Pittsburgh Custom Homes

The advantages of building your own home in Pittsburgh

admin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When one builds their own home there are numerous advantages that come with it. At the top of the list is the fact that you can add or remove fixtures and furnishings as often as you would like. This means that instead of living with another person’s bad taste, as the home builder in Pittsburgh there is room for adjustment.

Building ones own home also means that the personality and creativity of the builder will come through as the project unfolds. Whether the house is a simple structure or a complex building building constructing your own property gives you the room to express yourself with ease.Didn’t catch that? This explains it.

Additionally, when an individual builds their own home in Pittsburgh, the construction can be done at ones own pace. This makes the process less stressful and ensures that the best materials are used for the construction process as per their availability.

Lastly, building your own home means that value addition can be done onto the property itself. As an example, solar panels can be added onto the abode as well as other forms of green energy that will make the house more efficient and cost effective.

In conclusion, it is indeed better to build your own house than buy one that has been built by someone else.

3 things you need to know before designing a custom home in Pittsburgh

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you are looking into building your new home there is three things you need to know. You need to know your builder, know if your personality is suited to whats being built, and you should always know what your budget is. Do not hesitate to check out the person(s) doing the building. You can do checks with the Better Business Bureau. Check to see if the builder is a member of the Home Builders Association. If the builder is a member then they have agreed to a set of industry standards for construction and repairs and should abide by these standards. Some builders require a large down payment so you should call around. You should also make sure you do plenty of research before signing any papers. Some buyers are just not suited to building a new home and find their selfs regretting they began the project. Although, if you can handle the stress of things not always going exactly as planned, it is definitely worth the effeort. The most critical part is budgeting no matter where you have decided to build your new home. You will not always be accepting of fixtures, appliances, and possibly even the carpet. Just remember you have a budget for a reason and things like that can always be upgraded latter down the road. It is much more difficult to add footage to your home afterwards than to update an appliance.

Top 5 custom home designers in Pittsburgh

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are many custom home designers all over the world but the top five custom home designers are five of the custom home designers that have their businesses located in Pittsburgh. This is not because these designers were professionally trained by some big time custom home designer or because these custom home designers are the only ones that know specialty shops.
The main reasons that the custom home designers in Pittsburgh actually seem to pay attention to customers, do everything they have to in order to satisfy their customers, and these custom home designers are spectacular at what they do. Instead of simply grabbing onto a customers original idea and making it into their own these five custom home designers in Pittsburgh go by exactly what the customer wants.
On top of doing all they have to in order to satisfy their customers and doing their job pretty well perfectly the five custom home designers in Pittsburgh try their best to insure that their customers are going to love their custom home design once it has been finish and if a customer has a problem with anything that has been done these custom home designers always change the undesired aspects.

When Building a New Home, Don’t Forget…

admin — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Building a new home is stressful, and it’s easy to forget some important steps or get overly involved in seemingly unimportant details. Here are a few tips for novice homebuilders to remember when they’re knee deep in construction and blueprints…
Don’t neglect energy efficiency. Though it may cost more initially, you’ll be glad you sprung for the tankless hot water heater or energy efficient appliances in the long run. These improvements will save you money over time and possibly the hassle of buying a new roof or having to have all your windows replaced.
Keep your new house secure. Investing early on in a security system from a reputable company like adt security is a good idea, particularly here in Pittsburgh, and will help you keep your mind at ease when you first move in. Additionally, make sure your doors are fortified and your fences locked to keep any intruders from eyeing your goods during the move then breaking in.
Don’t forget the garden! Many people forget to consider landscaping when they’re building a new home but now’s the time to consider it. Consult with a landscape architect and determine when and where to plant sod, bushes and even trees so when you move in, the outside of your house will look as beautiful as the inside.

