At Home In Berks Fall/Winter 2022

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MetEd and UGI are offering rebates on selected equipment.

2022 HBA Berks Board of Directors

OFFICERS

President Peter J. Bonargo IV SAH, Inc.

Secretary/Treasurer

W. Lee Prussman, CPA, CVA Prussman – Goss

Immediate Past President Kert Sloan

AA Remodeling/Aluminum Associates

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Christopher Muvdi Masano Bradley, Attorneys at Law

Jason Jenkins Bursich Associates, Inc.

Debra Konowal

Stewart Abstract of Berks County

John Schmoyer Fulton Mortgage Company

HBA STAFF

Cathy Sloan, CGR, CAPS, CGP Executive Officer

6 Fabulous Fall!

9 Dodge the 7 Most Common DIY Mistakes

10 Staycation Location –Deck or Patio?

12 What Keeps You Safe?

14 Tackle a Basement Remodel this Fall!

16 What’s the Water like in Pennsylvania?

What You Ought to Know Before Purchasing a Snowplow

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President HBA of Berks County President

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to Fall 2022, if you can believe it. The past two years have been very interesting to say the least. As we are coming out of 2022 and I am looking towards 2023, here are some of the things that we have been doing at the HBA.

We have brought back Thirsty Thursdays and are planning another for fall 2022.

November 2022 we be having our annual member get together combined with a quick nomination meeting November 17th at PJ Whelihan’s. This is your chance to meet the board and get involved. We are always looking for people who are interested in our industry and growing in their own companies. You also can meet other tradespersons and dare I say it, network.

As always, this is a CASUAL event. I hope to see you there.

We have started a new webinar type event, Lunch and Learns. We have had two to date for 401K for your small company, 1-4 people. The second was for Insurance, especially for small companies, 1-10 persons. There was even the ability to add a Human Resources piece to the plan. We have kept these to thirty minutes. A lot of information in a short period of time.

Coming in 2023 we are looking to set up a possible clay shoot in the fall. More information to follow.

For all the previous information please reach out to Cathy Sloan or me for more information.

Now that all the fun and interesting stuff has been reviewed, I would like to switch to a little more serious item.

We are at a crossroads. Our trades are running out of young people to fill an ever-widening void as trades people retire. Please contact us at the HBA and help us work with our local Berks County Technical schools, East, West and Reading Muhlenberg. We could use the assistance of our members to reach out to each school for mentoring and open job positions. That is if your company is looking for employees, like the company I work for, which is looking for people who are good with their hands as well as their minds.

THANK YOU GOLF OUTING SPONSORS!

Lunch Sponsor: L.A. Kehres

Beverage Sponsor: Prussman Goss

Scoring Sponsor: Davies Hardscaping LLC

Tee Sponsors:

Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corp

Prussman Goss

Impact Advisors Group

SAH Incorporated

L.A. Kehres

Par 3 Sponsors: Scrimager Family Meats

SPECIAL THANK YOU GOLF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Peter Bonargo - SAH, Inc

Lee Prussman - Prussman-Goss

John Schmoyer - Fulton Mortgage Company

Kert Sloan - AA Remodeling

Fabulous Fall!

By Alaina Salks, Riverview Gardens & Gifts

As we transition from Summer into Autumn, we can begin to appreciate the vibrant colors and textures that this season brings. Read on to learn about different ways to decorate for this beloved season!

Planters & Porches

Now is the perfect time to transition your outdoor planters from the warmloving annuals that you planted in the Spring to cool-weather annuals that will remain vibrant until you are ready to decorate for the Winter holidays. These plants are great for Fall planters.

Chrysanthemums, commonly shortened to the name “Mum,” have become ubiquitous with Fall. Every year plant enthusiasts flock to garden centers to replace their tired summer annuals with the varied, bright, and cheery flowering mum. Mums come in a wide range of colors; you can find them with flowers that are white, orange, yellow, purple and pink!

Ornamental Kale is related to the Kale you munch on from the grocery store, but these varieties are bred for their good looks, not their taste! Their leaves form pretty rosettes in purple, rose and white and look more like flowers than leaves!

Other cool weather annuals to pay attention to include: annual grasses, ornamental peppers, asters (technically a perennial, but frequently used in annual planters) and celosia.

Pumpkins, gourds, straw bales & corn shocks continue to be popular outdoor decorations for the Fall season. As you are upgrading your planters, you can decorate your entranceway with these items. Group pumpkins and gourds in and around planters. Tie corn shocks to poles and use them to frame doorways. Use straw bales as small “tables” to elevate and place pumpkins, planters and other Fall décor items. In recent years, folks have been cutting the tops off of pumpkins, filling them with dirt and converting them to fun, temporary planters!

Shrubs for Autumn Color

A great way to enjoy a profusion of Fall color in your yard is to plant hardy perennials and shrubs that give Fall color! Here are a few of our favorites:

Fall blooming anemones flower with lovely white, pink or purple blossoms that open on stems that tower above the plant’s foliage, creating a dreamy, wispy appearance. Other Fall perennials like autumn joy sedum, aster, ornamental grasses and goldenrod will bring vibrant color to your garden.

Winterberry is a type of native deciduous holly. The female bush forms dense clusters of bright red berries in the Fall which stay on the stem long after the shrub loses its leaves. Remember those scary red berry plants from M. Night Shyamalan’s movie The Village? They were winterberry.

Viburnum is a great shrub for garden interest in both Spring and Autumn! In the spring, viburnums are flush with large clusters of flowers in hues of white and pink. In the Fall the leaves turn orange-red and where the flowers were, bright berries in reds, pinks, blues and blacks can appear!

One of our favorite shrubs, Early Amethyst Beautyberry gets a profusion of gorgeous, tiny, bright purple berries in the Fall!

Pyracantha is a thorny, evergreen shrub that produces a profusion of orange, yellow, or red berries in the Autumn. It is most often seen growing up a wall or on a trellis, but it can also be trained to grow in straight lines, grid patterns or even geometric shapes. Another beautiful berry producing plant is Cotoneaster. It is a close relative of Pyracantha. Unlike its relative, the cotoneaster is thornless. It forms orange or red berries and its leaves turn shades of purple, red and bronze in the Autumn before dropping.

