by Taha E.H | Dec 5, 2022 | Projects, Protecting Your Home
Common causes of home renovation heartache—and how you can avoid them.
Home improvement projects of any scale can be exciting and invigorating for a homeowner. The fun of novelty, the relief of finally tackling that room—it’s bound to give anyone a thrill.
However, home improvement projects also come with risks. Any project, especially a complex one, can cause problems for the homeowner.
Here are five common causes of home renovation problems, along with our tips for preventing them.
Not enough budget.
Home improvement projects at any scale cost money. In a perfect world, every family would take the time to plan out the project and save up what they need. But many homeowners get caught up in the excitement and get started without enough money set aside.
Dealing with a cash shortage halfway through a project can be incredibly stressful and disheartening. It can lead to several unfortunate outcomes:
- The family runs out of money and has to halve or halt the project.
- The family has to take drastic measures to get the money, such as a high-interest loan.
THI Tip: Unless your home needs emergency repairs, it’s always better to put off a project until you have the money you need. Talk to a contractor up front and get a few quotes so you can give yourself a savings target. Then work with your family to make a plan.
Read our guide to financing your home improvement project >
Opting for cheap materials.
In any context, there is almost always a cheaper option available. In the world of home improvement, choosing it over and over can cause problems. Inexpensive home improvement products are often poorly made and don’t last as long as quality materials. Even if everything goes smoothly during renovations, the family can deal with frustration down the road. They may end up paying for yet another round of renovations much sooner than expected.
THI Tip: Ask your contractor for their honest input on materials. You don’t always have to opt for the most luxurious, expensive option available, but quality is worth paying for. Ask your contractor to walk you through your options, including price, pros, and cons. Then you can make an informed decision and save yourself from heartache.
Choosing contractors without doing research.
There are plenty of excellent contractors out there—along with a lot of really bad ones. It can be tough to spot the difference at a glance. But an inexperienced contractor can wreak havoc on a long-awaited project. Some homeowners end up paying a second time for someone better to come in and redo the work.
THI Tip: Never hire a contractor at random. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations. Ask every contractor you talk to for references, read their reviews, and look at pictures of their past work. It’s a little tedious, but finding a truly excellent contractor is worth it.
Not doing the prep work.
Even a homeowner who hires out every single task of a home renovation is responsible for getting the house ready.
Imagine this scenario: A family is getting their windows replaced. They’ve chosen the windows and confirmed the date with their contractor. When the contractor arrives… the house is not ready. The family hasn’t moved any furniture or figured out how to keep their dog and curious toddler out of the way. The contractor can’t even get started.
It takes three hours to move the furniture, put away valuable items, and put down drop clothes for the workers’ boots. In the end, they don’t have time to complete the project. Because the contractor is so busy, the family has to wait several more months to schedule another day. They also have to pay extra for that second day, and the time spent moving all that furniture.
A similar version of this scenario is possible with virtually any home improvement project. Lack of prep can slow down the entire process and lead to extra costs.
THI Tip: Ask your contractor what they need from you—and don’t wait until the last minute. Make a plan ahead of time to get everything done so your contractor can dive right in.
Attempting to DIY a home renovation project that you’re not qualified for.
YouTube, Instagram, and other corners of the internet make it look all too easy to do it yourself (DIY). And in some cases, the DIY route really is a great option! If you have the right skills, you can save a lot of money. Paint, wallpaper, and other projects can be mastered fairly easily, and many people find them fun.
On the flip side, plumbing, electrical work, tile, and drywall are far beyond the skill level of most average homeowners. Far too many homeowners take on DIY projects without having a clue what they’re doing. When people attempt projects outside the scope of their abilities, it can be disastrous.
At best, the results are shoddy and unattractive. The family may decide to live with it—or end up paying for a professional to fix it anyway. At worst, these DIY projects can be downright dangerous. Plumbing disasters can flood homes, and electrical shocks can be fatal.
THI Tip: If you are truly confident you can do something yourself, then go for it. Just be honest with yourself. It can be hard to admit that something is beyond your abilities. But a little humility is a small price to pay in exchange for safe and successful home renovation projects.
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Whether you’re just dreaming about a renovation or starting to think about contractors, THI is here to help. Get in touch with a member of our team >
by Taha E.H | Dec 4, 2022 | Protecting Your Home, Patio Covers
Four ideas for creating an outdoor space you can enjoy all year long.
In the northern states, the winters are so cold that pergolas are all but unusable for half the year. Biting winds, snow flurries, and bitter cold make it difficult to relax under the sun—if it’s even shining!
Here in Texas, we’re lucky to enjoy much milder winters. This means we can also enjoy our pergolas year-round—as long as we do a little prep work.
We’re sharing our best tips for making your pergola a little cozier for winter enjoyment, starting with a roof.
Add a roof cover to your pergola.
Most pergolas have an open-slat roof. This is lovely on days when the air is warm and the breeze is refreshing. But if there’s any precipitation, even a little mist, you’ll wish you had some coverage.
With a roof cover, you can enjoy even drizzly days from the safety of your pergola. Plus your furniture won’t get wet if it rains, snows, sleets, or anything else.
