To Pool or Not to Pool

Summers in Southern Arizona can be tough. The weather warms up significantly and while the long days of sunshine are great, the heat can be a lot. So what to do? One option is to put a pool in your yard! As a homeowner, whether to buy a home with a pool or install a pool in your backyard is a big decision!

It’s tempting to imagine the aesthetics of a beautiful blue pool in the yard. It’s perfect for summer parties but it’s important to do your due diligence as a homeowner.

Be sure to budget for monthly pool maintenance. It’s important to keep your pool clean and at the correct chemical levels so it’s safe to use. There are also weekly chores that need to be done, including checking the basket for debris, skimming the surface, and vacuuming. Also keep in mind that during the summer months, the heat causes more water evaporation so anticipate an increase in your water bill.

Make sure to talk to your insurance agent about how a pool is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. There are a few different options based on your insurance. This is also an important question if you’re thinking about adding a pool to your yard after you own your home. If you have detailed questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Fairfield Homes agent!

Another consideration is safety. With pets and young kids, it’s important to budget and understand Arizona laws regarding fences and gates around the pool to make sure that everyone stays safe. In Arizona, above and below-ground pools must be surrounded by a fence or gate at least five-feet high that doesn’t have any openings more than four inches in diameter. There are some great local Tucson companies that will install high-quality fences that will enhance your yard design.

There are many advantages to installing a swimming pool in the backyard! For one thing, it’s great for kids! During the summertime in Arizona, kids don’t want to be anywhere except the pool. Anyone with a pool immediately becomes the destination house in the neighborhood!

Swimming pools are a great way to keep people of all ages active and engaged. It’s great for socializing, leisure,  and has many health benefits like stretching, low-impact exercise, and is great for rehabilitation. Swimming is one of the most popular outdoor activities! Studies show that swimming burns more calories per hour than walking or biking. Pools are also calming and peaceful.

What a great excuse to have barbeques and bond with your neighbors! Plus, swimming pools in Arizona can be used almost year-round so the cost per use goes down quickly and significantly.

The bottom line is that a swimming pool in Southern Arizona makes a lot of sense. The weather is perfect for it, it’s the ideal playground for kids and family pets, and it’s a feature that increases the resale value of your home. Of course, think through the details and what makes the most sense for your home and your family when making a big decision like this.


It was February 14, 1912, when President William Howard Taft strode into the Oval Office and signed a bill that amended Arizona Territory into the State of Arizona. Though it took a simple signature to enact statehood, the actual efforts to get here were long and arduous.

While February 14th is nationally known as Valentine’s Day, Arizonans know that on this day in history Arizona completed the 48 conterminous United States in the union.

How did this union begin?

The entirety of present-day Arizona belonged to independent Mexico in 1821. When expansionists spread out West, conflicts over territory arose, leading to the Mexican-American war which spanned from 1846 until 1848.

When the dust settled, Mexico ceded 70% of northern Arizona to the U.S. The land was considered a territory of New Mexico, but later it became its own Arizona Territory under the Confederacy. A couple of decades after the Civil War, residents petitioned for Arizona’s statehood several times, but to no avail. A big reason was population. People were dubious about the viability of the desert land, but that all changed.

The population boomed

From a first look, the desert environment gave doubts to its productivity. Yet, copper mining was Arizona’s premier industry and satisfied a rapidly growing market. Cattle, cotton, citrus, and more agricultural interests brought in homesteaders to develop farming economies. Arizona held the powerful five C’s: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate.

Gradually, more people recognized the Arizona climate was not only worth developing, but its environment was cleaner than other states and a warm respite from the harsh winter conditions.

Once the widespread availability of refrigeration and air conditioning developed, more people called Arizona home. A far cry from its population of 217,000 people in 1912, Arizona is currently home to 7.2 million people today.

So, Why February 14th?

Bad luck and better timing: It took some time for Taft to feel secure in the constitution of the state. But, when he ultimately decided to sign the statehood papers, planners hoped he would ratify Arizona on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th. Unfortunately, Taft was out of town and everyone considered the 13th to be bad luck, so the signing was pushed back to February 14th — the day to commemorate love and admiration.

We admire our great state, and all over Arizona, visitors and long-time residents alike can uncover new, exciting opportunities here — from historical landmarks to expansive hiking trails. There’s an adventure for anyone.

Ready to ring in the celebration of Arizona’s 110th anniversary by calling it home?

At Fairfield Homes, we create gorgeous semi-custom and custom homes blended with the natural landscape and optimized for grand views of the Tucson terrain in every direction. Speak with an industry expert today to discover your home options!

