 Frustrations may be an unavoidable part of life, but they don’t have to raise your stress level when you’re building a new home in Casa Grande. Being prepared for common building frustrations will help you ensure that you know what to expect during every phase of the building process. Construction May Not Begin ImmediatelyWhile reputable builders will do everything in their power to start the construction process on your lot as soon as possible, there are sometimes unavoidable circumstances that can cause delays. The builder may have to wait to receive a building permit from the township, for example. It's important to keep the lines of communication open with your builder from the beginning, so that you're always in the loop on the status of your new home. You’ll Pay More for the Features You Really WantThe price of your new home includes all of the things you’ll need to make your house comfortable and livable, including flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting and other items. If you don’t like the standard finishes, features and appliances, you’ll need to pay more for upgrades. If you're looking to add hardwood flooring to the family rooms or bedrooms, for example, you'll need to add those upgrades to your budget. Other big budget upgrades include adding rooms, expanding room size, increasing garage size, upgrading cabinets and countertops, installing top-of-the-line appliances and finishing the basement. Lot selection is another aspect of new home construction that many homeowners don’t consider when evaluating their budgets. Large lots or those in premium locations cost more than standard-size lots. Making a Change During Construction Can Be Complicated and CostlyYou certainly can discuss the possibility of making changes with your builder during construction, but even small alterations may delay the building process and cost more than you anticipated. It can take a little time to order and receive new materials and schedule subcontractors, if needed. Once the materials arrive, workers may need to remove the fixtures or finishes already in place before installing your new choices. Until they’re done, finishing other parts of the home may have to wait. You May Experience Decision FatigueMaking decisions about every square inch of your new home is one of the most exciting parts of building a new house. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most tiring. If you become too fatigued or overwhelmed, you may make decisions that you’ll soon regret. Decrease the risk of fatigue by making selections over several days and limiting decision-making to the morning hours when you’re more alert. Construction May Be Delayed by the WeatherIt’s bound to rain or hail at some point during the construction of your new home. Although the construction schedule may be padded a little to account for weather delays, two weeks of nearly constant rain may mean that your home won’t be ready when you expect. Keep in mind that workers may not be able to resume work the day after a rain or snowstorm. If the ground is wet, they can’t pour concrete, grade your lot or run underground plumbing lines. Cold weather can also lead to delays in concrete work or installation of siding or windows. Those products and materials can be damaged if installed during extremely low temperatures, which Arizona sometimes gets. Miscommunications May HappenPoor communication with your builder only adds to your stress level. Before you choose a builder, request references, read a few online reviews and ask how communications will be handled. Builders who don’t explain things clearly, fail to provide frequent updates, or don’t return calls, emails or texts may not be the best options if you’re looking forward to a low-stress building process.
Absolute Construction makes homeowner communication and customer satisfaction a priority. If you’ve been thinking about building a new home, you’ll want to check out our Arroyo Verde Estates community. The executive homes feature spacious living spaces, gourmet kitchens, large lots, and spacious bedrooms, including a generously sized master bedroom suite. Contact us for information about available lots and floor plans
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The master bathroom in your Casa Grande, Arizona home can be so much more than just a utilitarian space. When you plan the room’s remodel, think of it as a sanctuary where you can relax and refresh. Think luxury. Here are 14 features to consider working into your luxury bathroom design. Natural Light When you flip through photos of designers’ favorite luxury baths, what do you see? Lots of light, and fantastic views. Of course, making your bathroom a room with a view will depend on a lot of factors, but if it’s possible to incorporate windows onto Arizona’s natural beauty, while retaining some privacy, by all means do it. If picture windows won’t work in your bath, there’s always the skylight option. Classy Light When the sun’s not shining, you still need light. Design a lighting plan that layers ambient, task, and accent lighting. Designers have been putting a “statement” pendant, or small chandelier, into bathrooms for dramatic visual interest. Another idea is to hang small pendant lights in front of a wide mirror. Quality Fixtures Whether it’s a high-end soaking tub, toilet, or sink and shower fixtures, you can’t go wrong with top quality. These pieces work well from the beginning and last longer than anything of low quality that you might buy to save money. That being said, there is a point of diminishing returns, where status-symbol talking toilets and imported tiles really aren’t that much better than less outrageously expensive top-quality products. And though bath linens don’t fall in the “fixtures” category, this is definitely a place to invest just a little in quality. Because who doesn’t love the luxury of a large, ultra-thick towel after a shower or bath? Spa Shower Yes, a roomy, spa-like shower enclosure might be a splurge for your budget and your floor plan, but think about how you felt when you’ve used such a shower. Under “spa-like” are several possibilities: frameless glass enclosure door, large stone tiles on floor and walls, multiple showerheads, waterproof light fixtures, and built-in benches and niches. Steam Shower Do you love to soak up the humidity in your health club’s steam room? Then the increasingly popular home steam shower might be the way to go in your luxury master bath. Steam is known to improve circulation, clear up skin, soothe aching muscles and joints, and lead