There are many options to consider when choosing a roof or roof cover for your pergola. You might choose a retractable cover, so you can open it up when the weather’s warm. You may also consider a flat roof that you can remove or replace yourself. Roofs also come in many materials, from canvas to plastic to metal. Do a little research and ask your contractor for advice.
Add something to block the wind.
Even with overhead coverage, a chilly wind can wreck the cozy ambiance under the pergola. You might consider installing something to block it out. Thankfully, you have lots of options, including:
- Curtains.
- Shade screens.
- Blinds.
- A glass enclosure.
- Boxwood or other hedges.
Add a heat source.
Many restaurants keep their patios open well into the winter months by installing patio heaters or fire features. You can copy this idea and make your pergola the coziest outdoor destination in the neighborhood—at any budget.
You can spend as little as $150 on a patio heater. Plus, they’re easy to find. Most major hardware stores carry them, and Amazon has dozens available for shipping.
If you have more money to spend, an outdoor fireplace can be a stunning addition to your backyard. It can also lengthen your pergola season by making the space much warmer. On average, an outdoor fireplace will cost you about $3000. But a really luxurious custom fireplace can cost $20,000 or more. It all depends on materials, fuel type, and the size and complexity of the build. Extra features, such as a pizza oven, can also increase the price.
Choose cozy furniture.
No one wants to sit on a mesh or plastic lawn chair when it’s freezing outside. It’s better to invest in plush or padded furniture for comfortable cold-weather lounging. You might also invest in a thick rug and some warm blankets. All that softness will keep you warm and make the experience much more enjoyable.
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Have you successfully winterized your pergola? Care to share a tip or two for cold-weather lounging in the comments below?
by Taha E.H | Nov 11, 2022 | Projects
Three reasons you should consider scheduling that big project for the most wonderful time of the year.
The idea of taking on yet another project during the holiday season can seem a little nutty. After all, there are parties to plan, trees to trim, cookies to ice, and gifts to buy and wrap. The thought of trying to schedule a window or roof replacement during that time may seem downright laughable.
But don’t write off the idea just yet. The holidays can actually be a great time to get some work done on the house! It takes a little planning, of course, but if you can swing it, the payoff can be significant. Here’s why:
You’re home.
Some home improvement projects can be done while you’re out of the house. But for others, you need to be at home. In fact, it’s not unusual for people to take a day or two off work when there’s an extensive project going on. Your contractor may need you to answer questions, direct movement, and wrangle pets and children while they work.
Most of us take a few days off during the holidays to spend time with family and simply relax at home. So why not take advantage of the time? If you’re going to be home anyway, it may make sense.
What if you could squeeze in that window replacement between Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Sure, there will be a little construction noise to deal with, or a little breeze if you’re getting your windows replaced. But since you’re mostly just hanging out, it’s less of a disruption when your contractor needs you for a moment. And best of all, you can save your precious vacation days for other things, like a family vacation.
Retailers offer great deals on home improvement materials during the holidays.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a single industry that doesn’t run some kind of promotion during the holidays. Car dealerships, clothing stores, and other retailers are looking to clean house and make way for new inventory.
This extends to construction and home improvement as well. Many manufacturers and hardware stores offer fantastic deals that can translate to major savings on your project. Fifteen percent off a single window is a few bucks back in your pocket. But when you’re buying replacement windows for the whole house, you can save hundreds.
Ask your contractor whether they think they can get you a good deal on materials for a project. If so, it might be wise to go ahead and schedule it for the holidays. The money you save can go toward gifts—or a big trip next year.
The holidays are a slow season for professional contractors.
For reasons mentioned above, many people avoid home improvement projects during the holidays. This means a lot of contractors are just twiddling their thumbs until January rolls around. But these folks have to pay the bills too.
Some contractors will offer a great discount for work scheduled during the holiday season, when they’re less busy. Compounded with the savings on discounted materials, this can result in a much cheaper project.
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One final benefit to note: If you’re thinking about a home improvement project in Texas, you’ve got an advantage. Snow and sleet may make it impossible for our friends up north to get their roofs replaced during the holidays. But here in the Lone Star State, big projects are possible pretty much all year round.
So if you’re thinking about a new roof, windows, exterior coating, or a pergola, give us a call.
The team at Texas Home Improvements is dedicated to finding you the best deal, no matter the season. Plus, we know every trick in the book for minimizing disruption to your family during a big project. So you can kick back and relax, enjoying the holidays and the satisfaction of checking that big project off your list.
by Taha E.H | Oct 23, 2022 | Energy Saving, Projects, Protecting Your Home
Technically no, but they do qualify you for a tax credit—up to $500.
Did you know that investing in energy-efficient windows can save you money on taxes?
It’s true, because of the new Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Thanks to this new law, investing in certain energy efficient home improvements makes you eligible for hundreds of dollars in tax credits.
What’s the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022?
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has roots in 2021, when Rep. John Yarmuth introduced the Build Back Better Act. The Build Back Better Act underwent some changes and revisions before being reintroduced to Congress. It had been renamed the Inflation Reduction Act by the time it passed the Senate—with amendments—in August 2022.
