Advantages to Building Basements in Arizona

Fratantoni Luxury Estates • June 20, 2016

 

There are many advantages to building basements in Arizona. Though basements are not a common feature we see here in Arizona, a basement can be the key to unlocking potential and getting the most out of your lot. Despite the additional time and cost it takes to build a basement-more and more homeowners are electing to have basements as part of there home design.

Basements tend to be the coolest area of the house, and in Arizona you can’t put a price on a cool spot in the summer months! As everyone knows, heat rises, so by eliminating the second story and opting for a basement instead, ones electricity bill would be substantially lower. In addition, another advantages to building basements in Arizona is that basements offer built-in privacy that second-story homes lack. Here in the valley most second story homes have a nice view of their neighbors yard and that is less than ideal. With choosing a basement over a second story your family will have the beautiful view of your own yard and a space below with the utmost privacy.

Basement in Arizona Building Process

When a client is interested in having us design a basement we get so excited! Though it may seem  restricted, the possibilities are endless for the use of this type of space.  Some popular Basement ideas include: Home Theatre, Play Room, Man Cave, Craft Room, Guest Suite, or an Office/Study.

Basement in Arizona Building Process

These clients, however, are using this space as the ultimate Man Cave. There will be an office/study with a Wine Room both with their own bathrooms. In addition there will be a full bar with a lounge area to enjoy such cocktails either with company or by ones self in the luxurious solitude. A unique feature we are incorporating is a small courtyard. We, of course, have to make sure there is proper draining for the couple of days a year it rains but that is a piece of cake for us!

Basement in Arizona Building Process

A common misconception is that building a basement is too costly here due to the presence of rock and caliche in our soil which involves additional expense to dig through.  But the truth of the matter is, this type of “hard dig” is requires only about 3% of the time.

Basement in Arizona Building Process

Where the extra cost comes from is due to builders only have to dig 18 inches to pour the foundation, where in northern states they are already having to go deeper to avoid the frost line. As a result a substantial cost and time element would have to be added to add a basement here. A typical basement dig will add about 30 days to a new home construction but the advantages to building basements in Arizona is worth the extra time.

Basement in Arizona Building Process

Follow our blog to recieve more updates of this one of a kind project as well as tips and tricks to building the ultimate Custom Luxury Home and get ideas for basement design phoenix!! We’re a custom home builder in Phoenix that can help!

 

To see what Basements inspire us check out our Pinterest Board dedicated to Basement Inspirations  or to see more examples of our basement design phoenix work click HERE !

 

From Study to Sanctuary: Creating Luxury Offices & Libraries in Your Estate

By Vince Fratantoni • September 8, 2025
In today’s world, luxury estates are designed not only for entertaining and relaxation but also for productivity, creativity, and reflection. The demand for custom home offices and private libraries has surged as affluent homeowners seek spaces that combine function with elegance. No longer simply places to work or read, these rooms have evolved into personal sanctuaries that inspire focus, sophistication, and comfort. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe that private spaces within the home deserve as much artistry and detail as grand staircases, gourmet kitchens, or resort-style backyards. Our team has over 40 years of experience designing and build ing luxury offices and libraries that merge productivity with timeless design, ensuring every space reflects the lifestyle and personali ty of its owner. 

Water Features That Elevate Your Luxury Estate

By Angelo Fratantoni • September 3, 2025
From ancient Roman fountains to modern infinity pools, water has always been a defining element of luxury architecture. It represents life, tranquility, and movement, qualities that transform estates from beautiful to extraordinary. Today, water features in luxury homes go far beyond simple pools; they include cascading waterfalls, reflecting ponds, spa grottos, and sculptural fountains that enhance both aesthetics and lifestyle. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we understand the power of water in design. With over 40 years of experience crafting custom estates, our team integrates water features that balance artistry, serenity, and entertainment. Whether indoors or outdoors, water elevates every estate i nto a private oasis of timeless luxury.

Luxury Bedrooms: Designing Master Suites & Private Retreats

By Vince Fratantoni • August 28, 2025
A home may feature grand staircases, gourmet kitchens, and resort-style backyards, but for most homeowners, the bedroom is the ultimate sanctuary. It is where days begin and end, where comfort meets elegance, and where privacy is treasured. In luxury estates, bedrooms- particularly the master suite, are more than sleeping spaces; they are private retreats designed for rest, rejuvenation, and intimacy. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we have over 40 years of experience designing and building custom homes where every bedroom reflects sophistication, comfort, and timeless style. From primary suites with fireplaces and spa-inspired bathrooms to guest retreats with bespoke details, we understand that bedrooms are the most personal expression of luxury.

Private Luxury Amenities: Building a Resort Experience at Home

By Angelo Fratantoni • August 20, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, affluent homeowners are reimagining luxury living by bringing the resort lifestyle into their own estates. No longer reserved for high end hotels, private amenities such as spas, sport courts, and theaters are becoming integral to custom homes. These features provide convenience, privacy, and exclusivity, allowing families to enjoy the best of luxury hospitality without leaving their property. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we specialize in designing and building estates that deliver the ultimate private resort experience. From wine cellars and golf simulators to rooftop lounges and wellness spas, our homes are crafted to meet the highest expectations of comfort, sophistication, and entertainment.

