Yavapai County Contractors Association Blog

Call 811 to Avoid Problems When Digging

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:42:29 GMT

At least three to four times a month I receive calls from homeowners asking for the number to verify utility lines on their property. Here is a “refresher” column on the process in Arizona called “Arizona 811.”

Arizona 811 is the entity that marks underground utility lines. If you plan to excavate either on private or public property, you must call Arizona 811 at least two full working days prior to digging — 10 working days for work being done in apartment communities or mobile home parks — excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

“Yes” is the main answer that I have given out most to this question: Are all homeowners required to notify Arizona 811 in advance of their excavation projects? Even shallow-depth projects have a possibility of coming into contact with telecommunication, electric or gas distribution lines.

You contact Arizona 811 by simply dialing 811.

The process is free and can even be completed online by utilizing the e-Stake system.

If you have a subcontractor doing the work for you on your property, make sure they have contacted Arizona 811 before they begin any excavation work.

Once Arizona 811 has been notified of your project, the facility owners/operators in your area will either mark their facilities or indicate a status of “no conflict.” When you contact Arizona 811, provide your e-mail address to receive positive responses — which will be no conflict, marked completely, no access, etc. — from all of the affected facility owners/operators.

All member underground facility operators that have underground facilities on the site of the planned excavation must respond within two full working days following the day of your notification.

Due to the number of underground facility operators marking the same type of facility using the same color code, many underground facility operators will initial their locate markings for clarity. The color codes are designated by the Arizona Corporation Commission and are restricted for the use in marking underground facilities.

Electric power distribution and transmission: Safety Red.

Gas distribution and transmission; oil product distribution and transmission; dangerous materials, product lines: High Visibility Safety Yellow

Telephone and telegraph systems; cable television: Safety Alert Orange

Fiber optics communication lines: The letter “F” in Safety Alert Orange

Water systems: Safety Precaution Blue

Sanitary sewer systems: Safety Green

Reclaimed water: Purple

Land surveyor markings: Florescent

Once you have contacted Arizona 811, you will receive a copy of the ticket being distributed to the utility companies that may have conflict with your excavation. This ticket will let you know who has been notified, and the facility owner/operator will respond to your request.

Once all utilities have responded you are able to begin your excavation. You must conduct your excavation in a “careful and prudent manner.” The law defines “careful and prudent manner” as: Conducting an excavation in such a way that when the excavation is less than or equal to 24 inches from an underground facility that is marked with stakes or paint or in some customary manner, the facility is carefully exposed with hand tools, and the uncovered facility is supported and protected.

Arizona 811 is a nonprofit communication center that performs excavation notification services, which are designed to provide for public safety and underground facility damage prevention in accordance with statutory requirements. Arizona 811 sets the standard as the premier communication center in the damage prevention industry. Its success is demonstrated by quality of service, facilitating timely and accurate 360-degree communication and cost effectiveness in the facility location notification process.

It is important to know that if excavation is taking place at your home or on private property, it might be necessary to have some underground facilities located and marked by a private locating company. This has been an issue on two excavating projects recently. The property owner was not aware that he had to call for a private utility locate, and the contractor “assumed” that the owner knew what to do – a water line was cut because the line on private property was not marked. The second case was the same, and this involved an electrical line.

Utility companies and local governments mark only what they own and operate up to their point of sale, which is typically to the meter. Utility companies and other utility service providers will not mark private lines. If any excavation is being down past the meter and onto private property, a private locating company must be called to make the lines.

What are private lines? The most common examples of private lines include (but are not limited to) the service lines from the water meter and sewer main up to the house or building; a sprinkler system; a water line that services a pool; a gas line that extends to a bar-b-que. Fees for private locating companies are determined by the companies that provide these services.

There are homeowners and even some professional excavators who make risky assumptions about whether they need to have utility lines marked. Don’t risk it! It’s the law and it is crucial to preventing serious injuries and damage. Protect yourself and your family.

By the way, digging is just one of the many activities that requires you to contact Arizona 811 first. By law, you must contact Arizona 811 before “any operation in which earth, rock, or other material in the ground is moved, removed or otherwise displaced by means or use of any tools, equipment or explosives and includes, without limitation, grading, trenching, digging, ditching, drilling, auguring, boring, tunneling, scraping, cable or pipe plowing and driving.”

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time at 7 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5 FM or the web at kqna.com. Join my wingman Mike Enders of Benttree Custom homes and myself. We talk with and interview community industry partners, local businesses and so much more. It’s fun — don’t miss us! It is a great way to start your morning.