Sources:
https://legallegacy.wordpress.com/2019/02/14/february-14-1912-arizona-joins-the-union-as-the-48th-state/
https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/arizona
https://kjzz.org/content/19682/did-you-know-it-took-arizona-49-years-become-state

Undoubtedly, Tucson presents a wide range of opportunities to pique your interest. But, it’s also nice to get out and take an adventure beyond city limits for the day. You don’t need to travel too far or spend the night to enjoy all of the fun activities around Tucson. Discover a mixture of history, nature, and fun goodies on these day trips.

Mount Lemmon / Summerhaven

An hour’s drive, about 30 miles north of Tucson, brings you to Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven. This “Island in the Sky” completely transforms from a desert terrain of cacti and mesquite trees to a winter wonderland of leafy ferns and pines the farther you travel up the scenic byway.

Many people come to Mount Lemmon to hike, stargaze, picnic, ski, snowboard, sled, and snowshoe. During the winter season, the quaint community of Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon is the place to stay warm with its cozy cabins for renting and the delicious fudge from the Mt. Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop.

Desert Belle Cruises on Saguaro Lake

Two hours from Tucson, sail away on the Desert Belle Tour Boat for a 90-minute cruise where a coastguard-certified captain will share interesting facts on the history and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.

The serene experience is highlighted by the magic of this teardrop-silver and shimmering lake, towering canyon walls, the fountain of knowledge, and refreshments. Desert Belle serves alcohol, soda, and water for the humans on board, and popcorn for feeding the ducks during the excursion.

Desert Belle offers different cruise experiences, including ones with live music every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Wine Cruises and Narration Cruises.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Spelunking for everyone! A closer, 30-minute drive from the heart of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open daily for cave tours. After venturing the caves, you can embark on many different adventures like hiking, biking, or horseback riding the trails of the Sonoran Desert.

Picnic for the day and grab a refreshment from the nearby Terrace Café & Shop. This historic, limestone structure features spectacular views of the rolling desert landscape to enjoy while trying delicious recipes and a tasty selection of craft beers and wine.

Tombstone

The authentic spirit of the old west lives on in the city of Tombstone, AZ. This one-hour trip from Tucson will transport you back to the wild wild west. After getting its start as a silver mining claim in the late-1870s, the settlement boomed into an entertainment hub of opera, theaters, dance halls, and brothels.

Put your cowboy hats on, dust off your chaps, and walk the dusty, wooden boardwalks of this famous town. Numerous shops, restaurants, and saloons line the walkway. And, you’ll leave with your own personal experience and history of the “Town Too Tough to Die.”

Sonoita Vineyards

Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest running commercial vineyard and winery in the state of Arizona. An hour from Tucson, situated in the rolling hills in the Sonoita-Elgin area of Southern Arizona, this Winery offers many award-winning wines crafted from native grapes—all for your tasting pleasure.

The views from the winery are unparalleled along with a great ambiance that complements the tasting experience. With selections for every taste—dry, sweet, dessert—there’s wine in store for you and great history about the vineyard’s beginnings.

Tucson is a beautiful place to put roots down with a plethora of ventures to embark on. Make Southern Arizona your charming abode with the help of Fairfield Homes. We’ve been in the business of building custom and semi-custom homes for over two decades, and we know just how to blend beautiful architectural structures without disturbing the stunning natural landscape. Get started on finding your perfect-fit homesite. Contact Fairfield Homes today.


Holiday plans in place, check. Guests arriving, check. But, oh no, what about the house?! Prepping for the holidays tacks on unwanted stress—there’s no doubt about that. With proper planning, you can enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family without any worries. From now until New Year’s, get a jumpstart on your resolutions with these holiday-home tips.

1. Use Seasonal Scents

Welcome your guests with the aroma of the season. Pine, spices, and sweets galore, your holiday candles’ scents add an extra dimension to your holiday extravaganzas. 

2. Clean the Floors

The more you do in advance to prepare your home for foot traffic and activity, the better. Once you catch any dirt from the top of furniture and shelves, move on to cleaning the floors of dust and debris. There’s nothing like welcoming your guests with the sparkle of immaculately clean floors!

3. Clean Out the Fridge

Leading up to the event, it’s key to clear out your kitchen and refrigerator to make room for holiday dishes. Begin by tossing out expired food and freeing up space by condensing items into smaller containers. Take this opportunity, while your fridge is being emptied, to wipe down the shelves and drawers.

