Tuesday, August 29, 2017

4 Common Mold Types In Residential Homes In AZ And Beyond

Common Mold TypesMany 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.


Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. 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 typically a black or green “pepper like” substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat. 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 damage is done when it is breathed in as opposed to rotting out wood or home materials.



Common Mold #2 – PENICILLIUM


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


Common Mold #3 – ASPERGILLUS


Aspergillus. This mold is one of the most dangerous ones due to the fact that it’s very fast growing. It is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found in foods and in home air conditioning systems. Aspergillus mold can also form anywhere there is high humidity or organic materials for the mold to use as food. Just like many other molds, the Aspergillus mold tends to metabolize mycotoxins, which are extreme allergens that can cause severe respiratory damage.


Common Mold #4 – ALTERNARIA


Alternaria. Even though this common mold type is commonly found outdoors, it 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 large amounts of water or moisture to grow. This is why 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 be taken seriously. 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.


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4 Common Mold Types In Residential Homes In AZ And Beyond

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

How To Build an Energy Certified Custom Home in Arizona

Energy Star certified custom homeWhen you’re building a new home in Arizona, there are a variety of factors that you need to consider. However, for many homeowners, the most important issue when building a new home is making sure that it is energy certified. Energy certified homes provide superior energy efficiency and are more environmentally friendly than standard homes.


For a new home to be energy certified, it has to meet certain requirements laid out by the United States government. Learning about these requirements is a good first step in building your energy efficient home. Discover how to build an Energy Star certified custom home, and find out why it’s important to work with an experienced green home builder.


What is an Energy Star Home?


If you’ve ever researched how to make your home more energy efficient, then you may have come across something known as an Energy Star certification. The Energy Star certification indicates that a given product meets strict energy efficiency standards and is commonly used for household appliances like HVAC systems. However, it’s also possible for homes to receive an Energy Star Certification.


An Energy Star home is one that has been constructed based on energy efficient principles and has been independently tested to ensure that it meets the requirements laid out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star homes often have advanced insulation, Energy Star appliances, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.


Qualification & Certification


For a home to qualify under the Energy Star program and receive certification, several requirements must be met. First, there must be a plan in place for how your home will be built. Once this plan is set, your builder will begin the construction of your home, following the guidelines of the Energy Star program.


The products that are used in your home will need to meet very strict efficiency requirements if you want to earn Energy Star certification. For instance, if you live in a hot climate, your air conditioner will need a SEER rating of at least 14.5 and you must use a heat pump that has an AFUE rating of 80 or higher. Your doors, windows, and ductwork will need to be properly sealed and you will need a programmable thermostat.


After construction has been completed, the independent energy rater your builder hired will examine your home and determine if it qualifies for Energy Star certification. If you are approved, you will receive a certificate and a sticker will be placed on your home marking it as an Energy Star home.


Who Can Build Energy Star?


As you can see, receiving Energy Star certification for your home is a very complicated, difficult process, which is why you need to be sure you’re working with the right green home building contractors in Scottsdale. When you’re looking for a builder, you need to make sure that your builder is an Energy Star partner. Energy Star partners have committed to building by energy efficiency standards and are the only construction professionals qualified for these homes.


If you don’t hire the right building professionals, it’s likely that your home will not be built using the proper standards and you will not be able to receive your Energy Star certification.


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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!


 



How To Build an Energy Certified Custom Home in Arizona

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Ultimate Guide to Spa Bathroom Remodel in Cave Creek

Spa Bathroom Remodel in Cave CreekThe bathroom has generally been considered one of the utilitarian rooms of your home where modern design and creature comforts simply aren’t needed. However, discerning homeowners are starting to realize that the bathroom is just as important as the other rooms of the home, which is why many people are interested in building a spa bathroom.


If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, it’s important to learn about some of the most popular spa bathroom trends. Here are a few tips for your spa bathroom remodel in Cave Creek that should help you build the spa bathroom of your dreams.


