Which Is Right: Building New or Renovating?

If you are a homeowner and you’re finding that your existing living space just doesn’t work anymore, you may be asking yourself: Should I do a gut renovation of my current home to suit my changing needs, or start fresh and build new

Of course, at Weaver Homes, we believe that building new is almost always the right answer, but we also know that there are situations where a renovation is a family’s best option. In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each. In the end, if you decide that building new in 2022 is right for you, then connect with us; we’d be honored to be your home builder!

Building New

A new home looks great, works perfectly, and even smells good, but it has even more going for it than meets the eye. 

PROS

  • More Control — You’ll have more control over your project, from the design and layout to how it flows and functions. 
  • All-New Everything — We’re talking about what’s in the walls — insulation, wiring, plumbing, and systems. 
  • Up to Code — Everything in your home will meet or exceed existing building codes — no retrofitting involved.
  • Streamlined Process — Once your design plans are set, sit back and let the process unfold.
  • Fixed Cost — Once selections are made, there’s no danger of going over budget. 
  • Built-in Resale Value — New homes are built to appeal to a wide audience, so it’s easier to sell years from now if necessary; the value is already built in.

CONS

  • More Expensive — A new build may be perceived as more expensive than a gut renovation; but this is actually a misconception! When you build new, you get to decide up front exactly what your costs are and that doesn’t always mean more money. 
  • Longer Timeframe — This is another misconception. Most of the time, the renovation takes longer than anticipated.

Renovating

If you’re in a neighborhood that you love or absolutely must stay in (for the school district or to be close to family, for example), doing a gut renovation of your existing home may be the best choice. Our best advice is to plan ahead, prepare for the unexpected, and over-budget, since renovation projects are notoriously unpredictable. But there are a few pros, too.

PROS

    • Add Value to Your Home — If done properly, a gut renovation can add to your existing home value. But you have to be very careful not to spend more than your home’s max value.
    • Perceived Shorter Timeframe — Small renovations can be done in a short time frame, but gutting and rebuilding takes much longer than anyone anticipates. Just ask anyone who has ever done it!
  • No Moving — Stay in the neighborhood without having to relocate.

 

CONS

    • Less Control — There are more design restrictions because you’re bound by the size and structure of your existing house.
    • Unpredictable — You can never be sure what you’ll run into once you start tearing down  walls and ripping up flooring.
    • Costlier Than Expected — The older the building, the more costly it is to renovate, because you’ll need to bring everything up to code. There may even be mitigation work required if there is lead paint or asbestos involved. 
    • Inconvenient — You may need to move out of the home or lose access to an important room for a time, such as the kitchen or a bathroom.
    • Overwhelming — If the homeowner assumes the role of Project Manager and is managing the process and contractors, it can get overwhelming very quickly.
    • May Not Add Value — The renovation may not always translate to increased home value, especially if the design is too personal or the use too niche.
  • Easy to go over budget — According to the 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends, one-third of renovations go over budget. 

 

At the end of the day, you’ll make the decision that’s best for you and your family. And if that decision is to build a new home in Greater Pittsburgh that’s personalized to your unique lifestyle, Weaver Homes is ready to offer you a home designed to your heart’s content! Contact us to learn more about our building process and customizable features. 

What To Do On Your Summer Staycation in Butler County

Forget far away summer vacations — let’s talk about staying home! In your new Weaver home in one of our carefree Lifestyle Communities or spacious Single-Family Communities, you don’t have to endure hours of travel or break your wallet to experience the fun and freedom of a vacation. 

 

Take a look at a few of our favorite ways to enjoy a summer staycation (and entertain family and friends when they visit) in Butler County.

 

OUTDOOR FUN 

Moraine State Park | Portersville

Moraine offers just about every outdoor activity: biking, boating, disc golf, fishing, geocaching, hiking, picnicking, swimming, windsurfing and more. 

Jennings Environmental Education Center | Slippery Rock

Jennings is the only protected prairie in the state and is home to the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. Enjoy year-round hikes on the 5-mile trail system.

 

CAMPING

Lake Arthur Family Campground | Slippery Rock

However you like to camp, there’s a site for you: Full hook-up; water & electric only; a simple spot in the woods for your tent. Or ditch the tent and go for the rustic cabin! Check out the playground, game area & campground store, too. 

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest Campground | Harrisville

From basic tents to RVs, rental cabins to yurts… this campground has it all. 170 shaded sites with electric service, a swimming pool, a bike track, a store, a playground, fire rings, a full schedule of activities and games. 

 

MUSEUMS

The Maridon Museum | Butler 

The only museum in Western PA with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture.

Harmony Museum | Harmony, PA 

Discover the big history of a little town. Explore the 1809 main building, the Harmony Society cemetery, and the Mennonite meetinghouse and cemetery.

The Old Stone House | Slippery Rock

A historic inn and museum of rural life. The Stone House has served as a local post office, and was a muster point during the Civil War. 

