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VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4
MONTCO/ MAIN LINE EAST
INSIDE: ANNUAL KITCHEN & BATH DIRECTORY Sponsored by Trumark Credit Union Page 14
Dilworth’s Custom Design Creating inspired projects built to last page 22
ASK THE EXPERT
GEHMAN DESIGN R EMODELING Gehman Design Remodeling Wins
STYLISH SPACES Stunning kitchen transformations
NARI COTY Award. See Page 11
Your #1 Resource and Design Magazine • Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view our Online Design Center
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VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4
MONTCO/ MAIN LINE EAST
Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line Flexible renovation solutions to suit your lifestyle page 13
ASK THE EXPERT
GEHMAN DESIGN R EMODELING Gehman Design Remodeling Wins
INSIDE: ANNUAL KITCHEN & BATH DIRECTORY Sponsored by Trumark Credit Union Page 14
STYLISH SPACES Stunning kitchen transformations
NARI COTY Award. See Page 11
Your #1 Resource and Design Magazine • Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view our Online Design Center
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14 contents 11 Ask the Expert: Gehman Design Remodeling 13 The Right Remodel for the Way You Live Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up Main Line offer flexible renovation solutions.
27 About-Face Let’s Face It gives kitchens a brand-new look without the hassle of a remodel.
29 Built to Last Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie offer siding solutions that stand the test of time.
14 House & Home Annual Kitchen & Bath Directory 32 Heating Up as it’s Cooling Down A comprehensive roundup of the area’s leading contractors. Sponsored by Trumark Credit Union
23 Inspired Spaces. Crafted for Life. Dilworth’s Custom Design creates stunning spaces that stand the test of time.
24 Stylish Spaces A photo guide to some amazing kitchen remodeling projects.
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Keeping ahead of costly repairs and dangerous situations.
37 A Dynamic Change One Day Doors and Closets of Philly helps transform homes with new interior doors.
38 Small Changes, Stronger Impact Find out the best approach to take for your landscape this fall season.
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PUBLISHER Edward P. McCartney EDITOR Peter Proko ASSISTANT EDITOR Matt Cosentino CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristen Dowd, Giana Scafide, Abigail Twiford CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hank Alspach PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian Mikulski DESIGNERS Eileen Pullia, Lisa Zollinger ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR Darlene Versak SALES DIRECTOR Lindsay Gonzalez SALES MANAGER Jim Romano NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER Chuck McKane MARKETING CONSULTANTS Jordan Carty, Nicole Corabi, Rochelle Dodge, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Max Haggerty DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Leigh Stuart PUBLISHER EMERITUS Bob Doran EXECUTIVE PARTNERS Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney
HOUSE & HOME HOUSE & HOME Magazine, LLC, dba HOUSE & HOME (“H&H”). H&H reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. H&H is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited materials. Furthermore, H&H will assume that unsolicited photographs, as well as ad photographs, are being submitted for possible publication and should they be published, no fee is due the photographer or model unless otherwise agreed upon in advance in writing. HOUSE & HOME is a regional home improvement and design magazine focused on remodeling, renovation, design inspiration, and connecting homeowners with local home service professionals. H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff, editors or writers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publications. Readers are encouraged to notify H&H if they suspect false or misleading advertising. Before attempting any renovation or repair project mentioned in H&H, readers are advised to consult with professional home repair and renovation specialists for assistance, and to take any and all appropriate safety precautions. HOUSE & HOME has not independently tested any products or services advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HOUSE & HOME. makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the publisher of HOUSE & HOME. Copyright 2012 by HOUSE & HOME. Magazine, LLC, all rights reserved. Subscription available for home delivery at our website, www.HouseMagazine.com, at a cost of $19.95 per year.
