8 Best of House & Home Our annual list recognizing the top companies, products and services, as voted by our readers
13 A Contractor for All Seasons
A.W. Viohl delivers high-quality remodeling projects all year long
14 Staying Put How to make what’s old new again with a home refresh
20 Ready for Winter A checklist to get your home prepared for the season ahead
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
EDITOR
Peter Proko
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kristen Dowd
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
Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, 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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WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE 2025
Featuring SPOTLIGHTS and SHOWCASES
We are excited to present our tenth annual
Best of House & Home.
As voted by our readers, the following companies and professionals are being recognized for their quality products, expertise, top-notch customer service and reliability. We're also featuring a closer look at these companies in informative spotlights and showcases that shed some light on their dedication. For your next home project, there is no one better than these winners.
ADDITIONS
E & E General
Contracting
717-442-4814
EEContractingLLC.com
APPLIANCES
Hawkins & Sons Appliances
302-998-5587
HawkinsAndSons.com
AWNINGS
E.W. Brown Awning Company
302-652-6612
EEBrown.com
Marygrove Awnings
1-800-AWNINGS
Marygrove.com
BASEMENT CELLAR DOORS
Steelway Cellar Doors
877-553-2610
CellarDoors.com
BASEMENT REFINISHING
Basement Gurus
800-834-6584
BasementWaterproofing Gurus.com
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Adam Basement Waterproofing 302-565-2929
AdamBasement.com
Basement Gurus
800-834-6584
BasementWaterproofing Gurus.com
Basement Systems USA 833-359-0600 BasementSystemsUSA.com
Tile Market of Delaware 302-777-4663 TileMarketOfDe.com
TILE & GROUT CLEANING
Sir Grout Delaware 302-569-0609 SirGrout.com
TREE SERVICE
First State Tree Service 302-773-TREE FirstStateTreeService.com
WALK-IN TUBS
PJ Fitzpatrick 866-832-7204
TrustPJ.com
WATER CONDITIONING
Martin Water Conditioning 800-887-7555 MartinWater.com
WINDOWS & DOORS American Craftsmen LLC 302-218-7525 AmericanCraftsmenLLC.com
Ferris Home Improvements 302-998-4500
FerrisHomeImprovements .com
JAB Exteriors
302-559-1905
JABExteriors.com
WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE
Fish Window Cleaning
302-325-3474
FishWindowCleaning.com
WOOD MOLDING/ TRIMWORK
Chris Emery Design 610-329-4789
ChrisEmreyDesign.com
Home Trimwork 215-613-4100
HomeTrimwork.com
A CONTRACTOR FOR All Seasons
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.
Anyone 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
“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 together. We’ve been doing this for 20-some years, so we’ve pretty much seen it all.”
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 recently 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 with premium fixtures and quality materials, or repairing a deck, 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, we will design your project to meet all of your needs and finish the job right.”
And there’s never an off-season 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.”
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.”
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 their 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.”
Staying Put Staying Put
Fewer people in the United States are moving from house to house these days. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of the country’s movers has been on a steady decline, from 16.8% in 2016 to 11.8% last year.
Additionally, more families aren’t just choosing to live in their homes longer: They’re spending more time there. This homebody trend began with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown, and has not only persisted but also grown over the past five years. Consumer analytics platform CivicScience found that the proportion of adults with a decreased desire to leave their home hit 35% earlier this year, which is higher than the 29% reported in 2020.
Home improvement companies are ready to make what’s old new again for clients who want a refresh of their home.
The problem is, deciding a house is a forever home—or at least a forever-for-awhile home—does not automatically turn it into a dream home. In fact, spending more time in your space may highlight the things you want to change. Does the kitchen look tired? Is the bathroom too bland? Do these floors need restoring? Is it time to update the woodwork?
For those looking to stay in their current home long-term but are still eager for a refresh, House & Home spoke with local professionals to discuss the many ways you can spruce up your home’s interior and make it the perfect place to spend your time.
A SMART INVESTMENT
When staying long-term in a home, it makes sense to invest in quality craftsmanship.