4. Transition the Decor

As we pass from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s, there’s certainly no shortage of excitement between those few weeks. And, each holiday tends to have its own set of decorations. Prepare to take the turkey figurines down in lieu of reindeer figurines come December 1st. From then on, check back on this list before setting up your winter decorations.

5. Dress Up Your Entryway

The first place your guests will see of your home is the entryway. Spread holiday cheer to everyone who walks into your home with themed decor. For Christmas, consider setting the nearside table with a miniature Christmas tree, family photos, and jolly garland. These decorations help set the tone for what guests can expect the more they venture inside.

6. Prep the Guest Room

If you plan on inviting guests to stay in your home during the holidays, they’ll need all of the comforts of home for the duration of their trip. Make sure that the room is tidy, and outfitted with a cozy bed, a well-lit lamp, and a dresser for clothing.

7. Prep the Kitchen

A holiday-ready kitchen is key to a successful holiday get-together. This is where people are gathering, food is being made, and messes are likely to happen. Get a head start on shopping for groceries, cleaning necessary cookware for the day of, and clearing tabletops for the expected heap of food.

8. Stock Up On Essentials

From ensuring the heating is up to par to providing essential items for overnight guests, it’s always important to assess your home and prepare for as much as you can. Some items to always have on hand are paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and toothpaste. In addition, cleaning out the fireplace beforehand can make the cold winter nights much more enjoyable.

Building and customizing your home to fit your vision is exactly what we do. With Fairfield Homes, you’ll build a top-end, quality home on one of the most beautiful sites in Southern Arizona. Enjoy the best desertscape views now and for your next holiday celebration. Contact us today to get started!

 


The latest home tech features transform our day-to-day operations, making the effort of running a home so much smoother. Applying technology in the home space frees up the homeowner to automate certain home devices and, in turn, the systems curate the home owner’s preferred living experience from temperature to home security. It’s more than a feature, it’s an experience.

Tankless Water Heaters

Converting your water to a tankless model is a valuable upgrade for any home. Their energy efficiency makes tankless water heaters an attractive alternative to storage tank water heaters. Whereas standby heat loss is a big factor in higher energy costs in storage tank water heaters, purchasing an insulated unit can reduce heat loss. Overall, systems reduce maintenance, last longer, use less energy, and offer unlimited hot water.

HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems purify the air in your home and provide warmth or cooling for your climate needs. Modern HVAC systems are efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial to your health. Programmable thermostats offer you the convenience of scheduling your AC to turn on exactly when you need it—like 15 minutes before you get home.

A great ally against indoor allergens and lung-irritating pollutants, Smart HVAC units sense data on air quality to keep your air clean. Systems predict the right time for maintenance but typically last 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available.

Light Controls

Wake up on the right side of the bed with a lighting control program that suits your needs and preferences. New lighting technology not only gives you the freedom to choose the type of brightness in your environment, but also enhances convenience, safety, and efficiency with a push of a button from any connected device.

Set your preferred dimmed ambiance, and transport to a completely relaxed state of mind. You can also easily program lights to turn on or off on a set schedule, saving electricity.

Window Shade

When paired with smart lighting technology, smart blinds can help maximize the amount of daylight in your home and cut down on electricity usage by being automated. Similar to light controls, window coverings make life more convenient, add ambiance, and induce better sleep.

Blinds can be set to open and close during specific times of the day and some can even respond with the temperature to adjust automatically. Natural light becomes a more integral part of your home while inconvenient or uneven light that filters through the blind slats and disturbs your sleep at night is removed.

Door Locks

Better access to your home begins with the locks on your front door. Smart locks increase accessibility without compromising security. From your phone or keypad, entry locks offer extra convenience so no more fumbling for keys or dropping items at your doorstep. Codes can be changed at will, meaning you will have full access control to ensure who is entering and leaving the home.

Video Security

Home security has come a long way over the years—including the introduction of video recording devices to give you peace of mind wherever you are. Smart security enables real-time check-ins on various elements of your home and property so that you can know exactly what’s happening, and receive real-time alerts on any questionable occurrences. With expanded and more effective capabilities, remote security systems are a proactive tool for the safety and efficiency of your home.

Garage Door Openers

Your garage door is the largest access point in your entire home—and the garage opener remote essentially acts as a key to your home. A smart garage door opener can keep intruders from getting in, but it can also help you get dangerous fumes out of your garage. If you use other smart technology in your home, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you can get an alert when these fumes build up in your garage to protect the health and safety of your family.