Eddy Homes Builders

www.pittsburghcustomhomes.com — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a custom home builder that believes that honesty and integrity are mainstays, then you might want to consider Eddy Homes as your next builder of choice. For four decades the builder has not only been building dreams, but they’ve been building their reputation on high standards for quality craftsmanship, personal service, and integrity.Believing that you should only surround yourself with the best, the builders only work with contractors and suppliers who share their business philosophy and pledge to deliver the best value for their clients’ investments.Additionally, Eddy Luxury Custom Homes adhere to the adage that beauty is more than skin-deep. As such, their finish work is unparalled in the industry and they know that what is “behind the walls is as important” as anything to the long-term value of a home.The company is currently building in four areas that can be distinguished by thyeir atytractive locations and innovative designs:The Crossing: Ideally located in the heart of Peters Township and set against the gorgeous vistas of Canonsburg Lake, The Crossings Luxury Custom Villa Homes provide homeowners maintenance-free first floor living. Packages start from 300,000.Scarlett Ridge: Situated on one of the highest ridges in Franklin Park Borough, Eddy Homes developed the community to act as the perfect backdrop for your new home. Packages start from 500,000.Brookwood Manor: Features Pittsburgh Luxury Custom Estate Homes in the prestigious Peters Township. Packages start from 900,000.Copper Creek: Secluded within a pristine nature reserve, Copper Creek is a scenic community situated on large, private acreages – from 3 to over 11 acres each. Copper Creek is located in the desirable North Allegheny School District in Marshall Township. Packages start from 1,200,000.If you want to open a dialogue with the home builder about your next custom home dream, why not give them a call at 412.221.0400?

Five Questions for Going Green at Home

www.pittsburghcustomhomes.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re in the market for a new home and are firmly strapped on to the green bandwagon you might want to consider incorporating the following questions into your repertoire when talking to builders, brokers, and agents. 1.What are the green features that you have in your basic homes? Can you explain each of them to me?2.What features are you using to consider our dwindling supply of natural resources when building this home?3.What types of native drought-tolerant plants and high efficiency drip irrigation systems are you using on the homes so that I will not have to spend as much money maintaining my landscape?4.What considerations were used to make this home energy efficient? 5.What features are you using to maintain good indoor air quality in this home?And should you want to stay in your current home but amp it up in green standards, you should make a personal checklist to ask yourself the following questions when it comes time to decide on which products to use: 1.Will this product make my home more energy efficient and/or comfortable? 2.Will this product save water? 3.Is this product safe for my family when I use it or after it is installed (or will it off-gas harmful chemicals)? 4.Is this product durable so I won’t have to keep replacing or repairing it frequently? 5.Is this product made from recycled materials and was it manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way?

New Home? Tackle the Garden Like a Pro

www.pittsburghcustomhomes.com — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:25:26 +0000

If you’re new to the area of Pittsburgh and have bought a home with large property, you might be wondering how to best landscape it. Why not take the guesswork out of it and learn to landscape like a pro by taking any one of the classes offered at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.Phipps offers certificate programs for those who either want personal knowledge or want to work toward an advanced level of knowledge within a continuing education format. Some highlights include a certificate in Sustainable Horticulture with the following classes included:

Listening to the Landscape: Using Nature’s Clues to Design a Garden that Works
Rare Plants and Plant Communities of Pennsylvania
From Art to Landscape, Unleashing Creativity in garden Design
Meadowscaping in Urban and Suburban Places
Perennials for Fall Color and interest
Developing a Woodland garden

These are but a few sample classes with many more being offered including a Children’s Program, a School & Teacher Program, and a Middle & High School Program.To borrow a quote from the center we bet that with the number of educational options available you’ll end up with a green thumb as varied as the Phipps gardens themselves!

