Yavapai County Contractors Association

Using Social Media in Renovation, Construction Projects

November 28, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas hugs to all of you, from At Home with Tom and Sandy.

Welcome to another addition of At Home with Tom and Sandy. We are here to give you the inside scoop on real estate and the construction industry – what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s 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.

Sandy: Hi Tom. So, this month we should talk about how social media affects our industry. It sure has changed the landscape!

Tom: Great topic, Sandy. I am more aware of the different types of social media than I am a participant in them.

Sandy: I believe the different types, as you call them, are referred to as “platforms.” Let’s get the lingo straight, mister.

Tom: OK, you are correct. With all the posts, tweets, peeps and chirps going on, I have a hard time keeping up. I did some looking into this subject a while ago and was astounded at the proliferation of social media platforms.

Sandy: I have heard there are well over a hundred different platforms that encapsulate and capture social media. I would like our conversation to be more focused on the more common ones used in and for our industry.

Tom: Good idea. Several of these social media outlets can be a help for folks trying to decide what to do. They can also be quite confusing.

Sandy: And some are misleading as well. The “fact checkers” are out there, but they cannot catch everything and some things they do not check. I always wondered who checked them, though?

Tom: I have a Facebook account and use it to keep in touch with family and friends. We also use it to promote our business. One is free, the other charges for different posts, I think.

Tom: I am quite concerned about what I see being shared on Facebook pertaining to help for construction projects.

Sandy: I see folks posting about needing a project done. Everything from a new build to yard work. There are a lot of good companies out there and, believe me, several of the recommendations are not as genuine as they appear.

Tom: I see links to websites for companies, which are legit. It’s the Direct Message posts that are troublesome.

Sandy: I agree with the website links. That at least lets you know if they are legitimate companies. I would be scared to hire someone through any social media platform that I could not verify licensing, reputation or have any way to validate a person’s claims.

Tom: The big red flag for me is when people post that they are looking to do your work, even something simple like cleaning up your yard, and they don’t post much about themselves.

Sandy: The ROC requires advertisers to include their ROC license number in the ad. And make no mistake, the posts we are talking about are ads.

Tom: Absolutely they are. Businesses pay for every post they make. Social media is universal and it’s a freebie to tap into, which I feel generates challenges and problems with construction.

Sandy: OK, that is the downside. Tell me about the good side of all this posting, tweeting and pinning.

Tom: I like the various platforms’ ability to help me stay connected to people I am friends with. There are some platforms where information and ideas can be shared, like Pinterest.

Sandy: I like the ideas that are “pinned” on Pinterest. There are some very clever design ideas there.

Tom: There really are. I used it from time to time to check out the way various materials work together, like metal tiles used as highlights on a stucco wall.

Sandy: YouTube is considered a social media platform as well. Now, that is a helpful forum. The videos that demonstrate the process of doing something is a valuable resource.

Tom: Agreed. The DIY folks out there can learn how to do just about everything. If someone wanted to know how to install ceramic tile, there are instructional videos for that.

Sandy: One doesn’t go to YouTube for advertising, though. I see that sometimes the instructional video producers may put their businesses forward, but only after they have taught us something.

Tom: That is legit in my mind. After watching a video about installing cabinets, folks might opt to call the producer if they are local or reach out to a professional.

Sandy: Our readers need to know that these social media platforms can be helpful; however, we need to be smart in determining how we use them.

Tom: The fact checkers are notorious for checking political facts, but they don’t vet the small guy who wants to clean your yard.

Sandy: That is a good point, Tom. We need to be our own fact checkers. If something sounds too good, it is. Our readers need to know that helping them is a big part of why the YCCA is here. Remember, don’t start without us!

Tom: since this is Christmas, and I know you are like me, you look at every day of the year as an opportunity to do better than yesterday. It is hard to believe that 2023 is right around the corner.

Tom: You are right, Sandy. Let’s all look to the future. Life brings changes and we must all develop and encourage a life of gratitude. We are all partners in our community and our circumstances will change at some time or another. We live in one of the most generous communities on the planet, so let us all continue to give the “Christmas Spirit” throughout every day of 2023 and beyond.

Sandy: Blessed is the season, which engages the entire world in a conspiracy of love. And now let us all sing one of our favorite Christmas carols, “Joy to the World.”

Tom: Helen Steiner Rice said, “Peace on Earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day.”

Merry Christmas hugs to all of you, from 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.

Prescott Fire Wise Festival Puts Fun in Fire Safety

October 6, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“We’ll have birthday cake for Smokey and all the kids to enjoy, a bouncy house, and big red fire engines to check out. Adults can enjoy our Fire Engine Brew.”

