Designing a Home for Pittsburgh Winters: Comfort, Efficiency & Durability
Pittsburgh’s hills and valleys offer scenic views all year long—but when winter arrives, the cold, snow, and fluctuating temperatures test every part of a home’s design. Building a home that stays warm, comfortable, and efficient in this climate requires more than just good insulation; it takes thoughtful cold climate home design that considers every detail—from […]
Building on a Slope: How to Turn a Challenging Lot into a Beautiful Hillside Home
With Pittsburgh’s rolling hills and river valleys, it’s common to find a beautiful piece of land that isn’t flat. Building on a slope can feel intimidating at first. There are structural, drainage, and cost considerations that differ from a flat site. Still, it also opens the door to a hillside home filled with natural light, […]
Multi-Generational Living: How to Design a Home for Every Stage of Life
As families evolve, so should the spaces they share. Across the United States—and here in Pittsburgh—more homeowners are discovering the benefits of multi-generational home design. Whether it’s elderly parents moving in, young adults returning after college, or simply a desire to spend more quality time together, today’s multigenerational households are redefining what it means to […]
Smart Home Options for Your Custom Build
Smart technology is trending this year, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Let’s look at some impressive smart home options that can make your life easier (and save on energy spending!) Kitchen Appliances with Connected Technology Kitchen technology has come a long way, and many homeowners are opting for smart appliances. Today, you can […]
What Makes a Kitchen Material Timeless?
When you’re building a custom home, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces to get right. It’s where function meets daily life — and where design choices need to work just as well five, ten, even twenty years from now. That’s why selecting timeless kitchen materials is so important. Timeless design doesn’t mean […]
Prime 1 Builders Wins 2025 Chrysalis Award for Outdoor Living Project
We’re thrilled to share that Prime 1 Builders has been named a 2025 Regional Winner of the Chrysalis Award in the category of Detached Outbuilding for our custom-designed pool house project in Pittsburgh. Presented annually since 1994, the Chrysalis Awards honor the finest remodeling projects in the nation and recognize excellence in design, craftsmanship, and […]