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Tom Reilly

Protecting Homes, Businesses from Wildfire

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Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” Sit back, relax and enjoy. Here we are, Tom, halfway through the year. Whooshing, zooming and rocketing through life. 

Tom:  Hello Sandy, my zipping, zooming and zapping gal. It is a joy to be with you again this month and to share our column with the community. I am not sure what we will end up talking about, but hey, hasn’t this weather been wonderfully crazy?

Sandy:  Hello! Back at ya, Tom, and yes the weather has been glorious. The rain was so wonderful, even though it did slow down some construction; however, on the positive side we sure did need the precipitation.

Tom:  Agreed. I don’t recall this area being as flush with water since the mid-‘80s after monsoons. It sure is helping all of the plants grow.

Sandy:  And don’t forget the weeds, they are making me crazy. The rain brings many wonderful things, but weeds are not my favorite and they are popping up overnight. Tom, speaking of weeds and grass growing like crazy, let’s talk about what happens when things dry out and now these weeds contribute to an increased wildfire danger.

Tom: Sandy, good call. It is important for our readers to know what they should be doing around their homes and businesses to help them be safe.

You are talking about what it is like to live in the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface area. There is a lot of smart information out there for our readers. I know you have something up your sleeve on this subject, so who are you going to bring into the conversation?

Sandy:  Why, our renowned and recognized Don Devendorf, division chief/fire marshal for the City of Prescott Fire Department. Hi, Don, and thanks for being our community partner this month. 

Don:  Hi, Sandy and Tom. Looks like you two are having a conversation that is right up my alley and I agree. It is so important to encourage everyone in Yavapai County to be prepared for this coming fire season by creating defensible space around their homes and having a plan for evacuation.

Sandy:  Don, I know you can help our readers prepare their homes for the fire season. Where should we start?

Don:  Would love to start the conversation right out of the gate that rains do more than just cause weeds to grow. Weeds can become a hazardous fuel when not managed.

Tom: So, Don, you are saying that no matter how hard we all work to contain the vegetation that surrounds us, we all know it will grow back.

Don: Yes, Tom; however, when hazardous fuels are managed, the possibility of a wildfire disaster is drastically reduced. Whether a wildfire starts with a lightning strike or is human caused, fuel management is the key to safety.

Sandy: I would say that every individual property owner has a stake in making sure that our area, all-encompassing Yavapai County, is safe, not to mention protecting their own home.

Sandy: Don, what exactly is hazard mitigation?

Don: Hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural and man-made hazards. 

Tom: Don, are there certain easy points that break down actions for homeowners to take to protect their property in order to create defensible space?

Don: First and foremost is to be ready.  That begins with a house that firefighters can defend. That means to maintain an adequate defensible space by creating the buffer around your home, by removing dead plants, grass and weeds. This buffer helps to keep the fire away from your home. 

Sandy: Defensible space is the required space between a structure and the wildland area that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of wildfire to a structure.

Don: Sandy, you are a great student and working with all of our builders and landscapers, I know you are a fan of defensible space. 

Tom: Let’s share with our readers the different zones that a property owner should manage. 

Don: Zone One extends 30 feet out from the buildings, structures, decks, etc. Zone Two extends 30 to 100 feet out from buildings, etc. In each of these zones, there is a requirement for removing dead materials, thinning vegetation, removing combustible material and removing “ladder fuels” (low-level vegetation that allows the fire to spread from the ground to the tree canopy) along with several defensible space actions.

Sandy: And then there are fire-resistant plants. 

Don: Yes, indeed. All homeowners should look at planting high moisture content and low-growing plants in their yards. 

Tom: This sure is not just a single column article. There are so many other components to protecting a home and a family. 

Don: You are right, Tom. Every family should have an action plan. The fire season is now a year-round reality and our fire departments take every precaution to help protect homeowners and their property. However, successful preparation for a wildfire requires the homeowner to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their family and their property.

Sandy: As you say, Don, it’s not a question of IF but WHEN the next major fire will occur. And that’s why the most important person in protecting their life and property is not the firefighter, but the property owner. So, to all of our readers, please take advance planning and preparation. 

Tom: You are so right, Sandy. We have many local landscapers that are educated in defensible space and will come out and survey your property as will the fire departments.

Sandy: So, together from Don, Tom and me, we say be aware and make a more fire-safe environment for you and your family.

