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The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a General Contractor

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Kitchen Remodeling PhoenixThe Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a General Contractor

Caught up in the excitement of embarking on a construction project, homeowners may sometimes rush through the process of selecting a general contractor (GC).  Unfortunately, a lack of due diligence may lead to the homeowner hiring someone who is not the most qualified choice for the job.  At worst, this could result in subpar work quality and unnecessary cost to the homeowner.

As a homeowner, how can you be sure that you choose a GC who will deliver the results you are seeking in a safe, professional, and cost-conscious manner?  Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do ask trusted sources for recommendations.  Do you have any friends, neighbors, or family members who have built or remodeled a home?  Ask them if they used a GC who they would recommend.

Do your due diligence.  The internet makes it easy to investigate the backgrounds and reputations of any GCs you are thinking about hiring. Read their online reviews and check for photos of their work on their websites and social media accounts.  Additionally, each GC bidding on your project should be able to provide references.  Do not hesitate to contact these references and ask them specific questions, like whether the work was completed on time and within budget, how adeptly the GC managed the project, and whether they would hire him again.

Do not forget to verify the most important qualifications that a GC must have: proper insurance and a license from the state.  This information, as well as information regarding complaints filed against the GC, may be easily accessed at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website (https://www.azroc.gov).

Do compare bids from at least three GCs.

Do not simply hire the GC with the lowest bid.  A construction project is a major investment, and focusing on value over price may save you money in the long run.  A GC who is not highly skilled may perform shoddy work that will require extra cost to repair and may even create unsafe conditions on your property.  If one bid is significantly lower than the others, it may indicate that the GC lacks experience or is using materials of inferior quality.

Do ensure that each GC you are considering is qualified to undertake a project of the style and scope you are seeking.  For instance, if your plan is a major renovation, you might not want to hire someone who has only mastered minor repairs.

Do ask about the GC’s relationship with subcontractors.  The work performed by subcontractors has a significant impact on the success of the project overall, so GCs should have a stringent process for vetting and selecting only trusted professionals.

Do not rush the process.  A construction project is a substantial financial undertaking and requires the presence of strangers in your home, possibly for several weeks or months.  Trust your instincts and ask yourself whether the GC you are considering is someone who you are comfortable having around your loved ones and your precious belongings.  If any issues arise along the way, would you feel comfortable discussing and working through them with your GC?  When managed by a professional, highly skilled general contractor whom you trust, construction projects can be exciting experiences that will bring you joy for years to come.

At AEH Builders, we work closely with each client to ensure that the construction process goes as smoothly as possible and the finished product exceeds expectations.  As a family business, we take great pride in our work and will treat your family and your home with the utmost respect.  We thoroughly vet all of our subcontractors and will only bring people into your home if we would feel comfortable bringing them into our own.  Contact us today at 480.442.2341 to start transforming your building dreams into reality!

(Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20539027_21071429,00.html)

5 Top Design Trends for Your 2016 Bathroom Build or Remodel

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aeh-55 Top Design Trends for Your 2016 Bathroom Build or Remodel

When tackling a home remodel, most homeowners first devote their attention to kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are among the most heavily trafficked, and renovations of them yield the greatest return on investment when the home is for sale.

The demand for bathroom remodels was strong in 2014 and 2015, and this trend is expected to continue through 2016. Today’s bathroom remodels aim to create an at-home sanctuary that is both functional and stylish.  If you are planning a bathroom renovation, here are five trends that experts predict will surge in popularity this year:

  1. Accessible showers: while an aging population may be the driving force behind an increased demand for accessibility measures, homeowners of all ages are demonstrating an interest in showers that feature seats, grab bars, and low or nonexistent curbs. Installing a seat or bench can transform the shower into a relaxing retreat, while stylish grab bars enhance ease of use. A low curb reduces the risk of tripping while stepping into or out of the shower. Some designs forego the curb altogether and extend the bathroom flooring into the shower, which simplifies cleaning and has the effect of making the entire room appear larger.
  2. Sustainability: in bathrooms, “green” design manifests not just in the water-efficient fixtures that are essential in the drought-stricken Southwest, but also with the incorporation of natural stone and wood elements. Beautiful as well as durable, materials like polished natural stone or marble may be used decoratively or functionally for fixtures such as tubs, sinks, or countertops. Homeowners are also incorporating nature into their bathrooms with the addition of plant life, ranging from a single green plant to entire walls covered in greenery. This trend adds color and fosters a Zen-like sense of harmony with the outdoors.
  3. Contemporary designs with geometric patterns: square-shaped and angular designs are currently popular, and homeowners are seeking to incorporate these styles into their bathrooms with geometric-shaped fixtures such as showerheads and even bathtubs. These designs are attractive in bathrooms of most styles, but fit best with the clean lines of modern or transitional-styled rooms.
  4. Black, white, and gray colors: while beige is no longer a popular color choice for bathrooms, black, white, and gray achieve the same starkly soothing effect and can be used to create a spa-like quality in the room. These colors are often used as a backdrop for more vibrant accent hues, such as turquoise or lavender. Popular finishes for faucets and cabinet pulls include brushed nickel, rose gold, and polished chrome.
  5. High-tech showers: technology plays a major role in most aspects of modern life, so it is unsurprising that it has worked its way into today’s trendy bathrooms. In 2016, homeowners are seeking to enhance their shower experience with LED lights, water-resistant systems for playing music, and Bluetooth-enabled water saving features.

