7 Tips for Your Scottsdale Swimming Pool Remodel

Are you considering remodeling your swimming pool?

Let’s be honest, Scottsdale summers are hot, hot, hot. In fact, the average summer high in Scottsdale is said to be 104 degrees Fahrenheit. And, on these days, what better way to cool down than to take a dip in the pool?

While there’s no denying the enjoyment swimming pools can provide, they can prove to require extensive work. And, the truth is, most pools are going to demand a remodel at one point or another. When it comes time to remodel, it’s essential to know the facts.

When you take on a Scottsdale swimming pool remodel, you’re going to want to ensure that you’ve considered all of the options. After all, a swimming pool remodel is not always a quick nor simple process.

If you’re contemplating upgrading your swimming pool, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering seven tips and tricks for making the most out of your Scottsdale swimming pool remodel.

1. Consider Rockface Waterfalls

We all know that idyllic image of the perfect swimming pool: Crystal clear waters that are set amongst beautiful scenery and outfitted with nature-inspired waterfalls.

The truth is, creating natural and beautiful rockface waterfalls doesn’t have to be that complicated nor expensive. If you’re looking to make your ordinary pool feel more like a spa-like, peaceful retreat, you may want to consider the addition of a rockface waterfall.

Rockface waterfalls add a natural and custom feel to any pool and help add some personality to an otherwise simple pool. And, adding a simple layer of movement to your pool might be just what you need to curb that desire for a total remodel.

Are you lusting after some design inspiration? We’ve all got to start somewhere and pictures are often the best source of inspiration. Be sure to view our Scottsdale swimming pool gallery for ideas!

2. Adding Energy Efficient Aspects

Depending on the age and model of your swimming pool, some pools can be more expensive to operate than others.

For the sake of our wallet and the environment, why not consider making your swimming pool more energy efficient? To name a few simple changes:

• A variable speed pool pump


• Solar powered lights and heaters


• Energy efficient filters

After installation, you’ll begin to notice that your pool utilizes less electricity. Depending on your location, you may even qualify for energy-efficient rebates.

These simple changes make swimming pools less expensive to operate and increases the functionality of the pool. While this may prove appealing for the time being, it may also benefit the resale value of your property overall.

3. Swapping the Waterline Tile

If you’re swimming pool is feeling just a little outdated, there are simple steps that you can take to create a more modern aesthetic.

This is where the changing of the pool tile comes into play.

For the most simple of swimming pool remodels, try swapping the waterline tile for something more unique or contemporary. While ceramic mosaics were the go-to choice years ago, glass mosaics are now proving to be more popular.

Glass mosaics also tend to have more of a selection available in terms of color and effects. Simply changing the tile is a minor project that can go a long way and add some sparkle to your swimming pool!

With all of the tile options available for swimming pools these days, the sky is the limit!

4. Stone Decking

Giving your swimming pool a facelift doesn’t have to be limited to the pool itself.

When considering the overall aesthetic of the pool, remember that the surrounding deck has a significant influence on the overall look of the pool. While a clean and contemporary pool may prove to be attractive, an outdated and cracking cement deck is sure to take away from the appeal of the pool.

If your pool is outfitted by updated wood or cement, consider opting for something more visually appealing such as stone. In combination with a swimming pool, a custom stone deck is an upgrade that is capable of transforming the entirety of the backyard.

While this upgrade may not be as cost-effective, it’s a renovation that is sure to maximize the allure of the entire property.

5. Replacing Lights with LED Lighting

Did you know that LED light bulbs can cut energy use by more than 80 percent?

The reality is that many swimming pools were built long before LED lighting became popular and well-trusted.

If your swimming pool is currently outfitted with standard lighting, consider making the change to LED lighting. As with the home, energy efficient lighting is one of the most affordable means of making your interior and exterior less harmful to the environment.

Try adding fun LED colors below the water, around the perimeter or outfitting the deck. And, as a bonus, you’ll love the decrease in how often the LED lighting needs to be replaced and repurchased!

6. Poolside Fire Pits

If you’re looking to add a taste of luxury to your swimming pool, consider the addition of a poolside fire pit. After all, is there anything more enjoyable than a late-night swim following by sitting fireside?

The fire pits sit in close proximity to the swimming pool and can be custom built to suit your preference.

These fire pits are generally available in wood or gas and are the perfect way to transform a backyard into an extraordinary oasis.