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PARTNER PROFILE
Master bathroom Guest bathroom
A Place to Relax Homeowners partner with Gehman Design Remodeling to “wake up” tired living spaces. By Bill Donahue
Photos courtesy of Gehman Design Remodeling
“This house would be perfect, if only …” Almost every homeowner in America has uttered such words at one time or another, and almost every answer would be slightly different. Whereas some homeowners choose to live with compromised living spaces, others invest to turn their “what if” into a reality. Dennis D. Gehman, MCR, cites one example of a couple who moved to Ambler to be closer to family. The couple had sold their business in York and found a beautiful, five-bedroom home that backs up to a fairway at the golf course of Talamore Country Club. They envisioned family and friends occasionally coming to stay at their new 3,780-square-foot home, so they needed to keep four existing bedrooms. At the same time, they wanted a larger master bathroom, a renovated hall bathroom, and the addition of a guest bathroom, plus an updated master bedroom, complete with hardwood flooring and a spacious new walk-in closet. The couple chose Gehman’s firm, Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysville, to complete the multifaceted renovation. As with any complex home makeover, the project included a few interesting sidebars. One example: Gehman’s team used the “dead space” of the second-story foyer to add the new guest bathroom—essentially creating a new room by claiming unutilized space. Another: The walk-in closet, which was created by using the fifth bedroom, included a HouseMagazine.com
three-way mirror and a “secure space,” hidden by a motorized sliding door, where the homeowners could store jewelry and other precious items. “We initially looked at reducing the size of the bedrooms to add the guest bathroom,” says Gehman. “Then we proposed putting it above the foyer or the family room, both of which are two stories tall. They decided on the foyer, which had a big window that now shines into the newly added bathroom. Now there’s not as much natural light in the foyer, but the homeowners are OK with that.” The “dark and tired” master bathroom required a complete change. “Nothing stayed in the same place,” Gehman says. Renovations called for the addition of a 4-foot-by-7-foot glass shower with multiple showerheads, a soaking tub, and a makeup vanity bookended by sink cabinets. Once lacking natural light, the hall bath now includes a window to flood the space with more natural light. Both the master bathroom and the newly added guest bathroom include a zero-threshold shower, as well as blocking for future grab bars, when and if needed. Although nothing about either bathroom suggests they were built for an older couple, the home’s renovation will make it easier for the couple to age in place. The home has two stairways to the second floor, and Gehman suggests the back stairway could easily be retrofitted
with a motorized stairlift, if desired. The project began in early May 2020 and finished approximately five months later. It helped that the homeowners did not move in until after Gehman’s team completed the renovation. “The time we spent up front in design and preparation really made the project go smoother,” Gehman says. “Because they chose to remain out of the area while we were in the house, we were able to focus the extra time dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. We don’t always have that luxury, because not everyone has the wherewithal to live somewhere else for weeks or months at a time.” Gehman says the owners are thrilled with the finished result. They weren’t the only ones. Gehman Design Remodeling submitted the project to the 2021 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards—under the category of Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000—from NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. It should come as no surprise that the project won a CotY, considering the fact that Gehman’s firm has won at least one award for its remodeling work every year since 1996. “In communities like this one in Ambler, these are houses that are maybe 25 to 30 years old,” Gehman says. “The homes are well-built, but many of them are just tired. We’re happy to work with homeowners to wake them up a bit.”
Gehman Design Remodeling PA-297 | 355 Main St., Harleysville, Pa. 19438 (215) 513-0300 | GehmanRemodeling.com
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The Right Remodel for the Way You Live Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up Main Line offer flexible renovation solutions that bring greater beauty, function and comfort to the rooms homeowners use most. by ABIGAIL TWIFORD Kitchens and bathrooms are vital parts of the home. Remodeling them can transform a house. These projects often involve reorganizing space, making it important for homeowners to choose the right renovation company and team to meet their needs and vision. Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up Main Line work to be that company for homeowners with a wide range of needs, from transformative updates to smaller upgrades. “We help homeowners create kitchens and bathrooms that feel as good as they look. Because we offer several levels of renovation, we can recommend the right solution based on the condition of the space, the family’s lifestyle and the scope of the project. That flexibility allows us to improve what already works, change what does not and help each homeowner create a room that truly feels like home,” says Jeff Toren, who owns the Main Line Kitchen and Bath Tune-Up franchise with his wife Penny. For kitchens, the company offers oneday wood restoration services, cabinet painting, redooring and cabinet refacing, new countertops, storage accessories, cus-
K
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tom cabinetry and complete remodels. Bath Tune-Up offers tub to shower conversions and full bathroom remodels. “We want to understand what frustrates the homeowner, what they love about the existing space, how their family uses the room and how they want it to feel when the project is complete. Our skilled designers know how to translate those conversations into practical design choices that improve both the beauty and function of the room,” says Toren. Toren and his team remain involved throughout the process, from the initial consultation to the finishing touches, keeping homeowners informed at every stage. “Our designers listen to each homeowner’s priorities and coordinate the cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, lighting, hardware and color into one cohesive vision. At our Exton showroom, homeowners can see, touch and compare materials, while our specialized design software allows them to visualize those selections in their own space. Together, these tools provide a realistic sense of how the finished kitchen or bathroom will look and feel before the renovation begins,” Toren says. When it comes to the kitchen and cabinets, there’s a big difference between cabinet painting, redooring, refacing and a full remodel. Cabinet painting keeps the existing cabinet boxes and doors,
with surfaces professionally prepared and painted a new color and finished for a refreshed look. Redooring replaces the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. Cabinet refacing creates a more complete exterior transformation. It keeps the existing cabinet boxes while replacing the doors and drawer fronts and covering the cabinet boxes with matching veneer. “We also offer what we call Refacing Plus. This approach preserves the parts of the kitchen that are working while allowing us to make thoughtful changes to the layout. We may add an island, install a cabinet where more storage is needed, adjust a small section of the cabinetry or incorporate new organizational features,” adds Toren. Changes for appearance and functionality in the kitchen focus on storage, like deep drawers, pullouts, tray dividers, solutions for trash and recycling, cabinetry and pantry organization. The bathroom may include increased storage, thoughtful shower design, better lighting, a properly sized vanity, easy care surfaces and accessibility features that may become necessary as folks age. While these upgrades can make a significant difference in how a home looks and functions, some homeowners may put off projects because of concerns about cost and disruptions that can come with renovations. “Homeowners often postpone a project because there is so much to consider and they do not know what the renovation will require. During the early consultation, we can provide budgetary guidance for the different levels of service and explain what each option may accomplish. Our expertise helps the homeowner compare realistic directions and narrow the project according to the priorities and budget that matter most,” says Toren. Whether it’s an update, uplift, upgrade or a complete renovation, Kitchen TuneUp and Bath Tune-Up Main Line give homeowners the flexibility to create spaces that fit their needs and style.
Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line, PA Exton, Pa. | (484) 435-7430 KitchenTuneUpMainLine.com Bath Tune-Up Main Line, PA Exton, Pa. | (484) 383-5218 BathTuneUpMainLine.com
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Annual Kitchen & Bath Directory
Trusted
EXPERTS to help transform your home BY STAFF
I
n the world of home improvement, kitchens and baths continue to reign supreme. Survey after survey shows that these spaces can add the most value in a home. Homeowners who are ready to make the investment in upgrading their kitchen or bath can simply look on the following pages to find qualified professionals in various specialties from marble and granite and cabinetry to remodelers and designers. With the help of this House & Home Directory, we hope the design of your dreams can soon become a reality. 14
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Appliances
Hawkins & Sons Appliances (302) 998-5587 HawkinsAndSons.com K & A Appliance, Inc (717) 392-3287 KAAppliance.com Robert Stevens Appliances (215) 638-9494 (215) 742-7444 RobertStevensAppliances.com
Bar & Kitchen Stools
Royal Billiard & Recreation, Inc. (215) 997-7777 RoyalBilliard.com
Builders/Contractors/ Remodelers
A.W. Viohl Home Remodeling (302) 375-6166 ViohlContracting.com
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Sponsored by
Beechdale Builders (717) 278-3683 BeechdaleBuildersLLC.com Gehman Design Remodeling (215) 513-0300 GehmanRemodeling.com Hynes Construction (610) 896-6388 HynesConstruction.com
Cabinet Refacing/ Refinishing
Capital Kitchen Refacing, LLC (267) 907-3591 CapitalKitchenRefacing.com Kitchen Tune-Up (610) 364-5558 KitchenTuneUp.com
Let’s Face It - A Division of HomeTech Renovations, Inc. (215) 343-2600 (Bucks/Mont) (610) 696-3600 (Del/Chester/MainLine) LFIKitchens.com
Pencroft Ridge Construction (717) 786-4124 PencroftRidgeConstruction.com StoneBridge Renovations (484) 459-4920 SB-Renovations.com The Lennar Corporation Brandywine, Del. (484) 960-7496 Lennar.com Tri-County Development Group (609) 654-6600
TriCountyDevelopmentGroup.com
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Cabinetry
Art of Drawers (610) 744-3207 ArtOfDrawers.com The CabinetTree Design Studio (856) 888-2220 CabinetTree.com The Cabinet Shop (609) 463-0400 CabinetShopNJ.com Dilworth’s Custom Design (610) 917-9119 DilworthsCustomDesign.com Holcomb Cabinetry (302) 478-5000 HolcombCabinetry.com Kitchen Tune-Up (610) 364-5558 KitchenTuneUp.com
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Sponsored by
Main Line Kitchen Design (610) 500-4071 MainLineKitchenDesign.com
Closets By Design (866) 278-8881 ClosetsByDesign.com
Sunny Cove Cabinetry (717) 500-4540 SunnyCoveCabinetry.com
Closets For Less of Bucks County (215) 660-3080 Closets4LessBucks.com
Carpet/Hardwood/Vinyl
Boyles Floor & Window Designs (610) 429-9773 BoylesFlooring.com
Diplomat Closet Design (610) 431-3500 DiplomatClosetDesign.com One Day Doors & Closets of Philly (267) 508-7906 OneDayPhilly.com
Seashore Floors (609) 967-0400 SeashoreFloorsLLC.com
Cleaning, Tile/Grout
Sir Grout of Delaware 302-406-3254 sirgroutnewcastle.com
Closet Organization/Pantries
Closet Factory (215) 268-7660 ClosetFactory.com
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Sponsored by
Victory Closets (484) 366-1836 VictoryClosets.com
Custom Woodworking
Diamond Millwork (717) 354-3999 DiamonMillworkPa.com Pencroft Ridge Construction (717) 786-4124 PencroftRidgeConstruction.com Signature Woodcraft (267) 736-9740 SignatureWoodcraft.com
Imperial Marble & Granite (610) 521-0130 IMGStone.net Timeless Stone Fabrication, Inc. (215) 249-1555 TimelessStoneFab.com
HELOC’s/Lending Services Directory Sponsor Spotlight
Trumark Credit Union
Furniture & Accessories
Country Lane Furniture (717) 867-5701 CountryLaneFurniture.com Royal Billiard & Recreation, Inc. (215) 997-7777 RoyalBilliard.com The Buxton Complex (609) 771-6840 TheBuxtonComplex.com Townehaus (856) 581-0378 Townehaus.com
Granite/Marble/Tile/ Mosaics/Solid Surfaces
AAA Hellenic Marble (610) 344-7700 AAAMarble.com
All Marble, Granite & Tile Imports (856) 354-4747 AllMarbleGranite.com Colonial Marble & Granite (215) 543-7077 (610) 537-8918 ColonialMarble.net Dilworth’s Custom Design (610) 917-9119 DilworthsCustomDesign.com
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Turn Your Home’s Equity Into Possibility. TruMark Credit Union’s flexible HELOC options can help fund kitchen renovations, home improvements and more, giving homeowners convenient access to the equity they’ve built.
