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At Home with Tom and Sandy

Controlling Weeds, Watering Plants, Preparing for Monsoon Season

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Spring sunset scenery. Fresh meadow with dandelions

The coming monsoon season typically triggers a weed bloom that people need to be ready for.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, Tom and I thought we would get in the weeds.

Tom: Sandy, I suspect you already have a plan for this month’s column.

Sandy: Hi Tom, yep, you know me, always planning, thinking and dreaming. I asked Josh Crothers, owner of Prescott Landscape Professionals, and Chris Welborn, owner of Vicente Landscaping, to join us. We are getting into the summer months, and I want our readers to get great information regarding their landscape during this time of year.

Tom: Good thoughts. Welcome, guys. So, it is June. What sage advice do you have for folks about summer care for our landscaping?

Chris: Hey, Sandy and Tom, thanks for asking us to be here. One of the main events of the summer homeowners need to pay attention to is weed control.

Josh: Agree wholeheartedly. The coming monsoon season typically triggers a weed bloom that people need to be ready for.

Sandy: Oh boy, isn’t that the truth? How do you both recommend dealing with the weeds, beside putting a hex on them to not grow?

Josh: Probably the best preparation for weed control is by applying a “preemergent.” That is a product that will stop the growth at the seed level before the weeds can germinate.

Chris: Yes, Josh is right on. Getting the preemergent down is key. Doing that before the rain is best.

Sandy: I understand that commercial applicators of the preemergent need to be licensed by the state.

Josh: Correct. The Pest Management Division has an educational and testing procedure in place. It can be up to a two-plus year process to obtain licensing.

Chris: Several of the more professional landscape companies in this area have that license. The reason for the control is that we are essentially handling a product that can be harmful if not applied correctly. I am proud to say that Josh and I are both licensed and understand the importance of applying a chemical properly.

Tom: If I did not have a preemergent applied, and have weeds growing in my xeriscape yard, can I apply a weed killer? And while I am at it, the follow-up question: Is there a difference between a preemergent and weed killer?

Chris: First question, yes, you can apply a weed killer. After they start to grow you can apply the weed killer. Two problems with that approach, first is the likelihood of inconsistent application, and the chemical is nasty stuff, and if you aren’t properly suited up to apply, you can become contaminated. Also, now you must pick up all the dead weeds.

Josh: When any of these products are applied incorrectly, they have the potential to contaminate ground water.

Sandy: Too little and ineffective application, the weeds thrive. Too much, and there is an impact on the environment. Sounds like a job for the pros like you guys. What else should our readers be doing in June?

Josh: June is typically the hottest and driest month. Plants can get stressed if not watered sufficiently.

Chris: Plants should be nice and green this time of year. If they start turning yellow, that is an indicator they are stressed.

Tom: Should we just water them more?

Josh: Yes, supplemental watering in conjunction with your irrigation might be needed.

Chris: And, along with that, you should consider fertilizing them as well.

Sandy: Good advice! There are so many different fertilizer types out there. How do we know what to use?

Chris: Typical fertilizer for plants is characterized by the three main ingredients with the chemical periodic table symbol. They are Nitrogen, Phosphate and a K for Potassium: NPK.

Josh: There are different ratios of the three in different fertilizers. Arguments can be made for using different ratios at different times of the year. I suggest a balanced approach. 10,10,10 which coincides with the percentage of the three primary ingredients Chris mentioned.

Sandy: Should we just put the suggested amount around the plant and leave it or do you suggest watering in the granules?

Josh and Chris: Water! Water! Water!

Tom: About watering, you both mentioned supplemental watering as needed during hot, windy and dry times. Should that be done by hand, or should I just increase the flow from my irrigation system?

Chris: Either way really. Sometimes it is simpler to water by hand.

Josh: I agree, watering by hand in the evening also gives you more control over the amount of water you use.

Sandy: With the monsoon season right around the corner, what other advice do you have for our followers?

Chris: Check out your drainage systems. Check your gutters, underground pipes and surface swales, making sure they are free of anything that might block them or cause erosion in the rest of your yard.

Josh: Folks should also look at their plant depression areas around the plant base to be sure they are retaining their form and positioned to capture as much rainwater as they can.

Chris: There are several types of water catchment systems. You can have tanks to collect or use a more passive surface system.

Tom:  Should I also monitor my automatic irrigation system during the monsoon, dialing it down if we get rain?

Josh:  If you have a rain gauge and the latest rain measures a half inch or more, then you can decide how to moderate the frequency.

Sandy: Lots of folks use this time of year to plant new trees and shrubs. Is that OK?

Josh: Plant away!

Chris: Yes, Plant away. If your yard is frequented by wildlife, you may want to look at some plant types that do not attract animals and pests.

Sandy: I don’t want my yard to be a salad bowl for wildlife, for sure.

Josh: When you do plant, you may want to supplement the irrigation watering until plants are established.

Tom:Good advice all around. I am grateful to learn about the need for a state license to put down preemergent. To our readers, you can verify that a company is properly licensed to apply preemergent materials through the office of pest management, www.opm.azda.gov.

Sandy: Hiring licensed contractors, hmm, where have I heard that before?

Chris with Vicente Landscaping, and Josh with Prescott Landscaping Professionals, thank you both for taking the time to help our readers stay informed.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you.  QCBN

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Planning for Transportation Needs into the Future

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State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, Tom and I thought we would take a “road trip” as we veer away from our normal column. Settle in. This is going to be wonderful!

Sandy: Hi Tom! Happy April! For our detour topic this month, I have invited Mr. Vincent, or, as we all know him to be, Vinny Gallegos, to talk with us this month. Vinny is the executive director of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization, (CYMPO).

Tom: Excellent, welcome Vinny!

Vinny: Greetings to both of you. Thanks for inviting me.

Sandy: There is a lot to talk about, so diving right in, Vinny, when did CYMPO get started and who is a part of it?

Vinny: Formally, 2003. Based on the 2000 Census, the Feds declared this area a metropolitan area. As such, all the political entities in the area, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and this part of Yavapai County, came together to form CYMPO as a mechanism to plan for the growing transportation needs of our area.

Tom: How big of an area are you talking about?

Vinny: The planning area covers approximately 400 square miles, and currently includes Dewey-Humboldt, which was not a separate political entity back then.

Sandy: All the cities, towns and county are represented on the CYMPO boards and committees. That is very important for our readers to know. I bet that has to be kind of like herding cats!

Vinny: LOL, actually since the beginning, all the entities have come together quite well. The purpose is to plan for regional, multimodal transportation. Our system of highways, trails and bike paths touches every community. And it is with that understanding, all the representatives lean toward cooperation to plan for and collectively seek funding from state and federal resources.

