Category: Before Building

Top 3 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in the Hot McAllen Summer

Posted on June 19, 2023 by alien - Before Building

Stressed tired young family couple sitting together on sofa, fanning fresh cool air with paper appliances, feeling unwell at summertime, suffering from sunstroke or high temperature at home.

Last year, Texas experienced record-breaking heat that strained the state’s power grid. The extreme temperatures highlighted the importance of conserving energy and keeping homes cool, particularly in places like McAllen, which endure scorching summers.

By maintaining a cooler indoor environment, you can reduce the strain on the power grid, helping to avoid blackouts and ensuring a reliable electricity supply for essential services. Here’s how.

Ways to keep your home cool

Effective use of air conditioning

Air conditioning is a primary cooling solution for many homeowners in McAllen. To effectively use air conditioning in McAllen, consider the following tips

Set the temperature appropriately

To maximize efficiency, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature range of 74-78°F (23-26°C). Avoid setting it too low, as lowering the temperature even by a degree can substantially increase energy usage and electricity bills.

By avoiding excessive cooling, you can conserve energy, reduce strain on the power grid, and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to air conditioning.

Use programmable thermostats

Invest in programmable thermostats, which allow you to optimize energy usage. You can also program the thermostat to raise the temperature slightly when you’re away from home to conserve energy. Likewise, lower the temperature before you return, ensuring a comfortable living space upon arrival.

Regular maintenance

This aspect often gets overlooked, but we can’t stress enough how important regular maintenance of your HVAC is. Schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioning system to ensure optimal performance. Clean or replace air filters regularly to improve airflow and prevent dust buildup. Clearing the filters helps maintain efficiency and prevents clogging, which can hinder the system’s performance.

Utilize fans

Complement your air conditioning with ceiling fans or portable fans. Fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the temperature. Use fans in occupied rooms to circulate cool air efficiently and enhance cooling.

Optimize natural ventilation

Relying on air conditioning units is nice, but you can also optimize temperatures within your home using natural ventilation.

Cross ventilation

Open windows and doors on opposite sides of your home to facilitate cross ventilation. This allows cooler air to be drawn in from one side while expelling warm air from the other, creating a refreshing breeze. Cross ventilation also promotes natural airflow and reduces the need for air conditioning. Of course, you don’t have to do this in the middle of a hot sunny day.

Window placement

Take advantage of strategically placed windows to capture prevailing breezes. Identify the wind direction and open windows accordingly to maximize the flow of fresh air into your home. Proper window placement enhances natural ventilation and helps cool your living spaces.

Night cooling

McAllen experiences cooler temperatures at night, so capitalize on this by opening windows during evenings and early mornings. This allows cool air to circulate and naturally lowers the indoor temperature. Remember to close the windows before the sun rises to trap the cool air inside.

Window coverings

Close curtains, blinds, or shades on windows that receive direct sunlight during the day. This prevents solar heat gain and helps keep your home cooler. By blocking out sunlight, window coverings reduce the need for excessive air conditioning.

Effective Heat Reduction Techniques

Here are additional effective heat reduction techniques to keep your home cool in McAllen:

Insulation

Ensure your home is properly insulated, particularly in the attic and walls. Adequate insulation prevents heat transfer from the outside, keeping your home cooler and reducing the reliance on cooling systems.

Window treatments

Install reflective window films or shades that block heat and UV rays. These treatments significantly reduce heat gain through windows while still allowing natural light to filter into your home.

Outdoor shading

Utilize outdoor shading options such as awnings, pergolas, or shade sails to block direct sunlight from reaching your home’s exterior. This prevents heat from penetrating through windows and walls, helping to maintain a cooler indoor environment.

Landscaping

Strategically plant trees around your home to provide shade. Trees act as a natural barrier against the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler and reducing cooling costs.

Weatherstripping

Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping. This prevents warm air from entering and cool air from escaping, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Reflective roof coatings

Apply reflective coatings to your roof to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. This helps to maintain a cooler indoor temperature and lower cooling demands.

Green roofs

Install a green roof by growing vegetation on your roof surface. Green roofs provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption, and improve energy efficiency, resulting in a cooler home.

Keep your McAllen home cool this summer

By adopting effective cooling practices and being mindful of energy consumption, you can keep your home cool while reducing strain on the power grid.