7. Upgrading the Technology

As technology continues to evolve, so should the technology of our swimming pools.

After all, pool maintenance can prove to be not only a burden but also time-consuming. This makes swimming pool maintenance possible even when you’re not around. Consider taking a load off and shifting this responsibility onto technology. Some ideas:

• Robotic cleaner


• Automatic pool cover


• Pool system connected to a smartphone

The best news? Many of these gadgets can be easily retrofitted to older swimming pool models.

Scottsdale Swimming Pool Remodel

Are you considering remodeling your swimming pool?

If so, you’ll want to consider these tips and tricks for making the most of your remodel.

The truth is, a pool remodel is generally a good use of time and money. This is especially the case if the homeowner is planning to reside in the home long-term and/or make good use of their swimming pool.

From changing the tile to upgrading the technology, these tips are sure to benefit your pool remodel.

If you’ve been dreaming of giving your swimming pool the facelift it deserves, then what are you waiting for? Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help with your Scottsdale swimming pool remodel.

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As a premier Scottsdale swimming pool construction company, Peak One Builders specializes in amazing pool remodels that will change the look of your outdoor space! Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now to get started!

 

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7 Tips for Your Scottsdale Swimming Pool Remodel

7 Things to Know About the Custom Home Building Process

Building a home to your specifications is an exciting experience, but you have to ensure you are well prepared for the project. You also need to learn about the custom home building process.

Don’t know anything about the building process?

Well, worry not.

In this piece, we are going to look at seven important things you should know about building a custom home.

If you are planning to construct a custom home instead of buying an existing one, these things will help make the process easier and more exciting. Just read on.

1. Be Ready to Tackle One Thing at a Time

Building a custom home or remodeling a house to match your specifications can be an exhaustive experience, especially if you are a first-timer.

Therefore, you want to be relaxed and ready to tackle one thing at a time. You should note that your custom home will only make you happy if your decisions were made intentionally and not on impulse.

If you are a first-timer, talk to a friend or a colleague who has done it before. This will help you learn about some of the challenges they encountered and how they solve them.

With this information, you will be able to come up with a strategy that will help you avoid many challenges that might come your way during the building project planning and implementation stages.

2. You Should Be Realistic

Like most people, you want to live in a house where you can get everything you want, including recreation facilities.

But let’s face it; unless you are very rich, some of the features you see in your dream home might not come true.

You should, therefore, be realistic when coming up with your plan and budget. The best way to do this is to come up with a list of all the features that you want to see in your dream house.

After coming up with the list, calculate how much it will cost you to include all those features in your custom home.

Can you afford to include all those features in your custom house?

If you can, it’s well and good. If you can’t, note the things that you can afford and those that are more of a dream.

You should also understand that some features and improvements will add more value to your home than others. With this in mind, come up with another list that contains the things that you can afford.

The features that will add more value to your custom home should top your final list. Being realistic will help make the process of building a custom home run smoothly.

You should also have a realistic project timeline.

Your dream house cannot be completed in two weeks. You should be ready for delays and other possible challenges.

Your timeline should accommodate any delays and time to tackle various challenges. This will help make your experience smooth. It’ll also help you manage your project easily without losing your mind.

3. Choose Your Team Wisely

If you want to succeed in building your custom home, you must be careful when choosing a custom builder.

Make sure the custom builder you hire has the knowledge, skills, and experience required to give you the exceptional results you are looking for.

The custom builder you choose should also come with a team that understands the process of constructing a custom home. Everyone who works for you should be licensed, bonded, and insured. This way, you can relax knowing that your project is in good hands and they will deliver on time.

A contractor who knows what he/she is doing will keep you informed every step of the way.

4. You Need to Learn About Construction Financing

Unless you have tons of cash in your account, you will require a construction loan to fund your custom home. Unfortunately, the process of financing a custom home is a little bit more complicated than the process of financing an existing home.

There are two types of construction loans: the ones that convert to permanent mortgages, and the ones that don’t.

If you go for the temporary construction loan that does not convert to a mortgage, you will be forced to secure a separate mortgage loan after your house is complete.

Which option should you go for?

Well, this depends on your unique needs. Learning about construction financing will help you choose a loan that complements your needs.

You should also note that construction loans aren’t accessible to everyone. You need to have a good credit score to get this type of loan.

