• Roof & gutters: Hidden sheathing rot, interior leaks, and mold spread quickly after hail or storms.
• Windows & caulking: Cracks or dried seals allow water intrusion and raise cooling bills.
• HVAC systems: Skipped tune-ups in peak heat shorten lifespan and drive up energy costs.
• Plumbing leaks: Even slow drips can cause subfloor rot and mold within 24–48 hours.
• Foundations & slabs: Expansive clay soils can create doors that stick, cracks, and costly structural fixes.
• 
  

1. 48-hour water rule: Dry and repair leaks immediately. Mold grows fast, and costs rise fast.
2. Storm and hail checklist: Inspect roofs, gutters, and attics after every storm. Document everything with photos.
3. Seasonal foundation care: Keep soil moisture consistent; address hairline cracks early.
4. HVAC routine: Swap filters monthly during peak season and schedule spring/fall tune-ups.
5. Budget proactively: Treat maintenance as a line item. Pre-approve yourself to act on urgent fixes immediately.
6. 
   

• Post-storm: inspect, document, patch, schedule roof inspections.
• Moisture issues: dry and repair within 48 hours, or plan remediation.
• Foundation & soil: monitor and adjust drainage.
• HVAC: replace filters and book tune-ups before extreme heat hits.
• 
  

• Storm frequency: Texas led the nation with 878 major hail events in 2024, creating frequent roof, window, and siding repairs.
• High deductibles: Many Texas homeowners face percentage-based wind/hail deductibles—2% of a $300,000 home equals $6,000 before insurance pays.
• Repair costs rise fast: Water heaters, slab leaks, electrical panels, and HVAC systems can easily push bills past $5,000.
• 
  

1. Target a realistic emergency fund: Save 1–4% of your home’s value per year for repairs—older homes, hail-prone areas, or coastal properties may need the high end. Example: $350,000 home → $3,500–$14,000/year (~$292–$1,167/month).
2. Prioritize deductibles: Convert your wind/hail and all-peril deductibles to dollar amounts and keep that cash ready.
3. Automate & separate: Keep your emergency fund in a dedicated account to avoid dipping into other savings.
4. Prevent the preventable:
   • Annual HVAC tune-up + filter swaps.
   • Roof and gutter inspections before storm season.
   • Leak sensors near water heaters, sinks, and laundry areas.
   • Trim trees near roofs and lines.
5. Pressure-test insurance: Review deductibles, replacement costs, and flood coverage; adjust if necessary.

• Local repair programs: TDHCA “Help for Texans” directory.
• USDA Single-Family Repair Loans/Grants (rural & income-qualified).
• 2-1-1 Texas: statewide referral for assistance programs.
• 
  

• HVAC: Only licensed TDLR contractors with EPA 608 certification can legally handle refrigerants.
• Electrical: Owner-performed work is allowed in some areas, but local permits or inspections may be required; skipping them can void insurance or fail resale inspections.
• Gas: Moving meters or lines requires strict permitting and inspection compliance.

1. License check first: Verify HVAC, electrical, or plumbing credentials before buying tools.
2. Call the city: Even owner-performed work can need permits; a quick call prevents inspection failure.
3. Plan & bail: Define steps, tools, and a “stop point” where you call a pro if things go sideways.
4. Waterproof properly: Membranes, slopes, and pan liners in bathrooms are tricky—hire pros if unsure.
5. Sanity check: Ask a vetted expert at letsaskjack.com before you commit, then book licensed Texas contractors on TradeCrews for any work beyond comfort or code.
6. 
   

Texas Homeowners: Avoid Maintenance Shortfalls Before They Cost You

• Hail-heavy state: Texas leads the nation in major hail events, impacting roofs, siding, and windows.
• Summer heat stress: Long, hot seasons push HVAC systems hard and shorten equipment life.
• Expansive clay soils: Foundation movement and slab stress are common, especially during wet-dry cycles.
  With these factors, the higher end of Bankrate’s 1–4% rule often makes sense.
• 
  

1. Pick your percentage and calendar it. Use 1% for new, small homes; 2–4% for older, larger, or hail-exposed homes. Park money monthly to avoid cash-flow shocks.
2. Allocate by risk area. Roof/exterior, HVAC, foundation/drainage—assign dollars based on local Texas risks.
3. Service systems proactively. Spring/fall HVAC checkups, filter changes, and routine inspections reduce emergency repairs.
4. Track actual spending vs. estimates. Adjust the next year’s budget to reflect reality.
5. Separate maintenance from improvements. Prioritize gutters, caulking, grading, pest control, and minor repairs before splurging on upgrades.
6. 
   