Don: We hope the lesson learned from this column is that good preparedness efforts completed with neighbors working together with local agency partners can make a difference. For our readers, please check out yavapai.us/firesafety. This is a wonderful brochure that has more information about creating an evacuation plan and help for creating defensible space.

Sandy: In closing, for our readers, please reach out to PAWUIC, now known as Yavapai Fire Wise, they can help your community become firewise and learn what you can do within your neighborhood to take responsibility to protect your homes and your neighbors. yavapaifirewise.org

Tom: And one more important piece of information, everyone should sign up for

CODE RED at ycsoaz.gov/community/Emergency-Preparedness/Emergency-Notification-System, which will notify if there is a wildland fire in the area.

Thanks readers 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. And a huge thank you to Don Devendorf, division chief/fire marshal with City of Prescott Fire. We truly appreciate you. QCBN

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

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

Finding Reputable Companies When You Cannot Shop Local

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Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” Sit back, relax and enjoy. Here we are, Tom, with the year just whooshing and whizzing as fast as can be.

Tom: I think I would add zooming to the industry life we are in. 

Sandy: Agreed. But fun it is!

Tom: Sandy, what is your topic for our readers this month?

Sandy: Well, I have been talking to vendors around the area and even vendors in Phoenix to see what they do if they cannot readily supply a needed item to a home project. It seems that if the vendor cannot supply an item to the contractor in order to complete their job at hand, or the material is back-ordered, contractors are going online to purchase items for new homes and remodels. What would you do if you were faced with this dilemma?

Tom: We have, from time to time, purchased items online when we cannot find what we need locally or something is on backorder that can potentially delay the job.

Sandy: I know that you, Tom, and so many of our other contractors and local business men and women and our citizens’ first stop is supporting our local vendors first. That is not only smart but good business practice as well. Supporting local should always be first!

Tom: Absolutely. We look at the locally owned stores first and the larger companies that have served us for decades.

Sandy: Tom, for our readers, when you buy local, more money stays in the community. When you spend money at locally owned businesses, it is pretty easy to understand that those dollars directly impact the local economy, as they keep local businesses in business. The multiplier effect is the amount of local economic activity that is triggered by the purchase of any one item. Community economics tells us that the more a dollar circulates in a defined region, and the faster it circulates, the more income, wealth and jobs it creates.

Keeping dollars local is an act of reinvestment in your community. Buying local products and services and banking locally keeps money circulating closer to where you spend it. This creates a ripple effect as those businesses and their employees in turn spend your money locally. Corporate chains send most of our money out of town. Okay, I am off my soapbox!

Tom: Very true. We believe in local; however, there are times when we are unable to purchase what we need locally, so we must purchase item online.

Sandy: I say shop local, except, I admit, I am an online shoe shopper. There are perils to online shoe shopping as well as benefits; shoes too small, too big, too flat, heels too high, so in the case of online purchasing perils, what steps can you recommend to our readers that Renovations takes to ensure security and quality and good fit?

Tom: Great question. And I will start with a one-word answer from which we can expand upon, RESEARCH. We do a lot of research.

Sandy: Do you research companies or products or both? I would imagine both.

Tom: Yes, Sandy, you are correct. Some of the products we have purchased in the past because no local stock or back-order have been high-ticket items. Initially, we look to well-established manufactures as a source for what we need. They, of course, do not require the vetting that less well-known manufactures need. Smaller specialty products are out there in abundance and often with a little background checking, they turn out to be reputable companies.

Sandy: Interesting. What are some of the methods you use to determine the reputation a company has?

Tom: We start by looking in the web address of a company to see if it is noted as a secure site. There is a padlock icon that appears, letting you know there is a secure system within which to do business.

Sandy: I always read the product reviews. They tell a real story about a company. And if the website doesn’t have reviews, I move on.

Tom: Exactly. Dee, in our office, is our online research guru. She looks at the reviews for everything we purchase and determines if the site is secure enough to do business with.

Sandy: So, the two steps are determining if you move forward are company/product reviews and to verify their website offers a secure means to do business with.

Tom: We also look at it in context of the time it would take to travel to another area, like the Valley, vs. ordering online.

Sandy: Good time management.  I like that.  What are some of the pitfalls you have found?

