13 contents
HOME BEST &
11 Quality for a Lifetime
With the latest technology and talented designers, Closet Factory offers high-quality storage solutions built to last.
13 Best of House & Home
Our annual list recognizing the top companies, products and services, as voted by our readers
23 Hard Choices
AAA Hellenic offers expert guidance on picking the right stone materials for your project
24 Staying Put
How to make what’s old new again with a home refresh
34 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
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 news magazine with emphasis on home repair and remodeling. 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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Closet Factory is in the business of building a better quality of life for its clients. “It’s a fun purchase with us,” Charles Palko says. “People do dream about what kind of closet they’re going to get.”
The Palko family are the owners of the Closet Factory franchise serving the Delaware Valley— covering Ocean County down to Cape May County in New Jersey, Philadelphia and its surrounding four counties, and the state of Delaware. The company prides itself on catering to its clients, whether they’re working on a $2,000 job or a $120,000 job.
“We go from simple to spectacular, and our spectacular is really spectacular,” Palko affirms.
In addition to custom closets, Closet Factory also designs and installs wall beds, entertainment centers and organizational units for other areas of the home and Palko assures that no matter the project, it will be done to the client’s specifications, and it will be done well.
“Because of our 45 years of experience in architectural woodwork, we are well above what is considered industry standard when it comes to how we manufacture our products,” he says. “The quality, hands down, is better at Closet Factory.”
ORGANIZATION, AESTHETICS AND BUDGET
There are three buckets a customer requires, according to Palko. First is ensuring the project meets all of the client’s organizational needs. Second is building a closet that is aesthetically pleasing. And third is succeeding in doing both of these things within the customer’s budget.
“We make sure from an organizational point of view that there’s enough room for all of their handbags, all of their shoes, their long hang, their short hang. We make sure we cover all the bases,” Palko explains.
As far as aesthetics, Closet Factory designers can put together everything from simple, streamlined plans to extravagant designs with all the bells and whistles.
“Aesthetics has a lot to do with the end price, and we work with the client on what their budget is. We work around that number, so we maximize organization and aesthetics to that budget,” Palko says. “We don’t want to overdesign it and we don’t want to under design it.”
TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY
Closet Factory designers go through “constant training,” according to Palko. The initial training is three intense weeks, and there is follow-up education as they work their way up to more intricate and expensive designs.
Closet Factory also utilizes a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program to build its designs, which enables clients to see their project not only in 2D, but in a full 3D rendering in their home. The accuracy is so advanced that it transfers the project to the company’s computerized machinery
Quality for a Lifetime
to be able to individually cut each part of the project.
“Everything starts from flat wood and it’s cut exactly as it’s designed on the CAD program,” Palko says. “Our shop is the most sophisticated in Closet Factory’s franchise network, so our customers are getting the benefit of having the best equipment and the most experienced people working on their project.”
Closet Factory manufactures everything on site except for hardware. Doors, drawers, even glass—it’s all cut and manufactured in-house, and computer-generated to exact specifications resulting in one of the best yields in the industry.
“We’re in control of what happens with the client experience,” Palko says.
While industry standard is to finish a job about 85% of the time—meaning, for instance,
a two-day job won’t be finished in two days 15% of the time—at Closet Factory, they’re at 97%.
“And we’re not accepting the 3%,” Palko adds. “We’re finding out who and how we didn’t get those projects done on time.”
ORGANIZATION FOR A LIFETIME
Many companies offer lifetime warranties, but what’s different with Closet Factory’s lifetime warranty is that it’s transferable to a new homeowner.
“Our products are built for life,” Palko says, “and we back them for life.”
This, paired with the company’s one year, no-interest financing, makes investing in home organization to meet every day needs an easy choice—and a choice that has grown in popularity over the years.
Twenty-five years ago, clients were focused on beautiful kitchens and master bathrooms when buying or building a home. Today, they still are, but they also want home organization that fits their needs.
“That’s what the customer wants today. Customers want a great kitchen, a great master bath and a great walk-in closet,” Palko says.
