Net Zero Energy Building As with many other businesses, advancements in technology have enhanced construction methods and performance. Our knowledge and excitement continue to increase as we learn more about efficient and sustainable construction
Soil Compaction: The First Step of a Solid Foundation
Soil Compaction: The First Step of a Solid Foundation One of the, if not the most, important aspects of any new construction project actually occurs underneath the surface before the structure is built. We are talking about soil compaction. When
Kerf Door Jambs – What Are They and When are They Used?
Kerfed Door Jambs Traditionally, when interior doors are installed a gap between the door frame and the drywall exists. This gap between the frame and drywall is covered up using casing, which is trim that surrounds the door frame. This casing can
Framing Techniques – Strap & Shear
Framing Techniques - Strap & Shear We all heard the fable when we were little kids about the three little pigs who all built houses using different materials. You’ll remember that the Big Bad Wolf huffed and puffed and blew two houses down. Here
Pet-Centric Home Design
Pet-Centric Home Design Pet ownership continues to rise in the United States with dog ownership at an all time high. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 57% of households owned a pet at the end of 2016 with 38% of
Post-it® Extreme XL Notes
Landscape Concerns with Energy Efficient Windows
As people continue to look for ways to reduce their energy usage, whether to reduce costs or due to environmental concerns, the implementation of both energy efficient windows and artificial turf continue to rise. Along with their increased usage
Advantages of 100% Silicone Roofing
*Guest post from Fahey Roofing We are often reminded of the power of social media and how it connects people from many different places. We were recently contacted by the team at Fahey Roofing, which serves customers in Ohio, West Virginia, and
Insulated Concrete Form Walls
Insulated Concrete Form Walls AFT Construction recently broke ground on a new custom home in North Scottsdale that we are very excited about. One of the reasons for this excitement is we have the opportunity to use a different method of construction
What is a Contractor Change Order?
In our last post, we discussed contractor punch lists. Keeping on the theme of industry terms, this post will cover the term "contractor change order". The term “change order” is common to those that have built a home and also cause heartburn to
What Is a Contractor Punch List?
If you have gone through a construction project in Scottsdale AZ, whether it is a new custom home build, a home remodel, or a commercial project, you understand the term “contractor punch list.” But for those of you who may have just heard the term,
Social Media for Contractors
As with any other business, social media can and should be an extremely valuable resource for contractors, whether you are a custom home builder, home remodeler, or commercial contractor. There are several reasons to employ social media and when
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home In Scottsdale AZ?
Whether you have always dreamed of building a custom home in the Phoenix area, or it has become a better option than finding the right existing home, the custom home buiding process is exciting, but can also be stressful. Understanding the timeline
Accessibility Considerations
A few weeks ago, we were approached about putting together a blog post on the topic of accessibility considerations when planning your construction project. As this is a topic that many people do not consider or think about when planning their
How Your Roof Impacts Your Homeowners Insurance
We are going to do something a little different for this blog post. A few weeks ago we were approached by QuoteWizard about doing a post on how roofs can impact the cost and your ability to obtain a homeowners insurance. So this post will be a guest
Sustainable and Green Building Materials
A few weeks ago, we were approached about doing a blog post on using sustainable and green building materials as the demand and selection of such materials continues to increase. However, many of these materials have yet to reach the mainstream with
Garage Storage and Organization
With the beginning of the new year and the holiday season behind us, it will soon be time for the annual spring cleaning ritual many of us adhere to. A great project to consider this year is to clear out that clutter in your garage and install an
Making Your Backyard a Sanctuary Near Phoenix
It is no secret that Arizona is ranked at the top of states with the most days of sunshine per year. One of the benefits of living in the Phoenix AZ area is the climate with mild winters and an abundance of sunshine, which makes outdoor living a big
Smart Home Series – Lighting and Thermostats
In our last blog post, we discussed security-related smart home products such as locks, doorbells, and camera systems. Continuing the smart home series, this post will discuss smart home products for lighting and thermostats. Smart Home Series –
Home Electrical Outlet Trends
When most people think of home trends, especially in terms of technology, electrical outlets rarely come to mind. After all, an electrical outlet is just something to plug in a lamp, countertop appliance, or your mobile device chargers. If you have