Purchasing a home can be overwhelming. There are a multitude of options to choose from and it can become difficult to figure out which home style best suits your needs in a “forever home.” The term patio home generally refers to a home with low-maintenance and affordable living without sacrificing quality or privacy – attractive qualities in a home no matter the specifics of your new home search.
The exact definition of a patio home can vary by region and builder. Most definitions include a downscaled size home with a sense of convenience and community. So, what exactly is a patio home? And how does it compare to similar styles?
Scarmazzi Homes considers a patio home to be a single-family residence with primary living on a single level. A patio home can sometimes include a shared wall. It can also include the option for a second-story bonus suite—and even a basement! And while the term might not necessitate it, Scarmazzi Homes also includes a standard exterior patio with every home.
A Scarmazzi Homes patio home is an open floor plan and light-filled home. Lawn care, excessive home maintenance, and other headaches that typically accompany homeownership are cut out, leaving the good stuff. This presents a golden opportunity for a beneficial lifestyle change. A patio home offers residents the freedom and space to enjoy their hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and grow a sense of community with those around them.
Patio homes are often compared to (and sometimes confused with) condominiums. A patio home is the home style, and a condominium is the type of ownership. A patio home can be and often is a condominium. The proper comparison in the type of ownership is fee simple vs condominium.
Fee Simple: The buyer owns the land as well as the entire structure of the home. Some of the home’s exterior maintenance may fall on the homeowner. However, major home exterior maintenance and lawn care are handled by the Homeowner’s Association (HOA).
Condominium: The buyer owns everything from the drywall in. The exterior of the home — as well as the land — is owned and maintained by the Homeowner’s Association (HOA). A condominium provides true “lock and leave,” ideal for snowbirds and frequent travelers.
Scarmazzi Homes builds patio homes that are both fee simple and condominiums.
When you decide to make the move to a Patio Home community, you will be part of a Homeowner’s Association. A Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is an organization that handles the day-to-day management of a community. This includes routine maintenance as well as upholding community standards as part of monthly dues.
Patio homes with an HOA will enjoy letting their management company take care of yard maintenance such as mowing, seasonal mulching, and snow removal. These communities will also often include amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses. Scheduled social events — such as block parties, happy hours, and other activities — might also be included in an HOA membership.
Although Scarmazzi Homes communities do not have an age requirement, patio homes typically attract residents looking to downsize — perhaps after the family is all grown up and moved out of the house — or a recent retiree looking for a stronger sense of community and less maintenance.
A first-floor owner’s suite is important to our buyers with health concerns or advanced age. As our buyers age and health concerns arise, we want their environment to allow them to comfortably age in place. Many homeowners are ready to be rid of the dangers and effort involved with stairs. And for those that aren’t to that point, second story bonus suites are a popular option for those who want a third bedroom for frequent overnight visitors and flexible living space for an exercise or game room.
A Scarmazzi Homes patio home is the right choice for those who may desire less excess space to maintain without sacrificing quality, style, or comfort. The move to a patio home grants homeowners the freedom to enjoy their time how they want to, perhaps pursuing hobbies and spending time with those who mean the most to them. Gone are the days of stressing over lawn care and excessive home maintenance.
“Rightsizing” is a term often used to describe the process of understanding how you live in your home, uncluttering your life, and moving to a new space (often smaller than your previous one) in which you can fully utilize each room. Our single-level floor plans have been developed through years of research to accommodate the needs of our typical buyer and optimize the benefits of livable spaces.
Are you ready to look into your options for quality-built patio homes? Scarmazzi Homes offers single-level patio homes from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet in multiple Allegheny and Washington County communities. Each floor plan features a sun-filled and open design, two bedrooms, two full baths, an oversized garage, and a den in select models—all on one floor! A second floor is optional, providing a second bedroom, full bathroom, and flexible living area.
Scarmazzi Homes are set apart from other builders with their standard 2×6 exterior wall construction, 9-foot ceilings, and an array of available modern amenities and options. But the interior is only half of the offerings. Included exterior courtyards offer a relaxing space that extends functional living space outdoors. Every Scarmazzi Homes community provides lawn maintenance services through the HOA, so you never have to worry about pushing a lawn mower or shoveling snow.
Scarmazzi Homes is a local family-owned patio homebuilder with its main office roots in Canonsburg, PA. As such, we understand the market and the importance of affordability. After all, most patio homeowners are not buying for the first time. Our team strives to go above and beyond to provide a happy homebuilding journey and a lifestyle that is “Scarmazzing.”
Patio Homes in Allegheny County (Villas of South Park – Scarmazzi Homes)
Patio Homes in Washington County (Highland Village – Scarmazzi Homes , Belmont Park – Scarmazzi Homes)