“It adds value and personal character to the house,” explains Pavlo Danylchenko of Signature Woodcraft. The custom interior woodworking business brings beauty to a home, from adding wainscoting to a hallway, to building a mantle around a fireplace, to constructing a custom staircase in a foyer. The company fields a lot of requests for mudroom cabinetry, too, as well as custom shelving and bookcases throughout a home.
“We’ve been doing this for a very long time,” Danylchenko continues. “We know how to do it and it’s very easy for us.”
Adding charm with details is a great way to refresh a tired space, according to Rich Lauletta of Haddon Flooring. The company specializes in luxury hardwood, engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring—the latter a popular choice because of its durability, Lauletta says—and also offers custom wainscoting and eye-catching accent walls, which have been growing in popularity.
Staying Put
“They really brighten up a room,” Lauletta says. “It’s a ‘wow’ factor. One couple told us they couldn’t help but smile when they walk past it. Someone else told us the accent wall made the room their happy place. We love doing them and hope we can spread joy through them.”
They’re also practical and long-lasting, Lauletta adds, with the wood and high gloss paint used being much more durable than a regular painted wall.
Durability is a key reason to use professionals when refreshing your space: They know how to make things not only look great, but also last for years to come.
AN UPGRADED LIFESTYLE
“Many homeowners love their homes but feel their kitchen or bath no longer reflects their lifestyle or taste,” says Steven Livingston of Kitchen Tune-Up Bloomfield. “Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in breathing new life into existing spaces—without the disruption or cost of a full-gut remodel.”
There are a range of tailored solutions from Kitchen Tune-Up, including the cabinet refacing that gives a brand-new look to existing solid cabinet boxes, new custom cabinetry, and upgrades such as countertops,
tile, hardware and smart storage solutions.
“These options allow homeowners to modernize their space and increase value while staying comfortably in the home they love,” Livingston says.
Kitchen Tune-Up Greater Bergen’s Todd Finkenstadt adds that the company offers options at every investment level.
“If you plan to stay in your home longterm and want a meaningful refresh, Kitchen Tune-Up offers a range of services, from quick updates to complete kitchen transformations to help you love your kitchen again,” he notes.
Another way to upgrade a space without overhauling the entire room is by replacing shower doors and mirrors—accents that should, quite literally, shine.
“Primarily, we’re going to be working in the bathroom,” says Scott Kingsland of Glass Castle. “Shower doors are more modern, heavier glass, less metal. We also offer different mirror options—beveled, custom cut.”
The safety of full-glass shower doors shouldn’t be a concern, according to Kingsland, as it’s tempered safety glass ranging in thickness between three-eighths of an inch to a half-inch.
“You could literally hit them with a hammer and they wouldn’t break. They’re that strong, and definitely very durable,”
he affirms.
From a longevity standpoint, coatings applied to the glass during the manufacturing process, such as Showerguard, not only come with a lifetime warranty but also seal the inside portion of the shower “so every time you clean it, everything comes off and it looks brand new. You can have a shower door that’s 15 years old and it’s still going to be as clear as the day installed,” Kingsland says.
Although most of Glass Castle’s offerings are focused on the bathroom, they have also been adding mirrored walls to basement gyms and, for higher-end customers, glass fronts for wine rooms to showcase the space.
ON TOP OF TRENDS
When it comes to trends in the homespace, a lot of the shift is on finishes, whether it’s the front of a cabinet or the hardware of a shower door.
According to Finkelstadt, homeowners are asking for warm, natural finishes and slim shaker cabinets, which “blend natural warmth, modern simplicity and low-maintenance practicality.”
“We’re seeing homeowners lean into warmth and texture—natural woods, matte finishes, and soft whites balanced with statement hardware or bold islands,” agrees Livingston, adding that storage efficiency is an-
other major focus. “Hidden charging drawers, pull-out pantries and built-in organizers are topping most wish lists.”
The biggest industry trend that Kingsland has seen in recent years has been thicker glass and less metal on shower doors, with a wider option of finishes.
