construction team communicating
April 4, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay LaMay Property Development , luxury renovation planning , working with a contractor

Why Being Honest with Your Contractor Is the Best Way to Get the Renovation You Actually Want

Thinking about renovating your home? Whether you’re restoring a historic property in Sewickley or planning a modern kitchen upgrade in Fox Chapel, there’s one often-overlooked truth that makes or breaks luxury renovations: 👉 Open, honest communication with your contractor is non-negotiable. At LaMay Property Development, we’ve seen firsthand how transparency transforms not only the final result — but the entire renovation experience. Here’s why keeping

high end home with space above garage
March 28, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay cost-effective renovation , home expansion budget , Luxury home addition , Pittsburgh renovation tips , second story addition

Smart Budgeting for Home Additions: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

Thinking about adding space to your home? Whether you’re envisioning a new family room or a luxurious guest suite, not all additions cost the same. At LaMay Property Development, we help clients think strategically about where and how to build — because smart planning leads to better results and fewer surprises. Here’s how to approach your addition with confidence and clarity. Understand Cost Differences by

March 21, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay contractor mistakes , custom home builder , high-end remodel , Luxury home renovation , Pittsburgh general contractor

Why the Cheapest Contractor Can Cost You More

Why Hiring the Cheapest Contractor for a High-End Remodel Could Cost You More When planning a high-end home renovation, it can be tempting to choose the lowest bid. After all, if one contractor says they can deliver your dream kitchen or spa-style bathroom for half the price, why not save the money? Here’s the hard truth: in luxury renovations, you truly get what you pay

kitchen remodel in process
March 14, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay hidden renovation expenses , home remodel budget , LaMay Property Development , luxury home remodeling

Hidden Costs in Home Renovations – What to Expect

What You Need to Know Before You Start Planning a home renovation is exciting, but many homeowners underestimate the full scope of their budget. While finishes like countertops, cabinetry, and flooring take center stage, the less visible elements—such as insulation, vapor barriers, and structural reinforcements—can have a significant impact on your overall costs. At LaMay Property Development, we believe in setting our clients up for

March 7, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay general contractor , home remodeling tips , Luxury home renovation , project planning , renovation budgeting

How to Make Smart Decisions in Your Home Renovation

How to Navigate the Thousands of Decisions in a Home Renovation Without Feeling Overwhelmed Starting a home renovation is exciting, but many homeowners don’t realize just how many decisions they’ll have to make throughout the process. From material selections to layout choices, a single renovation can involve over 1,000 individual decisions—each affecting the overall cost, timeline, and quality of the final result. At LaMay Property

updating a historic home
February 28, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay historic home renovation , LaMay Property Development , luxury home restoration , preserving millwork , updating historic homes

Updating Your Historic Home Without Losing Its Charm

Preserving History While Embracing Modern Living: How to Update Your Historic Home Without Losing Its Charm Historic homes have a unique character that sets them apart. From intricate millwork to handcrafted details, these homes tell a story of architectural artistry and timeless design. But owning a historic home doesn’t mean you have to live in the past. With thoughtful updates, you can enhance your home’s

February 14, 2025
By : Andrew LaMay hiring a contractor , Home renovation , LaMay Property Development , luxury remodel , remodeling tips

How to Choose the Best Contractor for Your Home Remodel

A home remodel is a journey, but the wrong contractor can ruin it. With all the contractors available, how do you know you’re picking the best one for the job? At LaMay Property Development, we believe there are three key considerations every homeowner should remember before making their choice. 1. Select Someone You Actually Get Along With You’re not entering into a long-term friendship, but