Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

Building a guest house in PhoenixHaving a home in Phoenix tends to be an open invitation for friends and family to visit – especially when those visiting live in cold weather climates. Due to this reality, several Phoenix area home owners search for creative ways of increasing housing space without building a brand new home. One of the latest trends in new home construction is the addition of guest apartments or casita’s; while other home owners with extra back yard space will actually build a detached guest home. Regardless of which option you choose, there are pros and cons to adding onto your home.



When you’re looking to add a guest room, a casita or even a free standing guest house on your property, there are many reasons why doing so is a good investment for the future. Not only does this make your home more comfortable for guest that visit, but also can vastly improve your property value. As such, listed below are a few of the most common and popular ideas for building a guest house in Phoenix and surrounding cities.


 


 


First – Consider Building a Casita in Phoenix


For those that are not aware, a casita is either an attached or detached single bedroom suite that typically has its own bathroom (often a full bathroom with tub and shower options) and mini-kitchen areas. Traditionally a casita also includes a private entrance that is not attached to the home. This allows the visitors to come and go as they please without interrupting the home owners. A casita is perfect for guests that want to be a part of the family, but have their own privacy and freedom.


There are several ways of including a casita into your home remodeling budget including:


  • Creating a home addition. It’s very common for home builders in Arizona to offer an attached casita that goes much further than simply adding another bedroom. In most cases, the attached casita is built near the front of the home – again, with an access door cut into a wall of the primary residence and another allowing access to the casita without disturbing the primary residence.

  • Building a detached casita. “Mother-in-law” suites or detached casitas are also growing in popularity. Having this type of casita built by a professional custom home builder in Phoenix is a great option for those who have additional space in their backyards, or want to improve the overall property value. There is some additional labor involved in this type of build such as adding new electrical, gas and individual HVAC systems; however, this tends to increase property value considerably upon resale.

 


Second – Converting a Garage into a Guest Suite in Phoenix


One of the more cost-effective methods of adding additional space for home visitors is by upgrading the garage or a section of the garage to a guest room. Due to the fact that electrical, water and other utilities are already installed in the garage, it makes the process of creating a guest room much easier. Plus, most garages already have the door to the outside, which provides the visitor the same privacy and freedom to come and go as they like. You can add a full bathroom fairly easy as well as a cooking area. If you have children that tend to visit longer than expected, this is a great idea to consider.


 


Third – Add a Rec Room w/Guest Home Features


Many homes in the Phoenix metro area have swimming pools or larger backyards that have space to add a detached rec or game room. With this option, the home owner can work with a professional custom home builder to develop a two-bedroom suite with a larger ‘family room’ or entertainment area in which to host guests. A popular design trend here is the making one bedroom a ‘master suite’ while creating a ‘bunk room’ with multiple bunk beds for children to stay when they visit your home. Plus, it makes hosting parties much easier, as you can set up your recreation room for friends to eat, or even create a second kitchen with attached BBQ’s, Smokers and even an outdoor bar if you wish.


There are multiple ways to add space to allow those out of town visitors to feel comfortable while allowing both them and you to enjoy some privacy as well. Regardless of what type of method you choose when building a guest house, it’s vitally important that you work with a licensed and professional contractor in Phoenix that has years of experience in crafting custom-designed guest homes, additions and remodeling projects. If you’re thinking about adding onto your home, contact a dependable contractor to set discuss your options and create a plan that fits your needs and your budget.




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Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

3 Tips On How To Buy Land And Build A House In Arizona

how to buy hand and build a house


Having a custom built home is the dream of most hard working people in Arizona. Whether you are looking for a primary residence in a small but beautiful community or looking for a get-a-way home in the Sonoran Desert, the process involved in finding the perfect lot, purchasing the and building a home is not as complex as you might think. In fact, by sticking to three basic steps involved in building a custom home in Arizona you’ll minimize mistakes, simplify the process and end up with the quality built home of your dreams.


Noted below are three important tips on how to buy land and build a house that will expedite your vision and ensure your custom home is built by the right contractor.



First – Create a Plan of Attack


Regardless of the type of project you undertake, having a detailed plan of attack is typically the best way to begin. It is often assumed that the first step that anyone should take in building a custom home is purchasing a lot. However, those who start this way typically discover that although the property might be one that fits their vision; it’s not practical to host other elements of your home. This is why anytime you consider building a custom home in the Phoenix area, formulating an effective plan needs to be the first step.


