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Arizona Custom Home Builders Highlight Changes in Master Showers

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:49 +0000

Over-sized Showers, Protective Coating on Glass Doors, or Completely Skipping the Doors

As Arizona custom home builders of Arizona luxury homes we pay attention to detail while designing shower systems with our customers. Shower areas have grown over the years and are increasingly becoming a place in custom homes that deserve more recognition, especially the master bath. It’s out with the old and in with the new when it comes to shower systems. The small shower stall that cause you to bump your elbows against walls are definitely out as well as the fragile, obscured bypass doors.

On the other hand,

Bigger is better with shower spaces,
Frameless shower doors constructed with weighty glass,
Various spray systems,
Snail showers,
Shower sitting areas,
Coated glass for easy cleaning, and
An enormous array of finishes for the fixtures.

Luxurious showers are arguably a symbol of excellence and comfort. Bigger is better indeed with showers; for instance, some are designed so that doors are deliberately left out of design. Then there are those built with a spiral-type shape, again eliminating the necessity of shower doors. Designing a shower without a shower door eliminates the dreaded cleaning associated with glass shower doors. Although many of today’s shower doors are available with a protective coating that prevent the appearance of permanent spots, soap scum and stains that accumulate over time on glass shower walls and doors.

As Arizona custom home builders, we have found that today’s shower doors are made with much heavier and thicker glass than in the past. With heavier, thicker glass, metal frame supports are eliminated. By eliminating the metal frames, one can see directly through the glass and the beauty of the tile work . These new shower doors are also capable of being opened by pushing into the shower door in, or pulling the door open, creating enormous versatility and effortlessness in use. On tub/shower combinations, also available today are French doors absent of frames, creating that WOW EFFECT, when both doors can be opened to easily climb into and out of a shower/tub combination.

Shower stalls have made a transition from simply stalls to more prominent features within the master bathroom. As mentioned, they’re much larger creating lots of room to enter and/or exit with comfort and ease. Multiple sprayers are also added. Anything from rain shower-heads fixed above to standard sprayers from the walls as well as hand-held sprayers that come equipped with wall poles or hands-free mode with multiple sprayers from various areas of the shower wall. The various styles of a custom bathroom continue offering a wide variety of features for the custom home buyer. As Arizona custom home builders we plan to stay abreast of the styles, changes and trends in custom bathrooms to offer our customers the best choices for their particular home style.

Arizona custom home builders exemplify a large walk-in master shower

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builders Use A Wider Variety of Vanity Sinks than Ever Before

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:49 +0000

Move Over Pedestal Sink

Tired of seeing those stale pedestal sinks found in the average powder room or custom bathroom? Have you given thought to the different assortment of sinks on the market? Some are classical pieces of furniture converted into vanities. The glass or stone bowls found on top of vanities have also gained popularity. As Arizona custom home builders, many of our custom home buyers have rummaged around antique shops searching for the best dresser to change into a vanity. With a marginal amount of ingenuity a powder room can demonstrate the personality and style of any homeowner.

Most of the newer style sinks found aren’t very expensive; however, they’re a welcoming addition to most powder rooms and custom bathroom. Some of our custom home buyers have used glass bowls found at the local big box hardware store, but when placed in a unique setting like a built-in counter top, it looks like it cost more than it actually did and reveals a truly one-of-a-kind custom look. These glass bowls are sturdy and thick and come in a variety of colors.

As Arizona custom home builders, other custom home buyers have placed stone bowls directly on top of an old piece of furniture, customizing the look to match their Tuscan home style. Converting an antique or even new piece of furniture to hold a vanity sink allows for storage underneath the sink, something amiss with the standard pedestal sink. The furniture can be modified to hold a sink that sits on top of the dresser, or a sink that can be popped into an opening cut into the dresser. There are a vast number of new styles available for either glass or stone bowls which makes creating the idea powder room.

Other stylish vanities consist of sinks situated on custom-made counter tops with fixtures mounted into the walls. Fixtures in these rooms can also be a bit more stylish than practical versions in the remainder of the home.

