by Taha E.H | Jun 27, 2020 | Exterior Paint, Exterior Coating
After years of sunlight, rain, wind, and more, the exterior paint will start to fade. It can start to chip as well or become stained. At this point, a new coat of paint can help freshen up the look of the home, boosting the curb appeal significantly. If you need to paint the outside of your home, you have a lot to think about before getting started. Should you hire a painter? What paint to choose, and even what colors to pick out?
Exterior Paint – DIY or Hire a Painter?
The age-old question for most homeowners is going to be whether they should do it on their own or if hiring a professional is the best option. Of course, there are pros and cons for both. But, most homeowners will decide they should have one of the local exterior painting companies handle the job.
DIY painting isn’t as easy as it looks and may not lead to professional results. A early question to ask, ‘Do you have prior experience painting?’. You may not be able to get all of the corners as nicely as expected. And, you should consider the expense for general supplies like rollers or brushes. Plus, there’s the issue of safety. You may need a ladder to paint the higher parts of your home.
A professional already has the tools and experience to do an amazing job. While it might seem like the more expensive option. There’s no worry about having to run out and buy more paint, having to purchase rollers or brushes, or having to buy a ladder tall enough to reach the upper parts of your home. Professionals are also insured and trained in safely using ladders, so there isn’t as much of a risk for injuries. However, an important question to ask, ‘Is your company insured?’. If an accident were to happen, is their an insurance company to cover damage or injury? If not, you might get a visit from an attorney.
What to Look for in a Painter
Homeowners should look for experience. Reading reviews and checking out prior paint jobs done by the professional can give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s important to check licenses and insurance before hiring any painter to reduce your own liability. All of this can help ensure you find a quality painter that can not only do the job but will do the job well.
Interior Versus Exterior Paint
When it comes to the paint, homeowners have plenty of options to choose from before they even start thinking about the color. Interior paints should be avoided, though they may be less expensive. They are mainly designed for aesthetics, so they won’t hold up to the sun and rain as the exterior paint will. The right exterior paint will look great for years and can help protect the house itself from the elements. The extra spent to purchase high-quality exterior paint will end up being worth it in the long run.
What to Look for in Exterior Paint
All exterior paint isn’t created equally. Some paints have extra ingredients that are designed to protect the home better and ensure it will look good for as long as possible. Homeowners in Texas, for instance, may want to look for an exterior paint that’s heat-reflective. This not only protects the home from the damage and fading caused by the sun’s rays but can keep the interior cooler as well. The paint will shield the home from the sun, reflecting the rays, so they don’t cause the inside of the home to heat up during the summer. An example is COOLWALL heat reflective paint.
Choosing the Right Colors
After a homeowner has decided who will handle the painting and the type of paint, it’s time to choose the colors. Typically, the trim will be in a different color from the rest of the home to ensure it stands out. The doors may be done the same color as the trim or in a third color. Homeowners have the option to choose any colors they prefer, but if they aren’t sure what will look good on their home, professionals can often help them narrow down the options. Once the right colors are picked out, the painting can begin.
If your home is starting to look older because of peeling or fading paint outside, it may be time to start thinking about having it painted. The exterior painting companies offer the expert help needed to restore the look of your home and can get the job done quickly. Use the information here to start thinking about what you want for the home, then contact a pro to get started.
by Taha E.H | Jun 4, 2020 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint
Paint on the exterior of a home starts to lose its color after some time. The sun’s rays, debris during storms, and other elements take a toll on how vivid the paint color is. When the paint starts to lose its brightness, a fresh coat may be the best option to restore the look of the home and help protect the siding. Today, paint can do even more, and may also help keep the home cooler during the hottest months of the year. Before applying that new coat of paint, the first step is to choose the right painting company.
Do Research on Local Companies
There are many options for painting companies today. So, it’s essential to do some research. Some companies, unfortunately, may not live up to your standards. Other companies will do an amazing job, paying attention to even the smallest details, making sure you are satisfied before they finish the job. Doing research, reading reviews, and checking the past history of companies can help homeowners find that type of company, the type that’s going to care about how well the job is done.
Look for a Painting Company that Offers Top Options
The Texas sun is brutal during the summer months and causes the power bills to skyrocket. One way to help prevent huge power bills can be accomplished by choosing the right paint for a home. New technology like that used to create TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems can help reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the home much cooler throughout the summer.
