By Hilary Dartt

928 Contracting, a family-owned business specializing in ground-up construction, brings to the table more than 35 years’ combined experience, with the owners Randy Penning and Morgan Musser working at every level, from tradesman to managing complete builds. Honesty and quality are their top priorities, and they aim for a transparent and fun building experience for every client.

“Building is an immense responsibility,” Musser said. “Our ownership team is committed to working hard and providing reliable, high-quality craftsmanship on every project we are blessed to be a part of.” Taking a client-first approach, the folks at 928 Contracting stand behind the motto, “Building your vision, together.”

Communication is key; the 928 Contracting team provides clearly defined and detailed proposals, takes the time to answer any questions, and offers a single point of contact to communicate throughout the process. And 928 Contracting uses specialty services in-house, so they can start projects faster, maintain consistent quality control, and save time and money.

Musser said that in November 2025, Yavapai County amended local building ordinances to allow property owners the opportunity to build one attached and one detached ADU on properties that allow single-family dwellings. An additional detached ADU with larger size options remains possible on parcels one acre or larger. This change spurred an increase in demand for ADU construction.

“For homeowners in Yavapai County,” Musser said, “the most compelling reason to choose an ADU over traditional development is cost-efficiency.”

In addition to lower entry costs (compared with buying and developing a new piece of land), many banks will finance an ADU through an existing mortgage with a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit.

928 Contracting can tie an ADU into existing infrastructure such as water, sewer, gas, and electrical, and since they’re smaller, ADUs have smaller heating and cooling loads.

“ADUs also open your opportunities for life such as passive income rentals, convenient and close-but-separate housing for aging parents or young adult children, tax write-offs and so much more.”

“As a builder, we bring it all to the table,” Musser said, adding that the company’s first job is to ensure the client is “in love with the design” well before breaking ground. “We walk you through cost, design options, and special requests, and we talk storage solutions.”

In addition to in-house excavation, masonry, concrete, and framing, the Prescott locals who run 928 Contracting are familiar with and equipped to tackle “tricky terrain”: mountainside lots, granite rock, and clay fields.

Step one when it comes to building an ADU is to talk with a contractor, who can conduct a site evaluation, talk through individual requests, go over site-specific obstacles, determine a budget, and draw an initial sketch. Next, secure funding.

“Part of making this process enjoyable later is ensuring you have the funds available for your complete project,” Musser said. Third, work with a draftsman or architect to draft the building plans and submit for permitting.

By Hilary Dartt

The Pronghorn Group, based in Prescott Valley, has spent more than 40 years building homes, infrastructure, and communities throughout Arizona. Real projects with measurable outcomes support the organization’s commitment to affordable and workforce housing.

“Our role is not simply to construct buildings,” said Sharon Stephens, Director of Affordable Housing Development with Pronghorn Group. “It is to help create practical housing solutions that allow people to remain connected to their families, workplaces, and communities.”

“We believe builders have a responsibility to listen to the communities they serve and help solve real housing challenges,” she said. “Housing affects workforce recruitment, family stability, education, health, economic development, and overall quality of life.”

To that end, the Pronghorn Group’s team stands by the slogan: “More than margins. We build what matters. Our homes give hugs.” “We are seeing growing interest in ADUs as housing costs continue to rise and families look for more flexible ways to use property they already own,” Stephens said, adding that an ADU can create another housing opportunity without requiring the owner or family member to purchase a separate parcel of land.

“People are considering ADUs for aging parents, adult children, caregivers, guests, rental income, home offices, and long- term family planning.” An ADU, Stephens said, can provide privacy and independence while keeping people close to family, support systems, and the primary residence.

For aging parents, ADUs can offer independence with loved ones nearby. And for adult children, it can provide an affordable place to live while establishing financial stability. For a property owner, an ADU can create flexibility as family and housing needs change. Finally, ADUs can make more efficient use of land, utilities, infrastructure, and established neighborhoods. In terms of building ADUs, one of Pronghorn Group’s greatest strengths is its ability to look at the entire property and development process—not merely the structure itself, Stephens said.

“Smaller homes require thoughtful design because every square foot must serve a purpose,” she said. “We believe an ADU should feel intentional, comfortable, and complete, not like an afterthought placed in someone’s backyard.”

With that in mind, members of the team at Pronghorn Group use their experience to evaluate these important related elements: - Placement, access, setbacks, and privacy - Utility availability and connection requirements
- Drainage, grading, and site conditions
- Local zoning and permitting requirements - Efficient design with a smaller footprint
- Accessibility and aging-in-place features
- Storage, functionality, and long-term adaptability
- Architectural compatibility with the primary home and neighborhood

Stephens recommend that folks who are interested in building an ADU meet with a contractor to discuss the goals on both sides: who will use the ADU and how; the desired size, number of bedrooms, and other special features; the property address, lot size, and existing improvements; local zoning, setbacks, and building requirements; utility access, drainage, grading, and site conditions; budget expectations and financing; and the desired timeline.

“Involving an experienced development and construction team early can help identify obstacles before the property owner spends money on plans that may not be permitted or practical for the site,” Stephens said.

The group’s work encompasses a wide variety of projects: land development, civil services, infrastructure, vertical construction, affordable and workforce housing, and specialized housing solutions.

By Hilary Dartt

Although Ron and Kelly Owsley started Premier Development in 2003, launching in Yavapai County in 2008, they’ve each been in the industry—and Arizona—for many years. Their company’s systems are driven by a commitment to deliver high-quality new homes on schedule and on budget by employing proven principles of efficient manufacturing.

To that end, they work closely with their contractors to produce a limited number of home plans in repetition, minimizing variation; standardized systems and processes create efficiency at every stage—and result in ever-improving quality.

“Premier is a leader in addressing the affordable housing crisis with actual solutions with proven systems, processes, designs, and experience,” Ron said. One of Premier Development’s core philosophies is, “What you see is what you get”: sensible, affordable designs, popular included features, excellent warranties, and minimal options.

When it comes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Ron said demand has increased: “There is a tremendous need and desire” locally for these more affordable, completely separate living quarters. While the process, time, and expense are “the major barriers,” he added, Premier has developed numerous plans, designs, sizes, and shapes with systems and budgets that allow them to respond to an ADU inquiry in a timely fashion.

Premier Development specializes in creating affordable homes—and ADUs—that enhance a client’s lifestyle, Ron said. The team strives for exceptional living spaces tailored to clients’ needs. An ADU is the perfect way for people to build the guest house they’ve always wanted for more space, more comfort, and more possibility.

A variety of ADU options are available as guest quarters, casitas, studios, and garages. Property owners interested in having an ADU built can reach out to Premier, and team members will quickly visit the prospective site and conduct preliminary research.

If it’s possible an ADU could meet a property owner’s needs, the Premier team will review budget constraints and begin an extensive list of investigative requirements. Before forming Premier Contracting, Ron spent years as a senior manager for Pulte and Richmond American Homes, and Kelly sold hundreds of homes for several Arizona builders before creating a private firm in 2002.

Their Arizona roots (Ron is a fourth-generation Arizonan and Kelly’s family has been in the state for almost 100 years) mean they are familiar with the landscape and have developed strong relationships in the industry. They’ve also made a mark statewide.