STRANGE & INTERESTING TALES from a Custom Home Builder

As a custom home builder, we’ve encountered all kinds of strange and interesting tales. Thought I would do a short, lighthearted, post about some of these.

One of the more memorable and strange requests was from, I’ll call him “The Bachelor”. He was doing a whole house remodel and wanted his and her toilets….side by side. I couldn’t ask about why because I didn’t want to know. Oh boy, women want the man to use an entirely different bathroom, much less sitting on the john next to him! We didn’t end up doing the job but I often wonder if he found “The One who would sit by his side, come what may”!

Then there were the people who wanted us to remodel their home and at our first meeting, they produced a sketch of the layout they had drawn up. Wait…why is there a bathroom that opens up into the kitchen? The woman thought it would be really convenient. I will always laugh replaying in my mind Kevin trying to explain to them why it wasn’t a good idea!

Kevin recently visited a home that the people had purchased for the land, not the home. They were wondering if we could help them fix the home. Some of the problems would have been hilarious if someone didn’t have to figure out how to fix and pay for them. Here are just a few of the problems:

The showers controls were totally outside of the shower, requiring one to exit the shower to change temp or pressure.
The hood over the stove was so high that the exhaust system was useless.
An old remodel had expanded the kitchen but they placed the refrigerator around the corner and from the cooking triangle one had to go around this large island to get to the refrigerator.
Then there was the wet bar where someone had either not wanted to waste a pre-cut countertop or someone did a lousy job of measuring and the top hung over the sink on one side by about 2 inches.

Several years ago we encountered the strangest floor plan I’ve ever seen. The people had bought it site unseen before moving here from Ohio. First of all, there was so much wasted space. The rooms were small but the halls were huge- like 6 feet wide and when you walked through the front door, you stepped right into the dining room. There was no pantry in what was a huge kitchen but rather it was a converted bedroom that was located down a long hallway. Words cannot express my dismay!

Then there was our client who didn’t want to have to leave the Master suite to get to his liquor- well it would have been a long walk- I’ll give him that. So, we built a wet bar in the bedroom. Along the same line, we built an indoor putting green adjacent to the master so that our client, an insomniac, could practice his game instead of roaming the halls at night. Hey, this is exactly why people build custom homes!

And, of course, we’ve built many cool safe rooms but I can’t disclose any details. Let’s just say that the options out there now for these are mind blowing.

Or our custom home client who had a little kid’s mini kitchen just off the main kitchen. Mini fridge, microwave, sink and cabinets were stocked with all of their favorite snacks. I actually really like this- it’s keeps their little fingerprints off the one in the main kitchen 🙂

Then there was the time we built the rectory for the Catholic church in Ahwatukee and Kevin opened up a cabinet door and a huge gila monster emerged! I’m sure the priest forgave his language, given the situation.

Back when we were first getting started, we built a custom home for an engineer who counted every 2 x 4, 2 x 6 and piece of wood in the entire house making sure he wasn’t getting ripped off. Nothing against engineers, as they happen to be some of our best clients, as they appreciate the quality and efficiency of our homes.

Some of our favorite clients were Italians who immigrated to Canada and we built their second home here in Arizona. She was Sicilian and about 4′ 10″. I think I told in a past blog how she rolled out her homemade pasta every day but couldn’t comfortably do this with a normal counter height. So, we built the island at a very low height and made some other adjustments to make living more convenient for her.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with this. We did a full remodel on a townhome and Kevin went to pick up the final check. He left and was at the end of the block when his phone rang. It was the woman. She asked him if he could come back. When she opened the door, she grabbed him and hugged him in a full-on frontal position and kissed him before he knew what was happening! I guess she was super happy with us- or with him rather. A simple thank you is just fine!

Hope you’ve enjoyed these Strange and Interesting Tales!

January 27, 2019January 29, 2019

CHOOSING A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER … are they more than glorified babysitters?

See more of this project on our website at http://www.buildnaz.com/gallery.php

So imagine that you have worked for years, saving enough money to finally build your dream home. You get a few builders to bid your home and you figure that they are all about the same, I mean, how hard can it be to babysit a bunch of construction workers? Might as well save some money and go for the lowest price, right? One truth I’ve found to be true over and over again is this quote by Red Adai that the owner of our elevator company has as a byline on his email signature, “If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur”! Nowhere is this as true as it is in choosing a custom home builder. Many times over the years we have seen where the cheapest bid ended up being the most expensive. This can be due to inexperience, incompetence or intentional deceit, among other things. There is no need to for this to happen to you, as there are quality, seasoned, builders in every part of the country. You just have to know what to look for. The builder you choose will be the determining factor as to whether your project is a disaster or a success.