RGV home builders suggest using air conditioning, optimizing natural ventilation, and implementing heat reduction techniques such as insulation, shading, and reflective coatings to have a more comfortable living environment and promote a sustainable approach to cooling in the hot McAllen summer.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Buy Land in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission

Posted on May 12, 2023 by alien - Before Building

Family couple consultations with a lawyer or insurance agent. Law and insurance.

As opposed to winters when even basic household chores seem dreading, summers bring enthusiasm and willingness to explore. February to July is the right time to buy land in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission.

If you are on the hunt to buy land to build your dream home in McAllen, here is why you should not let the summer months go worthless this year.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Buy Land in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission

Fresh options available

Summer is not considered the best time to buy land, as choosing land comes with challenges. Buying lands/lots demand more attention than buying a custom-built home. Exploring different pieces of land in the hot summer is not everyone’s cup of coffee (or tea *wink*).

The real estate owners don’t see a huge rush of potential buyers during this time. Taking advantage of the situation, you may find new and untouched options while visiting.

Drop in prices

Again as buying land is the last thing in the minds of buyers in the sultry summers of McAllen, you may find land prices more reasonable around this time. You don’t always have to visit all the land sites. Instead, make smart use of the internet.

You can easily find a lot of leads for land available to buy in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission online. The leads also mention the price, location, and pictures, making it easier to narrow down your choices. Once you have shortlisted a few options, you can call the builder/agent and schedule a visit. Who knows, you may find a great deal in less effort.

More financing options

To bring in the demand, mortgage companies come up with attractive options like low EMI options, low-interest rates, zero mortgage fees, and more.

The summer months in McAllen start in March and continue till September. July and August are the hottest months, which is another reason to buy land in McAllen.

Moreover, as per housing market predictions, the current housing market is sluggish. However, builders are expecting to see some correction in the coming months. Most house buyers are expecting a further drop in prices. However, it should be noted that buying land is different than buying already-built homes. Builders are not starting new projects due to low demand.

However, buying land and getting it constructed later is a profitable option. You can also buy land for investing purposes. The market isn’t feasible for house owners looking to sell their homes, but it is the right time for homeowners looking to buy land.

Also, focusing less on price fluctuations and more on the quality of the land you buy would reap long-term benefits. When buying land, take into consideration your needs. Size, location, green space, access to amenities, and conveyance facilities automatically increase the land’s value tenfold.

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission has the lowest real estate prices

Start your search and buy that piece of land before this blooming season ends. Nonetheless, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission has the most affordable real estate prices in the US, and it’s time to grab your lot before the best ones are already bought.

Summers are not too bad in McAllen, except for the three months from July through September, and the weather is comfortable for any activity. Now is a good time to invest in real estate RGV, not to forget the changed mortgage rates. If you begin your search now, the process will be completed by the end of June. You will be protected from visiting sites in hot peak summers and save yourself from unpredicted price rises or changes in mortgage rules.

Get the right idea about sunlight

What if your land receives direct sunlight all day long? Does your land face south? In that case, your dream home will receive direct sun rays, making it warmer. Excess sun exposure could also impact roofing, furniture, and fabrics. When you buy land in summer, you can judge how much sunlight your house will receive throughout the hot months.

This is an important consideration as McAllen-Edinburg-Mission has around eight months of sunny days. The presence of sunlight all day long also affects the temperature inside the house. This results in increased power bills. There is also an advantage linked to this. You can install solar panels and make the most of the solar energy.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and considerations. Either way, sunlight is a major factor in choosing a land, and summers are the best time to make the right decision.

Build a custom home in RGV

Once you have purchased a suitable piece of land, consider RGV home builders for residential construction. Our professionals can also help you find the best pieces of land. Contact our experts to learn more.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Custom Home Builder in RGV

Posted on April 18, 2023 by alien - Before Building

Business man and construction engineer. business, building, teamwork and people concept.

For most people, building a custom home is one of their greatest aspirations. If you are looking to build a custom home, finding a good custom builder is usually the first step. Here are some key aspects that you must consider while building a custom home.

Do your homework

Whether you are building your home from scratch or renovating an existing home, it is imperative to hire a competent builder if you want the outcome to live up to your expectations. The custom home builder is the link between the homeowner and subcontractors. They coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to ensure that the home is built according to the specifications outlined by the homeowner.

