[New Post] Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix published on

One of best perks of living in Phoenix is that most of your family and friends love to come visit you – especially when it’s freezing in their hometowns during the winter months. Due to this fact, many residents of Phoenix and surrounding cities in the North Valley are looking for ideas and options for building a guest house in Phoenix. Whether you’re looking to add a guest room, a casitas or even a free standing guest house on your property you may be excited to find out the additional benefits. Not only does this make your home more comfortable for guest that visit, but also can vastly improve your property value.

3 Popular Methods of Building a Perfect Guest House in Phoenix

First: Building a Casita in Phoenix

If you’ve taken time to check out newer model homes in the Phoenix area, you’ll see that building a casita or guest room is a growing trend. By definition, a casita is either an attached or detached single bedroom suite, that often has its own full bath, and in many cases 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. There are several ways of including a casita into your home remodeling budget including:

• Adding on to your home. Most of the home remodeling companies that service the greater Phoenix metro area offer casita attachment programs that simply add another room to your existing home. Traditionally this is done by adding the casita to 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. Another popular way of building a guest house for friends and family members that visit or stay with you in Phoenix is to build a detached casita, also known as a mother-in-law apartment. This method tends to be an easier option for home owners as you are simply building a secondary building on your existing property. This unit would have its own power, water and utilities. Plus, it allows people to come and go as they like – while still allowing your family to maintain the privacy of your primary residence.

Second: Converting a Garage into a Guest Suite in Phoenix

It’s also common for home owners to convert an existing indoor garage into a very comfortable guest room. The great thing about this method is that the initial costs of completing this home renovation can be much more affordable – since the existing framework, power and most major utilities are already preinstalled. Traditionally the home owner will meet with a professional home improvement contractor to discuss their wants, budget and needs to create a plan of action that can transform their garage into a very comfortable guest home.

Third: Adding a Rec Room or Guest House

Finally, a growing trend for home owners that live on larger lots is adding a guest home / rec room in their back yards. This is especially popular for home owners that have pools installed at their homes in Phoenix. With this option the home owner will create 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.

Regardless of what type of method you choose when building a guest house in Phoenix, it’s vitally important that you work with a licensed and professional contractor 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.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/popular-ideas-for-building-a-guest-house-in-phoenix/

[New Post] What Is An Energy Efficient Home If I Live In Scottsdale? published on

The term ‘Energy Efficient Home’ is often widely used as something that every homeowner should strive to obtain. But what exactly does it mean? And if you have an Energy Efficient Home in Alaska, is it the exact same thing as being in Scottsdale? The truth is that different geographic locations require different elements to create a home that is energy efficient and comfortable. As such, when you ask what is an energy efficient home, the truth is that it depends on where you live.

To keep things simple and practical for those who live in the Phoenix metro area, the goal is this: keeping a home as energy efficient as possible – while still maintaining comfort all year long.

Three Steps to Keeping an Energy Efficient Home

Step #1 – Make Sure to Have an Energy Audit Performed

The first step in making any home truly energy efficient is to discover areas inside your particular home that could be improved. This is often accomplished during an energy audit performed by a professional home energy technician. Energy Audits can truly be an eye-opening experience for any homeowner. They are designed to analyze every aspect of your home that will impact energy consumption including:

• Inspecting windows, ductwork and insulation for leaks, cracks or obstructions that cause a home to lose heat or cold


• Inspecting and testing the efficiency of major appliances, HVAC systems and ventilation


• Analyzing the location of the home and discovering inside areas inside that absorb more energy than they should

Step #2 – Consider Installing Energy Star® Appliances

Another important step for making an Arizona home energy efficient is to install Energy Star® rated major appliances as soon as possible. Energy Star® rated appliances have been proven to use up to 25% less energy than standard appliances. And with energy consumption rates increasing each year, taking the proactive measure to install Energy Star® rated appliances can significantly reduce the total amount of monthly energy you use.

Step #3 – Develop a Strategic Plan When Building a New Home

If you’re in the process or considering building a new home, there are several things you can do to make the home as energy efficient as possible including:

• Work with your builder on home placement: a great way to save money on energy consumption is to first determine a smart course of action as to where the home should sit on the lot. There are many ways to ‘naturally’ heat or cool a home based on the location of primary walls, windows and doors in association to where the sun rises or sets each day.


