[New Post] Fun Swimming Pool Remodel & Backyard Projects For Arizona Homes published on

It can get downright hot in Arizona during the summer and there is nothing better than spending time in your swimming pool when it’s over 100-degrees outside. That’s why one of the growing projects in recent years is a swimming pool remodel designed to enhance the overall experience that a family can have in their backyards. For those that have considered upgrading their backyards and swimming pools in Arizona, here are a few things you should think about adding that will provide you with hours of comfortable entertainment options all-year-long.

Three Elements To Add To Your Backyard Or Swimming Pool Remodel

First – Add a Full Service Outdoor Kitchen Area

One of the biggest hassles of owning a swimming pool is that more often than not, somebody has to stay indoors and prepare food for those that are enjoying the outdoors. But, a solution to this problem that keeps you socializing during an outdoor party in Arizona is adding a full-service outdoor kitchen to your backyard. Believe it or not, this type of remodeling project can be very simple to complete.

Traditionally, an outdoor kitchen will include the following appliances and features:

• A small refrigerator for storing cooking ingredients


• A two-range outdoor grill with two stove tops for cooking additional items


• A sink for clean-up and food preparation


• A patio cover to keep you covered from the sun or to enjoy the outdoors even during those summer monsoon rain storms

An outdoor kitchen doesn’t need to be huge but adding this feature to your swimming pool remodel will definitely pay off as you can enjoy outdoor cooking all year long.

Second – Add a Fire Pit

Another fact about Arizona summers is that many pool owners tend to enjoy nightly swimming. This is especially popular with people that have children living at home. One thing that would really help your backyard become the ‘cool’ place for everybody to visit is adding a socializing fire pit area. Again, this is a project that is rather simple to complete for an experienced general contractor that includes a few important elements:

• Pick a location that is away from the direct swimming area. You want to make sure that your fire pit is at least 6 feet from any pool area, as you don’t want people slipping around your fire pit.


• Install seating arrangements. Any good fire pit is all about socializing. So make sure you have good comfortable seating installed.


• Consider adding a sand area. Transform your backyard to have a beach element. Nothing is as comfortable as placing your feet in the sand and enjoying a relaxing, cozy fire.

Third – Install Backyard Hammocks

Finally, one of the quickest growing trends in backyard swimming pool remodeling is the installation of hammocks. Believe it or not, you don’t need to have two huge palm trees in your backyard in order to accomplish this step. Many homeowners have professional landscaping companies install two decorative posts along with a large umbrella or palm-tree type cover to keep them well protected from the hot sun. Plus, being able to relax in an outdoor hammock really is relaxing.

Regardless of what you consider, take time to contact a professional contractor that has experience in upgrading and completing swimming pool remodeling projects before completing any work. You’ll quickly discover that they can be a very good source of education and information that will permit you to complete an attractive and affordable swimming pool remodel in Arizona.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/fun-swimming-pool-remodel-backyard-projects-for-arizona-homes/

[New Post] Top 4 Summer Home Improvement Trends in Arizona published on

When the weather gets hot – home owners in Arizona tend to look forward to keeping cool. When it comes to home improvement the growing trend is energy conservation while maximizing comfort. When you look at most of the growing remodeling trends, finding cost-effective ways to increase overall comfort while saving money on monthly utilities has become a real focus for many Americans.

Four of the Top Home Improvement Trends In AZ

First – Upgrading HVAC Systems

As technology improves, manufactures of HVAC systems have taken proactive steps to develop new systems that focus on using fewer natural resources to increase indoor comfort. Arizona home owners are starting to notice these improvements and have taken an interest in upgrading their older, energy-consuming HVAC systems with new, Energy Star® rated systems. Some of the most popular remodeling jobs include the installation of heat pump systems; designed to use the earth’s core and temperature to maintain an average temperature inside the home. Not only does a heat pump system keep you home comfortable each month, but it can also save as much as 50% on your monthly energy bills.

Second – Installing New Windows

Another growing trend in Arizona, especially in older homes is the replacement of windows to, once again, find ways to improve indoor comfort and maximize energy efficiency. Today’s new windows are manufactured with higher-quality materials that results in less warm or cool air entering or escaping the home. In fact, it is estimated that older windows can lead to a 30% loss in energy – especially when the window seals are worn out entirely. Many home owners are having window seals replaced as a temporary solution – but more often than not, the home improvement trend growing is the complete replacement of windows.

Third – Upgrading Flooring Options

As much as the first two trends are about energy improvement, the next item on our list is more about style and comfort. Whether you currently have carpet, hardwood flooring or tile, many home owners simply get ‘tired’ with their flooring – and thus have gone towards upgrading their flooring inside their homes. There are some new ceramic tiles manufactured today that look just like hardwood flooring but last much longer – and retain heat and cool temperatures much better than older flooring options. It’s also common for Arizona home owners to consider multiple flooring options – even in the same room. Some examples of this include installing tile in an entry or walk way and carpet in the primary room.

Fourth – Installing Indoor Organizational Options

Our final item on the list of growing home improvement trends in Arizona is finding creative ways to maximize space and stay organized. In the home improvement sector, this could mean installing new cabinets, built-in storage bins (especially inside bedrooms and located next to a window to create a window seat) upgrading kitchen storage spaces, installing larger pantries and even creating detailed storage rooms inside garages. The trend here is to maximize storage space and to remove as much clutter as possible.

