Alex Aguirre
Journal · 35 guides
Practical guides on building, remodeling and caring for a well-designed home, written from years of Arizona projects.
Featured · Build & Remodel
How Much Does It Cost to Build A Luxury Custom Home in Arizona? Depending on location and complexity but a luxury custom build can average between $300 to $800 per sq. foot.
Read the guide · 9 min
How to tell if a wall is load-bearing in a Scottsdale or Cave Creek home, what block (CMU) construction changes, how steel beams and post-tension slabs affect the plan, and what to ask before demolition.
Can you put a larger refrigerator on the same outlet? Do you need a new panel for a 48-inch range? A homeowner guide to dedicated circuits, induction, wine fridges, microwave drawers and island outlets in Scottsdale and Cave Creek.
Can you convert a tub to a walk-in shower on a slab? Move a toilet? Add steam, heated floors or a bidet seat? A practical bathroom guide for Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Phoenix homes.
A plain-language guide to which remodels usually need a permit in Scottsdale and Cave Creek, how HOA review and hillside or desert-preserve rules affect additions, casitas and exterior changes, and what to ask first.
What to check before adding a bathroom on septic, remodeling on well water, or adding propane appliances in Cave Creek and Carefree. Plus pests, dust and planning around long or steep driveways.
A realistic phase-by-phase kitchen remodel timeline for Scottsdale and Cave Creek homes, what causes delays, how to set up a temporary kitchen, and what snowbirds should plan before leaving mid-project.
Which countertop survives sun, hard water and 115° outdoor kitchens in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Product comparison, the lemon test to do at the stone yard, and where each slab belongs.
It is not easy to know how to choose the best windows for new home construction. Here are some styles and window types to consider.
Renovating your bathroom can be very stressful, especially when remodeling the shower. This article will show you how to remodel bathroom shower.
Residential drafting and custom home design led by principal designer Alex Aguirre. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley.
Standard swimming pool depth recommendations range from 3.5 feet to 5 feet, depending on the use and goal. For diving, it's best to be at a min. 8 feet.
A product-by-product guide to stopping 4 p.m. sun in Phoenix and Scottsdale homes: exterior solar screens, low-E glass, window film and interior shades compared, plus a weekend DIY install.
Discover the benefits of blinds - easy installation, room aesthetics, and advantages over curtains. Sometimes more cost effective in the long run.
Did you know your tile flooring can get hot from the sun through your window? The tile material you choose is a contributing factor. Read to find out more.
The most common window size or average window size is 24x36. See all common window sizes & dimensions for fixed, standard & double-hung windows.
Are you considering a window installation for your home? What you need to do before, during, and after a window installation. From the initial preparations to understanding the installation process, we've got you covered.
There are two types of Patio doors. Read on for more information about French doors vs sliding doors and which ones could suit your home better.
Discover the world of smart window coverings and how they're revolutionizing interior design. PHX Interior Design explores the benefits and applications of these cutting-edge solutions.
Discover the ideal blinds for Arizona homes while shopping for window blinds in Arizona. Learn how to determine the best blinds for your windows with expert insights from PHX Interior Design.
From floor-to-ceiling motorized sliders to massive structural panes, discover the specialist care and schedules required to keep your estate’s glazing pristine.
An insider look at integrating automated solar shading seamlessly into your architectural drops, utilizing premium performance fabrics designed for the harsh Arizona sun.
Vertical blinds are a great for privacy, shade, insulation & design. Choosing from fabric, wooden, metal or PVC vertical blinds and shades is fun with phxid.
If you are unsure what is the best material for plantation shutters, consider the style and needs of your home. Also consider the levels of durability.
Discover the specific wood species, high-durability commercial finishes, and architectural selections that protect your custom flooring without compromising on aesthetic luxury.
How to add a plumbed espresso machine, a sparkling water spout or chilled water at a kitchen island in Scottsdale and Cave Creek homes. Water, drain, power and cabinet planning, and what changes on a slab.
What an outdoor kitchen needs in Scottsdale and Cave Creek: gas and electrical, covered-patio clearances, misters, fire features, pocket glass walls and HOA rules, plus a pre-install checklist.
Wood floors on a slab, stucco and paint that fade on south and west walls, cabinet finishes that yellow in the heat, and how to update Spanish-style interiors without losing character, for Scottsdale and Cave Creek homes.
Which upholstery and drapery fibers survive Arizona sun, why stain-resistant isn’t the same as UV-resistant, and a 30-day sun test you can run on any swatch.
The outdoor furniture, motorized screens, cushions and rugs that hold up to Arizona monsoon season, plus a 20-minute pre-storm checklist.
Danish design has always been appraised for its simplicity in architecture and furniture. We build on this sharp interior design tradition to our clients' home.
Do you know the different types of closets? Closets typically fall in three different categories: walk-in, reach-in and wardrobes.
Planning on moving to Phoenix, Arizona? Discover useful tips and valuable insights about living in Phoenix. See why thousands are moving to Phoenix.
How to fix a hot room in a Scottsdale or Cave Creek home: ductless mini-splits, zoned systems, whole-house fans, solar and the windows that block summer heat, with a DIY check to find the real cause.
The fixture finishes, shower glass coatings and water treatment that actually hold up to Valley hard water, plus a 15-minute DIY aerator descale.