The goal of the Inflation Reduction Act is to curb inflation via a few key strategies:
- Deficit reduction.
- Prescription drug price reduction.
- Clean energy and domestic energy investments.
The Act also covers some modernization efforts for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
How do the tax credits work?
First, let’s talk about the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction.
- A tax deduction is any expense that you do not have to pay taxes on. For example, any money you spend on medical expenses is considered tax deductible. That money is not included when calculating what you owe.
- A tax credit is, in simplified terms, money deducted from what you owe. For example, if you have kids, you may receive a child care tax credit of $8000. A $8000 tax credit doesn’t change how your taxable income is calculated. It simply subtracts $8000 from what you owe. It’s like receiving a gift card for the IRS.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, some home improvement expenses that boost the home’s energy efficiency are eligible for tax credits. This includes:
- Geothermal heating systems.
- Solar panels.
- Energy-efficient doors and windows.
- Biomass stoves.
- Metal or asphalt roofs.
- Many others.
If you buy and install energy-efficient windows by December 31, 2022, you’re eligible for a tax credit. Specifically, you’re eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the cost, up to $500. The limit used to be $200, so this is great news for homeowners.
However, these numbers only apply through the remainder of 2022. Starting in 2023, the benefits become even more attractive. You could receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of new windows, up to $600. If you spend as little as $2000 on energy efficient windows, you’ll recoup $600 via a tax credit.
What are the other benefits of energy-efficient windows?
Energy-efficient windows offer countless benefits for homeowners.
For starters, these windows are specifically engineered to prevent air from leaking into and out of the house. For example, on a summer day, your energy-efficient windows keep out that hot air. This saves your air conditioner from having to work double-time to keep you cool and comfortable. The reverse is true in winter: Your heater isn’t constantly fighting against frigid air leaking in through old windows. As a result, your energy bill is lower.
That’s not the only way energy-efficient windows can put money back in your pocket. Energy-efficient windows can boost your home’s resale value. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can recoup 67% of the cost of energy-efficient windows when you sell.
The aesthetic benefits are appealing, too. Energy-efficient windows are often made from vinyl materials. Vinyl is tough, easy to clean, and highly customizable, plus you can get the exact color, style, and look you want. Vinyl also happens to be a great insulator and can cut down on outside noise disrupting your peaceful evening.
Now is the time to take advantage of the tax credit before the end of the year. You can find out more here.
Call us today to discuss your replacement window options.
by Taha E.H | Oct 20, 2022 | Patio Covers, Projects
Choosing the right outdoor structure for your home starts with understanding your options.
If you’re looking to add beauty and practicality to your outdoor spaces, you have many options. From patios, pools, and small shelters, there are endless ways to make your home feel special.
Many people are looking for a little extra shade and architectural pizzazz. You may find yourself thinking about a pergola or gazebo. Before deciding, you need to understand the difference between them.
Pergolas and gazebos have very different roofs.
Pergolas have flat, open tops, usually made with slats or beams. Gazebos have solid roofs that are pitched to allow runoff. Many are shaped like turrets or cones: round, with a central point.
The solid roof of a gazebo offers more protection from the sun. But if you prefer the look of a pergola, there are many ways to add a little shade. Retractable roofs, thick plant growth, and curtains are just a few options.
Pergolas are usually rectangular. Gazebos are round.
Most pergolas are square or rectangular—gazebos are often circular.
Choosing between the two is a matter of preference. But the shape of the space may be a factor. If you have an odd-shaped patch of lawn to fill, the round shape of a gazebo may appear more natural. If your space is angular, the straight edges of a pergola may be better.
Gazebos stand alone. Pergolas attach to other structures.
Where you want to place your outdoor structure can affect your decision. Because gazebos are round, attaching them to the straight exterior wall of a house can be a little tricky. And the two different shapes can look a little odd together. A pergola, on the other hand, offers a second straight surface for connection, which makes for an easier project.
If you want your outdoor structure directly attached to your house, a pergola might be the more practical choice. However, if your heart is set on a gazebo, you may have options. You could add a covered walkway between your back door and your gazebo.
Gazebos are often built with bench seating. Pergolas are not.
Benches are built directly into the structure of many gazebos, offering intimate seating. Some may even have a small table built into the center as well. However, it’s a rare pergola that’s made with built-in seating. Most pergola owners buy their own chairs for lounging and chatting.
Many people may prefer the coziness of gazebo seating. But this arrangement allows for less creative freedom and virtually no rearranging.
On a similar note, most gazebos have built-in flooring. Pergolas, on the other hand, share their surfaces with the surrounding area.
Pergolas are usually less expensive than gazebos.
Both pergolas and gazebos are available for a range of budgets, depending on material choice, size, and affinity for DIY. However, in general, a pergola will be the more cost-effective choice. This is largely due to the fact that pergolas are simpler structures without complex roofs. The simplicity of the pergola makes them a more affordable option for many.Of course, pergolas and gazebos are not your only options when it comes to outdoor structures. Learn more about patio covers and screen rooms >