“Twenty years ago it was chrome and brass. Then brushed nickel was introduced,” he says. “Today, matte black is popular. Satin brass, satin gold finishes are all pretty popular, too.”
Finishes have changed in woodworking, too, as Danylchenko says, “Paint is trendier right now. It’s rare we do stained jobs.”
STARTING THE PROCESS
When it comes to booking a job for a home facelift, a simple phone call typically begins the process. Most companies offer free in-home consultations to get the ball rolling, too.
“We can show them a bunch of options, different samples where they can put it right in the space to really get the feel of what it would look like when it’s done. We also do visualization tools where we can take a picture of their space and show them a rendering of what it would look like with a custom accent wall or new floors,” Lauletta says.
Even when the customer knows what they want, Dan-
ylchenko says it’s important for the professionals to bring in their own knowledge to make the space as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
“We always provide our own drawings of the projects of how exactly it’s going to look,” he says.
Kitchen Tune-Up uses its own proprietary design quiz to help uncover each client’s style and preferences, according to Livingston.
“It all begins with an inhome consultation, where we collaborate with homeowners to craft a design they’ll love for years to come,” he says. “During the visit, we review the space, discuss functionality and layout, and then translate that into a detailed design plan. From there, we guide clients step-by-step through every component of the remodel—incorporating 3D renderings where applicable for custom kitchens to help them visualize the finished space with complete confidence.”
When a client starts the home upgrade process, they may know exactly what they want, or they might know that they need a refresh but aren’t quite sure how to go about it. In either case, local businesses are ready to work with customers to find their perfect solution.
“We help make it a happy place to spend their time,” Lauletta says.
RESOURCES
Glass Castle
Lawrenceville, NJ: (609) 312-5619
Neshanic Station, NJ: (908) 402-1057
GlassCastle.com
Haddon Flooring
Serving South Jersey (856) 654-0005
HaddonFlooring.com
Kitchen Tune Up North Jersey
Steven & Takia Livingston (Bloomfield, NJ)
Todd & Ruth Finkenstadt (Glen Rock, NJ) (201) 474-3112
KitchenTuneUp.com
Signature Woodcraft
Serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware (267) 736-9740
SignatureWCraft.com
WHow to make sure your home is properly prepared for the season.
Ready for Winter
ith winter fast approaching and frigid temperatures not far behind, many folks have undoubtedly already begun the countdown until the warmer weather arrives next spring. But just because we have traded in our swimsuits and towels for sweaters and blankets, it’s important that homeowners don’t simply slip into hibernation, but rather make sure their property is well-positioned to survive the season’s harsh conditions.
By Peter Proko
issue and a massive headache.
Whether having your roof, gutters or siding inspected, ensuring your windows and entry doors are properly sealed, having your chimney serviced or tending to your landscaping, there is no shortage of areas to address before Old Man Winter rears his head.
House & Home spoke with some area experts to gain advice on what boxes you should be marking off from your winterizing checklist. No matter what your home’s needs may be, taking a proactive approach can be the difference between a small
Why is now an ideal time to take stock of the exterior of your home and identify potential issues?
Late fall is hands down the smartest time to walk the perimeter of your house with a critical eye. A lot of the leaves are down, so you can spot siding that’s cupped, cracked or pulling away from the wall. You can also spot curled or missing roof shingles. You’ll want to look for daylight peeking through window or door gaps that will become expensive heat
leaks once temperatures drop. A quick visual check now can prevent small issues from becoming larger issues in a couple months.
—Mike Chapman, owner and president, Chapman Windows Doors & Siding
What are some of the key areas that you try and make homeowners aware of with regard to winterizing their home?
When it comes to winterizing your home, the key is to stop heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy says that drafts can waste 5-to-30% of
energy use. Take time to inspect your house.
Repairing or replacing windows, doors, siding or your roof can help you reduce heat loss and stop larger problems from developing. In the long run, these proactive fixes stop rot, mold and structural decay that can lead to larger repairs or replacements down the line.