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Dodge the Seven Most Common DIY Mistakes

By CENTURY 21 Professional Group

Armed with a library of how-to books, you’re confident that you can tackle your home’s repairs and remodeling yourself – and pocket the money you’d have spent on professional labor. Hold up.

David Dorman of CENTURY 21 Professional Group in Orlando, Florida, says many DIYers make critical mistakes that can decrease their homes’ salability.

Avoid these seven common mistakes:

1. Overestimating your skills: “Some people are handy, and some think they’re handy,” Dorman says. Be honest about your abilities. “Buyers can tell when things aren’t in the proper position, when light sockets aren’t vertical, and laminate flooring is bowed,” he says. “It comes down to quality of work.” If you can’t do it right, you’ll have to pay to have it fixed.

2. Underestimating the value of your time: You may, in theory, be capable of laying new bathroom tile. But between your job demands and the kids’ soccer games, can you really finish the project in a few weeks, or will it stretch over months? Your time may be worth the cost of a pro.

3. Equating dollars spent with value: Good design is critical, especially in kitchen and bath remodels. A $60K kitchen designed by a pro to mesh well with a house will bring a better return than a $60K kitchen that bungles traffic flow and clashes with the style of adjoining areas. “When you’re going down to the studs, get an architect or interior designer involved,” Dorman advises.

4. Neglecting details: “The biggest complaints I hear when I’m showing a remodel come when homeowners have left things half done,” Dorman says. “It doesn’t just fail to add value, it actually subtracts value.”

5. Overlooking permits: Dorman had a seller who fixed her own septic system. When the home inspection revealed that she didn’t have the proper permits, the deal was ruined. A qualified pro will know what is legally required.

6. Missing guarantees: Pros will back their work. That can be essential on big projects like roof repairs. When you DIY, you’re the only one accountable for missteps.

7. Thinking DIY means do it all yourself: Consider hiring professionals to back up your know-how. Tap into the free kitchen and bath design services at home-improvement stores. Many paint stores have color consultants you can use for a small fee. Or hire a plumber on an hourly basis to install new toilets and sinks after you’ve done the demo work— you’ll rest easier knowing the water will flow safely.

Ultimately, the key to success with any project is asking the right questions. Your real estate agent is a great resource.

Staycation Location – Deck or Patio?

FEATURES By Karen L. Chandler

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Homeowners are more excited than ever to create a vacation atmosphere right in their own backyard, and fall is the perfect time to plan the perfect spot to gather with family and friends.

But, what to choose? A deck or a patio? Both options are great for an outdoor living space that can be a dream come true. Let’s talk about the differences! First, just by definition, decks are raised surfaces, and concrete patios are built flush to the ground. The build process, the materials, and the cost also vary depending on the choice you make for your outdoor living space.

Is it all about the view?

If you have a great vista that will be amazing to view from an elevated space, a deck may be your best option for your new staycation location. While a patio will be at ground level and may not offer much of a view, patios can create secluded and intimate spaces which give homeowners a feeling of privacy along with the pleasure of being outside.

Are inspections that important?

In many locations, decks require a more rigorous permitting and inspection process than a patio because oversight is key to ensure the structure is a safe spot for a group to gather. Not only is the deck attached to your home, but it must be built correctly to hold weight. Many a DIY homeowner has had to tear down a deck project or pay a fine because of skipping past the requirements of the municipality. Hiring a trusted Home Builders Association contractor will always give you the peace of mind that the project was started and finished correctly.

Regardless of the simpler process of building a concrete patio, it is always best for your professional contractor to check with your municipality to see if permitting or inspections are required. Not only will the process go more smoothly than a DIY, but you will also be assured that the grade of your patio is guiding water away from your home, rather than allowing it to seep into your foundation.

Is the simple choice less expensive?

If your budget is at the forefront of your mind as you plan your outdoor living oasis, you should think hard about the materials you hope to use, as well as the location and size of the surface.

Patios are frequently the less expensive route to take when making the decision, as concrete is generally more affordable than the wood, stone, or manufactured products used for a deck. Your patio will also require less labor than a deck and less maintenance over time, both other costeffective strategies to consider.

What about on hilly terrain?

Even thought a deck may be the more expensive option when looking at patios and decks, if your yard isn’t relatively flat, a deck may be your new best friend. Patios are generally the easiest option for a flat backyard space, but decks can be built to incorporate your uneven or sloped terrain into a new outdoor living area.

Your Home Builders Association professional can guide you to the best materials to use that will fit your budget and evaluate your property to give you the most bang for your buck and the best outdoor space for your home.

What about weight?

We have all seen the frightening videos of decks which collapse under the weight of a group of people and furniture. Your professional contractor will have the expertise that your DIY friends will not have when it comes to providing a sound foundation for your loved ones to enjoy. There may be even further restrictions when it comes to the elevation your deck will reach, so hiring that contractor will be a key feature toward your successful outcome.

Entertaining options like heavy hot tubs may be better used at ground level on a patio, but your pro will give you the accurate advice you need when it comes to planning your space within its weight restrictions.

Easy to manage and long-lasting?

A patio is generally considered the easiest choice when it comes time for maintenance. While a patio is usually good to go with a sweep and some power washing, your beautiful wood deck will need that power washer, plus new stain or paint every few years. Wood composite is a great option that will look like wood, but drastically cut your maintenance time.

Real wood decks usually do stay cooler on hot, sunny days, so when choosing a synthetic wood product, be aware that some brands do get very hot for bare feet in the summertime. Lighter colors are the best bet for the coolest walking surface.

Even though patios are long-lasting elements in your backyard, they still can crack and stain and need some repairs and minor upkeep along the way. They will normally last longer than a wood deck but taking good care of either option will give you the pleasure of years spent in the great outdoors of your own yard.

which choice adds the most to my property value?

As we mention, decks will probably be the costliest avenue to take when planning your staycation location, but they are also known to give the biggest boost to the value of your home when it comes time to sell. If you’re considering selling your home, choosing a deck may be your wisest choice, but as you can see, there are multiple factors to consider as you decide.

Seeking the advice of your trusted Home Builders Association realtor and contractor will set you on the right path toward beautifying your home and enjoying your outdoor living spaces.

What Keeps You Safe?

By Karen L. Chandler

When it comes to your home’s security, there is a lot to think about! The right decision is customized on who lives in your house, and what features you need to keep your loved ones and property safe.