Tom: Back in 2000, I recall this organization getting started. I have watched CYMPO become a very successful and effective organization responsible for many of our major road improvements over the past 20 plus years. What are some of the projects and challenges on your plate currently?

Vinny: The main challenge we always face is getting the resources we need to implement the organization’s plans. Revenue sources have not changed much in the last 30 or so years. State (ADOT), and the feds use gas taxes as a principal funding source for transportation needs. As for projects, currently, there are three primary areas we are focusing on. First, creating an active transportation plan for bike and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes bike lanes, sidewalks and trails.

Sandy: That sounds super fantastic. Biking and walking are a huge part of the communities in our area. I love hearing that CYMPO is on board.

Vinny: It is all part of the integrated transportation system in our area.

Vinny:  Another project is the State Route 69 Master Corridor Plan. This addresses both safety and capacity issues along this corridor from Prescott through Dewey-Humboldt. The third major focus is the Sundog Design Concept report and Environmental Overview.

Sandy: This isn’t the first time that a potential route has been discussed. I have been hearing about it for many years.

Tom: It actually started way back in the early ‘90s with the Prescott Strategic plan where we said we did not want L.A.-style superhighways in our area. While on the Prescott City Council at that time, we approved a preliminary plat for Yavapai Hills unit 9 that included a piece of the Sundog Connector in the plat. That was for 1,814 units, a mix of multifamily and single-family living.

Vinny: All your fault, Tom.

Sandy: LOL. I have got something else to blame him for now!

Tom: Yeah yeah, well, it did happen then, but it of course wasn’t all me. The city included a commitment to a portion of the connector as part of the development agreement if I remember correctly.

Vinny: I understand that as well. The General Plan update in 1997-98 precipitated by the Growing Smarter legislation, set the stage for Prescott to develop the Prescott East Area plan. That referenced the need for what was then called the 69 to 89 connector. That is now Prescott Lakes Parkway. It also referenced the Sundog connector.

Tom: That plan was developed including participation by council representatives, Planning and Zoning, and a healthy component of citizens mostly from Yavapai Hills and the Ranch. It was quite inclusive. If I remember correctly, that plan reiterated the desire to have smaller roads rather than making 69 a superhighway.

Sandy: Prescott Valley actually constructed the east end of the route in 2000.

Vinny: In 2007, the City of Prescott approved the preliminary plat for the Storm Ranch subdivision. That was for 227 single family lots. That plat also includes a segment of the Sundog connector.

Sandy: The City of Prescott built the roundabout on Prescott Lakes Parkway as the west end of the connector in 2010.

Tom: Didn’t Prescott do its own Sundog Corridor Study?

Vinny: Yes, that was done in 2013.

Sandy: Having all these plans in place is great. Vinny, tell us a little about how these plans get implemented and the time it takes to realize them.

Vinny: Our job is to take the direction given to us by elected officials over the years. We use that direction to generate the plans for our transportation systems. Many plans, like the ones mentioned, can take decades to see their implementation.

Sandy: Can you give us an example?

Vinny: Sure. There has been a plan to add a single lane in both directions on Highway 69 from Lowes to the mall, about a mile of road. Planning, engineering and funding for that project has taken 10 years.

Tom: There is no instant gratification in the planning business, is there?

Sandy: I suppose not. Sheesh!

Tom: The Sundog connector has just recently been the target of a few area residents who don’t want this road. I for one, think it somewhat weird that our leaders are often targeted with admonitions of uncontrolled growth. That insinuates a lack of planning. Here we have an example of a plan that has been vetted through the last 25 years and even that gets attacked.

Sandy: In making these plans, our elected officials take so many different issues into account. With another 2,000-plus households coming on line in the future, public safety plays a large part. Response times are critical and our road designs play a large part in how quickly our first responders get to your house or business.

Vinny: Leadership sets plans in motion, plans for the future. CYMPO was given the charge by elected officials to take the steps necessary to implement them. That is what the Sundog Design Concept Report is all about.

Sandy: Vinny, I applaud CYMPO in educating the community and citizens. You have a terrific website,

https://www.cympo.org/sundog-connector/ which has so much information on the Sundog Connector – so readers, take a look at the website, this is a great way to stay informed.

Tom:    I recall Town of Prescott Valley Mayor Palguta talking about the importance of the Sundog Connector as the connector will drastically reduce police and fire response times to the residents on the back side of Yavapai Hills.

Vinny:  Another positive to the many positives for the connector is with the anticipated purchase of Glassford Hill by Prescott Valley, Prescott and Yavapai County. This would prevent any future residential development by any developers along the Sundog route.

Sandy: And let’s not forget the Sundog Connector has been voted on by both Prescott and Prescott Valley’s General Plan for more than 20 years.

In closing – we three give a thumbs-up to the Sundog Connector.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.”  You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Considering Inflation, Return on Investment When Remodeling

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That information is very helpful for homeowners. It can help you decide whether to move forward with a project or not.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom & Sandy.”  We are here to give you the inside scoop and tips on everything A to Z for your home – and we love talking about the construction industry. Settle in, enjoy and have fun reading our column. We sure do enjoy sharing our words with you. Thanks for being such loyal and great readers.

Sandy:  Wow, Tom, have you been keeping up with the cost of everything these last few months? It is nuts!

Tom:  No joke there, Sandy. I can’t think of a single product that hasn’t gone up in the last year, with the exception of gas dropping from $4 a gallon by about 40 cents.

Sandy:  The construction industry is certainly no exception. Estimating and budgeting a project has to be a challenge for sure.

Tom: I am told it is. Bidding must be even worse.

Sandy:  Really, how can you anticipate the cost of an item like appliances or even paint when you won’t be buying it for six months? After you design, permit and start building, it will be at least that amount of time if not more!

Tom:  True statement. There are some guides out there that can help homeowners develop a reasonable budget.

Sandy:  Well, don’t keep our readers in suspense, where is this resource?

Tom:  Handley Wood publishes several trade magazines, one of them is called simply “Remodeling.” This group has nationwide distribution and as such, is in a unique position to obtain data across the continent.

Sandy:  I know about this group. You are talking about their Cost vs. Value report.

Tom:  Yes, I am. Not surprised you know about that. Handley Wood collects data from remodelers across the country and compiles that information into national and regional reports for about 22 different project types.

Sandy:  The report does more than relate the cost of a project. The report also presents information regarding the value a project will yield relative to the cost.

Tom:  That information is very helpful for homeowners. It can help you decide whether to move forward with a project or not.

Sandy: I know what you are saying. I receive calls all the time where people ask me if they are making an improvement that will add value to their home. My usual answer is maybe not when you look at the amount of money you will invest in the project vs. the value that project will add to your home.