Do not choose the first builder you find. Custom builders aren’t made equal. A builder who has been in this field for only a few years cannot match the expertise of someone who has been building homes for decades in RGV. Keep in mind that the quality and durability of your home depend on the credentials of the builder and the people who work for them. If they work with good vendors and contractors and adhere to the highest standards of building codes, you will have a home you can be proud of.

Decide how much you can spend on your home

If you know your budget, it is easier to find a builder who can work in that price range. Of course, high-end builders are unlikely to build inexpensive homes, so if your budget is too low, your options will definitely be limited. At the same time, be wary of low-end builders who offer to build high-end homes.

Narrow your search and focus on a handful of builders who have expertise in building the kind of home you want. Custom homes actually come in four varieties. There are custom homes, spec homes, semi-custom homes, and production or tract homes. Choose which type of home you want and then search for a builder who specializes in that segment.

Research thoroughly

Choose a builder who has a reputation for building quality homes. Talk to the people who have got their homes built by that builder. What do they think about them? While it is possible for one or two customers to be dissatisfied with the builder, if it is the norm, it is a warning signal. Ask around to find out whether previous buyers will recommend that builder.

You can also look for their reviews online. Industry professionals like contractors and vendors are also good sources of information. If a friend or a relative recently got a custom home built for them, ask them if they would recommend their builder to you.

How people treat those who work for them will usually give you an idea of their work ethics. If they treat their workers, contractors, and vendors with fairness, you can expect them to offer the same treatment to you. So, talk to vendors and contractors and request them to recommend a good custom home builder to you.

In addition, visit the builder’s website and social media profiles. Also, pay attention to how they market their business. How do they brand themselves? Do their adverts make honest claims or are they full of marketing fluff? Some companies do not invest in marketing. Their customers are their biggest brand ambassadors. This is perfectly okay if they have a legion of satisfied customers.

However, some builders who have been in this business for only a few years and haven’t had the opportunity to build a loyal base of satisfied customers certainly need to market their business. If they do not do it, this could be an indication that they are not interested in growing their business. If that is indeed the case, you cannot expect them to be of any help if you face problems a few years down the lane.

Make sure that there are no complaints against them

Visit the Better Business Bureau to find out whether the builder has had any complaints registered against them. Research the builder’s history as well. If they have in the past operated under another name, try to find out why they shut down that business.

It is important to ensure that they have no history of indulging in questionable business practices and that there are no lawsuits or former bankruptcies. Also, find out whether this builder is a member of trade associations such as the National Association of Home Builders or the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association.

Schedule a meeting in person

Once you have done enough offline and online research and zeroed in on a particular custom home builder in RGV, schedule an appointment with them. During your first meeting with the builder, clearly explain your needs and wants. It is a good idea to ask the builder some questions. Carefully analyze how they respond to your questions.

If they sound like you asked them some silly questions, they are not the right builder for you. They will make you feel the same during the construction process, and you will find it difficult to get what you want. See if you can build a good rapport with the builder. Do not choose a builder who ignores your questions or concerns. It takes about 8 months to build a custom home, and you will be closely interacting with the builder during this time frame. Therefore, it is important to choose one whom you can trust and be comfortable with.

Make sure that the builder returns your phone calls without much delay. They may be busy, and it may not be possible for them to pick up your calls every time. However, if they really value their relationship with their customers, they will call back as soon as they can. Builders who ignore your calls or messages aren’t really worth working with.

Learn more about energy certifications

The builder is legally required to abide by the building code and there are lots of minimum specifications to it. If they build to minimum specifications, the outcome will be a poor quality home. Ideally, you should familiarize yourself with building codes and certifications.

According to the law, homes built in Texas after August 1, 2016, should pass a duct leakage test and blower door test to fulfill the requirements of the 2015 IECC. Hire a builder who is compliant with these laws.

Don’t be content with a home that meets only bare minimum standards. Ask the builder if they can build superior quality ‘above building code’ homes that can adhere to the standards specified by Energy Star or Built To Save home programs. In order to earn these certifications, you should get your home verified by an independent third-party energy rater during and after construction. These high-performance homes will command higher prices if and when you put them up for sale in the future.

Know what matters and what doesn’t

Designer ceilings and granite countertops will certainly make your home look more luxurious; however, they have no real impact on the quality of your home or the comfort provided by it. Durability, energy savings, and comfort are the most important things to consider while building a home. For example, the size of the air conditioner should match the size of the home. Likewise, the insulation must be installed correctly.

