Tips When Renovating Your Home in Phoenix, AZ

Tips When Renovating Your Home in Phoenix, AZ

Here are five tips to consider when constructing or renovating your house in Phoenix, AZ. Remodeling a Phoenix home isn’t like building in the rest of the country. Not only do you need to handle moisture (hello mold!), but there are circumstances to consider that may be caused by hurricanes, termites, frequent rainstorms, and the scorching sun (that lead to dry-rot). It’s no surprise the construction sector in Phoenix, AZ is so greatly controlled.

So what do you need to know to properly navigate the ins and outs of a Phoenix renovation? Read on for five crucial tips. 

 

Tip 1

To protect wooden household items from termites, use Timbor, a non-toxic salt treatment. Timbor is a high-performance insecticide and wood preservative that is used to deal with wood products to prevent termites, powder post beetles, and fungi from decaying wood. It is applied to wood surfaces inside and outside to safeguard the wood from water and pest damage. It won’t stain wood surfaces and poses little to no threat given its low toxicity, and it’s almost odor-free too. However, it must be used when the wood is exposed, so what better time to do it than during a renovation or new construction?

 

Tip 2

Check if your home is in a flood zone before starting your renovation project. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the extent of improvements can not exceed 50 percent of the structure’s value or you might need to raise it above the floodplain. 

There are ways to avoid your home from flooding. One of them is using a flood sensor, a smart device that notifies you of water leaks. There are also things you can do to reduce your risk and minimize damage if your home floods. These actions will help you keep the water out and secure your belongings:

• Repair leaks immediately
• Keep gutters clean
• Cover window wells
• Check the grade
• Fill in the cracks
• Mind trees that can cause foundation damage

 

Tip 3

Only purchase products or materials that have a Phoenix product approval number for your house’s exterior, so they will hold up against a hurricane. Phoenix product approval numbers for doors, windows, siding, and roofing have been checked with low-missile impact processes to ensure energy efficiency and withstand Phoenix heat.  

 

Tip 4

Consider energy efficiency during or even before the design process, including proper insulation, HVAC refrigeration equipment, and other features such as mini splits or air ducts that fit your house design. 

Investing in energy efficiency allows you to conserve energy and money, and your house will be more comfortable and long-lasting. The design process is also a good time to look into a renewable energy system that can offer electrical power, water heating, or space heating & cooling. 

In an existing house, the first step is to carry out a home energy evaluation (sometimes referred to as an energy audit) to learn how your home utilizes energy and determine the best methods to cut energy usage and costs. 

 

Tip 5

Make sure your contractor is insured and licensed. Phoenix, AZ law heavily regulates the construction industry, so don’t be caught unaware– there’s only too little a handyman can do without a license from a professional, apart from minor visual upgrades and repair work. Even changing your front door or painting your home requires a license and if regulations are not followed, there are heavy fines and penalties. If in doubt, please visit your local municipality to get all the information before starting your home renovation.

If you are in for a home renovation project, choose an experienced and trusted Phoenix AZ home inspection professional from Leading Edge Inspections.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell and needs a home inspection, please be sure to consider Leading Edge Inspections. In addition, you can call at (602) 581-5678 or visit our website for more information or schedule your inspection services today.