As Arizona custom home builders, we will assist our custom home buyers get the look and feel they desire when planning, designing and building their custom bathroom. The vanity or powder room sink selections are one small aspect of this comprehensive, and ‘dream come true’ process.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Luxury Custom Homes and Iron Entry Doors

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:00:18 +0000

Entry Doors of Wrought Iron Add Glamour and Elegance to Any Home Style

Over the past few years as Arizona custom home builders, we have witnessed the alteration of entry doors from custom wooden designs to custom-fashioned iron door in Arizona luxury custom homes. These doors are unmatched in ageless fashion and fit with a number of architectural styles. Today there are more and more manufacturers of thee iron entry doors than when first launched and many of them have various styles available, even though doors are custom made for each home. Some of our custom home buyers have designed their own doors.

Wrought iron entry doors are designed as single entry or double entry. Some with full-arched tops, soft-arched tops or simply squared-off. Others include fully matched door surrounds. Each door incorporates glass with swing-open features. Each glass component latches on the inside of the door making it simple to clean, just allowing the glass component to remain open when the Arizona weather is perfect.

As builders of Arizona luxury custom homes, we recommend using the services of manufacturing companies that specialize in construction with heavy-gauge steel for thick doors. These doors are finished with an industrial-style coat of powder that provides durability against the piercing heat of the Arizona sun. When selecting your choice of finishes there’s basic black, antique, as well as faux finishes.

All of these doors can be custom designed by a custom homebuyer, including single or double-door designs. Whether it’s the squared-off top or the arched-full or soft design, there are many options available. Then there’s the glass selections that can be clear, frosted, rain or glue chipped in style. The manufacturer or custom home buyer can design the door handles.

If you’re looking for beauty, strength and pizazz, then wrought iron entry doors may be what you’re looking for. These doors are growing in popularity, and rightfully so, it’s the first thing visitors’ notice before entering your home. As home builders of Arizona luxury custom homes, we have installed these doors for front entry doors, patio doors, and wine storage rooms. These doors work with ‘Old World’ style, Tuscan, and even contemporary and modern style homes, it just depends on the style selected or created.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builders Keep Kids’ in Mind

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:00:35 +0000

Kid Zone’s Offer Flexibility in Luxury Custom Homes

Designing custom homes exactly the way a family envisioned it can be extremely rewarding as Arizona custom home builders. Many families that have us help them design and build the home of their dreams usually do exactly that. Creating the perfect floor plan can be challenging, yet very rewarding when based on a family’s personal needs and desires. Many of the homes that we design and build include an area dedicated to the family’s children.

A children’s area or kid zone isn’t necessarily a playroom; however, it can be built with very young child in mind and transition to an area for older children. Most are built with televisions, computers and teenage activities in mind. As Arizona custom home builders, we have constructed kid zones adjacent children’s’ bedrooms, and other times a game room where a large television can be used for video games, more interactive games like the Wii, board games, and billiards.

By placing the bedrooms for children on one side of the home and designing a playroom near those bedrooms creates an excellent way for the kids’ to enjoy their video games, television, movies, loud music, computer activities, or for hanging’ out with friends in an area that is away from the family. Based upon the age of the children, evolution is inevitable with these rooms as the children grow and mature. Kid zones can begin as playrooms specifically designed for very young children and as the kids grow and mature, the room can be redesigned and transformed into something more appropriate for teens. Afterwards, when the kids’ leave the house and go off to college, it can become a hobby room, library or exercise rooms for the parents.

As Arizona custom home builders, we have seen the popularity of kid zones soar over the years. These rooms offer such flexibility, ranging from playrooms for very young children to game rooms for older kids and ultimately a unique room for parents when the kids leave home.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builders Use Fake Grass

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:19 +0000

Fake Grass Can Look Better Than Real Grass at Times

Grass lawns in the state of Arizona may seem crazy, as this is the desert. Nevertheless, it’s recognized as a landscape amenity and it would be non-existent in Arizona if not for a well-planned and supervised sprinkler system. As Arizona custom home builders, we’ll help our homeowners install a green lawn or desert landscaping alternatives. Desert landscaping is one of the best low-maintenance options to natural grass. The technique of growing low-water use vegetation in rock gardens has long been popular in Arizona. Many of these low water usage desert plants include an awe-inspiring array of flowering plants. Despite, it’s beauty and water-wise strategy; rock gardens are not what all homeowners want. Many homeowners want a green lawn. Green lawns actually lower the temperature in and around the lawn and offer both the real and perceived feelings that makes one think… “Maybe it isn’t really that hot outside.”