As a community leader in fire prevention services, we’re proud to be a part of the first ever Fire Wise Festival in downtown Prescott. Local fire safety organizations and businesses are coming together in downtown Prescott to celebrate the 100th year of National Fire Prevention Week and the 78th birthday of Smokey Bear in a street festival outside Founding Fathers Collective at 281 N. Granite Street. The one-day event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, will highlight local businesses that can help residents prepare for future fire risks and keep our communities safe from fire. Local fire agencies attending the event include Prescott Fire Department, Yavapai Firewise/PAWUIC, Prescott National Forest, Arizona Public Safety, AZ Wildfires and Incident Management Academy, Peeples Valley Fire District, Prescott Firefighters Charities, Community Risk Reduction Prevention, All West Fire & Security, Sedona Fire, Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management and Yavapai County Jeep Posse, to name a few. Admission is free.

“Our area is surrounded by national forests. We all need to be diligent and prepare for fires that can happen any time of the year – not just during fire season,” said Jon Aten of All West Fire & Security, a sponsor of the event. “Everyone who attends the Fire Wise Festival will come away with information that can help prevent fires and save lives.”

A visit from Smokey Bear, hosted by the Prescott National Forest, will be a highlight of the day. “It’s Smokey’s 78th birthday, and we’re honored he’ll be here in Prescott to help us celebrate,” said Jesse Burke of Founding Fathers Collective. “We’ll have birthday cake for Smokey and all the kids to enjoy, a bouncy house, and big red fire engines to check out. Adults can enjoy our Fire Engine Brew.”

In addition to fire safety tips from experts, the family-friendly event will have food, giveaways and music. The event is sponsored by Founding Fathers Collective, All West Fire & Security, Barrett Propane, Yavapai Fire Wise/PAWUIC, Yavapai County Contractors Association and Trafficade Service Companies. We hope to see you there! QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. Trust the experts at All West Fire & Security for smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Sharing Big Thoughts About Tiny Homes

May 27, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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.

Getting to Know the New Owners of AZ Super Plumber

February 23, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Customer service goes beyond a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We want our customers to be raving fans!

Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy!” This month we are talking with William and Brielle Gagnon, new owners of AZ Super Plumber. So, keep reading, and enjoy a cool “Heir Apparent” local family story.

When parents own a business, children often find themselves starting to work at a very young age. In the construction business, this can mean developing character through tough manual labor at the bottom of the rung. It can also mean perks like playing with real bulldozers or tagging along with your dad’s buddies at lunch, or in the case of William Gagon and his wife, Brielle, we now have a third-generation family assuming the plumbing business. While serving in the Marines, William really came to like plumbing and always had the dream of owning his own business. When the opportunity came about to join the family business, William and Brielle jumped in with both feet and recently assumed the business 100%.

Sandy: Tom, I am delighted you had the opportunity to visit with William and Brielle.

Brielle: We are glad to be here with you, Sandy and Tom, and looking forward to talking!

William: Likewise, we love talking about the family business for sure.

Tom: As I understand it, William, you, and Brielle have taken over and are the new family heir apparent, owners of AZ Super Plumber business from your father and mother.

Sandy: I was so excited to hear about another local story of multi-generational family-owned businesses. Williams and Brielle, both of you are a great example of the next generation stepping up into the trades. That is super cool! You are super plumbers! Tell us a bit of your history with the business. Have you worked in it for long?

William: I started going out on calls with my dad, Bill, when I was about 13. I would learn by his side for several years until I joined the Marines. Brielle and I moved back home to Prescott about seven years ago and we became re-involved with AZ Super Plumber.

Sandy: What type of plumbing work do you do?

William: We do primarily residential service work of all types, from water heater replacement to yard lines and everything connected in between. We also do some remodeling but tend to stay away from new construction.

Tom: William, what motivated you to come on home and get reinvolved?

William: That is an easy question. We missed being home and with family.

Brielle: That is pretty much it. We really wanted to be home.

Sandy: That is so impressive! Not all families in business have that bond. So, you are a third-generation family of super Plumbers.

William: My grandparents, Eileen and Bill Gagnon, started the business and my mom and dad ran it, and now it is our turn. Almost 35 years of a family business.

Tom: Wow, three generations, which is both exceedingly rare and super cool. Some of our readers would like to know what it is about the business that attracted both of you.

William: We wanted to work for ourselves. I am a perfectionist like my grandfather and my dad. Owning our own business affords us the opportunity to have hands-on quality control.

Brielle: And that quality control is not only in the field, but also in the company atmosphere, how our team members work together and most importantly with our customers.

Sandy: Excellent reasons. So now that you two are running AZ Super Plumber, what are some of the challenges you face these days?

Brielle and William (simultaneously): Finding employees!