This paint uses the same technology as the military uses in the paint for their vehicles to keep the heat signature down so the vehicles can’t be spotted by thermal imaging cameras. Homeowners who look for a company that offers paint options like this may be able to get a lot more out of the new paint for their home, helping them save time and money.
Get a Quote and Understand What it Says
Once the homeowner has a few companies they’re interested in working with, the next step is to get quotes. This is crucial and should never be skipped over. A quote gives the homeowner a chance to see what is involved in the job and how much it will cost. You should review the quote carefully, checking to ensure everything you need to have done is included in the quote.
It is important during this point of research to remember that the lowest quote is not necessarily the best. They may use a lower quality paint, which will just need to be repainted in the near future. Instead, compare quotes from companies that offer high-quality paint like the Tex-Cote CoolWall paint to find the right company to work with.
Look at Guarantees and Potential Scheduling
Before hiring any company, check to see what kind of guarantees they offer for the work. Companies that aren’t going to do a great job will likely not offer a guarantee. They know they’ll need to come back and fix the paint. If they do offer one, it will be for a very short amount of time. Instead, make sure the company is going to offer a decent multi-year guarantee for the work and will be willing to come back and fix any issues if noticed.
On top of this, learn a little more about their current schedule and when the painting could be completed. This is especially important for those who may need to take off work to have the painting done or who may be planning to travel in the near future.
Get a Detailed Contract for the Work
Once a company is chosen, make sure to get a detailed contract. Homeowners should check that everything they want to have done is in the contract so that they don’t have to wonder if it will be done. And if something is overlooked by the paint company, what is the standard procedure for follow up. With a detailed contract in hand, the next step is to hire the company and schedule a time for the painting to be done.
If you’re planning on having your home painted, make sure you find the right painting job. A little bit of work and research now can save you money and heartache in the future. When you use the right company, the job will be done right. Your new painted home should look stunning. And, the process should be pleasant. The question to ask yourself is, ‘would I choose this company again if I started over?’. Longevity and good reviews are a good predictor of what you should expect from the painting company you choose.
Contact Texas Home Improvement for Your Painting Needs
If you live in Austin or the Dallas Fort Worth area and would like more information on exterior coating, replacement windows, roofing, or patio covers and pergolas, give us a call or contact us below.
[contact-form-7 id=”45″ title=”Contact form”]
by Taha E.H | May 12, 2020 | Exterior Coating, Protecting Your Home
We’ve escaped the past few summers with fewer 100 degree days than most years. However, a typical summer in Texas can mean turning into a piece of toast as soon as you walk out the door. The effect of the sun on our bodies is obvious and well advertised by doctors and through sunscreen commercials. But, what about the places where we seek refuge from the heat? How are we protecting our homes and the exterior coating from being damaged by the same harsh elements, heat and cold?
Protecting Your Home With Exterior Coating
The sun can take a huge toll on a home and its exterior coating. It heats up any room it shines on and wears down the exterior coating. It can shrivel up any plants that are in its direct path and more. Although these things might not seem like a big deal, the extra costs continued sunlight exposure can have on your budget can add up. Think about every time you turn down the thermostat during the summer in an attempt to beat the heat. Or, every minute the air conditioning has to stay on. What if there was a way to help your house minimize the time it spends with the air conditioning on? What if there was a way you could help your house fight the sun. And, it didn’t depend solely on the thermostat?
One thing you can do is get the right exterior coating for your house. Don’t simply paint your house. Use products like Tex-Cote or hire a company that does. These products were created to withstand continued sunlight and to keep the interior of your house cooler by reflecting the sun instead of soaking it up. Buying any old paint from a store will spruce up the color of your house for a moment but buying a specialized paint can help protect the outside of your house from fading or deterioration and keep it at a cooler temperature.
Increasing Your Energy Efficiency
Another thing to consider is replacing your windows with energy efficient ones. Cold air from your air conditioner in the summer or hot air from your heater in the winter can easily be sucked up by the opposing temperatures banging on the outside of your windows. Energy efficient windows are designed to help sustain internal temperatures instead of losing it to the outside by letting in external temperatures.
