September Employee Spotlight: Angela Pequignot

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Travis Dickman! We asked Travis a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office.

September Employee Spotlight: Angela Pequignot

September 5th, 2022

BLM Employee Angela Pequignot

This month, we are spotlighting our controller, Angela Pequignot! We asked Angie a few questions about what she enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what she had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
The people. The atmosphere is so positive and light. 

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
Putting customers needs as a top priority.

What have you gained from working at BLM?
Friendships!

What are your hobbies?
 I like spending time at my beach house, cabin, camping, spending time with family, and watching my kids compete in sports. 

What is at the top of your bucket list?
Travel. Anywhere!

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
My house, when my kids and hubby are home.

Smart Home Devices

Smart Home Devices

August 31, 2022

Smart Home Devices

Are you considering introducing smart devices to your home? In this day, and age almost every appliance you have, you could find a “smart” dupe. There are so many options to consider for your home. Let’s go over a few!

Starting small

If this is your first smart home purchase, start small. A mini hub and speaker combo would be a good start. Make sure you like the brand, and quality before making the big purchase. A lot of brands are compatible with each other, so you can mix and match some devices. Next, I would say to try out smart light bulbs, switches, and outlets. All of these devices can connect to your hub, and be controlled by voice control, or by your phone. 

Home Appliances 

Like I said before, almost every home appliance has a “smart” dupe, and I would be lying if I said they didn’t make life easier. Smart refrigerators tell you when your groceries are about to expire, send you virtual grocery lists, and more. Smart vacuums cut down on dust in your home, like a regular vacuum can’t. It cuts down on cleaning time and is great if you have pets, for picking up any shedding. 

Smart doorbells are all the buzz right now, and I can see why. Not only does the doorbell connect to your hub, we were talking about earlier, but it also allows you to see who is at the door whether you’re home, or not. There are even smart stoves! So if you forget to turn the oven off when you were running out the door, you can do it from your smartphone anywhere. 

Smart security system 

Now you might be thinking, do I even need a security system? The answer is yes! Studies show if a burglar sees a security system, they are more likely to pick a different home to break into. While conventional alarm systems do protect your home, smart security can consist of interlinked lights, locks, sensors, cameras, and doorbells, enabling better surveillance and control of your home. Smart home security is even more useful when you’re away. It can detect movement inside of your house, and notify your phone. Are you waiting for a package to arrive? you can see it being delivered, and your smart doorbell will keep an eye on the package until you are home. 

Straight to the point

The point is, that a smart home is a home of convenience. All of these appliances and gadgets are not necessary. However, they sure do make life easier and help you have peace of mind every day.  

Three Reasons To Hire A General Contractor

Three Reasons To Hire A General Contractor

August 10th 2022

Worker

Are you thinking about hiring a general contractor? Maybe I can help you decide. Here are three reasons why you SHOULD hire a general contractor.

Time Is Money.

I think we can all agree that these two go hand in hand. Hiring a General Contractor could save you a lot of both. General Contractors can often get you a better price on supplies needed for whatever project you’re thinking about taking on. They also have all the necessary contacts in their books, anywhere from electricians, to painters to interior designers, ready to make your vision come true. 

Having The Work Done Right The First Time.  

Even the handiest DIY-ers know when to put the hammer down and call the professions. Not only do General Contractors have a handful and a half of skills, but they also have years of experience with jobs like yours. They know what materials will hold up the best and how to make your vision for your space come true.

 Home Life Balance.

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do when I get off work is work. You’re clocked out and ready to relax. The last thing anyone wants to do is a crazy DIY or manage a project after a long day at work. A general contractor’s main strength is management. They manage material deliveries, hire the best and fastest subcontractors, AND they oversee the whole project.  

August Employee Spotlight: Travis Dickman

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Travis Dickman! We asked Travis a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office.

August Employee Spotlight: Travis Dickman

July 29, 2022

This month, we are spotlighting our carpenter, Travis Dickman! We asked Travis a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what he had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
Working with my hands to make something nice!

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
Loyalty to finish the job doing whatever it takes and loyalty to their employees.

What have you gained from working at BLM?
Great management. 

What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my two kids, fishing, and working on my house.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
To make it out of the country for a holiday.

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
Lake Redman

Patio Planning: A Step-by-Step Process to Creating a Stunning Outdoor Space (Part 1)

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space with a new patio, there is a lot to consider before starting. Here is part one of our step-by-step guide to planning the perfect patio space for your home and lifestyle.

Patio Planning: A Step-by-Step Process to Creating a Stunning Outdoor Space (Part 1)

July 13, 2022

Rear Covered Patio

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space with a new patio, there is a lot to consider before starting. Here is part one of our step-by-step guide to planning the perfect patio space for your home and lifestyle:

Step 1: Figure Out a Purpose

The very first element to think about when planning how you want your patio to be designed is function. Ask yourself the following questions:

  1. How do you want the patio to be used? 
  2. Who will be using the patio?
  3. How many people will likely be using the patio at once?
  4. Do you want to entertain?
  5. Do you want a space to cook outside?
  6. Shade, sun, or somewhere in between?
  7. Will you want privacy?
  8. Will it be a gathering place or a getaway?

