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Construction an Essential Business: Home Remodeling Projects Continue To Go Forward During the Pandemic

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Does life feel different right now? Well, that’s because for nearly every American, it is. However, homeowners and property owners are leaving in place their pre-shut-down remodeling/improvement plans. Whether they have small projects or major renovations in mind, or even new builds, the number of permits granted tell us that most consumers are forging ahead in spite of the pandemic.

Some reasons include the need for a dedicated area in the home for distance learning (for the adults or the kids in the house or maybe both!), or possibly new or expanded at-home work space needs. Another possibility includes adult children who needed to move back home. Maybe there are concerns for aging parents who need some supervision as well as protection. Whether it involves continuing with existing plans, or moving forward with new plans, the process continues due to contractors like us who are helping to keep customers and trades-persons safe!

We understand that making your space an enjoyable place to be is a must now. Maybe more than ever. Or as mentioned above, your needs have likely changed dramatically over the past few months. Here are some things we’re doing to keep our staff and customers’ safety in the forefront of what we do:

  1. Zoom/Google Hang-Outs video meetings instead of in-person consultations
  2. Having homeowners/landlords take their own photos and share with us via email
  3. Providing customers with a worksheet to help customers identify projects around their property and prioritize them (needs, wants, or wishes)
  4. Masks
  5. More temporary barrier walls on jobs to create separation
  6. Increasing job site safety protocols, whether that means sanitizing doorknobs, limiting number of subcontractors allowed inside the home at one time, and simply foregoing hand-shaking
  7. When possible, having samples delivered directly to customers’ homes, eliminating another level of contact*

When it comes down to it, job safety, customer safety, and worker safety is far from new in the construction and remodeling field. We’ve always had to take precautions when it came to things like asbestos, electricity, cable-digging, lead, to name a few. While Covid-19 is on a completely different level than what we’ve protected against in the past, safe-guarding ourselves and our clients is an ever-present concern in this industry and is nothing new for us. It’s easy to get started! Just message us here or give Lance a call at (480) 442-2341. You can also reach out to us on Facebook, if that’s your preference. As always, we’re happy to help!

Kitchen remodel by AEH Builders

*when paying for design services

Average Cost of Common Home Improvement Projects in Phoenix

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The Phoenix housing market is historically tight this year, with not much wiggle room predicted for 2020. Housing costs have steadily increased and are forecasted to maintain that trend. With more homeowners hanging on to their properties, improving them is consistently the option they choose rather than selling. (Home Buying Institute)

Have you been thinking about improving your property? Sometimes, it’s difficult to know where to put your dollars. While we can’t make that decision for you, we can pass along some average costs of projects that are typical for the Phoenix area. Maybe this can assist you in determining the next steps to take. (All figures taken from HomeAdvisor.com and are simply averages for jobs completed in the Phoenix area in 2019.)

Lower Cost Projects

The most bang for your buck is always going to be interior painting. Of course, depending on the square footage of your home, the cost will vary. Here in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, the average cost of an interior paint job on a residential property is $1,754. Now if you’ve ever painted your own interior spaces, you are familiar with the prep work involved, along with the potential for annoying mistakes and mishaps. That $1,754 is simply a bargain when looking at the big picture! And you can’t put a price on the feeling that a clean, fresh coat of paint does for one.

If you’re going for a bigger change, painting the exterior of your home definitely fits that bill. An exterior paint cost in the Valley typically costs $2,800: still an excellent investment in the improvement and/or maintenance of your abode. Maybe you’re not looking to make a drastic change to the outside of your home. However, an honest assessment of your paint’s condition might be a good idea right now. And if you’re one of the homeowners who is currently holding on to their property, why decide to paint before you list it simply for the new owners to enjoy? Get some pleasure out of the welcoming look that fresh paint gives.

For a slightly bigger investment, replacing windows is great project to complete! We don’t need to tell you that with the harsh heat we endure here, the wear and tear on our windows is intense. It doesn’t hurt to have a professional come out and inspect your windows and exterior doors. This is particularly true if the windows & doors are original to your home. Obviously, the figure to replace windows varies widely based on the number of windows, their sizes, and the type with which you choose to replace your existing ones. But the average cost is $5,094. Again, a professional can guide you as to your true need here.

When You Want a Bit More

Of course, two of the major projects you could opt to undertake as you wait out the current market are bathroom and kitchen remodels. But even these projects can be small, extensive, or something in between. The average bathroom remodel in this area runs $10,239, while a kitchen remodel is more around $22,947. Among the positives of engaging in these types of projects is the ability to make the spaces your own, if you so choose. From faucet design, to cabinet colors and/or materials, to flooring: the choices are yours! When comparing the cost of a remodel with purchasing a new home, replacing your appliances and giving your existing kitchen and/or bath a brand new look is a no-brainer.

We hope these facts and figures have provided you with some food for thought. If you have any project you’re looking to complete, and would like an estimate on your specific job, please give us a call. We would love to help make your dreams a reality!  Give Lance a call (480-442-2341), or message us here through the website. You can also visit our Facebook page and message us there.