• Home value: ~$304,000
• 1% → $253/month, 2% → $507/month
• 3% → $760/month, 4% → $1,013/month
   Use this to guide monthly savings for predictable upkeep.
• 
  

• Schedule roof inspections after storms.
• Keep gutters and drainage functional to prevent slab movement.
• Invest in energy-efficient HVAC servicing to reduce utility bills.
• 
  

Texas Homeownership: How Hidden Costs Can Blow Your Budget.

• High property taxes: Texas’ effective rate averages 1.47%, some of the highest nationally.
• Rising insurance premiums: Rates jumped ~19% in 2024, after a 21% increase the year prior.
• Maintenance & utilities: Clay soils, hail risk, and aging HVAC systems all add to predictable upkeep costs.
• 
  

• Property taxes & insurance: Typically the largest chunk.
• Utilities & internet/cable: Energy costs spike in Texas summers.
• Maintenance & repairs: Industry guidance recommends 1%–2% of home value yearly; larger homes or high-risk areas may need more.
• 
  

• Challenge high appraisals and ensure homestead exemptions are in place.
• Shop insurance annually and consider higher deductibles paired with emergency savings.
• Audit utilities—seal windows/doors, tune HVAC, and fix duct leaks.

• Roof hardening: Impact-resistant shingles (UL 2218 Class 4) and IBHS FORTIFIED practices reduce storm risk.
• Leak alarms & shut-offs: $15–$50 sensors under sinks or behind washers prevent costly water damage.
• Maintenance budget: Set aside 1%–2% of home value per year for wear-and-tear projects.

• If you live along the Gulf Coast, verify TWIA requirements before replacing roofs, windows, or doors. Ensure WPI-8/WPI-8E inspections are completed to maintain coverage.
• 
  

• Calculate your full monthly payment including hidden costs (~$1,500 extra).
• Lock in homestead & local exemptions; track protest deadlines.
• Schedule preventative inspections: roof, attic, gutters, grading, and HVAC.
• 
  

Protecting Your Texas Home Projects: Outsmarting Contractor Traps.

• “Unforeseen” charges that suddenly double your budget.
• Substandard substitutions (cheap shingles, thin pipe) billed as premium.
• Upfront payment grabs—sometimes without work ever starting.
• Lien threats when contractors fail to pay subs or suppliers.

1. Start with credentials.
   Check licenses directly:
   • Electricians + HVAC: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
   • Plumbers: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
      Save a screenshot—it’s proof.
2. Demand a detailed scope.
   Your contract should spell out: demo, materials, finishes, inspections, cleanup, and who pulls permits. Anything left blank = future surprises.
3. Get three real bids.
   Compare apples to apples: same scope, same SKUs. Huge price gaps usually mean missing items or games with “allowances.”
4. Tie money to milestones.
   Pay only after each phase passes inspection and punch-list. Avoid big upfront checks.
5. Collect lien waivers.
   With each progress payment, request a conditional lien waiver. At completion, insist on an unconditional waiver. This protects your title.
6. 
   

• “This price is good today only.”
• “We’ll waive your deductible.” (Illegal in Texas)
• “Permits? Not needed for this job.”
• “Just sign here, we’ll fill in details later.”

• Property Journal: Upload photos, measurements, utility bills, and past invoices—so every contractor prices the same scope.
• Jack's Report™: Get a one-page summary of your property’s condition and risks, so bids are cleaner and surprises shrink.

Texas Warranty Disputes: What to Do When Builders Push Back.