Once you know how the space will be used, you can determine the location, size, and shape of the patio. This can also help you decide if you will want any personalized touches, such as a privacy fence, outdoor kitchen, fire pit or fireplace, pergola, roof, exterior lighting, bar, or other features.

Step 2: Pick a Location

The location of your patio is key. If entertaining and gathering is important to your “why”, you will want your patio accessible from your kitchen if possible. This will make cooking and dining more convenient. If you want a getaway feel, a remote patio may be a better option, especially if you want a secluded place to read and relax away from any noise. 

Another element to consider when determining a location is the fire pit. It’s a general rule of thumb to place a fire pit at least 10 ft. from any structure, including your home, overhead tree branches, and sheds, so your patio needs to be designed accordingly if a fire pit is at the top of your priority list.

Step 3: Determine Size and Shape

While there’s no set size to how big or small a patio should be, it should be designed in proportion with the home if possible. The size ultimately depends on the number of people who will be using it at once and how the space will be used. The shape itself can also be based on “zones”. If you want a zone for a kitchen and another for lounging or dining, plan for those zones ahead of time and shape the patio accordingly.

For more patio planning tips, stay tuned for part two! We will discuss materials, implementation, and decorating.

July Employee Spotlight: Brian Singer

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Brian Singer! We asked Brian a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office.

July Employee Spotlight: Brian Singer

July 6, 2022

BLM Employee Brian Singer

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Brian Singer! We asked Brian a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what he had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
Variety! Job manager get to tackle a variety of different tasks each day. It keeps things fresh!

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
100% honesty! The commitment to making the customer happy as well as a great focus on employee well-being.

What have you gained from working at BLM?
An excellent opportunity to learn and thrive in a setting conducive to building camaraderie. 

What are your hobbies?
Basketball, gardening, fishing, hunting, reading, collecting vinyl records, guitar, piano, and kayaking!

What is at the top of your bucket list?
A trip to the Peruvian Jungle.

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
In or around the Susquehanna River!

June Employee Spotlight: Rob Lyon

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Rob Lyon! We asked Rob a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office.

June Employee Spotlight: Rob Lyon

June 3, 2022

BLM Employee Rob Lyon

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Rob Lyon! We asked Rob a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what he had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
Interaction with people.

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
Its team of employees.

What have you gained from working at BLM?
A vast amount of new knowledge.

What are your hobbies?
Riding my motorcycles and bicycles.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
Retirement!

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
The White Rose Motorcycle Club

May Employee Spotlight: Elijah Jolley

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Elijah Jolley! We asked Elijah a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office.

May Employee Spotlight: Elijah Jolley

April 27, 2022

BLM Employee Elijah Jolley

This month, we are spotlighting our job manager, Elijah Jolley! We asked Elijah a few questions about what he enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what he had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
Hearing that we do a good job and that customers love the work we provide.

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
Caring about customers and doing whatever it takes to get the job done right.

What have you gained from working at BLM?
More experience in the construction field and a new group of talented people who work in the field.

What are your hobbies?
Riding motorcycles, hanging out with my club, shooting, and fishing.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
To travel back to Alaska. I was there for a month or so in the Marine Corps and loved it. I want to spread my father’s ashes up there.

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
If I’m not working or out on the motorcycle, I like being at my house the most.

April Employee Spotlight: Kate Melder

BLM Employee Kate Melder

This month, we are spotlighting our marketing and brand manager, Kate! We asked Kate a few questions about what she enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what she had to say:

What do you like most about your job?

Everything! I love being able to do marketing and branding while growing and learning as an interior designer. I love every aspect about my job, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be the creative freedom. I’m always doing something new and trying things that push me out of my comfort zone. It’s very rewarding.

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?

The quality of craftsmanship, communication, and responsiveness. Whether working on a job or in the office, everyone here goes above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations. 

What have you gained from working at BLM?

A second family! Heidi and Barry have built such a positive work environment full of hard-working, motivated, fun, and kind people. I absolutely love coming into work every day knowing I’m doing something I enjoy and working with great people. 

What are your hobbies?

Reading, writing, trail walking, and antique shopping. 

What is at the top of your bucket list?

I want to take a road trip along the Pacific Northwest!

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?

The Hive Coffeehouse and Cafe! I love taking my laptop or a book there to get things done and be productive. I also really like Deja Brew in New Oxford.

March Employee Spotlight: Sherry Baer

BLM Employee Sherry Baer

This month, we are spotlighting our controller and HR manager, Sherry Baer! We asked Sherry a few questions about what she enjoys doing both at home and at the office. Here’s what she had to say:

What do you like most about your job?
The people! It is so refreshing to work in an environment where everyone makes you feel comfortable  and “at home”! They truly make you feel like family.

What is one quality that sets BLM Construction apart from competitors?
I am personally not too familiar with other construction companies in our area as I am new to working in this field. But I can say that BLM Construction prides itself on doing whatever it takes  to ensure each and every job is completed to their customer’s satisfaction.

What have you gained from working at BLM Construction?
We all know that not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy what they do for a living or who they work for. But BLM Construction has shown me that there are still employers who appreciate and value their employees and that I am very privileged to be a part of that circle.

What are your hobbies?
Designing, decorating, landscaping, remodeling, and crafts.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
To complete my own home renovations so that I can spend more time playing.

Where is your favorite place to go in York, PA?
Lowe’s!!