Tom: Whenever you get on the internet, or the information highway, you are putting some information about yourself out there. When you purchase using credit cards, that info can be out there, too, so our firm is extremely cautious.  In fact, many times if we need to order a product online, we even call and talk with a principal of the firm as well. 

Sandy: What about returns or items that aren’t what they appear to be? 

Tom: Yes. Most reputable companies will have a return label in the shipping box.

Sandy: Yes, my shoes always have a return label! Try them on; too large, too small, color off, back into the box they go. What are some of the sites you work with, Tom, when purchasing items for remodels and or new builds?

Tom: We work with several construction specialty sites that are geared and set up to assist with prompt shipping. Build.com is a source we use as well.

Sandy: Tom, product selection and availability is probably a major reason why you and other contractors would turn to relatively specialized online retailers for items.

Tom: Indeed, it is. A purchase from an e-commerce business primarily happens because that business offered a unique product not available from larger competitors or offers the product that will keep us on schedule should our regular supplier not be able to support us.

Sandy: It is refreshing to know that these smaller retailers and/or specialized online companies can offer particular products, those hard to find products and in-stock products to keep you builders on schedule.

Tom: There are specialty retailers that many contractors use because they have many times the number of products in a particular category vs. the relatively larger mass-market retailer with more product categories and less product items.

For example, we recently had a new build with specialized hardware. There is a mid-market, e-commerce retail chain that carries more than 90,000 product SKUs. Among these many thousands of products, this retailer carries roughly 20 different hardware designs.

In contrast, there are several small online hardware specialty stores that carry a few hundred different hardware designs. This incredible product depth and breadth within the hardware category attracts builders when we need a specialty hardware item.

Sandy: Tom, is it the number of products within a category that matters as much as which products are offered?

Tom: Unique choices are important. 

Buying direct from big box stores is popular; however, it all depends on what you are looking for. Our experience with purchasing items for our projects has been all over the board, with our first choice of course buying local.

Sandy: However, supporting local businesses and organizations means your money stays local, through taxes, investments and more. That means that your hard-earned money, once spent, continues to work for you. Local first, then check out those specialty construction online sites.

Thanks, readers, 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. We will see you next month. QCBN

 

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

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

Understanding the Energy Code

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Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” Enjoy the read!

Sandy:  Well, Tom, here we are once again, ready to keep our readers educated and informed. I have received several calls from homeowners asking what the energy code is all about. What do you say we talk about that?

Tom:  Great topic. We educate our clients about this exact item quite often. Especially those homeowners with older homes; often those with homes built in the early 1900s.

Sandy:  So, Tom, I know building codes in one form or another have been around for centuries, what do you say we give our readers a little history on the Energy Code? Buildings account for approximately 41% of all energy consumption and 72% of electricity usage in the United States. Building and energy code standards are in place to set minimum requirements for energy-efficient design and construction for new and renovated buildings, assuring reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over the life of buildings. Boy, did I start off with a big statement. Now, it is your turn.

Tom:  Glad to. Around the late 1970s, the Department of Energy and the foundation organizations of the ICC (International Code Committee) began looking at ways to reduce energy consumption of the built environment and all facets of our lives. Working on updating codes and developing something that could be implemented introduced the initial IECC, (the International Energy Conservation Code) in the 1990s.

The code was developed by several organizations and the DOE basically endorsed the code. You and I are both aware that building code adoption of any kind is a local jurisdictional decision. The ICC recommends and the locals decide.

Sandy: Building codes are state laws. The United States does not have a national building code or energy code.

Tom: You are absolutely correct, Sandy. Instead, states and our local governments can choose to adopt one and/or a portion of the national energy code and or one of the many building codes, such as fire, electrical, structural or plumbing.

Sandy: Energy codes are different than appliance and equipment standards. Energy codes cover the building itself such as walls, insulation, windows, air leakage and duct leakage. Appliance and equipment standards cover energy consumption and usage of the products that go into our homes.

Sandy: Okay, Tom, how does the energy code work?

Tom: First, the energy codes are developed and as I said the International Code Council develops the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which contains chapters for both residential and commercial buildings.

Sandy: How often are new codes developed?

Tom: New codes being developed every three years. Final versions of each new edition are determined by a vote of the committee.