5. Ask Questions Relating to the Custom Home Building Process

Reading several articles and watching YouTube videos about the process of building a custom house does not make you an expert.

There are still a lot of things that you don’t know.

Asking questions will help you know more about the custom built house. It will also make it easy for you to create a good relationship with your team.

You should also ask about the background information of the people who work for you. This is important and can help you assess the skills of your construction team and adjust your expectations.

6. Your Plan and Budget Should Accommodate Any Additional Costs

Like we mentioned, building a custom house is not easy, and you may face some challenges.

Some of these challenges require some money to solve. You should, therefore, not forget to leave room in your budget to accommodate additional, unexpected costs.

This will make it easy for you to fight any challenges that come your way. It’ll also make the construction process easier and saner throughout.

7. Stay Involved

The more involved you are, the more satisfied you’ll be with the end result. Ensure you are part of the construction process, including the selection of materials, planning of the layout, and finishing.

Won’t you be labeled a control freak? No!

Any reputable, knowledgeable custom builder will appreciate that you are part of the team.

The Bottom Line

The custom home building process can be a mystery for a starter. However, this should not discourage you.

If you follow the tips discussed above, you can be sure that your custom house will be completed without any issues. Our informative blog has more helpful posts on this and other home construction topics.

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As the top custom home construction company in Scottsdale AZ, Peak One Builders has decades of experience helping clients through every step of the home building process. Contact us online or call 480-378-0611 today so we can discuss all of your options!

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7 Things to Know About the Custom Home Building Process

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home

Planning on building a new home? With custom house building, you can design your new home to be exactly as you want it to. But as usual, the devil is in the details, and small mistakes can ruin your grand plans.

If you are a first time home builder, you should make sure you get everything right the first time around, as mistakes are costly and hard to fix. Read on to find out some of the most common custom home building mistakes.

1. Energy Inefficiency

Simply put, if your new home doesn’t have Energy Star certification, you’ll be losing a lot of money in the long run. How much, you ask? Well, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Energy Star houses may use up to 30% less energy compared to conventional houses.

Energy Star indicates that a product meets certain energy efficiency standards. It’s an indication used for most energy-hungry home appliances, including HVAC systems. However, many people don’t know you can actually get an Energy Star certification for your own home as well.

Building an Energy Star home requires advanced insulation, Energy Star appliances, efficient HVAC and expert design. In order to qualify, you need to meet all the requirements set by the EPA.

After your new house is ready, you will need to contract an independent energy rater to determine if your house qualifies for Energy Star certification.

Receiving Energy Star certification is a difficult process, but the promise of 30% less energy consumption more than makes up for the challenge. Working with a dependable green home building contractor will allow you to obtain the coveted Energy Star certification at minimum cost. Without the right builder at your side, it is likely that your home will not meet the standards, and you won’t be able to get your Energy Star certification.

2. Inadequate HVAC System

Building an energy efficient house is one thing, but making it so that it’s actually comfortable to live in is another. Poor HVAC planning can lead to all sorts of problems with air quality, too much moisture and even mold.

Standing for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC is so much more than thermal comfort. Sure, it’s important to keep your house comfortably warm, but you need to consider proper ventilation and humidity control as well.

Your HVAC system should be just the right size for the total floor space of your house. Small models will not cool or heat your home efficiently. On the other hand, an HVAC system that is too big for your house will just be wasting money and energy.

Another problem of poor HVAC planning is the unsightly wall acne. The term wall acne refers to a multitude of mismatched lights, switches, controls and keypads on a wall. You can avoid this completely with proper design.

3. Bad Space Planning and Design

Space planning is crucial regardless of the size of your new home. Even the largest homes can run out of space if you have not designed them efficiently.

Regardless of your goals, you need to plan your floor space in advance. Take your time to plan out the layout of your new home, and make sure you are not skimping on important details.

First, you need to assess how much storage space you will need in each room. You can’t just pile everything up in the garage, and even garages get full after a while! Each bedroom should have at least one closet, and bathrooms will require some kind of storage as well. Your entrance hall should have a coat closet, especially if you live in colder climates.

Your building contractor will be able to give you a 3D representation of how your house will look like. You can use that to help you plan everything to perfection.

4. Wrong Room Placement

You should always keep the bigger plan in mind. Where do you want to spend most of the time? What do you want from your new house? Where to place each room?