Professional monitoring is an option that will connect your home security to a call center providing a calm voice in the event of an emergency while you’re at home and contacting emergency services for you regardless of whether you’re at home or away.

Check out the following list to learn more about specific security choices and why they may be perfect for your home and family, then reach out to a trusted Home Builders Association professional to help you get safer at home.

VIDEO DOORBELLS

What do they do? They record anyone coming to your door and provide a speaker to talk to visitors from indoors.

Why do I want them? You can screen unexpected guests, answer a quick question with the door closed, and see anyone stealing packages from your porch.

NANNY CAMS

What do they do? As the name suggests, nanny cameras usually keep an eye on babies and children but are a great help to supervise caretakers of both the little ones and seniors in your life.

Why do I want them? These cameras give you the chance to talk to an elderly parent, keep an eye on your pets’ antics while you’re at work, and chat with your babysitter.

SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

What do they do? These cameras not only light up the surrounding area when any motion is detected, but they can also record video of the area they cover.

Why do I want them? You can watch over your property, not only for intruders and unwanted animals, but also light up a path to take out the trash or safely walk outside with the dog after dark.

PANIC PENDANTS

What do they do? Panic pendants are worn as necklaces or bracelets to easily contact an emergency service.

Why do I want them? You can have greater piece of mind when acting as a caretaker for a senior or disabled person knowing they can call for help with the touch of a button.

WINDOW AND DOOR SENSORS

What do they do? Any of these sensors installed at entry points to your home will alert you to them being opened.

Why do I want them? Window and door sensors act as guards for both exterior and interior doors, plus your windows, and let you know if they’re being opened by either intruders or someone entering a closed-off section of your home.

MOTION SENSORS

What do they do? These sensors let you know when they detect any motion in the area where they’re mounted.

Why do I want them? Motion sensors obviously let you know when an intruder is moving around your home but can also be handy to keep people or pets from accessing inappropriate rooms in the house.

GLASS BREAK SENSORS

What do they do? Glass break sensors alert you to both broken glass and other loud sounds.

Why do I want them? Used primarily to guard windows and doors, glass break sensors can trigger an alarm in the hope of scaring off intruders who break into your home.

SMART HOME INTEGRATION SYSTEMS

What do they do? These integrations combine both security and smart home devices to make it easy to control your options from your phone.

Why do I want them? You can effectively run your home by using your smart phone with custom automation and even voice controls.

WIRELESS MONITORING SYSTEMS

What do they do? These systems connect your home’s devices using radios signals. You can get alerts on your cell phone, or they can go directly to a monitoring center in case of emergency.

Why do I want them? Wireless systems give you added functionality in the event of a power outage, make moving to a new home easier, and wireless installation is a simpler process than other options.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

What do they do? CO detectors are true lifesavers that detect the odorless and deadly effects of carbon monoxide.

Why do I want them? Many lives have been both saved and lost with the decision to either install or forego these detectors which can also alert you to a leak when you’re away from home.

FLOOD AND FREEZE SENSORS

What do they do? These handy sensors alert you of leaks and potential gathering water in your home.

Why do I want them? Ask any homeowner who comes back from a vacation to a home with water damage from a leaking pipe or appliance that caused damage throughout the house.

SMOKE AND FIRE ALARMS

What do they do? These alarms have the lifesaving job of letting you know if there is smoke, fire, or excessive heat in your house.

Why do I want them? These true lifesavers not only give you the chance to stop a small fire from spreading, but also to evacuate your home if the fire is uncontrollable. Alerts to your phone will allow you to contact a fire department even if you’re away.

Tackle a Basement Remodel this Fall!

By Karen L. Chandler

When the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are dropping this autumn, you know it’s almost time to turn your mind indoors for the cozy and warm hours of winter spent in your home.

For some of us, that suggests peaceful memories of gathering with family and friends. For anyone who has a space crunch in their home’s upper levels, the memories are of cleaning up messes, refereeing arguments, and trying for a bit of sanity in a crowded house.

What is the answer? A pricey addition that costs tons of money? Or – call a trusted Home Builders Association professional, head down the stairs, and tackle a basement renovation! Instead of just using your basement for stacking boxes and housing your furnace and water heater, clear the space and make some plans to bring some life to the seldom-used square footage. Calling an HBA professional is key for a successful basement reno that truly makes downstairs a livable space.

Managing Moisture

The most important aspect of a quality basement remodel is getting the moisture under control. Once your pro has managed that with the appropriate techniques, get ready for the basement of your dreams.

A Basement with Purpose

Not every basement will work for every use. Some basements just don’t have high enough ceilings for a home gym with tall equipment and a sun-loving family member may not feel that any number of added windows and lights are quite bright enough. But –the basement can score big points as a cozy home movie theatre, a fantastic game room, a creative craft space, a moody adult spot for socializing around a gorgeous bar, or anything else you like!

Plan Your Wall Placement

If you have enough square footage, now is the time to dream up how to divide your basement living areas. You may even be able to section off a spot to retain a storage area for any boxes remaining after you downsized before the big remodel!

Insulation, wiring, outlets, and an exhaust fan if you plan to add a bathroom, are installed at this stage, and will make the basement just as comfortable as your upstairs rooms, with supplemental heating and cooling a necessary piece of your reno puzzle.

Exit Strategies

An exit from your basement other than the doorway from upstairs is an important safety consideration that most building codes require. If you need another way to escape the basement in case of emergency, your professional contractor can advise you on using a window to meet the code.

Light it Up

Recessed lighting is usually the best choice for basements, especially since lower ceilings making some hanging pendants impossible. When you think about your lighting, plan for more than you think you may need so everyone can enjoy the new space no matter what its new functions are going to be. Adding extra lamps and some mirrors as final touches will add more warmth to any dark spots.

A Financially

Savvy Renovation

Not only is a basement remodel a big savings over building an addition to your home, but recent surveys also show that finished basements can add about $50,000 to your property value.

And how about that pricey gym membership? Cancel it and head downstairs to work out in your own home gym. Love to get up close and personal at a football game? Add a huge TV, some comfortable seating and save the money on expensive event tickets. Do you love to sample wine and whiskey? Create a beautiful bar in your own home, complete with a wine room and array of liquors to enjoy with your friends.