Tom:  That is exactly what this report will tell you. That being said, time is a factor as well.

Sandy:  You are referring to turn-around time from project completion to a sale of the house, correct?

Tom:  Exactly. If you put in a new kitchen and don’t sell your home for a few years, the value of the home will likely go up. The remodel will help that.

Sandy:  Of course, the market you are in will help also.

Tom:  Oh my, yes. In fact, this report is so comprehensive, it tracks cost differences by national, regional, major cities in a region and by zip code.

Sandy:  Do they track Prescott?

Tom:  Well no. Thankfully, we are not a major city. They do track Phoenix and Tucson though.

Sandy:  Let’s give our readers some information. First of all, the 2023 report is not out yet, so the current report is for 2022. We already talked about how inflation is affecting the construction industry so the numbers will not be as accurate for 2023. That is why people can use this as a guide, and not a hard and fast fact.

Sandy:  Knowing that, which project has the highest return on investment?

Tom: That would be a garage door replacement. The national average cost is $4,041, with return on investment 93.3%.

Sandy:  How does that differ for the Phoenix average cost and ROI?

Tom:  For a garage door replacement in Phoenix, the average cost is close to the national at $3,994, with an ROI of 93.1%

Sandy:  So, if I wanted to sell my house and my garage door looked bad, this would be a worthy project to undertake. This information would be helpful for realtors also. It can help them guide their clients to appropriate decision making.

Tom:  It sure could.

Sandy:  Tell our readers which project has the lowest return on investment.

Tom:  That would be an upscale, master suite addition. The national average cost is $338,862, with a return on investment of 45.8%. The Phoenix average cost is $328,327, with an ROI of 52.7%.

Sandy:  Yeah, don’t do that if you are thinking about sprucing up your home for sale. I know that a report like this cannot predict what future home values would be, but having this information can help a homeowner budget realistically for a project.

Tom:  That is one of the report’s real strengths. Many professional remodeling companies utilize this report as a means to assist folks in establishing a very preliminary budget.

Sandy:  People need to realize, though, that these numbers are averages. That their operating budget will vary based on their choices for materials and design.

Tom:  Absolutely. Thank you for clarifying that.

Sandy:  So, while helpful, people will need to get their contractor to flesh out a project’s real costs.

Tom, we know the most watched indicators of the rate of inflation are the costs of various construction materials and the labor needed to install them. However, the level of construction activity has a direct influence on labor and material demand and margins and therefore on construction inflation, would you agree?

Tom: Yes, I agree. One of the best predictors of construction inflation is the level of activity in an area. When the activity level is low, contractors are all competing for a smaller amount of work and therefore they may reduce margins in bids. When activity is high, there is a greater opportunity to submit bids on more work and bid margins may be higher. The level of activity has a direct impact on inflation.

Sandy: I am a firm believer that regulatory costs, because they are increasing, go straight to the bottom line of what individuals pay for their homes. A clear regulatory code with a reasonable amount of restrictions will make the end product less expensive for homebuyers.

Tom: Sandy, this is another topic for another month – I know you are passionate about codes, zoning, requirements, fees, etc.

Sandy: So, I guess we are signing off. Until next month. P.S. I have had enough of Punxsutawney Phil – I know we need the moisture, but I am over shoveling my driveway!

Thanks for stopping in to read At Home With Tom and Sandy. You are in good company, and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Saving Water, Earning Rebates

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Kay, this is the program where the city will rebate Prescott homeowners for using certain water conservation fixtures, right?

Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” This month we have a guest, Kay Sydow, the water resource project manager for the City of Prescott. So keep reading, because we are going to talk water.

Sandy: Welcome to our column, Kay. Tom and I are thrilled you are joining us and we are excited to talk about water.

Kay: Thank you for the invite, Tom and Sandy, and yes, we are going to talk about water and more specifically, about the city’s Water Conservation Incentive Program.

Sandy: Kay, this is the program where the city will rebate Prescott homeowners for using certain water conservation fixtures, right?

Kay: That is correct, though we go beyond fixtures. We also include hot water recirculating systems, turf removal, irrigation timers, collecting rainwater in rain barrels and something called ‘passive rain gardens.’

Tom: That is quite a lot of product management for water rebates – all about saving water.

Sandy: Let’s take these one at a time and give our readers the list and how this all works.

Kay: The rebates are all given as a credit on an active utility bill from the city. Starting with fixtures, by replacing your toilet with a low-flow toilet, a homeowner could receive between $100 and $150 credit.

Sandy: Kay, would that be determined by the water usage of the new toilet?

Kay: Yes, $100 for a 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), or $125 for a dual flush toilet with 1.0/1.28 gpf, and $150 for a 1.0 gpf. And there is no limit on the number of toilets per household for which a homeowner can receive a rebate.

Tom: Wow, that dang near pays for the toilet. What are some of the other fixtures you include?

Kay: We include washing machines. I came upon a statistic that an average family of four does 364 loads of laundry per year.

Sandy: My mom was right, she always said she was doing laundry all the time!

Kay: LOL, if she used an ultra-efficient washer, she could save up to 4,100 gallons of water per year and receive a $200 credit on her water bill.

Tom: That makes a difference when applied citywide for sure. Is there a preferred purchase list?

Kay: Yes, the washer must be on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency list.

Sandy: I heard that if a homeowner is on a septic system, that will get them an additional $50 credit.

Kay: Sandy, you did your homework.

Sandy: Thanks, Kay. Tell our readers about the recirculating system rebate – that is the coolest.

Kay: If you install a recirculating hot water delivery system, the city offers a $150 rebate.

Tom: What sort of proof do you require? Do you send out inspectors?

Kay: No inspection required. We ask only for receipts and photos of the installed system.

Sandy: Kay, you mentioned some of the outdoor water use projects. Can you give us some insights on how our readers might be able to participate?

Kay: Sure! Outdoor water use accounts for most of the exterior usage. And, unlike indoor water use that sends wastewater through the sewer system for treatment, outdoor use will not be recovered; it is gone forever.

Having said that, projects that remove turf and replace that turf with non-water consuming ground covers helps quite a bit. By taking out the grass and replacing it with low-water plants or a passive rain garden you will save quite a lot of water.

Tom: How do you calculate the rebate for this and what proof do you need to get?

Kay: This is one project that you need to contact the Public Works Department before you begin. The city will rebate $1 for every square foot of turf removed.

Sandy: Isn’t there a rebate for installing a timer on your irrigation system?

Kay: Yes, there is. Having a timer not only eliminates overwatering, but it also allows you to maintain a watering schedule so as to only water during those times of the day that reduce evaporation.