Sandy: Codes are developed, and then they are adopted, which is what our local jurisdictions are going through right now. Our local jurisdictions are reviewing these codes through our Advisory & Appeals Boards, then through our mayors and councils for adoption.

Tom: Code Compliance is the final step and a key issue. The key to realizing the full savings potential of building energy codes is by ensuring that builders are complying with them. Sandy, it is great what YCCA and the local jurisdictions have been doing to educate and share with our industry the changes in the codes.

Tom: Our other jurisdictions: Town of Town of Chino Valley, Town of Prescott Valley, City of Prescott, all adopted the 2006 energy code several years ago and that really changed our industry quite a bit. The Town of Prescott Valley is staying with the 2006 Energy Code as is Yavapai County. The City of Prescott adopted the 2012 Energy Code.

Tom:  For commercial construction, the compliance system is referred to as COMcheck. REScheck is for residential. That is the one I am most familiar with. These software systems will help analyze a building’s design by assigning a value to the various components. These values are added up and the overall building needs to hit established minimums to be considered compliant.

Sandy:  There are a lot of details that go into that process. The standards for construction have changed quite a bit through the years. Areas such as foundations, insulation, minimum R values for walls and roofs, window size and orientation are just a few of the components affected.

With new construction, meeting those standards is a little easier than when remodeling an existing older home. How do you incorporate these new codes into your projects?

Tom:  Great question. As you might suspect, each project can be a little different. The accepted standard by local jurisdictions is that if you touch it, you must bring it up to current codes. That includes all building codes.

Sandy:  So if you remove the drywall in a master bath remodel, will you have to change the structure and electrical if it does not meet current codes?

Tom:  Depends. If we are making a new window opening then the structure must comply. If we open the wall up for plumbing modifications and it is an exterior wall then we would need to bring the insulation of the opened area up to code. That can be a challenge sometimes, depending on wall thickness.

Sandy:  What if you can’t meet the code? Will jurisdictions look at extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis?

Tom:  Usually, yes. We have found building officials to be realistic in the application of codes.

Sandy:  Do you need to perform a REZcheck on remodels of an existing home?

Tom:  Typically, only if we are doing an addition to the home. The addition must meet the energy code standards.

The goal in adopting the Energy code is of course to reduce the energy footprint of the built environment. In developing the code, the committee looked at the areas and components of a building that typically cause energy to be consumed and created standards for these to address the specific cause.

Sandy:  Windows, Doors, Duct work, HVAC systems all those have standards based on reducing energy consumption. Not just insulation, although that is addressed.

The climate in different areas will require a different approach and different standards. Tell our readers how this is addressed. One size does not fit all!

Tom:  Very true! The codes established different zones to address the variations of climate in different areas. Yavapai County alone has 5 different zones. The standards in Camp Verde are not the same as Crown King.

Sandy:  What are some of the differences?

Tom:  Perhaps the most obvious would be insulation requirements. Less obvious would be the U value in windows.

Sandy:  Ahhhh I know what U value is – the measurement of the ability of the window to transmit heat.

Tom:  WOW, you are not just another pretty face! That is correct. The lower the U value the greater resistance to heat transfer.

Sandy:  Thanks for that, mister. So, in short, the energy code is here to stay. It has added cost to the construction of buildings. Has anyone determined the savings to the homeowners?

Tom:  Great question. I am sure they have but I am not aware of a study. Might be a google moment.

Sandy: Tom, this is a huge subject that we have just lightly touched upon. I say we continue this topic next month. The Impact of Building Energy Codes is mammoth and represents significant savings to home and business owners. What that amount is I have no idea, but to our readers – Tom and I are on it and more to follow next month!

Thanks readers 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. Until next month. QCBN

Tom Reilly, architect, contractor, Renovations 928-445-8506  renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, executive director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. 928-778-0040. ycca@cableone.net

What to Consider When Choosing Cabinets

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Welcome to “At Home With Tom & Sandy.” As we always are, Tom and I are happy and enthusiastic and maybe a little wound-up to give you the inside scoop, what’s up, what’s down and what’s hot on cabinets this month.

Cabinet [kab-uh-nit]

Noun – a piece of furniture with shelves, drawers, etc., for holding or displaying items: a curio cabinet; a file cabinet, a wall cupboard used for storage, as with kitchen utensils or toilet articles: a kitchen cabinet; a medicine cabinet, a piece of furniture containing a radio or television set.