to sounder sleep. Building in the equipment to fill your shower stall with luxurious steam isn’t prohibitive, although a shower enclosure with acres of space isn’t the best fit. Warmth Underfoot How often have you had to suck in your breath with the first barefoot steps on a tile floor on a chilly Arizona winter morning? A major bath remodel is the perfect time to incorporate under-floor heating, which not only boosts your comfort exponentially but also can be a more efficient way to heat a room, putting the warmth where it will have immediate effect without having to heat the whole space first. Soaking Tub While many homeowners still consider a comfy soaking tub a must-have for the master bath, others are opting to use the floor space for something else, such as more storage or a bigger shower. But this is your bathroom, and there is an amazing array of soaking tubs available, from deep, round, Japanese-style tubs to long, stretch-out-your-legs luxurious copper tubs. Super Storage If you’re designing your dream bathroom, you know you’re going to include lots of storage. This can come in the form of sleek-lined modern cabinetry, unique furniture pieces converted into bathroom storage, built-in storage niches, and open shelves where you can add an artistic element to your storage solutions. If you’ve been thinking about getting your bathroom redesigned but haven’t been able to make a decision yet, contact us today to get your complimentary estimate!
 Neighborhood quality can have just as much of an impact on your enjoyment of your new Casa Grande as its floor plan. Although you certainly won’t want to buy a home next to an airport or in a high-crime area, other neighborhood quality indicators aren’t always as obvious. Before you add your signature to the contract, consider these factors. The Convenience FactorThe last house you saw was perfect. It has the ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms and features a large kitchen and an equally spacious family room. Sure, you have to wind through miles of back roads to reach it, but that shouldn’t be a problem, right? A longer commute is a small price to pay for such a wonderful house. If you’ve ever tried to justify buying a home in a less-than-ideal location, the same thoughts have probably run through your head. Although the drive may have seemed relaxing when you viewed the house on a Saturday, making the trip to work every day may be a completely different experience. Before you select a house, drive the route you would take to work during the morning and afternoon rush hours. You may find that the drive takes two or three times longer than you anticipated or you might discover that you’ll be able to reach your office in just 20 minutes You’ll also want to consider proximity to schools, stores, gas stations, public transportation, hospitals, major highways, services, and medical offices. The SchoolsSchool district quality is one of the key determining factors in home value. Not surprisingly, houses in unsafe or poorly performing districts sell for less compared to similar homes in better school districts. Thanks to the Internet, finding information on Casa Grande school districts is simple. Take a look at U.S. News & World Report, Arizona Department of Education or Niche, or visit each district’s website and social media pages. The websites usually contain information on standardized test results and the graduation rate. A school can be highly rated but still not the best choice for your child. Before you buy a house, visit the school and talk to parents whose children are enrolled in the local district. Ask about teacher quality, extracurricular activities, sports teams, special education services, teacher-to-student ratios, gifted and honors programs, transportation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. The Street and CommunityObnoxious neighbors, poorly maintained streets or junk cars in the driveway can make a new house seem much less attractive. A stroll around the neighborhood can help you identify potential problems and also give you the opportunity to meet your neighbors. You’ll be more likely to spot a few neighbors if you visit during the weekend or evenings. Find out how long the homeowners have lived in the neighborhood and what they like and don’t like about the community and the area. If you’ll be one of the first residents in a newly built community, scoping out the neighborhood will be a little more difficult. Ask your builder how many homes will eventually be built in the development and when they expect each phase to begin and end. Check with the local municipality regarding plans for vacant lots adjoining the property. Although you may have a view of the mountains now, will that change if the land is sold? Check out recreational opportunities in the neighborhood and community. Are there parks, playgrounds and walking trails nearby? Does the community offer recreational programs for adults and kids? Related: Questions to Ask When Thinking About Building A New Construction Home Other ConsiderationsYou also want to check out these factors and considerations:
Aesthetics: Are homes in good condition? Are lawns green and mowed? Does the community have sidewalks and street lights? Crime Rates: Check out Neighborhood Scout or SafeWise for information about crimes in the area. Childcare Programs: Are there high-quality daycare and afterschool care programs available locally? Community Events: Does the area offer many community events during the year? Businesses: Is there a vibrant business community in the municipality? Public Transportation: Where is the nearest bus stop or train station? Major Projects: Does the town or municipality wants to build a new high school or begin a multi-year road expansion project? Major projects can raise your taxes and cause significant disruptions. Have you been looking for a new home but can’t find the perfect location? Casa Grande offers highly-rated schools, one of the most convenient locations in Pinal County, Arizona and plenty of recreational opportunities. Absolute Construction’s Arroyo Verde Estates neighborhood is the ideal place to take advantage of Casa Grande and the rest of Pinal County’s amenities. Contact us to find out how to become a homeowner during our final phase.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the little, and not so little, details when you’re buying a new construction home. Keeping these questions in mind can help you avoid regrets and ensure that your new home contains all the features and amenities you need and want.