Last, especially if you have west or south facing windows or glass doors that open up to your backyard, consider getting some sort of patio covering. Getting a patio cover will not only provide shade over part of your backyard and make it more appealing to use in weather extremes but it will also keep whatever side of your house it’s located on shaded while still allowing you to enjoy the view of your backyard. This way you don’t have to shut off your view to your backyard by keeping the curtains or blinds closed all day. Instead, you get an addition that will enhance the beauty of your house and provide a two-for-one deal on extra shade and less direct sun.
Texas Heat Doesn’t Have To Rule Your Thermostat
All of these things can provide you with some extra ways to fight against the damage of the sun while still enjoying the natural light and other benefits it brings to your home. There are many options for saving money. And, although higher quality and more efficient items may cost more at first, they often pay for themselves by what they end up saving in energy bills. If you’re already looking at doing some touch ups around the house consider adding these to your list. If you were already planning on adding exterior coating or replacement windows, take some extra time to make sure you’re getting a product that will provide you with benefits outside of aesthetic appeal. Your house will thank you.
by Taha E.H | Jun 22, 2019 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint, Protecting Your Home, Roofing, Windows
Energy efficient homes have several things in common: energy efficient windows, roofing and paint. Roofing contractors can keep a lid on your home by holding in the cool air in the summer and heat in the winter. Replacement windows and using COOLWALL® exterior coating are a fantastic combination to cut costs on your energy bill.
Replacement Windows
If you’re looking to improve your home or revamp it for resale you should consider replacing your windows. Fresh and clear windows express comfort and efficiency for your home which increases its resale value. Replacing old windows is cost efficient and helps cut down on your energy bill. It also assists with noise reduction from outside sources. If your home is a decade or even two decades old, consider replacement windows to improve your home’s worth. The experts at Texas Home Improvement can examine your windows and estimate how much energy you’re currently losing from your weathered windows. Keep in mind the most popular seasons for replacing windows are spring and fall.
When it comes to energy saving replacement windows, the type of glass is crucial. Depending on the climate, some glass types will stand up better than others. Your environmental conditions may be extreme hot or cold, and from this Texas Home Improvement will provide you and your home with the best possible protective glass. Be sure to take this into account when looking for replacement windows. And don’t forget about frames and spacers to prevent heat from escaping or entering your home. Texas Home Improvement’s windows come with a lifetime warranty!
Fresh Coat of Paint, COOLWALL Exterior Coating Will Do
Texas Home Improvement isn’t just about replacing windows, they’re about improving all aspects of your home’s exterior. Energy efficient homes cover all areas of your home’s exterior: paint, windows and roofing. Consider this: only having to paint your house once. With TEX•COTE® COOLWALL you can have a paint that lasts long and decreases your energy bill. COOLWALL is 10 times thicker than regular paint and made up of special reflective pigments. When they reflect the light, the pigments lower surface temperatures by as much as 40-degrees Fahrenheit. A study conducted by the U. S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory showed that TEX•COTE COOLWALL coatings can reduce a home’s cooling costs by as much as 21.9%*! COOLWALL paint comes in a wide variety of colors to enhance any style of home
So, keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without risking a steep bill. And remember, Texas Home Improvement offer a lifetime warranty with COOLWALL exterior coating and their replacement windows! Call them today to learn more and receive a quote! Grapevine: (817) 488-9966 or Austin: (737) 346-0030.
*Percentage of savings are based on the DOE study. Learn More .
by Taha E.H | Feb 4, 2019 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint, Protecting Your Home
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house? Does the weather matter when painting? What kind of paint should I use? Will I like the paint color once it’s on my house?
If you’re asking yourself any of these questions or others, you’ve come to the right place. Any good exterior painting company will be able to answer any of your questions and concerns regarding exterior painting, with the exception of if you’ll like the color of course! However, if you want some help now with your planning process we have a quick but informative answer guide for you here!
How much will it cost to paint my house?
Painting cost for a house will vary and will largely depend on the price of the paint itself. According to reports from 2018 a 1,500 square foot one-story house averages $1000-$3000. A 3,000 square foot two-story house averages $3000-$4500 to paint. A 3,000-6,000 square foot three-story house averages $4500-$6000. Keep in mind the type of paint, the square footage, and the number of stories your house has. Also, exterior wall material (stucco, metal siding etc) is a key factor in determining the cost for exterior painting. Not all paint is created equal. So, more expensive paint could actually save you money in the long run.
Does the weather matter when painting?
