Those of us who can call Mesa home are pretty proud of the unique natural beauty around here. Not to mention Mesa has just about anything you could want within a half-hour drive or so. Despite being the 3rd most populous city in the state, a lot of folks choose to live here because it’s affordable. Mesa has all the comforts of a larger city but has easy access to state parks and outdoor recreation. It’s no wonder everyone from yearly snowbirds to young professionals is choosing the area as their home.
Whether you are buying or building, now is the time to consider what you want for your home in the coming years. Whatever your design dreams are, Stronghold is here to help.
Taking Your First Steps
If you’re looking for home renovations, the first step is to get a good idea of the results you want to see at the end of the project. Mood boards are always a nice place to start, along with an assessment of what you want improved or upgraded along the way. Set a relative budget, but be prepared to have some contingency funds as renovations can have unexpected costs once you get going.
You will want to find a reliable contractor to help you design your space on a more practical level. Someone who can help you balance expectation with reality and professional knowledge while still prioritizing your vision as the end goal. Professional contractors can also help you with the right permits and HOA compliance if needed. Mesa typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for code compliance.
Work with your contractor to determine a timeline for the project. Depending upon the scale of the project, the materials available, the workers needed, and the current demands of the market, you may need to be flexible. Many folks choose to have their homes worked on while they are on vacation or at another residence. That being said, Stronghold is always prepared to continue working while you and your family are in residence.
Common Renovations in Mesa
Most homes in the US are over twenty years old, meaning that they usually have some wear and tear or are in need of repairs and renovations. Many homeowners use this as a chance to upgrade their house with whatever it needs to make living more comfortable. For Arizona, that typically means combating the heat indoors while making outdoor spaces more comfortable.
Kitchen: Kitchen remodeling tends to focus on three important aspects: storage, countertops, and appliances. Light colored cabinetry and countertops will help reduce heat, while ceramic tiles or natural stone are naturally heat-resistant. Maximizing airflow and keeping your kitchen open allows for better circulation.
Bathrooms: Bathroom renovations focus on making this a space for comfort and relaxation. Walk-in showers with built-in benches and curbless entry designs are a very popular choice, especially for those with accessibility needs. Countertops with practical storage space and contemporary aesthetics are another highly desired upgrade. When it comes to a more ecological mindset, proper ventilation, along with low-flow water fixtures, does a lot to reduce water waste in a desert climate.
Covered Patios: The heat in Arizona is no joke, but the outdoors were made to be enjoyed. Exterior renovations often include covered patios and misters to help make the hottest months more bearable. Outdoor kitchens are also a very popular choice. Many homeowners also favor ecologically sound, native landscaping that can be maintained in the Mesa environment without additional care.
Energy Efficient Upgrades: Replacing old, outdated windows with dual-pane, low-E windows can help lower energy costs and help keep your home comfortable. Ensuring that your windows, doors, attic, and floor are all well sealed can go a long way towards keeping the indoors nice and comfortable.
How Do I Budget for a Renovation?
Budgeting for home renovation can feel intimidating, but the good news is that the same general rules apply. You want to make smart decisions that improve your home without breaking the budget. The first thing is to have a good understanding of the scope of your renovation. Your contractor can give you a general cost idea, helping you plan for a realistic construction.
Most budgets include things like the materials requirements, labor costs, permits, and regulations. But even the best plans can have problems. Construction could uncover an underlying structural issue that has to be repaired before renovations can continue. Material prices can go through an increase or have unexpected tariffs added to them. It’s good to have an additional 10% – 20% put back in case of unexpected problems.
Who Should I Hire?
Mesa folks are lucky to have their pick of highly qualified, knowledgeable contractors in the area. If you want to be sure your contractor is licensed, check out the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) to search for their license, verify their insurance/bonding, and even check for previous complaints.
At Stronghold, we take a great deal of pride in serving the people of Mesa, Apache Junction, Phoenix, and beyond. We are veteran-owned and family-run, and we are committed to creating durable and visually stunning structures that will stand the test of time. Let’s get started on your vision for your home today.