Right neighborhood, wrong house? Think again.

Don't be a discouraged by a property that needs a little work. If you can see a home's potential, we can help you realize it!

Facing real estate inventory shortages, it's more important now than ever to see the potential in a home. You may have trouble seeing past the cosmetic, and even structural, issues with a property. But as we all know, location trumps all and should be the primary goal when finding that perfect home.

We get asked all the time about how to sell someone, oftentimes the asker themselves, on a property that needs repairs. After all, when you're standing in a shell of a kitchen with water damage, mold and the sound of little feet scurrying between the walls, it's hard to picture that magazine-perfect culinary haven, let alone find the desire/courage to tour the rest of the property.

Here are a few of our favorite tips for thinking in terms of what could be, not what is:

1. Value: There's usually no better value than the least expensive house on the block. It's sure to have its deficiencies, though a few key improvements can get it up to par with the comparable properties in the neighborhood and score you some major equity relatively quickly.

2. Customization: Buying a property that you plan to remodel opens up a world of custom design that you can't even get from most new construction offerings. From rearranging the floor plan to the finishes on the cabinetry, remodelers can build to their exact specifications and taste every step of the way. Now arriving at a design that appeals to both you and your spouse's styles? We'll cross that bridge when we get there…

3. Location: Obviously there's some appeal to your target neighborhood: the school district, your nearby friends and family, the proximity to work, and many other considerations. These factors cannot be changed, unlike the 80s era bathroom or popcorn ceilings. While the turnkey property 20 miles outside of town might sound appealing in the short term, it's important for you to consider the long term benefits of buying in your ideal neighborhood.

So remember, don't settle for second best when it comes to property location. With the right contractor on your side, you can have it all: the house of your dreams in the neighborhood that you love!



Do you have a home remodel or addition in your future? Give Knipp Contracting a call at 623-561-0803, we're here to help!

Scottsdale Luxury Home Remodeled for Energy Efficiency

 Luxury Home With Energy Efficient Features

We recently completed the rehab of a home built in 1962, which resulted in an Emerald Green Certification by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHBRC). An Emerald Certification recognizes pre-1980 rehabs that result in a 50 percent or better improvement in water and energy efficiency and meets the minimum requirements for ventilation and indoor air quality.

Going green is the latest trend in luxury home rehab projects. The goal in these homes is to achieve an energy performance that is 30 percent better than what you might find in a new home built today. The energy measurement is based on The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which is an industry standard for a home’s performance. Some of the variables included in the rating are windows, mechanical systems, lighting, shading, insulation and appliances. The lower the HERS rating is, the more efficient the home.
In this particular home, we had a post rehab score of 69, which is 31 percent better than a new home built to code. The estimated annual electricity savings is $2500 and the green certificate of Emerald is a statement to the quality, which is third party verified.

 Knipp Contracting works with Fix and Flip, renovation, investors, builders and homeowners – making a home more energy efficient is just one of the many services we can provide to you and your clients. If you would like to learn more about the Emerald Green Certification or to learn more about how to make your home more efficient, please give us a call. We would be happy to meet with you, to see how we can help you save money by going green!

5516 E Rockridge features:

 *Complete renovation and redesign
 *Separate guest quarters
 *Panoramic views
 *Travertine flooring /Birch wood
 *CRI green label plus program carpet
 *Icynene spray foam insulation
 *Maple Cabinetry
 *Q premium natural quartz counter tops
 * Wolf E series built-in
 *Side by side energy star qualified refrigerator
 *Wolf 36" stainless steel gas cooktop
 *Wolf low profile island Hood
 *2 Rheem high efficiency heat pump 13 SEER
 *Nest learning thermostats, remotely controlled
 *Custom "Barn door style"

How do I lower my utility cost

What home owner's are doing to keep the utility cost down.

 In Arizona where I live, the summer temperatures can get up to 122 degrees. It's a dry heat! Choosing the right insulation that will keep you cool in the summer months is very important. 

With different types of insulation on the market which one is the most efficient for your home? Let's start first with the types of insulation on the market.  Rolls and Bats, Loose fill, Rigid Foam and Foam in Place. The R rating makes a difference in how efficient it will be for your home.  

 Energy Star is the most recognized energy efficient source, so when it came to researching the efficiency of insulation I choose the information from the website  Energy Star  which describes the  R Value as "Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation"  this keeps the utility cost down.  Depending on where you are living in the country a different R rating is needed. 

Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood-framed buildings

Zone	Add Insulation to Attic		Floor
	Uninsulated Attic	Existing 3–4 Inches of Insulation
1	R30 to R49	R25 to R30	R13
2	R30 to R60	R25 to R38	R13 to R19
3	R30 to R60	R25 to R38	R19 to R25
4	R38 to R60	R38	R25 to R30
5 to 8	R49 to R60	R38 to R49	R25 to R30

Recently renovated Luxury home By Knipp Contracting is located  at 5518 E Rockridge in Phoenix , Arizona  An affluent neighborhood near the Arizona biltmore is  insulated with Icynene Spray foam. Icynene insulation was applied to underside of roof and all livable areas. According to the department of energy web site "Foam-in-place insulation can be blown into walls, on attic surfaces, or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. You can use the small pressurized cans of foam-in-place insulation to reduce air leakage in holes and cracks such as window and door frames, and electrical and plumbing penetrations"  This G Street home will be rated Emerald the highest rating National Home Builders Association (NAHB) offers. 




Living in Arizona we took all precautions in ensuring this luxury home would be prepared for the harsh summers of up to 122 degrees. The example on the right shows the major source for Air Leaks, filling in the gaps could offer utility saving.     

The most common insulation for walls  would be bat insulation.  Ceilings would have the insulation blown in, usually an R- 30 value. According Wally with Knipp Contracting "R- 30 is the standard minimum".
 To improve savings in your home an easy way would be to raise the R- Value.


Should you have any questions about remodeling your home for lower utility cost contact us! 623-561-0803