877-Trumark Trumark.com
HVAC/Electrical Contracting/ Plumbing
Abbey Plumbing & HVAC (215) 643-6645 AbbeyPlumbing.com C&C Heating & Air Conditioning (215) 799-0515 CC-HVAC.com McHale’s Inc. (215) 488-7306 McHales.net
R&D Heating and Cooling (610) 444-6421 RDHVAC.com
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Kitchen/Bath Design
Holcomb Cabinetry (302) 478-5000 HolcombCabinetry.com
AAA Hellenic Marble (610) 344-7700 AAAMarble.com
HomeTech Renovations, Inc. (215) 646-7477 HTRenovations.com
A.W. Viohl Home Remodeling (302) 375-6166 ViohlContracting.com
Hynes Construction (610) 896-6388 HynesConstruction.com
Bath Tune-Up (484) 383-5218 BathTuneUpMainLine.com
Imperial Marble & Granite (610) 521-0131 IMGStone.net
Carranza Roofing & Remodeling (610) 671-3747 Carranzacontracting.com Colonial Marble & Granite (215) 543-7077 (610) 537-8918 ColonialMarble.net Concept Kitchen and Bath (610) 860-4020 (302) 888-9494 ConceptKB.net
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Dilworth’s Custom Design (610) 917-9119 DilworthsCustomDesign.com
First State Building & Design (302) 307-9383
Inspiration Kitchen & Bath (610) 448-9919
Dreammaker Bath & Kitchen of Chester county (610) 484-2000 Dreammaker-Remodel.com/ Chester-County
Gehman Design Remodeling (215) 513-0300 GehmanRemodeling.com
Kitchen Gurus (800) 834-6584
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FirstStateBuildingAndDesign.com
InspirationKitchenAndBath.com BasementWaterproofingGurus.com
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Sponsored by
Kitchen Tune-Up (484) 435-7430 KitchenTuneUpMainline.com
Plumbing Services
Abbey Plumbing & Heating (215) 643-6645 AbbeyPlumbing.com
Rolf Schroeder General Contractors (215) 201-2195 RolfSchroederGC.com
Shower Enclosures/ Frameless Doors
Ryann Reed Design Build (215) 918-4952 RyannReed.com
Alderfer Glass (215) 723-1192 AlderferGlass.com
Spring Creek Design (610) 273-9194 SpringCreekDesign.net StoneBridge Renovations (484) 459-4920 SB-Renovations.com Timeless Stone Fabrication, Inc. (215) 249-1555 TimelessStoneFab.com The Cabinet Shop (609) 463-0400 CabinetShopNJ.com
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Window Treatments/ Interior Decorating
Lighting/High-End Fixtures
Bright Light (610) 922-1790 (609) 465-4478 BrightLightDesignCenter.com Home Lighting of Frazer (610) 647-2370 HomeLightingInc.com
Painting & Wallcovering
Hynes Construction (610) 896-6388 HynesConstruction.com
Star Painting and Wallcovering Inc. (610) 409-7980 (215) 628-2331
Blind Builders (215) 322-5855 BlindBuilders.com
Heritage Design Interiors (717) 354-2233 HeritageDesignInteriors.com
StarPaintingAndWallcovering.com
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Magnolia Home Remodeling Group The homeowners were looking to expand their living space while modernizing the entire feel of their home. The addition and renovation included energy-efficient Andersen windows, spray foam insulation, wide plank white oak flooring, natural stone veneer at the fireplace, custom kitchen cabinetry and stone countertops. All details were selected to elevate both the function and the aesthetic of the space. Union, N.J. | (855) 624-6655 MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com
Stylish Spaces INSPIRING KITCHEN DESIGNS THAT PROVIDE BOTH FUNCTION AND BEAUTY Gehman Design Remodeling Clean lines. Bright finishes. Plenty of room to gather. A welldesigned kitchen isn’t just beautiful, it’s planned around how you actually use your home every day. At Gehman, we bring your vision to life with meticulous craftsmanship and expertise. Every detail is carefully handled to ensure your project looks stunning and is built to last. No matter how complex the task is, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, high-quality space you can rely on for years. Planning and foresight make your remodel go smoothly. Each step ensures a smooth, collaborative and rewarding experience that brings your vision to life. This process is why we’re known for creating easy, pleasant remodeling experiences for homeowners. Harleysville, Pa. (215) 513-0300 GehmanRemodeling.com 24
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Spring Creek Design Spring Creek Design transformed this once-cramped, closed-off kitchen by reworking the main-floor layout and making strategic structural changes to create a bright, open space. A generous island anchors the new kitchen, while painted cabinetry, warm wood accents and copper pendant lighting add character and contrast. New flooring and striking foyer tile extend the transformation beyond the kitchen, creating a beautifully connected main floor designed for everyday living and entertaining. Honey Brook, Pa. (610) 273-9194 SpringCreekDesign.net
HomeTech Renovations This kitchen remodel of a home in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania has lots of unique features. The White Icing modified shaker cabinetry by Medallion has become quite popular in the industry and with homeowners. Meanwhile, the earl grey island is highlighted with wainscot paneling and a PentalQuartz countertop with Borghini finish. Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 646-7477 HTRenovations.com