Will My Home Look Exactly Like the Model? Model homes often contain many upgrades to flooring, appliances, light fixtures, cabinets, countertops and other features. Some include expanded room sizes and additional rooms that aren’t included in the standard plan. Although it’s helpful to see all of the options you can choose, don’t assume that you’ll get everything you see in the model. Ask your Casa grande builder for a list of standard features to prevent any misunderstandings. Most buyers add at least a few upgrades to their homes. Seeing upgrade options in model homes or in the community’s design studio can help you decide which upgrades are most important to you. Keep in mind that every upgrade you select will affect the final cost of your home. When Must I Make Upgrade Choices? Adding upgrades to your home should be completed before construction begins. In most cases, you’ll need to finalize your choices about a month after you sign your contract. Any changes that occur during construction can complicate the building process and result in additional costs. Will There Be Additional Phases of Development? Your lot may back to the desert now, but will you still enjoy that same tranquil view in two years? Your view may change if your builder plans to construct the community in phases. Expansion may also increase traffic and disrupt your peace and quiet with construction noise. Before you select a lot, be sure to ask if your builder plans to start a new phase nearby. In most cases, disruptions will only last a few months, unless you live next to the access point for the new phase. Is There a Homeowners’ Association? Homeowners’ associations play important roles in many new home communities. The associations can protect your investment by making and enforcing community rules regarding changes to your home, landscaping, parking and other issues. If the community has a homeowners’ association, request a list of rules, and find out how much you’ll pay in dues every month. Can You Offer References? Talking to previous buyers, whether in the community you’re considering or another community constructed by the builder, can help you make your decision. Talk to homeowners about:
When Can I Move In? The timeline for finishing your home depends on many factors, including the size of your home, the number of other homes being built at the same time and the season. Although your sales representative will give you a completion estimate, keep in mind that this date isn’t a firm commitment. Most contracts state that homes will be ready within a year after construction begins. Your home may be ready sooner, but completion dates are only estimates. Storms, delays receiving materials and other factors can lengthen the construction timeline. Do you need to move as soon as possible? Consider a quick delivery home already under construction. If you choose this option, your home may ready in just a few weeks or months. Can I Visit During Construction? Most builders will allow homeowners to visit homes under construction periodically. Note that you will always need to schedule an appointment to walk your home with a representative from the company, due to liability and safety concerns. Ask your sales representative how often you can visit and who you should contact to schedule visits. What If There’s a Problem After I Move In? Problems aren’t common in new construction, but they do occur occasionally. Fortunately, the warranty offered by your builder will cover the costs of materials and installation for many big and small repairs. Check warranty coverage to make sure that repairs to major home systems, such as heating, plumbing or electric, are fully covered. Asking questions is the key to ensuring that you’ll love your new house. Do you have questions about the floor plans or building process at Absolute Custom Homes? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to explain what you can expect.  Whether you’re thinking of the attractiveness of your home to potential buyers or its value to your family and your lifestyle, the kitchen sits near the top of the list of most important areas in a house. The number of possible upgrades is almost limitless, of course, so you need to think about what you really need, and why you’re upgrading your Casa Grande-area home. Return on InvestmentAs Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report continues to show, most home improvements don’t pay back in increased resale value what you put into them. So don’t pour buckets of money into top-of-the-line upgrades if you’re getting ready to sell your house. On the other hand, well-thought-out improvements really can make your life in the kitchen less stressful and more enjoyable over the long haul. More ConsiderationsAs you think about a kitchen remodel, be honest about your real needs. Just because a “gourmet kitchen” sounds impressive, putting out the money for commercial-grade equipment isn’t worth it if you’re not spending significant time cooking, you have a small family, and if you don’t entertain much. Even if you really would make use of high-end appliances, keep in mind that there is a point of diminishing return. Certain top-of-the-line gadgets and tools can be way more expensive than the choices one step down that are still of very high quality.