William: Fewer people are interested in the trades these days, not like the ‘old school’ where you find people to work with who genuinely cared about quality and customer service. We need people who want to maintain and share our commitment to excellence.

Tom: What are you doing to attract those type of team members?

Brielle: Ad campaigns. We partnered with Google. When certain search words are used, we get a hit. That is one way. We also talk to our team members and ask them to keep an eye out for potential team members.

William: We advertise everywhere! Our goal is to have a bunch of applications to choose from so we can attract people who fit our team and culture. The goal is to have a happy team and a happy culture.

Sandy: Tell us more about happy team and happy business culture. I really like that!

William: We focus on high quality work and high-quality customer service. Both of those go hand in hand all our team members get a great deal of personal satisfaction from knowing they are achieving that goal.

Brielle: All our team members go through several training sessions that teach best practices for not simply good, but great customer service. The sole purpose is to train our people to understand how best to communicate with our customers. We use a third-party company, Nexstar, to help us all have the tools necessary to achieve that goal.

William: Customer service goes beyond a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We want our customers to be raving fans!

Sandy: That is so important in our industry and you should take great pride in that.
Tell us about yourselves. I understand you have a couple of kiddos running around. How does all that work with work?

Brielle: We have a daughter who is 4 and a son who is just turning six months old. I try to work from home between naps and bedtime, which helps me be there for the children.

Sandy: What happens when you need to go to the office? How often does that happen?

Brielle: Well the reality is I would like to go in just one day a week but am often called in three or four times a week, at least for a half day. I bring our children with me. Both are accustomed to taking naps at the shop.

Tom: So, if I get this right, you are starting to train the fourth generation?

William: LOL I guess that is right!

Sandy: Do you enjoy working together? Is there a separate list for each of your responsibilities? Brielle, can you do plumbing work? Give us the inside skinny!

Brielle: Well, I know a lot about plumbing. Before kids I would go out on calls with William quite often.

William: Yeah, Brielle is 95 pounds at best ,so lifting a 40-gallon water heater onto its raised platform doesn’t always work out. LOL

Brielle: That is the truth! As for working together though we always start with a plan for the day and beyond. This helps us manage both our personal and professional life. We have a mutual respect for what each of us does and that helps a lot.

William: We really take a very professional approach to work and that helps both reduce and resolve any conflicts. There is never any yelling or screaming. We keep work apart from our family life, which affords us quality time with our kids.

Tom: Now that Bill and Kim are no longer the owners, how are the adjustments going?

William: Well, they are pretending to be retired. Mom comes in from time to time to help in the office and Dad is actually working in the field a few days a week as one of our service guys.

Brielle: They are both on the hunt for new hobbies.

Tom: That is helpful, I am sure. I am most impressed with your attention to quality, both in your work and customer service. Kudos to you both for putting your efforts and dollars into team training as well. That is so important and often a most overlooked process.

Sandy: William, is there a word of wisdom you would pass along to others working in a family business or thinking about it?

William: Just because you think you are right does not mean you are right. Learn to effectively communicate and compromise. A family will never make progress if all you do is disagree. My parents instilled that work philosophy in me big time!

Sandy: It is mega impressive that you both are taking over the family business. It speaks volumes about the next generation moving into the future. Our readers will want to contact you. How best do they do that?

Brielle: Call Daisy at our office at 928-778-7120 and learn more about us on our website, www.azsuperplumber.com or stop by the shop at 501 6th St.

Sandy: Brielle and William, thanks from the bottom of our hearts for stopping in and sharing yourself with our readers. It’s been a real pleasure having you join Tom and me this month.

Until next month – Tom and Sandy signing out. QCBN

By Tom Reilly and Sandy Griffis

Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.

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

What to Expect in Construction for the New Year

January 3, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Asking oneself every day, “What is it I am grateful for?” goes a long way to a positive outlook for sure.

Welcome to another addition 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 we will just talk.

Tom: Hello Sandy! Like the John Lennon song, “Another year over, a new begun a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Let us hope it’s a good one. . .”

Sandy: Back at ya, Tom! Wow, 2021 sure was a weird, zany, bizarre year full of new ways to conduct business and, at the same time, there is a lot to be thankful for.

Tom: We should talk about this past year as it relates to this wonderful, crazy construction industry we are part of – what we are grateful for, what changed and what we must look forward to.

Sandy: Excellent idea. So much has changed this year. As I like to say, there is always, always, always something to be thankful for. I am so grateful for the construction industry.

Tom: So many of our local construction companies are family-run businesses and they genuinely care about their employees and treat them with the respect and understanding, just like they would do for their own families.

