South Tempe 85284 · South Chandler 85248
The 84/48 Homeowner Handbook
Owning a home here is different. The sun is harder on roofs. The monsoon shows up in July like it pays rent. And the scorpions did not read your HOA rules. This is the local playbook for taking care of your home, one month at a time.
Maintenance Calendar
What your home needs this month
Arizona has two seasons: nice, and "why is my car door handle 160 degrees." Check this on the first of each month so small stuff never turns into a big bill.
Opens on the current month. Tap any month to plan ahead.
Trusted Vendors
The people I send my own clients to
Anyone can buy a top spot on Google. These are the pros my clients have used and liked, and the ones who show up when they say they will. The list is short on purpose.
Names, phone numbers, and emails live on the full list, and it stays current.
See the full vendor list →Renovation Guide
Before you remodel, ask one question
How long are you staying? The right project for a five-year plan is the wrong one for a forever home. Pick your timeline.
Local Essentials
The stuff nobody tells you at closing
85284 is Tempe. 85248 is Chandler. Two cities, two sets of rules. Here is who to call for what.
| Topic | South Tempe (85284) | South Chandler (85248) |
|---|---|---|
| Water, sewer, trash | City of Tempe. Start or transfer service online. Start service | City of Chandler Utility Billing: 480-782-2280, utilitybilling@chandleraz.gov. Utility services |
| Bulk trash | Every other month on your area's schedule. Items out by 6 a.m. Monday of your week, no more than 10 days early. Questions: Tempe 311, 480-350-4311. Schedule | By appointment. Call 480-782-3510 or book online 7 to 14 days ahead. First 4 pickups a year are free, then $43 each. Fridges and AC units add $15. Book a pickup |
| Electric | SRP. Start service | SRP. Start service |
| Gas | Southwest Gas, if your home has gas. | Southwest Gas, if your home has gas. |
| HOA | Your HOA's management company is in your closing paperwork. Can't find it? Ask me. | Same. Ocotillo and Fulton Ranch each have their own HOA and design rules. |
| Permits | City of Tempe Building Safety. Single-family permits | City of Chandler Development Services. Homeowner permit manual |
Usually needs a permit
- Patio covers, any size
- Pools and spas
- Room additions and casitas
- New gas lines and most electrical work
- Retaining walls over 4 feet
Usually doesn't
- Like-for-like water heater, softener, or AC swap
- Paint, flooring, cabinets, counters
- Small sheds under 120 sq ft and 7 feet tall
- Ordinary repairs
Permit lists are from Chandler's homeowner permit manual. Tempe's rules are similar but check with Tempe Building Safety first. And get HOA approval before either city. The HOA usually says no faster.
FAQs
Questions I get from homeowners every week
About Ben
Your guide for the life of your home, not just the closing
I'm Ben Graham, a REALTOR since 2011 with 8448 Luxury, Gluch Group at eXp Realty. I work South Tempe and South Chandler: Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, and the custom pockets in between. I built this handbook because my clients kept calling with the same good questions after they moved in. Now the answers live in one place.
- SRES and CIAS designations
- Local vendor list tested on my own clients
- Free home value checks, any time, no pressure
Ask Ben
Got a home question? Ask me.
Leaky roof, weird HOA letter, or wondering what your home is worth? Send it over. I answer these myself, usually within a day. No sales pitch attached. Use the form below.
This handbook is general information, not professional, legal, or engineering advice. City rules, fees, and phone numbers change; confirm with the city before you act. Vendor listings are referrals, not guarantees.