Much to Consider When Choosing How to Light your Bathroom

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:39:49 GMT

This last weekend, our guest on “Hammer Time” (YCCA’s talk show on KQNA) was the delightful Christy Board, our area’s Certified Bath and Kitchen Designer.

To share with our readers, a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) specializes in the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and as a CKBD designers must have specialized technical and communication skills that are necessary to succeed as a certified designer.

In order to obtain a CKBD, applicants must document a minimum of five years of experience, and a minimum of two years must be dedicated to full-time residential kitchen/bath design, including design execution or project management. The remaining three years can consist of full-time kitchen/bath design or related industry experience.

One of the conversations we had on air was bath lighting and what is important to keep in mind when lighting a bathroom. Christy commented that since baths now are being created into larger spa like areas lighting is the key.

The ceiling in baths should have recessed lighting overhead for general illumination and then, of course, the vanity area must have excellent task lighting. In this case, task lighting can be fixtures above the mirror or sconces on either side of the mirror. And don’t forget the lighting in the shower and/or tub area.

I asked Christy about common mistakes with bathroom lighting and she immediately replied “not enough of it” and “lighting in the wrong areas.”

Christy loves the LED bulbs, and with their improved advancement LEDs in baths give a more clean and modern look, and today’s LEDs have more wattage and the light quality is a lot warmer than the earlier LEDs. Christy prefers the bulbs for the ceiling, which give off diffused light that isn’t overly directional, and she likes the use of halogen bulbs because they give off an enormous amount of light; however, they are dimmable as well.

So many of us probably give the least amount of consideration of lighting to our baths more than any other rooms in the house. I know I have. Most of my lighting is in the kitchen and living room and the overhead light in my bath and above my mirror is supposed to do it all. Is that why some days I have a bad hair day because I can’t see clearly?

In talking with Christy we learned that a good lighting plan is placing ample light where it is needed for showers, shaving, or putting on makeup and the other light in the bath just enhances the overall mood of the room.

I was unware that vanity lighting works the hardest to illuminate the head and face for grooming, and one of the most common mistakes Christy sees in recessed ceiling fixtures directly over the mirror. This lighting makes it more difficult for makeup grooming. I am off to purchase vertical fixtures or sconces and mount them on either side of the mirror because now I know they are best for casting an even light across the face.

Are you aware that fixtures over the vanity mirror should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts — ideally spread over a fixture that’s at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face. Properly placed lighting can eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes and cheeks, so then why do we spend so much on make-up when we just need to purchase the proper lighting fixtures and bulbs?

Christy is a firm believer in dimmers. Dimmers are a lighting designer’s best friend because they grant absolute control over the lighting, and thus the mood, of the room. In a very small space like a powder room, dimming the vanity fixtures might even provide all-in-one task, ambient and accent lighting. Plus, dimmers conserve energy.

Here are some helpful hints when selecting fixtures for your bathroom.
Look for the CRI (Color Rendering Index) and color temperature. In terms of CRI, choose a fixture with a high CRI (90+ is preferred). Incandescent and halogen light sources always have the best CRI — 100 — meaning they most accurately render colors. If you wish to use an energy-efficient LED or fluorescent light source, ensure your selection has a CRI or at least 90. This provides excellent color rendering in bathroom settings.
For color temperature, select fixtures with a warm color temperature (2700K — 3000K). Many find warm color temperatures more flattering than cool ones, because they are similar to the incandescent lights most people have become used to. You should never go above 3500K in a bathroom lighting application.

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s “Hammer Time” twice each weekend Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7 on KQNA 1130AM/99.9FM/95.5FM or visit kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. A wildly fun local show. See you on the radio.

Ask the Contractor: Heated Driveway Carries Cost but Melts Snow

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:37:54 GMT

Last week we received a call from a homeowner who was interested in installing a heated driveway. They have a rather steep drive with no direct sunlight. Here are some items to consider if you are interested in a heated driveway.

There are two options; electric and/or installing a boiler. The electric option is made up of heat cables, and the boiler option uses hot water that is pumped through PEX tubing. An automatic sensor can also be installed that detects snow and ice, which would then activate the system.

There are pros and cons to both systems. For example, electric can be more efficient, heat the surface quicker and take less maintenance, while the boiler system can be a little more costly to purchase and install and require more maintenance.

