How Much Does it Cost to Do a Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix?

One of the top questions homeowners ask before they start a kitchen remodel in Phoenix is, “How much will it cost?”.

Asking this question is a bit like asking how much a vehicle costs. In the case of a car, it depends on whether you want an economy, mid-size or luxury model.  You can spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars for basic transportation to six figures for a high-end model.

Your kitchen remodel in Phoenix is much the same, in that the price really depends on what type of remodel you’d like to invest in. Giving your kitchen a slight facelift can cost a few thousand dollars, while giving your kitchen a high-end makeover can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Generally, you can expect that about 80% of your kitchen remodeling costs will be for materials and the other 20% will be for labor. Of course this too varies depending on what all your kitchen remodel in Phoenix entails. For example, an appliance requires very little labor to install.  On the other hand, tiling requires a higher labor cost since it requires quite a bit of time and talent to properly lay it.

Here are some other factors to consider when you’re trying to determine the cost of your kitchen remodel in Phoenix…

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinetry usually takes the biggest bite out of your remodeling budget, as you may invest up to 30% of your budget just in the cabinetry alone. Custom cabinets in Phoenix will cost the most, or you can save money by purchasing stock cabinets. Naturally, the size and quality of the cabinetry materials will affect the cost whether you choose stock, semi-custom or custom cabinets.


Your Kitchen’s Footprint

One way to keep the costs down when doing kitchen remodeling in Phoenix is to keep the same basic footprint. In particular, you’ll hold costs down by keeping the plumbing and appliances in the same place, as you won’t need a plumber and electrician to do major work to move these items.

Appliances

The appliances can run about 15% of your total kitchen remodeling budget, but you can hold these costs down by purchasing only what you really need. For example, the high-end gourmet oven may look great, but if you’re not much of a cook then it’s not very practical. Stick with what you need so you don’t regret the purchase later.


Countertops

Your kitchen remodel in Phoenix likely includes redoing the countertops, which can account for about 10% of your remodeling budget. The best way to save money on countertops is to ask your Phoenix home remodeling contractor for recommendations on materials. You might be surprised to find materials with the same durability, look and feel of higher-end materials, but at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

Whether you’re doing a facelift or a major renovation, there are always ways to save money on kitchen remodeling in Phoenix. One of the best ways to do this is to hire an experienced contractor like the remodeling team at TWD.  The TWD team has been serving Phoenix since 1996, so they know how to cut costs without cutting corners. Find out more by visiting them online today at www.twdaz.com.

Which of These Hidden Problems Lurk Beneath Your Home’s Stucco Exterior?

Many homes and businesses in Arizona have stucco exteriors, as they compliment the Southwest look, provide insulation from the hot sun, and also stand up well to the test of time.  However, stucco exteriors do need to be inspected regularly to look for normal wear and tear and other damage. It’s better to catch a small problem early and do your stucco repair in Phoenix AZ when the problem is still small, as opposed to being faced with a big stucco repair job later on.

Naturally, you can do your own stucco inspections on a monthly basis by walking around your home and checking each wall carefully. Be sure to climb up on a ladder to examine the high points more closely. Once a year or so you may also bring in a professional stucco inspector to be sure you haven’t missed anything.

So what are you looking for? These sorts of tell-tale signs…

Large Cracks

You may see some smaller cracking in your stucco, which usually isn’t something to be concerned about. However, if these “hairline” cracks widen or lengthen, then you may have a problem on your hands. If you’re not sure if a crack is normal or if you need stucco repair on your Phoenix home, then ask a stucco specialist for his or her assessment of the crack.

Holes in the Stucco

Holes are usually caused by some sort of specific damage, like a baseball hitting the wall, a branch hitting the stucco in a windstorm or similar events.  If you suspect that something has happened to damage your stucco, inspect it immediately. 

Buckling or Bubbling Stucco

Another thing to look for is buckling, bubbling or other evidence that something is wrong with the stucco. This could be a sign that water damage has already occurred or that your stucco is vulnerable to water damage, so you want to get this particular problem addressed right away.

Conclusion

If you suspect you need stucco repair in Phoenix, then get it taken care of right away. That’s because holes, cracks and other damage can let water seep in.  If this happens during the monsoon season, the water will get beneath the stucco, but it won’t be able to dry out. When this happens, you can start having problems with mold, mildew or even rotting wood. The wooden frame of your house may rot which can create structural integrity problems. This is not only dangerous, but it’s also a complex and a costly problem to fix. So, the point is, take care of any holes or other damage immediately before it becomes a big problem.