Love These Fall Months!

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Ahhhhhh! The cooler temps have finally arrived in the Valley. These are the months we’ve waited for! What does your outdoor space for enjoying these days look like? Have you thought of improving it? Adding a pergola, maybe? We can do that and more for you! Here’s just one example of a pergola addition we completed to help this client make the most of their space and squeeze every last possible bit of enjoyment out of the wonderful winter weather. (More photos in our gallery.) How can we help you?

#homeimprovement #savingmoney #aehbuilders #aehbuilds4u #toolsforsuccess

Home Renovations Deliver Improved Satisfaction and Value, Study Shows

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Home Renovations Deliver Improved Satisfaction and Value, Study Shows

A recent study has confirmed what many homeowners have experienced after completing remodeling projects: such projects Custom Kitchens Phoenixboost a property’s value and enhance the homeowner’s satisfaction.  Conducted by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report quantifies the benefits of several popular home improvements.  The results suggest that renovations are worthwhile investments regardless of whether the homeowners are planning to sell their homes in the near future. Of over 4,000 respondents, 64 percent experienced greater satisfaction with their homes following a renovation.  Specifically, respondents enjoyed improved functionality and livability, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and more up-to-date materials, styles, and appliances.  The report calculated a “Joy Score” for each project to reflect the happiness that homeowners gained from different types of renovations.  Realtors were also questioned regarding the renovations that, in their experiences, had appealed most to buyers, minimized time on the market, and contributed the most to a home’s resale value.

The study’s findings on different remodeling projects included:

  • Kitchen upgrades.  As the proverbial heart of the home, renovations to the kitchen are often considered among the most effective ways to boost a home’s marketability when it is for sale. The results of the 2015 Remodeling Impact Report support this idea.  A quarter of the Realtors surveyed believed that a renovated kitchen had helped them close a recent sale, and 57 percent had at some point suggested that sellers upgrade their kitchens.  Upon resale, homeowners recover an average of 67 percent of the costs of a kitchen remodel.  Kitchen improvements also yield benefits for homeowners who have no intention of moving any time soon: respondents cited improved function and livability as benefits stemming from their new kitchens, and approximately 75 percent reported greater overall enjoyment of their homes.
  • Bathroom remodels.  Renovated bathrooms are also likely to deliver satisfaction to homeowners and attract potential buyers.  Sixty-two percent of respondents stated that they had a stronger desire to spend time at home after completing a bathroom remodel, while 45 percent of Realtors had suggested that sellers undertake such projects.  Homeowners recoup an estimated 58 percent of the costs expended on bathroom remodels.
  • Exterior remodels.  For projects performed on a home’s exterior, realtors estimated that new roofing, new vinyl windows, and new garage doors were the most appealing to buyers. Realtors also ranked these projects as having the highest value at resale and the greatest cost recoveries.  New roofing, which homeowners often install to improve energy efficiency, is likely to yield the highest return on investment of all exterior renovations.  On average, this upgrade carries a staggering 105 percent cost recovery, and the study assigned new roofs a Joy Score of 9.6 based on responses from homeowners.  In addition, 32 percent of realtors believed that a home’s new roof had recently helped them close a sale.
  • Other home improvements that yielded strong returns on investment were insulation upgrades and HVAC replacements, with homeowners recovering approximately 95 percent and 71 percent of the costs, respectively.
Whether you are interested in remodeling your home to boost its resale value or simply to increase your enjoyment of the property, AEH Builders can help you achieve the style of your dreams.  From minor upgrades to major overhauls, our team of professionals specializes in kitchen and bath remodels, additions, exterior upgrades, and much more.  Ready to begin reaping the proven benefits of renovating your home?  Contact us today at 480-442-2341! (Source: https://www.realtor.org/reports/remodeling-impact).

Spring Cleaning and More: Is Your Home in Prime Condition This Season?

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Spring Cleaning and More: Is Your Home in Prime Condition This Season?

A change of seasons marks an opportunity to ensure that all the systems and components of your home are running smoothly.  In Arizona, springtime heralds the arrival of rapidly climbing temperatures and summer monsoons on the horizon.  Both of these natural phenomena can have destructive impacts on your home, so it is particularly important for residents of the Phoenix area to take steps for preventive maintenance before summer begins.

Although some homeowners make the mistake of shying away from the upfront costs of preventive maintenance, such maintenance could potentially save thousands of dollars in the long run.  When a system or appliance malfunctions unexpectedly, the cost of emergency repairs or replacements may be staggering.  By maintaining your home well in advance of a problem, you will reduce the risk of these expensive unforeseen crises.