• Consider installing energy efficient roofing and insulation: living in the Phoenix metro area is all about keeping air consistent inside the home. And the best way to do this is to ensure the home has exceptional insulation.  Spray foam is by far the best method to seal the building from drafts, leaks, and gaps using a high insulating and expanding foam.


• Window replacement is a great way to increase energy efficiency: Upgrade your drafty, old single pane windows.  Today’s Low-E and Low-E2 windows are far superior to products made even in the last few years.  And, the window frames are made with thermal breaks and highly insulated glass.


• Work with the builder to install custom, energy efficient HVAC systems: Another proactive step to ensure you have a truly energy efficient home in the Scottsdale area is to install a highly energy efficient home heating and cooling system. Some of these units include all-in-one HVAC systems, new heat pump systems or even solar powered heating units.   Another basic option is to choose an electronic programmable thermostat, and understand the peak energy hours of your power company.    This is a very inexpensive way to quickly save money.

The bottom line; to determine what is an energy efficient home requires you to determine what’s best for your individual location. Homes in the city require different needs than mountain-based homes, and vice-versa.  However, regardless of where your home is located, the best way to build an energy efficient home is to openly discuss this with your builder or any home remodeling expert that has experience in creating energy efficient homes. Always ask questions to experts in order to get solid answers.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/what-is-an-energy-efficient-home-if-i-live-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] Top 4 Functional Kitchen Layouts Scottsdale Residents Love published on

One of the most popular rooms to be remodeled in Arizona is the kitchen. And with so many design features, layouts, color patterns and such to choose from, creating that perfect upgraded kitchen has never been easier – or has it? The truth is that sometimes having several options to choose from can lead to over-thinking, spending way too much money and having this fun experience transform into a nightmare. And the best way to begin any kitchen remodeling project is to pick a functional kitchen layout that works best for your individual needs.

Popular Kitchen Layouts

In order to help you along this process, we are here to provide you with a great starting point. Here are four of the most popular – yet highly functional kitchen layouts that are beginning to show up in new homes across the country, as well as several remodeling projects in Arizona.

The Galley Kitchen

The ‘galley’ kitchen layout is perfect for smaller kitchens that can be designed stylish – yet be extremely easy to navigate. Essentially a ‘walk-through’ kitchen design, a galley kitchen has two walls that oppose each other and two countertops with a walkthrough area in between the two. The great thing about galley kitchen layouts is that they maximize space – in every aspect. From the flexibility to install unique and custom cabinetry to easily installing most major appliances, the galley kitchen layout is one that is great for people wanting to keep things simple.

The L-Shaped Kitchen

If maximizing corner space is your primary objective, the L-Shaped kitchen layout could be right up your alley. Seen primarily in smaller to medium sized kitchen, the extremely diverse L-Shaped kitchen layout is often associated with countertops located on two-separate walls forming an ‘L’ shape. The primary benefit of this kitchen layout is that you eliminate traffic as it’s simply impossible for people to walk through this type of kitchen in high-volume. The L-Shaped kitchen is a great option for individuals who are looking for function and ease of access in their kitchen as opposed to entertaining multiple people.

The Horseshoe Layout

The popular U-shape or ‘Horseshoe’ kitchen layout consists of three walls of appliances and cabinets. Essentially, this design is an L-shaped kitchen with an island that takes the place of the third wall. For people looking for a functional kitchen that can also be used to entertain people the horseshoe layout seems to be growing in popularity. It’s also easier for people to be creative with horseshoe layouts since several different homes – especially larger homes – can incorporate a custom-horseshoe designed kitchen.

Kitchen Island Layouts

One of the more opulent kitchen layout designs will include an island. Most working islands inside a kitchen will feature appliances, sinks or additional cabinetry, while several others in some cases actually include a second oven, grills and even full service bars. Most people love to include an island due to the fact they can add barstools to increase eating space, increase workspace by installing a sink or even entertain by adding a wine cooler. A common misconception however, is that any ‘upscale’ kitchen needs to have an island. The fact is that some kitchen layouts simply won’t accommodate an island.