—Mike Chapman
How important is it to have your roof assessed before winter weather arrives, especially if it’s on the older side? Having your roof inspected
before winter is especially important if it’s older or showing signs of wear. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can worsen small problems like cracks, curling or missing shingles, leading to leaks and costly damage. An inspection can catch these issues early, ensure proper ventilation and insulation, and reduce the risk of ice dams and leaks. It also helps extend your roof’s lifespan, keeps your home safe from structural problems and provides documentation for insurance purposes. In short, a pre-winter roof check is a simple step that can save money
and prevent headaches during the harshest months.
—Jake Domanski, sales manager, G. Fedale Roofing & Siding
What are some basic tips to help prepare your landscaping for the season?
Some tips would be to cut back growth on any perennials and prune or cut off any dead branches on any shrubs or plants. Also, make sure to clean the leaves off your property. Oftentimes, people will allow leaves to sit on their property throughout the winter, and this results in signifi-
cantly more damage to the lawn in the spring. I would also recommend a winterized fertilizer for your plants and your lawn as well.
With regard to plant material, any plants that may
have died, it’s best to remove them. You don’t have to plant any replacements now, you can certainly do that in the spring. But dead plants— whether there are some issues with fungus or insect problems—if left alone, the issues can spread and result in more problems throughout the property.
Also, be mindful of pests in the area, deer in particular. You can cover plants around the property that aren’t deer resistant with burlap and use some of the repellents that you can buy at local stores.
—Chris
DeMato, owner, Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing
What should you look for with regard to hardscaping maintenance?
People will sometimes wait on repair work for hardscaping, like maybe a masonry step or a brick paver, and that’s not a good idea. Water will settle
under a sunken area of brick pavers or a cracked piece of concrete, and that water will freeze and expand, resulting in much more damage to your porch, steps or patio. And with brick pavers, you want to make sure your grout or polymeric sand is filled in as this can result in the same type of problem for your patio or walkway.
People see these areas in need of repair at the end of the season and think they’ll just address it in the spring, but we recommend the customers [address them immediately].
Chris DeMato
How important is it to have your chimney inspected and/or serviced?
Having your chimney cleaned and inspected annually is very important, even if you don’t use it, because the freeze and thaw cycles in the wintertime can cause cracking in the ma-
sonry and lead to water intrusions inside the home.
A chimney inspection is not something a homeowner can typically do. Because our equipment is specialized, it would be difficult for a homeowner unless they could get on their roof to really look for and see things.
—Leon Ochal, founder, Chimney Scientists
What are some of the most common concerns you encounter with chimneys?
A lot of people don’t even realize they have a chimney for their heating system. A huge portion of our business is preparing chimneys for your heater. So I would say for your average homeowner, just being aware that they have a chimney for their heater is good to know. And then, if they have never had that looked at, it’s maybe time to hire a certified chimney professional to do a camera in-
If you live in a house that was built before 1980 there’s like a 98% chance that you have a chimney for your heating system. And most people are not aware of that. So it’s best to have someone look at it before it collapses on itself and carbon monoxide backs into the basement.
—Leon Ochal
Is there anything specific you have to do with regard to gutters to make sure they are in good shape to handle the winter weather?
Before winter, it’s important to make sure your gutters are ready to handle snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Properly maintained gutters help prevent ice dams, water damage and extra stress on your roof during the winter months.
Start by thoroughly cleaning them of leaves, pine needles and debris so water can flow freely. You’ll also want to
check that your gutters are properly sloped toward downspouts and that all sections are securely fastened, as heavy snow and ice can pull loose gutters away from the house. Make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation to prevent freezing near your home, and inspect for any cracks, holes or damage that could worsen in cold weather. Adding gutter guards can also help reduce debris buildup and make maintenance easier.
—Jake Domanski
RESOURCES
Chapman Windows Door & Siding West Chester, Pa. (610) 431-8898
ChapmanWindowsDoors.com
Chimney Scientists West Conshohocken, Pa. (610) 947-0475