With winter storms and freezing temperatures, steep driveways and sidewalks do create a hazard, and we all know the hard work of shoveling. Heated driveways offer a great benefit for the assurance of a safer environment and no more sore muscles. Another positive impact of heated driveways is the increased longevity of the concrete. Heated driveways are resistant to corrosion because ice melt material is no longer required.

Also keep in mind you must take into account the cost of tear out/haul-off and re-pour of concrete for the drive, so depending on the amount of concrete required there will be this additional expense for concrete. One can always look at pavers vs. concrete for a cost comparison.

Proper design for a heated driveway is critically important from layout to coverage, and local weather must be taken into consideration. One can always look at the installation of pavers vs. concrete as well.

And last but not least, do not forget the unattended consequences of a heated driveway. From cute deer and rabbits to javelina and skunks, these animals like warm areas to snuggle into at night. Heated driveways have been known to invite the critters over for a warm night’s sleep.

Heated driveways do have a single advantage and that is NO SNOW REMOVAL, and with some of the snow falls we have experienced throughout the years, this is no small matter for some homeowners. Although we do not live in a region that gets showered with heavy snow every winter, if a homeowner has limited mobility and no neighborhood kids who want to earn a little cash, installing a heated driveway will certainly allow a homeowner to endure the winter with safe passageway to and from the home without ever having to pick up a snow shovel.

Heated driveways are actually a radiant heat flooring system, and with the flip of a switch from inside the home the snow melts away. If you want a heated driveway, you don’t necessarily need to install a whole new driveway because sometimes the tubing can be run under your current one. I can be a smart idea to upgrade to a heated driveway if you are considering replacing your current driveway.

Remember the convenience of a heated driveway, in terms of time savings and labor reduction, is a major attraction, but it is important to keep in mind the cost factor and return on investment. Weigh the factors that might make a heated driveway worth it or not worth it. So remember to ask yourself: Is a heated driveway right for me?

Deciding whether or not a heated driveway is “worth it” involves not only weighing the cost but also balancing that cost against the value derived. Remember some factors that may tip the balance include: if you are already putting in a new driveway anyway, you de facto save on heated driveway installation expenses; we have relatively low electric rates, so the possibility of being a good candidate for electric coil heating is there; and it would be wise to check with your homeowner insurance representative – is there a cost savings for mitigating slips and falls on your property with a heated driveway?

Good-bye risk of slips and falls, good-bye snow shovel, good-bye ice melt, good-bye salt-related damage to concrete driveways.

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s “Hammer Time” twice each weekend Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95.5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. A wildly fun local show.

Unlicensed Contractors can Face Stiff Penalties

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:36:36 GMT

Contracting without a license can have a variety of negative consequences for the person or persons who engage in it.

As unlicensed contractors are a problem in almost all states, local governments have provisions in place to effectively counter and penalize individuals who provide services without the necessary business license.

From penalties and jail charges up to a court-ordered restitution, a variety of legal mechanisms have been put in place to counter the material and financial damages that unlicensed contractors cause. Here are some of the consequences that unlicensed contractors experience if caught and convicted.

Potential Criminal Penalties for Contracting without a License in Arizona: Arizona’s statutory penalties for performing unlicensed work are substantial, as are the collateral consequences. Arizona law requires contractors to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

If a construction project goes bad, it can have a huge and detrimental effect on public and personal safety. Imagine an improperly built bridge, or a high-rise built on an unstable foundation. Even the construction of a home or the renovation of a kitchen, if not performed properly, can result in a significant costs and risks to health and safety.

To help protect the public from poor workmanship and shady business practices, A.R.S. § 32-1151 sets forth Arizona’s contractor licensing requirement:
It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation association or other organization, or a combination of any of them, to engage in the business of, submit a bid or respond to a request for qualification or a request for proposals for construction services as, act or offer to act in the capacity of or purport to have the capacity of a contractor without having a contractor’s license in good standing in the name of the person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or other organization as provided in this chapter, unless the person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or other organization is exempt as provided in this chapter. Evidence of securing a permit from a governmental agency or the employment of a person on a construction project shall be accepted in any court as prima facie evidence of existence of a contract.

The plain language of the statute forbids someone without a contractor’s license from engaging in any portion of a construction job, beginning with the bidding process and continuing through the completion of the actual work. The licensing requirement is designed to protect the public against unscrupulous and unqualified persons purporting to have the capacity, knowledge and qualifications of a contractor and to regulate the conduct of those engaged in the business of contracting so as to discourage certain bad practices, which might be indulged in to the detriment of the public.