(Sources: https://decoratorswisdom.com/decor/interior-design-trends/bathroom-trends-2016/#, https://bathrooms.about.com/od/Decorating/tp/2016-Bathroom-Trends-You-MUST-Know-About.htm, https://freshome.com/2016-design-trends/).

Whether you are building a new custom home or remodeling your existing one, the experts at AEH Builders have the vision and technical knowledge needed to design and construct a bathroom that reflects your style and needs. We stay up to date on the latest trends, but we will work with you closely to bring your own unique building dreams to life. Ready to begin designing a custom bathroom for your home? Contact us today at 480.442.2341!

7 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor for Your Next Building or Remodeling Project

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General Contractor for Remodeling7 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor for Your Next Building or Remodeling Project

In an attempt to save money or due to high confidence in their do-it-yourself skills, some property owners try to tackle a construction project without the assistance of a general contractor (GC).  However, even relatively minor building and renovation projects are more complex than they seem at first: there are numerous decisions to make along the way, building codes with which to comply, and subcontractors to select and manage.  Navigating the process without a GC carries a high risk of costly errors that could derail the project.

If you are unsure whether to hire a GC for your next construction project, consider the following ways in which these licensed professionals add value:

  • Building and renovation projects can be overwhelming. General contractors handle everything from start to finish, guiding you along every step of the way from the brainstorming phase to final completion.  A general contractor can provide you with the information you need to make any construction decisions that you may not have foreseen at the outset of the project.
  • General contractors manage the construction schedule, including the order in which subcontractors complete their work, and do everything in their power to ensure that the project is completed on time and within the set budget.
  • General contractors handle the vetting and management of subcontractors, screening and interviewing them and then verifying the quality of their work as it is performed.
  • General contractors possess the requisite knowledge of applicable building codes and laws. These regulations, which vary by location, can be confusing to anyone who is not a licensed contractor, and code violations may result in construction delays and additional expenses.
  • General contractors are skilled in adhering to safety procedures. Construction can be a dangerous business, and general contractors have the training and experience needed to reduce the risk of accidents occurring on your property.
  • General contractors possess substantial knowledge about the construction process. Sometimes, property owners think that they can perform repairs or improvements on their own, not realizing the limitations of their knowledge.  When trying to take on a project by yourself, even a minor error can translate to costly repairs.  Avoiding errors in the first place is the best way to control costs and achieve the result you are seeking, and GCs provide the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done correctly from the outset.
  • Since a GC oversees all work that is performed and the subcontractors performing it, if something goes wrong during the course of the project, the GC is responsible for rectifying it. This means that the property owner does not have to worry about fixing or paying to fix every little mistake that may occur; the GC will handle it and the cost of repairs will typically come out of the overall budget for the project.

Regardless of the scope, our team of professionals at AEH Builders treats each project with the same degree of care as if it were our own.  We handle your project from beginning to end, whether we are building your dream home, completing a renovation, or performing handyman services.  We thoroughly vet all subcontractors to ensure that they comply with our high standards.  Contact us today at 480-442-2341.

Air Filter

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Hot outside illustration

Filter cleaning or replacement will provide cleaner air, improve airflow and help reduce utility cost. To clean, remove or replace filters, turn the fan off using the thermostat control, then carefully remove the old filter and clean or insert a new one. Replacement filters are available through most hardware stores.

New Kitchen Recipe

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New Kitchen Remodel

INGREDIENTS:

1. Dark Stained Cabinets

2. Stainless Steel Appliances

3. Stone Countertops

4. Tile

5. Patterned Backsplash

6. Farm House Sink

Nothing “beats” that mixture of ingredients! If you would like to hear about the full details of this recipe contact AEH Builders. Our skilled team can whip you up something spectacular.

Why General Contractors?

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AEH Builders, proudly offers professional contracting services for your home and your business. If you are looking to build a custom home, remodel your current home or only need minor repairs for now, call on AEH Builders. We handle many trades in house and hand pick our subcontractors so you know you are getting people who share our quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service.

So what’s the big deal about general contractors? Good question! One of many major benefits of hiring AEH Builders is that we will be there from start to finish of your project. A general contractor is the “eye in the sky” so to speak. We take on your project like it was our own. We will manage all of the subcontractors, be sure the work is being done per applicable codes and drawings, safety procedures are adhered to, which materials should be used and much more. We do everything in our power to complete the project on time and in budget, and, if need be, communicate any set backs. We manage your project for you so that you don’t have to.

So why choose us as your general contractor? Even better question! AEH Builders is the “eye in the sky” for your whole project, while paying attention to the details of your finished project. We are here for you from the very initial brainstorming idea to the completed masterpiece. We are a small family owned business, which hopefully conveys to you that we are invested fully in each and every one of our projects and take great care to serve each client. We have the strength of experience in trades and in contracting to back you up. Here is a list of services and benefits that are available when you choose us:

 

RESIDENTIAL

– custom home

– home addition

– remodel

– home maintenance

– home repairs
COMMERCIAL

– new building or business

– franchise expansion

– tenant improvement

– building maintenance

– building repairs
Here are a few of the benefits you receive when using AEH Builders

– We give you the time we will show up or give the courtesy of a call if we will be late

– Getting more attention and better service for less cost than much of our competition

– Hand picked list of subcontractors who are screened and interviewed so we know they share the same philosophy as AEH Builders

 

We take pride in what we do, because our family counts on it. So the next time you need a general contractor, contact AEH Builders

We are building for YOU and building with YOU