Let’s Face It This contemporary kitchen refacing project included white glossy cabinetry with white quartz countertops. What’s more, a new wood island was fabricated in our shop with a black granite countertop and extra storage space underneath. Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 343-2600 LFIKitchens.com
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SHOWCASE
by Liz Hunter
Let’s Face It
(A HomeTech Company) “We can do design changes in the room that 1013 N. Bethlehem Pike | Lower Gwynedd, Pa. other companies can’t. LFI frequently removes outdated built-in desks and replaces (215) 795-5353 | LFIKitchens.com
About-Face
With modern technology and decades of experience, Let’s Face It gives your kitchen a brand-new look without the hassle of a remodel.
them with base cabinets for additional storage and counter space. Another great option is using that area for a beverage station with a built-in wine fridge. We can create a builtin frame around the refrigerator for a custom look. Other modifications include changing base cabinets with doors to sturdy pot drawers, putting microwaves in islands and installing matching floating shelves,” Sol-
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fter many years of living in the same home, it becomes easier to spot the areas where we’d like to have a fresh look. The furni-
ture could be updated now that the kids aren’t climbing all over it, the carpet could be pulled up in favor of hardwood and especially in the kitchen, where we spend so much of our time, the cabinets have seen better days. However, the prospect of a full kitchen remodel often causes people to delay that update. Between the permitting, the disruption of your family’s daily life and the length of time, it’s not very convenient—not to mention the cost. Cabinet refacing is a cleaner and more organized approach to remodeling—an alternative that more homeowners are embracing. Let’s Face It, established in 1984, is the oldest cabinet refacing company in Southeastern Pennsylvania and has continually developed modern, state-ofthe-art technology and design to reface and enhance an outdated kitchen for 60 percent less than a full remodel, and often in as little as five days. Locally owned and operated by David Cerami, CKBR, Let’s Face It (LFI) has worked with thousands of homeowners and is nationally recognized as a pioneer in the cabinet refacing industry. “Our projects are professionally designed, engineered and installed by our own highly skilled employees,” says LFI Senior Designer Beth Soldswisch. A consultation with homeowners will include the clients’ ideas being heard, as well as the designer presenting options that will bring those ideas to life. “We want to look at the rooms that are adjacent to the kitchen, especially if it’s an open concept floor plan, and suggest something complementary so the space will flow,” Soldswisch says. Using your existing cabinet framework (if structurally sound,) LFI replaces the doors and drawer fronts with designer-quality products. LFI covers the cabinet boxes with HouseMagazine.com
“We can do design changes in the room that other companies can’t.” —Beth Soldswisch, LFI Senior Designer
matching veneers and panels and the company’s environmentally friendly process uses low-odor, non-toxic, EPA-regulated waterbased adhesives. Clients can choose any style door in an almost unlimited range of materials. Shaker, modern and minimalist or traditional are all options. Stained genuine woods like walnut are gaining in popularity. LFI also offers durable painted products in a wide range of colors with custom colors also being available. “The industry is heading toward products that are more durable, longer-lasting and easy to clean, especially for homes with children,” Soldswisch continues. For this look, LFI offers the highly popular 3DL finish, which is chip resistant and cleans with soap and water. “3DL finish is considered identical to a painted design and is also offered in a contemporary or primitive wood grain, available in classic Shaker, raised panel traditional and the European modern totalflat panel,” she says. LFI can take the cabinets a step further than others in this industry thanks to its fullservice local wood shop. Homeowners can add custom cabinets, unique islands and tall pantries to their kitchen at a reasonable price.
dswisch says. LFI is not limited to cabinets and many homeowners prefer the simplicity of its onestop shop offerings. Clients may choose to add a new countertop as well, such as quartz or granite, and both products are now offered with lifetime sealers, in addition to tile and glass backsplashes with high-performance, factory-sealed grouts. LFI also has licensed mechanical contractors, electricians and plumbers on staff. “Nearly everyone gets our LED under-wall cabinet strip lighting which is longer-lasting and 80 percent less costly to use than incandescent lighting,” notes Soldswisch. On completion, projects are certified with a lifetime cabinet refacing warranty. “Imagine, today, being able to hire a remodeling professional and at the end of the project you are given a lifetime warranty on both the labor and materials. This is not offered by any other company,” Soldswisch says. LFI maintains a stellar reputation in the industry, with a 97.8 percent Guild Quality performance rating—one of the highest grades in the industry—and has been recognized with several Best of House & Home awards.
