Combining decades of experience with a personal approach page 15
How
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
EDITOR
Peter Proko
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Chelsea Vacourt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Hank Alspach
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Brian Mikulski
DESIGNERS
Alex Bianco, Jay Urbaniak, Lisa Zollinger
ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR
Darlene Versak
SALES DIRECTOR
Lindsay Gonzalez
SALES MANAGER
Jim Romano
NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER
Chuck McKane
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Frank Liantonio, Darren Slaughter, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Max Haggerty
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Karmal Pritchett
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Leigh Stuart
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Bob Doran
EXECUTIVE PARTNERS
Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney
HOUSE & HOME
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All Decked Out
BY CHELSEA VALCOURT
Maximize the beauty and utility of your deck with finishing touches and unique additions.
With holiday barbecues around the corner, temperatures rising and flowers blossoming, the desire to be outdoors is on a steady increase. Decks make an excellent place to hang out with family and friends, entertain or simply just soak up the outdoors on a beautiful day.
At its core, a deck is just a platform—but with careful planning and a few exciting additions, you can transform your deck into an outdoor space fit for relaxing, hosting and wellness, maximizing your investment and enjoyment in your home.
An Extension of Home
A good deck should blur the line between the home and the outdoors, ensuring the same comforts of home while still allowing you to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.
“The deck is an extension of the house and it should have colors and shapes that coincide with both the home and landscape,” says Mike Jerminski of Get Decked. “It should be built to enhance the structure it is attached to but also act as an entrance to the yard. Balancing functionality and design can make the deck feel like a natural addition as if it’s always been a part of the home.”
Alongside matching accents, the deck design should be carefully thought out to ensure it meets your every desire and prevents the space from feeling crowded or disorganized.
“The key to getting the most out of your deck isn’t just about size—it’s about intention. Dividing the area into distinct ‘zones’ for cooking, dining and lounging helps organize the space and gives each activity a sense of
All Decked Out
place. Incorporating natural elements like planters, vertical gardens or even water features brings a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors,” says Joe Oakes, owner of First State Building & Design. “And don’t forget the power of flexibility—modular furniture, retractable shade systems and smart lighting let the deck evolve with your needs. Ultimately, a great deck feels like more than an outdoor platform—it feels like a destination.”
Bringing the Heat
Hot summer days often come with colder temperatures at night, potentially limiting the functionality of your deck. Fire features can add an extra flair and increased usefulness to your space.
“A built-in or portable firepit adds a natural gathering spot. Go for sleek, gas fire bowls for a modern look or rustic stone for a cozy feel,” says Dave Fisher, owner of Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living. “For more compact spaces, tabletop fire bowls provide a smaller but still atmospheric alternative.”
In addition to providing heat and light, fire features can be used to add a little whimsy to late nights outdoors with roasting marshmallows.
Seeing the Light
Lighting is a big consideration when it comes to providing the perfect ambiance. White lights are better for visibility, but their harshness may be too much for homeowners—and their neighbors—late into the night. Yellow lighting is easier on the eyes and can work to create a cozy, warm vibe. But the options don’t stop there; colored lights can also be used to curate the perfect feeling no matter the occasion.
“Lighting is a must-have for homeowners who want to enjoy evenings on their deck,”
says Jerminski. “Lighting should be soft yet provide a warm glow, and a very peaceful and relaxing ambiance to unwind at the end of a stressful day.”
In addition to setting the mood, lighting can provide an important safety function, reducing the potential for tripping, running into things or losing items.
Lighting can be set up many different ways. From under-the-deck accent lights and overhead lights to strung twinkle lights and spaced out lanterns, there’s an arrangement for everyone, regardless of personal taste.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are continuing to grow in popularity due to their customization options and homeowners’ ability to spend more time outside with friends and family. No longer does one person have to stay inside toiling over the stove while everyone enjoys a beautiful day outside. Instead, an outdoor kitchen allows the cook to continue to host, watch over little ones and breathe in the fresh air.
“The kitchen has always been called the ‘heart of the home,’ so why not make that space outside as well by adding an outdoor kitchen on your deck?” says Andrew Mowery, sales and design manager at Amazing Decks.
Today, an outdoor kitchen has so much more to offer than a rust-riddled grill shoved up against the house. Custom-made countertops can be constructed to allow for smokers, grills, sinks, refrigerators and
more into the build of the deck—making for a cohesive and intentional look.
In addition to standard equipment, pizza ovens can be constructed to provide the perfect brick oven pizza at home.
When it comes to outdoor kitchens, the sky is the limit as improvements in equipment, materials and technology allow for a set up perfectly designed to fit any homeowner’s needs.
