Your home is likely the most significant investment you own, so it stands to reason that you want to hire a certified remodeler to accomplish your home remodeling or new build project. A first step to ensure that perfect fit is determining the certifications of the company you’re considering. The National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) has nearly 14,000 member companies nationwide in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. NKBA certifications are based on in-depth testing and extensive industry experience and their certification levels range from Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) to Certified Kitchen & Bath… Read on
When now retired Excel company founder, Jim Mirando, Sr. was a freshman in college, he and his roommate hatched a plan to open a home construction business when they graduated. After four years of college and another four years of military service, they made good on that college dream and opened their business focused on neighborhood building and development. However, high interest rates in the 1970’s made remodeling a much more attractive option for families looking to upgrade their homes, so the company shifted focus. Around this time, the current Excel Showroom was also purchased for their headquarters and, at that… Read on
We were very honored to received five Pyramid Awards from the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg (HBA) at their annual awards evening! We received three awards for residential remodeling projects completed in 2016, including two awards in the best kitchen renovation category and one in the best bathroom renovation category. We also received two marketing awards for best e-newsletter and best e-mail campaign – if you don’t already receive our monthly communications with project pictures, company updates, and home & garden tips, you can sign up here! Since 1970, Excel has focused its business on working with area families… Read on
In mid-February, Harrisburg residents Judy and Dan Schulder began working on a kosher kitchen remodel with Excel in anticipation of hosting many meals with family and friends over this year’s eight-day holiday of Passover, April 11-18. Throughout history, culinary distinctions have helped to define cultural identity, drawing members together in shared expression and appreciation of their heritage and religious faith. The Jewish dietary or kosher laws (kashrut) have great religious significance to observant Jews, and creating a kosher kitchen in the home is a sacred commitment requiring a well-planned and executed design and construction concept. Due to the important adherence to… Read on
In January, Excel Design Team Member Brian Miller attended the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida. The three-day expo featured 600 vendors and displays, as well as industry-related workshops and networking opportunities. More than one in ten homeowners will undertake a kitchen or bath project this year, so the show is a great place to see and learn about the latest products and industry advancements. If you’re one of those homeowners thinking about a project this year, here are a few design ideas from the show that you might want to consider: More color options for faucets… Read on
In 2000, Patti and Rick Herring hired Excel to build a 2,000 square foot, three-story addition to their home. This past year they reached out again, this time to rework their kitchen, the heart of their home. Kitchens are frequently referred to as “the heart of the home” because they are a natural gathering spot. The Herrings have now lived in their home for 25 years and have four grown children. They love to host family and friends, and invariably, everyone congregates in the kitchen. “At every party, we just had too many people in the kitchen!” explained Rick. In… Read on
When they decided to remodel their kitchen, the Potters of Mechanicsburg knew exactly who they wanted to work with, having previously completed a bathroom remodel with Excel and design team member Brian Miller. They couldn’t be happier with the results. “We asked for a classic and timeless kitchen, and Excel exceeded our goal,” said Cindi Potter. “We had every confidence in Brian to design the kitchen that would be perfect for us, and he certainly delivered.” As part of the remodel, the single window above the sink was replaced with two windows, allowing much more natural light into the… Read on
We were featured by the popular design website, Houzz, in this article on selecting wall colors for kitchens with mixed metal, wood tones, lighting styles and finishes – check it out!
Do you have a place in your home for all your shoes, coats, hats and bags? For the modern family with lots of “gear,” a well-designed mud room can be a time and sanity saver! Just ask Excel client Gillian Wagar of Hummelstown. “We decided to create a combination laundry room and mud room because we needed an organized place for our four kids to take off their shoes when they came in from outside, with plenty of storage for their boots, coats and backpacks. Prior to our mud room, we were always tripping over something in the entryway.” Gillian… Read on
Aging in Place is a growing trend. Baby Boomers are planning for the future, and in growing numbers, they want to stay in their homes as long as possible. This often means remodeling… for comfort and convenience, as well as for safety. Aging In Place has been defined as, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” As people age, falling is one of the most serious threats, so room design that addresses prevention is important. Supports in the shower and bathroom, appropriate railings on stairs, and… Read on