Exceptions to the Requirement: Although A.R.S. § 32-1151 appears to provide a blanket prohibition against doing any work without first obtaining a contractor’s license, another statute (A.R.S. § 32-1121) contains several exceptions.

The most commonly invoked exception is contained in § 32-1121(A)(14), which is generally known as the “Handyman Exemption.” Under that exemption, a person who does not hold a contractor’s license may bid for and accept work when the aggregate contract price, including labor and materials, amounts to less than $1,000. The words “aggregate contract price” are key, because they make clear that one cannot take advantage of the exception by breaking a job up into parts so that each part has a contract price of less than $1,000. People have tried, and those who have been caught have been convicted of contracting without a license.

Penalties: Contracting without a license in violation of A.R.S. § 32-1151 is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 32-1164). All class 1 misdemeanors carry a maximum term of six months in the county jail and a maximum fine of $2,500 plus an 83 percent surcharge. The minimum penalty for contracting without a license as a first offense is a fine of $1,000 plus an 83 percent surcharge. A.R.S. § 32-1164(B). In most cases, an unlicensed contractor will simply face a fine, but jail time is not out of the question if the perpetrator is a repeat offender or the facts are egregious.

Contracting without a license can give rise to more serious charges. For example, if an unlicensed contractor falsely claimed to be licensed in order to obtain a job, he might be charged with Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a class 2 felony. Or, assume that, in a kitchen remodel, an unlicensed contractor improperly installed gas lines that caused a fire and led to the death of the home’s occupant. In that situation the unlicensed contractor might face felony charges for negligent homicide or even manslaughter, both of which could result in a lengthy prison term.

In addition to any criminal penalties imposed by the court, an unlicensed contractor will also be required to pay restitution to the extent anyone suffered economic loss as a direct result of the offense. Restitution in contracting without a license cases is typically the contract price minus the economic benefit received by the victim as a result of the work performed.

However, restitution could be much more than that, particularly if the cost of damages caused by the unlicensed contractor’s work exceeds the contract price.

In addition to the criminal penalties and restitution described above, a conviction for contracting without a license will also come with collateral consequences. Collateral consequences stem from the conviction but are not imposed directly by the court. Perhaps the most significant collateral consequence associated with a conviction for contracting without a license arises as a result of A.R.S. § 32-1122(D), which prohibits the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) from issuing a contractor’s license to anyone who has been convicted of contracting without a license during the preceding 12 months.

This article is offered as general guidance only and is not to be relied upon as specific legal advice. For legal advice on a specific matter, please consult with an attorney. Please note that, while this article accurately describes applicable law on the subject, the law continues to develop with the passage of time. Accordingly, before relying upon this article, care should be taken to verify that the law described herein has not changed since the article’s publication.

A few important items to remember: It is important to remember that unlicensed contractors put their own clients at risk if someone is injured on the job. Contractors must demonstrate proof of insurance as part of obtaining a trade license in Arizona. The first thing a homeowner should do before hiring is ask for proof of a license and insurance. Liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury caused by that contractor’s work. Homeowners should also make certain the contractor’s insurance policy includes workers’ compensation, which covers injuries the contractor’s employees may suffer while on the job.

Ask the Contractor: Make Right Choice When Melting Ice, Snow

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:35:06 GMT

Originally Published: October 25, 2018 5:11 p.m.

We are approaching our winter weather, and from experience our weather can take a toll on more than just our cars and our attitudes. Concrete walks, driveway, steps all take a pounding from the elements and the deicing chemicals that we apply.

Some people find the world of de-icers, ice melters, anti-icers, or basic ice removal compounds somewhat confusing especially with all the claims various manufacturers make regarding these products. We hope our column will help you navigate through the maze of confusion.

What is the difference between a de-icer, ice-melter or an anti-icer you ask?
Anything used to melt the ice is considered to be a deicer or ice-melter. It does not matter what the material composition is or what format it comes in. Ice-melter can be in variety of formats, such as granular, flakes, pellets, pearls, powder or even in a liquid format. Many people assume that the word ice-melter means that it is somehow eco-friendly. This simply is not the case. Rock salt is an ice-melter.

An anti-icer is any product that can be applied to a surface before a storm to help prevent ice build-up from occurring. Anti-icer does not eliminate ice build-up, but rather just delays it enough and forms a slush so it can be removed easier.

