Read More:

http://www.sgc-ecms.com/ecms/redirect.cfm?LID=380346&SID=2991711

http://www.housingzone.com/pr/article/case-co-chairman-mark-richardson-partners-professional-remodeler-magazine

What types of added space are most often mentioned? Here are a few:

1. Home office
2. Larger laundry area with function cabinetry and work platforms.
3. Informal eating areas close to kitchen
4. Guest suites that include an added bedroom and bathroom.
5. Storage Storage Storage
6. Game rooms or play areas for the kids
7. Outdoor kitchens

In a time of fiscal awareness, function is the keyword. Additions must have a purpose that solves an issue. Whether it eases the storage burdens of a growing family,  provides a bit more productivity as with a home office or laundry room, or grants the in-laws and/or guests more comfort when they visit, homeowners are once again asking for functionality and value, and rejecting massive and meandering square footage.   

For more information on this topic from Better Homes and Gardens, click on this link

http://bldr-media.com/portal/wts/cemceFa-DTibaCru-feQ8ka-yQ4Fgb

Room Addition Considerations
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
 
Why build a room addition? There are many ways that this simple question can be answered. You love your Phoenix neighborhood and you want to stay put for a while is probably a part of the the answer. The kids are growing up and need their own rooms, you need an area to entertain, the in-laws want to get out of the snow and visit more often… Whatever the reason, simply put, you need a room addition.

Now that you have the hard part figured out, how do you get started? Well, there are many things to consider when planning for a home addition.  Generally, one of the first things that you want to think about is the lot that your home is built on. The jurisdiction that you live in will usually put limitations on how much space you can take up of your lot, and where on the lot you can take up that space.  These restrictions usually come in the form of a percentage of lot coverage allowed, and building setbacks. Any requested deviations from these rules often require a zoning “variation,” which can be a lengthy process, taking months to complete.

If you live in a neighborhood of Phoenix that has a homeowner’s association (HOA), they will have a set of rules that you will need to abide by as well. Typically an HOA is mostly concerned with the architectural features of your addition. Ideally, they would like for the room addition to have features that match and blend with the existing house, all while improving the value of the neighborhood. Such features may include the stucco, paint colors, window color & style, roof line, roof type (shingle/tile/flat), etc.

These are just a couple of the many topics that will need to be addressed while planning for your room addition. A little research into these subjects will certainly yield the answers and help to give some planning direction.

http://www.additioncompany.com/Arizona_Addition_Company/Blog/Entries/2010/12/21_Room_Addition_Considerations.html

Rain is infrequent here in AZ, and it is easy to forget that the sun is taking a heavy toll on flat roofs, shingles, and tile roofs alike.  Homeowners can make certain that their roof is ready to protect them by taking advantage of the free roof inspection.   Call 480-985-3287 

More info at http://www.ap-builder.com/site/service/10

The term ”Bid” places a focus on the dollar amount of a project, oft times foreshadowing an indifference to the quality of the design, the materials, and intangibles that create the lasting value of a project. 

A “Proposal”, on the other hand, indicates the existence of a thought process,  a communication stream, where creativity and planning converge with budgetary considerations.  The “Proposal” suggests value well beyond the purview of a “Bid”.

Its still a few months away, but we need someone to be a volunteer organizer for this year’s ALS Walk.

I propose we dedicate the event this year, and every year hereafter, to the memory of our dear friend, Jim Marino.

Jim lost his battle with ALS last October, but the memory of his infectious laughter, side splitting story-telling, and generous heart will live on forever.

Please help in organizing and recruiting walkers and donors. The goal is to raise enough money to assist the researchers in ending this terrible disease.

Read more at  http://www.abcsupply.com/Media/Default.aspx?id=3932

Elkay will also be a primary supplier to AP Builder of plumbing fixtures, closet organizer cabinetry, and bathroom vanities.

AP Builder VP of Operations, Ty Vance, declared that “this arrangement will make it possible for AP Builder to offer its’ remodeling and building customers access to the industries leading products at very attractive price points.”