It is easy to get bogged down in details and forget the real issues. For example, your laundry room should be placed close to your bedrooms for convenience. Having your laundry room in the basement will waste valuable time.

You should place your bedrooms on the quietest side of your house. Ideally, that should be as far away from traffic as possible. Make sure you place bedrooms away from the garage and opposite to street view to minimize traffic noise. Ideally, bedrooms should not share walls with main living spaces.

You should position your kitchen in such a way as to make unloading groceries easy. That’s either next to the garage or the back entrance. The garage itself should be in the ground floor and neighboring your kitchen and your mudroom.

5. Underused Rooms

Do you really need a game room or that walk-in closet you saw on TV? One of the biggest mistakes is to build rooms that won’t be used much. Underused rooms will eat up your budget, lower your energy efficiency and make your house less livable.

What’s worse, underused rooms often end up becoming storage spaces for all sorts of unused junk that people tend to accumulate over the years.

6. No Long-Term Planning

Finally, keep your long-term goals in mind. This is your new home. Make sure it fits your needs now and in the future.

When designing your new house, you should think of your habits, lifestyle and future choices. Do you plan to raise kids in this house? How long do you plan to stay? Will you spend your retirement years in this house?

The above considerations, and more, will define the design of your new house. Above all, you need the place you will be spending much of your life in to be livable and safe.

Ready to Start Building a New Home?

Building your house from scratch can be a daunting task. Thankfully, you are not alone! Check out Peak One Builders, a leading luxury home building and remodeling company in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ.

We aim to make the construction or remodeling of your luxury home an enjoyable experience and hassle-free experience. Contact us today for a consultation and get started on building a new home you will be proud of!

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Avoid common mistakes when building your new home by working with Peak One Builders, the best home builders in North Scottsdale! We can help bring your dreams to life. Contact us to set up a free consultation so we can discuss all of your options! Call 480-378-0611 today.

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8 Sustainable Buildings to Inspire Your New Home

Looking to build a new home? Why not make it as sustainable as possible?

By building a sustainable home, you’re not only doing your part to protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint, but you’re also going to save tons of money on your utility bills. It’s a no-brainer.

But knowing where to start can be tough. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of eight impressive sustainable buildings around the world to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

Land Port of Entry

This sustainable building, located on the border between the U.S. and Canada, is a great example of locally focused sustainability. The building is located in a heavily wooded area, known for its lumber industry, and so the designers took great pains to use local, sustainably harvested lumber. A full 98% of the building’s wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

In addition, the designers worked to restore the wetlands which surround the building and planted native plants throughout the property

Before you make any decisions about your new home, consider your surroundings.

Rammed Earth House

This house in Hanoi is a great example of how you can use rammed earth in your home design. Rammed earth, which is basically compressed dirt, is a phenomenal building material. It has a high thermal mass which means it absorbs heat during the day, keeping your house cool, and then releases that heat slowly throughout the night.

These architects took the rammed earth concept to the next level by planting trees in the house’s roof. The house is a beautiful extension of its natural surroundings.

Off-Grid Living House

This off-grid house in Scotland is a masterpiece of self-sufficiency. It’s well insulated and has large solar panels, of course, but it also has something most other sustainable buildings on this list don’t: a composting toilet.

A composting toilet is a lot like an outhouse, but once it’s full, you use the contents as compost in your garden. I know that sounds gross, but you’ll be adding a lot of sawdust to the mix so it doesn’t smell. And you let it sit for a year before you use it, so the nasty bits have time to decompose.

If you want to be self-sufficient and are okay with the idea of using your own feces as compost, then a composting toilet is a perfect addition to your new home.

Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building

The Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland is loaded with sustainability technology. Its elevators generate power as they descend, and it has smart lighting which reduces light energy by 40%.

But for our purposes, its most exciting feature is its solar water heating system. The sun heats up special water tanks located on the building’s roof, and these tanks are used to provide hot water to the entire building.

Solar water heating is the perfect way to make sure you and your family can have a luxurious hot shower without using any electricity at all.

Recycled Materials-Based House

This house in East Sussex, England uses a variety of recycled, natural materials in impressively creative ways. The roof is made of zinc, the kitchen surfaces are made of recycled glass, the insulation is made of hemp and wood fiber, and the paints are partially made from limes.

The house is also designed to efficiently use the sunlight for heat: a strategy known as passive solar heating. And it employs a smart rainwater harvesting system to cut down on water use.