Zone in on Décor

Your basement reno will be a big winner, whether it’s a small open space or a large space with a multitude of uses.

Flooring options are endless, with luxury vinyl plank scoring big points with many homeowners for its durability, comfort, and its appearance so close to wood. Tile is another great choice with similar attributes and a broad spectrum of colors and designs. And carpet is still a contender to warm up a basement remodel.

Many homeowners choose light neutral wall shades for their new downstairs spaces, but a game room with a bright accent wall to delineate the kid zone, or a dramatic accent color behind the new bar can be great options to customize the renovated rooms.

Build Up Some Built-Ins

Still tight on storage? Think built-ins for an upstairs look that solves your downstairs dilemmas. A wall of cabinets and shelving can go a long way toward getting messy games, paperwork, and party supplies both out of sight and ready to use. Multi-use furniture can also be a key player in ending your stockpile woes – storage ottomans and occasional tables with drawers add even more space to help with de-cluttering.

Your options are endless when it comes to boosting your property value and enhancing your living space with a renovation of that unused downstairs square footage. No matter what your game plan is for your basement remodel, partnering with a trusted Home Builders Association contractor will ensure a big win for seasons to come.

What’s the Water like in Pennsylvania?

By Martin Water Conditioning

Water quality can no longer be taken for granted. And its quality varies from place to place and even house to house. A variety of factors can affect how your water tastes, smells, feels and works in and around your home. Well water quality, possible contamination, an aging water distribution system, violations of federal drinking water standards and a home’s plumbing are examples of things that can affect a home’s water supply. Some water problems may not be as obvious as others. Below, we’ve listed the water problems we commonly see in Pennsylvania, but we need to test your water to determine if water treatment is necessary and which option is right for you.

HARD WATER

Hard water contains dissolved calcium, magnesium and in many cases, iron. Most homes in Pennsylvania have hard water, whether it is supplied by a private well or a municipality. In many cases, homeowners don’t realize they have hard water or the constant and expensive harm it causes. Dry skin and hair, bathtub ring, spots on glass, silverware and fixtures, dull, dingy clothing, disappointing performance and a shortened life expectancy of water-using appliances are all problems frequently caused by hard water. A Kinetico Water Softener will solve your hard water problems.

IRON AND MANGANESE STAINING

Water is a natural solvent and given the needed time and conditions, it will dissolve anything it comes in contact with. That’s why, depending on where you live, your water can contain iron or manganese which can cause rusty-orange or black staining. You’ll see the stains on clothes, fixtures, sinks, tubs, water-using appliances and toilets. A Kinetico Water Softener or a Kinetico Water Filter will eliminate water staining problems.

BLUE-GREEN STAINING

If water has a low pH, you can see the tell-tale, blue-green stains. These stains are most noticeable on white surfaces that your water comes in contact with such as sinks, tubs and showers, toilets and even white clothing. A Crystal Clear Acid Neutralizer will treat your water and eliminate these unsightly stains.

CHLORINE TASTE AND SMELL

Since the 1850s, chlorine has been used as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria in water itself or the pipes that transport it. Although it has helped end a number of major threats to public health and is essential at the treatment plant and in the water distribution system, it is no longer necessary once the water reaches your home. Though chlorine in Pennsylvania is vital for stopping the spread of disease, its benefits come at a price. Chlorine tastes and smells bad. It dries skin and hair, fades clothes (bleach is made of chlorine), and can dry out the rubber seals in appliances, shortening their lives. Remove chlorine from your water with a Kinetico Water Filter or a Kinetico Drinking Water System.

CLOUDY WATER

Cloudy, murky or grayish water is usually caused by dissolved or suspended solids. This is also known as “turbidity.” Water can become turbid naturally or from land disturbances such as construction, storms and urban runoff. The turbidity of your water can range from low to high. But even if your water looks clear, it could still contain a high level of dissolved solids. That’s why, whether your water is turbid or not, we recommend you have it tested. There are a few options to treat this type of water, depending on if you want to treat all the water in your home or just your drinking water.

BACTERIA AND VIRUSES

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there could be as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness annually in the United States alone. These illnesses are frequently caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoa that make their way into the water supply. Even well operated, state-of-the-art treatment plants cannot ensure that drinking water is entirely free of microbial pathogens. Learn more about safe drinking water. A Kinetico Drinking Water System or a Kinetico Specialty Water Treatment System will rid your water of troublesome contaminants.

TASTES AND ODORS

In its pristine state, water is colorless, tasteless and odorless. So, if your Pennsylvania water tastes or smells funny, you owe it to yourself to find out why.

“Rotten egg” smell: Another common source of smelly water is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless corrosive gas which has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. If present in high enough concentrations, it can leave an unpleasant odor on hair and clothing. It can also accelerate corrosion of metal parts in appliances. Find out how much sulfur is safe to drink.

METALLIC TASTE

As the name implies, a metallic taste to your water indicates the presence of metals such as iron, copper, manganese or zinc. Iron and manganese are often naturally occurring and are predominately found in groundwater. Copper and zinc can come from an aging water distribution system or the corrosion of copper plumbing and brass fittings. Learn about the permissible amounts of trace elements.

What You Ought to Know Before Purchasing a Snowplow

By Levan Machine and Truck Equipment

Whether you are a commercial snow removal contractor responsible for keeping roads and parking lots clean during a storm, or simply looking to take care of your own personal property, the purchasing of snow removal equipment is an investment and there are many factors to consider before making a purchase.

“When selecting a dealer to buy from, keep in mind the relationship between you and your snowplow dealer is vital throughout the entire time you own your plow. They will help you select the best plow based on the truck you own, how you will use the plow, and your budget. They will also install the plow, and assist you with future maintenance, parts, and repairs,” said Lisa Schaeffer, VP of Marketing for Levan Machine and Truck Equipment in Fleetwood.