In order to avoid costly home repairs necessitated by the extreme weather of an Arizona summer, AEH Builders recommends that homeowners schedule the following maintenance procedures during the spring:

  • Clean and repair gutters. In preparation for the summer rains, it is important to check the integrity of your gutters.  Gutters that are loose, damaged, or clogged with debris may drain improperly, resulting in water damage to your home.
  • Patio repair. Over the next several months, you will likely be spending a great deal of time outside, particularly if you have a pool.  A patio that is in poor condition may detract from the outdoor living experience and could even create safety hazards.
  • Inspect your roof and repair it if necessary. Unfortunately, the intense sun that warms the desert throughout the year can have a damaging effect on roofs.  If your roof contains cracks or other imperfections, the torrential rains of monsoon season may cause leaks and other problems.  During the relatively mild weather of spring, make sure that your roof is in good repair and if necessary, seal cracks, replace damaged shingles or tiles, and clear any vegetation that may have accumulated.
  • Clean, repair, and install sunscreens. Sunscreens can help to keep your home cool as the hot summer sun beats down on it, so spring is a great time to install them or ensure that your existing screens are in mint condition.
  • Install or repair pools. Swimming pools provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat, so now is the time to consider installing one.  If you are fortunate enough to already have a pool, spring is the season to ensure that it is in perfect condition for summer fun by making any needed repairs or implementing a regular cleaning routine.
  • Change air filters. As you enjoy the fresh air outside, remember to keep the air inside your home clean.  While the frequency with which you should change your air filters varies depending on the environment within the home and your specific needs, cleaning or replacing them on a regular basis will help your AC system run efficiently and create healthier, more breathable air by reducing the amount of dust and allergens.

In addition to our custom building and remodeling services, AEH Builders offers home repair services to take care of all of the above maintenance issues and many more.  We offer a Home Maintenance Program with a variety of plans that may be tailored to suit your needs.  Learn more at https://aehbuilders.com/home-maintenance-program or contact us at 480-442-2341!

The Top 5 Outdoor Living Design Trends of 2016

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Outdoor Living Phoenix AZThe Top 5 Outdoor Living Design Trends of 2016

While the backyard has long been recognized as an at-home oasis for relaxation, gathering, and communion with nature, this extension of the home has been taking on an increasingly important role in recent years.  Today’s homeowners are seeking to build fully equipped outdoor living areas that incorporate the comforts of the indoors and can be enjoyed year-round.  According to a landscaping trends study conducted by Houzz, homeowners cited the creation of  a place for entertaining and the desire to boost their property values as two of the most common reasons for pursuing backyard remodels.  In Arizona, where temperatures are conducive to outdoor living for most of the year, these projects are likely to deliver a positive return on investment.

As the weather grows warmer, backyard season is officially underway.  If you are thinking about creating or improving an outdoor living space for your home, consider these five trends that are popular this year:

  1. Fully functional kitchens. Over the years, the outdoor kitchen has evolved significantly from the humble grill that was once the centerpiece of backyard cooking.  When designing outdoor living spaces, today’s homeowners seek to minimize the number of trips darting to and from the house.  The solution is to develop built-in kitchens that incorporate many of the features found in their indoor counterparts, including sinks and refrigerators, sufficient cabinet space, and stoves.  More luxurious options include islands and even pizza ovens.
  2. Living areas equipped with furnishings and accessories that are resistant to the elements. Just as the living room or family room is the gathering spot of the home, no outdoor living space is complete without a comfortable area for relaxing with friends and loved ones.  Consider adding outdoor area rugs, artwork, and seating areas with comfortable yet durable cushions and pillows.
  3. Methods of adjusting the temperature. With even the most elaborate outdoor living spaces falling beyond the reach of heating and air conditioning, mechanisms for countering Mother Nature’s temperature spikes are essential for an enjoyable outdoor living experience.  Heat lamps, built-in fans, and misting systems will all extend the outdoor living season and help to ensure a comfortable backyard experience regardless of the weather.  Fire pits and fireplaces are especially popular choices for achieving this goal while also serving as cozy gathering spots.
  4. High-tech touches. Technology plays a role in nearly every facet of modern life, so it is unsurprising that today’s homeowners are seeking to incorporate it in their outdoor living spaces.  Features such as LED or solar lighting, automated sound systems that can be controlled from a smart phone, and high-definition TVs elevate the backyard to an impressive zone for entertaining.
  5. Native plants and edible gardens. Sustainability is a hot-button issue across the country and particularly in Arizona, where drought and water shortages are imminent threats.  Landscaping that is native to the area promises to conserve natural resources while reducing homeowners’ maintenance burdens.  In keeping with the eco-friendly theme, gardens featuring edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs have also increased in popularity.

(Sources: https://www.hardwareretailing.com/five-trends-in-outdoor-living/, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-outdoor-living-trends-2016-153000543.html).

At AEH Builders, we consider your outdoor living sanctuary to be just as important as any room in your home.  We specialize in the design and construction of built-in kitchens, hardscapes, and more, and can help you create a backyard space that is customized to suit your lifestyle.  Contact us today at 480-442-2341 to learn more about how we can make your outdoor living dreams come true!