How About A Professional Designer?

You may be surprised to hear that a professional designer is only about 4% of your total project budget. So, why not consider using a designer so you can leverage their expertise to save you time, peace of mind and money knowing that you’re maximizing the functional use of your space.

Whether you hire a professional, remember the primary goal of any kitchen remodeling project is to start with a foundation and functional kitchen layout that works best for your individual needs and available space. I’m going to suggest you seek the advice of professional kitchen remodeling contractors before you purchase any materials and above all else; take the proactive measures to learn as much as you can to keep this process fun; yet affordable.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/functional-kitchen-layouts-scottsdale-residents-love/

[New Post] 5 Reasons To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space In Scottsdale published on

Living in Arizona comes with many perks. And although the summer season can and often is associated with extreme heat, the truth is that the majority of the year, the weather is very livable. In fact, the temperate weather we see from October till early May is often a critical element as to why people choose to move here – especially as they plan to retire. With that being said, here are five practical reasons why making improvements to your outdoor living space can be very beneficial for you and your family.

Benefits Of Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Living Space

Reason #1 – Spring is the Season for Outdoor Living

When the calendar hits March and April the outdoors is the place you want to spend the majority of your time in Scottsdale. With temperatures hovering in the mid 70′s from sunrise to sunset, and nighttime temperatures not too extreme, the Spring season is often the best time to entertain friends and family members in your back yard. It’s also a popular time during the year for people to host BBQ’s after work or on weekends as the weather is perfect for this type of relaxing activity.

Reason #2 – You Can Create a Fire Pit for Social Events

Another popular outdoor activity is to enjoy a warm and cozy evening in the backyard with friends that have a fire pit. But did you know that installing one is actually rather simple? In fact, it’s said that one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to improve your outdoor living space is to install a quality-built fire pit. And whether you’re looking to install a pre-fabricated, gas powered fire pit, or simply create one for natural fire wood burning, spending an evening with friends and family in your back yard next to a warm fire is very popular these days.

Reason #3 – Improving Landscaping Can Reduce Indoor Energy Costs

Did you know that by simply adding a few shade trees, strategically placed in your front or back yard, can save a ton of money during the summertime on electricity? It’s true. Natures ‘shade’ often can keep a home much cooler during the hot summer months due to foliage that block the hot sun rays from entering east or west facing windows. A great way to keep your energy bills lower in the summer is to consider upgrading your outdoor landscaping by adding more trees or foliage that will block the sun from entering windows. Not only will this help save you money, but adding additional trees can also improve your overall home’s value.

Reason #4 – Adding Pools & Custom BBQ’s Increase Home Value

The weather doesn’t need to be ‘temperate’ to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, many smart Scottsdale residents make the decision to install an in-ground pool so that they can enjoy the outdoors during the hot summer months. Along with the addition of a pool, many home owners in Scottsdale are seeing the value of installing custom gazebos or outdoor cooking areas that include custom BBQ’s, small refrigerators and even food preparation areas. When the sun dips into the west, entertaining friends and family at night in the summertime is a lot more fun when you have a great tool like an outdoor kitchen to enjoy in your back yard.

Reason #5 – Outdoor Entertaining is good for your Health

Finally, they say that a breath of fresh air is good for you – but do you know why? The truth is that many homes in Arizona are often dusty due to the fact we live in a desert. But, if the home is not properly maintained by replacing HVAC filters every month, the indoor air inside a home can be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful particles that can lead to common colds, spread flu and even lead to certain COPD flair-ups. Spending a few hours outdoors in a relaxing back yard or front patio can significantly improve your lung function and help those who live with COPD live a higher quality of life.

Truth be told, there are thousands of reasons why you should consider making improvements to your outdoor living space. But just like any home improvement project, the best way to make changes is to decide on a few ideas, plan and research on what it would take (both economically and physically) to accomplish that goal, and set a budget to ensure you can get your project accomplished on time and safely.