• Don’t rely on phone calls. Always follow up with certified mail or email—your paper trail matters more than promises.
• Challenge vague denials. If a builder claims “maintenance issue” or “cosmetic only,” ask for the exact warranty clause in writing.
• Use Texas’s RCLA framework. Written notice, inspection, and repair/settlement offers aren’t optional—they’re required steps that keep your claim alive.
• Documentation wins. Organized records give you leverage if you need to escalate.
• 
  

• “That’s just cosmetic.” If cracks or leaks are spreading, document the progression with dated photos. Escalate if they dismiss without inspection.
• “You didn’t maintain it.” Ask them to point to the specific clause you allegedly violated. General claims don’t hold up.
• “We’re out of warranty.” If the defect started within the coverage period, you may still have a claim. Dates and records prove your case.
• “Wait and see.” This tactic often runs out the clock. Reply with a deadline in writing: “If no action by [date], I’ll proceed under RCLA.”
• 
  

• Keep all defect logs, photos, and receipts in one place.
• Save copies of every notice—certified mail receipts are golden.
• Ask for inspection reports and scopes of work in writing.
• Consider a third-party inspector to back up your claims.
• 
  

Texas Contractor Scams: Spotting the Red Flags Before You Sign.

• Top scams: Lowball estimates that balloon later, fake credentials, substandard substitutions, “extra repairs,” or heavy upfront payment demands.
• Key laws: The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) bans false or misleading sales. It’s also illegal to waive an insurance deductible, and homestead jobs have strict lien contract rules.
• Protect yourself: Verify licenses, insist on detailed written scopes, tie payments to milestones, and keep meticulous records.

• DTPA: Misrepresentations, bait-and-switch, and fake licenses are illegal.
• Deductible waivers: It’s illegal for a contractor to waive or rebate your insurance deductible.
• Homestead rules: Jobs over $5,000 require specific contract language and a construction account; liens on homesteads have strict legal requirements.
• 
  

1. Verify first. Always check licenses and insurance—don’t just take a card at face value.
2. Demand detail. One written page listing demo, materials, trades, inspections, cleanup, and exclusions.
3. Compare apples to apples. Get three bids with matching scopes and SKUs.
4. Pay by progress. Tie payments to milestones and inspections—not promises.
5. Lock in lien protection. Collect lien waivers at each stage, final unconditional at completion.

• “Today only” deals or leftover material pitches.
• Deductible waivers (illegal).
• No license, no insurance, no permits in writing.
• Blank or one-page contracts with vague promises.
• 
  

• Property Journal: Upload and organize past invoices, photos, permits, and inspection records. When you send bid requests, export a clean packet so contractors can’t claim “surprises.”
• Jack Report™: Get a property summary of recent work, risks, and system conditions. Use it to compare bids and spot inflated or duplicate “extras.”

Texas Builder Warranties: How to Push Back When Silence Isn’t an Answer.

• Slow response or no response: Warranty portals feel like a black hole.
• Technical denials: “Out of warranty” or “normal wear” becomes the default reply.
• Missed paperwork: Informal calls and texts don’t count as notice under Texas law.

• Written notice (certified mail): This starts the legal clock.
• Inspection window (35 days): The builder has a right to review the defect.
• Repair/settlement offer (60 days): They must formally respond before you can sue or arbitrate.

• Send formal notice early: Don’t rely on portal messages—use certified mail with details and photos.
• Document like a pro: Track dates, conditions, and communications; label every photo.
• Don’t wait on gray areas: If your warranty is near expiration, act now—even if symptoms just started.
• Know your backstops: Texas recognizes implied warranties of habitability and workmanlike performance, which can apply if express coverage fails.
• 
  

• Property Journal (TradeCrews): Upload your contract, warranty booklet, service logs, photos, and inspection notes. When the builder asks for “more documentation,” you’ll have a full packet ready in seconds.
• 
  
• Jack Report™: Jack reviews your Journal and highlights repeat issues, timelines, and next steps—making it harder for a builder to dismiss your claim as “minor” or “maintenance.”

Don’t Lose Your Fix: How Texans Can Make Warranties Work for Them.

• Missed timelines: Many builders follow the 1-2-10 warranty format (1 year workmanship, 2 years systems, 10 years structural). If you don’t act before the window closes, coverage is gone.
• Weak documentation: A phone call isn’t enough. Providers look for photos, dates, service logs, and written notices.
• Procedural missteps: In Texas, the Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA) requires written notice and inspection opportunities before legal action. Skipping this can sink your claim.
• 
  

1. Floor cracks & nail pops – Often dismissed as cosmetic but may signal poor substrate prep.
2. Leaking windows/doors – Builders may blame “maintenance,” but improper flashing is a workmanship defect.
3. HVAC or plumbing quirks – Failures in year two often trace back to installation, not wear.
4. 
   