The best thing you can do today is get in touch with the stucco specialists at Todd Whittaker Drywall, Inc. You can find them online at www.twdaz.com. They’ve been doing stucco repair in Arizona since 1996, so they know what to look for and they know how to fix your stucco. Give them a call or email them today – you’ll be glad you did!

Original Source: http://my.telegraph.co.uk/homeremodelingtips/brittneydavis278/1/hidden-problems-lurk-beneath-your-homes-stucco-exterior/

Why You Need to Repair Damaged Stucco ASAP

Many homes and businesses in Arizona sport a beautiful stucco exterior and/or interior. Not only does the stucco fit well into the desert, but properly applied stucco can protect a home for many years – maybe even for a lifetime.

However, not all stucco is sound and can lose its integrity. This can sometimes be caused from application or paint not fully protecting it from the elements. In other words, though stucco is a protective property for the exterior of your home, it does lend itself to being vulnerable if not completely coated. For this reason, keeping up with regular maintenance and paint on your home is a must to make sure your home stands the test of time.

In other cases, a home or business many develop stucco problems on the interior or exterior due to physical damage.  For example, older stucco in a high-trafficked area may get damaged over time from rambunctious kids or pets. Damage can occur from weather, automobile accidents or fallen trees.

By performing a regular inspection of your home to look for possible cracks, chips, buckling, bubbling, peeling and other problems with stucco, you can detect any rising issues early. If you see these problems, you’ll need to hire a contractor for stucco repair in Phoenix as soon as possible. That’s because the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your home or business will become damaged beneath the surface, especially from moisture.

Now, you may be wondering what the rush is, since you live in the desert and moisture isn’t a big problem. Anything that gets wet dries fast here, right?

Not exactly.

You see, stucco is designed to keep your home or business insulated. Once moisture gets behind the stucco, it doesn’t dry very easily. What happens next is the moisture damage starts adding up over time. At first you may see some problems with delaminating material, or perhaps you note little bubbles on the wall. With time, however, these “little problems” can create major structural integrity problems or mold. The building may literally be rotting from the inside out, and none of it is visible from the outside.

When this happens, a small stucco repair Phoenix AZ job turns into a major renovation. Once mold is present in a home, a remediation company has to be used due to health risks. Some houses need to be gutted if the problem was left unattended for too long. Homeowners who could have repaired the stucco for a few hundred or a few thousand dollars are suddenly looking at much greater repair costs to fully ensure the safety of their family.

Worse yet, some homeowners don’t even realize they have these problems until they try to sell their home. When a home inspector uncovers the stucco damage, suddenly the homeowners’ dreams of a quick sale evaporate. Then they’re forced to either repair the home on their dollar or sell it at an absolute rock-bottom “salvage” price.

Point is, if you suspect that you have stucco damage, having the necessary repairs done is a must to keep your home or business intact and protected from moisture or even unwanted pests. Spending the time and money for upkeep on your home will in turn save you money in the long run.







Original Article:

http://www.interestingarticles.com/remodeling/why-you-need-to-repair-damaged-stucco-asap-19884.html

Turn Your Closet Into A Space of Luxury

If you are like most people, your Master bedroom closet it nothing to brag about. Over stuffed clothing racks with shoes piled in the corner and every nook and cranny filled with random items that you do not use every day. When considering remodeling your home, the Master closet is likely not in the top 3 rooms that you’d choose. However, your closet is a room of sanctuary and can start your day off beautifully if given the chance.

With many ways to upgrade your closet, you can give your space a makeover that will make your life easier. From the way you store your items to the convenience of getting your household chores done; custom closets Phoenix AZ can take on many functions in your home. Here are just a few ideas to help turn your Master bedroom closet into a space of luxury.