What different types of ice-melters are there?
There are many different chemicals that can go into making up a de-icer; however, only a few base compounds are used, due to price and availability. They are: rock salt (sodium chloride), magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, urea, CMA (calcium magnesium accetate), NAAC (sodium accetate) and liquid glychol. Many products sold today are merely re-packaged commodities of rock salt, natural or artificially colored.

CMA is a salt-free deicing agent made from acetic acid and dolomitic lime. Although this de-icing compound is more expensive than most salts or combination deicers, it is less damaging to the driveway surface and plants, making it suitable for use in environmentally sensitive areas.

What type of ice-melter should be used on new concrete?
None. No ice-melter should be used on newly poured concrete, as concrete requires a certain length of time to cure. This amount of time can vary depending on the type of concrete. It is best not to use ice-melter on new or unsealed concrete less than 12 months old, exposed aggregate, brick, or pre-cast steps. Applying ice-melter to damaged, cracked or chipped concrete may result in further damage due to the thaw and re-freeze cycles.

Some ice-melters containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulphate additives will rapidly disintegrate concrete and therefore should not be used.

Why should people avoid using calcium chloride ice-melters?
Besides the fact that calcium chloride causes damage to concrete by having a very short thaw/freeze cycle, and causes discoloration of concretep; calcium chloride inherently attracts moisture – is hygroscopic -- and therefore has a limited shelf life. Further, calcium chloride leaves behind an oily residue, which is easily tracked into buildings, soiling and damaging carpets and floorings and presenting a serious slip/fall hazard. Calcium chloride is harmful to the environment -- damaging plant life, soil and the water system. Also, people must be very careful when using calcium chloride as it caustic and will burn skin causing an irritation. It should not be used around pets.

Why should people avoid using rock salt or sodium chloride?
Rock salt has an enormously negative effect on the environment as it is toxic to vegetation and damaging to soil. Rock salt or sodium chloride is not only harmful to plant life but also the soil that sustains life.

By far the most risk of damage to your concrete during the winter months is attributed to the freeze/thaw cycle. This is the buildup of water (melted ice) being absorbed into porous concrete, which then freezes and expands. This expansion within the concrete causes pressure to build up, and eventually this build up will exceed the limit that the concrete was built to withstand and when the pressure becomes too much for the concrete to withstand, scaling generally occurs.

The freeze/thaw cycle is a natural process and there is no way of eliminating it. However, to reduce the damage caused by this cycle, it is strongly recommended that after applying the ice melt and when the ice turns to slush, that the slush be removed from the pavement, sidewalk or driveway to reduce the amount of water that may penetrate the concrete, thus reducing the pressure build-up.

Using an ice melt that contains calcium chloride tends to re-freeze more quickly compared to using ice melt containing potassium chloride. By using potassium chloride, you extend the time available for more melted ice (water) to drain off your concrete or evaporate, resulting in less water being absorbed by the concrete.

Not Too Early To Winterize Your Home - Plus Great Things to do with Coffee Grounds

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:31:37 GMT

We recently moved to Yavapai County from Maine and are not sure what to expect for winter preparation here in the “desert.” In Maine, we had serious winter preparation tasks to perform to safeguard our home and yard. What advice can you give us? We love reading your column.

- Earl and Susie, Cottonwood

Like it or not, winter is coming, even to the “desert.” Our cold snaps here aren’t really comparable to Maine, but nonetheless, we do have winter preparation to do.

We have had cold snaps that burst pipes left to right, from plumbing lines to irrigation lines to fire sprinkler lines, and boy, oh boy did my phone ring off the hook. So to all of our readers, there is no need to wait until the last minute to prepare your home for winter.

It’s not too early to get your home ready, and you should all take action now while the weather is still nice.

The last thing you want to do is fix any problems after the temperature has dropped below the freezing point.

With all of the burst piping a few years back, the financial benefits of winterizing your home are worth it now.

With the rain we have had lately, now is a good time to drain the water from your outdoor faucets and disconnect and drain the garden hoses. DO NOT LEAVE your garden hoses connected to the outdoor faucets. If you do not have anti-syphon hose bibs, you can check your local hardware stores for insulated covers for your outdoor faucets.

For those with an in-ground sprinkler system, we highly recommend a professional to drain the pipes. This will eliminate any costly repairs from a pipe bursting should it freeze while full of water.

Any pipes can be easily insulated with inexpensive foam covers found at local hardware stores. As an added precaution, you should make sure you know how to turn off the main water source to your home. Water damage is costly, so the faster you can get the water turned off, the better.