Here are a few specific items to consider.


  • Decide on the most important elements of your custom home for the long term. Many people tend to build custom homes after they’ve established a solid career and are looking to develop a home that is unique to their style, tastes, and current needs. However, as people age their needs evolve as well. Case in point, it’s important for any home owner to consider health care options, especially for those that are planning to retire soon. This would include defining where hospital locations are, how close you are to your primary care physician and also how quickly emergency services can arrive.

  • Determine utility needs and availability. Living in the desert comes with two basic necessities; clean and drinkable water and electricity to power cooling and heating systems. Most custom built homes are located “off the grid”, so deciding what water sources are available and how you intend on supplying the home with electricity is an important step. This can play a large role in determining lot costs, as well as understanding where the lot is located in relation to the flood plain, drainage easements, etc.

  • Determine the best location for today and tomorrow: Although it’s impossible to predict the future, once you’ve narrowed down possible areas and properties, you should consider the properties access to common everyday needs. Is the property easily accessible during all seasons? Is it located near industrial areas, or is the area zoned for certain projects like schools, business or residential development? Will you have to stock up for months at a time by driving 90 minutes to the closest Costco? These are all things you need to determine to ensure your custom home is perfect for your needs today and tomorrow.

 


Second – Find a Quality Home Builder


Once a plan has been created, and you’ve factored in the items included in step one, it’s probably a good idea to find a quality-driven Phoenix Arizona home builder that has experience building homes in that area; before your purchase the lot. In most cases, an experienced custom home contractor can provide you with a unique insight into how easy or difficult it will be to build your dream home where you have decided. There are a few common traits that the best custom home builders in Arizona have in common. Here are a few important qualities that you should look for in any architect.


  • As stated above, make sure they have built homes in the area you’ve picked. Different locations in Arizona have unique attributes including bedrock, access to clean water and electricity. Getting their feedback prior to buying property can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars and a significant amount of stress.

  • Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded to complete ALL home construction projects – from developing a blueprint to hiring all contractors. It is not recommended to hire an architect or draftsman, get plans completed – and then go find a builder. A builder should be working closely with the architect during the design phase to ensure a budget is monitored and your design needs are also being met.

  • Hire a professional custom home builder that offers references. Anyone you trust to build a custom home should have a solid reputation of completing projects on time and can ensure every legal step (including permits and zoning requirements) are taken care of efficiently. They should also be open and transparent with you, including putting you in contact with previous clients with similar projects as yours.

 


Third – Take time to Plan the Entire Build


Once you’ve found a good home builder to work with, the final step is to plan the final project. This is a step that shouldn’t be rushed. When you work with a professional custom home builder, they will ensure that every “T” is crossed and “I” is dotted. It will also be a priority for them to communicate efficiently with you – involving you in every phase of development – from planning to construction and even the closing.


The truth is that building a custom home on a private lot is a lot of work.  But if you follow these steps for learning how to buy land and build a house in Arizona, the process will be much easier, cost-effective and ensure your dream home is built on time – and within your budget.


 





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Contact the Scottsdale home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 


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3 Tips On How To Buy Land And Build A House In Arizona

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Troon Living Room Remodel [Style Guide]

troon living room remodelWhile kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular rooms to remodel, living rooms are right behind them. Changing up the layout and style of your living room can give your entire house a different feel and really showcase your individual sense of style and aesthetic. It can brighten things up and make the room where you relax the most welcoming in the house. Get the absolute most out of your Troon living room remodel by checking out this great style guide full of tips, tricks, and ideas for a modern renovation.



Explore an Open Floor Plan


Open floor plans are all the rage these days and for good reason. They create a terrific flow of energy in your home, improve the air quality and are relaxing and inviting. You’ll want to make sure it’s safe to knock out or open up walls, of course, and when you’re undertaking such a major project it’s best to work with a good Troon home remodeling contractor. The end result can completely change your enjoyment of your home for the better.


 


Let in the Daylight


Here are a few things to consider about daylight when planning your living room remodel. First, the more daylight you let into your home, the less need you’ll have for electric lights. Proper use of daylight can also help to keep your home warm in the winter. It can improve your mood too, plus it’s healthier for you, helping to boost Vitamin D levels, which are critically low in many people. Make your windows larger and consider a skylight. Do what you can to increase the amount of natural light in your home.


