It’s Memorial Day Weekend in Pittsburgh. That means it is time to pack up the family and participate in all of the wonderful events that are planned around the city.  Here is a list of activities that are fun for the whole family.

Be sure to check back. We will continue to add things as we hear of them.

Events

There are plenty of things happening this weekend. Here is an overview of  our favorite events each day.

Activity Ideas

Did we miss anything? Please let us know on our Facebook page.

The anticipation is over as Heartland Homes has revealed the initial five new luxury home designs in its ‘diamond’ series.  The homes are available to build in certain communities throughout Allegheny, Butler & Washington counties and at the Summit at Cheat Lake in Morgantown, West Virginia.

With feedback from previous home buyers, Heartland designed the new homes with the customer and their family in mind.  Open and spacious floor plans, second to none curb appeal and many luxuries included are the highlights.

A few of the standard luxuries that come included in the new series of homes are:

• Granite kitchen countertops
• Kitchen islands
• Hardwood floors in the kitchen, foyer, hallway and powder room
• 9′ ceilings on all floors
• Ceramic floors in the master bathroom
• Many more…

Click on the individual links below for specifics on each home design:

• Chapel Hill
• Empress
• Kingsmill
• Remington Place
• Wynterhall

For more information on where you can build these new luxury homes, contact our new home specialists and they can answer any questions you may have.

The over the range microwave or “microhood” for short is something seen in many homes today. Where did it come from, and what purpose does it serve? Even after extensive research we were not able to determine exactly when it was brought to market. It certainly would have been sometime after 1970 when microwaves in general began to become a common site in homes across the country. While they may be practical and inexpensive, at Heartland Homes we think the era of the microhood has long since passed, and that we have a better solution for our home owners.A traditional microwave sits on a countertop or inside of a cabinet where the underside is not exposed. However, a microhood serves the function of a microwave and a vent hood for the range or built in cooktop below. That makes it a very cost effective solution for how to deal with the steam generated from cooking on the stove below. It also frees up counter space by hanging the microwave in the air. There are, however, two big problems.

The first problem is that often the microhood is not properly vented, or simply not strong enough to properly pull the vapor from the stove. This can cause excess condensation to build up in the kitchen while cooking. The second problem is one of aesthetic design. Even when clad in stainless steel, microhoods are by no means attractive and can take away from an otherwise beautiful kitchen design. It is because of these two reasons that, regardless of the extra cost, every home in Heartland’s new Diamond Series will include built-in appliances and a European inspired cabinet hood that is properly vented to the outside of the home.

The cabinet hood is beautiful, the separate hood vents much better, and our home owners can enjoy a luxurious built-in look from their wall oven and microwave. The microwave is now placed above the oven giving the appearance of double wall ovens. The microwave can be upgraded to a combination microwave and convection oven, or a second wall oven can be added below the cook top (note: unattractive free standing ranges are also gone!). Even better, every home in the Diamond Series comes in stainless steel at no additional charge. This kind of attention to detail is just one example of why we say that “luxury has arrived” with this new series of homes – available in just a few days! We can’t wait to show you all the amazing features we have packed into these homes and the amazing value we can offer them to you for. Pittsburgh has never seen anything like this.

Want to be on our VIP list for additional information, schedule an appointment, or have questions for us? Feel free to contact one of our new home specialists any time by calling 724-949-0079 or send them a message by clicking on the contact button in the top right corner. We can’t wait to talk to you!

Searching for a new or used home in Pittsburgh should be a piece of cake, right?  Even though we may be floating above water in the housing market statistically, it still can be quite a process determining which location to vacate to especially with so many options in Western PA.  Having to search for commute times to listing prices or even home values based on county can be a hassle.  With this guide you will get a chance to see Pittsburgh homes at a glance and hopefully save some time deciding where makes you feel most at home.

How’s that for an overview of real estate in Pittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh region? Let’s examine the findings and what they mean for home buyers and sellers in the area.

(more…)

The spring showers might only be settling in for the season but homeowners across Greater Pittsburgh are excited to have the winter weather behind them. We can finally begin to talk about those pleasant summer thoughts that kept us going for the past six months. It’s spring, everyone!

Nancy Barsotti, who was mentioned in our best Pittsburgh design blogger article, provided us with some design-inspired tips for making the most of our favorite outdoor spaces.