And according to him, there’s no better way to ensure a customer is getting the organization and closets that fit their need than by giving them a say in the process. The Closet Factory team sits down with a new client from the very inception of a project, involving them every step of the way.
“From a clean slate all the way up to completion, the customer has input. We’re coming up with this beautiful design that the customer actually has ownership of,” Palko says. “We’re not designing our dream closet, we’re designing the customer’s dream closet.”
Closet Factory boasts top-of-the-line technology, talented designers and the ability to turn clients’ dreams into reality by Kristen Dowd
Featuring WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE 2025 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
Beechdale Builders
717-278-3683
BeechdaleBuildersLLC.com
Trailway Construction 610-273-2328
TrailwayConstruction.com
APPLIANCES
K&A Appliance, Inc.
717-392-3287
KAAppliance.com
AWNINGS
Great Valley Awning & Tent
610-889-0711
GreatValleyPool.com
BASEMENT CELLAR DOORS
Steelway Cellar Doors
877-553-2610
CellarDoors.com
BASEMENT REFINISHING
Stonebridge Renovations
484-459-4920
SB-Renovations.com
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Basement Systems USA
833-359-0600
BasementSystemsUSA.com
Basement Waterproofing Specialists
800-700-9171
BasementWaterproofing Specialists.com
Main Line Waterproofing
610-857-7140
MainLineWaterproofing.com
BATH DESIGN
Carranza Roofing and Remodeling
610-671-3747
CarranzaContracting.com
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
610-484-2000
DreamMaker-Remodel.com/ Chester-County
Stonebridge Renovations
484-459-4920
SB-Renovations.com
BUILDING SUPPLY
Brandywine Building Supply 610-273-3817
BrandywineBuildingSupply .com
CABINETRY
Holcomb Cabinetry
302-478-5000
HolcombCabinetry.com
Main Line Kitchen Design 610-500-4071 MainLineKitchenDesign.com
Sunny Cove Cabinetry 717-500-4540 SunnyCoveCabinetry.com
CABINET REFACING
Kitchen Tune-Up 610-364-5558
KitchenTuneUp.com
Let’s Face It 610-696-3600 LFIKitchens.com
CABINET SHELVING
Shelf Genie 609-595-4342 ShelfGenie.com
CHIMNEY CLEANING
D.J. Cross, Inc. 610-859-3776 DJCrossInc.com
The Chimney Scientists 610-909-5585 ChimneyScientists.com
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
Vesta Lights 484-267-5868 VestaLights.com
CLOSET ORGANIZATION
Closets By Design SE PENN 610-537-8920
ClosetsByDesign.com
Closet Factory 215-268-7660
ClosetFactory.com
DECK BUILDER
Deck Craft Plus 610-273-3317
DeckCraftCustomDecks.com
Decks-R-Us
717-407-5623
DecksRUsLLC.com
Keystone Outdoor Living 717-936-9590
Keystone.co
DECKING SUPPLIES
Brandywine Building Supply
610-273-3817
BrandywineBuildingSupply .com
Sequoia Out Back 215-368-7245
215-918-3325
DeckSupplies.com
DECORATIVE
STAMPED CONCRETE
Architectural Concrete Design
866-956-2818
ACDConcrete.com
Boss Crete, LLC 717-283-7764
BossCrete.net
DOORS - INTERIOR
Freedom Millwork
215-642-2213
FreedomMillwork.net
One Day Doors & Closets of Philly
267-508-7906
OneDayPhilly.com
DUCT CLEANING
Vesta Wash 877-625-9325
VestaDuctCleaning.com
ELEVATORS
Total Access
610-738-1214
TotalAccessCo.com
FENCING
Chester County Fencing
610-273-3300
ChesterCountyFencing.com
Gillespie Fence and Landscape
610-322-4472
GillespieLandscaping.com
FIREPLACES & INSERTS
Brubacker Hearth & Home
717-216-4993
BrubackerHearthAndHome .com
Gas Works
610-296-3557