Sandy: I feel that every community person should not take staff/workers for granted with everything that every business has been through during the pandemic. Every employee needs to be given appreciation and respect every day. Every employee and business is so important and everyone should be grateful to have a community of such industrious, professional and knowledgeable individuals working so hard.

Tom: Simply put, without our community workforce we would be unable to provide services to our citizens. Every employee is out there braving the elements (and I do not mean weather elements) and not only getting the job done, but ensuring that every customer is taken care of.

Sandy, in addition to the workforce, what are some thoughts on your grateful list?

Sandy: Oh my, that is one exceptionally lengthy list! Next to every single employee everywhere, my list starts with our local farmers markets and goes all the way to peanut butter, with a little “Alexa, please play Christmas Music” and lots of gratefulness for YCCA thrown in the mix.

Tom: Quite the range there, Sandy.

Sandy: LOL. I really think being grateful is the ultimate boost for feeling happy and fulfilled in life and gratitude matters because it is such a crucial aspect of looking at life positively.

Tom: Asking oneself every day, “What is it I am grateful for?” goes a long way to a positive outlook for sure. I suspect many of our readers feel the same.

Sandy: I am a lucky lady. To be able to help so many people when they call YCCA for help is truly a blessing.

Tom:I suspect you have gotten more calls this year and last, given the craziness of our industry.

Sandy: Well, I do not know about more calls, but the subject of the calls is different. Finding contractors to taking on projects of varying sizes is more difficult than in the past.

Tom: Got that. The labor shortage is only the tip of that iceberg. A lot of contractors are having difficulty finding help and that weighs in on where to focus your company’s attention.

Sandy: Demand is high, which leads to higher costs for products as well. Although, that has not really slowed down the desire for people to want to improve their homes or build new ones.

Tom: Have you seen a rise in folks turning to unlicensed people?

Sandy: Yes. And I say I get it, but it is such a bad move. I know costs are rising and people are saying they can get the work done cheaper.

Tom: I get it, too. But, boy, oh boy, can that backfire. Projects not being completed, no warranty security, there is that tip of the iceberg again. I agree it is a bad move to use unlicensed entities.

Sandy: Absolutely. I recall a book on management titled, “If You Haven’t Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time to Do It Again?” People need to be cautious as always. Do not be tempted to take what seems like the easy way out.

Tom: That might be the best take-away from this conversation!

Sandy: Maybe. What are some of the other changes you have seen?

Tom: Well, contracts have changed. Because contractors have zero control over the delivery and availability and cost of a lot of items that go into a home, contracts are now reflecting and specifying those items to make clients aware and to limit liability.

Sandy: I understand that for certain. I have also heard that ordering items like cabinets and widows earlier than normal is causing deposits to be higher.

Tom: That is another change. Consumers need to have those early down payments documented. The professional contractors out there know this and build it into their contract specifics.

Sandy: Our industry cannot perform its tasks on Zoom, so personal contact is essential. The protocols taken by contractors have changed. Masks and sanitizing are new features in our wheelhouse. We must remember you cannot install countertops virtually.

Tom: LOL. That is so true. So now I want to evaluate your clairvoyance skills. What do you see on the horizon for 2022?

Sandy: My crystal ball is always a bit fuzzy, and it is always turning, swirling and thinking! I would base my comments on those who do these predictions for a living. I am hearing from economists that the supply chain will catch up. I think this new COVID variant omicron and our leaders’ responses to that may have a real impact on whether that happens. What are some of your thoughts?

Tom: Great point. I think the changes in how detailed contracts have become will remain. And that is a good thing. I think inflation will continue to inch upward even though it is an election year.

Sandy: And Tom, I bet we see 40-year mortgages at some point in time. I am not even sure what “normal” is anymore. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it.

Tom: I keep hearing about the new normal. I hope that is not going to be a reality. Fear seems to have become more of a driving factor and that is not good. I believe that is more divisive than productive.

Sandy: There are so many topics, political points of view and social baggage that divide us nowadays. I am saddened by that. We need to find more ways to compliment and enjoy people for who we are. Being respectful and being grateful. Now those are changes I can really get behind!

Tom: Amen.

Tom and Sandy: Together, we say Happy New Year and let us all be grateful for life in general. Let us be grateful for work, let us be grateful for friends and family, let us be grateful for love and laughter, and let us be grateful for every random thing possible!

Thanks for stopping in to read At Home with Tom and Sandy. You are in good company, and we love sharing our talk with you. QCBN

By Tom Reilly and Sandy Griffis

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

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

Adding Quality of Life Value by Remodeling

November 5, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

I say: dream, invest in your own comfort and lifestyle. When you do what you want, you will be much happier.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy!”

