Use this handy checklist for regret free home renovation choices.

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.

Three Long-Term Home Investments That Are Totally Worth It

by Taha E.H | Nov 24, 2021 | Projects, Roofing

Long-term home investments – unlike most long-term stock investments – can have an immediate positive impact on quality of living.

But, In both the stock market and the real estate market, you must strike a balance between short-term and long-term investments. There’s no crime in fixing this little thing and painting that small surface, but you don’t want to overlook the big picture. A few significant upgrades make a difference in your comfort, the look of your home, and your future resale value.

Replace your roof.

Here’s a real estate secret: Because the home buying process is so expensive already, most of them are incredibly reluctant to spend money on a new roof right away. An old roof is enough to deter people from buying a house that they might otherwise deem perfect. In other words, a new roof will give you a significant edge when it comes time to sell.

You’ll make some of that money back, too. Depending on what type of shingles you use, you can expect to recoup 50-70% of what you spend when you sell your house.

Planning to stay put for a while? There are still plenty of reasons to upgrade your roof. Old roofs are hot spots for mold and mildew, affecting the air quality and the smell of your home. This problem gets worse if your roof is leaky. Leaks can do some damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, and even furniture if you ignore them for too long. Lastly, a good roof is going to protect you and your family better. Texas got smacked with a truly unprecedented snowstorm in 2021. It was a rare occurrence, but you want your home to be ready for it if it happens again.

Invest in new windows.

The most obvious reason to replace your windows is purely aesthetic. Old, crumbling windows with outdated trims are an eyesore. Swapping them out for new ones will add an instant boost to the look of your home and put a smile on your face. But there are many other good reasons.

New windows can make your home more energy-efficient. Thanks to highly engineered seals and special coatings, these windows don’t leak all the air you’re paying to heat and cool. This means a lower utility bill for you and less precious energy spent on maintaining a steady temperature. Plus your family will be more comfortable.

And, of course, new windows will drive up your home’s resale value. So you can expect to recoup at least 70% of what you spent.

Give your home a fresh look with exterior coatings.

We’ve talked before about the importance of curb appeal when it comes to selling your home, and you can’t ignore the impact of a fresh paint job. But paint isn’t your only option.

Professional exterior coating is more resistant to fade and fatigue, so it looks fresh and bright for much longer. And because it lasts longer than traditional paint, you don’t have to think about a touch-up for a long time. It also has the benefit of military-grade heat deflection technology, so it keeps your house cooler by bouncing the sun’s rays away. Enhancements like this are a great selling point for future buyers who feel strongly about environmentally friendly solutions and a lower utility bill.

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Long-term home investments should strike a balance between upgrades with universal appeal and upgrades that only matter to you. If you want a whirlpool bathtub, by all means, get one, but be realistic about whether or not you’ll see any return on investment (ROI). Always keep in mind the changes that will make a meaningful difference in your home’s value, and think big picture.