4GasWorks.com
FINANCING
Trumark Financial Credit Union 215-953-5414
TrumarkOnline.org
FLOORING
Heritage Floors
717-687-7906
CarpetLancasterPa.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR
’58 Foundations
610-822-9849
58Foundations.com
FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
Blue Ridge Furniture 717-445-6595
BlueRidgeHeirlooms.com
Country Lane Furniture 717-867-5701
CountryLaneFurniture.com
GAME ROOM SUPPLIES
Royal Billiard and Recreation 215-997-7777
RoyalBilliard.com
GARAGE DOORS
Smoker Door Sales 717-442-5070
SmokerDoorSales.com
GARAGE FLOOR RESURFACING
Floorguard 215-510-8326
Floorguard.com
GARAGE ORGANIZATION
Closets By Design SE PENN 610-537-8920
ClosetsByDesign.com
Garage Experts 484-997-6644
GarageExperts.com
GARDEN CENTER/ NURSERY
Main Line Gardens 610-644-2300
MainLineGardens.com
GRANITE & MARBLE, COUNTERTOPS
AAA Hellenic Marble & Granite 610-344-7700
AAAMarble.com
Colonial Marble & Granite 610-994-2222
ColonialMarble.net
Imperial Marble & Granite 610-521-0130 IMGStone.net
GENERATORS
Colonial Generators 844-376-9374
ColonialGenerators.com
GRILLS
Gas Works 610-296-3557
4GasWorks.com
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE RENOVATIONS
Total Access 610-738-1214
TotalAccessCo.com
HARDSCAPING DESIGN
Dutchies Stone Works 717-587-8789
DutchiesStoneWorks.com
First State Building & Design 302-306-3372
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign .com
Smucker’s Hardscape & Outdoor Living 717-940-2376
SHOutdoorLiving.net
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Adam Mechanical 610-457-7575
AdamMechanical.com
R&D Heating & Cooling 610-444-6421
RDHVAC.com
HOME THEATERS
Surround Sounds 610-524-6900
SurroundSounds.com
World Wide Stereo 610-649-7002 215-368-8343
WorldWideStereo.com
INSULATION
Master Attic 800-285-4009
MasterAttic.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Heritage Design Interiors 717-354-2233
HeritageDesignInteriors.com
KITCHEN DESIGN
Concept Kitchen & Bath 610-860-4020
ConceptKB.com
Dilworth’s Kitchen & Bath Remodeling 610-917-9119
DilworthsCustomDesign.com
First State Building & Design
302-306-3372
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign .com
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CKC Landscaping 610-436-1810
CKCLandscapingInc.com
Luxscapes Unlimited 717-208-1123
LuxscapesLLC.com
Smucker’s Hardscape & Outdoor Living 717-940-2376
SHOutdooLiving.net
LAWN MAINTENANCE
EcoGreen Lawn Care 610-584-3266
EcoGreenOrganicLawnCare .com
Riverview Landscaping 610-431-0277
RiverviewLandscaping.net
LIGHTING – INDOOR
Denney Electric Supply 215-628-8880
DenneyElectricSupply.com
Home Lighting of Frazer 610-647-2370
HomeLightingInc.com
MULCH/STONE/SOIL Mulch & More 610-644-8086
Mulch-N-More.com
NATURAL STONEWORK
Dutchie’s Stone Works 717-587-8789
DutchiesStoneWorks.com
New Home Builder 717-278-3683 BeechdaleBuildersLLC.com
ORIENTAL RUG SALES & CLEANING Kazanjian Oriental Rug Gallery 610-525-2333 KazanjianGallery.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE Sequoia Out Back 215-918-3325 DeckSupplies.com
Tropicraft by Pavillon du Soleil 610-645-5400
TropicraftPatio.com
OUTDOOR KITCHENS Dutchies Stone Works 717-587-8789
DutchiesStoneWorks.com
Keystone Outdoor Living 717-936-9590 Keystone.co
Smucker’s Hardscape & Outdoor Living 717-940-2376
SHOutdoorLiving.net
OUTDOOR STRUCTURES, GAZEBOS, PERGOLAS, PATIO COVERS
A & E Builders
717-278-0224
CustomGarageBuilder.com