• Calendar your coverage windows. Note 1-, 2-, and structural-year deadlines based on your closing date.
• Document everything. Photos/videos with timestamps, notes on conditions (rain, freeze, settling).
• Open a formal ticket. Use the builder’s system and send a dated email/letter summarizing issues.
• Send RCLA notice if ignored. Written notice preserves your right to escalate later.
• Get independent eyes. Inspectors or engineers can tie a defect to workmanship vs. wear.
• 
  

• Property Journal (TradeCrews): Log photos, dates, warranty booklets, and service requests by property and system. Export a full packet in seconds.
• Jack Report™: A one-page summary that flags which issues fall under warranty buckets and which are recurring patterns. Builders and warranty companies pay attention when the evidence is clear.

Texas Homeowner Survival Guide: Plan Ahead for Water, Roof & Window Risks

• Small problems become big bills. Leaks, roof damage, and water intrusion around windows/doors are the top unexpected repair costs in Texas.
• Document and prepare. Photos, inspection reports, and maintenance records protect your home and insurance claims.
• Prioritize prevention. Drainage, sealing, and hardening vulnerable areas reduce emergency repairs and increase your home’s resilience.
• 
  

• Ballpark cost: ~$3,800 per typical water-damage claim.
• Quick wins: Label main shutoff valves, install leak sensors near sinks, water heaters, and washers.
• Action: Dry leaks within 24–48 hours; photograph for insurance.
• Pro tip: A $15 water alarm under your sink can prevent drywall and floor damage.

• Ballpark cost: $5,800–$13,200 for a full roof replacement.
• Texas-smart upgrades: Impact-resistant shingles (UL 2218 Class 4) and FORTIFIED Roof practices.
• After a storm: Walk the perimeter, photograph damage, check flashing and vents, and schedule a professional inspection.
• Pro tip: Ask contractors about IBHS hail ratings to qualify for insurance credits and supplements.

• Ballpark cost: ~$300–$2,500 per unit depending on frame and installation.
• Seal the envelope: Caulk stationary gaps, add weatherstripping, check threshold flashing.
• Fight wind-driven rain: Proper flashing, barrier wraps, and door sweeps keep water out and A/C in.
• Coastal/TWIA counties: Ensure WPI-8/WPI-8E inspections if replacing roofs, windows, or doors to maintain windstorm coverage.
• 
  

• Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flood damage—separate coverage is required (NFIP or private).
• Consider excess/private options if your dwelling’s value exceeds NFIP caps ($250k building, $100k contents).

• Clean gutters and add downspout extensions; ensure water drains away from the slab.
• Re-caulk one drafty window and add a door sweep this weekend.
• Take date-stamped roof and attic photos as a pre-storm baseline.
• Price out upgrades: impact-resistant shingles, sealed roof deck, and leak sensors with auto-shutoff.
• Coastal homes: confirm WPI-8/WPI-8E requirements before project start.
• 
  

Texas Home Maintenance: Prevent Big Bills Before They Happen

• Small steps prevent big costs. Regular inspections and minor repairs save thousands in emergency fixes.
• Document everything. Photos, receipts, and professional inspections help with insurance claims and future resale.
• Know your home’s weak points. Roofs, windows, pipes, and slabs are most vulnerable to Texas weather.
• 
  

• Check shingles, ridge vents, flashing, gutters, and downspouts.
• Inspect windows and doors for cracked panes or failed seals.
• Look in the attic for damp decking, daylight at penetrations, or wet insulation.
• Document with photos and schedule a licensed roofer inspection if needed.

• Insulate exterior hose bibs and disconnect hoses.
• Drip indoor faucets on exterior walls and open sink cabinets.
• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas; shut off irrigation systems.
• Know the main water shutoff location in case of a freeze emergency.

