Questions You Need To Ask Remodelers, Answers They Should Give Print

University Of Arizona's Director of the Race Track Industry Program Wendy Davis gives her perspective on the controversy in The Kentucky Derby.   Explains the process by race officials and how they came to their decision on disqualifying Maximum Security.

Filmmaker/Producer Katrina Parks discusses her current project.  A documentary on 'Route 66 Women:  The Untold Story Of The Mother Road'

Story of some of the women who pushed boundaries in a man's world.  Fighting past segregation and gender discrimination to build fulfilling lives for themselves.

Katrina explains how the idea came from The Harvey Girls after the Fred Harvey Hotels closed.

Katrina Parks talks about one of the women who made a living on Route 66, preservation of landmarks on Route 66 and when the documentary will be finished.

Some of the Arizona places on Route 66.

Follow the progress of the documentary at Route 66 Women.com

Staycation for May is at The Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.  Marketing Director Sara Badilla describes what you'll find at the resort and the many ammenities.

Jay Harper gets your trees and lawn ready for summer with mulch!  Check your irrigation system, fertilize and apply mulch.

Details the proper ingredients for a good mulch.  Compost can be part of it.

Tips for using horse manure as compost for fertilizer

Proper applications for mulch around trees to keep the ground cool, retains water and prevents weed growth.

Can you mulch and fertilize at the same time?  For the most part yes.  Jay explains.

The proper way to apply fertilizer.  Start with making sure the tree/plant is watered prior to applying.

Can you apply fertilizer and pre-emergent at the same time?  Yes and no depending on the plant/tree.

The more moisture you have, the more pre-emergent you may need to keep weeds out.

For dead weeds its important to not scatter the seeds of the weed that can lead to new weeds.  

Apply pre-emergent in the spring and fall.

Discussion of preping and tending summer lawns.  From rye to bermuda grass.

Do irrigation inspection, check the timers, emmiters, and water is applied in the right places.

Landscape Watering Guide at Water Use It Wisely.com

TEXT questions about fertilizer for citrus trees, shade tree suggestion for a south facing wall and anything to plant in May.

Ask yourself before investing in solar, energy efficient windows or anything else:  Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint?  Save on your energy bill?  Or is it a quality of life issue?

The advantages of a Whole Home Energy Audit.  Make it a starting point for an action plan.

The Tucson Mayor's Water Challenge received some major accolades.

Desert Hills/New River is considering incorporation.  Romey explains the process of what it takes for a town to be incorporated.

Our 'How To' on Exterior Paint Inspection.  What to look for on various surfaces (adobe, wood, block)  to see if painting is needed.  Rosie recommendations on the right paint and ones not suitable for the home's exterior.

8 Warning Signs You Need To Re-Paint

Discussion of mortgage lending showing signs of repeating bad debt.  Including loans to cover rent payments, flipping homes and first time home buyers buying more home that they can afford.  

Rosie's steps to find the right contractor for your remodeling project.

What it takes to get a realistic bid on a project.

What trained experts are taught to do that you should avoid and why.

Checking out a contractor thru The Registrar Of Contractors.  Arizona Registrar Of Contractors

The importance of a contractor being licensed, bonded, insured and general liability.

Seek out contractors that have done projects in your area.  Ask if they've done particular projects like bathrooms, kitchens, etc. and referrals.

For starters, does the home need testing for lead, asbestos, mold.  Have you done a Whole Home Energy Audit.  

Tips on setting the first appointment:  Make an excuse to not be available at top or bottom of an hour to test if they're 'on time'. 

If the suggested time is too soon, what this could actually mean.

Take a look at their truck or van for cleanliness and organized.

Contractors should ask more questions about the project than you do.

Have them bring pictures of previous projects  in your area.  Note some of the different designs, fixtures, etc. for comparisons.

Ask what sub contractors and supply warehouses they use.  Then contact them about the contractor's business practices.

Before the second meeting with the contractor, you should ask questions to the clients about the contractor's previous projects.

You should see a plan, budget and just as important does the project need permits.

Meet with the contractor's supervisor on an actual job site.

Meet at the contractor's business office for other observations/questions to finalize a start/completion date.

Why the Course of Construction Insurance is important.