Adjective – pertaining to a political cabinet

Sandy: What should we discuss today, Tom, Noun Cabinet or Adjective Cabinet?

Tom: Since we both love the construction industry, I say let’s stick with the Noun Cabinet.

Tom: Hey, Sandy, ask me anything about cabinets!

Sandy: Really – anything?

Tom: Yeah, ask me, come on, ask me!

Sandy: Okay, Mr. Reilly, give me all you have on cabinets.

Tom: We all have cabinets in our homes, offices, apartments, garages and every place of business has some sort of cabinet. Some are good, some are great and some are just over the top.

Sandy: The difference in those categories of good, great and over the top must have something to do with the construction materials. I have seen a lot of different cabinets. Tom, what is the real measure of a cabinet, surely, it just isn’t the doors, is it?

Tom: Correct. The basic cabinet is a box. Base, or lower, cabinets are typically two feet deep and upper cabinets typically one foot deep. There are four materials used commonly in the construction of the cabinet boxes.

Sandy: I am sure they are all wood products. I am aware of particleboard and plywood, with some solid wood thrown in. What is the fourth?

Tom: There are two types of particle board. Each are made with wood chips and glues. Regular particle board is one the other is MDF board, Medium Density Fiberboard. This is made under pressure and is a dense and more structurally sound product.

Sandy: So, the boxes are always made from one of these four products. How would you grade them from good to “over the top,” as you put it?

Tom: I would start with Particle board, then MDF, moving to plywood and over the top would be a solid wood cabinet.

Sandy: I have seen solid wood on cabinets, but the whole box? That would be over the top. Those products sound more like furniture.

Tom: Well, yes and no. Often upper cabinets might be fitted with clear glass in the door frames. Since you can see inside, those cabinets are the ones you might see solid wood boxes.

Sandy: Tom, can cabinets also be a veneer of wood on any of the other products as well?

Tom: True. We can talk about that when we get to finishes. Going back to the box construction, they can be either face frame, or frameless. This has to do with how the cabinet fronts are made. The face frame is typically solid wood, and door hinges are mounted to this frame. With frameless cabinets, the hinges and doors are mounted to the sides of the box.

Sandy: That would be more of the Euro style where the doors and drawer fronts cover the entire box, as opposed to the face frame cabinet where the styles and rails are partially exposed.

Tom: The doors and drawer fronts can be flush with the frame as well. This inset style has a very slick look to it, and gives more texture to a cabinet system.

Sandy: I have seen that style and it is a fantastic look. Ultra-modern! I have seen kitchens where wood grain is all lined up, boy oh boy, is that neat.

Tom: Yes they are. That style tends to be a higher end cabinet. There are other styles that look great as well. The face front or partial overlay are fairly standard and comprise most of what we see these days.

Sandy: The door and drawer front choices are what make the look. And there are so many to choose from, hundreds I would guess.

Tom: Oh yeah. When we understand our client’s aesthetic goals, we can help narrow down the choices to a less formidable array of choices.

Sandy: Can I go back to finishes now?

Solid wood isn’t the only frame I have seen. Particleboard, MDF and plywood is often clad with a veneer of either wood, plastic laminate or in some areas I have seen a photographed finish applied to one of the manufactured wood products.

Tom: Yes, I have seen that as well. That is often referred to as a Melamine finish. The thin, plastic-like film is adhered to one of the manufactured wood products to protect that product as well as lining the cabinet box making it easier to clean and maintain.

Melamine is also a great finish for cabinets that are used for storage in garages and sheds. With those applications, I highly recommend using plywood for the cabinet frames. Why? Because plywood tends to be stronger and more durable than the other manufactured wood products.

Sandy: We talk about wood cabinets that can be finished with a stain, making them lighter or darker depending on the chosen color scheme. Would you recommend painting cabinets or stain if wood is being used?

Tom: That depends on the client’s aesthetic goals. Paint can add a colorful solution to staining wood. It certainly opens up different possibilities. Personally, I like wood and would probably opt for a stain if the wood grain is really cool, like a rosewood or fine maple type of grain.

Sandy: Tom, these days, with all of the Get Stylish cabinets that homeowners desire, I would think that even high-quality cabinets can be ordered if there is a tight timeline because of the dramatically improved cabinet materials, form and function and then if folks have the time they can order – of course – the wonderful custom cabinets.