Consider Eco-Friendly Options for Your New Home

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:14:06 +0000

In the last ten years, the “Go Green” movement has taken off, leading all different industries to consider ways to improve their energy efficiency. This has become such a focus within our society because of dwindling energy resources and the detrimental effects of our industrial world on the environment. The home building market has seen a recent shift towards eco-friendly practices such as using natural building materials, alternate sources of energy, and energy efficient appliances. These changes not only reduce your personal carbon footprint, but, in many cases, save money.Many homes today are made from man-made products such as vinyl siding and artificial hardwood floors. These materials usually create much more pollution during production than it takes to harvest natural materials. Sometimes toxic materials that make up these products have harmful affects on the people and animals that come in contact with them. Many construction companies now offer the use of recycled materials such as natural fiber insulation. Opting for natural wood for flooring and paneling is eco-friendly and creates a classic, natural look. You can also find a range of furniture and decorative items that are made with natural and recycled material. Many of the commonly used synthetic products found in household items are also known to burn faster in a fire than natural materials.Another easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is by stocking your new home with Energy Star products. The Environmental Protection Agency has established a system for rating the energy efficiency of household items such as appliances, electronics, and washers and dryers. Products that meet stringent test guidelines are awarded the Energy Star label. These items are usually competitively priced, and ones that are more expensive than average must make up the extra cost in energy savings within a reasonable time period. Incorporating these products into your home saves money on electricity and utility bills and allows you to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Today’s Popular Home Styles

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:19:54 +0000

The flexibility of most home builders gives you a range of choices as to the style of home you would like. Something more generic such as a colonial or country house can be created by most builders. But sometimes it can be helpful to get an idea of the design you’re interested in and then choose a builder that specializes in this style. If you still have no idea which route you want to take, look through a few of these popular options.Craftsman homes first emerged onto the scene in the early 1900s, but a recent resurgence in their popularity has brought them back with more distinct and creative styles. Though they can be found in two stories, the original craftsman style is traditionally one story. Porches with low hanging eves and exposed columns are signature features of this style.Another common style in today’s home market is French country. These homes usually feature some combination of stucco, brick, or stone on the exterior. Typically two-story, these homes often have numerous high eves for a castle-like look. French homes are designed with a very upscale, elegant appearance.Georgian architecture has also gained a prominent place in our neighborhoods. This is a style that has been used throughout the world for centuries. Many Georgian homes found today are older and have been remodeled or restored, but it has had a recent resurgence in some areas of the country, making it an extremely popular option. Georgian homes are often larger than many similar colonial designs. The Georgian style creates a very classic, symmetric look, and is typically made of brick. White columns and porches are also a distinct feature of these homes. One of the most favored aspects of the Georgian home is its welcoming, un-intimidating look.

It’s Time for Some Interior Design

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:31:27 +0000

You’ve just built or moved into the perfect house, now it’s time to fill it with furniture and add the personal touches you’ll come to associate with home. Decorating a new house isn’t easy. That’s why many families chose to hire interior designers to do all the dirty work. Instead of sorting through hundreds of fabrics or driving to furniture store after furniture store, let a professional select some tasteful options, then choose from a narrow selection that’s been handpicked to suit your style. We’ve compiled some local interior designers who are sure to turn your house into a home in no time.Arrangements with StyleThis professional interior design firm has been in business since December of 2003. Melodie Schooley, the owner and principal designer of the business, has been putting her West Virginia University degree in Interior Design to work for over ten years. Check out the beautiful homes Melodie and her coworkers have helped decorate in her online portfolio.Accents by AmyThis unique interior design company really listens to what you wantthen deliver it. Guaranteed to showcase your original style, Accents by Amy uses a hands-on approach to help you achieve your personal vision. The owner, Amy Thumpston, has been doing what she loves (helping others discover a sense of pride by putting a personal stamp on the places and spaces they live in) since October, 2001. Check out Amy’s portfolio to see what she can do for your home.Decorating Den InteriorsIf you’re looking for a nationally recognized, top of the line decorator, look no further. Decorating Den Interiors has been decorating homes and businesses in the US and Canada for 40 years. Their number one specialty: You. They aim to please by taking your lifestyle, your budget, and your tastes into consideration. Their goal: to “make the world more beautiful, one room at a time!” To see what Decorating Den can do, check out their before and after gallery at http://www.decoratingden.com/gallery/living-rooms.html.