Nancy’s Patio Design Tips

Outdoor furnishings have come a long way from wrought iron and redwood.  My new favorites are the many styles made of weather resistant fiber woven over powder coated aluminum frames.  From contemporary European styles to the more traditional curved wicker, the furniture is both elegant and functional.  This advanced fiber resists Ultra-violet light, moisture and bacteria.  It will not tear, snag or fade and is available in an array of colors.  Whether you choose the upscale designs of Brown and Jordan or the more affordable Crate and Barrel, you can find a style to suit your taste and budget.  I also like the FSC-certified solid eucalyptus wood finished with polyurethane stains with comfortable cushions from Pottery Barn as well as the time-tested teak.  The “Mateo Collection” from Richard Schultz features anodized aluminum with an elastomeric mesh that will look and wear beautifully for years.

One of the best ways to accent these furnishings is with fabric.  I know I am dating myself, but I can remember when the choice was just a few solid colors and stripes that looked like awnings.  Wow! Now there are endless patterns and colors from companies such as Sunbrella and the designer lines like Kravet and Schumacher.  Whether you favor a Victorian style floral, a bold Marimekko print, a retro geometric, vivid stripes or a Bali-inspired botanical design, there is no excuse to have a boring backyard or plain porch.

Skyline Designs have you covered with cushions made from polyurethane outdoor foam, marine quality zippers and even UV resistant thread and covers to protect from the elements and dirt, which I still recommend when the furniture is not in use.

Fire pits add so much glow and warmth to the outdoor setting.  If space permits, a built-in fireplace of stone or brick, surrounded by benches or chairs, is a nice gathering place.  For smaller spaces, there are fire bowls made of steel by Colombo Construction and even a “Vesta” Fire Table by Stone Forest.  Many local garden stores have these and other selections.

For the dedicated grill chef, the outdoor kitchen is the latest and most popular addition to your entertaining prowess.  Companies such as Kalamazoo, Wolf, Subzero and Fire King will make sure you don’t have to set foot inside your indoor kitchen all summer long.  Long-gone are charcoal grills, replaced by stainless steel gas grills of all sizes and configurations, warming drawers, side burners for pots, refrigerators and icemakers.  Like most things, the sky is the limit and the choices go from simple to fancy, affordable to expensive.

For some afternoon sun shading umbrellas look no further than Tuuci.  They make an amazing dual-cantilever parasol that opens in a variety of ways and sizes and folds seamlessly.  It is available in a range of Sunbrella fabrics and colors. Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel are good sources too.

Accessories always make the room.  Poufs that recall slouch knit hats designed by a Dutch textile designer and made by Bonnet remind me of fancy beanbag chairs.  Side chairs by Janus et Cie, “Forest” and “Rion,” are fun designs of powder-coated aluminum in great colors.  Pillows of different sizes and shapes of the above –mentioned outdoor fabrics would be the best pick-me-ups for your existing furniture.  Polypropylene outdoor rugs of will set-off seating and dining areas.  Hammocks of colorful weaves or macramé are popular again. There are even contemporary takes on them such as Seora’s marine plywood on a stainless frame. Colorful dinnerware set on rattan mats is the perfect finishing touch.  My all-time favorite is Fiesta Ware.  Last week I attended the Tabletop Show in New York and saw Fiesta’s latest color – flamingo.  It was paired with other recent colors – peacock blue, lemongrass, tangerine, sunflower and ivory. I love combining all of them for a fabulous riot of color on the table.

Don’t forget the all-important statement of lighting.  Rotoluxe makes illuminated stands and planters of recycled plastic powered by the sun.  Like the comet, “Halley’ by Vibia is an arch of LED lighting on configurable metal poles.  They can be used in the yard, over a table or seating area.

Takeaways

As Nancy points out, the opportunities are endless but one thing is absolute: the perfect patio is available. We suggest that you use these rainy days to prepare for the sunny ones because summer is just around the corner. Fingers crossed!

This coming May will signal a brand new era in luxury homes in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania.  Heartland Homes will unveil its new series of high end luxury homes then – this level of luxury homes has never been seen in the Pittsburgh market before.

Heartland Homes has always focused on luxury and quality – but these new home designs will take it to a whole new level.

There will be higher end finishing’s included with every home; further the layout and floor plans of the homes themselves will be incredibly unique.

“We listened to our new and repeat customers and they told us they wanted more high-end amenities as included items,” explained Kevin Oakley, Market Manager for Heartland.

The new series of homes will include luxurious open floor plans that have modern kitchen layouts with granite kitchen countertops, gourmet kitchen islands and built-in stainless steel appliances – all included!

Other highlights include 9-foot ceilings on all floors, spacious master retreats, a high-end trim package and hardwood & tile floors in every home.

More details on the new series of luxury homes will be available soon!