The Evans City Area Historical Society | Evans City 

Artifacts and memorabilia relating to the area’s oil boom and railroads. 

 

Glasses of rose wine seen during a friendly party of a celebration.

WINERIES | BREWERIES | DISTILLERIES 

Winfield Winery | Cabot 

An award-winning winery in beautiful, rural Cabot, near Saxonburg. Sampling and tastings encouraged! 

Long Run Winery | Slippery Rock 

A small boutique winery offering a relaxing setting to sample a variety of red, white, and specialty wines.

Missing Links Brewery | Renfrew

Enjoy a variety of craft beers brewed on site, plus a brewpub with a full menu of made to order dishes. 

Stick City Brewing Company | Mars

A simple, family-friendly atmosphere to appreciate high quality and fresh modern beer styles. They support local social and environmental movements, too. 

Big Spring Spirits | Seven Fields

A community-centric craft distillery, producing locally-sourced whiskey, gin and vodka. Visit the Tasting Room and try one of their signature craft cocktails. 

DR Distillery | Slippery Rock 

Handcrafted & distilled whiskies & vodka, made with techniques handed down through generations.

Proudly bringing the craft of small batch whiskey production back to Western PA. 

Live Near Your Grandkids in the Greater Pittsburgh Area!

If you’re a grandparent, you know there’s no happier sight than the smiles of your grandkids after a long time apart. But who says that you have to wait months (or even years) in between these special visits? Today, more baby boomers than ever are relocating to cities like Pittsburgh to be closer to their families — because you shouldn’t have to miss another moment of watching your little ones grow up!

At Weaver Homes, we believe that a great place to live improves your happiness, which is why we’ve built beautiful communities in none other than the vibrant, lively Pittsburgh area. We have lifestyle and single-family communities built for every stage of life. Five low-maintenance communities (and one on the way), Millcreek Farms in Valencia, The Villas at Spring Valley in Zelienople, Heritage Crossings in Sarver, The Villas at Forest Oaks in Butler, and Hidden Falls in Fox Chapel are waiting with open arms to welcome you home! 

 

In these fabulous areas of Pittsburgh, you’ll find that life has never been so exciting… and so relaxing. In one day, you can make a short trip to explore a botanical garden, see a show, browse a museum, sight-see on a trolley tour, and indulge in a gourmet meal, and come home to a community that loves you right back — with resort-style amenities and all of the peace and privacy you know and love. 

And of course, with your family close by, you always have the option to do the things you love with your grandchildren! In your family-friendly home, you can enjoy brunch in your cozy kitchen or private back patio before taking the little ones to the community pool to splash around in or the clubhouse for fun games. After that, a whole world of family-friendly fun is waiting right in town! You don’t have to go too far to take them to see a baseball or a hockey game either! 

Staying close to your grandkids offers a whole other benefit besides taking them around the city for its many amenities. You can enjoy the simple pleasures of watching them grow up. Be there to support your grandkids at their upcoming sports games, school plays, and any other monumental events throughout their childhood. 

 

As we all know, kids can say and do the darnedest things. Being able to live near your grandkids will keep your mind sharp and your body active. And though you’re happy to have your own, private space at home, it’s nice to share and expand your happiness with those you love most, your family – especially your grandkids!

 

If you’re thinking about right-sizing your life and making your most exciting move yet, imagine how incredible it would be to have your grandkids just a short car ride away, as opposed to a plane. When you’re so close in proximity, you’ll never have to miss another birthday, recital, game, or special moment again… 

 

Are you ready to live your best life yet — with your family right by your side? All of us can’t wait to meet you and get started! We know you’ll love a personalized and cozy home as much as your neighbors here do. For more information on our low-maintenance homes and communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area, please connect with us today.

Top 3 Points of Interest Near Hidden Falls in Pennsylvania

Every year, thousands of people of all ages move to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. A diverse county with a combination of urban, suburban and rural characteristics, it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Fox Chapel, a borough just 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is a booming area of the county, and the ideal location for Weaver Homes’ newest Lifestyle Community, Hidden Falls

When it comes to choosing where to build Lifestyle Communities, we always think about what our active adult residents want the most: convenience, active living, easy access to everything. Hidden Falls ticks all the boxes; there are parks and trails, tennis clubs and golf clubs, healthcare and medical facilities, and highways such as Route 8, Route 28, and the PA Turnpike. 

There are plenty of great attractions nearby. From major cities to quaint historical sites, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together our top 3 points of interest to help you get to know Hidden Falls in Fox Chapel, PA. 

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve

Beechwood Farms lies just a short walk from Hidden Falls. With its luscious woodlands and carefully managed habitats, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers. It also has educational facilities, a library and DiscoverGround Nature Play Area. This reserve is managed by the Audubon Society and provides a home for plenty of local plants and animals. 

 

Oakmont Bakery

If exploring all that nature has helped you build up an appetite, it’s time to grab a bite to eat. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, head on down to Oakmont Bakery, one of the finest eateries in the state.