• Pullout ironing board. Do you store your ironing board in the cramped laundry room, garage or hiding behind a random door in your home? Ironing boards can be bulky and take up much needed space in your home. Adding a pull out ironing board to your closet will keep it concealed and out of the way from reminding you about those pesky chores, while keeping it convenient for when you do need it.
• Jewelry cabinet. Some women tend to keep their jewelry in one location like a jewelry box, while some find themselves stringing them along in various out of the way spots in the Master bedroom, closet and bathroom during dressing and undressing routines. Having a designated space near clothing to store jewelry makes it an ideal add on. This way, as you are preparing your outfit for the day, you can also prepare your matching accessories. Not to mention, most people will change out of clothing in their closet, thus making it convenient to replace your treasured items back in their organized space for their next use.
• Open cubby boxes. Adding open cubbies can provide flexible storage space for your closet. Jeans, shoes, hats and even lotions or perfumes can be stored neatly in open storage boxes for convenient access.
• Pants rack. Are you required to dress in business attire for work with slacks or neatly ironed pants? Adding a pullout pants rack for you to hang your delicates on is a great addition to any closet. Whether you have your pants dry cleaned and pressed or you do it yourself, the last thing that you want is for them to get wrinkled when being stored. A pullout rack enables you to hang your pants keeping them ready for your next busy day at work, while taking up less closet space.
• Drawer dividers. Maybe you already have drawers in your Master bedroom closet. Adding dividers can help keep your personal items stored neatly and stacked, taking up less space.
• Purse hooks. Women, where do you store your purses? Yes, in your closet! Instead of piling them in the corner to be crushed, try adding purse hooks in your closet to hang your accessories. They can also double as a tidy way to store scarves, belts or long necklaces.
•  Tie rack. Men have just as many needs for their closet space as women. Though they do not carry purses, they do need space for ties keeping them intact and wrinkle free. A pullout tie rack can help keep the man in your life organized. Most racks will be accompanied with a small shelf or space in the pullout for such items as cuff links, clips, watches, sunglasses and any other small items that he may have.
• Clothes hamper. Adding a built-in hamper to your luxurious closet may be another item to consider. Using transportable bags, you can easily carry laundry to your laundry room without having to lug the entire heavy basket. Try adding a split hamper for separating colors from whites as the hamper is used to save sorting time when ready to wash.
• Rotating shoe rack. What woman does not want additional shoe storage … and a reason to buy new shoes to fill it? Likely having many pairs in every coordinating color and height imaginable, adding a rotating shoe rack is a great option for your Master bedroom closet. Not only will it keep your shoes off of the floor and from getting scuffed, but will keep them in pairs and in sight for easy selection. Rotating shoe racks are available in many sizes and can accommodate anything from running shoes to high heels.

Making a few easy add-ons such as these to your custom closet Phoenix can provide you the much needed space to get organized and feeling luxurious. The easier you can make your morning routine, the more time you have to enjoy to your favorite morning coffee and start your day off stress free.

Original Article: http://www.twdaz.com/blog/remodel-ideas/turn-your-closet-into-a-space-of-luxury/

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Stucco for Your Home

•    Extreme Durability – Stucco outlasts wood, brick, and vinyl siding. In ideal climates and with only occasional repairs, stucco will look beautiful for decades to come.
•    Fire Resistant – Stucco is composed of lime, sand, and water.  Each is a fire-retardant material and thus stucco noncombustible. It has been known to actually prevent a house fire from entering the walls and from spreading from house to house.

•    Maintenance-Free – It takes a lot to damage stucco, and if damage should occur, the repair process is relatively simple. Plus, since the color is ingrained in the finish coat, the fresh appearance of stucco out lasts paint by many, many years.
•    Increases market value – Stucco homes are highly desired in Phoenix and many Southwest cities, this is a good choice whether you are looking to stay in your home or sell it in the future.
•    Saves Money Long-term – Stucco is an excellent insulator. Stucco is resistant to the burning heat of the summer and the early morning freezes of the winter, helping to support your ideal home temperature.

Learn more about Stucco repair Phoenix AZ for your home. Learn more about why we are the right contractor for your job by visiting the TWD Difference page. To receive free estimates by one of our professional today visit us now!





Original Article:

http://www.twdaz.com/blog/our-projects/top-five-reasons-stucco-phoenix/

Five Things to Know Before Hiring a Phoenix Home Remodeling Contractor

In a perfect world you’d hire your remodeling contractor, sign the contract, enjoy a stress-free time while the contractor does the work, and then you’d love the result. Unfortunately, that isn’t always what happens, especially since not all Phoenix home remodeling contractors have your best interest in mind.

That’s why it’s so important for you to only hire experienced, reputable contractors for your Phoenix home remodeling job.  That’s also why you’ll want to understand the following five issues before you hire a contractor for your renovation project…

1. Beware of Low Estimates

You might think you hit the jackpot when a low estimate comes in on your bathroom, living room or kitchen remodel in Phoenix, but a low estimate should raise a red flag.  That’s because Phoenix home remodeling contractors have fairly fixed costs for both supplies and labor. If a contractor quotes you something remarkably lower than the other contractors, he’s probably going to spring “surprise costs” on you later. Alternatively, he may use cheap supplies and do subpar work, both of which will cause you big headaches in the long run.