It goes to show that maximizing your house’s sustainability is all about using a variety of techniques and strategies.

Insulation Masterpiece

This house, also in England, takes insulation to the next level. The walls are all made of wood and filled with wool. And as anyone who’s into performance clothing knows, wool is an amazing natural insulator.

Just like your wool sweater keeps you warm in the winter, so will the wool insulation around your house. But the insulation innovation doesn’t end there.

The architects used high-performance, vapor-resistant tape to seal off the house’s frame. This airtight seal provides yet another layer of insulation to this marvelously designed house.

High-quality insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save big on your heating bill and conserve energy.

John & Frances Angelo Law Center

The John & Frances Angelos Law Center in Baltimore is a marvel of architectural creativity. Its most innovative feature is a giant empty cavity running from bottom to top in its center.

This cavity provides ventilation for the entire building. Depending on the time of day, the air either circulates due to the heat of the sunlight or due to mechanical fans. There are even indicators in the offices that tell workers when its time to open their windows and increase circulation.

In addition to providing fresh air, this system keeps the building at a comfortable temperature at a relatively low energy cost.

Sustainability Treehouse

We put the sustainability treehouse, located in West Virginia, on the list to remind you to have fun and be creative with your new home. The treehouse serves as an educational center where people can learn about forestry and sustainability. And, in addition to being fun and educational, it also has a very sustainable design.

It has a rainwater processing and cleaning system along with a large array of solar panels. And, it even has its own set of wind turbines. These technologies provide all of the treehouse’s energy and water needs: no municipal source necessary.

From Sustainable Buildings to Your Sustainable Home

We hope this list of sustainable buildings has inspired you. Building a sustainable house takes time and energy, so get started today.

We’d love to help you make your dream house a reality. Contact us today and let’s set up a consultation.

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Are you looking to build a sustainable home?  You’ve landed in the right place. Peak One Builders specializes in residential green construction in Scottsdale AZ. Contact us to set up a free consultation so we can discuss all of your options! Call 480-378-0611 today.

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What Makes a Luxury Bathroom? 5 Luxurious Elements You Need

Imagine being locked in your bathroom for a year and a half. Well, that’s how much time you’ll spend in the bathroom over the course of your life. If you’re spending it in a luxury bathroom, it might not feel so long given the comfort you’d be in.

There are few investments in your home that will add to its value. A renovated bathroom will pay off almost 50 cents to the dollar, a pretty good ratio as far as renovations go.

While painting the walls might go unnoticed by a potential buyer, a renovated bathroom might just end up being the selling point.

If you’re thinking about adding some luxury bathroom elements to your commode, you might be surprised how much one or two elements can change the room.

Try one or more of these 5 tips for a bathroom that really does feel like a restroom.

1. A Great Bathtub

After a long day at work, whether you do white- or blue-collar work, there are very few things that can compare to taking a long relaxing bath. If you’ve been crammed in city apartments with tight little showers, a bathtub could be an incredible luxury.

For taller people, just finding the right bathtub can feel luxurious.

Bathtubs can be outfitted with the latest in water circulation technology to really give you a nice massage while you kick back. You can also find great old rehabbed clawfoot tubs at lots of outlets around the country. No matter what your style is, there’s a bathtub to fit it.

If that’s not really your thing, there are also some great options for showers. Building a nice glass and slate showering area can be a nice way to take a steamy relaxing break from your day.

Make it spacious and easy to clean and you can build a lovely shower that gets you excited to kick off your workday.

2. Go European

So many of our contemporary home design concepts are coming from luxury bathroom designs in Europe. Along with different toilet designs, they’re also fond of the bidet.

If you haven’t ever tried a bidet, you should use one and see if you enjoy it. Many Americans are finding that it’s the right choice for them in the bathroom. There are some lovely designs that add to the luxuriousness of a bathroom.

They’re also better for the environment than all of that toilet paper that’s made from virgin trees and pulp. You’ll have a cleaner time in the bathroom and be able to spare a few extra trees from being cut down.

Another innovation we’re starting to import from Europe is the efficiency toilet. With two separate levers for liquid and solid waste, they ensure you don’t waste a full flush when you don’t have much to get rid of.

It also keeps you from having to institute the old “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule in your home.

3. The Perfect Mirror Setup

No luxury bathroom would be complete without a beautiful and dramatic mirror and sink setup. If you’ll be spending your time putting on makeup and doing your skincare routine in the bathroom, you might want to add a second mirror apart from your sink.