For many years, the folks here have been producing a wide variety of treats sure to get your taste buds tingling. They sell all kinds of cakes and other confections, and you can choose to take your food away or sit and eat among the light, airy surroundings of the bakery’s café. Oakmont Bakery is located in Oakmont, just a 10-minute drive from Hidden Falls. 

Breads, buns, croissants. Bakery ingredients on wooden background. Breakfast food concept. Top view

 

City of Pittsburgh

This booming metropolis has something for everyone. There are great museums, like the Andy Warhol Museum, and fascinating historic sites, like the Fort Pitt Block House. There are also some excellent things to eat, including the burgers and sandwiches Pittsburgh is known for.  If you’ve never spent much time in the Steel City, it might be time to change that. There’s something new around every corner, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

 

Enjoy Easy Access to Everything With a Great Home at Hidden Falls

If you want to enjoy all of the food and fun, nature and history offered in Fox Chapel and its surrounds, Hidden Falls by Weaver Homes is the answer. We offer a variety of single-level patio homes designed for easier living, with wider hallways, comfort height countertops, lever door handles and other safety and comfort features. 

From peaceful moments on private outdoor patios to daily walks along the trails, Hidden Falls residents will enjoy the benefits of a healthy, low maintenance lifestyle, complimented by the warm feeling of living in a close knit community, not to mention being near everything they need in Allegheny County. Connect with us to learn more about living at Hidden Falls in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania.

Featured Floor Plan: Portico Plus

At Weaver Homes, we understand that your home isn’t just where you retreat for privacy and shelter; it’s also where you relax, entertain, and spend precious moments alone, with family, or with a significant other. That’s why we take great pride in designing homes built for whatever lifestyle and stage of life you’re in. 

Each home is built with special attention to how it will be used. Open floor concepts, spacious living and kitchen spaces, and a private den are some of the features you can expect to find in many of our floor plans. No matter which floor plan you choose, there’s a space perfect for everything you need – and all of the things you want!

While each floor plan has its own unique features, we want to shine a spotlight on one of these specially designed floor plans, Portico Plus. Read on for a few highlights of choosing this floor plan.

Enlarged Kitchen, Living Room, and Garage

The Portico Plus shows that bigger can be better, especially when it comes to your living space. The kitchen, living room, and dining area are typically the main hangout spaces of the home, so why not go a little bigger?

With a larger kitchen island, you can enjoy cooking a variety of delicious meals while still being able to converse with guests and family. Additional cabinets and drawers within the island help provide plenty of extra storage space for cooking appliances and utensils. Maybe even use a drawer to easily access a catalog of family-favorite recipes.

Nothing says storage like a large 2-car garage. One of the amazing features of the Portico Plus versus the original Portico plan is the larger garage space. Whether you decide to actually use it for cars or not, there’s a ton of leftover storage. Fill it with car cleaning supplies, workout equipment, or even transform it into the ultimate man cave.

There are multiple top-quality windows throughout this floor plan, but the larger ones included in the living room and dining areas allow incredibly abundant natural light to shine through. It makes the home feel even more open and inviting. This spacious living room area can become the anchor for many delightful parties or a relaxing movie night on the couch. And the dining room can be used for more than eating. Clear the table and get ready for a fun game night with the whole family.

 

Private Space For Everyone

One of the greatest aspects of this unique plan is that it provides more than enough private space for everyone in your family while fostering connection at the same time. With the owner’s suite on the first floor, you can enjoy all the benefits of easy, one-level living. The private den provides a nice, spacious area for quiet working, reading, meditation, or whatever calming activity you enjoy. 

The second floor option has a bonus suite that is the ultimate spot for hosting vacationing family members and overnight guests. With its own living area, bathroom, study, and walk-in closet, you may have guests wanting to stay longer than expected.

 

Outdoor Living Space

There are endless spaces in this floor plan to retreat to, but if that’s not enough, the outdoor living spaces offer even more options for spending some alone as well as with close friends and family. 

Spend warm, glorious mornings out on the wide, open back patio. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing moment outdoors in the fresh air. Add a charcoal firepit to heat up in the cooler months, or a bistro table set to host a quaint brunch. It can be easily accessed from the owner’s suite or dining room areas.

If you prefer, you can opt for an extended covered front porch to keep out of the heat while still enjoying a warm, sunny day. Grab a refreshing lemonade and a small snack. With room for a small bench and ottoman, you won’t need much to enjoy the outdoor spaces of this floor plan.

When you’re ready to build or move to a home with floor plans that keep buyers’ needs and wants in mind, come to Weaver Homes in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We treat our buyers like family, so you know you’re getting a truly customized home. If the Portico Plus floor plan seems like the right fit for you and your family, it will be available in our upcoming communities, Hidden Falls and Lakeside Village. Connect with us today to learn more about this and other unique floor plans!