Tubs


In a spa bathroom, the most important feature is the tub. To get the perfect spa feel, you should make sure that your tub is large, freestanding and positioned in the center of the room. When it comes to design, the ideal aesthetic is somewhere between traditional and modern. You want to make sure that your tub has a timeless appearance that you’ll love year after year. Picking the right tub is crucial for the success of your spa remodel.


Shower


Almost as important as the tub in your spa bathroom is the shower. The shower should be the other dominant feature in your spa bathroom, and should take up enough space so that you have room to move around when you’re in the shower. Most spa showers have multiple comfort features. For example, many may come equipped with a bench so that you can get a steam room feel.


Spa showers will also feature advanced shower heads. This can include rainfall shower heads that cover a larger surface area than the traditional varieties.


Sinks


The drawback of many bathrooms is feeling cramped while using your sink. Spa bathrooms avoid this issue by employing large dual vanities. These vanities will include two large sinks with stylish fixtures, and will also provide ample storage space for your various toiletries. When designing the vanity for your spa bathroom, it’s a good idea to consult with a Cave Creek remodeling contractor to make sure that your needs are being met exactly.


Flooring & Walls


The flooring and walls of your bathroom are most responsible for the feel of the room. This makes it extremely important that you choose the right style. Tile is still a great choice in a spa bathroom, as it gives a clean appearance. While subtle, uniform coloring is trendy in a spa bathroom, you could also choose patterned tiling if you want the floors and walls in your bathroom to have a unique look.


A good idea is to try and match the flooring in your bathroom to your tub and shower to pull the room together.


Additional Features


A high-quality spa bathroom will include advanced luxury features that make for a supremely comfortable room. Many spa showers, for instance, are equipped with a steam function to mimic a day in the spa. Another popular choice is installing heated floors so that your feet are never cold when on the tile. Whatever additional features you choose, they should be focused on adding to the comfort of your bathroom.


 


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

 



Ultimate Guide to Spa Bathroom Remodel in Cave Creek

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap Energy Savings for Luxury Custom Homes

Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap Energy SavingsWhen you’re making the investment to build a luxury custom home, you want to make sure that you’re protecting your investment as fully as possible. While there are several ways you can accomplish this goal, one of the most effective is making sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible.


Out of all the tools you could choose to save money on energy, your best bet is using a HomeWrap from Dupont during construction. Learn more about Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap energy savings, and find out why using a weather barrier is the right choice for your luxury custom home.


Weather Barriers for Energy Savings


Most homeowners, particularly those building a luxury custom home, want to make sure that they’re saving as much money on energy as possible. Unfortunately, weather can often interfere with your energy saving goals, particularly when you live in a warm climate like Scottsdale.


Choosing a weather barrier is the best choice when you’re interested in maximizing the comfort of your home and improving your energy savings. Weather barriers serve two purposes. First, they prevent drafts by improving the efficiency of your insulation and blocking outside air from entering your home. Second, they prevent heat and air loss from within your home, improving your home’s energy efficiency and providing you big savings.


If you’re concerned about the amount you spend on energy, using weather barriers in your luxury custom home is a great choice.


Why Choose Dupont Tyvek?


If you’re interested in taking advantage of the energy savings provided by weather barriers, it’s important that you choose the right brand, and there’s no better source for high-quality weather barriers than Dupont Tyvek. Learning about the benefits of Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap weather barriers is a good idea if you’re ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency.


The main reason to choose Tyvek wraps is that they form a continuous water and air barrier for your home, almost entirely eliminating both exfiltration and infiltration. This allows your heating and cooling system to work more efficiently, saving you a great deal of money. In addition, using Tyvek HomeWrap can help your home meet the National Green Building Standards, which is crucial if you’re trying to make your custom home environmentally friendly.


Choosing Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap is a great choice for big energy savings.


Professional Installation on Your Luxury Custom Home


As you can see, you can reap big energy savings by installing a HomeWrap weather barrier in your home. However, installing a weather barrier is a very complicated process, and if it’s not done correctly, you may not get the energy savings you expect. This is why it’s always a good idea to hire an energy efficient home building company in Scottsdale to handle both construction projects for your luxury custom house and installation of your weather barrier.