As Arizona custom home builders, we have worked with homeowners that also wanted fake grass. Fake grass offers an arid, low-maintenance alternative that looks absolutely beautiful when installed correctly. The natural, realistic and beautiful appearance is astonishing, not to mention, easily manageable as well.

Finding the perfect fake grass took a little research; however, there are a lot more options available today. The important thing is to select by quality and installation. If not installed properly a lawn could turn out looking fake and disastrous. Plus quality seams are critical for the overall appearance and it’s ability to stand up against the extreme change of seasons in Arizona. Over a period of time synthetic or fake grass may fade; therefore, many manufacturers will offer an 8-year warranty plan or better. The grass is priced by square footage and based upon the size of the area and the requirements needed for ground preparation, a decision can be made on whether it would be a wise choice to make.

As Arizona custom home builders, we have found that fake grass is more suitable for smaller areas than larger ones. Taking a large lawn in consideration and calculating yearly landscaping fees and yearly water usage, compared to the installation of fake grass, it’s been calculated that most homeowners would be better off sticking with natural grass if they have a large yard.

Fake grass can look better than real lawns, especially in Arizona when most lawns must be converted from winter grass to summer grass and back again in Fall. Fake grass looks good year round. However, if fake grass is being considered, know that synthetic lawns don’t remain as cool as natural grass. The products consist of non-absorbing materials and it’s designed to allow water to run through the material; however, fake grass won’t cause harm to pets or children. It’s non-flammable, and doesn’t provide places for insects to harbor or fester. The best feature is the maintenance, or lack of it. As Arizona custom home builders, we would recommend fake grass in smaller yards, for backyard putting greens, and for unique landscaping features.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builder’s Experience with Captivating Courtyards

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:22 +0000

With the growing status of the Old World style and its related courtyards, as an Arizona custom home builder we’ve witnessed unique ways to incorporate a courtyard in and around a property. A number of Arizona luxury custom home courtyards are firmly situated at the entrance of homes and affords flexibility to the front yard. Other homeowners have small garden spaces on the outside of their master bedroom offering a relaxing and very private sitting area.

Architectural elements inside of a courtyard can make for an exceptional environment that sets apart the uniqueness of a courtyard home. Courtyard structures comprised of arbors are sensible, providing enchanting garden themes and comfortable shady areas from the Arizona heat. Adding a water fountain to the theme will enhance the courtyard while at the same time creating an excellent environment for the cool, refreshing sound of flowing water as well as a haven for birds. Another courtyard option is an outdoor fireplace, a place to situate comfortable outdoor furniture and offer a great place to hang out with family or friends. Furniture placed in a courtyard can help define the space as a dining area, or relaxations area with an outdoor sofa.

Choosing a flooring for an outdoor courtyard can add pizzazz and attractiveness to the courtyard and is yet another option worth pursuing to further define the space and it’s uses. As an Arizona custom home builder, we often use interlocking pavers, flagstone, or natural slate flooring.

Plants selected for an outdoor courtyard is determined by the climate of course, in Arizona courtyards are often full of colorful and flowering plants such as bougainvillea, ruellias, hibiscus and lantanas for summer, while geraniums, petunias, penstemmons, and gazania offer great flowering winter plants.

As an Arizona custom home builder, more and more of the homes we build include a courtyard of some kind. A front courtyard, not only separates the house from the street, it can add that level of privacy and seclusion in the midst of a city street. Having a courtyard as the center of attraction for a custom home is a marvelous decision for those seeking periods of privacy or sharing meals and good times with family and friends.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builders Find Multiple Areas for the Under-Counter Refrigerator

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:48 +0000

Under-counter refrigerators appear to popping up everywhere nowadays. As Arizona custom home builders, we have incorporated these useful appliances in kitchens, home offices, coffee bars, wet bar locations, guesthouses and even garages. Even in the master suite.

There are many brands of under-counter refrigerators; we have installed various brands including U-line, GE, Viking, Sub-Zero and Kitchen-Aid. Some come equipped with pull-out drawers and interchangeable glass doors.

There are models specifically designed for wine with separate temperature zones for red and white wine. The temperature can best be determined by the homeowner’s preferences. These under-counter wine refrigerators store wine in horizontal drawers in a bottom-to-top position while keeping the cork wet and maintaining the integrity of the wine.