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Why James Hardie is leading the way
SHOWCASE
PARTNER PROFILE
Beautiful siding can enhance curb appeal and reflect a homeowner’s style. Here are some of the ways James Hardie siding is helping to set the trends. Wood look without the maintenance. Homeowners want warmth and durability and James Hardie’s new TimberHue collection delivers a look that mimics cedar or oak, but without rot, fire risk or the need to repaint. Bolder exterior style. People who want their home to stand out are opting for styles that pope. One popular choice is board and batten which is versatile and can match any home style with its vertical lines creating a distinguished accent look. Mixing materials for a high-end look. James Hardie siding works perfectly as a base material when combining with stone, metal or other accents to create depth and architectural interest. Performance-driven materials. Homeowners today care most about weather resistance, energy efficiency and longevity. Fiber cement continues to outperform vinyl and wood in all three areas.
Built to Last Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie combine to provide homeowners with siding solutions that look great and stand the test of time.
Key Benefits of James Hardie Siding:
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hen Exteriors by Global Home was founded 25-plus years ago, the company set out to work with only the best manufacturers in the industry. Whether homeowners
are investing in roofing, windows, siding or gutters, they can rest assured that Exteriors by Global Home stands behind the products they install. Over the course of the two decades Exteriors by Global Home has been in business, one manufacturer has stood above the rest: James Hardie Siding. Built for real protection, not just looks, James Hardie Siding is engineered to handle everything your home faces. This is especially important in the Northeast, where homes deal with humidity, freezing winters and temperature swings. “You’re not just upgrading appearance— you’re protecting your home long-term,” says Adam Parnes, marketing director. The fiber cement siding that James Hardie produces gives homeowners the look of real wood without the maintenance. In addition to the authentic wood-grain texture, the siding’s long-lasting ColorPlus® factory finishes resist chipping and fading. What’s more, there’s a wide range of styles available from lap, shingle, and board and batten. HouseMagazine.com
Recently, Exteriors by Global Home was named a 2025 James Hardie ALLIANCE President’s Club Award winner as well as a James Hardie Service Excellence Award recipient—a rare and elite dual honor that places the company among the top James Hardie siding contractors nationwide. “With this dual recognition, Exteriors by Global Home stands out as one of the most trusted, capable and highly rated James Hardie dealers serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” says Parnes. “Homeowners searching for the best James Hardie siding installer can choose with confidence—backed not just by product excellence but by proven performance and satisfaction documented by James Hardie itself.”
Exceptional Durability. Hardie board siding resists moisture, pests, and impact damage. It’s also non-combustible, which may help lower your homeowners insurance rates. Versatile Styles. Choose from lap siding, board and batten, or shaker to match your home’s architectural style, whether you live in Springfield, Maplewood, Trevose, or Bensalem. Fade-Resistant Colors. Enjoy a vibrant, custom look for your exterior with James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, designed to maintain its beauty year after year. Affordable & Long-Lasting. Fiber cement siding offers the ideal blend of affordability and longevity, giving you excellent value for your investment.
Exteriors by Global Home Serving Pa., N.J. and Del. (866) 735-1121 | GlobalHomeInc.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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COMFORT
BY KRISTEN DOWD
Heating Up As it’s Cooling Down
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Local experts share the biggest heating mistakes they see with customers and the best ways to keep ahead of costly and dangerous situations.
he Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting an unpredictable winter season full of surprises in the Northeast, and although our region in particular may be seeing some above-normal temperatures overall, a fair amount of snow days could pop up as well. Regardless, with the season’s first frost right around the corner, it’s time to be thinking about the best ways to keep warm this winter—and, more importantly, the heating mistakes to avoid. After all, heating mishaps are not
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only about inconvenience, but safety, too. “The No. 1 mistake is not having your heater chimney inspected. Almost everyone has a heater that vents into a chimney,” Joe Ochal says. “We do chimney inspections regularly in the Philadelphia region, and the amount of carbon monoxide we find is literally unbelievable.” Ochal is owner of Chimney Scientists, a full-service chimney company offering inspections, cleanings, repairs and installations. The company routinely finds poor chimney
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maintenance that leads to carbon monoxide leaks in the home—leaks that are not necessarily high enough to set off a carbon monoxide detector, but are high enough to cause adverse health reactions like headaches and drowsiness. “It’s going to make you sluggish, irritable, tired. And it’s amazing to me that we focus a lot on our health today, buying organic foods and things of that nature, but not getting our chimneys inspected,” Ochal says.
