going for. Each project should reflect the feeling you want to portray. Do you want a dramatic look with reds and blacks? Do you want a relaxing spa environment with teals and cream? Maybe an earthy feel with greens and browns? Keep in mind that color is so versatile; it can be a quick fix to updating a space or piece of furniture. Simply changing the color of your walls and accessories will update and refresh your home. Adding a coat of paint to an old piece of furniture will give it new life. Adding wallpaper to the interior of a bookshelf or china cabinet will add pattern, color and flare to a sad, old piece. It is always best to choose quality furniture that lasts. Color also changes the way a room feels. Blue, grey and purple tones tend to make a room feel cooler, while brown, greens and red make a space feel warmer. Yellow and orange create high-energy spaces. Color trends often lean toward certain styles but one color combo that I’ve seen countless ways is navy or royal blue, with white. It can be dressed up or down. Add gold metal pieces for a trendy, traditional look. Add weathered pieces for a down home country look. Add silver or chrome for a sleek, contemporary look. The concept of timeless designs is particularly trendy right now. People are looking for styles that are versatile or easily changed. Neutral rooms with pops of color are a staple. This style allows you to alter the look and feel of the space by just changing accessories, accent pillows, rugs, art and lamps. This is great for the person who gets bored with things easily. There has been an upswing in bold designs as of late, with lots of color mixed with updated floral patterns.
Consider the trends: GLAM; think old Hollywood meets contemporary. Picture furniture pieces that are smooth but shapely with reflective surfaces, like mirrored accents or chrome hardware. This style calls for luxurious fabrics like velvets, silks and faux furs. A chandelier in the room is a must for that final finishing touch. Colors include: pinks, plums, greys and black. BOHEMIAN style is relaxed, with rustic reclaimed wood pieces and rubbed finishes, rough iron or bronze hardware, Aztec prints, flat weave rugs, wall hangings and pillows with cotton brushed fringe. Colors: blue denim, rose, orange and cream.
CLASSIC GOTH is simple, classic furniture pieces mixed with Victorian era oddities. Imagine old hospital gadgets, taxidermy, molded hands or skulls, leather accents and lots of books. Bookshelves are a must in this decor. Colors: neutral with lots of grey and plums but occasionally blood red and dark teal. Continued on page 21 18
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TIP: Enlisting the help of an interior designer can help a homeowner stay focused. It’s easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed when doing a project, especially a large one. Some shy away from seeking professional help, thinking that it’s a luxury that they can do without or that they can’t afford, but getting the results you want is priceless. Keep in mind that pro-help doesn’t need to break the bank—some furniture retailers offer free in-home design consulting. These companies have qualified designers on staff to guide you step by step through the process.
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Tips & Trends Continued…
VINTAGE ECLECTIC is a trend that has become increasingly popular due to social media. The use of reclaimed and recycled items makes this an “anything goes” style.
URBAN LOFT is going strong, with raw, exposed brick and industrial metal pieces. Colors: warm color palette with pops of bright yellow, orange or red. Interior design is all about letting your taste and personality show, and finding a way to get all the things you love to live harmoniously in one space. Know your likes and dislikes before getting started. Have pictures of ideas or styles you like as not everyone has the same vision of contemporary, country, traditional, etc. The Internet is a great resource for finding inspiration and researching prices prior to starting your design project. The idea-generating app Pinterest is one great example of a free online resource. Don’t be caught off guard when it comes to planning a budget, and most importantly, have fun with it. MEET THE EXPERT: Heidi Hitz, Corporate Interior Designer and Visual Merchandiser Wolf Furniture • (717) 939-7859 • www.wolffurniture.com
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prior to 2009 rises. After all, demand for them is suddenly up, way up. And presto, the house that used to sell for $200,000 now costs $203,000.
Its Unintended Consequences By Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., GraphsandLaughs, LLC
L
ooking around the United States there are cities like Boston, Los Angeles and Washington, DC that have very high house prices. Yet there are equally successful cities like Austin, Dallas, Louisville and Oklahoma City that have much more affordable home prices. Why the difference? Of course the surf is better in L.A. than in Dallas, but it has always been better, and 40 years ago L.A. was not an expensive city. The reason for this disparity is regulation.
of how well-meaning, increases home prices. Sure, having a 30-foot setback looks nicer than a 20-foot setback, but it makes lots more expensive. And while requiring a brick façade may add gravitas to a house, it too raises its price, and the list goes on. Worse, as housing prices are artificially pushed up, distortions are introduced that have negative unintended economic consequences.