Sandy: What is the rebate for this irrigation timer?

Kay: A $75 rebate is available for the installation of an EPA approved WaterSense labelled Smart Irrigation Timer. Again, you will need to contact Public Works before starting the project.

Tom: Please tell us what a Passive Rain Garden is. This is new to me.

Kay: Generally, this is a method of capturing rainwater by constructing an artificial depression in your yard that captures rainwater and stores it long enough to infiltrate the soil.

Sandy: If you use plants in this rain garden, do they need to be on the city’s approved plant list?

Kay: Yes, they do. Only native and drought tolerant plants may be installed in the rain garden, and we do encourage those types of plantings. The catchment can also be lined with rocks as well.

Sandy: As with the turf removal, I would presume people interested in the rain garden rebate should contact the City of Prescott Public Works Department before commencing.

Kay: Absolutely. Rain Gardens, a How-to Manual for Homeowners has recently been updated. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to install a rain garden.

Tom: Very interesting. Is there a minimum size and what is the rebate for this type of project?

Kay: The rain garden must be a minimum garden of 50 square feet in size and capture a minimum of 400 square feet of storm water redirected from the roof.  The city offers a rebate of $3.00 per square foot of basin footprint.

Sandy: There are incentives for rainwater catchment as well. How do they work?

Kay: Rain barrels and cisterns are a great way to save water. This is where rainwater, typically from the roof, is collected and stored for later use. The minimum amount of 100 gallons is needed to qualify. A 75-gallon or larger capacity storage can get a rebate of $1 per gallon, while a 50-to-65-gallon capacity can receive a $0.50-per-gallon rebate.

Tom: Can you combine smaller tanks to achieve the 100 gallon minimum?

Kay: Yes, you can.

Sandy: Kay, that is great information for our readers and us as well. Now give us all the contact info and links we need to get serious about saving.

Kay: All programs come out of the City of Prescott Public Works Department. For more information, call 928-777-1130. The link to our website is www.prescott-az.gov/water-sewer/water-conservation/rebate-program.

Thank you, Sandy and Tom, for inviting me to participate in your column. This is a great way to let people know about this program. QCBN

Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. 928-778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Diagnosing the Issue, Knowing Who to Contact

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The usual inquiry will go something like, “OK, Sandy, you gave me three names. Which one would you use?”

“Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.”

Tom:  Hi, Sandy. I have a topic that I would like to put forward for this month. You are always talking about the hundreds of calls you get from folks in our area, and I have always wanted to ask you, what are the types of calls you receive? Are you up for that?

Sandy:  Yes, Tom, that could be fun. I do get some strange requests for information.

Tom:  Great! Let’s get started. What is the strangest request you get the most?

Sandy:  OK, the most consistent call I get, at least the one that makes me smile and wonder why they called YCCA, is from families new to the area wanting to know when their trash pickup day is. I must get this call several times during any given year.

Tom:  That ranks right up there with things that make you go, “Huh?” What do tell them?

Sandy:  Well, I start by asking them which jurisdiction they are in. They need to know if they are in the City of Prescott, or if they have private pick-up in Prescott Valley or Yavapai County and then I give them the applicable companies to call. I live in Prescott Valley, so I have that pick-up day down pat!

Tom:  I can see where this sort of thing takes some time on your part.

Sandy: It is all part of our goal to share and educate. That is so important.

Tom: It is for certain. What other types of calls make you go, “Hmm?”

Sandy:  Well, a weird one is from people who want to know where I buy tires.

Tom: OK! That is a little out of the scope for YCCA, isn’t it?

Sandy: Yes and no. While not a construction related question, it does speak to the reputation YCCA has as a trusted place to turn to for everyday answers.

Tom:  YCCA outreach is ubiquitous for sure. Not a day goes by that I do not hear some manner of reference to you or the YCCA. Readers of this article, when I let them know that we write this, refer to me as, “You’re the guy with Sandy! You are famous.”

Sandy:  Well, I don’t know about that, but it is gratifying that YCCA is so well trusted in our community. I also get calls for the names of a seamstress and where I get my hair cut.

Tom:  And, you know a seamstress or two. Do you tell people where you get your hair done? Or is that a trade secret (pun intended)?

Sandy:  Well, yes, I do know a seamstress and not a trade secret as you put it, but no, I don’t let on where I get my hair done, who would want a head of hair looking like mine? LOL. Another call I get frequently is when people think they need a new roof when they do not have any symptoms.

Tom:  Symptoms, such as…?

Sandy:  No leaks, no broken tiles, no missing shingles, no mineral particles building up at the downspouts. And their roof is only five years old. They want three or four roofers to come out and inspect.

Tom:  I get it. What do you tell them?

Sandy:  Well, once I understand their concerns, I usually tell them they really do not need all that.

Tom:  It’s kind of like talking them off the ledge.

Sandy: Exactly. I usually get calls from people who do not necessarily understand the process they need to go through. They put the cart before the horse. I take the time to help them understand what they need to do and in what order of sequence.

Tom:  I imagine many people are grateful.

Sandy: They are usually grateful for the information. There is always a retired engineer that knows what needs to happen and just wants a name. I try to drill down a little, but they just want a name. I might hear from them again a month later wanting more assistance, which I willingly provide.

Tom:  Let us talk a little bit about the information and advice you give out. I imagine you get lots of calls for subcontractors and contractor recommendations, how do you determine the names you give out?

Sandy:  Good question. The usual inquiry will go something like, “OK, Sandy, you gave me three names. Which one would you use?” And I just don’t go down that rabbit hole. I just give them the names and tell them any one of those companies would be happy to assist.

Tom: Smart. So let’s get back to how you choose what name to give out.

Sandy: I spend time with the caller to find out more of what they are looking for. I try to understand their project needs and where they live. With all this information, along with knowing all my lovelies out there, I try to give out three or four names of who I think will fit their needs. If somebody calls me about a project in Paulden, I try to send them to businesses I know will go there. That is usually not somebody from Dewey-Humbolt.

Sandy: Another frequent call is from homeowners wanting a window company and window replacements. After talking with the homeowner, we find out they just need glass replacement and there is nothing wrong with the window, it does not leak, it operates great and all that is needed is new glass.

Tom: So, you must ask a lot of questions. And knowing you, Sandy, you do not blindly accept the questions and give information.

Sandy:  You are right, Tom. Sometimes it is like an analysis and synthesis of figuring out what the issue is and coming to the right decision on how to manage a problem or answer a question.

Tom: Serving the community, engaging in a partnership, moving obstacles, being relevant to the community, sounds to me like what YCCA does.