At Fairfield Homes, we design each of our homes with energy-efficient choices throughout. Our integrated wellness system, Fairfield Balance, prioritizes your health and lifestyle. Some of the features you can expect in your home range from blackout blinds to air and water quality filtration systems. Want to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a showing of one of our homes, or to answer any questions you might have.

Sources:
https://www.newhomesguidecharleston.com/Resources/Charleston-New-Homes-Guide-Blog/January-2017/What-new-home-technology-should-you-choose-when-bu
https://madisonhomebuilders.com/blog/smart-home-ideas-build/
https://magazine.realtor/technology/feature/article/2020/03/the-ultimate-smart-home-new-construction
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-an-hvac-system-13415758.html
https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/buying-guide/lighting-control-system-benefits/ https://turbolock.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-a-smart-lock-system-for-home-and-office/

The latest home tech features transform our day-to-day operations, making the effort of running a home so much smoother. Applying technology in the home space frees up the homeowner to automate certain home devices and, in turn, the systems curate the home owner’s preferred living experience from temperature to home security. It’s more than a feature, it’s an experience.

Tankless Water Heaters

Converting your water to a tankless model is a valuable upgrade for any home. Their energy efficiency makes tankless water heaters an attractive alternative to storage tank water heaters. Whereas standby heat loss is a big factor in higher energy costs in storage tank water heaters, purchasing an insulated unit can reduce heat loss. Overall, systems reduce maintenance, last longer, use less energy, and offer unlimited hot water.

HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems purify the air in your home and provide warmth or cooling for your climate needs. Modern HVAC systems are efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial to your health. Programmable thermostats offer you the convenience of scheduling your AC to turn on exactly when you need it—like 15 minutes before you get home.

A great ally against indoor allergens and lung-irritating pollutants, Smart HVAC units sense data on air quality to keep your air clean. Systems predict the right time for maintenance but typically last 15 to 20 years. Manufacturers continue to support existing equipment by making replacement parts available.

Light Controls

Wake up on the right side of the bed with a lighting control program that suits your needs and preferences. New lighting technology not only gives you the freedom to choose the type of brightness in your environment, but also enhances convenience, safety, and efficiency with a push of a button from any connected device.

Set your preferred dimmed ambiance, and transport to a completely relaxed state of mind. You can also easily program lights to turn on or off on a set schedule, saving electricity.

Window Shade

When paired with smart lighting technology, smart blinds can help maximize the amount of daylight in your home and cut down on electricity usage by being automated. Similar to light controls, window coverings make life more convenient, add ambiance, and induce better sleep.

Blinds can be set to open and close during specific times of the day and some can even respond with the temperature to adjust automatically. Natural light becomes a more integral part of your home while inconvenient or uneven light that filters through the blind slats and disturbs your sleep at night is removed.

Door Locks

Better access to your home begins with the locks on your front door. Smart locks increase accessibility without compromising security. From your phone or keypad, entry locks offer extra convenience so no more fumbling for keys or dropping items at your doorstep. Codes can be changed at will, meaning you will have full access control to ensure who is entering and leaving the home.

Video Security

Home security has come a long way over the years—including the introduction of video recording devices to give you peace of mind wherever you are. Smart security enables real-time check-ins on various elements of your home and property so that you can know exactly what’s happening, and receive real-time alerts on any questionable occurrences. With expanded and more effective capabilities, remote security systems are a proactive tool for the safety and efficiency of your home.

Garage Door Openers

Your garage door is the largest access point in your entire home—and the garage opener remote essentially acts as a key to your home. A smart garage door opener can keep intruders from getting in, but it can also help you get dangerous fumes out of your garage. If you use other smart technology in your home, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you can get an alert when these fumes build up in your garage to protect the health and safety of your family.

At Fairfield Homes, we design each of our homes with energy-efficient choices throughout. Our integrated wellness system, Fairfield Balance, prioritizes your health and lifestyle. Some of the features you can expect in your home range from blackout blinds to air and water quality filtration systems. Want to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a showing of one of our homes, or to answer any questions you might have.

Sources:
https://www.newhomesguidecharleston.com/Resources/Charleston-New-Homes-Guide-Blog/January-2017/What-new-home-technology-should-you-choose-when-bu
https://madisonhomebuilders.com/blog/smart-home-ideas-build/
https://magazine.realtor/technology/feature/article/2020/03/the-ultimate-smart-home-new-construction
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-an-hvac-system-13415758.html
https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/buying-guide/lighting-control-system-benefits/ https://turbolock.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-a-smart-lock-system-for-home-and-office/

Summer is the season for fun and creativity. It’s a time for brightening up your home and bringing new elements for a personal touch. Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine outdoors or cooling off in the comfort of your home, there are so many ways to brighten up and personalize your space.  