Tom: Homeowners these days have what seems like thousands of cabinet styles, configurations from wall to base cabinets, door styles, finishes, even solid wood shelves, hinges and drawer slides are extremely popular now days.

Sandy: Tom, based on that statement, I would say there are unlimited possibilities for mixing and matching kitchen cabinets or vanity cabinets so the homeowner can get the configuration they desire.

Sandy: We have several fabulous cabinet contractors in town and whether homeowners are working on high-end homes or a small condo or anything in between, our cabinet Van Goghs as I call them have a solution that will fit any budget, lifestyle and give the homeowner great value for their money.

Tom: To end our cabinet column, I want to let our readers know there are many things to take into consideration when planning your cabinets. First, consider placement of the cabinets. Open floor plans have become a common trend, and the placement of your cabinets will be important.

Sandy: I would say next order of importance would be the consideration of the materials for the cabinet design.

Tom: Yes, Sandy, you are right and then the next order of importance would be to consider cabinet doors. Door style is an important component of kitchen cabinet design, as it commonly defines the style of a kitchen. Modern cabinets have a more streamlined design, featuring straight, clean lines without extra ornamentation and then there are the traditional cabinets, often with raised panel doors.

Sandy: And then I love cabinet hardware. Hardware is such an opportunity for a homeowner to express their personal design style. It is an inexpensive and easy way to change the look of your cabinets. I would love to change my cabinet hardware like I change shoes! How cool would that be?

Tom: Whatever details a homeowner decides to go with when choosing their kitchen cabinet design, it will make a big impact in your home. My recommendation is to take some time to check out all the different combinations.

Sandy:  Tom, I hope our column has informed homeowners that the range of kitchen cabinet design ideas is endless, but the truth is that kitchen cabinet styles generally falls into one category and that is the one which suit the design tastes of the homeowner.

As always, thanks to our readers for stopping by and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing our column with you. Always love hearing from the community. Enjoy October! QCBN

Tom Reilly, architect, contractor, Renovations 928-445-8506  renovationsaz.com

Sandy Griffis, executive director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. 928-778-0040. ycca@cableone.net

Exploring the Community of Homestead Talking Glass

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Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy!” This month, we have a significant community project that is generating a lot of interest and we have called on a “lifeline” to share facts about this project with you. As Tom and I always say, 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.

There is plenty going on in the housing and construction industry and a very cool commercial project taking place: the Homestead Talking Glass apartments in Prescott Valley. So settle in and enjoy.

Tom:       Sandy, it is impressive to see this huge undertaking being created, shaped and fashioned in our area.

Sandy:   Absolutely Tom. I just smile when I drive by this construction site and see the change in upward momentum almost on a daily basis. Gosh, and to top it all off, our winter weather has been so spring and summer like that there is just nothing but great construction days – no snow days for sure!

Tom:       I know we have called on one of your Life Line Friends to join us in the column. Introduce our partner that is going to share Homestead Talking Glass Apartments with our readers.

Sandy:   One of faves is with us – Brad Fain, president and CEO of Fain Signature Group leading the way on the Homestead Talking Glass Apartments.

Brad, it’s such a pleasure having you join At Home With Tom and Sandy to share your fabulous project taking place in Prescott Valley.

Brad:      Sandy, thank you for asking me to join you and Tom and to share our story. Homestead Talking Glass is a great project and we are excited to be a part of bringing such an opportunity to the market.

Tom:       Ok guys, let’s roll. Brad, how many units are being built at Homestead?

Brad: Homestead will have 214 units, consisting of one-, two- and three- bedroom layouts.

Sandy:   Brad, when did you break ground?

Brad:      In early October of 2017.

Sandy:   Seriously, six months ago and the project looks like a mini city already – so sleek and urban-like. Being built right in the heart beat of Prescott Valley.

Tom:       If you started six months ago and construction is moving along quite nicely, what is your expected completion date?

Brad:      We are looking to move the first residents in between October and November 2018 and will continue to locate new residents into Homestead through March 2019.

Sandy:   What amenities will be included?