The client is good at their particular field, and that’s why they have hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars to build a custom home in the first place. However, they are not experts in the intricacies and complexities of custom building, so the situation is often one of Buyer Beware. They don’t necessarily know how to tell if corners are being cut or games are being played. This is why it’s essential to find a builder with a long track record (do you want the surgeon who has only done a few surgeries or do you want one who has operated on hundreds of patients?) and who has the clients’ best interest at heart. As builders, we feel that one of our key roles is that of the homeowners “Protector”, per se. A builder is the homeowner’s advocate and one with integrity will not allow the customer to be taken advantage of, spend more than necessary and he keeps everyone in check, so to speak. Another way a quality builder protects the homeowner is by surrounding himself with like-minded trades, suppliers and reps. The team we surround ourselves with prides themselves on educating the client, when needed, so that that homeowner can make wise and informed decisions on their selections. In addition, these reputable companies will be there to help should any issues arise down the road.

A few months ago, we got a call from homeowners who were upset about some issues that had cropped up in their custom home that was about 4 years old. They said they choose their builder because he was about $50,000 cheaper than the other 2 builders. He had a winning personality and a clean record with the registrar but had only been building for a few years. They said they knew of our reputation and thats why they called us to give honest input on the issues (keep this point in mind when you get to the end of the paragraph) . When Kevin got to their home, he found that the upstairs shower had not been waterproofed or sealed properly and water had been leaking down the wall into the bathroom below, which had created a substantial mold issue. Also, the granite top in the kitchen was cracked and come to find out there had not been any support placed below a span of 7′ of granite! In addition, there was a good chance that the backsplashes would be destroyed when the granite was removed. Also, the sub-floor had been installed poorly, there were leaky skylights and the shower in the master had one of those rectangular drains that was placed along the top of the sloping shower floor, forcing the owners to swish the water towards it with their feet in order to drain the water (I don’t even have words for this one), just to name a few of the issues. They said they had no idea at the time that they were choosing a custom home builder how many things could go wrong. Oh, and he is out of business now. I’m sure that this guy was well-intentioned but he clearly had no clue how to tell if the work being done was done properly. They may be able to recover some money from the Recovery fund but that is a real pain in the you-know-what and only goes up to $30K. After Kevin pointed out the issues, told them what needed to be done and gave them a competitive price to fix everything, they thanked him profusely but said they needed to find someone cheaper because they were already out so much money. I guess they wanted to learn the same lesson twice!

Just a point I would like to mention here that is a real point of pride to me, and has a lot to do with choosing a custom home builder. After Kevin graduated with a business degree, he went to work as a roofer and then a framer. He had already been doing restoration work in high school but said that he was not going to be one of those drive-by builders. He wanted to know and understand everything in a hands-on way. So, I had convinced this California, surfer boy to move to Arizona after he graduated, and he went to work for a roofer in what was one of the hottest summers on record! When he didn’t run back to Cali, I knew then that he would be an outstanding builder! My point is not that every quality builder needs to have worked in the trades, but that they possess a deep knowledge of the nuts and bolts of building.

Complex 2nd story addition on a custom home we built several years earlier. We were able to preserve the existing ceilings, which is extremely difficult to do, which saved the homeowner’s a great amount of expense. Kevin and our amazing framer figured out a system to keep the ceilings below in tact and the only evidence of all the demo above were a few nail pops.

Most of our clients come to us on their second custom home, as after the first one they understand and appreciate the value of a seasoned builder who has survived the ups and downs of the economy. A true professional will not only save aggravation, headaches and time, but they are almost always less expensive in the long run.

Think of a home builder as the hub or conductor that is orchestrating a complex project where quality and timing must be coordinated like a fine machine to pull off a successful project. We interact with, coordinate and/or manage hundreds of people on any given project; such as, the architect or building designer, engineers, interior designers, the lender, title companies, government authorities, inspectors, suppliers, reps, subcontractors, owners, HOA associations, architectural review boards, realtors and developers, just to name a few. In addition, a builder has to be able to solve problems and issues creatively, efficiently, and in a cost effective and timely manner because many challenges arise on every project- it’s just par for the course. Also consider that the standards for your project will rarely rise above the standards of your builder. So you see, there really are very important things to consider when choosing a custom home builder and we really are more than babysitters.