First State Building & Design
302-803-5082
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign .com
The Louvered Roof Company
610-310-0429
TheLouveredRoofCompany .com
PAINTING
Benner & Sons
610-890-9834
BennerAndSons.com
Davis Painting 484-791-3466
DavisPaintingLLC.com
Rhino Shield 717-638-4100
MyRhinoShield.com
PAVERS/RETAINING WALLS
Brandywine Quarry
610-857-4200
BrandywineQuarry.com
PAVING
Burke Asphalt
484-228-1776
BurkeAsphalt.com
Michael’s Paving 610-494-2844
MichaelsPavingLLC.com
PLAY SYSTEMS
The Backyard Showcase 717-925-3068
TheBackyardShowcase.com
King Swings 717-687-8210
KingSwingsets.com
PLANTATION SHUTTERS
The Louver Shop 610-633-5410
LouverShop.com
PLUMBING SUPPLY Ferguson Home 800-638-8875 FergusonShowrooms.com
POOL DESIGN/ INSTALLATION
California Pools of Philadelphia 800-282-7665 CaliforniaPools.com
Keystone Outdoor Living 717-936-9590 Keystone.co
Ted’s Pools 610-359-1301 Tedspools.net
POOL SERVICE & SUPPLIES
Lilly Pool & Spa 610-273-2449 lillypools.com
POOLS/FIBERGLASS
Ordini’s Best Fiberglass Pools 215-602-3485 OrdinisSwim1Day.com
Pool Designs 609-257-2279 PoolInADay.com
POWERWASHING
Softwash Platoon 610-494-8490 SoftwashPlatoon.com
Vesta Wash 877-625-9325 VestaDuctCleaning.com
REMODELER/ BUILDER
Beechdale Builders
717-278-3683
BeechdaleBuildersLLC.com
Stonebridge Renovations 484-459-4920
SB-Renovations.com
Trailway Construction
610-273-2328
TrailwayConstruction.com
ROOFING
E & E General Contracting 717-442-4814
EEContractingLLC.com
Greenawalt Roofing 215-371-4434
GreenawaltRoofing.com
PJ Fitzpatrick 866-832-7204 TrustPJ.com
ROOFING – CEDAR
SHAKE
MR Roofing 717-665-1752
MR-Roofing.com
SCREENED PORCHES
First State Building & Design 302-898-5183
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign .com
SEALCOATING
Superior Sealcoating 484-886-1362
Superior-Sealcoating.com
SHEDS & OUTDOOR STRUCTURES
Fox Country Sheds 717-626-9560
FoxSheds.com
Mainline Outdoor Living 717-858-2425
MainLineOutdoorLiving.com
Reihl Quality Storage Barns 717-442-8655 RiehlQuality.com
SHOWER DOORS
Michael’s Glass Company 215-338-3293 MichaelsGlassCo.com
SIDING
Chapman Windows Doors Siding 610-400-3382
ChapmanWindowsDoors.com
E & E General Contracting 717-442-4814
EEContractingLLC.com
Skyline Exteriors 717-278-4426
SkylineExteriors.net
SPAS/HOT TUBS
Ordini’s Best Fiberglass Pools 215-602-3485 OrdinisSwim1Day.com
STONE, NATURAL STONE PAVERS & VENEER
Brandywine Quarry 610-857-4200 BrandywineQuarry.com
STUCCO REMEDIATION
Five Star Contractors 610-827-1797 FiveStarContractors.com
M. Jay Builders
610-656-9389 MJayBuilders.com
TILE
AAA Hellenic Marble & Granite 610-344-7700 AAAMarble.com
WALK IN TUBS PJ Fitzpatrick 866-832-7204 TrustPJ.com
WATER CONDITIONING
Martin Water Conditioning 800-887-7555 MartinWater.com
WATER FEATURE DESIGN, PONDS Ponds By George 215-396-7500 PondsByGeorge.com
WINDOWS & DOORS
Chapman Windows Doors Siding 610-400-3382 ChapmanWindowsDoors.com
Global Home Improvement 866-735-1121 GlobalHomeInc.com
WINDOW TINTING
JSR Window Tinting 610-692-3370 JSRWindowTinting.com
WINDOW TREATMENTS/ BLINDS/SHUTTERS
Brandywine Blinds 610-883-9063 BrandywineBlinds.com
Window Concepts 484-318-8238
WindowConceptSpa.com
WOOD MOLDING/ TRIMWORK Pine Street Carpenters 610-430-3333
PineStreetCarpenters.com
Signature Woodcraft 267-736-9740
SignatureWCraft.com
GUNITE POOL DESIGN/INSTALLATION
How many years have you been in business or in this industry?