• Keep soil moisture even with slow, consistent watering.
• Maintain a positive slope so water drains away from the foundation.
• Extend downspouts and use splash blocks to avoid pooling.
• Keep large trees watered at a distance or install root barriers to prevent movement.

• Know your wind/hail deductible and coverage for sudden water damage.
• Keep photos, estimates, and temporary repair receipts for claims.
• Contact your insurer promptly after damage and mitigate further loss.

• Budget $100–$200/month for potential emergency repairs.
• Having a dedicated fund can turn a $5,000 surprise into a manageable weekend fix.
• 
  

• Post-storm: roof, windows, attic; photo-document damage.
• Pre-freeze: insulate, drip faucets, protect irrigation, know water shutoff.
• Slab/foundation: maintain soil moisture, slope, drainage, tree care.
• Insurance: verify coverage, keep receipts, mitigate damage promptly.
• Budget: maintain emergency fund for weather-related repairs.

• 

Texas Overcharges: When Project Costs Don’t Match the Work (and How to Catch It Early.)

• Overcharges creep in when invoices aren’t tied to a clear scope, or when “allowances” let contractors charge more for downgraded work.
• What to require: Progress payments backed by delivery slips, invoices, and lien waivers—every time.
• Your leverage: The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) protects against deceptive billing or false charges.
• Red flags: Lump-sum invoices with no detail, “trust me” pricing, or a refusal to show supplier receipts.
• 
  

• Roofing: Paying premium rates for name-brand shingles, but a cheaper line gets installed.
• Tile & finishes: Being billed for “custom” tile, but receiving builder-grade substitutes.
• HVAC/electrical: Charges for “upgraded” systems, but the actual models don’t match the bid.
• Labor: Daily rates ballooning without matching timecards or scope changes.

1. Match payments to paperwork.
   Every draw should align with a contract line item, invoice, delivery slip, and lien waiver. No paperwork, no payment.
2. Demand approvals for changes.
   Written change orders are non-negotiable. No “verbal okays” that later inflate your bill.
3. Check the numbers.
   Compare unit costs and quantities on invoices with what’s in your contract and specs.
4. Watch your allowances.
   If your contract uses allowances, make sure receipts and invoices prove where every dollar went.
5. Document everything.
   Save bids, contracts, invoices, delivery slips, and approvals in one place. If a dispute arises, your records become your defense.
6. 
   

• Pause payment. Don’t release funds until the discrepancy is explained.
• Request receipts. Materials should have matching invoices and delivery slips.
• Send a written note. Document your concern: “Invoice X doesn’t align with approved scope Y.”
• Seek neutral input. A quick review from an inspector or construction attorney can clarify if the charge is legitimate.
• Use your rights. Under the DTPA, false or misleading billing may entitle you to remedies.
• 
  

• Detailed written scope with unit costs or clear allowances.
• Progress payments only with invoices, delivery slips, and lien waivers.
• Written change orders for all extras—no exceptions.
• Journal updated with all billing documents.
• Jack Report™ run before every draw.
• 
  

Texas Projects: When Contractors Disappear Mid-Job—How to Prevent It and What to Do Next

• Abandonment = breach. Extended no-shows, silence, or tool removal are red flags. Document everything.
• Texas procedures apply. Most residential disputes follow the Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA). That means formal notice, an inspection opportunity, and a settlement/repair window.
• 
  
• Hold retainage. By law, homeowners must hold 10% during the job and 30 days after. If you terminate or the contractor abandons, you must notify subs within 10 days.
• Trust funds are serious. Payments you make are trust funds. Misuse can be a crime. Track every draw and receipt.

• Cash flow problems. When progress payments outpace actual work, funds run dry.
• 
  
• Weak paperwork. Vague scopes and no change-order rules create disputes.
• 
  
• Scheduling breakdowns. Missed inspections, delayed permits, and poor coordination spiral into abandonment.

• Write it down. Scope + change-order rules, inclusions, exclusions, and “if-found” pricing.
• Tie payments to progress. Use milestones like passed inspections—not calendar dates. Retain 10%.
• Use lien waivers. Conditional waivers with each payment; final unconditional at completion.
• Verify licenses. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC—check TDLR and TSBPE. Keep screenshots.
• Plan permits. Decide upfront who pulls which permits and when.