Thank you for joining the conversation, which has been more of a general overview; however, in Part II, I will give you the insider details on what to look for when choosing a custom home builder and the Red Flags to watch for.

September 23, 2018October 3, 2018

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: When is it worth the cost to upgrade?

Clients often ask how they should go about deciding if the cost of more energy efficiency is worth it. This is NOT meant to be the end all be all on energy efficiency. I’m just offering a few simple things that you can do to get a feel for whether the extra investment might be worth it-or not.

For example, a common thing that our clients have to make a decision on is what SEER value to go with on their HVAC units. Should they go with a 16 or a 19? How can they decide whether it’s worth it to pay more for that 19 SEER vs. the 16 SEER? It’s not always a black and white thing, well it can be but that might take too much time, so you can solve for the basics and if it looks like it might be worthwhile, then ask a few more questions and get more information to make the decision more clear.

STEP 1: FORMULA to calculate how long it will take to recoup your savings:

Divide the initial cost of the energy-saving investment by the projected annual energy cost savings.

Investment/savings per year= how many years to recoup

For example, if going up in Seer value on an A/C unit costs $3000 more per unit and the projected savings is $300 per year, then $3000/$300= 10. It will take 10 years to recoup your investment and start paying off.

Will you still be in your home 10 years from now? If so, then….
Will the material or item still be working at that point?
- Many technologies are evolving so fast that it could very well be obsolete in 5, 10 or 15 years.
Will maintenance costs increase or decrease? If so, then factor in the increase or decrease in cost for this.
How will the upgraded product influence resale or desirability of your home?
Is there any enjoyment factor or aesthetic, other than cost savings, that would make it worth it to you even if you didn’t recoup your money?

After answering these questions, it starts to become clear as to whether you should spend that extra money on more energy efficiency.

Here’s a quick example:

If going from a 14 SEER to a 16 SEER saves you approx. $81 per year and you paid $1000 more for the 16 SEER, then it would take approx. 12 years to recoup your money. Then I always take into account having to pay up front for future savings, which causes me to discount it a bit. I say a bit- there are formulas for this- but I just discount it a bit depending on how long I will have to wait to recoup the savings. The further the spread of efficiency between 2 things, the greater the savings; but that doesn’t mean that the savings is necessarily worth it, although it often is.

Quick Side notes:

HVAC systems: Your heating and cooling costs account for approximately 40-45% of your total energy bill so they are one of the first areas to investigate, as far as energy efficiency goes. Units last between 10-15 years, so if you plan to stay in your home for less than that, and it will take 10 years or longer to recoup the investment, then it might not be worth it unless there is evidence that a buyer would value that enough to pay enough to offset the cost.

Appliances: As far as appliances are concerned, they account for approximately 15% of your energy bill. My suppliers have told me if an appliance was made in the 1990’s- it’s almost a no brainer that an energy efficient upgrade will pay off. If appliances are newer, you have to be aware of the likely life of the product and make sure that the product won’t have to be replaced or that you won’t move before you recoup your money. If you are deciding between 2 things with one having just a little better energy efficiency, then paying the higher price probably won’t pay off in a significant way. One thing that can reduce your bill significantly are programmable water heaters. Program them to not heat up during on-peak hours or times when nobody is home. Otherwise, they are constantly heating up when there is no need to do so.

Windows: Energy Star estimates that energy efficient windows can save up to 15% on your energy bill so they’re pretty important. Energy efficient windows contain something called Low E, which is microscopically thin layer of metallic oxides that both reflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays and control infrared light . New windows can cost anywhere from $8,000- 50,000+ and could take decades to pay off so if your existing windows are pretty good already, then going up to a little bit better windows probably won’t pay off. However, if windows are outdated with very little protection, it could be a wise investment.

Insulation: Insulation is an area that can return more money than was invested, as far as resale on an existing home. This is a big deal in energy efficiency but I will leave it for a future post.

I hope this helps a bit but it can definitely get complicated. Our trades and suppliers are always willing to educate people on the ins and outs of the various products and help them make these decisions. In addition, Energy.Gov’s site has a comprehensive collection of information on everything from windows to heating and cooling.

If any of my readers can shed any more light on this subject, please do.

Here are a few other links that might be of interest:

Net Zero Homes

Energy Efficient Windows

September 19, 2018September 20, 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s Perspective (Part III)

Now that we’ve talked about all these cool Interior Design Trends, let’s talk interior design mistakes and why you should use common sense when incorporating trends.