Choosing the right plow

If you want a plow purely for home use or even to clear a few driveways during a storm, a 7ft or ft 6 inch straight blade will be more than sufficient. If you own a UTV or ATV, consider the V and straight blade options for personal use. Be sure to ask if the attachment kit and installation is included with the price you are being quoted by a dealer. If you are looking to plow commercially, you should consider a minimum of an 8 ft plow to clear snow quickly and efficiently. Many commercial customers choose a V-plow over a straight blade because the multi-position capabilities of a V-plow make snow plowing easier and faster. Slicing through snow that has frozen overnight is also vastly easier with a V-plow. And do not overlook the attachment system for the plow you are considering buying. Keep in mind you will need to attach the plow in the worst of conditions – dark, cold, ice, wind, and sleet – and you want to focus on the ease of attaching your plow. The fastest attachment isn’t always the easiest attachment.

What blade material is best –Polyethylene vs Stainless Steel vs Mild Steel

All three materials do a great job, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Poly is the slickest material of the three, and snow will not stick to the blade and will slide off the blade further and faster than the other materials. It is extremely corrosion and scratch resistant too. Stainless steel has visual appeal and corrosion resistance too, but it will dent from rocks over time. Mild steel provides durability, rigidity, and excellent value, and despite a common myth, poly plows are not lighter than their steel counterparts. In fact, they are often heavier because poly material lacks rigidity and must be reinforced with even more steel to keep its shape.

Lighting and Control Systems

During major winter storm events, visibility is one of the most important factors when clearing snow. Standard with every BOSS Snowplow, for example, is the SmartLight 3 headlight package which is DOT-compliant LED lights with Ice Shield Technology to prevent snow and ice build-up. These headlights use half the amperage of halogen lighting systems and have an 8–10-year life expectancy. They are very powerful and offer additional safety during a winter storm.

The controller is also vital to your snowplow system because it is the only interface you’ll have with your snowplow. You want to use a controller with fewer, larger buttons for easier use, and also decide if you want a handheld or pedestal-mount controller.

What kind of vehicle are you using to plow?

It is essential to know what kind of vehicle you intend to use so the correct plow is installed. All vehicles have an available capacity of weight on the front of a vehicle so you cannot exceed this amount when mounting a snowplow. The bigger the plow, the heavier it is of course. Most commercial workers need at least a ¾ ton pickup, but for personal use, a ½ ton truck, or in some cases even smaller, should fit your needs. A dealer will help you select the correct plow for your truck, UTV or ATV.

There are also smaller plow options available that do not require a vehicle including the BOSS Snowrator and BOSS SR MAG, and both bring a maneuverable, multi-tasking, laborsaving solution to your fleet. Snowrator reduces the need for shovelers, maximizing productivity and efficiency – whether in metro, commercial or residential environments – because you can brine, spread, and plow at the same time to maximize on-the-job productivity and profitability. The SR MAG also provides the ability to add an arsenal of new attachments, expertly crafted to handle any snow or ice-related issue including a V-plow, straight-blade, snow thrower, broom,

broadcast spreader, and drop spreader. Utilizing BOSS’s proven quick attachment technology, switching from one attachment to another can be done in a matter of seconds. And with 25 degrees of upward lift capability, the SR MAG can navigate curbs and bumps with ease.

Supply chain demands and availability

The most popular snowplow brands in our area are BOSS, Western, Fisher and Meyer. “Now is the time to purchase a plow or spreader, especially if you are in the commercial plowing business, because your local plow dealers should be at maximum inventory,” said Schaeffer. “If you wait until the first winter storm prediction, you will likely find yourself without the proper plow, or unable to get installation completed before the first snowflake hits the ground.”

Understanding Energy Ratings

By YORK®

To help you make informed decisions about how to save energy, several rating systems have been developed. Higher numbers in each of these metrics indicates greater efficiency – and more savings! For example, our 98% AFUE modulating gas furnace will use $69 worth of gas to provide the same amount of heat that would cost $100 with a gas furnace that only has a 70% AFUE rating.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): a measure of a furnace’s heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE%, the more efficient the product.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): a measure of a heat pump’s heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the product.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): a measure of an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product.

Each of these ratings range from low (least efficient) to high (most efficient). The higher the rating, the more you can expect to save on energy use. Working with a YORK® dealer, you’ll be able to find HVAC equipment with the best efficiency rating for your home and geographical location.

Save Energy. Save Money.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. home spends at least $2,200 per year on utility expenses. Here’s how to ensure your next home comfort system saves you money.

Look for ENERGY STAR

®

ENERGY STAR® is a label created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the case of HVAC systems, this label denotes products that save at least 15% to 25% more energy than standard products.

While ENERGY STAR® doesn’t act as a rating on its own, it does help indicate what products are more energy efficient. So, even if you’re not sure what the rating of a particular unit is, you can be sure it will save your home more energy compared to a unit without an ENERGY STAR® label.

In the real world, ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment – heat pumps and furnaces – save you on the day-to-day expenses of keeping your home comfortable.

Get the Right Size

While efficiency ratings are certainly important, getting a system that is the right size for your home is just as critical. In most homes, the heating and cooling system is too big. Besides wasting energy, a system that is too large can create uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and add to maintenance calls over time. A system that is too small will be overworked, leading to early wear and possible breakdowns. By talking to a professional and spending time learning what size system is best for your home, you can easily boost the efficiency of your home comfort.

Don't Forget Energy-Saving Additions

Today’s smart thermostats, as well as communicating thermostats and indoor air quality (IAQ) products, can further boost efficiency. Smart thermostats and communicating thermostats can help achieve a more precise level of comfort while actively monitoring your system, while IAQ products can enhance the feeling of comfort (which can lead to less thermostat adjustment and system operation). While these products don’t directly impact a system’s efficiency rating, they can have a big impact on perceived comfort level, which in turn reduces system adjustment.

Service Stability Strength

Schatz Electric has been in business for 45 years. To keep the business growing, owner and president Jeff Schatz focuses on mastering new technologies and supporting customers 24/7—so he’s always on the go. That’s why he works with the team at Tompkins, who proactively offer products and services that increase efficiency, such as remote deposit.

800-273-3210 | TompkinsBank.com

SCHATZ ELECTRIC, INC. Jeff Schatz, Owner/President

“Tompkins will be with us in the future and help us grow even more,” Jeff says.

How to Sell Your Conventional Home

By The National Association of Home Builders

If you plan on selling your existing home to finance your new dream log or timber home, you aren’t alone. Many buyers use the equity in their existing home to buy that rustic palace they’ve always dreamed of owning.