1. Secure your site. Photos + inventory of materials on hand.
2. Send written notice. Default/cure per your contract (certified mail).
3. Serve RCLA notice. List defects/incomplete work; allow access; wait statutory timelines.
4. Freeze payments. Hold the 10% retainage and stop further draws.
5. Notify subs within 10 days. Required under Texas Property Code.
6. Document the money trail. Match checks, invoices, and lien waivers.
7. Re-scope + re-bid. Use a third-party estimate and share clean documentation with new bidders.
8. Escalate wisely. Mediation, arbitration, or attorney help depending on your contract and the breach.
9. 
   

• Signed contract + change orders
• Draw schedule + payment receipts
• Photos by date and percent complete
• Permits, inspection results, notice letters
• Lien waivers from every sub/supplier

• Property Journal (TradeCrews): Upload contracts, draw requests, photos, permits, and waivers. If you need to re-bid or bring in counsel, export a complete packet in seconds.
• Jack's Report™: Jack reviews your Journal to highlight percent complete vs. payments, missing lien waivers, and open inspections—giving you the facts for replacement bids or legal review.

Texas Home Improvement Contracts: How to Take Control Before You Sign

• No blanks = no surprises. If terms aren’t written down, they can change later.
• Paperwork protects you. Payments, waivers, and cancellation rights only matter if you document them.
• Fast signatures = fast regrets. High-pressure deals often hide vague scopes or financing traps.

• Check the contract: are all blanks filled? Does it include a cancellation notice?
• Use your 3-day window if applicable. Send notice by certified mail and keep the receipt.
• Freeze payments until you get a corrected, detailed agreement.
• Document what was promised—email a written recap for your records.
• 
  

• Property Journal: Store every bid, signed contract, addenda, lien waiver, and cancellation notice in one secure place.
• Jack Report™: Get a quick review that flags missing waivers, mismatched payments, or deadlines you don’t want to miss.
• 
  

How Texas Homeowners Can Stay Lien-Proof After a Remodel.

• Chain of payment: You pay your GC → GC doesn’t pay a sub/supplier → lien threat lands on you.
• Texas law: Subcontractors have statutory lien rights if they follow notice and filing procedures.
• Your protection: The law also gives homeowners tools—like retainage, waivers, and contract rules—to minimize exposure.

• Compare notice dates to your payment history.
• Ask your GC for proof they paid the claimant.
• Consider joint checks for future payments.
• Talk to a construction attorney if needed.

• Property Journal: Store every contract, invoice, waiver, and payment record in one place.
• Jack's Report™: One-page summary that flags missing waivers, unpaid balances, or retainage issues before they become a problem.

Stay Ahead of Post-Storm Contractor Scams in Texas: How to Protect Your Wallet and Your Home.

• High-pressure sales tactics – “Sign today or lose your spot.”
• Inflated change orders – vague scopes allow padded bills.
• Missing paperwork – no lien waivers, no contract notice, or no proof of deductible.
• Vanishing contractors – cash up front, no delivery.
• 
  

1. Get written scopes and bids – demand detail: materials, permits, schedule, cleanup.
2. Check credentials – verify insurance, registration, and references before signing.
3. Tie payments to progress – release funds only when invoices, receipts, and lien waivers match.
4. Keep a paper trail – insurers may hold back funds if proof of deductible or lien waivers is missing.
5. 
   

• Property Journal keeps bids, contracts, deductible proof, and lien waivers in order.
• Jack's Report™ reviews your documents for missing notices, red flags, or deadline risks.

Thinking about converting your Texas garage?

• Austin: Dedicated “Garage Conversion / Carport-Porch Enclosure” application; digital submittal accepted.
• Dallas: Checklist calls out dimensioned plans and an energy compliance form from a registered third-party provider.
• Houston: Residential plan reviews ask for complete plans; parking compliance can be reviewed as part of permitting.
• San Antonio: Trade permits (MEP) are issued in addition to the building permit when those scopes are involved.
• 
  

• Insulate converted walls/ceilings to current R-values and address slab-edge insulation if required.
• Use compliant doors/windows for the new exterior opening(s).
• Seal penetrations and plan for blower-door and (often) duct-leakage testing.
• Show mechanical ventilation if the local energy code requires verification.