Here you can add a small stool or bench. Install a large vanity mirror with lights all around it. Add a small section of countertop for placing your makeup and gear.

Ensure you can get nice and close to the mirror in case you’ve got an eyebrow hair to pluck while you’re sitting there.

A bright, easy to clean, and well-lit mirror will allow you to make the most of yourself before you head out for the day. It can also aid you in your evening dental care routine. Leave no plaque behind when you can see clearly what’s going on in your mouth.

4. Staying Warm

A bathroom can be a cold place to spend time disrobed in during winter months. Innovations in luxury bathroom technology have veered toward ways to make it a little more bearable.

Overhead heat lamps are a great way to help dry your hair while you’re doing your makeup or dental care routine. They heat you from the top down and save you from having to use a blowdryer, which can damage your hair and give you split ends.

Another element being added to luxury homes around the country is heating under the floor. By adding some heating under the floor, walking around the bathroom is a little easier to handle during those early morning hours.

Rather than having to wear socks while you’re in the bathroom, you can let the heating system warm you up and make it more comfortable.

5. The Details You Need

The missing element for any luxury bathroom is going to be whatever personal touches you decide to add to it. This can be anything from decor ideas to candles placed around the room.

Find a scent you like and use it to ward off any bad smells that might emerge from your bathroom.

No luxury bathroom would be complete without a luxurious set of towels. Make sure you’ve got great towels, bathmats, and a robe. Drying off with big fluffy clean towels feels like nothing else on this earth.

Whatever you need in the bathroom, this is the time to add it to the list.

A Luxury Bathroom Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank

You can do lots of bathroom renovation without having to dig into your savings account. Several of the tactics could involve finding store models, rehabbed or refurbished items, or even waiting until the January white sales to pick things up.

If you want even more luxury bathroom ideas, check out our guide to building a custom bathroom.

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Are you looking to create the luxury bathroom of your dreams?  Contact Peak One Builders, a premier professional home remodeling contractor in Scottsdale, to set up a free consultation! Call 480-378-0611 today.

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5 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Give Your Home a Luxurious Feel

Are you trying to sell your home? Or do you just want to give your front yard landscaping a boost?

Experts estimate that increasing your home’s “curb appeal” can add about 15% to the value of your home. Instead of selling it for $100,000, you could sell it for $115,000 or more.

Even if you’re not planning on selling your home, landscaping projects can help you relax and become more creative. Having a garden can reduce your risk of heart disease and even diabetes.

There are many ways to improve your front yard landscaping, but here are some of the best ways to get the most money from your investment.

1. Xeriscaping

One of the most popular new ways to improve your home’s landscaping is xeriscaping, or gardening with succulents and cacti. They don’t need a lot of water and they look beautiful year-round.

If you’re one of those people who always kills plants, a xeriscaped front yard is perfect. You can find cacti that spread and eventually replace your entire lawn if you want to.

Or you can put the cacti and succulents in pots and have a multi-level garden that takes little to no water. If you live in a part of the country that doesn’t get a lot of rain, low-maintenance plants could be perfect.

What you should look for is plants that have new growth and are healthy. Ask your local gardening store for advice on which plants will thrive in your area of the country.

2. Gardening

On the other hand, if you have a green thumb you might want to go all out and plant a garden. Front yard landscaping with ornamental trees, flowers, and shrubs is beautiful and it really enhances the look of your home.

You should look for plants that have eye-catching colors like tulips and roses. Plant a variety of flowers so that you always have something blooming.

Another option is to landscape with plants like mint that have a pleasant smell. Lemon verbena and sage also smell very nice and attract butterflies and bees to any garden.

You don’t have to plan a complex garden. Just plant the flowers that you like and find some small trees that catch your eye.

Depending on the part of the country you live in, you could even plant lemon, orange, and olive trees.

3. Hardscaping

Hardscaping is a new term that refers to front yard landscaping details like decks, gazebos, and benches. Once you plant a garden that you like, you will need to install a nice bench or even a hammock.

If you want to invest in a deck, try to find wood that matches your home. Nobody wants a deck that sticks out like an eyesore. Take the time and make sure that your deck is attractive – and waterproof.

Gazebos can provide shade during the summer months and you can also buy certain climbing vines that will make it truly gorgeous. You can find do-it-yourself gazebos and benches at home improvement stores but you might want to hire a professional for larger projects.

