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 | 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 | Sep 19, 2022 | Protecting Your Home, Windows
There are many upsides to investing in quality vinyl windows, from easier daily upkeep to more significant long-term returns.
If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, you may be considering several different options. Style, color, and special features will all factor into your final decision.
One choice to make, among many, is material. Wood and metal windows have been the old standbys for many years. But vinyl windows started to become popular in the 1990s and are being used in more and more homes.
There are many excellent reasons to choose vinyl windows. Here are six specific benefits to consider.
Lower your energy costs with vinyl windows.
Energy efficiency is perhaps the primary draw of vinyl windows. Thanks to material choices and specialty design, vinyl windows keep extreme temperatures out of your house. In the summer, the heat stays outside. In the winter, the heat stays inside. Your climate control system isn’t doing constant battle against outside temperatures. And your wallet isn’t straining to keep up. So if you want to save money and do something about your carbon footprint, consider vinyl windows. It’s an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t require you to pony up for an electric car.
Quality Vinyl windows can boost your home’s resale value.
Energy-efficient windows are an increasingly popular choice among home builders and buyers. Choosing vinyl windows—and their many benefits—can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. In addition, you can expect to recoup around 67% of the cost, which is slightly more than the ROI on wood windows.
Learn more about replacement windows and other long-term investments in your home >
No need for fancy cleaning products.
Low-maintenance housekeepers, rejoice: It doesn’t get easier than vinyl windows—no need to buy specialty cleaners or hire a professional. Instead, good old soap and water are all you need to clean up your vinyl windows. This makes upkeep much easier, which can prolong the life of your windows.
Quality Vinyl windows are tough.
Vinyl windows are much more durable than other materials and can stand up well against the elements. Unlike wood or metal, vinyl doesn’t corrode or rust, and is less prone to fading over time. Plus, vinyl is less likely to show scratches. If you have kids, cats, or other adorable yet destructive forces in your home, vinyl is a very durable option.
Choose from a variety of options.
Vinyl windows are extremely customizable. You can pick from a broad spectrum of colors or get a custom shade made to match your home. You’re not hemmed in by a limited number of sizes or styles, either. You can customize virtually everything about your vinyl windows to suit your exact aesthetic.
Cut down on ambient noise.
Vinyl windows aren’t totally soundproof, but vinyl is a great insulator compared to other materials. Choosing vinyl windows can lead to a peaceful home by blocking out a little more of the hustle and bustle outside. This is great if you live in a busy area or have a little one who needs to sleep. Regardless of circumstance, a little extra serenity is never a bad thing.
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If you’re whether it’s time to replace your windows, take a look at our quick guide. We’ll walk you through everything to consider when deciding when to take the plunge. If you have more questions, talk to one of our experts. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.
by Taha E.H | Aug 1, 2022 | Protecting Your Home
Set your home improvement project up for success by avoiding these common mistakes.
The best moment of any home improvement project is the big reveal at the end. After all that work, time, and inconvenience, you finally get to see the beautiful outcome of your patience.
But that moment is hardly a magical one if you’re disappointed with the results. Unfortunately, people make the same five mistakes over and over when planning a home improvement project. And in the end, they pay for it.
Here are five missteps to avoid when planning your own improvements:
Mistake #1: Hiring a handyman instead of a licensed contractor.
A handyman makes for a charming sitcom character. But when you’re hiring someone for your own home, you’re better off with a licensed contractor. That license guarantees a certain level of experience and qualification, which can protect you from problems and disappointment. When you’re choosing a contractor, always ask about a license.
Mistake #2: Choosing a family friend as your contractor.
It’s tempting to choose someone you already know to lead your home improvement project. But there are significant downsides to relying on a friend or family member.
It can be much harder to push back if you’re not happy with their work or a recommendation they made. And if the project starts running behind, it can be awkward to confront them about the delays. The best way to protect your relationship is to just hire a general contractor based on recommendations from friends.
Mistake #3: Hiring a contractor based on price alone.
There are smart ways to save money on a home improvement project. But when it comes to general contractors, you get what you pay for.
In general, cheap contractors have far less experience, which can turn into mistakes and disappointments. Plus, inexperienced contractors have fewer relationships with great subcontractors. You can’t count on getting the best of the best for every step of the project.
If you choose your contractor based on the price tag alone, you’re more likely to be disappointed with their work. So do your research and find someone trustworthy with experience, knowledge, and good references. It’s a worthwhile investment.
Mistake #4: Not getting a written contract.
This is an incredibly common mistake, especially among people hiring a home improvement contractor for the first time. If you get started on a project with just a handshake, there’s a lot of room for things to fall apart. There’s no way to settle disagreements, and you can end up with something totally different than you asked for.
A contract is a legal document that clearly outlines the scope of work, price, and payment schedule. The contract holds both parties accountable, so it’s in both your and your contractor’s best interests to have one. You can always hire an attorney to help draft one. But a good contractor will usually have a template you can start with.
Mistake #5: Thinking you can do it yourself.
Between Pinterest, home improvement shows, and YouTube, the DIY spirit has never been stronger. And while there are many projects you truly can do yourself, it’s vital to know your own limits. It’s one thing to paint your own bedroom. It’s quite another to tinker with your own plumbing.