Imagine yourself new to town and looking to buy a house. Happily, you quickly find Simply put, each piece of leg- your dream house, but it costs $205,000 islation that becomes law, and and all you can afford is $200,000. Turns each regulation promulgated out the house you love was built in 2009, by the bureaucracy, regardless the first year houses were required to have cement driveways and picket fences, which raised the price of those houses and all subsequent ones by, you guessed it, $5,000. The solution, look for a house built before 2009. But just like you, everyone else in your situation is doing the same thing. As that happens, the price of homes built
An alternative is to look for a house in a neighboring town where asphalt is still allowed and picket fences are optional. And as luck would have it, you find a beautiful $200,000 house and move in. The only problem; your commute to work is now twice as long as it would have been if you had been able to buy that original house. And that increases CO2 emissions, causes needless wear and tear to roads and infrastructure, requires you to buy a new car more often, and hire a sitter for your kids, as you are all too often caught in traffic driving home. But wait, it gets worse; suppose your uncle owns a huge parcel of land and planned to build entry-level houses on it for $200,000. He can’t now because of the cement driveway and picket fence rules which force the price up to $205,000. The problem is folks like you can’t afford those houses, so he goes upscale and builds $225,000 houses, and in that way does well, but contributes to the affordability problem. To review, forcing anyone to do something they otherwise would not have done makes whatever it is more expensive. In this case, it raises the price of new entry-level houses. In addition, it raises the price of houses built prior to the law, which in turn pushes home construction into neighboring areas which adds to sprawl and boosts CO2 emissions. The moral of this sad tale, think twice before reflexively solving problems through regulation and legislation. The consequences can be quite far-reaching and unintended.
MEET THE EXPERT: Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., is President of GraphsandLaughs, LLC and can be reached at Elliot@graphsandlaughs.net. His daily 70 word economics and policy blog can be seen at www.econ70.com. HarrisburgBuilders.com
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The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of
Buying a New Home A
s home buyers, you have the choice of two types of houses on the market: resale or new.
Those planning to buy a brand-new house or condominium often cite energy efficiency, a warranty and being able to select appliances, flooring, paint colors and other design elements as factors driving their choice. But builders say that buyers are being drawn to new homes for reasons that aren’t so obvious. Here are a few more benefits of a brand-new home that you may not see in the sales brochure.
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Building a Community Together A brand-new community is one of the built-in benefits of many new homes. When families move in to a subdivision at the same time, they often form lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block,� and many home builders host community parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect. Popular amenities like pools, walking trails and tennis and basketball courts offer additional opportunities for interaction among neighbors. Often new communities are comprised of home owners in the same stage of life, such as young families or active retirees, so neighbors can get to know each other through carpools, PTA meetings, tennis matches or golf games.
Entertaining Throwing a party in an older home can be a challenge because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain guests in one
large space. Today, new home layouts feature more open spaces and rooms that flow into each other more easily. While you are preparing dinner, you can still interact with guests enjoying conversation Continued on page 26
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Get the Facts Continued… without feeling closed off. The feeling of spaciousness in today’s new-home layouts often is enhanced with higher ceilings and additional windows that bring in more light than you would find in an older home.
A Clean Slate For some buyers, parking the car in a sparkling-clean garage, being the first to cook a dinner in a brand-new kitchen or enjoying a bubble bath in a never-before-used bathroom tub is part of the appeal of new construction. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting to suit your own style—you can create your own home décor from the get-go! The advantages of being the first owner extend to the outdoors. Instead of inheriting inconveniently or precariously placed trees, or having to tear up overgrown shrubs, you can design and plant the lawn and garden however you want.
Outlets, Outlets Everywhere Homes built in the 1960s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of high-definition televisions, DVRs, computers, etc., that we enjoy today—and the very different electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s needs. Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can also attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out! Today, home builders plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families, so you can safely operate a wine cooler, Christmas lights, your laptop—and much more. If you are interested in finding a local new-home builder, visit www.HarrisburgBuilders.com and click on “Looking for a Builder.”