Sandy: And Tom, I receive a gazillion questions on mold, deck replacements, permitting questions, survey questions, square-foot price to build, and as you know the list goes on and what is even more exciting is that I have an entire treasure trove of contractors to call. For example, you have been my “lifeline,” my “call a friend” and my Wikipedia.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. (928) 778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

What Inflation Means for the Cost of Construction

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Prices have gone up and there’s not much sign of coming down.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” As I always like to say, “sit back, relax and enjoy.” We have had great monsoons, not many calls on roof leaks, lots of calls on weed removal. Tom and I are talking “inflation” this month.

Sandy:  Hi Tom, I must vent a minute. I just filled up my car and my tank fill was almost $100. This is crazy!

Tom:  Tell me about it. We just finished a road trip to South Dakota and almost spent $1,000 in gas. Inflation is real.

Sandy:  Yes, inflation is real. It is a nightmare and it is affecting everyone and every family.

Tom:  The construction industry is no exception. Prices have gone up and there’s not much sign of coming down.

Sandy:  I hope our readers understand the implications and interconnectivity that inflation is having on our industry. Plastics, metals, lumber, windows, bathtubs, energy, paint and everything else is costing more.

Tom:  It takes diesel and gasoline to get the raw materials prepared for building products such as concrete, masonry and asphalt, so energy prices are a big part of inflation.

Sandy:  It seems like everything is touched by the inflation monster. I am hearing all manner of complaining from both our contractors as well as our citizens. The frustration level is high.

Tom: I get it. But, Sandy, there is at least one positive aspect we are seeing in the remodeling industry, and that is the value of our homes has risen.

Sandy:  Boy, are you ever the optimist! But I suppose you are right; home values are certainly up.

Tom:  According to Zillow, between October of 2021 and October 2022 the value of an average home will rise by 14%.

Sandy:  Wow, if my math is right, that means $14,000 per $100,000 of value. That is a lot. So, with all the costs going up, tell me how you see this unseen benefit of yours?

Tom: LOL. Sure. The average value of a home in Prescott, according to Zillow, is $621,216. Given that, a 14% increase would add about $85,000 to that home.

Sandy:  Maybe a great time to sell, but then what? It will cost you more to buy and no value is realized.

Tom:  True, so true. Unless, of course, you relocate to a small town in Nebraska that does not have the same real estate pressures. Your access to amenities may be compromised, though.

Sandy:  There are days though!

Tom: So, given the value increase of a home, and let’s say you were considering an improvement project, you would have more leverage in getting a loan to fund your project – and $85,000 is a lot of value.

Sandy:  That could be a new master suite! OK, I get where you are coming from. A tiny unseen benefit, I will give you that. So, then Tom, what advice could you give to our readers about navigating any project in crazy inflation times like these?

Tom:  My first go-to in cost control is always planning. Spend the time before you start planning every detail you can about your project. In inflationary times, changes can be costly.

Sandy:  Most contractors are now having to order finishes, cabinets, windows at the signing of the contract because of supply chain issues. A change in some those items might be costly in both dollars and time.

Tom: Exactly.

Sandy:  Folks need to take a bit of extra care in selecting the company they will be moving forward with. We recommend they ask questions about what strategies that company has to deal with cost increases.

Tom:  Excellent. While no company is immune to price changes and no one can protect everything, the answers to that question alone will give the consumer insight to the level of professionalism the company has.

Sandy:  Good advice. We always try to council people to interview, interview, interview. Prepare your questions in advance and ask the same questions of each company you interview.

Tom:  Selecting the right company, especially in times of inflation, can make all the difference. But, all told, I would not recommend putting off a project while waiting for prices to come down.

Sandy:  We are not seeing much downward movement at all, and many people are wondering, will construction costs go down and, if so, when?

Tom: I have never seen such record spikes in the price of building materials like lumber and shortages of many other products because of supply chain problems.

Sandy: Last year’s high home construction costs resulted from several factors, and many of them were related to the pandemic. Staffing shortages were one factor, and we know that many people used the pandemic to remodel their homes, and the spike in demand meant that there often were not enough workers.

Tom: Families began ordering supplies in record numbers, and it has taken two years for the supply lines to catch up and we aren’t caught up yet.

Sandy: Labor shortages are going to keep construction prices higher – upwards of 40% of construction.

Tom: And then there is that word we talked about earlier, inflation. Inflation is on the rise, and that is bringing up the cost of everything from groceries to housing supplies. We are at the highest point in inflation since 1982.

Sandy: While the resulting price increases affect all commodities, it will certainly be a factor that keeps home construction costs higher than usual.

Tom: Of course, construction prices are also closely tied to supply and demand, so this is another reason the answer to the question of will construction costs come down is no, and it’s not looking likely for the early part of 2023, either.

Sandy: Increased construction costs are difficult to stay on top of and what I see with price volatility across the board, this is harder than usual for the industry to do. I see that quotes to customers are shortened and the validity periods are being adjusted every 10 days or even one week at a time.

Tom: I think homeowners should stop looking at price – there will always be companies that cut prices to the bone to get work, but they usually don’t last awfully long – so focus on the company that offers superior service, and can get the job done in a timely manner.

Sandy: I say the economy is a wave. When it goes up, it will always come back down again. When it comes to construction costs, the key for everyone right now is to float on top of the wave until things change again. Because they will, and we will see the end of all this at some point. Inflation will moderate but not reverse.

Together, Tom and I say, “Happy September to you.”  Until next month. Thanks for stopping in to read At Home With Tom and Sandy. QCBN

Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. (928) 778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Adding a Window into Problems and Solutions with a Life Coach

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We can’t see through a door, but Deborah can help by adding a window.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, in light of everything going on from COVID-19 to unemployment, to everyday stress, to controlled expenses and the cost of living, Tom and I thought we would take a pause and have a lunchbreak, or a “breakfunch,” for those of us who eat small meals between breakfast and lunch and do not take an actual lunch break, and veer away from our normal column.  Settle in, this is going to be wonderful!

Sandy:   Hi Tom! It’s August! For our detour topic this month, I have invited Deborah Peterson to join us. Deborah is a life coach, ordained counselor/clergy member, and has a business called “Coaching Clarity by Definition.”

Tom:   I like taking a break from the usual, however I can’t promise I won’t weave some reference to remodeling in here. Hello, Deborah and welcome to At Home.

Deborah:  Hello, Sandy and Tom. It’s great to be a part of your column and thanks for asking me to participate.

Sandy:   Deborah, you do all these fascinating things, so let’s start by you telling us and our readers what a life coach is!

Deborah:  In a condensed version, I help people develop strategies that allow them to focus on making positive internal shifts in thinking and behaving that changes who we are and what we do.

