by Taha E.H | Apr 30, 2022 | Projects
Transform your outdoor experience with these creative pergola ideas from the experts.
A pergola is a blank canvas, an outdoor space you can use however you wish. Your pergola can be a quiet retreat, a lively gathering space, and more. So why not customize it with curtains, lighting, gadgets, and more?
Your pergola is bursting with possibilities, and it’s up to you to get the most out of your investment. With the right plan and amenities, you can maximize the enjoyment and pleasure of having a pergola. But when you’re facing so many options, it can be tough to know where to start.
At Texas Home Improvement, we’ve been designing and building custom pergolas for years. We’ve seen our customers do some truly incredible things with their pergolas, creating beautiful, enviable spaces. Today, we rounded up a few of our favorite design ideas for getting the most out of your pergola.
Liven things up with vines and hanging potted plants
Bring a little greenery to the scene. You can line your pergola with hanging planters for a splash of color and texture. You can also train vines to climb the walls of your pergola.
Some plants will even grow long enough to cover your pergola’s roof! Your local nursery can recommend different options based on the look you want. Some great Texas climbers include bougainvillea, grape, honeysuckle, Carolina jessamine, and prairie rose.
Hang a porch swing for maximum relaxation.
Patio furniture isn’t your only option for pergola seating! Pergolas are sturdy structures that can handle the weight of hanging seating. Consider adding a hammock or a porch swing so you have somewhere to drink tea and read a book.
Add shade and privacy with curtains and covers.
Many pergolas are made with open slats. Depending on the angle of the sun and surrounding trees, the shade may be a little patchy. Plus, an open-slat wall doesn’t offer much privacy.
You can protect yourself from the sun and nosy neighbors by investing in curtains or a cover for your pergola. There are dozens of beautiful options on the market, from budget to luxury prices. You can even get a retractable pergola that folds up neatly when you don’t need it.
Step up your game with a grill, fire pit, or a woodfired oven.
Turn your pergola into a culinary destination! Imagine grilling a burger, toasting a marshmallow, or baking pizza from scratch for your family and friends. Grills, fireplaces, and woodfired pizza ovens are fun options for adding something special to your pergola setup. Plus, the warmth from any of these can keep you comfortable as the evening progresses and the air gets cooler.
A tip: Don’t forget about fire safety. An expert can help you determine proper placement to mitigate risk. Ask a professional or call the fire department for a consultation.
Brighten up your pergola with creative lighting.
Beautiful lighting makes your pergola a great destination well past sunset. For some folks, a long extension cord is all you need to make the space magical. Twinkle lights, rope lights, and paper lanterns are popular choices for creating ambience.
But depending on where your pergola is located in relation to your house, you can wire it for electricity. If this is an option for you, the possibilities are endless. You can add a ceiling fan for a breeze or a chandelier for elegance.
Add a projector screen for movie night in the pergola.
Don’t you hate having to choose between watching a movie and enjoying the evening breeze? Add a projector screen to your pergola and you can have the best of both worlds. Projectors and projector screens are available in many sizes and price points, so you can find the perfect setup. You’ll make magical memories with your family and become the go-to hangout spot for your kids and their friends.
Create a fun and safe destination for teenage kids.
As a parent, you always want to know where your kids are. But teenagers are often itching for their own space, especially when their friends come over. So, a pergola can offer an excellent solution that makes both parties happy.
Teenagers can relax a little in the separate space and privacy offered by the pergola. And Mom and Dad can rest easy, knowing the kids are still close by.
The aforementioned projector screen is a great place to start. Consider adding a small fridge for soda and juice so kids can help themselves to refreshments. Make sure the snack options at your house are good, too!
Beautiful pergolas to enjoy Texas weather
Texas Home Improvement is proud to be one of the best pergola builders in the Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth (DFW) areas. We design and build custom pergolas that continue looking beautiful for years to come. Thinking about a pergola or patio cover for your home? Get in touch
by Taha E.H | Apr 30, 2022 | Exterior Coating
Here are the basics when it comes to the cost and durability of exterior paint versus exterior coating.
At Texas Home Improvement, one of our specialties is exterior coating. We’re proud to be experts at installing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
But there’s a question we hear a lot in our line of work: “What’s the difference between exterior coating and regular house paint?” Unfortunately, many people haven’t heard of exterior coating and aren’t familiar with the many benefits.
Today, we’re breaking down the major differences between exterior paint and exterior coating, from product formulation to cost savings.
The difference between exterior paint and exterior coating.
There are many differences between regular house paint and exterior coating, starting with the product composition. House paint contains four primary ingredients: pigments, binders, solvents (liquids), and additives.
On the other hand, exterior coating is made with a more rigorous recipe. Exterior coatings contain volcanic ash, polymers, and acrylic, which come together to create a highly durable coating.
Which is more durable: Exterior coating or exterior paint?
Even the most professional paint job only lasts three to six years, maybe seven if you’re in a mild climate. But you can’t avoid the effects of sunlight, precipitation, and other environmental factors. So fading, peeling, and chipping are inevitable after a while.