Some under-counter refrigerators are made exclusively for soft drinks, bottled water, and sport drinks and fruit juices without space for storing wine. These are usually known as beverage centers. Then there are models that allow you to store bottled water, soft drinks, fruit punch and other beverages on top of the refrigerator while storing wine at the bottom. Flexibility is always a privilege. As Arizona custom home builders, we have also installed under-counter refrigerators where wine is stored at the bottom and bottled water, soft drinks and other beverages are stored on the top shelves.

When installing an under-counter refrigerator within a custom home, homeowners are recommended to cautiously take into consideration how the refrigerator will be used to make an informed decision when making their selection. These types of refrigerators can cost anywhere from $1000 to $1500 based upon the brand and selection of style. Our appliance design team can help homeowners simplify these decisions.

As Arizona custom home builders, under-counter refrigerators offer a wide variety of uses, such as the photo here in a kitchen. This is refrigerator is used exclusively for sports drinks, soft drinks and bottled water for the family’s teenagers.

The is a post from: Arizona Custom Homes Blog. Where you can get information on Az custom home builders and Arizona custom homes.

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Arizona Custom Home Builders and the Ultimate Sliding Glass Door

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:35 +0000

Bringing the Outdoors in with Telescopic Doors

As Arizona custom home builders many of the homes we build are designed with various views in mind; including mountain views, golf course views, backyard dining areas, backyard fireplaces, or backyard pool area views. One of the best ways to make the most out of these views is by using telescoping doors.

Telescopic doors are best compared to store entry doors at an indoor mall. These are doors that slide open and disappear into the adjacent walls; these retractable doors perform disappearing acts inside walls whenever opened. Other styles operate as multiple folding doors. If you pull on the lead door panel, every section opens or closes by way of an interlocking mechanism attached to each door.

Telescopic doors are a great way to bring the outdoors in; there is usually no threshold at all, so the floors are flush both on the exterior and interior of the home furthering blending the outdoors and indoors into one unique environment. The ability of the doors to slide upon a tract flush with the floor eliminates the need for a door threshold. These doors offer a rather dramatic look to almost any home.

Whenever a late afternoon Arizona wind may begin to pick-up outside, telescoping doors can easily closes in order to protect the inside of the home. On the hand, if you’re entertaining, these doors are a welcoming addition to any party allowing party goers to easily move from inside to outside.

As Arizona custom home builders we welcome the opportunity to work with our custom home buyers if they are considering telescoping doors to their custom home. We often recommend that a custom home buyer work closely with their architect when designing these doors. Many manufacturers have standard sizes and failing to include a standard size can greatly increase the cost of the doors if they must be custom made. Arizona custom home builders, we know that telescopic doors are a terrific way to blend the indoors with the outdoors and can be included in many Arizona luxury custom homes.

: Telescopic Doors

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Arizona Custom Home Builder Highlights Popular Elements in Custom Kitchens!

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:46 +0000

Popular Custom Kitchen Elements versus Those Being Remodeled, Replaced and Discarded!

As an Arizona custom home builder our primary objective is, knowing what’s popular and what’s not in the luxury custom home industry. Many styles come and go very quickly; however, there are certain trends that can stand the test of time. Today’s kitchen styles are particularly important since the kitchen has become one of the most important, most used, and often shared space, with extended family and other house guests. Below you’ll find popular features often included in the custom homes built by Woodridge Custom Builders, LLC.