You can often find nice stone benches online, and concrete now comes in hundreds of colors so you can match it to your house and garden.

4. Pavers and Pathways

If the sidewalk in front of your house is cracked and unattractive, you will have a much harder time selling your home.

Front yard landscaping projects should always include the installation of new paving stones, new concrete sidewalks, and new garden pathways.

You will need to have access to your garden so that you’re not just kneeling in the dirt all the time. Make sure that visitors have paths through the garden in case of muddy weather.

Circular paving stones are attractive and come in a wide variety of colors. Before you pave, make sure that rain and snow will not wash them away or make them uneven.

Again, hiring a landscaping professional is a great idea for any landscaping projects.

5. Ornamental Shrubbery

Have you ever seen a house with overgrown shrubs? You can avoid having a messy front yard by investing in smaller trees and shrubs.

Trees like Japanese maples and olive trees don’t require a lot of pruning and maintenance, but they add so much beauty to the look of a home and turn a bright red color in the fall.

It’s easy to find small trees at your local gardening center, but make sure they will get the right amount of light before you plant them.

Taking the time to select the right trees and shrubs can make any garden shine, and enjoying your front yard can reduce anxiety and boost creativity.

Looking for Luxury Options in the Scottsdale Area?

We specialize in luxury, custom home building and can help homeowners figure out where to start with their outdoor projects. We offer kitchen remodeling services as well as backyard renovation.

You really have to garden and landscape to your own taste. That’s why we prefer to work with the homeowner directly instead of with a designer.

They can help get you started, but you need to figure out what you like for front yard landscaping projects. Do you want a simple, relaxing garden or would you prefer a deck where you can hang out with your friends?

Or maybe both?

Custom Options for Front Yard Landscaping

You don’t have to be selling your home to invest in landscaping or home renovation projects. Take some time and think about what your ideal front yard would look like.

There are so many options and we’re looking forward to working with you. Drop us a line online to request a free estimate and we’ll come by and have a look at your front and backyard.

We also offer custom luxury dream home lots and building services. We’ll work with you through the design and planning process to build the luxury home that you’ve always wanted.

Focusing on sustainable, green building practices and options that work for your lifestyle, we enjoy helping our customers build the perfect front and backyard. Come look at our blog for more information about what’s trending in the luxury market.

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A professional outdoor landscape contractor in Scottsdale can make your front yard look absolutely luxurious!  Give your yard a makeover this spring! Contact the team at Peak One Builders to set up a free consultation. Call 480-378-0611 today.

 

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5 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Give Your Home a Luxurious Feel

5 Custom Kitchens That Would Look Great in Your Scottsdale Home

An outdated kitchen can be a huge problem spot in a home, and remodeling is a major project. You want to make sure before you start that you’re getting exactly what you want. But with so much to choose from in custom kitchens, how do you decide what your new kitchen will be?

Below are five kitchen styles that will be a beautiful addition to your home. Once you’ve established what aesthetic you’re looking for, the rest is down to the details. Let’s get started.

Airy

If you dream of natural light pouring in through lots of windows, this may be the direction to go with your kitchen remodel. White cabinets, glass accents, and a touch of wood make this kitchen a beautiful and refreshing space. In the heat of summer, your kitchen will be the coolest place to be.

White cabinets set the scene for this kitchen remodel. They help to reflect natural light coming in, so even if your kitchen doesn’t have very many windows, the airy effect will be maximized. White cabinets can also make a space seem bigger, which can be a great choice in more compact kitchens.

Glass light fixtures are an exquisite detail in custom kitchens of this style. They add shine to your space without overpowering the space. Glass fronts on a few cabinet doors can also be a great way to open your space.

You may want to add some natural wood features, such as flooring, an island surface, or barstools, as well to help ground your kitchen. Using light wood will help keep everything very light and cool. Incorporating some darker woods will add a bit more drama and contrast without dampening your beautiful space.

Tuscan

If wrought iron, dark wood, and stone features capture your imagination, you may want to look into Tuscan-style custom kitchens. The dramatic style brings to mind imagery of fresh bread, wood stoves, copper pans, and family gathered in close. It can be an excellent choice for your custom kitchen remodel.