We are here to give you the inside scoop on the construction industry; what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot and what’s not. We’ll share our thoughts, thinking and, of course, opinions on construction, remodeling, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment and, as they say, “so much more.”

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, money and surmount obstacles of all kinds. So, settle in and enjoy. We are going to talk about value added remodeling dreams.

Sandy: You know, Tom, one of my big wants if money were not object as they say and I could remodel my home to my heart’s content would be to have a steam shower in the master bath. The ahhh in steam would be terrific.

Tom: I am halfway there with you, Sandy. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to add steam to your existing shower enclosure or get a standalone shower. Either way, you could be looking at an investment between $2,500 to $5,000, or higher, depending on the bells and whistles.

I love outdoor living in our area. Since this can happen eight to nine months a year, my big ‘If money were no object’ would be an outdoor living room and kitchen, where I could hang out, grill, maybe nap, listen to the birds and watch the coyotes walk by.

Sandy: Sounds cool Mr. R. What would that dream run you?

Tom: My dream? Probably $100K. Then again, I can design some pretty cool stuff! What else is on your remodel bucket list?

Sandy: I like the idea of outdoor living, but my next thought runs to my kitchen. I would like to have a deep sink, like a farmer’s sink, warming drawers, and a really cool “kick it” cooking surface complete with four to five burners and a griddle. I love to cook fresh, healthy meals!

Tom: Sounds like my kind of kitchen. A nice big Wolfe Range with an intergral convection oven could cost $10K. The warming, or even cooling drawers between $2,000 and up. The deep farmer’s sinks are all over the cost map. Enamel, cast iron, pewter-type metal, hammered metal, will run anywhere from $600 to $2,500.

Sandy: Well, we started this conversation with the thought that ‘money was no object,’ so let me dream a little.

How about a huge walk-in closet with shelves, drawers and lots of hanging space? Some daylighting in there, places for an untold number of shoes. Oh, can I get an automatic shoe polisher too?

Tom: Ok then, wait. How many shoes you got?

Sandy: A girl never tells!

Tom: Fair enough.

Let’s pretend you can steal space from an adjacent room to expand your itty-bitty closet. Say 8 feet by 10 feet. That will give you all kinds of room for dressing, a chair or bench to sit on, and of course a full-length mirror. I assume, since we are dreaming, you might want piped in music or a TV. A custom designed closet system can run between $1,500 to $4,000 or more. When you think about using this space 365 days a year, over 10 years, two times a day, the high end would only cost about $.50 per use. Well worth it.

As for the automatic shoe polisher, well they run about $100 to $300 plus a 110v outlet. The LEED Accredited Professional in me is glad you mentioned daylighting. Skylights can work well. Lately we have been using the indirect solar tube systems for closets since you don’t really need to see outside.

Seems you can have it all, Sandy!

Sandy: Oh boy, I am not done yet! The laundry room is next. A side-by-side front loading washer and dryer with storage below and above, a deep sink for prewashing, with a spray nozzle, a space to hang wet things, dry things and a way to catch the dripping water on the floor for the wet stuff and maybe a bench where someone could sit and take off their shoes. Think you could do all that for under $10K?

Tom: You have got your priorities together, that’s for sure. As for the cost, that largely depends on the washer and dryer you choose. Your budget could be realistic, though.

Sandy: Well I always have all kinds of ideas that I think up as my days roll on, you know how great it is working in this industry, we see so many innovative ideas and new products. I told you about my dream kitchen, but I want to add a fireplace where I can warm my tired feet while I sip my tea. Have you ever done something like that, Mr. Architect?

Tom: No I haven’t, but what a great idea! We have put fireplaces in living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and outside rooms but not in a kitchen. Maybe a space for a flat screen above so you can watch the DIY home improvement TV shows!

Sandy: I love those shows, don’t you be making fun of them, mister!

Tom: Sorry. This has been a fun column. When we meet with clients, we encourage them to do just like you are doing Sandy and dream. Too often, folks think about the next homeowner, someday, down the road and try to imagine what might help with resale. I say: dream, invest in your own comfort and lifestyle. When you do what you want, you will be much happier.

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

By Tom Reilly and Sandy Griffis

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

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

Monsoon Mess

August 25, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Fierce storms have Northland cities cleaning up.

Hail, rain and wind storms have wreaked havoc on parts of the Quad Cities area, causing damage to homes and vehicles. The clean-up has given some businesses welcomed work, while overwhelming others.

Rhett Wagner, sales manager for Lamb Auto, which includes Lamb Chevrolet and Lamb Nissan, said most of the vehicles on their lot were damaged and customers are bringing their vehicles in daily because of storm damage.

Wagner said Lamb Auto has a team of experts that repaired the vehicles that were on their lot that were damaged. “They are masters at what they do,” he said. “They are quite amazing.”