• Extend the existing system if the air handler and ducts have capacity and routing is practical. Have your HVAC pro run Manual J (loads), Manual S (equipment selection), and Manual D (duct design) so the system isn’t oversized or starved.
• Add a ductless mini-split for precise, right-sized heating/cooling without reworking the main duct system—great for offices or studios.

• New circuits and receptacle spacing to current electrical code.
• Smoke alarms (and CO alarms if the home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage), placed per code and often interconnected.
• Emergency escape and rescue openings if you’re creating a sleeping room (bedroom).
• Required heating: code specifies minimum indoor design temperatures and prohibits counting portable space heaters.

1. Define the use & budget. Office? Bedroom? Studio? Include permit fees, trades, insulation, windows/doors, HVAC, and testing.
2. Verify local rules. Confirm your city’s current residential energy code, parking requirements, and whether your address sits in a special district.
3. Draw code-ready plans. Show insulation, egress, smoke/CO alarms, ventilation, and how you’ll provide permanent heating/cooling.
4. Hire licensed trades. Use a TDLR-licensed HVAC contractor; pull electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits as needed.
5. Close permits & save paperwork. Final inspections and documentation help with insurance, appraisals, and future resale.

• Austin—parking minimums eliminated (2023): City Council action and ordinance materials.
  Austin Texas Services
  PublicInput
• Dallas—adopted 2021 codes / IRC & IECC in effect: City construction codes page; code adoption timeline.
  Dallas City Hall+1
• Houston—2021 I-Codes effective Jan 1, 2024: Houston Permitting Center update; ICC newsroom note.
  Houston Permitting Center
  ICC
• Austin—2024 Energy Code effective July 10, 2025: City Building Technical Codes page; Austin Energy summary.
  Austin Texas
  Austin Energy
• Permit process examples: Austin garage-conversion application; Dallas garage-conversion checklist; Houston Residential Permitting 101; San Antonio MEP trade permits.
  Austin Texas
  Dallas City Hall
  Houston TX Search
  Docs Online
• Required permanent heating: IRC R303.10 (2021) overview.
  ICC Digital Codes
• Life-safety references: IRC R314 Smoke Alarms; IRC R315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms; IRC R310 Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings.
  ICC Digital Codes+2
  ICC Digital Codes+2
• HVAC design standards: ACCA Manual J (load), Manual S (equipment), Manual D (duct design).
  ACCA
• Texas HVAC licensing: TDLR ACR overview and contractor application requirements.
  Texas Licensing+1
• Appraisal & GLA treatment: Fannie Mae’s ANSI measuring guidance (Standardized Property Measuring Guidelines); NAR summary of ANSI adoption.
  Fannie Mae
  National Association of REALTORS®
• ROI note—garage door replacement leading return: Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value summary; JLC’s 2024 Cost vs. Value table.
  Zonda
  Journal of Light Construction

• Extend the lifespan of your roof and siding
• Prevent costly water damage
• Improve energy efficiency by keeping heat out and cool air in
• Enhance curb appeal and property value
• 
  

• Cost-effective and widely available
• Available in impact-resistant varieties for hail-prone areas
• Lifespan: 15–30 years, depending on quality

• Excellent for reflecting heat and lowering cooling costs
• Resistant to fire, insects, and rot
• Lifespan: 40–70 years with proper care

• Ideal for Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes
• Great heat resistance and longevity
• Heavier weight may require reinforced roof framing

• Extremely durable and elegant
• High initial cost but long lifespan (75–100 years)
• Best for luxury homes with strong structural support

• Missing, curled, or cracked shingles
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Rusted or sagging gutters
• Cracks in siding or peeling exterior paint
• Unexplained spikes in energy bills

1. Verify their license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or local authorities.
2. Ask for proof of insurance to protect both you and the contractor.
3. Request references or look for verified reviews from other Texas homeowners.
4. Get a detailed, written estimate that covers materials, labor, and timelines.
5. 
   

• Spring: Inspect for hail and wind damage after storm season.
• Summer: Check for UV damage and make sure attic ventilation is working properly.
• Fall: Clear gutters and inspect flashing before heavy rains.
• Winter: Look for loose shingles or siding after cold fronts and ice events.
•