You already know that the days of white-hot bidding wars for real estate are but a distant memory. But it’s not all doom and gloom either. Most markets across the country have started to see slight upticks in pricing, as the inventory of foreclosures and distressed properties has declined.

The other good news is that spring and summer are prime selling times. If you are ready to put your home on the market this sales season, employ these expert tactics from the Log and Timber Homes Council, part of the National Association of Home Builders. The Log and Timber Homes Council provides these strategies for FREE in its Buyer’s Guide, to help home buyers make their dream home a reality, quickly and effectively.

Develop Your Plan

Where will live once you sell your home? There’s no one size fits all solution. But your options include renting, bunking with friends or relatives during construction, or perhaps even something more adventurous — such as living in an RV at the building site. (The latter is not always allowed by local building authorities.) Some buyers have the forethought to build a small guest cabin on their rural parcel as a weekend getaway. Then when they are ready, they put their primary home on the market and move into the guest cabin. They live there during construction of their new home, which can range from a few months to a year or more, depending on needed infrastructure improvements and the size of the home.

Choose whichever scenario that preserves your marriage and sanity, your relationship with friends and family and your budget. Moving is stressful because it’s a dramatic departure from routine. So which option will be the least stressful?

Do We Have to Sell Before We Build?

Not necessarily. Talk with your lender. You may be able to obtain a bridge loan that will pay for your mortgage of your existing home and construction of your new log or timber home, at the same time.

Prepare Your Existing Home for Sale

• Make any needed repairs

• Paint inside and out

• Freshen up landscaping

• Wash all windows inside and out

• Reduce clutter

• Move all non-essentials into storage

• Clean or replace carpeting

• Have the home professionally cleaned

• If you have pets, develop a strategy for getting them out of the way during showings and open houses

Choose a Broker/Realtor

Try to avoid using the friend, uncle, sister-in-law that does real estate on the side (not that there’s anything wrong with that), you just don’t want to risk jeopardizing that relationship if something goes wrong. Instead opt for a hard charger, someone who will get you the most dollars in the fastest amount of time, so you can move forward on your Perfect Path to Your Dream Home. There are scores of free real estate referral websites, which can match you with the right Realtor in your area. You can even specify that you want the top five sales or listing agents in your county. Interview them in person or over the phone and ask for a “listing presentation,” to discuss your home’s value and to learn how they would market your home. Ask questions. How long is their contract period? Can you switch to another realtor if you don’t think they are performing?

Check References, Negotiate Commission

Ask for contacts to recent clients, to gauge how the agent or broker performed. If you want to negotiate on commission, realize you often get what you pay for. Agents typically use their own money to market a home. So if you eliminate their incentive to sell by negotiating lower than the standard 3% of the sale, you may get little beyond a sign in your yard and a listing on the MLS (multiple listing services.) Usually the most successful agents don’t market exclusively to the public; instead they market to other agents as well.

Pricing Strategy: Truth or Consequences

You can hire an independent appraiser to determine value. Or a savvy realtor can help with this vital part of the deal. But here’s a basic truth about home selling and pricing: A home gets the most attention when it’s a new listing. If the price is too high, it will be ignored and quickly become yesterday’s news. If you subsequently drop the price in a month or two, buyers will think you’re desperate and bid accordingly. Offers may then come in lower (and even lower) than your asking price. You may find yourself accepting an offer that is lower than what you would have gotten if you just priced it according to its actual value from the get-go.

Home Staging Services

Want a competitive edge? Hire a staging service. These talented pros can transform your house into a model home experience for prospective buyers — and put more money in your new home budget in the process. How much does staging cost? It will depend on your local market and the size of your home, but it can range from a few hundred to $5,000 or more. Using their talents for interior design, they will tap into powerful emotions of those touring your home. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the bottom line is it’s worth it. Statistics show an average of a 3% minimum increase in final sales price on homes that have been staged, versus those that weren’t staged, according to StagedHomes.com. On a $300,000 home, that’s a $9,000 increase. You can turn that into a hot tub on the deck of your new log and timber home.

Use a Professional Photographer

Here again, the goal is to make the most of what you have and increase the perceived value. A professional photographer can make all the difference in getting your home to stand above the competition. For anywhere from $500 to $1,500, an architectural photographer will make your home shine — especially in combination with a staging service. Use these photos on the MLS, fliers and other Internet avenues.

Use the Internet

You can help your agent market your home. If you belong to Facebook, Linked-In and other social networking, you can use all that professional photography to alert all your friends and family that your home is on the market. Put an ad on Craigslist. List your home for free on Google maps and, again, use your photography.

Aging In Place Home Improvement

By A.D. Moyer Lumber

According to the AARP, approximately 90 percent of seniors plan on living in their own home for at least five to 10 years after turning 65. In kind, the number of remodeling companies providing aging-in-place upgrades has increased. Eighty percent of remodeling companies are making aging-in-place home improvements, up from 68 percent in 2013, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Aging in place is cheaper and more comfortable than assisted living options for many people. A typical assisted living home is pricey, costing around $50,000 a year. In contrast, the national average of remodeling a home for aging in place is only $10,000.

Falls are one of the leading causes of death due to injury among older adults, according to the CDC, and falls are often the result of simple hazards such as throw rugs, stairs without railings, obstructed pathways, and wide spaces with no supports. For this reason, many of the procedures for making homes safer for the elderly focus on reducing the risk of falls. Some of these modifications need to be made to the entire house, while others are specific to a particular room.

Here’s a look at what you can do to make getting into your home easier and safer.

Make Entryway Safer

A home’s entryways are particularly important for aging in place since they control access to the house. The entry points to a house also include steps in many cases, which always present safety challenges for the elderly. Some entryway modifications require significant time and expense, like wheelchair ramps and nonskid flooring. Other measures require slight changes to the home itself, such as installation of new light switches and railings. But many aging-in-place modifications are as easy and inexpensive as removing throw rugs and adding new light fixtures.

Add Outdoor Ramps

Adding ramps to a home’s entry and exits aren't just for wheelchair access. Even if your parents don’t use a wheelchair, a ramp eliminates the need to navigate steps, which can make maintaining balance difficult, even with a banister. Using composite decking and vinyl or metal railing with integrated lighting and ADA graspable handrails will provide decades of safe, low-maintenance beauty and functionality. You can also get indoor threshold

ramps that you put in doorways to form a seamless surface to transition from one room to another.