On the other hand, exterior coating can last a lifetime—literally. Laboratory tests confirm that TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® shows no signs of fading even after 10-12 years.
The product’s sturdiness is hardly surprising, given the origin story of TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®. The product was first developed as a coating for military vehicles in the desert, such as tanks and humvees. In that environment, durability is critical.
Regardless of the climate, you can reap the benefits of that military technology. When you opt for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® over paint, your home looks beautiful for much longer.
The installation process for exterior house paint versus exterior coating.
Most people opt to hire professionals when it comes time to paint their house. But if you’re determined to DIY it, you can. It’s not a small task, but painting your own house can save you a lot of money.
On the other hand, exterior coating must be installed by a professional. The home’s surface needs to be correctly prepped to ensure that the coating lasts. Professional installation is key if you want to reap the benefits of exterior coating’s longevity and durability.
The cost difference between regular exterior paint and exterior coating.
If you’re just comparing the cost of product and installation, regular house paint will be cheaper. But when you consider a longer time horizon, exterior coating is the more economical choice for two reasons.
First, as mentioned above, exterior coating lasts much longer than paint. You might pay more upfront, but you don’t have to pay for another installation every few years. Your investment lasts much, much longer.
Second, opting for exterior coating over exterior paint can save you money in other areas. Keep reading to learn how!
Is exterior coating more energy-efficient than exterior house paint?
In a word, yes. To be more specific, regular house paint can’t improve your home’s energy efficiency. But exterior coating can.
A few ways TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® increases energy efficiency:
- Deflecting heat away from your home, thereby reducing the ambient temperature of the surface,
- The surface temperature with exterior coating is usually about 40°F cooler than a comparable home with regular paint.
- Most people save an average of 20% on their energy bills by switching to TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
Still, have questions on the difference between exterior paint and exterior coating? Then get in touch with the team at Texas Home Improvement. We’d be glad to have a conversation and decide if TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® is right for you.
by Taha E.H | Apr 13, 2022 | Windows
Spring is just around the corner, which means now is an excellent time to consider a window replacement project.
Spring is the seasonal sweet spot for making the process a little smoother if you think it may be time for replacement windows.
Late spring and early summer are ideal times to upgrade to energy-saving windows.
Warm weather makes the window replacement process a little smoother.
For starters, the weather is relatively predictable. The heavy rains of early spring are behind you, and snow is a distant memory. Predictable weather means fewer delays so that you can enjoy your new windows right on schedule.
And it’s worth noting that no precipitation means no mud. Your contractor won’t track as much mess inside if the ground is dry.
Stable weather makes the window installation process more comfortable—a lot of airflow in and out of your house during the window installation process. If the outdoor air is pleasant, you’ll hardly notice. Plus, you’re not paying extra to combat freezing winter air.
Some of the materials used in the window installation process perform better in certain ambient temperature ranges. However, if the caulk is applied in the dead of winter by an inexperienced team, it may not cure correctly.
Shoddy work can lead to cracking, splitting, and other issues that compromise the seal of your windows. The blazing heat of high summer isn’t great for caulk either. But late spring and early summer temperatures are ideal for a smooth and long-lasting application.
Lower your summer heating bill by replacing your windows.
You might decide to install replacement windows for many reasons—knowing summer is right around the corner may be one of the best reasons. Texas summers can be intense, and staying cool is a top priority. Energy-efficient windows are much better than traditional windows at keeping the heat out and minimizing air leakage.
Take a moment to stand or sit next to an existing window. You’ll know that hot or cold air is escaping through the cracks if you can feel a draft. Don’t waste money heating or cooling the outdoors!
A superior seal can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if you get new windows now, you could see a drop in your summertime energy bill.
And you get to enjoy the savings year-round.
Cabin fever? Springtime window replacement is just what the doctor ordered.
The happiness boost of having new windows in your home is worth noting. After being cooped up all winter, you’re probably desperate for fresh air. It’ll be much easier to get it with new windows that open and close more efficiently than your old creaky ones.
Replacing your windows when the weather’s pleasant means you can take advantage of their easy operation right away. Otherwise, you might have to wait a few more cold months before letting in all that fresh air.
A great contractor can ensure top-notch window replacement in any season.
Experienced window companies can work around heat, freezing temperatures, and other winter weather factors. Sure, there are a few perks of a springtime installation. But if a different season works better for your family, talk to your contractor.
Replacement windows can increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value. So it’s never a bad idea to schedule a swap.
One final tip about a springtime window installation: Book early! Between spring cleaning and considering the perks we shared here, many people are thinking about window replacements. So start calling contractors now and get on their schedule as soon as possible.
by Taha E.H | Mar 30, 2022 | Projects
The HOVER app creates a 3D model of your home so you can visualize your home remodeling decisions before making a choice.
At Texas Home Improvement, we understand home renovation decisions can be overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider. Making decisions without a clear mental picture can feel like a gamble, which is why we’re proud to offer the HOVER app to our home renovation customers.
The HOVER app takes away a lot of the guesswork thanks to unique visual tools and virtual measurements.
Get a 3D model of your home without expensive CAD software or photography.