You need to be extremely honest with yourself about what you can do, for two big reasons:
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- Safety. There’s virtually no limit to the dangers of excess boldness when you’re striving to DIY. You could fall off a ladder, hurt someone with a power saw, or touch the wrong wire while doing electrical work. Now is not the time to choose bravery over safety.
Set yourself up for a successful home improvement project.
Protect the magic of your big reveal by making smart choices every step of the way. Do your research, hire a professional, and get a contract. Your good decisions will make the final product much, much sweeter.
Need some help finding a contractor? The team at THI can help >
by Taha E.H | Mar 27, 2021 | Exterior Paint, Protecting Your Home
When choosing a house painting company, whether it’s minor interior work or a complete repainting of a home’s exterior, there are several questions to consider. There are hundreds of painting contractors in Texas, and finding the best one can be difficult. Here, we’ll outline a few factors to consider when choosing a reliable house painting company.
Punctuality
Whether you’ll need to let them into the house or move the family’s vehicles beforehand, having a painter arrive on time is crucial to a project’s success. For most Texans, punctuality is a crucial quality. If you plan to be on-site while work is ongoing, you should expect the job to be done in the allotted time.
The Techniques and Materials to Be Used
It’s important to have a painting company representative specify—on paper—the materials the contractor will use. Low-quality materials won’t last long, won’t hold up to Texas weather, and won’t conceal minor imperfections. Unlike some companies, Texas Home Improvement doesn’t use cheap products. Contact us today to find out about our Tex-Cote COOLWALL exterior protection system, which may lower your cooling costs by up to 22%.
A long-lasting paint job requires a significant amount of prep work. Ask the contractor how they’ll repair rough edges, mildew, flaking, holes, and other damage, before work begins. With their years of local experience, a Texas painting company should know which hues work well together. If you aren’t sure which colors to use, we can recommend paint brands and grades that suit your home’s exterior.
Warranties on Paint
Another important tip for choosing a house painter is to ask about their warranty coverage. A one-year warranty is appropriate, as most major issues (such as peeling) often arise within a year. Two- and three-year warranties are sometimes offered. However, if a contractor avoids the issue by not providing a copy of the warranty’s terms and conditions, that’s a big red flag. Before signing any documents, be sure to get a written copy of the company’s paint warranty.
Recommendations From Neighbors and Friends
The easiest way to find a reliable painting company is to ask others for recommendations. If you have friends, family members, or neighbors who have hired painters in the past, ask about their experiences and who they would hire again. Word of mouth is a valuable marketing tool, and the word spreads quickly when contractors do high-quality work.
Positive Reviews
It’s impossible to please everyone, so online reviews should be taken with some skepticism. However, it’s important to trust your intuition: If a user review feels honest, it probably is. House painting companies with good online reputations will typically be trustworthy in real life.
A Smooth Interview Process
While Texas house painters are typically busy this time of year, any contractor interested in working with a client should be able to set aside a few minutes to answer your questions and ask a few for themselves. When choosing a painting company, ask these questions:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in the business?
- Do you belong to any professional associations?
- Do your employees do all the work, or are subcontractors used?
- Is a guarantee or warranty available?
- Which products are used?
- Do you have references from past customers?
The importance of hiring a licensed painting company can’t be overstated.
Detailed Paint Estimates
As a crucial step, be sure to request an estimate from any potential painting contractor. Schedule a consultation with the team leader who will perform the work, with the considerations and questions from this guide in mind. With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed hiring decision. It’s worth noting, though, that an estimate is just that—and the actual cost may be lower or higher depending on various factors. For most customers, having a number in mind makes the selection process easier.
Effective Communication
When discussing a project with a house painting company, clear and thorough communication will simplify the estimation process. Honesty is essential; tell the painter whether you simply want to re-paint the house before putting it up for sale or if you plan to stay and want a long-lasting result. These details are important, and once you’ve outlined them, the contractor will find it easier to meet your requirements.
Customer Service
When letting someone into your home, it’s important to be sure that they’re friendly and professional. Most clients have questions during the process, which an experienced painter has likely answered hundreds of times. However, contractors with good customer etiquette will respond as if they’re hearing each question for the first time. A good house painter should not only meet your requirements but exceed them.
A Few Mistakes to Avoid
While choosing a house painting contractor based on the above qualities is easy, there are a few things to avoid.
- Paying upfront. While it is normal for most contractors to request a deposit, avoid any that require full payment before work begins.
- Choosing a contractor based solely on pricing. Though it may be tempting to give the job to the lowest bidder, it’s better to focus on the value a reliable painter provides.
Repainting a home is a major task and choosing a painting company is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Texas contractors have the experience, training, and equipment to provide fast, consistent results.
In Closing
If you are looking for a reliable house painting company, contact Texas Home Improvement for a complimentary no-obligation estimate. With our COOLWALL coating system, you’ll protect the home’s exterior while enjoying lower cooling costs. Though we value our repeat customers, it’s our goal to help you avoid the hassle and expense of re-painting. Call us today to find out about our long-term exterior protection packages.