Tom:   That actually sounds like a tall order and not easy to do.

Deborah:  It is pleasantly demanding, of course, and so many people today are really hurting, feeling stuck and exhausted with the status quo template of life. With what is happening in our world now, many are anxious and scared.

Sandy:   Deborah, it sounds as if even though many people tend to be motivated and possess an entrepreneurial spirit, are you saying there isn’t one of us who couldn’t benefit from some help from time to time, especially now with all of this anxiousness and fear taking place?

Tom:   What a great question, Sandy. It’s akin to us asking questions to a client to see if we are a fit to help with their remodeling goals.

Sandy:   Tom, I knew you would find a way to sneak in remodeling!

Deborah:  LOL! And actually Sandy/Tom, you’re right on. I help people remodel (there, I snuck in your word, Tom) their thinking and hence their responses/behaviors; after all, we are what we believe or internally calculate.

Sandy:   To me, that sounds a lot like helping people figure out new ways of dealing with the stress, pressure, strain and anxiety of dealing with life.

Deborah:  Exactly, Sandy, and teaching individuals that when we allow bitterness and anger from past, unresolved issues to eat away at us, it spills out into our everyday life. So, I focus and strategize on removing these self-sabotaging resentments and unresolved issues.

Tom:   Do you mean we are often our own worst enemy?

Deborah:   Absolutely, Tom! The self-principle that gets neglected is being aware of the negative internal dialogue we believe more than any other words or actions of other well-meaning or harmful people.

Tom:   Boy, oh boy, isn’t that the truth.

Sandy:  Can you share with us some of the steps you take to sort out the behaviors that are getting in the way?

Deborah:  Yes. It’s more about defining and clarifying the root cause of the symptomatic feelings of self-loss and emotional clutter. Emotional clutter will manifest in various ways with each individual. The way we internalize and perceive our past clutter must be exposed; however, the one constant is that all alike suffer an inner exhaustion, an energy drain that causes people to feel angry, intolerant and frustrated, unable to conduct themselves in a constructive manner in personal and extended relationships.

Sandy:   Deborah, once you determine what some of the clutter is, what can you help people to get rid of it?

Deborah:  I educate them on coming up with better ways of thinking and hence, the way they will respond to trouble and problems, and to slow down.

Tom:   Interesting that you seem to make a distinction between trouble and problems. What do you see as the difference between the two?

Deborah:  Simply put: Trouble stems from an inward hostility or varying degrees of resentment that I spoke of earlier; problems are the external symptoms and often the result of a negative cyclical lifestyle nourished by unresolved trouble. To further answer Sandy’s question about how I can help, together with the client, I reveal the root to their trouble. We gain insight into their deeply held values and beliefs that most often are limiting in nourishing and providing positive behaviors. By identifying them, we can begin to teach how to replace bad habits with good or positive habits of thinking and responding.

Sandy:   That sounds so fascinating. And, Deborah, you are also ordained and use the title “Reverend.” How does that play into your process?

Deborah:  Spirituality plays a large role in how we formulate our responses to trouble and problems. I work within the client’s theology as this is a very powerful means to help unlock new perspectives.

Tom:   Once those new perspectives are recognized, what happens next?

Deborah:  To use your remodeling metaphor, together we begin the design and construction of principle-based thinking so the clients’ outcomes better fit their values. I also show my clients how to be self-actualizing individuals, which really helps initiate some intrinsic motivation to move forward.

Sandy:  What an exciting process. And, Tom, now you have Deborah using remodeling metaphors. You are incorrigible.

Deborah, what a delight to have you join us. You have helped our readers and me better understand the positive role a life coach can make in ourselves and our lives.

Deborah:  It’s an honor to be a part of yours’ and Tom’s column. I love the opportunity to relate all the positive things we can accomplish in our lives to as many people as I can. Thanks for the invite and fun!

Sandy:  Tom, here is my takeaway. Life coaching is an asset to get the job done and you, as a contractor, life-coach your clients. It is a form of communication that builds client awareness and trust.  A life coach helps people make conscious choices.

Tom:  Sandy, you are right. Deborah is indeed a valuable resource, talent and blessing to people. She helps others increase their clarity and move forward in their lives.

Sandy:  How do you know if life coaching works and if someone is ready for the process?

Deborah: I offer a free 30-minute consultation to determine the person’s readiness in making this significant life transition.

Sandy:  OK, Tom, back to construction and life coaching. It sounds to me like Deborah works with a door. A door closes off a room. A door provides a barrier. We can’t see through a door, but Deborah can help by adding a window. A door can lock us out, a door can let us in, a door protects us, keep us safe and even more exciting, Deborah can provide access to a beautiful space where anything is possible by opening the door.

Tom:  This was indeed fun – taking a detour from our normal column. Deborah, thanks so much for offering your insight and value to the foundation of problems, the tools available and knowledge that doors can be opened.

Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, 928-925-5692

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association.  928-778-0040.

Deborah Peterson, Coaching Clarity By Definition  coachingclarity15@gmail.com

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Practicing Efficient Water Use

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Now, more than ever, everyone should be practicing wise and efficient use of water through conservation.

Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” As I always like to say, “Sit back, relax and enjoy.”

Tom and I hope you enjoy our column this month.

 

Tom:  Hi Sandy! This month, we are having our conversation more than 1,500 miles apart. I am safely ensconced in Vermillion, South Dakota.

Sandy: South Dakota – how and why?

Tom:  Kids and grandkids. I’m spending the entire month just being a small part of their lives.

Sandy: Tom, that is so cool. Enjoy and have fun, but we have a column to write! I was hoping we could talk about water conservation this month. There is a lot of continued discussion about water being one of the effective tools we as a community can participate in.

Tom:  What a great topic. Now, mind you, here in Eastern South Dakota, we are east of the 100th meridian, so water usage does not carry the same sense of urgency as it does in Arizona.

Sandy:  I get it. Don’t they utilize the same codes as we do regarding water-saving devices?

Tom:  Some, yes. Not all, though. By way of example, in Prescott, xeriscape landscaping is encouraged. Here, everyone has a green lawn. The ubiquitous sound of lawnmowers is a given.

Sandy:  Ahhh, and the smell of freshly-mowed grass. Well, let’s stick to our area for now. The xeriscape you mentioned is a very real way our readers can contribute to water conservation. Desert landscaping using colored rock in lieu of grass, and low water-use plants really can help keeping water usage low.

Tom:  True, and having the plants watered on a timed drip system also helps keep unnecessary water use down.

Sandy:  At this time of year, it is critical that we pay close attention to our outdoor activities. That might even include washing your car. Car washes typically recapture all the water used to clean the car.

Tom:  They do. Some folks still do not want to spend the extra money though.