Stay connected to Heartland Homes!
Like us on Facebook – Follow us on Twitter – Find us on Pinterest

Pittsburgh was a booming steel town for the better part of the 20th century, providing an influx of people, money and new real estate.  As these homes find themselves over the hill, or even the century mark, it leaves residents searching for ways to update them into this millennium.  As you drift off to dream of a new sun room or finished basement, it is also best to prepare for the building permit process.  One major step must be taken for each home renovation, however: obtaining a building permit.  Greater Pittsburgh has its own set of standards in place for the use of land and getting a residential building permit to change a home, so be sure to follow protocol.  Let’s discuss the permit process.

Before You Leave the House

When do I actually need a permit? According to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection, individuals require permits “prior to the construction, enlargement, alteration, or repair of any building, structure, or part thereof.”

What if I am hiring someone? Regardless of whether you’re hiring a contractor or doing the work yourself, the building permit still is essential, even if the project is small.  Now, the contractor may help with the process, but it is important to know what the Bureau office needs.

• Address of the job site
• Owner’s contact details
• Residential permit application
• Deck worksheet, if applicable, indicating proposed size and material makeup
• Check of money order
• Building plot plan, in case an occupancy permit will be required
• Construction plans, including drawings and blueprints, possibly signed by contractor
• Contractor registration, if a contractor is to be used

At the Bureau of Building Inspection

Using the map above, look for the public parking lot located east of the Bureau of Building Inspection on the Boulevard of the Allies. Once inside, use the map below to guide yourself toward the Zoning Office.

1.  Zoning Office.  Pittsburgh residents wishing to perform a remodel and obtain a building permit must start the process with the Zoning Office.  Different classifications of zoning exist in Pittsburgh, and this office will need to review your project plans to approve your permit eligibility and determine whether or not an occupancy permit is needed, too.  Occupancy permits are usually required when the building serves as more than a single family home and must be obtained before proceeding with the project.

• As-of-right Development Approval: Building plans are in line with the city’s zoning regulations and the Bureau doesn’t need to take additional action
• Administrator’s Exception Approval: The Bureau notes things in the building plan that do not strictly meet the established zoning code, however may apply exceptions listed in the code.
• Special Exception Approval: The plan does not conform to zoning regulations or established exceptions and will therefore need approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustments prior to permit issuance and building.
• Conditional Use Exception: The zoning hearing board may require conditions to be met for approval on special exception cases, which will potentially be approved by the city council after a hearing with the planning commission.

2.  File Room.  Upon obtaining zoning approval, building permit applicants will have to head over to the file room office at the Bureau.  This office has one simple duty: to check and see if any code violations occurred on the applicant’s part.

3.  Engineer’s Counter.  Here is where your actual permit application will be taken from you.  If it’s easier, download the permit form online prior to going out for the permit and fill it out.  Otherwise, the application can be completed with the engineer or technician who is looking over your plans.  Sometimes building plans must be considered further, in which case they will be put into Plan Check and held for a few weeks prior to granting or denial of the permit.

4.  Licensing and Cashier.  Congratulations!  If you make it to the licensing phase, you’re well on your way to obtaining a building permit for your home’s project.  The only thing left to do here is to show the land engineer’s approval and pay for the building permit.   Sorry, no plastic accepted at the counter.  So, what’s this gonna cost me?  That depends on what you’re building.  Most homes would likely fall into the R2 category for single-family homes, R3 and R4 being for 2-family homes like a townhouse.

With permit in-hand, builders are free to begin their projects.  Different inspections of the job site may be required through the duration of the project, however, and builders must comply.

• Footer Inspection.  When trenches are dug out and reinforcement is laid, an inspection may be conducted prior to placing a footer or pouring concrete.
• Rough-In Inspection.  Any work done on the home involving wiring will require this, as it is an inspection of the wiring system.  This will have to be done prior to installing insulation and drywall over the wiring to ensure safety and functionality.
• Final Inspection.  Once the project is completed, an inspector may wish to check the finished work, noting measurements from the building’s footing to the top of the wall.

Acquiring a residential building permit is a thorough process, but it’s all in the name of abiding by Pittsburgh’s land and building regulations.  When all is said and done, your project will be underway and soon you could be enjoying a new pool, deck, second floor addition or many other home upgrades!

It’s your home.  You live, play and sometimes even work in it.  That’s why it has to be our own.  It has to complement our lifestyles and personalities so it is the most comfortable (or inspiring or welcoming) place in the world.  There are several fantastic DIY and design blogs in Pittsburgh that illustrate how every family can construct an atmosphere that fits them.  Here are some of our local favorites.