Upgrade Smart Home Technology

Technology has become one of the most important developments in helping people stay in their own home as they age. Home technology like medical alert, home security and remote monitoring or communication systems are particularly beneficial.

Wearable technology like watches, necklaces and even shoe insoles monitor your loved ones’ movement throughout their home, as well as their vitals. You can outfit doorways with sensors that alert a family or emergency care service if someone enters a door but doesn’t exit within a specified period of time, indicating they may need help.

• 34 fatal burn injuries occur each year from scald burns out of the kitchen.

•

After age 65, falling becomes the leading cause of death in the home, with many slip-and-fall accidents occurring on wet kitchen floors.

Upgrade Bathrooms

Installing grab bars or railing in high-risk areas like bathrooms and bedrooms gives anyone with mobility issues additional support and prevents slip and fall injuries. Install grab bars near the toilet, and in the shower/bathtub since these surfaces get slippery. Depending upon your loved one’s needs, you may want to install bars near their bed so they can get in and out of bed safely. Make sure your grab bar holds up to 250 pounds, and install it by screwing it into wall studs, not just drywall.

Additional important safety modifications in bathrooms include installing heat lamps, widening doors, installing ADA compliant anti-slip bathroom flooring, securing or replacing throw rugs, and changing faucet and door handles to ADA compliant, easy-to-grip models.

Upgrade Kitchens

As technology advances, we are able to remodel our homes to make this lifestyle easier to obtain and give us the kitchens of the future as we age. Overall, the kitchen is one of the more dangerous rooms in the home. It’s also a room in which we spend a large amount of time. The following statistics are just a few of the reasons to prioritize reorganization of the kitchen specifically for an older person:

• 90% of kitchen cloths failed cleanliness tests.

• Foodborne disease causes 76 million cases of illness in the United States alone, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Over 150,000 kitchen fires every year are caused by cooking equipment – with 460 fatalities.

• Lacerations from kitchen tools account for 42% of hand injuries that are seen by ER professionals.

• A home without a fire alarm is twice as likely to have a fire, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

• Unattended cooking equipment accounted for 45% of home fatalities from 2002 to 2005.

Helping Your Clients Select Modern Windows

By The National Association of Home Builders

Window shopping can be overwhelming, especially in the context of a new build or extensive remodel.

If your client is looking for modern windows but is having a tough time articulating exactly what they want, Andersen Windows can help. Follow these tips to help your clients select windows they’ll love, whether they want to create a totally modern look or just give a traditional home a bit of an update.

What Makes a Window Modern?

Simply put — “less is more.” Modern windows have thinner frames and less ornamentation, which maximizes the glass, putting the emphasis on light and views. Here are some other factors that can contribute to creating a modern look:

• Grilles (or lack thereof)

• Trim color (think: black or natural wood)

• Window size (bigger is better)

• Window placement (beginning at the floor and stretching to the ceiling)

Start with Window Type

One of the easiest ways to create a modern look is by focusing on certain types of windows. Our go-to modern styles include the following.

• Casement windows are available in 100, 400, A- and E-Series.

• Gliding windows are available in 100, 200, 400 and E-Series.

• Picture windows are available in every window series Andersen offers.

• Think of these styles as easy starting points for creating a modern look and remember any window can be made more modern due to selections.

Grilles or No Grilles?

Skipping grilles altogether is a simple way to create a modern look, but there are happy mediums within grillepatterned windows, too. Consider the following options:

• On a more traditional home, choose modern black windows with colonial grilles.

• For a minimal look, opt for a specified equal light grille pattern on a floor-to-ceiling window.

• For a modern-classic look, pair an updated color with a simple 2-over-2 colonial grille pattern.

Window Size and Placement

Modern windows put the focus on light and views, so large windows are the play. Beyond just an increased use of oversized windows, we’re also seeing more full-wall window configurations featuring different types of windows, and even doors. Floor-to-ceiling windows are also on the rise and in surprising places — think laundry rooms and kitchens. (Read more about this trend in our 2022 Home Design Trends Look Book.)

Window Color and Wood Type

Black windows are a hallmark of contemporary design. But if black windows aren’t your client’s style, natural wood is a great option — and it’s a rising trend; get the details in our 2022 Home Design Trends Look Book. Natural wood adds warmth and texture to a home.

Hardware Choice

For a sleek, contemporary look, match the window’s hardware to the frame color. Select hardware with clean lines, geometric angles and smooth texture. Find all these characteristics in the 400 Series folding hardware.

The Easiest-Ever Contemporary Options

The window series below make it easy to achieve an updated look.

• Our most popular 400 Series has a brand-new option that gives an even sleeker profile to casement, awning and picture windows, and it’s available in black.

• Our budget-friendly 100 Series also features sleek lines. Frames are flat and unobtrusive, creating a clean look.

• Our most customizable E-Series windows feature thinner frames and minimalist profiles.

We hope these pointers make it easier for you to help your client through the window-buying process.

Offering a retirement plan may be easier than you think

The HBA of Berks County gives members the opportunity to join a retirement program designed to give you the benefits of offering a retirement plan without having to own all the responsibility—in other words, one that helps make your job easier.

Because your retirement plan shouldn’t be a challenge

In a group program, many of the tasks that come with running a retirement plan—ones you’d typically handle on your own in a plan you may already offer employees—are gathered to be managed by a third party on behalf of the businesses that join:

• Administrative duties

• Operational tasks

• Fiduciary responsibilities

And the advantage is clear. You get time back in your day and free up yourself and your employees to spend that time where it counts: focused on your business.

Learn More About the HBA 401(k) Program

Contact Matt Williams of Impact Advisors Group (833) 546-7228

mwilliams@impactadvisorsgroup.com

Worker’s Comp Virtual

Lunch & Learn

Join Us October 27, 2023

Hosted by Harding-Yost Insurance PBA Benefit where members have saved thousands of dollars on their yearly premiums. Learn more about the program by joining us on October 27th at 11:30am. You can register online at www.hbaberks.org/register-for-events/ or look for the registration in your weekly email newsletter.

Coming in 2023

We will be back to in-person for one weekend and virtual for a year. Members will have the option to just do virtual which gives remodelers and trade contractors an opportunity to show their projects.