The short answer is yes, but while rain and snow might come to mind as obvious things to avoid when thinking of painting, the temperature outside will matter too. It’s best to paint when both the shady and sunny spots of your house are in between 60-85 degrees during the day and night. This will help your paint cure correctly, reduce staining, mildew buildup and cracking.
What kind of paint should I use?
Exterior painting companies should be able to help advise on this one because the material your house is made of and what it’s previously been painted with will influence what type of paint will be best for the project. There are two basic types of paint: oil-based and water-based. Water-based paints do not belong over oil-based paints, are better at expanding and contracting with weather changes, and are easier to clean. Oil-based paints are more adhesive, great for painting over wood and metal siding, and can cover both oil or water-based paints. There are specialty paints that can last longer. These paints help reduce energy costs and sustain their color better. They can cost more based on what they’re designed to offer but may be useful for your house. Consult with your local exterior painting company for extra help on deciding a paint type.
Will I like the color of the paint once it’s on my house?
That is not a question this article can predict an answer to. However, many paint companies have galleries of homes and businesses they have painted. Here’s a gallery to help give possible paint buyers an idea of what the paint could look like. Some also have paint visualizers that allow you to upload a photo of your house or use sample houses to compare possible paint colors against.
Whatever your questions are or whatever concerns you may have, reach out to your local home improvement or exterior painting company for help and guidance on all your home improvement projects. The experts are here to help!
Call our Grapevine, TX office at 817-488-9966 or Austin, TX at 512-766-9696.
by Taha E.H | Nov 16, 2018 | Reviews, Exterior Coating, Patio Covers
Whether you are in search of roofing, replacement windows, patios or exterior paint or coating, Texas Home Improvement takes great care in providing an excellent value and quality work. As a result, here are a few recent Texas Home Improvement reviews from replacement windows, patio and exterior coating customers. These are the most recent unedited Texas Home Improvement Google Reviews.
Texas Home Improvement Google Reviews
Donna Mosley – The work turned out amazing! We are very pleased with our home. The workers were a pleasure to work with in getting our needs met.
Pat Rueter – The finished work was done in a very timely manner, and I am extremely happy with the result. My house feels better than new when I come home. The crew that actually does the work is awesome–courteous, professional, and experts at what they do. The sales reps are personable and make it easy to trust that you will get what you pay for. This is definitely not your usual door-to-door sales company.
I highly recommend Texas Home Improvement company!
Leigh Garcia – The patio cover that was built by Texas Home Improvement is absolutely gorgeous! It definitely upgraded our home’s appearance exponentially. Tim and Joshua were experts in building patio covers and the results prove that. They were both professional and personable. They consulted with us during the development as to what our preferences were to ensure that what they built for us was exactly what we wanted…and it is! The expense was well worth it!!
Kelly Stepura – Our experience with Texas Home Improvement was stellar. They painted our house, meticulously repairing and replacing wood as they went. Throughout the process, the staff that worked with us couldn’t have been more professional, kind, and patient… from the folks we spoke to at the office to the crew that came out to do the work.
The crew was fantastic: professional, neat and tidy, and friendly. The crew leader patiently answered all of my questions and took the time to make sure I was comfortable. They carefully moved our possessions to make sure they weren’t damaged, and afterward put them back exactly where they were. Honestly, I can’t imagine how they remembered where everything went. We couldn’t be happier.
It was a great experience working with Texas Home Improvement.
Belinda Donofrio – I am very pleased with the work that Texas Home Improvement did to my home. The total time from start to finish was three and a half days. They were even able to move me up on the schedule from the end of the month to mid month.
The guys came in power washed the house, covered the windows, patio and other equipment with plastic and paper one day, primed the house the second day, painted the house the third day, cleaned up the yard and asked me to inspect the last half day, then and only then did I make the payment. I was skeptical about the higher than normal cost, but I think it was well worth it.
Everyone who sees the home is very impressed with the look of my home, even though I got the exact color. The workers were very courteous and respectable. I am thoroughly impressed with Yureal the project foreman. Thank you sooooo much Texas Home Improvement.
For more Texas Home Improvement reviews and in-depth responses click here. Give Texas Home Improvement a call if you’d like a FREE estimate for roofing, patios, exterior coating or efficient replacement windows. Call Now: 817-488-9966 in Dallas / Ft. Worth or 512-766-9696 in Austin.