Sandy:  I get that. Some day, the cost of water might be greater than the car wash, though.

Tom:  LOL, you are onto something there!

Sandy:  Another outdoor activity I see that makes me wonder if any of the conservation word is getting out there, are people who wash down their driveways, patios and walkways instead of using a broom.

Tom:  Yeah, that really makes me wonder as well.

Sandy:  Indoor water usage also can contribute to savings. If you have an energy and water efficient dishwasher, that often uses less water than filling the sink and hand washing and rinsing the dishes.

Tom:  With a quick scrape into the compost bin and a very quick rinse,  you can stack them in the dishwasher to run when you have a full load.

Sandy:  For me, that takes a week, unless I have company.

Tom:  The plumbing and building codes have recognized the need to conserve water. Prescriptive use of certain water-saving fixtures has really helped our water use decline.

Sandy:  These codes have been around for quite a while and have gotten tighter over the years. Toilets are down to 1.2 gallons per use or less. That is down from the old five-gallon flush types. And that is just for starters. And Tom, I will say I am doing my part – I recently purchased two Toto toilets and they are 1.2 gallons per flush and super cool.

Tom:  Faucets, washing machines and, as you mentioned, dishwashers are all saving increasingly more water. These are good additions to the conservation arsenal.

Sandy:  Even with all these savings, we are not at the Safe Yield goal – the water we use from the aquifer equals the water we recharge. That is why Prescott and Prescott Valley are looking to the Big Chino to replenish the Little Chino aquifer.

Tom:  That would be the goal. I believe an agreement with SRP has been reached regarding any impact to the Verde River system. If I am incorrect, I am sure we will hear about this, though. Will Rogers was right when he said, “Out here in the West, liquor is for drinking, water is for fighting.”

Sandy: Now, more than ever, everyone should be practicing wise and efficient use of water through conservation. We have heard of the hippie generation lifestyle, the 70s, the frugal lifestyle, the low-stress lifestyle, the low-maintenance lifestyle, the lifestyle of the rich and famous, the vegan lifestyle, the minimalist lifestyle and now we had all better jump on board and practice a low water-use lifestyle.

Tom: You are right, Sandy. This is a lifestyle and a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sustainable water supply. Reducing your water use helps meet future needs, results in cost savings, decreases energy use and helps preserve the environment.

Sandy: Tom, did you know the City of Prescott has a rebate program for practicing a low water-use lifestyle? This is a way everyone can help ensure a long-term, sufficient water supply.

Tom: Kudos to the city! Efficient water use helps meet current and future needs, results in cost savings, decreases energy use and helps preserve the environment.

Sandy: To help customers who live in the City of Prescott, the city offers resident and business rebates through the Water Conservation Incentive Program. For more information, call the water resource project manager at 928-777-1645.

Tom: Let’s all do our part to be water smart!

Sandy: Tom, I like how that sounds. I am going to say it again! Let’s all do our part to be water smart!

Thanks for stopping in to read At Home With Tom and Sandy. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Sharing Big Thoughts About Tiny Homes

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Given the current cost of housing, it is certainly not surprising that the Tiny Home trend is on the upswing.

Welcome to another edition of “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate, the construction industry, what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s not. We’ll share real estate stats, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment. We will talk about products, how to take care of your home and so much more.

As we all know, there is plenty going on in the housing and construction industry and we want to share some fantastic, cool, groovy and helpful information with you. We are going to use our insight and local expertise to help you save time and money, and surmount obstacles of all kinds. So, settle in and enjoy.

Sandy:  Hi Tom, for some reason I have been hearing more lately about “tiny homes,” and I do believe the reason is because of the need for affordable housing and workforce housing. I have been doing some reading about tiny homes and have learned quite a bit. As an architect, I’m sure you are familiar with this subject.

Tom:  Yes, this is a subject that has had my attention for some time now. Tiny living spaces have been around for most of human history. What I always found fascinating is how sophisticated the designs have become.

Sandy:  So, they are both trending and classic. Not just a contemporary phenomenon, then? You know, Tom, you can binge watch “Tiny House Big Living.” For sure, a girl can dream and try to get everything in 300 square feet.

Tom:  Yup! Given the current cost of housing, it is certainly not surprising that the Tiny Home trend is on the upswing. Tiny living is about more than just residing in a small building, it is an entire lifestyle, and I am sure these TV shows delve into the details of what it is like to have your own tiny house.

Sandy:  I know the IRC (International Residential Code for building), says the minimum size of a home is 320 square feet. But a house can be 120 square feet with a minimum of one habitable room. Not sure of the distinction there but I am not sure I could live in 120 square feet. I would have to become a real minimalist to rid myself of excess shoes, hardhats, glassware, scarves and the list goes on.

Tom:  Me either. That being said, there are all manner of designs for tiny homes. Some are prefab, some site built and some on wheels.

Sandy:  Well, the ones on wheels certainly are the more flexible when is comes to land purchase.

Tom:  LOL. That is certain. Prefab models, manufactured homes and park models have been around for quite some time.

Sandy:  And they still represent a more affordable housing alternative to a site-built home. I have seen some tiny homes that are extraordinary in their design. I am talking cool spaces that I think I might want to spend time in.

Tom:  There are some excellent tiny home designs. An architect that has focused her career on the development of tiny homes is Sarah Susanka. Our readers can go to Susanka.com. She is both an architect and author who has championed the tiny home in both design and lifestyle.

Sandy:  I asked Dr. Google about her. There are some outstanding designs. I am impressed with the careful thought that goes into the tiny home. Living in a tiny home requires a real lifestyle commitment as well.

Tom:  I would think so. One certainly cannot be a collector of things. Lifestyle goals need to be radically different from most mainstream thinking. The accumulation of things as a representation of our achievements is not in the cards.

Sandy:  The lifestyle choice begins with the mindset of a minimalist. Our accomplishment is measured by how little we need to live on.

Tom:  He or she who has the least gets top bragging rights!

Sandy:  LOL, probably. Getting back to the design of these homes, I have seen examples that are two stories. And there are folks who have used shipping containers as the basic structure for their tiny homes.

Tom:  There are as many different material choices for the tiny home as there are for a conventional home. Tiny home design tends to not only be minimalist with space, but also structural integrity.

Sandy:  The thin walls of a container as an example: To meet energy codes, you will need to use the high-density foam sprayed onto the walls, and then cover with a material that gives the space its finished look. Wow. Shipping containers have jumped in price, for sure. I saw some for sale the other day $6,500.

Tom:  Shipping containers used for housing have become a real trend. The designs I have seen make them so open. Cutting in doors, large glass areas and even stacking them has produced truly spectacular homes.