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Prioritizing maintenance Maintenance is the name of the game with fireplace chimneys, too, according to Chris Olsen, owner of Newtown Fireplace Shop, a retail fireplace business that also offers inspection and installation services. “I would say the biggest mistake when heating with gas fireplaces is not keeping up with good annual maintenance,” he says. “If they’re not serviced regularly, they’re going to burn inefficiently, increase energy costs and reduce heat output. A poorly functioning fireplace can put soot out into the home, too.”
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Things, of course, are a little different for woodburning fireplaces or stoves. While annual maintenance is important to make sure the flu is clean, there are no blockages and everything is up to code, Olsen says the biggest mistake he sees with woodburning sources is customers who are burning the wrong type of wood. “It sounds silly, but improperly seasoned wood is not going to burn efficiently. You want to be in the proper range of moisture content—around 15% to 20%. Too high, you won’t get the heat output. It will create more creosote in the flu and cause blockages
in the chimney,” Olsen explains. “When the moisture content is too low, it’s burning way too hot and you’ll be going through a tremendous amount of wood.” Wood fireplaces can also create a buildup of creosote in the chimney—a highly flammable residue that can be left behind as substances such as smoke and gases escape through the chimney. This can especially happen when a fireplace is burning inefficiently. “Creosote can cause a chimney fire, and that can lead to a house fire,” Ochal says.
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RESOURCES Chimney Scientists West Conshohocken, Pa. (610)-947-0475 ChimneyScientists.com Newtown Fireplace Shop Newtown, Pa. (215) 968-3981 NewtownFireplaceShop.com
When to call The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a chimney inspection every year. These inspections do not have to be when the weather cools and the heat clicks on. In fact, that’s often when homeowners realize there’s a problem stemming from blockages, damage or even code issues. “People think we’re these ‘Chim Chim
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Cher-ee’ chimney sweeps, but most of our business is emergency calls from carbon monoxide and people’s heater chimneys getting blocked,” Ochal says, adding that these emergencies can be avoided with simple chimney inspections. So, when’s the best time to call? “We definitely recommend doing it between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the summer months. It seems counterintuitive
but you want to do it before the season starts,” Olsen says, explaining his company stays extremely busy from September through March. Ochal echoes this idea, but the bottom line is to get chimney inspections “whenever you can.” “Just do it. It may be fine if it’s not that old,” he says, “but you need to get that inspection.”
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PARTNER PROFILE
When it comes to new interior doors, One Day Doors and Closets of Philly uses a specialized process to transform homes with ease and efficiency.
A Dynamic Change A
s interest in home improvement continues to rise and the demand increases, homeowners have filled their wish lists with plenty of wants and desires. And while large-scale projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels, finished basements or perhaps new windows can update the look and feel of one’s home, many are also finding similar satisfaction with the transformation that new interior doors can bring. Eric Strohl understands this all too well. As the owner of One Day Doors and Closets of Philly, he’s seen countless clients marvel at just how much of a noticeable difference new doors can make and the appeal they can bring to one’s home. “When customers get new doors, there’s a big wow factor. They see how transformative it can be because you touch and feel doors every single day when you’re home. So it makes a huge impact and it’s one of the quickest and easiest home upgrades,” he affirms. Many folks have turned to Strohl and his skilled team because of the unique and detailed process that One Day Doors and Closets provides, with beautiful new interior doors professionally installed in a single day. The process starts with an in-home design consultation or a trip to the company’s showroom where a homeowner is able to choose from dozens of designs, finishes and hardware options. Clients can opt for a modern look, traditional shaker style, or maybe something more contemporary to suit their home’s aesthetic. Once the particulars are worked out,
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By Peter Proko
each door is custom fit using precise 3D digital measurements, so it’s perfectly milled for each opening. After the new doors are finished being built in the factory, the doors are professionally painted with a cabinet-grade finish and then installed in less than One Day. No mess, no stress, no weeks of disruption or time off work. Just instant results that homeowners appreciate because they get a whole-home upgrade without the stress or chaos that normally comes with remodeling. “Typically, most projects include 10-to12 doors, and [a contractor] could be in the home for a week and a half. We’re in and out in four hours,” says Strohl. “And we’re the only company nationally that does all five parts of a door under one roof. So homeowners are dealing with one team, one point of contact for everything.” That ease and efficiency is the hallmark of the company, but some clients are still skeptical at first, believing there is no way a project like this could possibly be this painless. Strohl enjoys being able to dispel some of their misconceptions and deliver quality work that exceeds expectations. “People go online and they say, ‘I saw a door for $400,’ and they think that’s what the project costs. They don’t really understand that there’s a lot more involved with installation, the painting, the new hardware. We educate them on the whole process and talk about the traditional way of doing doors and how we do doors. Once they put all those pieces together, they get it,” he says. Seeing a client’s reaction during the installation and their overall satisfaction with their new doors is one of the more fulfilling
parts of the job for Strohl. “We did a 24-door home last month. The gentleman thought we were going to be there all day because we guarantee to be done in one day. We had two installers who were done in about 4 hours,” he says. “We were packing up the truck and he comes running out of the house asking where we were going. We told him we were done and ready to do a walkthrough. “He was blown away because two years prior he had a contractor do his doors downstairs and it took them nine days to replace eight doors.” With a talented team of experienced installers executing a highly refined process, One Day Doors and Closets of Philly has become a leader in the industry with a track record for installations that may be quick, but never sacrifice on quality and personalized service. “We used specialized technology to reduce costs and we have master carpenters on board, people who have over 25 years of experience, so they know what they are doing,” Strohl says. “And our 5-star Google reviews say it all. We really are the ‘easy’ button when it comes to interior door replacement.”