As you can see, there are several home improvement trends that focus primarily on efficiency. So if you’re looking to make any home improvements in Arizona, consider the above items as smart and affordable ways to improve the look and function of your home – while also saving money and time each month.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/top-4-summer-home-improvement-trends-in-arizona/

[New Post] 3 Ideas On How To Make A Theater Room In Your Scottsdale Home published on

It’s amazing what homeowners will do to increase their comfort and entertain friends. Case in point: Did you know that most homes that are involved in Parade of Home events across the country are built with custom-made theater rooms? Believe it or not, there is a simple reason for this growing trend – it’s a very affordable way to increase your overall value of a home and also increase entertainment options for family and friends.

Whether you’re looking to install a simple surround sound system or build a state-of-the-art entertainment room, there are details you should consider when deciding on how to make a theater room that will accomplish exactly what you are looking to achieve.

3 Details To Consider When Making A Theater Room

First – Consider your Budget

It’s a reality of life that money tends to dictate options. In building a home entertainment center, creating a solid budget on what you can afford to spend is often the best way to begin this process. One of the biggest mistakes that many homeowners get into is overspending – especially when it comes to creature comforts like building a home theater. And if you’re stressing about paying the bills or making ends meet, you really won’t have time to enjoy that newly constructed home entertainment option.

Second – Consider your Future Space Options

Another important detail to consider when you are planning to increase your home entertainment options is space inside your home. Many people make the decision to convert an existing bedroom into a home theater for one simple reason: no need to add new rooms. Before you spend the time and money in constructing a home theater make sure you consider not only your current living and space options, but also your future plans. Consider the following:

• Are you going to have any more children?


• Do you expect to take in a relative or aging parent in the near future?


• Are your kids growing older or moving out? And if they are, how confident are you that they won’t need to return?


• Are you planning on keeping your home for a long period of time?


• Or building a home theater to increase the resale value of your property?

Third – Think About Your End Goals

It’s critical when planning any home improvement project that you consider the finished project before you begin. When building a home theater, this begins and ends with the materials you’ll need to accomplish the quality you’re looking to achieve. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Sound: most home theaters are special due to the advanced sound systems that power the home theater. You should consider the construction of several elements that impact sound quality including the number of walls, the material on the walls, the number of windows in the theater room and flooring. Each of these elements impact sound quality.


• Visual: You’ll also want to consider your visual entertainment options. In this case, you’ll want to consider the location of the ‘big screen’ TV. You should also consider electrical requirements to power these energy-consuming appliances.


• Comfort: It’s also important to consider the comfort of those that will visit your home theater. Think about designing your home theater to maximize space and to not cram too many furniture pieces into your home theater.

Whether you’re looking to simply add a new sound system and TV to your existing entertainment room or looking to create a luxury home theater, by following these three tips you’ll quickly learn how to make a home theater room that meets your budget, living requirements and also achieves the long term goals that will make your home the go-to place for entertainment.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/3-ideas-on-how-to-make-a-theater-room-in-your-scottsdale-home/

[New Post] Completing a Bathroom Shower Remodeling Project In Phoenix published on

It’s amazing how many homeowners in Phoenix are beginning to see the value and fun associated with bathroom remodeling projects. In fact, one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects is making the decision to complete a bathroom shower remodel. And believe it or not, it’s also a project that many homeowners can do it themselves. If you’re looking to start a bathroom shower remodeling project, here are a few important tips to consider that will make the process easier, cost-effective and ensure the job is done right the first time.

3 Tips To Consider When Remodeling A Bathroom Shower

Tip #1 – Begin with an End in Sight

Having a clear and concise plan of attack is always the best course of action for any remodeling project. When you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom shower, it is sometimes best to first consider the end product. A bathroom shower remodel often involves the following individual elements:

• Changing the shower fixtures


• Improving the design of shower tiles


• Refinishing or completely changing the shower basin including adding or subtracting doors, drain, and other features that make the shower unique.

As you can see, there are several individual details you can change with a bathroom shower project. However, the primary reason you want to start with the end design is two-fold:

a)   It will help you to price out materials and any subcontracting work you’ll need to hire. This is very important since it’s often the best way to complete a budget for upgrading your shower.

b)   It will stimulate some creative ideas based on your budget. For example, if you add up the complete cost estimate and you determine that you are a few hundred dollars over budget, you can plan to either use different materials or change the construction process.

The key here is to plan out the entire project first before purchasing any materials or hiring anybody to complete the project.

Tip #2 – Visit Some Trade Shows or Research Ideas Online

Another great idea for planning a positive bathroom shower project is to take in some décor concepts from either home remodeling trade shows or online sources. You’ll discover that by simply looking at other people’s creations often will stimulate your own creative juices. Plus, by visiting a tradeshow, you can often speak directly with product vendors, interior décor experts and construction contractors that may provide you with detailed tips and ideas that will help streamline your project.

The Internet is also a powerful asset for homeowners looking to improve the function and look of their bathroom showers. There are several blogs that focus only on bathroom remodeling projects that are written by experts in the field. Take some time to read these blogs and articles to explore ideas and learn important lessons or mistakes to avoid during this process.

Tip #3 – Contact a Professional Contractor

Regardless of what type of home improvement project you’re considering, it’s always best to get the input from professionals. And believe it or not, sometimes simply contacting a professional remodeling contractor that has years of experience in bathroom shower remodeling projects is a great way to actually save time and money.

Most contractors will take the time to openly discuss your ideas, create an effective plan that will get the job done quickly and with a focus on quality. In many cases, you’ll discover that working with a contractor can significantly simplify your home improvement project and actually save you money in the long run.

 

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/completing-a-bathroom-shower-remodeling-project-in-phoenix/