Right now, there is a huge issue in neighborhoods across the country (and even in my own neighborhood) with homes that were done in the trend of the day. For example, the homes that went with the heavy Tuscan vibe back in the day are not getting much love. To remodel some of these can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Tayler Alexander-Perez , of Launch Real Estate in Scottsdale, AZ, says, “Years ago, people didn’t mind buying something and fixing it up but now days buyers want a home that is move-in ready. At some point these hot trends cycle out of favor so if a trend has been used with a heavy hand, at some point the owner will either have to invest a significant amount of money to remodel, reduce the price accordingly, or find a buyer gutsy enough to take on a major project”. I find this to be true, we get calls after a home has sat on the market and the owner wants to know what they can do to make it sellable. In a million dollar plus home, this can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is good for our business but it really hurts to see fabulous homes that have become irrelevant due to trends. To avoid this happening to your home, try to incorporate the trends in things that are not that big a deal to switch out and keep the big ticket items more timeless. If you do your entire floor in a trendy pattern or every counter top in the trend of the day, then ripping it out and re-doing it is a major expense. For some, money is not an issue and they can go for it, enjoy it and call us down the road, but for most people this is an issue.

Although they were all the rage years ago, overdone Tuscans aren’t getting any love these days.

I like to think of Interior Design Trends like my wardrobe. If everything is trendy in my closet, then I’ll have to spend a lot of money every time the trends change. But if I have a few cool, trendy pieces that I can put with a mostly classic wardrobe, then I am able to transition with minimal cost throughout the seasons. If you are unsure about how trendy you should go, it can be worth every penny to consult with a designer who is able to strike the perfect balance between Trend and Timeless Design (and yes, I know of some great ones).

Hey, thanks for spending some time with me discussing Interior DesignTrends and let me know your thoughts! I’m interested!

September 19, 2018September 20, 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s Perspective (Part II)

Current Interior Design Trends continued (Builder’s perspective in Part III).

CREAMY NEUTRALS… IS GRAY PASSE?

I am hoping that some design professionals might comment on this. I’ve heard from a few designers that Gray is going away….at least as far as being the main event in a space. I am told that in New York and L.A., creamy neutrals, taupes, and bones are “THE THING” and I also noticed that there were very few of the cliche all gray and white colorscapes in the recent ASID design awards. I understand that Grays will be incorporated as more of a minor accent role to layer with neutrals. I love the whole gray carrerra marble/white cabinet trend but those who have used this throughout their entire house may end up regretting it.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Designer: Amy Bubier, AB Design Elements

WHITE OUT

According to the most recent edition of Remodeling magazine, “Homeowners are ready to ditch all-white kitchens”. Darker cabinets (even black) are making a comeback and they are being used on their own as well as being mixed in with lighter cabinetry (see photo above, as well).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander

CONCRETE

This is one of the biggest interior design trends of 2018. Whether it’s a concrete floor, countertop or a faux concrete look on the wall, concrete’s neutral color is organic, earthy, durable and low maintenance. Geometric concrete tiles are going to be a thing, too.

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander in collaboration with other design professionals. Concrete floors, copper fire surround, Porcelanosa concrete look wall tiles.

VINTAGE: Especially Lighting Fixtures & Bucket or Trough Sinks.

Think farm sinks and nostalgia. I LOVE Kohler’s new Farmstead cast iron vintage farm sink ! We have some client’s looking at this one and I would love to see it in their kitchen! Note the matte black faucet (matte black is another current interior design trend).

REDS, PINKS BOLD YELLOWS & TEAL

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Development, Inc. . A bathroom from one of our award winning projects. .

I’ve seen yellow being used on a large scale and I love yellow because it exudes happiness and confidence. Be careful, though. In too great a quantity, yellow can create anxiety, but in small pops, it is powerful.

Pinks, purples and gold quartz tops- one of the most fun bathrooms we’ve done! Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc.,

Hey, thanks for spending some time with me discussing Interior DesignTrends! Let me know your thoughts! I’m interested!

August 4, 2018September 20, 2018

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS – a Builder’s perspective (Part I)

Me at Kohler’s Design Center, Clintonville, WI.

I would like to chat about some exciting Interior Design Trends. I’ll discuss the “Builder’s Perspective” in Part III.

