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 >
by Taha E.H | Jul 30, 2022 | Projects
Simple upgrades can transform your home and attract more potential buyers.
Selling your home can be an overwhelming process. There’s so much conflicting—and expensive!—advice on how to maximize the staging process. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars and months of your life preparing to sell.
Today, we’re sharing five simple, easy, and affordable upgrades you can make in a short period of time. These practical upgrades can contribute meaningfully to how buyers perceive your home—and the sale price.
Get rid of clutter.
Did you know you can boost your home’s value by up to 5% just by clearing out clutter? That’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket, just by tidying up.
Creating a whole-house declutter can be daunting. Take it room by room. Remove unnecessary furniture and accessories, clear surfaces, and clean out closets, the basement, and the garage.
Here are a few guides to get you started:
Check for stains and smells.
We’re all guilty of becoming a little nose blind in our own homes. But a buyer will definitely notice a musty odor (or worse, especially if you have pets). Ask a trusted friend to come over and sniff around. Address any aromas they notice.
Look closely for stains too. Be especially observant in the bathroom and kitchen, where spills and moisture are common. Check the toilets for rings and residue. Make sure showers and bathrooms are sparkling clean. Check walls and surfaces around the stove for grease and food spatters. Get down on your hands and knees to look under the oven and fridge for crumbs.
Upgrade the fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Vintage drawer pulls may be charming, but old faucets and showerheads can put off a lot of buyers. Thankfully, updating those fixtures can totally transform the look of your bathrooms and kitchen. And it costs much less than replacing cabinetry and flooring.
Check out your local hardware store or shop online for more modern options. Make sure you strive for a cohesive look that matches the rest of your home. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you might consider replacing door knobs and cabinet hardware, too. It’s cheaper than a major renovation and still makes a big difference.
Think about your home’s curb appeal.
A neat and tidy home with an attractive yard is a big draw for potential buyers. But you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in landscaping to make a great impression. Just cover the basics:
- Mow the lawn and clear off any debris.
- Clean out the gutters.
- Sweep leaves, twigs, and detritus off the driveway and the sidewalk.
- Get rid of any dead plants or weeds in the garden beds. You might consider planting some fresh flowers if the weather’s nice.
One other idea: Paint your front door!
Find creative ways to make the rooms look bigger.
It just takes a few little tricks to make your house feel brighter and more expansive. The most obvious one is a strategically placed mirror. Mirrors amplify the light in a room by bouncing it around to more surfaces. Plus, mirrors can create the illusion of more space. Don’t overdo it, of course, but think about adding a few attractive mirrors to key spaces.
Light colors can have the same effect. If you’re thinking about repainting anyway, consider a lighter shade for an airy vibe.
And don’t be afraid to experiment with layout. Move your furniture around a little and see if you can achieve a more inviting look. These little touches can totally change how a potential buyer will perceive the space.
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A few simple staging hacks are all it takes to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. So get a pad of paper and start brainstorming how you might apply these ideas to your home.
by Taha E.H | Jul 4, 2022 | Projects
When it comes to outdoor space, there are many options to choose from. Pergolas and patio covers are especially popular here in Texas. But have you considered a screen room?
A screen room is, to be frank, exactly what it sounds like. It’s a fully furnished room, with a roof and a floor, with screens on all sides. It’s usually accessible via two doors: one leading into the house, and one leading into the backyard.
Today, we’re talking about why screen room additions are so great, so you can decide if you’d like to add one to your home.
Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Screen rooms combine the best things about a patio cover and a regular, indoor space. You can enjoy fresh air, warm temperatures, and a refreshing breeze while relaxing in a screen room. But you’re protected from bugs, debris, and the glare of the sun’s rays. It’s the beauty of the outdoors, with less interference from the harshness of the elements.
Cut down on maintenance
The sun, the rain, and other elements can take a toll on your outdoor furniture. Fabrics and pillows fade, decorative items get knocked over, and wet upholstery takes forever to dry. Plus, you’re constantly brushing off leaves, dust, and debris blown in by the wind.
A screen room can save you from all these frustrations. While screen rooms are not impervious to the elements, they do offer a lot of protection. Your screen room’s decorations and furniture will likely last much longer as a result. And you spend less time cleaning up after Mother Nature’s whims.
Enjoy the privacy
When it comes to optics, screen rooms are a little funny. It’s very easy to see out of them, but seeing into a screen room is difficult—especially during the day. This means one thing for you: Privacy.
If you want to enjoy your morning coffee and a nice breeze in your favorite robe, you can. If you want to kick back with a book in your rattiest weekend duds, you can. Your neighbors won’t be able to see much, so you can relax and enjoy the view—without being the view.
Better entertaining
Just like a porch or a pergola, a screened in room is a wonderful place for entertaining guests. You can use your screen room as the central location for intimate gatherings or spillover space for larger events. And there’s no need to worry about leaves falling into your friends’ drinks.