Medium to dark wood cabinets are very popular in this style of kitchen. However, sage-colored cabinets can be the perfect way to bring a subtle pop of color to your kitchen. Wrought iron or brushed bronze cabinet pulls will look exquisite no matter which style you choose.

Wrought iron light fixtures are a gorgeous feature to include in your Tuscan-style kitchen, but you do want to be careful about the fixture you select. Because the material is so visually heavy, you want to make sure to choose a light that won’t overwhelm your space. The bigger your kitchen is, the more it will be able to balance a larger wrought iron light fixture.

Light stone is a central component of a Tuscan-style kitchen. This can be worked in in a number of different ways, but among the most effective is if you can build a vent hood structure from it. It can also be stunning as a backsplash or island siding.

Elegant

Your dream kitchen may be filled with gorgeous, dark wood, granite countertops, and subtle lighting. These custom kitchens are a classic, and are especially stunning in larger or more open plan kitchens. Going with this style remodel will make you feel like royalty every time you walk into your kitchen.

Dark wood cabinets are the centerpiece of this kitchen style. You want to get cabinets that go all the way to your ceiling; the taller, the better. Having a complementary wood floor will also take your kitchen remodel to another level of elegance.

Granite countertops, likewise, are a staple in this kitchen style. Granite is durable, classic, and available in almost any color you like, although a lighter color would pair best with the dark wood of the cabinets. Tan shades will keep your space looking warm, while greys will provide a more modern look.

In this kitchen style, you want the lighting to be very low profile with a few carefully-selected exceptions, such as pendant lights over an island. Recessed lighting will provide an overall sort of glow without distracting from the magnificence of your cabinets and countertops. Stainless steel appliances will keep things looking sharp and will ensure your kitchen is the spectacular space you’ve dreamed of.

Modern

If your style runs towards stainless steel, monochromatic color schemes, and minimalistic aesthetics, these custom kitchens will be just what you’ve been looking for. They keep things simple, allowing the clean beauty of the space to speak for itself. This can work equally well in a small space as in a larger one; it’s just a matter of the right design.

White cabinets are the way to go with this kitchen style. They won’t carry the visual weight wood cabinets do; rather, they will allow the attention to move smoothly to the selected focus points of the kitchen. In this kitchen style, less is more, and you don’t want your cabinets to overwhelm.

Stainless steel countertops are really the star of the show, so much as there is one in these custom kitchens. Not only do they look incredibly sleek, they are also easy to clean and maintain. They will coordinate with your stainless steel appliances and make your kitchen look very polished.

As for appliances, you definitely want to go for stainless steel. A glass induction cooktop can be a very cool way to have a low-impact stove, or if you prefer to keep the stove a visual focus, look for a more industrial-style gas stove with a stainless steel vent hood. The grey and white color scheme will allow you to add accents – flowers in the spring and summer, gourds and fruit in the fall and winter – that will be a perfect splash of color in your otherwise pristine kitchen.

Cozy

For you, a kitchen may primarily be a hearth around which loved ones can gather and good, solid meals can be prepared. If that’s your ideal, you may want to go for a cozy kitchen style. Brick and wood help make these custom kitchens someplace you’ll always love to be.

You can’t beat wood for creating visual warmth in a kitchen, and this style is no exception. Dark wood cabinets help make the space a little cozier, and having wooden barstools can be a nice complement. Make sure you pick a wood color light enough that it won’t overwhelm your space if your kitchen is smaller.

Lighting is very important in this style kitchen. You want to make sure to have plenty of recessed lighting, as well as a few more prominent fixtures. Under cabinet lighting is a good idea, too; the difference between cozy and dungeon is all in the lighting.

The thing that can really cement the warm and cozy atmosphere in your kitchen is brick work. If you can build a brick structure around your vent hood or around a support column, it will add instant texture and warmth to your space. Brick countertops can even be wonderful if done correctly.

Perfect Custom Kitchens

Whatever your dream kitchen is, Peak One Builders can make it happen. Their remodel process starts with a free consultation with you, and includes professional design consultants, licensed contractors, and an attention to detail that will make sure you get the kitchen of your dreams. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home; make yours the perfect heart for you.

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Are you looking for a luxury kitchen remodeling company in Scottsdale AZ?  We can help you turn your dreams of a luxury kitchen into reality! Contact the team at Peak One Builders to set up a free consultation! Call 480-378-0611 today.

 

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5 Custom Kitchens That Would Look Great in Your Scottsdale Home