More SpaceHomebuyers often look for a roomy kitchen, so you can make yours more appealing for when you eventually sell, and more useful right now, if you spend the money to enlarge it. Open floor plans continue to be popular, and you can gain space by removing walls between your kitchen and other rooms without having to add onto your house. A good designer or architect can help you figure out how to improve the flow of your kitchen and expand its usable space to fit your lifestyle. Upgrade for Beauty, UtilityWhether it’s made of granite, marble, or the increasingly popular engineered quartz, a stone countertop still says “classy.” The benefits are numerous, including ease of care, long life, and choice of aesthetics, and most homeowners who can afford it are happy they upgraded to stone. Another obvious upgrade is the floor: A tired-looking or damaged floor will diminish the value of your kitchen and detract from your enjoyment of the space. Again, the upgrade choices are numerous and include solid or engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, stone, and ceramic tile.  Twice as NiceIf one sink, dishwasher, or oven is good, two is better, right? A secondary sink will allow one person to rinse dishes or produce while another handles heavier chores at the main sink. Installing two drawer-style dishwashers, while easing the amount of bending over you’ll have to do, also gives you the option of loading dirty dishes in one while the other one is washing. And two wall ovens will allow you to bake different dishes at different temperatures or broil in one while baking in the other. Lots of LightAn important factor in any kitchen remodel is the lighting. Flood your kitchen with daylight if you can, using windows, skylights, and solar tubes. And install enough lights to give you full illumination at night, plus task lighting in every area where work will be done. Under-cabinet lights make a big difference when working at a countertop, and lights inside the cabinets give a classy look and help you find what you’re looking for. Finally, pendant lights and unique chandeliers and fixtures can add beauty and visual interest in the kitchen.  Your Own CaféCoffee bars are showing up more and more in new and remodeled kitchens, matching people’s insatiable desire for a caffeinated cup. Having a separate niche outside the main kitchen area allows you to keep all the paraphernalia in one place and keeps caffeine seekers out of the way. Put in a PantryWho doesn’t want more storage that’s easy to access? Whether it’s a separate room or a cabinet with all the revolving and sliding bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with a pantry upgrade. Trash, RecyclingWith recycling now ubiquitous, it makes sense to have a place to separate your discards as soon as you can. A three-compartment recycling and trash center that’s hidden but easy to open—and to clean—is invaluable in a remodeled kitchen. If you’d like a COMPLIMENTARY Estimate on how much it would cost to make your kitchen more beautiful, Contact Us Today! What to Adopt and What to Ditch in Summer 2019We talked to several of the top interior designers in Pinal County and came up with a list of what is in and what is out for homes in summer 2019.  Small & Smart The tiny-home trend is still a hot ticket when it comes to paring down and living simply. With the average house measuring less than 400-square feet, these pocket-sized residences offer a fantastic alternative to high-cost living, are energy efficient, and teach homeowners how to live well with less. While the small-house concept may not be for you, there are ways to reap the benefits in your own home by staying with a neutral color palette, installing energy-efficient appliances, and windows, and saying goodbye to clutter. Empowering Colors Bold, bright, and unexpected are the Pantone Color Institute’s forecast for this summer’s color trends in home design, with reds and oranges taking the lead. “The mindset for spring and summer of 2019 reflects a desire to face the future with strong colors that provide confidence and spirit,” say the experts at Pantone. “The hotter the colors are, the more ‘empowerment’ they encourage.” This summer’s shade is Living Coral, with its pinkish hue and and golden undertones meant to evoke feelings of warmth and life. Each year the institute selects a color that influences the development of products in fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design.  Wellness Kitchens As we look to live healthier lifestyles and are concerned about the sustainability of our food, wellness has become a new concept in kitchen design. From the use of recycled and ultra-hygienic materials to growing herbs and veggies indoors with small-scale farming units to choosing a minimalist look with soothing neutrals and chalky, smooth matte finishes, it’s all about creating a relaxed setting that fosters healthy living  Larger Flooring Tiles Floor tiles are getting bigger and better. While 12- by 24-inch tiles are still popular, you can now find them as large as 24 by 48 inches. Better yet, they look like the real deal from stone and marble to limestone and travertine. Tile planks are available in 48-inch lengths, and due to new inkjet technology can be manufactured to look exactly like wood or concrete and are hard-wearing and easy to maintain. Looking for something even bigger? Porcelain tiles are being produced as large as 5 by 10 feet!  