One Day Doors & Closets of Philly Norristown, Pa. (267) 508-7906 OneDayPhilly.com
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OUTDOOR LIVING
Small Changes, Stronger Impact From smarter pruning and planting to basic and high-impact changes, find out what works for your landscape this fall season. B Y G I A N A S C A F I D E
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all landscaping doesn’t always call for a complete revamp. In many yards, the biggest improvements come from well-timed decisions. To find out more, House & Home spoke with local experts who shared their knowledge on how to achieve a suitable landscape for fall.
Start With the Basics Before adding anything new, take care of the landscape’s fundamentals. Fall is still an active growing season for both lawns and plants, and treating the yard as though winter has already arrived can create problems. One common mistake is abandoning lawn care too early. Fall is also an important opportunity to overseed areas and repair bare spots before it’s too cold for new grass to establish. “Grass is still actively growing in September and much of October,” says Chris DeMato, owner of Rock Bottom Landscaping. “Continue mowing as needed, and don’t leave the lawn excessively long going into winter.” Fertilizer and mulch are also important in keeping a healthy appeal. Applying too much fertilizer can encourage unnecessary growth instead of helping plants. And when it comes to mulch, more isn’t necessarily better. Two to three inches is generally sufficient, and mulch should never be piled against tree trunks and shrub stems. “Fertilize: You’ll have a great impact on your plants right now,” confirms George Mihalchick, owner of Ponds by George. “Adding character, which would be something decorative, in a planter in your garden that you can plant around is great as well.”
Prune With Purpose Fall is a natural time to look at shrubs and perennials, but that doesn’t mean everything should be cut back. Pruning is needed when fixing your landscape for fall, but the way you go about it matters. “Cutting back shrubs and trees too heavily can remove next year’s flower buds and encourage tender new growth before winter,” DeMato states. A specific type of pruning that can be used is deadheading. Once certain flowers have finished blooming, removing them can encourage additional flowering and keep the plant looking cleaner. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is when homeowners have flowers like daylilies—they flower and then you don’t deadhead them,” Mihalchick says. “If you deadhead something once it’s done flowering, nine times out of 10 you are going to get more flowers. People don’t usually do regular maintenance on their plants, so it only blooms once.”
Think in Layers, Not Just Flowers A landscape that relies entirely on flowers can lose much of its visual interest once summer ends. A layered design by contrast can provide homeowners with shape, texture and color as different plants move through their seasonal cycles. The current preference for fewer plants with better placement works particularly well. “For longer-lasting structure, boxwoods, hollies and evergreens provide the backbone, while ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and looser perennials soften the design,” DeMato says. “Late-season perennials like sedum, cone-
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berries that’s completely defoliated and it has brilliant red berries, just clusters of them all over the plant.”
Make A Few Effective Changes
flower and anemone extend color beyond the summer season.” Consider plants that also work well for the winter, as they become more interesting after their leaves disappear. “There is a plant called variegated red twig dogwood,” Mihalchick exclaims. “This has variegated leaves, and when it drops its leaves, its twigs turn brilliant red all winter long. So even to do those in a planter, to do those in your garden, do them where you can see them.
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They’re gorgeous in the snow because they’re bright red twigs that grow up from this plant, so it stands out.” Winterberry offers another strong seasonal feature. Once the foliage drops, clusters of red berries remain on the branches through winter, providing color and attracting certain animals. “This plant will produce berries that turn red all winter, and the birds will come and eat them,” continues Mihalchick. “It’s a bush with red
For homeowners who don’t want to redesign an entire landscape, relatively small improvements can make a noticeable difference. Lighting is one effective improvement as the days grow shorter. A well-placed light can highlight certain trees, architectural features or an entryway that can go unnoticed when the sun goes down. “A relatively small change with a big payoff is adding landscape lighting, a few wellpositioned uplights on specimen trees or the house can completely transform the property at night,” affirms DeMato. Most homeowners tend to overdo with seasonal decor, and one way to make sure everything’s not overwhelmed is with structure.
“Use a piece of driftwood, put it in your garden, put it on anything that’s going to give you structure,” says Mihalchick. “A nice curving piece of driftwood adds a lot more attention than a plant.” The most successful fall landscape changes aren’t necessarily about making a yard look more seasonal. They’re about making decisions that work now and continue to work once the leaves are gone.
RESOURCES Ponds By George Southampton, Pa. (215) 396-7500 PondsByGeorge.com Rock Bottom Landscaping Belle Mead, N.J. (732) 873-6780 RockBottomLandscaping.net
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