 

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/improve-outdoor-living-space-in-scottsdale/

[New Post] 4 Common Mold Types In Residential Homes In AZ And Beyond published on

Many home repair specialists often regard it as a ‘silent killer of homes’. And although mold is not a huge issue inside residential homes in Arizona (thanks to our dry weather) the fact remains that it is possible for molds to form especially during the monsoon season in late summer. As they say, ‘knowing is half the battle’; so, here are four of the most common mold types that are found in residential homes in Arizona and across the US.

Common Mold Types To Be Aware Of

Common Mold #1 – CLADOSPORIUM

Cladosporium is often found outdoors however it can and often is found in dark and damp environments inside a home, like a basement for example. It’s not a toxic mold but it can and often does cause significant reactions for people who live with COPD or have sensitive immune systems. It’s classified as an airborne mold, meaning that the damage done when it is breathed in as opposed to rotting out wood or home materials. It’s suggested that if you encounter Cladosporium mold that it should be removed by a professional mold remediation company as it can cause additional health risks if not properly eliminated from a home.

Common Mold #2 – PENICILLIUM

The second most common mold type found in the United States is Penicillium. It’s often found growing on dead-organic matter (such as rotting trees) in outdoor applications. It’s commonly recognized by its ‘fuzzy white, green or blue’ color that grows on food inside your refrigerator when it is spoiling as well. When you eat food that contains penicillium it can cause severe gastric pain and irritation – and the airborne version of Pennicillium can increase COPD flair-ups, cause allergic reactions, watery eyes and severe coughing. Like the above mold, it’s recommended that a professional mold removal company be contacted if you see this type of mold growing inside your home.

Common Mold #3 – ASPERGILLUS

This mold is one of the most dangerous ones due to the fact that it’s very fast growing. Commonly found in basements or after flooding occurs inside a home, Aspergillus mold can also form anywhere there is high humidity or organic materials for the mold to use as food to rapidly grow. Just like many other molds, the Aspergillus mold tends to metabolize mycotoxins, which are extreme allergens that can cause severe respiratory damage. As like most molds, it’s highly suggested that a professional be contacted to remove this type of mold from any home.

Common Mold #4 – ALTERNARIA

Even though this final common mold type is regularly found outdoors, Alternaria can and often does enter a home, especially homes in the mountains. Alternaria will often be found in carpets, flat surfaces and clothing, and unlike most molds does not require copious amounts of water or moister to grow. It is a fact that Alternaria tends to show up in dry areas like Arizona more frequently. Most of the time, this type of mold will begin to grow rapidly when there is a water leak or water damage done to a home.

The key thing to remember is that common mold types growing inside your home can lead to significant medical problems and should never be handled lightly. Although mold is not common in Arizona, it’s always recommended, especially if you’ve recently had a water leak or flooding inside the home, to contact a mold removal and detection expert – just to be on the safe side.

 

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/4-common-mold-types-in-residential-homes-in-az/

[New Post] Arizona Leading the Way in Helping Homeless Veterans in 2014 published on

According the City of Phoenix, in 2011 there were 222 chronically homeless veterans living in the Valley of the Sun – all of whom were battling some type of mental or physical conditions that often led to some sort of substance abuse. That simply was not acceptable to many Phoenix-metro area residents including Peak One Builders founder, Michael Christensen; a retired Army veteran who considers ‘giving back’ as a mission, not a luxury.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of City and State Officials, private business owners and several non-profit organizations, the State of Arizona seems to be leading the path in truly helping homeless veterans not only find affordable housing, but also to gain the medical, psychological and substance abuse assistance in order to live a quality life they fought to preserve.

A Realistic Solution in Helping Homeless Veterans

As stated above, in 2011 more than 200 homeless veterans in Phoenix had no place to find shelter, no safe environment to stay warm at night and no place to gain the therapy or medical assistance they need in order to live a proactive and engaging lifestyle. Most of these homeless veterans served in the Vietnam War or Operation Desert Storm only to return home with physical or mental handicaps that often led to substance abuse issues.

However, in 2009, the State of Arizona stumbled upon a realistic solution to this growing problem. According to local and national surveys, it is more expensive to cover the costs of emergency room visits or nights in jail for homeless people than it is to give them homes. A 2009 analysis commissioned by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, found that the monthly cost of housing and supportive services for one person was $605, while the public costs of a person living on the streets were roughly $2,900 a month.