Brad:      Sandy, you know only the best amenities, of course. We will have a conference center, board room, two community gathering areas for entertaining or just hanging out. They will both have small kitchen basics, tables, couches, large TVs and access to a grill. One is downstairs and then we the second will be upstairs with a huge deck and retracting doors to create a really amazing space. We are also building out a large exercise facility with the latest equipment, TVs, on-demand fitness instructors. Outside will be a resort style pool and hot tub, fire pits and fireplace, family gaming areas – Sandy, that’s old-school games like we use to play: Corn Toss, Ping Pong, etc…. In addition, we have a small dog park within the community and there will be a dog wash facility so that everyone can keep their four-legged friends clean.

Sandy:   Wow, Brad, these are some cool zoned-in, must-have amenities right outside the front door. This is like having the convenience of everything one needs at their fingertips; an apartment with lots of amenities and walking distance to grocery stores, movie theaters, wine and coffee bars. Living and enjoying life without going far, but partaking in what your community offers and a great opportunity to meet your neighbors.

Tom:       Brad, I am sure our readers will want to know. Do you know what rents will be?

Brad:      The rents are market rate apartments. Our management team, PB Bell, is currently doing an analysis on the market to make the final determination on rates.

Sandy:   Is there a particular demographic you are targeting?

Brad:      Active people who want to live in a community that is connected to the town. Whether it be the Live, Work and Play folks or the empty nesters who are active and want to be connected to the pulse of the community. From Boomers to Millennials and everyone in between seeking a great downtown lifestyle.

Sandy:   Do the owners have projects like this elsewhere? If so where and how long have they been doing this?

Brad:      Well, we truly believe this is a first for the region – affordable living right in the heart of downtown Prescott Valley. There is nothing else like it anywhere that we are aware of where you can live, walk to work and walk to all types and forms of entertainment including the Prescott Valley Event Center, Northern Arizona’s premier indoor arena.

Sandy:   Okay, guys, I am not good when it comes to guessing acres, marbles in a jar, or jellybeans in a glass bottle or how many pieces of pepperoni on a pizza. I would guess that just by looking at size of the construction site, and knowing the project takes up a couple city blocks I am going to guess this is a 12-acre construction site. Tom, how many acres do you think?

Tom:       Sandy, I am going to say 11.5 acres.

Sandy:   Ok Brad, how did we do – did we win the gold?

Brad:      I do not want either of you buying my lottery numbers. The project is 9.5.

Sandy:   I have seen the workforce in action and we are so thrilled that many local contractors are being used on the site. Brad, when all trades are engaged at the same time I bet the workforce is in the 100s.

Brad:      There have been 10 to 25 tradesmen based on the scope of work taking place to well over 150 workers when all components are being engaged.

Brad:      The apartments themselves will be managed by PB Bell. I’m not sure exactly how many employees will be on site, it’s safe to say two or three in the leasing office and then a couple people to manage the facility for maintenance. PB Bell will be hiring folks who will be living here in the region.

Tom:       In as much as I am a construction guy, Brad, what can you tell our readers about the type of construction you are using?

Brad:      It’s a traditional stick build. We have nine-inch thick post-tension slabs, wood framing. The framers are out of area and much of the framing is done outside the region in their factory and then the walls are shipped here. They then assemble them in place. Some of the framing is also done right here in Prescott Valley. It makes the framing of the apartments run very smoothly and fast. That first building on Main Street was framed in about four weeks.

Sandy:   I like fun facts and not having to guess how many jelly beans in a jar so Brad take it away with some fun facts for our readers.

Brad:      The Club House used 360 yards of concrete. Building along Main Street used 480 yards of concrete. There are 22.5 dwelling units per acre. It has taken us 10 years trying to get the project launched and will take 17 months to build it.

Sandy:   Brad, this was terrific having you join Tom and me and sharing Homestead Talking Glass Apartments with our readers. These are really cool apartments, apartments with a purpose and thank you, The Fain Signature Group for having the vision to continue to put Prescott Valley on the map.

For more info on Homestead Talking Glass apartments, go to: www.HomesteadTG.com.

Thanks for stopping in “At Home with Tom and Sandy” and meeting our guest Brad Fain of The Fain Signature Group. You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. See you next month. QCBN

 

Tom Reilly, Architect, Contractor, Renovations

928-445-8506 www.renovationsaz.com

 

 

 

Guy Roginson

Marketing | Public Relations

Fain Signature Group

Direct: 480-524-0284

Email: media@fainsignaturegroup.com