Aside from their usual service departments, Lamb Auto brought in 45 technicians from all over the country who specialize in fixing vehicles damaged by storms. Some came from other countries like Argentina and Laos. He expects these senior technicians to remain here for about another month.

The weather-damaged cars and trucks are being repaired under big tents rather than in their service departments. Much of the damage came from hail, but vehicles also sustained wind damage, with gusts at 60 miles per hour throwing rocks that would chip the paint, dent the body and mark the chrome.

“In some cases, cars would be 300 feet apart and one would receive substantial damage, while another would not,” he said, adding that repairs ranged from $3,000 to $15,000. “Our customers have been very happy. We are taking care of their deductibles and getting vehicles done in a short amount of time.”

Sandy Griffis, executive director of the Yavapai County Contractors Association, said recent storms have been costly to many businesses. Yavapai County builders were already overloaded with the construction of homes before the monsoon storms because of growth in the Prescott area.

“So now we have storm business on top of normal business,” she said. “We’ve seen a major boom in business. We were backed up prior to Mother Nature; now, we are scheduled eight to 10 weeks behind. It sure caused havoc.”

Griffis said one of her mottos is asking customers of new homes to be patient. “It doesn’t do any good to bounce from contractor to contractor, because they are all backed up with work.”

She notes that hail damage does not cause leaks in roofs, but hailstorms can remove the protection over roofs. That’s ok for a little while, she says, until roofing companies can get to them.

She recommends that residents make sure the drainage flow on their lots is good before big rain storms come. A lot of people don’t think about the drainage flow when they are having landscaping done, she warns, but it’s important that the water flow away from their home and away from their neighbor’s home as well. She also recommends keeping culverts clean and free of debris. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Home Modifications Can Help Seniors as They Age

August 7, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

The vast majority of Americans aged 65 and older, about 90%, say they want to continue to live in their own homes as they gain in years.

Sandy: Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime! Warm then hot then blistering hot and hotter. And let the monsoons pour!

Tom: Sounds counterintuitive, but I agree. Let’s hope the monsoons, as our summer rains are known, make a long-lasting appearance this year.

Sandy: Everything is so dry. This might be a good time to remind our readers about being firewise. To our readers, please check with our local fire departments to find out what the fire regulations are. And when towing a trailer, make sure those tow chains do not drag. It is so easy to cause a brush fire with those dragging chains and the sparks they create.

Tom: Great point. What will we talk about this month? What are your most frequent calls these days?

Sandy: Well, Tom, I receive all kinds of calls. The cutest call I received last week was from an elderly woman. She wanted to adopt a doggie and wanted my help on where to go to find one. Her current dog is 17 years old and is in failing health. She wanted a new medium-size dog to bring into the home before her current doggie crosses the rainbow bridge. The Yavapai County Humane Society only had small dogs, so I told her I would make a few phone calls on her behalf. Other than the dog adoption call, I have had numerous calls from homeowners, the elderly precious seniors who are trying to decide if they should stay in their home as they age. It is a dilemma and can be pretty daunting if they don’t have good information.

Tom: So very true. As an architect, I have spent quite a bit of time using the American swith Disabilities Act information as part of what we can apply to what the industry calls “Aging in Place.” There are two questions folks need to ask themselves regarding staying in their home or moving to other locations.

Sandy: I bet the first question should be, “Are they comfortable where they are currently living?” Do they know the neighborhood, the neighbors, are they close to services, things like that?

Tom: Spot on, Sandy. That is the key first question. If the answer is no here, then moving to an incorporated all-encompassing living facility that can better support their needs makes sense.

Tom: If the answer is yes, well then, we suggest looking around to see what changes or improvements might be needed in order to make aging at home a bit simpler and easier and less stressful.

Sandy: I would venture to say that changes in the bathroom would be first and foremost for ease and convenience and of course, safety. I receive so many calls to remove the bathtubs and install walk in showers with shower seats and grab bars. Many families want showers without curbs to support wheelchairs. Getting in and out of a tub can certainly be a challenge for folks with mobility issues. What is some of your sage advice here?

Tom: Yup. Great place to start, as that room ranks as the most accident-prone space in the home and the most dangerous part of this room is the tub/shower.

Tom: In an ideal situation, we would remove the tub and replace it with a zero-entry shower. That is a shower that has no curbs.

Sandy: No tub, no curbs, that certainly reduces a major tripping hazard. With a seat in the shower and a handheld faucet, many issues could be solved.

Tom: We also recommend having the floor surface that is non-slip. While mats can help that, they can also move.

Sandy: What if someone wants to keep their tub? Can you install grab bars to help?