This led the State of Arizona to take proactive measures to find ways to create affordable yet highly effective methods to provide homeless veterans with the housing and services they needed. And the program seems to be working. As late as December 2013, it was estimated that less than 45 of Phoenix’s homeless were veterans – and all of them found temporary housing before the New Year came. It is suggested that every homeless veteran will find permanent housing by Feb. 14 2014.

Now several non-profit organizations are also taking this problem by storm including The Arizona StandDown – an organization supported by Peak One Builders team. The Arizona StandDown is an alliance of community-based organizations that come together to provide annual, one to three day events that bring together the State’s homeless and at-risk military veterans, connecting them with services ranging from: VA HealthCare, mental health services, clothing, meals, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, ID/drivers license’s, court services and legal aide, showers, haircuts and a myriad of other services and resources.

Arizona StandDowns are held at various locations throughout the State with the largest, serving approximately 1,500 veterans, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Maricopa County.  The next event is a Motorcycle Rally to be held on February 8^th, 2014. The event starts at 9:00am with registration and a full pancake breakfast kicking off at Harley Davidson of Scottsdale. You can learn more about this event, and find out ways you can help contribute to a positive solution of helping homeless veterans by visiting their website at http://www.arizonastanddown.org.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/arizona-leading-the-way-in-helping-homeless-veterans-in-2014/

[New Post] Home Improvement Trends Reflects Changing Dynamics published on

It’s no secret that the demographics of the United States are rapidly changing. Gone are the days of 2.5 kids, a white picket fence and one dog. Today’s collective country is aging – and with more large family homes quickly evolving to fewer full-time occupants, several homeowners are taking proactive measures to remodel a home to suit their current needs. It is for this reason and many more that many of today’s popular home improvement trends are focused on comfort as opposed to expansion.

Home Improvement Trends Focused On American Current Needs

Here are a few growing home improvement trends based on the evolving landscape of the United States:

Increase in Energy Efficiency

One of the most popular attributes that homeowners seek in any home improvement project is to increase the energy efficiency of their older homes. They can accomplish this through several different home improvement projects including:

• Replacing older major appliances with new, Energy Star® rated units


• Installing new windows or window seals in order to reduce the amount of lost air inside the house


• Upgrading the homes ductwork, sealing the ductwork or repairing it to keep cold and warm air from escaping the house

Each of these individual steps has been shown to significantly improve the overall energy efficiency of virtually any home. The bottom line is that when the kids are leaving home, parents are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenses in order to save up for retirement or permit them to have more disposable income, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Remodeling To Suit Medical Needs

Another reality of life is that our baby boomer generation is getting older. And as we age, our bodies tend to wear down or we become more prone to injuries that can and often do impact our daily lives. It’s due to this fact that another growing trend in home remodeling is making improvements to a home that allow us to live safer lifestyles or accommodate injuries or medical conditions. Some of these improvements include:

• Adding hand rails or upgrading bathrooms to non-slip flooring to ensure safety


• Installing wheel chair access ramps inside homes


• Upgrading kitchens with easier to access and operate appliances, cabinets and safer flooring

Converting Bedrooms to Entertainment or Storage Rooms

As our children leave home for college or to start their own lives, another growing home improvement trend is to convert their bedrooms into entertainment, guest or storage rooms. This type of home remodeling project is rather simple to complete as the majority of the time it requires very little construction – just addition or subtraction of certain furniture products. As current home ownership average age increases in the next few years, we will see more of these types of home improvement projects.

On the flip side, some homeowners are looking to increase livable space inside their current homes. This is why another popular home improvement trends for existing homeowners is adding a new bedroom or bathroom for guests (especially grandchildren). This type of home improvement project tends to add value to a home, which is another reason why several homeowners in Arizona are choosing to expand their homes as they get older.

The key to making any home improvement is to consider the needs of you and your family for the long term. Adding safer home additions, upgrading or adding storage or livable space and increasing the energy efficiency of any property are smart ways to provide more equity to your home, reduce your monthly costs and save more money each month.

 

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/home-improvement-trends-reflects-changing-dynamics/