Maintaining the Beauty
Living in the Northeast means life isn’t always spent in the sun, so how do you take care of your outdoor space during the colder months? Well, it’s not as labor-intensive as it may appear and just a few simple actions can make a significant impact.
“Winter doesn’t have to be the end of your deck’s utility—but it is the time to be thoughtful about care. Outdoor kitchens and shade structures need a little attention as the seasons shift,” says Oakes. “Covering appliances, sealing stone surfaces, draining waterlines and storing soft goods indoors all go a long way in protecting your investment. High-quality materials like composite decking and powdercoated steel structures are designed to withstand the elements, but giving them a little help in the off-season ensures they’ll look and perform their best when spring returns.”
Finishing Touches
The perfect deck comes with intention, suited to fulfill each homeowner’s unique lifestyle. In addition to built-in options, finishing touches such as entertainment, seating and decor can really pull together a space.
“Outdoor furniture and accessories have come a long way and now there’s so many options for homeowners looking to dress up their outdoor space,” says a spokesperson from Deck Guardian. “Hammocks, planters, rugs, electric waterfalls, fire tables and sofas all enhance the comfort and look of decks and make them so much more useful than in the old days where a deck was just a
place to cook.”
Outdoor game tables, cornhole boards and entertainment systems can help to bring the comfort and enjoyment of indoor activities outside.
Watch your favorite baseball team while grilling up lunch, embrace the outdoors while catching up on the hottest new drama or spend a romantic movie night under the stars with the simple addition of a TV or projector.
“A TV wall allows homeowners to bring out an outdoor TV to enjoy while lounging, sitting by the firepit or cooking in the outdoor kitchen,” says Deck Guardian’s spokesperson.
If you’re looking to add on to your health journey or incorporate something new into your post-workout routine, a cold-plunge tank or sauna may be the way to go.
“Homeowners can add a sleek, modern cold plunge tub just off the deck for a bold, health-conscious statement. Consider a cedar tub for a rustic vibe or a stainless steel model for a cleaner, spa-like look,” says Fisher. “Alternatively, an outdoor sauna— barrel or prefabricated cabinstyle—nestled beside your deck adds warmth, both literally and visually, and it’s the perfect year-round escape, turning your deck into a luxury retreat.”
In the end, a deck should be a reflection of the homeowners’ hobbies, needs and taste. There’s no right way to construct, decorate or use a deck—that all depends on what you hope to get out of
it. Focusing on making intentional choices about everything from lighting and unique additions, to seating and beyond, can ensure the deck becomes a space fit for relaxation, hosting or both.
“When thinking about your deck space, don’t think of it as just a deck, think about it as an extension of your home,” says Mowery. “Whether you are enjoying it for everyday life or hosting extended family and friends, how you customize your outdoor living space is key to get you outside more.”
RESOURCES
Amazing Decks Ambler, Pa. (833) 774-8646
AnotherAmazingDeck.com
Deck Guardian Somerset, N.J. (908) 332-8616
DeckGuardian.com
Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living Gap, Pa. (717) 455-3398
DutchiesStoneworks.com
First State Building & Design Chadds Ford, Pa. (302) 803-5082
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign.com
Get Decked Serving Pa. and Del. (302) 897-0302
GetDeckedInc.com
A CONTRACTOR FOR All Seasons
gether. We’ve been doing this for 20-some years, so we’ve pretty much seen it all.”
AMadeleine Maccar
nyone who loves what they do will tell you that they don’t do it for the awards and accolades: They do it for the personal satisfaction, like knowing that they made a difference, finding the work rewarding and fostering strong relationships along the way.
“By the time a project’s over, our clients have become part of our family,” says Andrew Viohl of A. W. Viohl Contracting.
Viohl founded the company that bears his name in 2008 and, since then, has diligently amassed a team of in-house professionals whose dedication to clients and a job welldone mirror his own, and whose talents come together to make the Delaware-based contractor a truly versatile, trustworthy indoor and outdoor service that can do it all.
“The guys who work with me are good buddies, we’ve been working together for a long time. We’re like a family and we’re family-oriented,” Viohl explains. “We know what we’re doing, and we know how to work to-
And while Viohl appreciates the talent on his team and knows they’re absolute professionals who can navigate any challenges that may arise along the way, the awards are a nice confirmation that the A. W. Viohl team is on the right track. Having been recognized as one of House & Home magazine’s Best of the Best is one of the contractor’s most recent honors.
“We’re out there working as hard as we can, so it means a lot to all of us,” Viohl says.