Tom: Yes. We would install at least three. One vertical bar at the entry point to help stabilize the movement over the tub’s edge, and a second, typically on a 45-degree angle along the long wall of the tub. This facilitates sitting down, and if you are standing, the angle helps catch you if you fall. The third one is horizontal just above the faucet or tub filler. This helps sitting up and preparing to stand.

Sandy: What other modifications do you see most often when converting a bath for the elderly or for that matter someone who is in a wheelchair or has health challenges?

Tom: The vanity sink faucets could be replaced from the turning type to a paddle design.

Sandy: The ease of the on and off is pretty apparent. I would think this would apply to the kitchen sink as well.

Tom: Yes, and door handles, but one more item in the bathroom before we move on, the toilet. At least trade out for what is known as a “comfort height” water closet if not an outright handicapped height. The increased height is what helps. Grab bars in this area help as well.

Sandy: So that could be four or five grab bars in a single bathroom, and I know they are worth their weight in gold the one time you need them and those that get used every day for safety assistance.

Tom: Yes, they are.

Sandy: So, move us on to the rest of the house. What room is next?

Tom: Let’s talk kitchen. You mentioned the paddle handles for the sink, that is important. The other aspect of the kitchen’s usability are the cabinets.

Sandy: Upper shelves can be hard to reach and keeping the most used items on the lower shelves is the smart thing to do here. Heck, I already do that, and pull-out shelving is awesome!

Tom: Great! We like to recommend installing pull-out drawer shelves for the lower cabinets, Sandy; we are on the same page. Often, a good cabinet shop can retrofit your existing cabinets with these back-saving devices.

Sandy: How about counter space? Moving pots and pans around can be difficult if the counters are too far from the cooking surfaces, or the refrigerator.

Tom: Yes. Couple of things here. One, there should be a minimum 18” to 24” of counter on each side of a cooking surface. At least one counter near the refrigerator and pantry. The other back-saving modification would be to have the oven with its racks about counter height and the same with the microwave.

Sandy: Lifting in and out of those necessary appliances can be an issue. There are other household simple modifications that can be made to help staying in your home. Simple things like area or throw rugs are tripping hazards. Lighting needs to be brighter and that could be as simple as changing a bulb.

Tom: You are correct. A lot of things that can be done to make your home safe and comfy for years to come.

Sandy: And a lot of those things can be DIY! How cool is that. Mr. Renovations!

The vast majority of Americans aged 65 and older, about 90%, say they want to continue to live in their own homes as they gain in years. Many seniors are worried about their financial futures. Approximately 15% of seniors surveyed by the AARP say they are not confident their finances will last through their retirement years and 8% have no financial plan for retirement. The good news that we shared with you in our column this month is that these changes for making your home safe will not break the bank.

Tom: For our readers, Sandy, while it seems simple to remain in their home, it is possible that homeowners will need to make some adjustments to their daily routine or even need to make some modifications to their home as they age, such as the ones we discussed. With some research and helpful resources, anyone can find ways to make aging in place safer and more convenient.

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

By Tom Reilly and Sandy Griffis

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

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

Remodeling Manufactured Homes

July 4, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Manufactured homes are becoming the wave of affordability and they are built to last.

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: Summertime, summertime. Ah, Tom, summer. You have got to love it. The sun comes out, the temperatures go up, and everyone heads outside to enjoy their favorite warm weather activities, right?

Tom: Yes, Sandy, and often with a refreshing drink in their hand. There is a reason so many great summer songs have been written. In my mind, it is the year’s best season, and with all the backyard BBQing, picnics and camping trips, we need a playlist to crank up during the fun.

Sandy: For sure, Tom, especially this summer, when it looks like we are taking our first tentative steps out of quarantine.

So, Tom, what is your favorite top summer song from your playlist of tunes? I bet you are an old-school fan of summer songs from bands like The Drifters or are you into newbie tunes from the likes of Taylor Swift?

Tom: Sandy, I love “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. It is pure sunny joy.

Sandy: I love The Beach Boys’ “California Girl” and “Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters. You can almost smell the suntan lotion and hear waves crashing when you crank up those classics.

Tom: Besides waves crashing, I sure hope we hear raindrops crashing soon. We so need the rain.

Sandy: Everything is so dry. This might be a good time to remind our readers about fire restrictions and hopefully we all will do our part in taking them seriously. We are in Stage II Fire Restrictions. For answers to questions about what you can and cannot do, please call your local fire department.

Tom: Great point. So, now that we have talked about great summer songs, what is on our discussion list this month? What are your most frequent calls these days?

Sandy: Well, I get all kinds of calls, but these past few weeks I have had several calls from owners living in manufactured homes. They are wanting to remodel and are stumped as to where to begin. It seems our contractors are so busy with work that they do not want to take on these types of buildings.

