Making Commercial Properties Safe

Beautiful Arizona, while we are known for many things one of the things that we are known for our is our beautiful retirement communities that our area offers. Phoenix is where people come to relax, enjoy the weather and spend their golden years. At Associated Group Remodeling, a large part of our business is further developing the beauty of these facilities. When remodeling retirement facilities, there are many elements that we take into consideration. For us, we truly value safety and then beauty. But we believe just because we want something to be safe, that does not have to alter the aesthetic visual quality of the area. Here are some of the ways that we incorporate safety into the beauty of our retirement facilities:

Well Lit Walkways:

We believe that many accidents can be prevented by having walkways that are clear of debris and that are also well lit. Therefore, we suggest having even footpaths that are lit in order to avoid any falls as a result of debris.

Pavers:

While concrete is very popular because it can be textured and colored, it is also very affordable – but it can also become very slippery when wet. Therefore we recommend pavers. Because of the naturally abrasive surface on pavers they are slip resistant – even when wet. For retirement communities or any commercial property, this is a huge benefit.

Security Cameras:

While we know if a burglar wants to break into a building or structure that a security camera won’t stop them – we do know that it will make them think twice. But perhaps it will keep a majority of the vandals out. Therefore we recommend installing security cameras at all the major entrances on commercial buildings.

While there are many things that we can do to incorporate security and beauty, these are just a few. We believe that true craftsmen do not have to sacrifice beautify for safety and security.

Need to do some remodeling?

It can’t be put off any longer – the time to spruce up your backyard is here! Many times people feel overwhelmed when it comes to redesigning an outdoor space. While this fear is not unfounded, some back yard remodels can go terribly wrong. Here are some tips to help direct you in the right direction and get you started on your own backyard remodel with ease and comfort!

 

Don’t let it break the bank…

Before starting any remodel, it is essential to determine how much money you want to allocate to the project. When you interview potential contractors for your project, it is important to express what your budget is. Experienced contractors will either be able to work within your budget (providing your budget is reasonable) or be able to suggest alterations or modifications that would allow the project to fit your budget. However you approach your remodel, make sure that you have a signed contract and know exactly how much the entire project will cost.

Make a priority list…

For most of us, we all dream of taking our house down to the bare studs and building it back from scratch. Unfortunately for most of us, this is not likely to happen. Therefore, one has to give up the grandiose dreams and make a priority list. Is it more important to have the pool remodeled? Or is the driveway in greater need of repair?

Get Multiple Estimates…

If you read our last blog, you should be well versed in some of the steps that are necessary to take in order to hire a good contractor. If you haven’t read our previous blog, it is worth your time. If you have, a brief recap would be to get between 2-3 estimates from reputable contractors. When reviewing the estimates don’t dismiss the ones that are come in higher. Sometimes contractors can be dishonest and they will put together an initial bid that is much lower than competitors with the intention of having add-on’s later once the project has started.

Stucco and Cultured Stone

Stucco and stone are not exactly conversation starters, but we believe that they are two types of materials that can dramatically change the exterior appearance of a wall, house or commercial property. Stucco and stone can be applied to any structurally sound surface – essentially these materials can in a cost effective manner entirely transform and turn an unattractive surface into something aesthetically pleasing.

Stucco is a type of material that is made from an aggregate, a binder as well as water. When mixed, stucco is wet and applied in that stage, after it has been applied, it hardens to become very durable and tough. Stucco can be applied to wood, cinder block or plaster – essentially it can be used to cover any type of material that is visually unattractive. It can also be applied in a textured manner or it can be applied smooth. Many times people want to give their home or commercial property a face-lift but do not have the budget to completely redo the façade of their building or home. Stucco is a fantastic and affordable way to give an entirely new look to an exterior surface that is outdated. In addition, for home owners that want make their block walls more aesthetically pleasing, stucco is an brilliant way to breathe new life and create an entirely different look for something that is traditionally not attractive.

Cultured stone is another type of material that when used can dramatically change the aesthetic appearance of a structure or surface. Cultured stone is a group of MasterCast Engineered Composites. Essentially, these materials include cultured marble, cultured granite and cultured onyx. Collectively, these materials are produced by way of a manufacturing and casting process which includes a liquid polymer resin and a filler material. Colorants are added to recreate the natural color patterns and veins in natural stone. During the manufacturing process, a gel coat is added to protect the material. This gel coat attributes to the non-porous aspect of cultured stone. Cultured stone has many applications and can transform a bland surface into something more custom. Cultured stone is lightweight and works as a type of veneer that reflects the look of natural stone. It comes in a wide variety of colors and works well when applied to the exterior of a home, pool areas, garden spaces, seating walls, kitchens etc.

If you are looking for a financially economical way to breathe new life into a run down surface, consider the addition of stucco and stone. These two materials can be altered to match any existing structural décor and allow for the dimension of texture.

Changes for 2012?

The New Year brings feelings of anticipation and change. Yes, we said it change. While a lot of people have personal goals for change, individuals often create a list of changes they want made around their house. People want new carpet, new paint, new landscape, a new driveway and a new BBQ. While this kind of list can seem overwhelming, here we are going to give you a few new tips to help you prioritize your list of to-do’s.

Establish a Budget

Like most things, any sort of remodel will require some sort of financial outlay of cash – either big or small. Before you start knocking down walls, determine how much money you would like to spend for the year on home improvements. While you don’t need to have this money sitting in the bank, it is still a good idea to determine a budget so that you don’t overspend.

Prioritize

Outline every project that you want to complete during this next year – then make a new list of which is a higher priority. While you may want new hardwood floors, if your pool is leaking or falling apart – it may be better do that one first.

Hunt for Estimates

Get referrals from your friends for any contractors that they have used in the past. But don’t be afraid to go online and find a couple other contractors. Even if it is a small job, it is a good idea to get a couple bids. This will do a few things: 1.) you will feel more confident in your final choice 2.) you will be able to explore different tastes and style approaches for your job. Don’t automatically rule out one person’s bid because it is higher. Some contractors will create a low bid so that they win the job, but then create a lot of add on’s down the road to make up for it.

Get a Contract

Never do business with a smile and the shake of a hand. Make you that you have hired a contractor who is licensed, bonded and insured. Go over the contract meticulously, if you don’t understand or agree with something, speak up.