A sustainable home consumes less energy and has minimal impact on the planet. Better still, you get to save a lot of money on utility bills. Efficient heating and cooling systems play a crucial role in making your home comfortable for you and your family. High-performance home certifications usually focus on aspects like indoor air quality, energy savings, and comfort. A good builder will ensure all of these.

Where to find good builders

Do a little research online and offline to find good builders in your area. Ask your friends and relatives. You can also find builders through banks. While it is true that their job is to process your loan applications and mortgages, they also have contacts with builders. Realtors in your area may also be able to help.

When to hire the builder

Ideally, you should involve the builder right from the early stage of construction. This reduces your workload and makes it easier for you to conceive the design. A builder oversees the project and ensures that the construction abides by building codes. They also coordinate with inspectors and other officials. Another advantage of hiring a custom home builder in RGV is that they will manage the financial aspects of the construction.

It can be cumbersome for the homeowner to prepare cost estimates, manage expenses and submit payment requests to the lender. By professionally performing all these duties, the builder will make it easier for you. Inspecting the quality of the building material is also the job of the builder.

While signing the contract, make sure that every clause is clear to you. Also, beware of builders who demand a huge sum of money even before they start working on the project.

5 Reasons Why You Should Call a Custom Home Builder Over a Contractor

Posted on December 20, 2022 by alien - Before Building

Foreman showing house design construction plan to a happy young couple new house real estate concept

Home is where the heart is, so it would make sense to put your all into making it the perfect haven. While the project to build your home from the ground up and planning every detail may be enticing, it would be in your best long-term interest to enlist the help of professionals to ensure you are going about it in the best and most efficient fashion. Here is where your custom home builder comes into the picture.

Read on to learn more about custom home builders, how they differ from contractors and how they will make your new home in McAllen a beautiful reality.

Custom Home Builders vs. Contractors

While some may use the terms synonymously, custom home builders and contractors work in very different capacities, and enlisting the help of one over the other can make a huge difference in the home-building process and the eventual outcome.

In the simplest of terms, a contractor could be seen as someone who deals with a team of subcontractors. They deal with different types of construction-related things in your home. In contrast, a custom home builder specializes in building homes and can take charge of special custom projects from start to finish.

Given below are five reasons why a custom home builder would benefit you more than a simple contractor:

Advantages of a Custom Home Builder over a Contractor

There from the A to the Z

General contractors enter your home building project only when the construction plans have already been set and are ready to begin. Since they work to hire people to do different building projects, they can only act once a blueprint is in place.

On the other hand, a custom home builder comes into the picture on day 1. They accompany you from the day you start the project to the day it ends. They handle most of the nitty-gritty of home building, all while keeping your vision in mind.

By the end of your time with a custom home builder, they can even hand you the keys to a fully furnished home. A custom home builder allows you to take a hands-off or hands-on approach to the building process. It ensures your home-building process never stagnates or strays from the goal.

Reliable support networks

With regard to building your own home in RGV, a general contractor may have employees under them who can help with the various projects. But, a custom home builder goes one step further.

With extensive networks and more personalized employee-company on-call or in-office teams, a custom home builder is more reliable. Even if they need to reach out to individuals (like architects and designers) outside their company, they often already have dependable contacts and relationships that help them address the entire building process effortlessly.

Specialized custom home-building skills

While a general contractor may have handled various projects, building a custom home is, frankly speaking, not their area of expertise. This often results in homeowners having to hire additional professionals like architects to draw up plans which can then be given to the contractor. On the other hand, the custom home builders would most likely handle the aforementioned areas of the job themselves. As mentioned before, they’re here from A to Z.

Large building projects are better tackled

Large building projects that involve building structures from the ground up would best benefit from the help of a custom home builder. Since they have extensive practice and experience in this specialized field, they know how to best deal with such building endeavors. They have in-house capabilities that would make them most suitable for such projects.

Less expensive and more flexible

In the long term, general contractors tend to be more expensive and less flexible than custom home builders. They have to deal with many different crews, all hired to handle different parts of the already planned home. Any changes would be seen as deviating from the original plan and thus unwelcome, as it would require re-negotiation with the various subcontractors.

That being said, though more expensive, contractor projects tend to end quickly as the sooner the project is over, the more profit they make.

So, All Set?

We at Guzman Construction work with the motto that while great work is never easy, it is always worth it. We are custom home builders RGV who guarantee 100% commitment to the cause and vision of your home and promise customers the highest-quality residential and commercial construction services available.