Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

Having 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.

4 Ideas for Building a Guest House from Peak One Builders & Restoration

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Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

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

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.

 

3 Tips On Custom Home Building from Peak One Builders & Restoration

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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!

 

Read more articles about custom home building:

• 3 Interview Questions For Scottsdale Home Builders


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

Troon Living Room Remodel [Style Guide]

While 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]

Paradise Valley Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

Green 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

Kitchen Remodel: Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz Countertops

After the general floorplan and design of your kitchen, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is that of countertop material. Your countertops are the heart and soul of your kitchen. They’re where you make food, where you live and work. Modern kitchens generally lean towards natural stone in the form of granite, marble or quartz, but which is the best? Explore the advantages of granite vs. marble vs. quartz countertops so you can make the right choice in your kitchen remodeling and renovation project.

Granite Countertops: the Pros and Cons

When it comes to deciding which type of countertop is the best for your needs, granite is one of the most consistently popular choices out there. It’s incredibly solid and strong and can take a great deal of punishment. It doesn’t stain easily and doesn’t hold watermarks. It’s hard to break it, scratch it or crack it and it’s available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, from tan to gold to off-white to peach to gray to brown and blue.

You are, however, limited to natural colors as it’s harder to enhance than other kinds of natural stone counters. It also has to be sealed on a semi-regular basis to ensure that it stays solid and stable, and doesn’t lose color.

Marble Countertops: the Pros and Cons

Marble is another highly popular material for counters, and it bespeaks luxury. It is also sturdy and carries a gorgeous pattern that will be completely unique to your countertop. It’s smooth and very easy to clean up since it’s not as porous as granite.

However, it does tend to stain and can be very sensitive to acidic cleaners. Generally, it needs a high-grade sealant.

Quartz Countertops: the Pros and Cons

Quartz is less common than granite or marble but may be the most stunning and unique choice you can make. It comes in just about any color you can imagine and is completely nonporous. It requires next to no upkeep and does not require sealant at all. It also tends to stay cool due to its composition, and won’t have as many variances as granite or marble.

However, unlike the other two varieties, quartz is generally not 100% natural but is made from crushed quartz combined with resin and dyes.

 

There are a lot of choices to make when remodeling a kitchen, and while the choice of which countertop material to use is an important one, it’s far from the only choice you’ll need to make. From the floor plan you pick to the eyelines you create, from flooring material to wall backsplashes and décor, from cabinets to appliances, it seems that the decisions never end.

 

It can be really difficult to determine where to go when the time comes to start your renovations planning. That’s why you should always look for help from an experienced kitchen remodel specialist in Scottsdale. A kitchen remodel specialist will be ready to apply their experience to your specific needs to get you through the confusion — and build you the kitchen of your dreams. Get started on your next project today!

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

 

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Kitchen Remodel: Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz Countertops

Luxury Backyard Makeover Tips to Get Summer Started Right

What’s the best way to make your backyard the most exciting destination spot for all your friends and family? Explore these pieces of advice and luxury backyard makeover tips to help get your summer off to a roaring start and make your yard the place to be!

The vast majority of homeowners spend a lot of time looking at their backyard, knowing that they want to upgrade and improve it and are just unsure where to start. Here we will share some ideas and tips to help inspire you to get started on creating the backyard oasis of your dreams.

Create a Breathtaking Landscape

Landscaping is the key, and any set of makeover tips for your backyard would be remiss in not starting here. The first thing you want to do is create a stunning landscape for your overall backyard. This means working with your remodeling contractor to create a gorgeous shape and design for your lawn, from the carpet of grass to the shrubs and flowers. Landscaping is the foundation, and it all starts here.

Consider a Built-In Barbecue

Backyard entertainment and a built-in barbecue are essential features of your outdoor oasis. Create a special entertainment area with a fully-featured barbecue that has all the amenities, as well as features like wireless sound so you can pipe music or the big game into the party. Think about adding a flat screen TV so that you can have the latest movies or sports events playing, and work with your remodeling contractor to account for weather and protection from the elements.

Design a Focal Point for the Yard

Every good backyard design is built around a focal point. This could be fire pit construction, pool install, or even that backyard entertainment area. These aren’t just focal points for the eyes but are places people will be drawn to, where they can congregate and enjoy being outdoors. The focal point is the place for fellowship and enjoyment.

Of course, you’ll want to tailor it to the kinds of events you’ll be hosting. For big parties, you’ll want to use that backyard entertainment area and built-in BBQ, and make it as spacious and open as possible. For smaller, intimate gatherings a fire pit might be your best bet, allowing people to snuggle up together in the evenings. A pool can be great for kids and families to get out of the summer heat.

In the end, the prospects for your backyard makeover are nearly infinite and it’s really up to you. Your first step is to find the very best possible backyard remodeling company for your needs. If you’re in this situation and aren’t sure where to begin, a solid, professional landscaping and renovations company can help get you going, from deciding on the right design, all the way through execution.

 

The right backyard remodeling and renovation company can make sure you have all the necessary permits and plans, and help you design a backyard remodeling makeover project that will meet all of your wildest expectations, on time and on a budget.

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Contact the Cave Creek backyard makeover experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

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Luxury Backyard Makeover Tips to Get Summer Started Right

How to Create a Home Remodeling Budget Spreadsheet

Home remodeling projects require properly tracking every last cent along the way to avoid unfortunate and unpleasant surprises and to deal with anything that does arise. Learn how to create a home remodeling budget spreadsheet, what to include, and how to keep thorough track of what you intend to spend on your project.

List All the Details

The first step in building your spreadsheet is to list all the details of your remodel that you can think of. Write down what parts you’ll need:

• What is the end goal?


• What benchmarks to completion are there?


• What do you want to see out of the end project?


• What must be replaced?


• What are the potential costs of replacement?


• And more

Knowing exactly what you’re going to be tackling is the first start in budgeting your home remodel.

Start with the Project

Now, add the project itself to your spreadsheet. Make it the header. Often times that blank screen is the trickiest part, and just typing the name of your project can go miles towards getting you started. After you’ve got the header down, outline your details. You’ll organize them as you go.

Know Your Estimated Budget

Now, add your estimated total budget. This is the figure from which everything else will derive. As you add costs, you’ll set them up to automatically subtract from this budget so you always know how much money you’ve got left. Directly under your total budget figure, add a cell that says, “Remaining Budget,” and in this field create a formula that shows the remaining cash after expenses are accounted.

Get Contractor Quotes

Shop around to find the best possible local custom home remodeling contractor in Scottsdale for your needs. Get quotes and track them separately so you can determine which one will be best fit your needs, but keep them handy in case you need to change contractors.

Track Final Costs

Each final cost should subtract from your total budget and the final cost reflects in the remaining budget field. This lets you itemize expenses as well as knowing what you’ve got left, and where costs might need to be reined in.

Include the Start Date

Always include your start date, so you know how long the project is taking. This will allow you to note if important goalposts are missed, or if you’re ahead of schedule.

Outline Schedule of Completion

Keep a detailed schedule of completion handy so you know where benchmarks lie. This allows you to more easily consult with your remodeling contractor to make sure you’re on time as well as on budget.

Keep Detailed Notes

Any time any new developments occur, make a note including the time and date. For example, you could write, “Building Permit Acquired: 4/23.” This is another important organizational step that’s necessary to keep your home renovation project on track.

 

Of course, when you work with the right contractor, you’ll have help with your home remodeling projects every step of the way, including help with budgeting a home remodel.

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

 

Read related articles:

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How to Create a Home Remodeling Budget Spreadsheet