By working with experienced energy efficient home builders, you’ll be ensuring that your custom house is built the right way and that you’ll be getting the energy savings that you need and deserve thanks to a properly installed HomeWrap. Once your project is complete, you’ll be getting the comfortable, energy efficient home that you need and deserve.


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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 Related Articles:


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


What’s the Cost of Building a Luxury Home in Cave Creek?


How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor [5 Must-Ask Questions]



Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap Energy Savings for Luxury Custom Homes

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Carefree Kitchen Remodel [Top Trends]

Carefree kitchen remodelIf you’re interested in giving your Carefree home a fresh look, there’s no better idea than remodeling your kitchen. However, if you’re like most homeowners, you want to be sure that you’re choosing cutting edge trends for your kitchen, which can be difficult as kitchen design is upgrading constantly. Fortunately, with the right information, you should be able to pick design trends for your kitchen, you’ll be sure to love.



Here are a few design trends to consider during your Carefree kitchen remodel so that your project is as successful as possible.


Cabinet Trends


Cabinets are one of the most important parts of your kitchen, providing the storage space that you need for all your important tools. The biggest trend is maximizing space while getting cabinets that function more efficiently. Cabinets that open with a push of a button are growing in popularity, and placing cabinets and drawers in unique layouts is also a hot design trend.


Counter Trends


The most important issue in choosing the countertop for your kitchen is choosing the material. Increasingly, homeowners are going with quartz over granite. Quartz provides the durability and appearance of granite at a fraction of the cost. Some homeowners are also mixing countertop materials to give their counters a unique look.


Appliance Trends


Choosing the right appliances for your kitchen is crucial, and in modern kitchen design, the biggest trend is choosing automated appliances. For instance, you can choose a smart fridge that lets you know when you’re running low on your staple items or a smart stove that turns off your burners when no pots or pans are present. Taking advantage of the automation trend is a great choice if you want your kitchen to feel sleek and modern.


Sink & Faucet Trends


When it comes to sinks and faucets, the trend is installing items that are large enough to meet your kitchen needs. For extra space, many homeowners are installing large farmhouse sinks. It’s also becoming more and more common to choose faucets with large heads and flexible handles. Touch faucets are also a good choice for homeowners looking for a little more utility out of their kitchen sink.


Lighting Trends


The lighting in your kitchen sets the mood for the room, making this one of the most important decisions you can make during your kitchen remodel. When it comes to kitchen lighting, softer light is extremely popular right now, which is why many homeowners are choosing to install LED lighting. LED lights provide several benefits, including the option of choosing multiple colors and the ability to more easily set the tone for your kitchen.


Backsplash Trends


Creativity is the biggest trend when it comes to backsplashes. Homeowners are using their backsplash to reflect their unique style and to make their kitchen their own. For instance, it’s possible to make your backsplash out of reclaimed materials, combine colors or even use a picture as your backsplash. Whatever you choose, you should make sure your backsplash reflects your tastes.


 


Now that you know about the hottest kitchen design trends, your next step should be to consult with a kitchen remodel contractor in Carefree about your project. A contractor can help you pick the design options that will look great in your Carefree home.


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

 


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Carefree Kitchen Remodel [Top Trends]

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

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



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


 


 


First – Consider Building a Casita in Phoenix


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


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


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

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

 


Second – Converting a Garage into a Guest Suite in Phoenix


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


 


Third – Add a Rec Room w/Guest Home Features


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


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




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Popular Ideas For Building A Guest House In Phoenix

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

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

how to buy hand and build a house


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


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



First – Create a Plan of Attack


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


Here are a few specific items to consider.


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

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

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

 


Second – Find a Quality Home Builder


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


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

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

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

 


Third – Take time to Plan the Entire Build


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


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


 





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

 


Read more articles about custom home building:


 



 



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