For the homes with a fireplace, now is the time to have an inspection. DO NOT WAIT until you light the fireplace for the first time. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the weather gets cold. In addition, have a professional give your heating system a thorough check.

Be sure to caulk any gaps. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, it is a good idea to use caulking and weather stripping around all entry points. These steps will help block potential entry points for cold air.

Reversing ceiling fans is another simple way to save energy. When running in reverse mode, the fan produces an updraft and will push the warm air down into the room. This is especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings.

Now is the time to check your roof and gutters. Look for damaged, lose or missing shingles that may leak during a winter storm or from melting snow. Check and repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys while you are on the roof. Be sure to give the gutters a thorough cleaning to allow snow melt to drain properly.

Did you know that more structural fires occur during freezing weather than in the heat of summer? This is surge is largely owed to malfunctioning heating equipment. Check your smoke alarms with 10-year batteries and the same goes for carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have these devices, you should have.

About one-third of annual carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases occur between December and February. CO can be created from any fuel-burning appliance, such as furnaces, natural gas ranges, fireplaces, gas logs and even generators when used during a power outage. One of the main concerns in winter is symptoms of CO poisoning often mimic the flu, a mistake that can prove deadly.

The “Farmers Almanac” indicates “Stinging Cold and Above Average Precipitation” for the Southwest! So be prepared.

Useful Coffee Grounds

As I was tossing out the coffee grounds this morning, I thought about “surfing” the net to find out what uses there are for coffee grounds and here are a few:

Coffee grounds as an exfoliant. The rough texture of the coffee grounds can be used on your skin as a scrub. Coffee scrubs are all the rage. Just mix ½ cup coffee grounds and ½ cup sugar (any kind) with ¼ cup coconut oil in a small jar with lid. Work into wet skin, and rinse.

Soil aeration and nitrogen boost for houseplants. Adding coffee grounds to your houseplants helps the pH balance (toward acidity) as well as increasing nitrogen and aerating the soil.

Neutralize refrigerator odors. Placing coffee grounds in the refrigerator acts as a natural deodorizer. The only thing you need to watch for is mold if you use damp grounds. Replace immediately with fresher grounds if it turns into a science experiment.

Makes sweeping or vacuuming up ashes around the fireplace or wood stove easily. Sprinkling damp coffee grounds around the fireplace or wood stove will assist in reducing dust and ashes in your hearth, making them easier to sweep or vacuum up.

Scour pots and pans. The gentle abrasive of coffee grounds can help in the kitchen to remove stubborn caked-on food from your pots and pans.

Snail, slug, and cat repellent. In the garden, just mound up a barrier of coffee grounds around the plants which slugs and cats are attracted to. It will help keep them at bay.

Steroids for your carrot crop. Carrots love coffee grounds. They will grow larger and sweeter and the plants will have a greater yield. Just trowel the grounds in around the immature shoots.

Have a lovely week.
Sandy Griffis
Executive Director
YAVAPAI COUNTY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

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Don’t Panic A 20 Day Notice is Not a Lien

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:21:05 GMT

This week, four calls came in from homeowners receiving Preliminary 20 Day Notices in the mail. All of the owners were distraught and asked, “How can a contractor file a lien on our property when we do not owe anything? How serious is this and how do we get it removed?”

As far as I know, local contractors have never been in the habit of sending out preliminary lien notices. In the past, many subs and suppliers have been fortunate to work with people they have done business with before, but with today’s shortage of manpower and many new companies popping up, suppliers and subs are doing work with some new companies, and many are from out of the area. There seem to be more and more issues with non-payment of work, and subs and suppliers are not being paid.

We have written several columns on preliminary, 20 day notices, and, based on what is taking place with growth and building, it is important to share this information again. Keep in mind, this information is not intended to be all inclusive of the law of mechanic liens in Arizona, but does contain some basic information.

First of all, do not panic. You have received a preliminary, 20-day notice in the mail; this is not a lien. Rather, it is a notice that a subcontractor or supplier that your general contractor provided — or will be providing — goods and services to improve your property and could file a lien if they are not ultimately paid. If the subcontractor or supplier is not paid, you will receive additional documents.

The later document is called a “mechanic’s lien.” And if payment is not made to contractor or supplier after receipt of these additional documents, the contractor or supplier could institute legal proceedings to foreclose on the lien. But, that is way down the road. The preliminary, 20-day notice is not recorded but only allows the contractor to begin the process.