The Early Bird Special opened October 1st and will continue through December 31st. Every Member should have received an email from our President with details and the opportunity to register your project or opportunity to sponsor the Parade of Homes.

If you did not receive the information you can find it on our website www.hbaberks.org and in the weekly newsletter or contact the Executive Officer at cathy@hbaberks.org or 610-777-8889.

Have You Seen Our New Facebook Campaign?

C&L General Contracting & Roofing

74 Back Street

Mahony City, PA 17948

Phone: 570-778-6969

Email: louiegetz927@gmail.com

Best Buy

1701 Crossing Dr Wyomissing, PA 19610

Phone: 610-858-0974

Email: brent.frymoyer@bestbuy.com

Website: www.bestbuy.com

New Members

Bonte Construction

632 Leininger Ave. Mohnton, PA 19540

Phone: 610-858-6195

Email: mohntonboy66@gmail.com

MPC Construction

3316 Stoudt's Ferry Bridge Rd Reading, PA 19605

Phone: 610-463-7136

Email: mcampbell1mpc@icloud.com

Join Today!

If your business is within the Berks County area, please consider joining the Home Builders Association of Berks County. Your membership dollars will help fight issues on all three levels: Local, State and Federal. Our members vary from Engineers to Lawyers, Accountants, Builders, Remodelers, Insurance Agencies, Bankers and more.

In order to offer members installment options and the ability to pay via the method of your choice (credit card, ACH, or check), we have joined NAHB’s Dues Hub program.

As a result, you may receive communications from a new software provider, Billhighway. You will also have the option to log in to their member portal to renew your membership and pay directly online. You may also be prompted to create an account before doing so.

Renew Your Membership:

https://www.billhighway.com/login. You may be required to activate an account first, and this can be done by clicking the link near the bottom of the page.

New Memberships: https://join.billhighway.com/nahb/group/hbaberks For more info: www.HBAberks.org or 610-777-8889.

Schwambach Construction

514 Elnore Ave. Temple, PA 19560

Phone: 610-463-7372

Email: bas335psu@yahoo.com

you

to these Renewing Members of the HBA of Berks County!

1-10 years

A Stone's Throw, LLC Art Smith & Son Heating and Air Conditioning Boyer's Floor Covering, Inc Berks Western Telecom, Inc Eagle Construction & Remodeling, LLC Emil Washko Jr & Co H2-LLC

Harding-Yost Insurance Kieffer's Appliances KMB Homes LLC Lawn Doctor Maidencreek TV & Appliance Nationwide Kitchen Installer, Inc Performance Systems Development Red Oak Restorations, LLC

Renewal by Anderson Residential Mortgage Services, Inc Sal's Landscaping, Inc Shelly's Building Supply & Musselman Lumber Spring Valley Millwork, Inc

Stewart Abstract of Berks County, Inc Strickler Corporation

Sunrise Plumbing Heating Cooling, LLC

Superior Walls by Weaver Precast, LLC TW Construction, LLC Viwinco

11-20 years

All Green Lawn & Tree Care, Inc AKA Fence Company, Inc

Bachman’s Roofing, Building & Remodeling, Inc Berkshire Building Services Inc Bogia Engineering, Inc CT Install America D&S Portable Toilets, LLC

Ernest Martin Excavating

European Builders, Ltd

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc

Holland's Electric, Inc

James A Turner Construction Company LLC

Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning

Martin Construction Company

Mohn’s Drywall, Inc

Reading Berks Association of Realtors, Inc

Stubbs Insurance Associates, Inc Suzy Rae Designs

21-30 years

A D Moyer Lumber Inc

Blatt & Zaffary Electric, Inc

Blue Lake Buidlers, LLC

Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys

Marti's Flooring

Omega Builders, Inc

Security Service Company, Inc

UGI Utilities, Inc

31-40 years

Berks Surveying & Engineering, Inc

Hearthstone Homes, Inc

L.A. Kehres Building & Remodeling, Inc

Miller Builders Supply Co., Inc

Ram Siding Reading Box Co, Inc Schlouch Inc

41-50 years

Berks New Homes, LLC

Leroy Shannauer Plumbing & Heating, Inc Reading Precast, Inc

Over 50 years

SW Bauman Jr General Contractor, Inc

2022 Foundation Club Members:

Thank You to 2022 Foundation Club Members.

Call the HBA office at 610.777.8889 to learn how to become a member of the FOUNDATION CLUB.

Kert Sloan Aluminum Associates

Bruce Rader Berks Surveying & Engineering

Heidi Masano Masano Bradley

Join the 2023 Foundation Club for $300 and be a supporter of our Berks County Committee for Affordable Housing. All Club Members get a free ticket to Lobsterfest and any other legislative event held throughout the year.

These members understand the important role legislation plays in their businesses and the importance of electing and supporting legislators who are sensitive to the issues affecting the building industry.

Family is foundational, and having a perfect home for your family means everything. Having Peter Heim by your side to help you navigate through the multiple steps of buying or selling is key. Born and raised in Berks county, Peter is an award-winning Real Estate Broker with more than 35 years of experience.

A family man, Peter has been married to his wife Michele for more than 30 years. They have seven children and two grandchildren. Pete and his family are involved with many Berks County organizations.

This seasoned professional brings his hardworking yet fun personality to every interaction. Now Peter is proud to welcome his son Christopher onto his real estate team. Chris brings his unbridled enthusiasm, on-line savvy, and banking experience to the team. Let the Heim Team do the best job for you!

Peter specializes in customer service.

Whether listing or selling residential or commercial real estate, Peter is dedicated to helping his clients. His personal attention to every aspect of the business has garnered him more than 200 five-out-of-five Gold Star independent reviews.

“I have personally known Pete for close to two decades, and he is one of most conscientious, caring and outgoing people I know. He truly cares about his clients, and works harder than any other realtor I know. I highly recommend that you work with Pete.”

– Dave R

“Pete is attentive to every detail. He made a hard journey of selling my mom’s house easier not just because he is a skilled realtor but in how much he cares about the story and people behind the sale.” – Cathleen P.

“Always a great experience working with Pete and now his son Chris as well.” – Michael S.

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI

Associate-Broker

office: 610-898-1441 cell: 610-745-3378

email: pheim@kw.com

www.peterheimrealtor.com

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI

Christopher Heim