DIY Show Off

DIY Show Off is maintained by a self-proclaimed DIY addict named Roeshel, who credits her own motivations as being the owner of a big old farmhouse in need of lots of TLC, having a strong desire for creativity and possessing a love of shopping and planning.  For the frugal consumer in all of us, Roeshel shares low-cost, easy projects that will add some zest to any home and make it better-organized.  Even better, her blog provides actual tutorials for the “noobs” of DIY.

Roeshel was proud to share a few details of one of her upcoming projects, adding that there’s always something in the works.  Next she will begin a handful of fixes, including an open pantry as well as installing built-in shelving in her own family room.  Check back soon; she will surely post about it!

Rocket City Digs

Rocket City Digs is a DIY blog run by a San Franciscan-turned-Pittsburgher mother of two who loves to share her myriad of craft and home projects with others.  Jody was first inspired to blog about her DIY adventures upon realizing that her former 680-square foot apartment in California would be a challenge to renovate while maintaining its get artsy flair.  Luckily for Jody, her husband (often referred to as RocketMan on the blog) and children found a larger abode in Pittsburgh a year ago with a bit more room to move.  Her blog shares everything from cooking adventures to baby product reviews to easy and affordable DIY projects.

Jody’s most recent, ongoing project is a family effort, involving not only Jody but also RocketMan and his father.  Unhappy with the large slab of an island in the kitchen, the family has been renovating it, or as Jody says, “Prototyping.”  More details about the new island are already available on Rocket City Digs, and Jody says the next phase will involve getting her hands on the right materials to coordinate with her unique vintage steel cabinetry.

Nancy Barsotti

Run by a professional interior designer, the Barsotti website and blog features a treasure trove of knowledge for design pros and novices.  Nancy Barsotti has undertaken design projects of every size and scale, from in-home renovations to commercial improvements to staging.  She operates two design locations in New York and Pittsburgh, and is able to lend a professional point of view to home owners seeking a change.  Visiting Nancy’s site gives readers the option to either hire her for design services or gain useful project tips via the blog.  As to why she loves interior design and sharing her expertise with readers, Nancy simply says, “You should be proud of your home and you should endeavor to make it proud of you.”  Her favorite projects include working on older homes, as she enjoys the dual challenge of creating a modern livable space and preserving a home’s original design.

Nancy, an active interior designer, has several projects in the works right now.  Focusing in on her in-home endeavors, she told us about refurbishing a modern North Hills home, renovating furnishings for a spacious abode in the South Hills and fixing up the game room, kitchen and bathroom in a mid-century home.

Did this satisfy your hunger for DIY and design?  Now is the best time to think about home improvement projects, as spring is nearly here—giving us a much-needed energy boost—and the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show just happened, undoubtedly getting the wheels turning in the minds of countless Do-It-Yourselfers in Pittsburgh.  So stretch those creative muscles and find a new home project!

With digital tablets and iPads being of second nature to many, we have designed new and improved interactive digital tablet tours for our model homes!  Virtually walk through our beautifully crafted homes 24/7 from the comfort of your own home with a nice hot cup of coffee in hand.

Scroll through stunning photography, read ­about our thriving new communities, watch community videos, save your favorite features, customize your dream home and get new ideas!  Our custom “hot spots” are strategically placed throughout each room that hopefully will answer any questions you have – whether it be about a paint color, light fixture family, hardwood finish, plumbing feature or color of granite countertops.

The unveiling of our new tablet tours will be held on Saturday, March 23^rd at Summerbrooke’s New Haven model home from 12pm – 3pm.  Come join us for an afternoon of fun!  You will have a chance to walk through our model, favorite items you like, play our “Hot Spot” treasure hunt, win great prizes and enter to win the grand prize!

For more information on this event, please call Jodie McCormick at 412-945-1316 or email her at JAMcCormick@HeartlandCustomHomes.com.

This past weekends weather was a nice preview to spring 2013.  Recently, Heartland Homes offered a preview of its new upcoming communities and new innovative floor plans in the spring edition of Heartland Homes Magazine.

Along with stunning photography of the New Haven model home in North Strabane Township and the Savannah model home in Adams Township, Heartland gave a glance of its new series of homes – codenamed ‘project diamond’.  Through feedback of home owners and nearly 30 years of building knowledge, the new home designs will be light-years beyond what any other home builder can offer.

Open floor plans to meet today’s family’s needs, modern kitchen layouts, spacious master retreats, higher end details and incomparable curb appeal are just a few of the features of the new homes.

In addition, get a glimpse of the new community locations, learn about how all Heartland Homes are energy star tested and find out which townships have the highest increase in home value in the Pittsburgh area.

Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on March 3^rd, the magazine is now available to view online.

Click on the following link for the full screen version: Heartland Homes Magazine – Spring 2013 Edition.