Mechanic’s lien law is, at best, complicated and confusing, and there are risks involved for homeowners. You can take steps to avoid these problems by preparing for the possibility of a lien and employing safeguards to protect you. A mechanics lien is a “hold” for a potential future claim against your property that, if unpaid, allows a foreclosure action, forcing the sale of your home to satisfy any project debts.

A mechanic’s lien is a “cloud” on the title to the property that can affect the homeowner’s ability to borrow against or sell the property.

Receipt of a 20-day notice allows you to track who has a potential claim against your property. Subcontractors and suppliers must provide you with this notice to maintain their right to file and pursue a lien. If they do not provide you with the notice, they lose the right to file a lien.

A subcontractor or supplier can give you the 20-day notice before delivering supplies or starting work and up to 20 days after delivering supplies or starting work.

Watch the timing. If the notice is later, the subcontractor or supplier is only entitled to foreclose a lien to recover payments owed 20 days before receipt of the notice and anytime thereafter.

Keep track of any 20-Day Notices and make sure you are aware of who can file a lien against your property. Your best protection as a homeowner is to be certain you require and get from the contractor lien releases, both conditional and unconditional waiver and releases on progress payments and final payments. If you have questions or would like copies of the releases, we will be happy to assist.

It is important to obtain conditional and unconditional releases for progress payments/partial and final payments. The prime contractor has a direct, contractual agreement with the homeowner. If the contractor isn’t paid, he or she can sue on the contract. But subcontractors, workers and suppliers don’t have a contract with the homeowner.

A problem can occur when the homeowner pays the prime contractor for all or some of the work, but the prime contractor fails to pay the laborers, subcontractors, and materials suppliers that were hired to do portions of the job. Again, obtain conditional and unconditional releases for partial and final payments.

You can help protect yourself from unwarranted liens by carefully selecting your contractor and responsibly managing your construction project. Thoroughly check your prime contractor’s business and professional work before you sign a contract; hire only licensed contractors and check the contractor’s license status. Make sure your contractor hires only licensed subcontractors and be sure to check their licenses, too.

YCCA hopes you find this information valuable. Please call if you have any questions.

Worker Shortage Makes Patience Important

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:18:45 GMT

Not a week goes by when I do not receive calls from contractors near and far looking for employees.

Not a week goes by when I do not receive calls from homeowners, indicating they have executed a contract for a home project; however, they are seeking another contractor who can get them on “the schedule” sooner than later.

Construction in Yavapai County is ranked as the fifth-largest industry and the third top growing industry. Our industry is not alone in seeking employees. Every business, from banks to newspapers, to radio stations, health care, police and fire, cities and towns, grocery stores — and the list goes on — is in desperate need of good, hard-working employees.

The industry that I love most is struggling. Construction is short of labor, so consequently projects are scheduled three, four, five and even six months out.

I am writing our column this week to the homeowner. Please understand that the labor shortage has affected our residential and commercial construction and probably will for some time. Just ask any of our construction companies from plumbers to drywall installers to electricians to landscapers to tile and flooring; they all say they cannot find the manpower to handle the surge of homes, remodeling projects landscaping installations, weed removal, paver installations, deck repairs, painting, window replacements, etc.

Believe me, Yavapai County is not special. This is a problem felt across the U.S. More and more of our industry partners are seeing more delays as they wait for crews to get to jobs. We do not have enough workers to get the job done.

I have mentioned in previous articles that the current labor shortage is likely to worsen because many of our current skilled workers in the trades are in their 50s and they are getting ready to retire and go fishing. Arizona is seeing declines of 20 percent or more in the workforce, according to data from the Associated General Contractors of America. This shortage raises builders’ costs and slows down construction, which is difficult for homeowners to understand, and according to a local fence manufacturer and a landscaper, “It’s getting to the point where you’re really limited in what you can deliver.”

With fewer workers, contractors are becoming wary of signing new work contracts, especially with the workforce issues creating an uncertainly with completion dates and/or a start date, both of which are moving targets.

With the promise of new construction jobs continuing to grow, homeowners please understand that with the labor shortage it is tough for our local contractors to keep up with all the demands on them. So if I can say one thing, please be patient. I’m afraid it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

Our local jurisdictions are on track to record a high number of permits due to the accelerated permit activity, and of course delays are occurring in issuing permits and homeowners and builders are experiencing delays in starting projects.

As you can see, construction delays are plaguing everyone in the industry section. So again, please be patient.