I was hired at Ted’s Pools in January of 2004, so 21 years now.
What makes you the best in your industry while separating yourself from your competitors?
Being around aquatic environments my entire life, as well as working in the service profession, I have observed firsthand how poor quality really taints the consumer industry. We strive to set the bar on exceptional construction, restoration and maintenance services.
How does it feel to be recognized among House & Home’s Best of Winners?
We feel very privileged to be spotlighted in the publication. What keeps you motivated every day to do the work you do?
My motivation is and has always been our obligation to our client base.
What do you find most rewarding about this industry?
Responding to our clients’ correspondence by providing state-of-the-art custom design construction and restoration as well as dispatching our trained ambassadors to perform maintenance and repairs services.
Are there any new products or services you are offering that you’d like our readers to know about?
There are new, improved and upgraded products being released annually in our industry. We meet with our partners monthly to review these and how beneficial they would be to the families that we serve.
Ted’s Pools
Carol Perchetti (610) 359-1301| TedsPools.net
ask the expert
by Liz Hunter
SAAA Hellenic
TONE MATERIALS ARE ESSENTIALLY THE ICING OF ANY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM PROJECT, PROVIDING BOTH THE FUNCTIONAL VALUE OF PULLING THE ROOM’S COMPONENTS TOGETHER AND SOMETHING PLEASING FOR THE EYE.
Choosing the perfect stone takes careful consideration, and the guidance of someone who knows the product. At AAA Hellenic, customers can turn to professionals who have decades of experience designing and installing stone in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, fireplaces and even in outdoor living spaces. Mike Werner, sales manager, is one such expert who has been with the family-focused company for more than 10 years.
House & Home spoke with Werner about how new products from Silestone and Dekton are giving people the high-end looks they’ve wanted at a more reasonable price.
WHEN YOU MEET WITH CLIENTS, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR LIFESTYLE TO GUIDE THEIR SELECTION?
Most individuals typically have saved pictures they found online or in magazines to establish an idea of their design preferences. We also want to know about what’s going on in the space where the stone will be used. Every household is different. Materials they might like or find attractive might not be the best choice for their home. Granite is very dense and durable. It is heat resistant and scratch resistant, with minimal maintenance. Marble
is a classic choice with unrivaled beauty and gives you a timeless look. It may be a little softer than granite, but will still give you a very durable surface.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE EMERGING POPULARITY OF NATURAL STONE QUARTZITE AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF IT?
Engineered quartz has gained popularity over the past couple of years, but natural stone is still the most requested for its beauty and durability. Natural stone quartzite is an especially good choice for kitchens. Everyone likes the look of marble, but it’s softer and more porous. Quartzite is a dense stone that can handle the impact and functionality in a kitchen, and it’s not as porous.
We directly import this stone from the quarries to our facility, which enables us to
pass discounted pricing on to clients for rare quartzites in a wide variety of colors. The materials are temperamental and require a high level of care and precision, which Hellenic excels and specializes in.
WHAT ARE THE NEWEST MATERIALS ON THE MARKET AND WHERE ARE THEY BEST USED IN THE HOME?