But Viohl and his team are never content to rest on their laurels. Whether it’s renovating a basement, creating an addition, updating a kitchen or bathroom, repairing a deck or boosting the longevity of a roof, they aim for nothing less than the best for the homeowners who trust them with their interior and exterior remodeling goals.
“We’re not rushing from one project to the next,” Viohl promises. “Our focus is on you and your home, including finishing the job right.”
And there’s never an offseason for the year-round operation, which means they’re not only scheduling projects for the spring but also breaking ground on a few now. It often comes as a pleasant surprise for clients who are planning ahead for the warmer months— or aren’t about to let winter stand in the way of their renovation projects.
“I don’t think you should react to a customer by saying ‘Why do you want to do a deck now?’ and I don’t like turning down work: Whatever job people need done, we’ll do it regardless of season,” Viohl says. “We’re always doing projects, even in January and February. On the other hand, we also have calls now to get on the books to start work three months out. That gives us time to get the production going, to get all the permits we need so come March, April or May, we’re ready to go for them.”
With the pandemic entering its third year and people still spending more time at home than usual, Viohl says that renovations and updates are just as in-demand as ever.
“People have these old wood decks with the boards falling through and loose railings, or they’ve had the deck for 15, 20 years and they’re just tired of the maintenance for staining and sanding, so they want them updated with materials to achieve a maintenance-free result,” he explains. “You still have to clean it because it’s going to get dirty, but it’s not like you’ll have to power-wash it every two years or watch out for splitting wood and handrails splintering.”
Viohl adds that features like composite decking boards and vinyl railings will ultimately save homeowners some money. “You won’t have that extra yearly fee or every two years because you’re paying someone to stain it or pressure-wash it.”
The pandemic’s influence on the supply chain is still causing some lingering delays, affecting the immediate availability of some materials, like grout in certain colors, cabinetry options and particularly windows. “Some windows can still take up to three months to be delivered,” Viohl notes. But he says that A. W. Viohl’s clients are generally understanding and realize the delays are just a part of construction right now.
Viohl diligently encourages open lines of communication, both with the homeowner and among his team. It ensures everyone is on the same page at every stage of the project while managing clients’ expectations—because it is, no matter the project, always about making sure a customer is completely satisfied.
“A lot of the jobs we do are for repeat customers, so they’ve been there and know what to expect,” he says. “They know that they’re getting the quality work they’re paying for. It’s an honor when they hire us for repeat work, and we want to make sure they’ll call us for their next job.”
What made you start Get Decked? Get Decked was a headline in an advertisement we first ran in 1985. It became our name a few months later.
What were your visions in 1985 and how have you met them or even surpassed those visions?
In 1985, we wanted to build a deck business and be known as the best. Forty years later we have over 25 “Best Deck Builder” awards under our toolbelts. We are blessed.
In what different ways have you grown Get Decked over the past 40 years?
We have evolved. Materials, tools—both have become more sophisticated. And our crew has become bigger and better, with the perfect combination of young and old.
What do you see as the biggest accomplishment since your start in 1985?
Being able to go to work every day with my wife and children.
What products/services do you currently offer that you think a homeowner values the most?
Homeowners value honesty and affordability—we offer both. You don’t last 40 years
without the pair.
Where do you expect to go in the next 15 years? In what ways do you expect to continue to grow?
In the next 15 years I see Get Decked continuing on a dream my wife and I had 40 years ago.
This year you celebrate your 50th anniversary. What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you think about that?
Pride, we have obviously built customer’s trust. In my 50 years of business, I’ve never installed a roof that I wouldn’t be happy to have over the head of my own family. And customers can be assured that everyone here will work hard to make sure you are happy with our service.
What made you start John E. Steele Jr., Inc.?
I was already doing the work and decided it was time to branch out on my own and take the reins.
John E. Steele Jr. Inc.
Where did you draw inspiration in order to start and build this incredible business?
My father was a big inspiration, certainly. But I also wanted to prove to myself, as well as others, that I had what it takes to become a leader in the industry.
In what different ways have you grown over the past 50 years in business?
We started as a one-man shop and now have 14 people. Our growth is a direct result of an unwavering passion to transform your house into your dream home. Dedication and attention to detail have helped us evolve and continue to exceed customer expectations.
What do you see as the biggest accomplishment since your start?
I’m beyond grateful to now have been in business for 50 years and to continue to be able to offer a
great product, quality results and a great experience for families throughout the region.
What is your favorite part of the job and what excites you the most?