Curated Culinary Luxury: Building Kitchens That Define the Heart of the Home

By Vince Fratantoni • August 14, 2025
 A t Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe a truly exceptional home is defined not just by its scale or style, but by the way each space enhances daily living. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the kitchen. For more than 40 years, our team has built homes across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and beyond, creating custom estates that balance artistry, innovation, and livability. Our families, ranging from Fortune 500 executives to NBA team owners, come to us with one consistent request: a kitchen that feels like the heartbeat of their home. Whether it’s an expansive open-concept design for family gatherings or a chef-inspired culinary space for entertaining, our kitchens embody refined craftsmanship, timeless design, and tailored function. Each detail is carefully curated to elevate not just the home, but the lifestyle of those who live within it.

Why Working With Our Design-Build Firm Elevates Your Project

By Vince Fratantoni • August 5, 2025
Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe building a home should be as inspiring and enjoyable as the final result. For more than four decades, our family-owned firm has been at the forefront of luxury custom home construction, delivering exceptional residences across Arizona and nationwide. What sets us apart is our true design-build approach, uniting our world-class build firm, Fratantoni Luxury Estates, with our award-winning architectural division, Fratantoni Design. This partnership eliminates the disconnect between architect and builder, allowing for a seamless process where every detail is considered from the start. From breathtaking Scottsdale hillside estates to expansive coastal retreats, our portfolio spans a diverse range of styles like Contemporary, Spanish, Tuscan, Modern Desert, and more, each brought to life with precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you’re dreaming of a sprawling luxury estate or an intimate architectural masterpiece, our integrated team ensures your vision is executed flawlessly from concept to completion. 

The Rise of Sustainable Luxury Home Building: Eco-Friendly Elegance Without Compromise

By Angelo Fratantoni • July 29, 2025
 Fratantoni Luxury Estates stands as Arizona’s premier custom home builder, renowned for its rich legacy of crafting exquisite luxury residences. With an impressive portfolio of custom homes in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and beyond, we are synonymous with superior design and construction in the state’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Specializing in state-of-the-art luxury homes, Fratantoni Luxury Estates combines meticulous craftsmanship with the expertise to create any architectural style, from Contemporary to Spanish and more. Our in-house team of custom home builders ensures that every detail is executed to perfection, whether you’re building a new luxury estate or renovating an existing one. At Fratantoni, we don’t just meet design needs; we bring your vision to life. Our portfolio includes distinguished homes designed for notable athletes, NBA team owners, and Fortune 500 executives. Our ideal client is affluent, educated, and looking to build or renovate a high-end luxury home with a budget over $1 million.

Experience the Advantages of Custom Home Building with Fratantoni Luxury Estates

By Vince Fratantoni • July 22, 2025
 At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we know that building a custom home isn’t just about creating a place to live, it’s about designing a legacy. As Arizona’s premier custom home builder with projects spanning the nation, our team has spent over 35 years bringing luxury dream homes to life with an unmatched attention to detail, style, and sophistication. Whether you're planning your forever home, a vacation estate, or a luxury investment property, new construction offers distinct benefits that go far beyond aesthetics. From personalized floor plans and energy efficient systems to smart technology integration and seamless construction management, building a new luxury home provides both freedom and peace of mind. In this post, we’ll explore the compelling reasons why building a new custom home with Fratantoni Luxury Estates is the best decision you can make.

Integrating Natural Stone in Your Custom Home: From Exterior to Interior

By Vince Fratantoni • July 9, 2025
Natural stone isn’t just a building material, it’s a design statement that instantly communicates elegance, longevity, and refined craftsmanship. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we view stone as one of the most essential and versatile, elements in luxury home construction. Whether used on the grand exterior of a French-inspired estate or as a refined fireplace surround in a modern great room, natural stone adds texture, strength, and timelessness to any space. From limestone to travertine, Cantera to marble, each type of stone has its own personality. The right stone can tie your custom home together, creating harmony between the architecture, landscaping, and interior finishes. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to strategically incorporate natural stone across your entire custom home—starting with curb appeal and flowing all the way to your private suite.

How to Personalize Your Custom Home: From Ceiling Details to Hidden Rooms

By Angelo Fratantoni • July 3, 2025
When you're building a multimillion-dollar estate, you're not just constructing walls, you’re crafting a lifestyle. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates , we believe your custom home should reflect you at every turn, from the grandeur of the entryway to the quiet luxury of a secret reading nook behind a bookcase. Personalization is more than picking finishes, it’s designing a home that lives and breathes your taste, priorities, and way of life. Whether you’re drawn to ornate ceiling medallions or dream of a hidden home theater behind a paneled wall, we make sure no detail is too bold, no idea too ambitious. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the what, how, and why of custom home personalization, including real project highlights, trending ideas, and timeless touches that elevate your estate from custom to completely yours.