2. Make Sure Your Job Has an Onsite Manager

This person is responsible for making sure your Phoenix home remodeling project stays on track, and that you’re informed every step of the way. This person will be a point of contact for you so you can get your questions answered, plus you can do regular job walks to be sure everything is to your liking. If there’s no onsite manager, it’s more likely your project will go off the estimated timeline, and there will likely be more mistakes.

3. Avoid Saying “While You’re At It…”

 Be sure you know exactly what you want done before you start your Phoenix home remodeling project. One of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make is to say in the middle of a project, “While you’re at it, let’s do this too.”  That’s because your contractor is likely doing his work in a specific way according to the end result – if you change the end result, it’s going to cost more time and money.

4. Beware of the “Jack of All Trades”

You may like the idea of hiring one Phoenix home remodeling contractor to do everything, but one person doesn’t have the skills it takes to do all the tasks required to complete a living room, bedroom, bathroom, attic or kitchen remodel in Phoenix. That’s why you’ll want to hire a home renovation contractor who brings a skilled and experienced team with him.

5. Don’t Hire Workers Who Approach You

Sometimes Phoenix home remodeling contractors come to your door with the story that they were in the area and they have extra materials left over if you need something done, such as repaving your driveway. Avoid hiring this person no matter how good the deal, because typically this is a scam.

Original Source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-improvement-articles/remodeling-articles/five-things-know-before-hiring-phoenix-home-remodeling-contractor-1346479.html

Boosting Your Home Value with a Bathroom Remodel

When a prospective home buyer is surveying a Phoenix house or condo for a potential purchase, they look at the living room, den, attic, bedrooms, etc. as blank slates that they will mold to their own personal liking. The kitchen and bathroom, however, are two completely different stories. These rooms are something that most home buyers expect to be ready-made. Your kitchen and bathroom designs can drastically help or hinder your ability to sell and negotiate the final selling price. This is especially true for the bathroom, which will receive even less personalized décor than the kitchen.

Because of the above facts, a bathroom remodel for your Phoenix home is a great way to up its value. Let’s take a look at the details of how this works:

Why does a bathroom remodel really improve my home’s overall value?
A bathroom remodel for your Phoenix home will reap major sales benefits whenever the time comes. This is mainly for two important reasons: home buyer lifestyle visualization and perceived value.

Perceived value
People tend to exaggerate the value of nice looking things in their minds. Your bathroom’s fixtures are no exception to this rule. For example, a well-placed granite or wooden bathroom sink that only cost hundreds to buy and install could be perceived as having a value in the thousands by virtue of the materials’ rarity—when compared to the traditional white ceramic sinks—and their style alone. Your bathroom’s floors, faucets, shower, tub, vanity mirror, toilet, etc. are not exceptions to this rule. This perceived value translated into a higher selling price for your home.

Lifestyle visualization

People like to envision themselves living in a home before they buy it. As we mentioned in the opening paragraph, they will start planning their interior design schemes as they scan the empty (or soon to be empty) rooms in a home. The bathroom, however, is unique in this regard. Since the changes—if any are made at all—that a home buyer will make to the bathroom are usually very minor, how it looks now essentially defines how their bathroom will look for the rest of their time living there. This means that in order to sell them on the idea of living there, you need to convince them to visualize themselves enjoy going into one of the most oft used rooms in any house every single day.

Is the investment worth it?

A common question that people considering a bathroom remodel for their home ask is, “Does the return on investment make the remodel worthwhile?” The short answer to this question is a resounding yes. But let’s delve a little deeper:

In 2013, the average resale value recouped from what are considered mid-level bathroom remodels for homes in the same time zone as Phoenix was about $20,000. For an upscale bathroom remodel of a Phoenix home, the average resale return was over $27,000. The median home sale price in Phoenix is right around $160,000. This means that this relatively minor investment can increase the value of a typical Phoenix home by over 12 percent; when you are negotiating in tens of thousands of dollars, every percentage point of increase or decrease in sale amount is a huge deal.

How do I get the most out of my bathroom remodel investment?
Now that you know a bathroom remodel for your Phoenix home is a great idea, the only question left is how to get the most out of the investment. Here is how:

Get it done ASAP
All of the home value that you gain from a bathroom remodel for your Phoenix home does not solely reside in your ability to maximize the sale price. Don’t forget that as of right now, it is still your home and you should enjoy your newly remodeled bathroom for as long as you are living there.

Get a Phoenix home remodeling contractor to do the job
A bathroom remodel is NOT a do-it-yourself task. You need to use the services of one of the Phoenix remodeling contractors who works on bathrooms. If you opt to do it yourself, not only with the job cost more due to missteps, but you will lose value due to low-quality work.

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