Giving people a good product with good workmanship is by far the most rewarding aspect of the job. Being able to see the look on a homeowner’s face when the job is complete is the ultimate satisfaction for a job well done. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy seeing my crew each and every day.
Where do you expect to go in the next 15 years? In what ways do you expect to continue to grow?
We want to continue to give people great workmanship at affordable pricing and build upon our solid reputation as the area’s go-to company for roofing needs.
and
Nice Organized
homeowners peace of mind
by PETER PROKO
Whether you are looking to add the closet of your dreams to the bedroom, need more pantry space in the kitchen, are looking to declutter the garage or otherwise, customized closet organization and better storage solutions can help breathe new life into a space.
But trying to determine how to satisfy your needs and balance function with aesthetics can be a little daunting without the right guidance from a trusted professional. To better understand the latest trends and how homeowners are incorporating them, House & Home spoke with several leaders in the industry to get their expert take and some space-saving tips. No matter what your needs, the right approach to being better organized will provide some much-needed peace of mind.
In your experience, what are homeowners looking for these days when it comes to becoming better organized?
“The customer that I have is looking at things that are practical, and more importantly, economical. The innovation, finished materials, spectacular designs [they see online]; that’s all inspiration. They want me as an expert to translate the high-end luxury into something that works for them.
“You can go crazy and try to make your closet look like the inside of Cartier. But what most people say is, “I want to do as much as I can for a reasonable amount of money. How can you help me go from Cartier to something that will fit this space at an affordable amount, so I can not only do my master bedroom closet, but also my pantry, I can do a reach-in, etc.’”
Jeremy Cressman, owner, One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley
“The most popular choice is more and more people are [organizing] their garages because that’s become the main entrance into the house, so they want it to look nice. Most of my customers say they should have done this sooner because it gives them more space and functionality.”
—Aaron Lewis, owner, Closest for Less Bucks County
“Closets are really the biggest category for us, although home office space is a growing part of the business. When COVID hit and people started working from home, typically they stole a bedroom to build a home office in. But a couple of times a year, they need that space as an actual bedroom, so we do home offices with wall beds in them.”
—Charles Palko, general manager, Closet Factory Philadelphia
How can a more organized setting with increased storage help transform a space?
“Custom storage solutions can revitalize any space by reducing clutter and utilizing previously unused space, thus creating a sense of calm and order. We provide a carefully thought-out plan and strategy for storage, leading to a space that feels less overwhelming and stressful. By creating a system that makes it easier to find and access items in the kitchen, laundry or bathroom areas of the house we can streamline our routines and improve overall efficiency of daily life.”
—Justin Hostetler, owner, ShelfGenie of Philadelphia
“First of all, it’s time-saving, because everything is organized, homeowners don’t have to fish through everything. If it’s a closet, clothes remain fresher because
Nice and Organized
they’re not stacked on top of each other, and they’re able to find articles [more easily]. Customers tell us all the time after we do a closet that they’re now using clothes that they haven’t used in years because they were able to find them.”
—Charles Palko
How do you approach customers with differing desires to find a solution that works best for them?
“I have European customers who are more familiar with their closet as a wall wardrobe system. They’re looking for shelving and drawers, they’re looking for closed areas— they’re looking to blend it into the décor of the house so it seamlessly fits.
“Then I have other customers that are traditional and they’re looking for really practical solutions. I’m not talking about form and function, but I’m talking about open shelving, a mix of over and under
rods; the most basic system they can get.”
—Jeremy Cressman
How important is it for customers to set realistic expectations and keep in mind their immediate needs may not reflect their future desires?
“A young couple [for example] may want to think about their future. Right now they could be using a space as a guest room, but if you’re talking about having kids someday, that space could become a baby room.
“[Sometimes] people tell you want they want, and it could be off the wall. [With my experience], sometimes you have to tell a client what they are looking for isn’t going to work in their space. I hate to say it, but Pinterest has become a major thorn because people go on it and look and they have these massive pipe dreams of what they can do in a closet and the closet’s only a third of
the size of what the Pinterest picture looks like.”
—Aaron Lewis
What are some of the more creative ways you are able to help homeowners find storage and space solutions with limited kitchen space?
“Custom pullouts allow homeowners struggling with limited storage space to utilize vertical storage more effectively. Static shelves force you to keep levels further apart in order to have the ability to access an item, creating unused or ‘dead’ space. ShelfGenie pullouts turn the unused air space into viable storage space. Our pullouts are custom built to the millimeter to fit perfectly into any existing space and are full depth, meaning we use 100% of the cabinet or pantry. We also eliminate the need for stacking items, dramatically increasing efficiency and overall ease of access.”