I have gathered information on the Interior Design Trends that I’m discussing through my interior designer friends, our reps in the industry, and industry news. In addition, as a guest of The Kohler Co. and Ferguson Showrooms for the First Look Tour that took place in Kohler, WI., I was part of a select group of builders and designers that were immersed in upcoming design TRENDS and products. (A complete side note here- if you’re ever in Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and stay at Kohler Co.’s, The American Club, the only 5 Star hotel in the Midwest. And… their spa is incredible! The Waters is the best spa- hands down- that I’ve ever experienced! Now, back to the subject.)

In the 2018 Ashton Woods National Home Buyer Survey ,which sets out to identify trends and owner preferences, there is some very interesting information. Owners say:

They prefer rustic elements over industrial. I personally LOVE the Industrial vibe so a little Rustic /Industrial marriage could still work!
They prefer natural wood over white.
Their least favorite cabinet/countertop combo is dark cabinets/dark tops.
Their favorite cabinet/countertop combo is light cabinets/dark tops.
They prefer rustic & transitional interiors over contemporary and farmhouse interiors but they prefer Ranch and Modern for the architectural style.
They are shying away from the Bohemian, Coastal and Scandanavian looks.

I will be discussing just a handful of the new Trends in this Interior Design Trends series:

COPPER ACCENTS, BRASS FIXTURES & MIXED METALS

When I first heard of this interior design trend, I was appalled. I still remember the old antiqued gold fixtures that sat right alongside the avocado appliances and orange shag carpet. However, I have to admit that I’ve changed my tune. I especially love the copper and rose golds. I did my powder bath with copper fixtures and the ceiling in a rusted, copper metal, which I love. The matte copper fixtures have an industrial flare, which I happen to love. Interestingly, although the gold/bronze fixtures are trending, many surveys find that people still prefer brushed nickel and stainless finishes. Some of the products you see in the photo below: California Faucets Avalon single handle wall faucet in weathered copper, custom metal cabinets, Kohler’s new matte black toilet (a gift from my fabulous Kohler rep), and Kohler’s Artist’s Edition Antilia Wading Pool sink (which I love and have in my personal home). (The photos look very dark because they are impromptu from my iphone just to show the coppery/rose gold fixture colors. The cabinet is metal).

Builder: Alexander Enterprises Constr. & Dev., Inc. Design by Kimberley Cullumber-Alexander, in collaboration with other design professionals.

BLACK & WHITE

I like adding some natural elements to a black and white kitchen, such as the brick backsplash shown here or some wood. We haven’t done a black and white yet so I borrowed this from the internet and have no idea who to give credit to.

Although this color palette is timeless, it is trending even stronger now in Europe, New York and Los Angeles. Designers are incorporating black into the all-white kitchens, baths and main interiors of the past…..a black island, black tub , black plumbing fixtures and geometric black and white patterns in flooring. I especially love it when the look is softened with wood and other natural elements and speaking of….

NATURAL ELEMENTS/ORGANIC

Greyhawk on Black Mountain in Arizona, designed by the iconic, award-winning Gerry Jones.

When I think of organic interior design, I think “Frank Lloyd Wright”. This trend incorporates clean lines, lots of light, natural materials (wood, stone, plants) and is fresh and modern. My husband and I attended an event at this home and it is organic design at it’s finest! Gerry Jones, the designer, is self-taught and revered in the world of architecture and master planning. He was also an instructor with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Talliesin West School of Architecture for over 17 years.

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Designer: Kristen Forgione, The Lifestyled Company

In 2018, the patterns have gone even bolder, more oversized and more dramatic. No one does this better than my friend Kristen Forgione, owner of The Lifestyled Company in Gilbert, AZ (see photo).

Thanks for hanging out with me. Feel free to comment and let me know what types of things you would like to know about in the building and design arenas. I’m interested in what you have to say!

May 9, 2018August 8, 2018

Alexander Enterprises – Building Arizona Luxury Homes

Cabo Wabo - A luxury home by Alexander Enterprises — Cabo Wabo – A luxury home by Alexander Enterprises

Alexander Enterprises Construction & Development Co., Inc. is an award-winning boutique custom home builder, specializing in high-end, luxury custom homes in the Phoenix Metropolitan area since 1992. The founders, Kevin and Kimberley Alexander, are a husband and wife team who bring unsurpassed commitment and a combined experience to their clients of over 50 years. Their reputation as meticulous builders of the highest integrity is known throughout the industry. Their projects include custom homes, modest to lavish remodels, pools, commercial, commercial build outs and tenant improvements. Their award winning custom homes and remodels are among the finest in the Phoenix area.” Let them know if they can be of service to you!