Article originally posted on tucson.com on October 24th, 2021

Casitas will now be allowed on residential lots in Tucson following the City Council’s approval of a new ordinance this week.
The change will go into effect in mid-November and will allow residents to build the small houses also called accessory dwelling units or ADUs on lots across the city. Supporters said the decision is one step toward increasing the number of housing options in Tucson.

Casitas have been lauded as a better alternative to nursing homes for senior citizens. The units are built alongside existing houses and have full kitchens, so they can allow elderly people to live independently while still being close to caretakers.
Supporters said casitas can also help large families that need more living space, be used to house young adults who might struggle to afford an apartment and create more rental options citywide.
“I think that it’s not going to solve our housing crisis in and of ...

Article originally posted on magazine.realtor on September 24th, 2021

Water is not always our friend. Sure, we drink it, swim in it, and need it to survive, but when it comes to homes, it can destroy the foundation, says home inspector Thomas Dabb of Immaculate Home Inspections in South Orange, N.J. Water can enter a home from the exterior and interior, so buyers and homeowners need to keep their eyes open for signs of its presence—or worse—its damage.
The good news is that there are many experts available to spot and diagnose a problem and suggest the best fix. Water expert Steve Barckley with Exceptional Stone Products in Livingston, N.J., believes that homeowners should start by doing everything possible on the outside of the homes to correct problems and divert water away from a foundation.
Share these seven solutions with clients to help them minimize a foundation’s damage in various scenarios.
1. Improve grading. The slope of ...

The article was provided by Andrea Erickson and Innovative Build Materials

What to Know Before Buying Property for Building a New Home
Building a new home is exciting, as it gives people the opportunity to realize their dreams from scratch. However, in order to begin building, you must first find a piece of land to build on. When looking into property to start a new build, consider the following important points to ensure that your dream home ends up being the dream it should be. 
Know How Adjacent Land is Zoned

Although it is unlikely that you would ever find yourself in a situation where you are attempting to build on a lot that prohibits residential development (let’s hope), the zoning of adjacent land can go a long way toward impacting your future enjoyment of the property. For example, if you chose a lot on the outskirts of the suburbs for its proximity to the city while still providing a peaceful vibe, construction machinery showing up in the green fields ...

The article was provided by money.com
Home Warranties Versus Homeowner’s Insurance: Why You May Want Both

If you’re new to home buying or homeownership, you may be a little bit confused about the must-haves and the nice-to-haves in home protection. Home warranties and homeowner’s insurance come in several varieties. They share some common features, but they’re definitely not the same thing. Let’s look at some of the similarities and differences between these two products so you understand your responsibilities as a homeowner and choose the products that best suit your needs.

What’s the Same?
Both home warranties and homeowner’s insurance involve paying a monthly or annual premium for protection for a specific amount of time. Both will protect you financially by covering certain kinds of damage to your home. When you make a claim, you will be charged a deductible, which is generally customizable with both products. But that’s prett; ...

Article originally posted on tucsonfoodie.com on July 21st, 2021
Right now, you can catch the new documentary “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” at The Loft Cinema, but they’re hosting a special two-day event featuring local food trucks on Friday, July 23 – Saturday, July 24.
On Friday, July 23, Takoyaki Balls will be parked in the Loft’s lot from 4 – 9 p.m., whose mission is to share its octopus dumplings and other popular Japanese street food, and then Nopalinda — a vegan food truck that’s quickly gaining local attention — will take over the space on Saturday, July 24 from 4 – 9 p.m.
Click on the link below to see the full article: Link ...