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Tips & Trends
Top 5
Lighting Trends By Amy Tawney, Decorative Lighting & Design Manager at Schaedler Yesco Lighting Design Center
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
Now more than ever, consumers are interested in saving energy. LEDs rank at the top of the list in both light output and cost savings. LED bulbs consume up to 90% less energy than their incandescent counterparts and their lifespan is substantially longer—as much as 15-20x longer. The best place to begin the LED transition is the most popular gathering spot, the kitchen. Recessed cans are popular in the kitchen and use roughly 65–75 watts of energy per fixture. Replacing the bulbs in recessed cans with LED bulbs or LED retrofit trim allows you to gain more light (lumens) and only use about 12–14 watts of energy per fixture. Continued on page 28 HarrisburgBuilders.com
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Tips & Trends Continued…
Urban Renewal The 20th Century Industrial Revolution inspired pendants with vintage bulbs. Manufacturers offer a wide array of lighting choices that utilize replicated old industrial pieces from the past like gears, wire cages, rebar, old glass electrical insulators for shades and cloth covered wire. Antique finishes include rust, bronze, corrugated metal and galvanized finishes.
Mini Chandeliers “chandelettes”
For several years, mini chandeliers have been popular in bedrooms, closets and offices. Now, the trend is bringing elegance into bathrooms with mini chandeliers over toilets or tubs. Whether it’s hand-cut crystal or a man-made product, the choices are endless. Manufacturers offer a rainbow of colors that bring “wow” into any room. The trend is hand-blown and seeded glass with machine cut metal that creates a dramatic effect on the ceiling and walls. 28
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Shabby Chic Shabby chic styling can be best described as French inspired vintage pieces that are usually white or pastel with distressed affects. They have a romantic, feminine feel as if you were living in an old country cottage.
Pantone Colors of 2015 According to Pantone, a leading color trend analyst: “This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals take center stage as designers draw from daydreams of simpler times. Remembrances of retro delights, folkloric and floral art, and the magical world of tropical landscapes restore a sense of well-being in these warmer months.� We are seeing these themes in lighting fixtures as well, and they are helping to create fun yet soothing rooms.
MEET THE EXPERT: Amy Tawney, Decorative Lighting & Design Manager at Schaedler Yesco Lighting Design Center. 310 Lincoln Way East, New Oxford, PA 17350 717-334-0106 x3120 atawney@sydist.com www.sylightingdesign.com
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Saying ‘I Do’ to a New Home Unique to this account, a register is kept, showing the names of all the donors and the dollar amount that has been deposited. This can be helpful when writing thank you notes after the wedding.
Encouraging Young Couples to Consider Buying a Home
Local Builder’s Idea Turns Engaged Renters Into Married Homeowners
J
ust in time for wedding season, Keystone Custom Homes has partnered with Wells Fargo to make a brilliant idea a reality—a gift registry for engaged couples to save for a down payment on their first home. The couple’s loved ones can make deposits into the account as a wedding gift. Then, the couple can use the money to purchase a home from anyone, not just Keystone.
Getting the Word Out There
Recently, the company implemented a marketing campaign centered around Pinterest to spread awareness about the program and increase engagement with Keystone Custom
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Homes. On Pinterest, participants can view images of the builder’s homes and discover more about its wedding program through the pin board, “Happily Ever After Starts Here.”
How the Gift Registry Works
Keystone Custom Homes provides a “New Home Bridal Registry” to its potential home buyers. With this, engaged couples open a registry account with Wells Fargo. Similar to traditional bank accounts, couples can put in their own money, and others can easily contribute too. All of the money in the account belongs to the couple and can be used toward a down payment on a home.
Most people who are getting married are just starting out and don’t own a home. A lot of young couples are just coming out or are a few years out of college. School loan payments, car payments, etc., make it difficult for couples to try and save money for a down payment. The goal of Keystone’s program is to help them realize the dream of home ownership rather than renting. There are so many incentives available to buyers including low down payments and, of course, historically low interest rates right now. It makes sense for most couples to look at the option of owning. Wedding gifts can add up to a lot of dollars, and this program serves as the perfect way to channel those dollars into a home fund. As an official registry, it makes it simple for the couple to communicate to their wedding guests what they really need and want. Guests can feel good about contributing to this fund and helping the soon-to-be newlyweds meet their first big goal together, becoming homeowners.
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