Because construction practically came to a halt during and after the height of the downturn, the lack of qualified workers wasn’t noticeable at first. But now that we’re back to building at top capacity, project delays are a serious issue in construction business. Not only do they directly impact current work from the construction companies, but they indirectly affect future projects as everything gets pushed. Material suppliers are overbooked and can’t manufacture and deliver product fast enough. Our contractors are scrambling to catch up without sacrificing quality. Please be patient.

It is important to understand the construction workforce issues and understand that our industry is working as hard as it can to take care of your project and to deliver a good quality project.

Contractors would love to swoop in and save the day; however, they can’t. They simply don’t have the manpower.

Construction workers have become an increasingly rare and precious commodity. The shortage of workers is dramatically slowing down projects, so again I repeat, homeowners please be patient.

I want to close by saying being patient is often easier said than done. Getting through the day can be hard enough knowing you are desperately waiting for that landscaping project which now has been delayed “again” and then it is finally scheduled and then the contractors workers do not show up or called in sick, or the material delivery did not arrive. So guess what — you receive a call saying “I am sorry we cannot start your job today.” Believe me, these contractors do not want to call you and tell you your project is delayed. Being patient is hard, but remember being patient makes people feel good and paves the way for good relationships.

Universal Design Fits Everyone’s Needs

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:15:05 GMT

We were out the other evening and heard the term universal design being discussed at a table. What exactly is universal design? Thank you for enlightening and educating us. We assume it has something to do with “the golden years” which is where we are — 85 and 87. — Ed and Rosie, Prescott.

Universal design is related to aging-in-place remodeling and was developed to address the growing number of consumers who will soon require these modifications for the golden years.

Everyone can use universal design! It really does not matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.

Here are some of the more common universal design features that are also incorporated into aging-in-place remodels:

No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home’s main rooms.

One-story living. Places to eat, use of the bathroom and sleeping areas are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.

Wider doorways. Doorways that are 32 to 36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it much easier to move larger household items in and out of the house.

Wider hallways. Hallways should be 36 to 42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything is able to move more easily from room to room.

Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.

Some universal design features just make good sense. For example:

Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.

Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway.

Good high quality lighting helps people with poor vision.

Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. I have lever door handles in my home and what a convenience when my arms are full of packages. Never again will I have knobs on any of my doors!

Simply put, Universal Design is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation. It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.

Locally in the industry we are seeing more Universal Design features in new homes. Universal Design can increase usability of the home without considerably increasing its cost by reducing the need for design modifications later when abilities or circumstances change.

HOME MAINTENANCE QUIZ

Here is a little fun part of our column this week. You all know that your home is probably the largest investment you will ever make. Taking good care of it with regular maintenance is necessary to maintain its value and ensure it will provide a comfortable, safe shelter for you and your family for a long time.

Here is a home maintenance quiz that will test your maintenance knowledge. While this quiz does not address every home maintenance project, it does provide helpful tips and reminders for chores you may have overlooked.

1) How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?
At least every three months during the heating season.

2) What part of the faucet usually needs to be replaced when you have a water leak?
The washer.

3) Should you run hot or cold water through your garbage disposal?
Cold water.

4) How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?
At least every six months.

5) What faucet part needs to be cleaned every three to four months?
Aerator — the screen inside the end of the faucet.

6) What can you use for traction on icy sidewalks, steps and driveways?
Cat litter or sand — never use salt because it damages the pavement.

7) Where should your firewood be stored?
Outside, away from your house and not directly on the ground.

8) Do hardwood floors need to be waxed?
Hardwood floors that do not have a polyurethane finish probably will need to be waxed periodically. Use liquid or paste “spirit” wax.

9) What is the best polish for vinyl floors?
Water emulsion wax.

10) How often should your roof be inspected?
A qualified roofer should inspect your roof every two - three years.

11) To ensure your safety, what household equipment uses batteries that must be checked regularly to make sure they are operable?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

12) What is the white powdery substance that develops on masonry walls?
Efflorescence sometimes appears on masonry walls. It is crystallized soluble salts that can be removed by scrubbing with water and a stiff brush.

13) At what temperature should your water heater be set?
120 degrees Fahrenheit

14) How often do skylights need to be inspected?
Skylights should be inspected each time your roof is inspected so leaks don’t develop from cracks and interruptions around its seals, caulking and flashings.

15) What can you use to help a window slide easily?
Rub the channel with a piece of paraffin.