Boost your home’s resale value.
Investing in outdoor living spaces increases your property value, almost without exception. Beautiful outdoor spaces rank high on the wish list for people looking to buy a house. This is especially true in the age of COVID-19, when people are looking for new ways to enjoy their own homes. When you add a screen room, you can usually expect to recoup 70% to 80% of your investment when you sell your house.
Light up your life
Like patio covers, screen rooms are pretty much always an extension of your home. As a result, adding electricity to that space is fairly easy.
This can translate to some beautiful decor. You might consider a chandelier or twinkle lights. You can combat hot days with an overhead fan. And if you’re really feeling fancy, you can add a flat-screen TV for open-air movie nights.
Because everything is protected by a roof and screens, the risk of outdoor damage is pretty low.
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If you’re curious about a screen room, talk to the team at Texas Home Improvement. We can help you decide if you want one, or whether you’d like a patio cover or pergola instead. Our goal is to get you the outdoor space of your dreams. So let’s make it happen >
by Taha E.H | Jul 1, 2022 | Projects
A handy guide to prioritize your home improvement ROI dollars and get the biggest bang for your buck.
Did you know that you can often get your money back when it comes to home renovation projects?
It’s not quite simple. No one’s writing you a check when the paint dries. However, some projects boost the resale value of your home as much as you pay for them. In other words, you can count on a significant ROI when it’s time to sell.
Every year, Remodeling Magazine and other media outlets report the average ROI for a given house project. We did a little research to create this roundup of specific projects with great ROIs. So if you’re feeling unsure where to prioritize your home improvement dollars, this should give you a few ideas.
Landscaping: 100%.
Good landscaping can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal—and resale value. This is especially true in the COVID-19 era when people enjoyed their home’s outdoor spaces more. As a result, people are willing to pay more for a beautiful yard and garden.
By landscaping, we don’t mean elaborate topiaries and a ten-foot fountain. People simply want tidy layouts, clean lines, and a few unique features. Fire pits, benches, and charming paths are a few ideas. If you want to get a little fancier, you might spend $1000 on a wood-fired pizza oven. No matter what you do, expect to enjoy an excellent ROI. The dollars you invest in your home’s exterior are almost always well spent.
Garage door replacement: Close to 100%.
A new garage door usually costs between $3000 and $4000. You’re likely to recoup almost every dollar when you sell your house.
Minor kitchen remodel: 80 to 98.5%
There’s virtually no limit to how much you can spend on a kitchen remodel. From premium appliances to luxury tile, the price tag can vary dramatically. But a minor kitchen remodel usually refers to about $20,000 of work. This might include new cabinets, countertops, or appliances, plus cosmetic changes, such as fresh paint. The ROI varies based on the upgrades and the market, but you’re likely to realize over 80%.
It’s worth noting that even major kitchen renovations promise pretty good ROI, around 91%. This is especially true if you focus on increasing square footage. Home buyers are very interested in spacious kitchens. So if you can knock out a wall or otherwise increase the space, your ROI may be even higher.
Adding an outdoor space: 70 to 90%.
Investing in outdoor space, such as a deck, a patio, or a screen room, is pretty much always a good idea. Here in Texas, especially, we love our pergolas!
The ROI on outdoor space depends largely on the material you use. Wood decks, for example, often have a slightly higher ROI than composite decks. However, composite decks tend to last much longer, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Replacing your front door: 75%—possibly much more.
It may sound unbelievable, but your front door can have an absolutely massive impact on your home’s resale value. Studies show that a good door color can increase buyers’ perception of a home by over $6000. Given the fact that a good door usually costs less than $1000, you might see an incredible return on that investment.
That being said, it’s also worth noting that a poor color choice can drive down the perceived value of a home. You can’t just pick a wacky color and hope for the best. According to Apartment Therapy, your best options are slate blue, olive green, and black. And be sure to think about contrast. A dark gray house with a black door isn’t going to make much of an impression. But a pop of slate blue can add a lot of tasteful pizzazz.
Another way to boost your curb appeal: Replace that old paint with something fresh. Exterior coating is a great, long lasting option that can actually lower your utility bill.
Window replacement: 70 to 90%.
The clean lines and beautiful appearance of new windows can make a huge difference in your home’s aesthetic appeal. But ROI on new windows can vary, mostly based on the materials you choose. Vinyl windows tend to yield a slightly higher ROI than those made of wood. It’s also worth noting that consumers are becoming more and more interested in energy efficient windows. Going for the greener option is likely to make your home more attractive to future buyers.
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Whether you’re ready to sell or settling in for many years, you can be smart about your home improvements. Call the experts at Texas Home Improvement to talk about your ideas and get help making the best decision. We can match you with a great contractor and help you choose the right options for your home.
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 | 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.