Popular Custom Kitchen Features

Kitchen islands
Cabinets and a custom kitchen island that takes on the appearance of stand-alone furniture
Cabinets designed from various woods including traditional stained to distressed, glazed and painted woods including black cabinets
Multiple cooking stations for families with multiple cooks
A mixture of cabinet colors
Cabinets made of dark alder wood with a glaze-finish
Granite counter-tops
French doors
Kitchen entry doors for hauling in groceries rather than bringing in groceries through the garage
Outdoor kitchens that consist of grills, stoves, sinks and a refrigerator
Master bedroom kitchen-like spaces for making coffee with under-counter refrigerators for morning orange juice or bottled water
Storage places for wine, including shelves, niches and wine refrigerators
Stainless steel appliances
Commercial grade over-sized ranges
Lofty ceilings
Large windows that are not relegated to spaces above the kitchen sink
Pendant lighting or multiple hanging lights
White cabinets, black cabinets
Under-counter ice makers
Walk-in pantries
Natural stone flooring – in rustic finishes rather than smooth honed travertine
European apron sinks
A number of ovens; from full ranges to microwave and oven combinations
Corner-posted cabinets and your choice of hand-carved corbels
Extra-large range hoods, designed and constructed with mass and mantels, as well as niches
Back splashes made of stylish stones, granite to match the counters, and other attractive accents
Kitchen or a dining nook fireplace
Under counter refrigerators on an island; specifically for refreshments like bottled water, sodas and various other beverages which limit the use of a full-size refrigerator
Elegant under cabinet lighting
Dining room area large enough for a sofa or comfortable chairs for family, friends and guests to hang out near the cook.
Ergonomically designed kitchen lay-outs
Unique kitchen lighting above kitchen cabinets, below the upper kitchen cabinets and rope lighting below the lower cabinets between the floor and cabinet (set on automatic sensors).

Remodeled Features

As an Arizona custom home builder we have been active with custom kitchen remodels of late and have found these features are often removed, replaced or updated!

Whitewashed oak cabinets
Blond-colored cabinets
White-colored appliances
Cabinet doors with the cathedral arch
Laminate counter surfaces
Low ceilings are raised, if the architecture of the house allows it
Short cabinets with small dust shelves above them have been replaced with taller kitchen cabinets
Ceramic tile kitchen counter surfaces
Fluorescent lights
Sliding doors
Wallpaper borders

As an Arizona custom home builder, we have great fun creating a dream custom kitchens for our customers. As the list above indicates, almost anything goes in today’s kitchens.

Custom Kitchen with Black Cabinets

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Arizona Custom Home Builder Recommends Discreet RV Storage

Arizona Custom Home Builder — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:00:10 +0000

Incorporating RV Storage Space in an Arizona Custom Home

For those who own recreational vehicles, also known as RVs, storage is of the utmost concern. As an Arizona custom home builder, we understand that the majority of United States homes aren’t equipped with adequate space or room for RV storage. Lots of Homeowners’ Associations established today don’t allow storage of RVs on a homeowner’s property except when enclosed in a garage and this becomes a major problem because most garages aren’t built to store RVs. Storing an RV off-site becomes mandatory without property that’s built for enclosed storage, or an area approved by the HOA. Storing an RV somewhere other than on personal property is usually a problem when gearing up for a trip. Most owners of RVs are in consensus that the convenience of loading and unloading for a getaway, camping trip or other adventurous activity is a lot easier being done from home. Then there’s the cost, which could run anywhere from $30-$90 a month for storing an RV.

As an Arizona custom home builder we specialize in custom home building and occasionally we come across customers that experience various RV storage complications when having a custom home built. Whenever possible, RV storage will be constructed within their custom home depending upon the size of the lot and what’s allowable by their HOA. Besides the difficulties involved with providing space for RVs upon a lot, incorporating a garage that meets the requirements of their HOA can be extremely challenging. A large percentage of custom home subdivisions are required to have garages with side-entries further complicating storage because the lot has to be extremely large to allow for any sort of side-entry. RV garages must be constructed higher than the standard car garage as well; once again creating an architectural concern. Many HOAs won’t approve custom home designs and floor plans for any RV garage that alters the appearance of the community and from their perspective; this is exactly what an out-of-place ugly box may do.

As an Arizona custom home builder, our homeowners that are interested in adding RV storage into their construction plans should have a well-thought out design and floor plan that meets the requirements of their HOA as well as city code ordinances. An RV garage should never be planned spontaneously or sporadically, or after the completion of the home. In most municipalities, homes built on residential lots are allowed to cover a select percentage of space. Failing to inform the architect that RV storage is desired may lead to the architect to design a standard car garage because it’s customary to do so. Adding an RV garage later may be difficult if lot coverage has been exceeded, and may require a variance by the municipality as well as approval from neighbors before construction. As an Arizona custom home builder, we believe it’s best to design the RV storage within the plans of the home and incorporate such a large box discreetly into the home’s design. Doing so will get better acceptance from the neighbors and the HOA.

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