Indoor Gardens Bringing the indoors out is shifting back to bringing the outdoors in. While the majority of us spend up to 90 percent of our time inside - often in front of a computer, phone, or TV screen - we also crave connecting with nature. Now homeowners are electing to grow all sorts of plants inside. And there are a surprising number of edibles to choose from, including tomatoes, avocados, kale, beets, mandarin oranges and a slew of herbs. Growing plants can be a beautiful practice that blends in our living place and lifestyles.  Statement Ceilings Forget about accent walls; it seems that ceiling embellishments are all the rage. Printed wallpapers, vibrant paint colors, shiplap, coffered ceilings, and lacquered finishes are hitting their strides, as are natural wood planks, statement stripes, corrugated metal, easy to install tile, and breezy fabrics. Designers are even lining ceilings with lighted crystals, 3D accents, and starlights. It’s all about going for the unexpected.  What’s Out Bronze Finishes:Flashy hardware had its moment, but now designers are starting to incorporate natural woods and discreet kitchen and bath hardware. Millennial Pink: Didn’t know it was in? Well, the popular blush pink has been replaced with richer-hued colors overall. Cold, Modern Design: In its place is a much homier, traditional style featuring warmer woods and the return of color inside the home. Vertical Garden Walls: Love the look of those artistic box-wall gardens? Due to the weight and difficulty in maintenance, homeowners are now opting for good old-fashioned pots. Granite Overload: Too much granite can make a kitchen look “heavy.” While granite isn’t going away, quartz and composite countertops are taking the lead.  If you think it’s time for a remodel to keep in trend or you’re looking for a brand new home, Contact Us. We take you through every part of the design process from start to finish in our design studio located in the heart of Casa Grande, Arizona.
 Do you spend your free time admiring the houses featured on Casa Grande home builders’ websites? You’re not alone! New homes are particularly attractive to home buyers because they offer all of the latest features and innovations and none of the work that often comes with buying an existing home. These savings tips will help you accumulate enough money for a down payment if you’re ready to move from your rental, but your bank account needs an influx of cash to make your dream a reality.
Bank Extra Money You could spend your income tax refund or bonus on a car upgrade or a new wardrobe, but it makes much more sense to leave those checks untouched in your bank account. Nonessential funds offer an easy way to boost your savings for your new home without affecting your budget. Add cash gifts, rebates, refunds and lottery winnings to your account too! If you expect a raise this year, consider saving the extra amount. Simply increase the amount direct deposited into your savings account once you receive your raise. Take Advantage of Direct Deposit Saving is less painful if your employer allows you to split your direct deposit between your savings and checking accounts. You can certainly transfer money from your checking to savings account yourself, but it’s easy to forget to make the transfer. Unfortunately, when you do remember, you may have already spent some (or all) of the funds earmarked for your new house fund! Make a Few Lifestyle Changes Even small changes can have a surprising effect on your bank balance when you make enough of them. If you’re saving for a new home while renting a house or apartment, consider:
Other Ways to Save More Money Depending on how much you want to save and your spending habits, you may benefit from a few of these strategies:
Saving for a house includes some major sacrifices in your lifestyle for a little while, but building your dream home is worth it. Have you been saving and are looking for a community close to stores and schools, yet secluded enough to get the privacy you want? Absolute Construction is proud to offer its new community of custom and semi-custom homes on 1-acre lots that provide the space you need. The homes feature plenty of amenities, including generously sized kitchens with large islands, side-entry four-car garages, spacious family rooms, formal living and dining rooms, and master bedroom suites complete with dedicated sitting areas and walk in showers. Contact us before the lots sell out! |
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August 2019
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861 W. Gila Bend Hwy
Casa Grande, AZ 85122 -
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