Tom: I get that, but my experience has been that most of us contractor types do not fully understand how the homes are constructed and therefore are reluctant to take on remodels.

The first thing to clarify is terminology. A manufactured home and modular home are two different animals. Manufactured homes are built to HUD standards, while modular homes are built to ICC codes and are tailored to various jurisdictional standards.

Sandy: I have heard of the Manufactured Housing Institute. Here is an organization that is somewhat like YCCA; they are a trade organization representing all aspects of factory-built housing.

Tom: Yes, a good group. So, basically, there are two different codes for the different manufacturing process.

Sandy: I understand that the structural aspects are different in manufactured homes and that the interior walls are integrated and necessary to support the overall building.

Tom: True to some extent. That does not mean you cannot remodel a manufactured home though. The components of a manufactured home are utilized and designed to be a small as they can be in order to meet the code standards that apply to them, which is the HUD code.

Sandy: And that is why they are affordable, which is the goal.

Tom: Yup. We have remodeled several manufactured and modular homes. The process is a little different for each, but the basics are quite similar. Walls can often be removed partially or in their entirety. It depends on the model, the code under which it was constructed and the local regulations for modular homes.

Sandy: The Arizona Department of Housing regulates manufactured homes’ initial placement, but do they also regulate remodels?

Tom: That depends on the extent of a remodel, but generally that has not been my experience. The local building jurisdiction does that.

Sandy: So, with both modular and manufactured homes you need to check with your local building department to remodel.

Tom: While I am not an expert with manufactured homes, that has been what we have done.

Sandy: There are several local companies that focus their business on manufactured and modular homes. I am seeing that they are so busy like everyone else. That is why it is tough to get somebody to work on them.

Tom: I think that holds true across the board. Working on either manufactured or modular homes has its own uniqueness. I think that deters a lot of general contractors from getting involved.

Sandy: It is usually this kind of predicament that attracts the unlicensed people to meet the demand.

Tom: I am more concerned about homeowners getting ripped off under those circumstances. There are some really honest but unlicensed folks out there and I do not know how a person tells the difference without any licensing authority to help.

Sandy: For our readers, let’s share the difference between modular and manufactured homes.

Tom: Good idea. All modular homes are prefab homes but not all prefab homes are modular homes. A prefab home is a type of home that consists of several components, or units, that are built in a factory and that are then assembled onsite to construct a complete home prefabricate.

Sandy: You answered that question so here is another one. Are prefab homes and modular homes the same?

Tom: A manufactured, or prefab, home is a home that is entirely constructed in a factory. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certifies and oversees these homes. Supported by the sturdy steel chassis, the house is transported wholly to the building site.

Sandy: So, to clarify, modular homes are factory-built, but, unlike manufactured homes, they do not rest on steel chassis. Instead, modular homes are assembled on fixed foundations. A manufactured home, by definition, is attached to a permanent chassis. A manufactured home is sometimes called a “mobile home.” A modular home is built in a controlled factory environment in sections, or modules, and is engineered and built to the state or local building codes where the home will be located. Factory-built modules are then transported to the site, where they are installed on permanent foundations and completed by professional installers.

Tom: Manufactured homes are becoming the wave of affordability and they are built to last. Many people vastly underestimate how durable manufactured homes can be. Not all local zoning laws allow manufactured homes so it is important to check with the local jurisdictions to confirm that a manufactured home can be situated on a lot.

Sandy: We have a local member, Clayton Homes, that crafts manufactured homes and is so involved in our community. If any of our readers have questions, I reach out to the Clayton team. Clayton manufactured homes allow for improved efficiency and energy conservation and they precision-build each home to reduce cost and waste and lowers end costs by buying brand name products in bulk.

Let’s go enjoy our summer days ahead. Tom and I will see you next month.

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

By Tom Reilly and Sandy Griffis

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

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

YCCA Hosting Open Air Home Show

May 18, 2021 By quadcities Leave a Comment

More than 120 vendors from throughout Yavapai County are expected to showcase their products and services Saturday, May 22, for the Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) Open Air Home Show.

Exhibits will cover the parking lot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Findlay Toyota Center, 3201 N. Main, Prescott Valley, in the event that features giveaways, food trucks and ideas.

YCCA Executive Director Sandy Griffis says the construction industry has picked up considerably in the past few months, providing more job opportunities for local workers. During the first two months of 2021, construction spending amounted to $193.5 billion nationally—an 8.2% increase over the same period in 2020.

“I hope thousands of people will visit our home show fair and support our local vendors. Everyone is going to benefit from this great springtime event.” For more information, visit ycca.org or call 928-778-0040.

Yavapai County Contractors Association

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