Sandy:  Shipping containers come in different sizes. Our readers should know they are all eight feet wide and come in 20 feet to 40 feet lengths. Most are 8’ 6” high, although you can get them 9’ 6” as well. When you start stacking and putting these puppies together, you are no longer talking a tiny home.

Tom:  True. Also, the stick-built tiny homes are smaller, making structural spans shorter and affording the builder the opportunity to use smaller structural components. This also saves on precious space.

Sandy:  Every inch counts. Whatever you can save on means more interior space.

Tom:  Absolutely. The same space typically has several uses. Toilet rooms also serve as a shower space with no separate spaces. You might look at some of the more compact motor homes for examples of the types of multiple uses a space can have.

Sandy:  Some motor homes are tiny homes on wheels!

I suppose the cost per square foot for building a tiny home can be high.

Tom:  I have seen some tiny home kits that vary between $225 to as much as $300 per square foot. The cost to build depends on how you build it and what you want. The advantage is a 250-square-foot home at $250 per square foot costs a lot less than a 2,500-square-foot home.

Sandy:  They are fun to see completed. I love the level of creativity that the tiny homes have. You can live simply and elegantly.

Tom:  And, more affordably.

Sandy: It is important to look at zoning requirements and make changes where our jurisdictions can allow tiny homes and more manufactured homes to help with the affordability crisis.

Tom: Sandy, I could not agree more!

To end our column this month, here are a few pointers: Some tiny house owners across the U.S. are struggling to find places to park their tiny houses legally because of strict and often confusing zoning codes. Most local governments have a minimum square-footage requirement, so tiny houses are too small to be considered for full-time living. Tiny houses are also considered RVs in the eyes of most municipalities, which means people are not allowed to live in them all year.

Before spending money on a tiny house, you should consider what type of dwelling it will be and check your municipality’s zoning code. You might even have to work with the local zoning board to pass new tiny house-friendly codes.

Thanks for stopping in to read “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” You are in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Home?

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Should you remodel your home to sell for a higher price?

Welcome to another edition of “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate, the construction industry, what is up, what is down, what is hot and what is not. We will share real estate stats, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment. We will talk about products, how to take care of your home and so much more.

Tom: Well, Sandy, I am back from gallivanting about the Caribbean, as you told everyone last month.

Sandy: I hope you had a good time, Tom, and the major question in the column is:  Did you drink lots of rum and smoke Cuban cigars?

Tom: Yes, I did; most definitely, I did.
With the increased costs in construction materials and the remodeling taking place, I thought we could talk about the insured value of your home vs. the cost to replace.

Sandy: Tom, I totally agree. The discrepancy in cost to replace vs. insured value is huge and as you said, with the rising construction costs, people need to be aware of the necessity to up their insured values.

Tom: I agree. I know we have chit-chatted in the past about this, and I recently took a look at our insurance and reached out to our carrier and discussed coverage. I made a few modifications and I feel much better about our coverage.

Sandy: That is a relevant topic given today’s volatile markets. Housing costs are skyrocketing and selling your home has become so much easier.

Tom: Remodeling Magazine publishes a “Cost vs. Value” report each year. The study includes about 150 U.S. markets to obtain information for different remodeling projects that folks undertake.

Sandy: I am familiar with this report. They divide the U.S. into nine different regions that are geographically and economically connected. There is always a lot of great information there.

Tom: We use that study to approximate the cost of various projects from deck additions to master bath remodels. There are 22 typical projects in the report.

Sandy: I have read the report and remodeling just to increase your home’s investment does not seem to be the smartest route in our region. That region spans from Idaho through Colorado, Utah and Arizona.

Tom: Yes, it covers a lot of territory and the markets in this area are consistent with each other. Our material and labor costs are similar, and the availability of products is equal as well.

Sandy: The data collected suggests that as well. Also, you can click on any of the listed cities to get a drill down on that specific market. How cool is that for all the data nerds! You will have to register though to get it.

Tom: Yes, and they will send you emails on occasion. You can always opt out of them though. I have found the data between cities in a region are remarkably close.

Sandy: The cost of jobs that are depicted can also fluctuate, depending upon the design and finishes chosen by the homeowner.

Tom: Very true. The real question this report answers is not so much what a project costs, it really addresses whether a project will add value to your home and, if so, how much.

Sandy: That is important to a lot of people. Most people think it is a dollar-for-dollar add to their home’s value and it is not.

Tom: I have talked us out of work on many an occasion. We will get a call from someone wanting to sell their home and think they will get a better price if they remodel the kitchen or bathroom.

Sandy: I understand that. This report, however, tells a much different story. By way of example, a modest bath remodel costing about $25,000 will only increase the home’s value by $15,000. That is only a 60% recoup of the cost.

Tom: That is the case for most projects. According to this report, the most value comes from replacing the garage doors. That comes in at almost a 94% return.

Sandy: That does not surprise me. I have heard realtor after realtor talk about curb appeal when staging an existing home for sale. It is the simple things that count the most.

Tom: So true. I usually advise people to fix that which is broken, but not to replace the flooring unless the carpet is in terrible condition.

Sandy: So, you really do talk yourself out of work!

Tom: Yup, I do. Trying to second guess what a potential buyer would want to see is a bad gamble. I have said it before, we have torn out new countertops and whole kitchens that are less than a year old because the sellers thought they needed to do that to sell.

Sandy: Both of us have always talked about the reasons to remodel. A remodel project should be one that people want to do to enhance their lives and improve their comfort level.
So, Tom, we will end our column with this question: Should you remodel your home to sell for a higher price?

Tom: If you are remodeling to sell your property for a higher price, you must think about the return on your investment. Again, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, most ROIs are not actually all that great. I will say to ask our readers: will the renovation help your house sell faster?

Sandy: And I want to chime in, make sure to spend your money on remodels that will help it sell, not just things you like. Spend money on remodels that offer unique and popular home features, because many people move when their physical needs change or when they are looking for newer technology. For example, if you are redoing the bathroom, add features like a walk-in shower with a bench and handrails to appeal to buyers concerned with limited mobility. Or, you could add home automation features for buyers who want to control their thermostat or lights when they are away.

Tom: That is a great point, Sandy. And, the bottom line when asking: “Should I remodel my house?” Before shelling out big bucks on a home renovation project, consider what is standard in your community. Talk to a real estate professional or contractor if you are primarily concerned with whether a home renovation will add value to your house and help it sell more quickly. After all, different trends are popular in different places; a pool might be a valuable addition in Arizona but a poor investment in Minnesota.

Thanks for stopping in to read At Home with Tom and Sandy. You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

Tom Reilly, Architect, Renovations, 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.