 


Live in the Lap of Luxury


You’re renovating your living room for a reason; why wouldn’t you go all-out? Upgrade your furniture and accoutrements to the best you can afford. Higher-end furnishings don’t cost more for no reason. You get what you pay for. Adding luxury touches won’t just create an impressive look; it’ll increase your own comfort and ability to enjoy your living room.


 


Don’t Skimp on the Floor and Ceiling


A lot of people forego upgrading the floor and ceiling while they’re renovating. Sometimes it’s because they don’t feel it necessary. Sometimes it’s because they just don’t think about it. If you perform huge changes but leave the ceiling and floor the same, you’re short-changing yourself, and the lack of attention will be noticeable.


Consider cleaning up the flooring and going with gorgeous natural hardwood. Alternatively, go with laminate flooring that looks just like hardwood. In terms of the ceiling, think about custom tiling. Consider a barrel-vaulted design or a tray ceiling. Give exposed beams a paint job or borrow a vigas design to present a real Southwestern feel.


 


These ideas are just the beginning. The ideas for a great living room remodel are endless, and your remodeling contractor is bound to be full of ideas that are both trendy and unique as well as tailored to your tastes and style. There’s no better time to get started than today.


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Contact the Troon home remodeling experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating the living room of your dreams. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

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Troon Living Room Remodel [Style Guide]

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Paradise Valley Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

home energy efficiency checklistGreen living isn’t just a buzzword or some trend engaged in by the younger set. It’s an important way of life that’s catching on because it’s not just good for the environment, it’s great for your pocketbook. We expend a lot of energy, and saving it can help our planet recover from a lot of damage over the centuries. It can also vastly lower your utility bills. Use the following important items in your home as part of a home energy efficiency checklist to keep the bills down and live an eco-friendly lifestyle!



Energy-Efficient Lighting


The first step on your home energy checklist is to use energy-efficient lighting. Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. Nowadays you’ve got options for a range of energy-efficient bulbs. The best are LED bulbs, which may cost more upfront but can last for well over a decade. They generate very little heat and provide outstanding light that’s easy on the eyes.


 


Pay Attention to Electronics Use


Your electronics are probably sucking up a lot more energy than you realize. Between your tablet, your computer, your television and your smartphone, you’d be amazed at how much energy you use. This may be a good time to upgrade your electronics to new “fast charge” versions or even wireless charging features.


Another tip: don’t leave devices plugged in when they’re fully charged, and don’t leave plugs in outlets when they’re not hooked to devices. Did you know that leaving a plug in the outlet, even when it’s not connected to a device, uses electricity? Take those plugs out!


 


Install Energy-Efficient Appliances


Every appliance out there has an energy efficient option. Now is a great time to replace your current old appliances with ones that are Energy Star certified. These appliances will use a lot less electricity than their outdated counterparts, which will reduce your carbon footprint and save you a lot of cash every month on that electric bill.


 


Get the Right Windows and Doors


Old windows and doors that aren’t properly sealed against weather are one of the primary sources of energy loss. If you’ve got old windows and you can afford it, now might be a good time to upgrade to new, energy-efficient ones. If not, check to make sure your doors and windows are properly weather-sealed.


 


Modernize Your HVAC System


Just like your appliances, your HVAC system, if it’s not in great repair or up-to-date, can really drain energy and shoot your bills through the roof. Few people are in a position to just replace their furnace or AC system at the drop of a hat, but you should be having it serviced at least once a year and changing the filters out with every change of seasons. That simple habit can save a lot of cash.


 


Explore Alternative Energy


If you’re building a home with the help of a custom home remodeling contractor in Paradise Valley, or you have the funds to handle a major upgrade, you might consider using alternative, renewable energy to power your home. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable, for example. They also don’t require major alterations to your home. They can be used for electricity, heating, and cooling, and even heating the water in your home.


 


These are just a few great ways to save money and increase energy efficiency in the home. Taking this approach is the responsible thing to do—both environmentally and economically.


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Contact the Paradise Valley home remodeling experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

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Paradise Valley Home Energy Efficiency Checklist