We’re really excited about the design potential with products from Silestone and Dekton in shower wall and bathroom applications. People have been longing for a solid-slab, seamless look on their shower walls—nobody likes grout joints—but this comes with additional labor to get these large slabs into tight shower spaces. These new products are more durable and thinner, making them easier to transport and install. Silestone is engineered quartz and in particular has some nice combinations of natural stone-looking materials, as well as muted patterns for the monochromatic look people want. Dekton is a porcelain and glass hybrid with quartz that is more durable and still gives that desirable natural stone look. This is something that we are specializing in.
HOW CAN CUSTOMERS ARRANGE TO VISIT YOUR SLAB YARD TO SEE THEIR OPTIONS?
Our slab yard is open by appointment so we can control the amount of people in the building at a time, everything is spaced out and we also have outdoor inventory available weather permitting. We have implemented additional safety measures, including UV light systems and UV air purifiers to reduce airborne contaminants and provide more peace of mind for customers. We also offer virtual appointments.
Our inventory of marble, granite, soapstone and quartzite is very strong right now, we’ve added a lot of new products for people. We have about 200 different colors on display, and our stones are directly imported from places like Italy, Brazil and Africa. It’s always beneficial to walk through and see the stone in different lighting, and more often than not, people find something they never expected.
Mike Werner, sales manager
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
TheChimneyScientists.com
G. Fedale Roofing & Siding Chadds Ford, Pa. (610) 877-ROOF (7663) GFedale.com/Chadds-Ford-Pa
Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing Belle Mead, N.J. (732) 873-6780
RockBottomLandscaping.net
Transform Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank
The experts at Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line know how to update and elevate your space on a budget.
The kitchen—a place for family meals, celebrations and daily routines—is the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that investing in your kitchen can both significantly enhance your quality of life and add value to your property. But many homeowners hesitate to tackle kitchen updates, fearing the cost and inconvenience of a full-scale remodel.
Thankfully, creating the kitchen of your dreams doesn’t have to mean tearing everything down. There are innovative, cost-effective ways to breathe new life into your space, combining beauty, function and value. Whether you’re envisioning a modern aesthetic or looking to enhance storage and organization, Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line provides tailored solutions to make your kitchen look and feel brandnew—all while saving you time and money.
Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in affordable, efficient updates that cater to your unique needs while bringing your vision to life. Here’s how its team can help:
1. The Original Tune-Up
This service focuses on restoring your existing cabinets to their original beauty by removing dirt, grease and wear, followed by a protective
finish. It’s a quick, eco-friendly way to refresh your kitchen without replacing anything.
2. Cabinet Redooring and Refacing
For homeowners looking to update their kitchen’s look, these options are both cost-effective and transformative. Redooring involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while refacing adds a new veneer over existing boxes, delivering a like-new appearance for a fraction of the cost of custom cabinets.
3. Cabinet Painting
A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference, and Kitchen Tune-Up ensures a flawless finish with professional-grade tech-
niques. Choose from a wide range of colors to modernize your space or make a bold statement.
4.
Custom Cabinets
For those dreaming of a complete transformation, Kitchen Tune-Up offers fully customized cabinets designed to optimize layout, storage and style. Whether you need a better workflow or more space, their experts craft solutions tailored to your home.
5. Innovative Storage Solutions
Maximize your space with roll-out trays, lazy Susans and custom organizers that make every inch of your kitchen both functional and accessible.
Why Choose Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line?
With their expertise and focus on customer satisfaction, Kitchen Tune-Up completes most projects in just a few days, minimizing disruptions to your daily life. Their services provide an easy path to a stunning kitchen upgrade, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want to love the space you use every day.
Visit Their Showroom
See the possibilities firsthand at Kitchen TuneUp Main Line’s showroom. Explore samples, speak with experts and start planning your dream kitchen today.
Kitchen Tune-Up Main Line
Exton, Pa. | (484) 318-7205
KitchenTuneUpMainLine.com