Home renovation shows always use 3D models to show you their plans for a renovation. Unfortunately, while the model’s value is clear, getting your own can seem impossible—unless you’re ready to pay top dollar.
Architects can make a 3D rendering from your home’s blueprints, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. The luxury of a 3D model seemed out of reach for many homeowners—until the HOVER app.
The HOVER app makes 3D renderings accessible for everyday homeowners. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes outside. The HOVER app needs just eight photos of your home’s exterior to build a realistic rendering.
The app will guide you through the process and show you the exact angles it needs. After a quick walk around the house and a few taps, it takes 48 hours to generate your model.
Accurate measurements provide accurate price estimates—and better budget management.
No one wants to name a price based on an eyeball estimate. But sadly, this happens all the time. It’s challenging to accurately measure the size of the roof or how much siding you have. Inaccuracy can lead to quoting errors and big surprises when you get the final bill. Making decisions based on a ballpark guess can tank your budget or sideline your project.
The HOVER app captures accurate measurements of your home’s dimensions, which means a smoother and more reliable quoting process. And with the HOVER app, your contractor doesn’t have to guess. Instead, they can calculate the material and labor costs based on actual numbers rather than assumptions.
As a result, you can minimize your anxiety about the price tag, stay true to your budget and reduce waste.
See all your options and make more confident decisions.
Not everyone can visualize their home in a new color or a different material for the roof. It can be intimidating to make such a large-scale decision when you’re unsure how it will look.
The HOVER app digitally alters the appearance of your home, from exterior colors to siding to roofing materials. You can even play with different options for windows.
You’ll see a photorealistic rendering of all your choices before making any big decisions. This clarity on each option makes it much easier to make confident decisions.
Quickly share data with anyone who needs it.
The HOVER app connects everyone who has a vested interest in details about your home. That includes your contractor, your insurance company, and you.
You won’t be scrambling for blueprints or long-lost forms or attaching 50 JPEGs to an email. Instead, you can send photos and dimensions to everyone who needs them, along with your 3D rendering.
Texas Home Improvement is passionate about helping our customers feel good about their home remodeling decisions. That’s why we use the HOVER app to streamline every project.
by Taha E.H | Mar 24, 2022 | Projects, Roofing
With some planning and careful reflection, you can avoid regret and love your remodel for years to come.
The internet is full of stories about people who regret their remodeling choices from the past few years. A significant contributor is that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way we spend time in our homes. However, there are a number of common renovation mistakes people make that leave them wishing they’d done something different.
If you’re thinking about a remodel, consider these tips to ensure that you’ll love the final result:
Don’t default to the cheapest remodeling contractors you can find.
It’s tempting to go for the most affordable option—but there might be a reason for the price. Maybe they’re inexperienced, or they use cheap materials. Or perhaps they’re just not very good at what they do.
Of course, the cheap contractor may end up being the best choice. But don’t make that decision before doing your research. Instead, read their testimonials and ask for photos of their recent projects. And get a few quotes from other contractors, so you have grounds for comparison.
In a similar vein, don’t assume DIY is the cheapest option for your home remodel either. It’s only a money-saving choice if you know you can do it well. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying to get it fixed anyway. So be honest with yourself about what you can realistically do on your own.
Be a little generous with your home renovation budget.
Choosing cheap every time can be a recipe for home renovation regret. But if you go too low on your budget, you may not have a choice. So don’t build your budget around the lowest prices in your area. Instead, leave some wiggle room so you can invest in the right contractors, not the cheapest ones. Be mindful of balance, though: You don’t want to go broke!
Plan your home renovation around your family’s needs—now and in the future.
The planning stage of a home renovation project is a good time for a family heart-to-heart. You can make better long-term remodeling decisions when you’re clear on where you’re headed as a family.
For example, if it’s just you and your partner, you might not need a big mudroom for now. But if you’re planning for children, there are a lot of shoes, jackets, and sports bags in your future. So build the big closet now, so it’s ready for all those little boots and soccer cleats when the time comes. Otherwise, you might have to renovate again—with kids underfoot this time.
Think about seasonal changes in your area.
If you’re renovating in late summer, you may have forgotten what winter is like. But it’s essential to plan a renovation that suits your climate. Think about where you’ll keep boots and jackets in the winter or tennis rackets in the summer. Create an airy sunroom that can be sealed and enjoyed in chilly weather. Be realistic about how you use your space year-round and plan accordingly.
This applies to outdoor spaces as well. For example, a pergola or patio cover is an excellent investment in a warm state like Texas. But if it snows six months out of the year, you might wish you’d spent that money elsewhere.
Be cautious about trendy home renovation and design choices.
Unless you’re planning to renovate every year, don’t go for all the latest fads. This is especially true for long-lasting decisions. For example, you can cover up a regrettable paint job in a day, but replacing tile or woodwork is expensive. It’s also worth noting that opting for trendy over classic can affect the resale value of your house. For example, future buyers may be more likely to bite if you go for white subway tile instead of something pink.
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Are you feeling confident about your home renovation choices? Then, contact the Texas Home Improvement team for help with replacement windows, exterior paint, patio covers, and pergolas. We also specialize in roof repair and replacement.