Celebrate the beginning of a new season with these fresh indoor and outdoor home decor ideas!

Interior Home Decorations for Summer

Bright Colors

During the summer, the sun splashes remarkably vibrant rays from all angles of your windows. Bringing bright colors into your home, whether through pillows, throw blankets, or even wall design naturally catches the eye. White and pastel colors reflect more light, giving your home an open and airy feel.

You could even mix-and-match colored decor, like mint green with pastel pink or light blue with soft yellow. The colors of summer bring a fresh, lively, and fun essence to the scene of your home. Splashing a bit of color amongst your living room or bedroom decor will round in that summertime look.

A SUMMER-Themed Candle

Candle scents are often associated with a particular season. For example, the smell of a pumpkin spice candle may elicit memories of fall. But what scents remind you of summer? 

Perhaps summer smells like an ocean breeze or beach driftwood. And nothing quite suggests summer is upon us like fresh fruit. Watermelon, oranges, lemons, strawberries, and more scents bring the outdoors into your home. Set the tone for the season with a summer-themed aroma and decadently styled candle.

Light Bedding

The cold weather of winter and spring is no more, get prepared for the heat of summer! It’s time to pack up the flannel, fleece, and heavyweight blankets in favor of lighter bedclothes.

Linen and cotton fabrics are ideal for warmer seasons because they are made from a natural fiber that allows more air to pass through. Adorning your bed with a throw blanket could even replace those heavier, heat-trapping comforters. Keep cool while you sleep.

Accent Dishes

Bring summertime to your dishware. Upgrading your table setting with accent dishes that complement your everyday dishware adds a touch of seasonal enthusiasm to your home. 

Popular summer dish designs include tropical, nautical, and floral. You could also go for vibrantly colored plates, bowls, and trays to exude the brightness of summer. Your accent dishes will bring joy, creativity, and fun to your dining experience no matter your choice.

Updated Shower Curtains

The average person walks into a bathroom at least five times or more a day, and that means looking at the same shower curtain over and over again. Retire the old shower curtain for a brand new one that transports you to a tropical oasis.

An underwater aquarium scene or tropical garden scene can make for a fun game of I Spy. Or opt for a bright, colorful pattern to make your bathroom more vibrant. Changing up your shower curtains will bring a sense of entertainment and liven up your bathroom for the season.

Exterior Home Decorations for Summer

String Lights

Currently, string lights domineer outdoor setting designs. This trend of stringing up lights around your backyard and trees exists to transform your regular outdoor experience into a magical retreat.

String lights are easy, simple, and inexpensive items that capture the perfect ambiance. You can even save Christmas lights that you would normally pack away to incorporate into your outdoor summer experience. 

SUMMER-Themed Pillows

With summertime comes beautiful weather and a desire to sit outside more. When you cozy up on your patio furniture to gaze up at the sky, you will need a soft and decorative pillow to lean back on.

Adorn your patio or yard furniture with pillows that capture the summer look you’re going for. You can get bold by mixing different designs or maintaining a theme. However you choose to mix-and-match is up to you; after all, summer is about creativity and fun!

Shaded Canopy

Summer doesn’t always need to include soaking in the sun. If you would rather keep the summer heat and rays at bay, you would love to add a shaded canopy to your patio. 

Shaded canopies are not just used for practicality, you can choose from a variety of colors and designs. Keep in mind that dark colors absorb sunlight and light colors reflect sunlight when choosing a canopy for the best shade.

Fire Pit

When friends and family come to visit, they gravitate towards the fire pit. It’s simply the best area to sit around and talk with each other and it’s also the ultimate, versatile decoration.

Despite the hotter summer months, it often gets cooler at night. You can use the fire pit to make food and s’mores, stargaze, or lounge and talk. Summer is a time to kick back and sit around the fire pit with the ones you love. 

Wind Chimes

Bring the outdoor summer experience together with wind chimes. Wind chimes add a melodious sound and calming effect to your home. Thought to rid off negativity, wind chimes reduce stress and promote inner peace. When purchasing wind chimes, stay mindful of your neighbors. Too much metal may prove bothersome, but you can opt for more relaxing tones with bamboo chimes, beaded chimes, or sea glass chimes.

Moreover, decorative wind chimes add a flare of style to your landscape. Wind chimes do not sound exactly like any other, so your outdoor sound is uniquely yours.

At Fairfield, we’re experts in helping you design your dream home. Don’t miss out on optimized views and luxurious home design, contact us today!